Friday, January 26, 2024

Muldoon's Minnesota Darling Blog Tour by E.V. Sparrow

 


About the Book


Book: Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling, a Novella

Author: E.V. Sparrow

Genre: Historical fiction

Release Date: May 10, 2023

A heartsore widower with hidden fears and little faith…
The naïve daughter of a farmer guarding a repulsive secret…
A township unaware of the hidden menace amongst them…

Heartbroken from losing his family and his farm, Mick Muldoon is hopeful as he emigrates to America with his siblings. All he finds is despair and no work. Were America’s rumored promises of plenty all lies? Would God ever hear and answer his prayers?

Seventeen-year-old Shauna McGann is determined to marry Mick Muldoon despite her mother’s objections. His past and his limp might repulse others, but not her. What burdens Shauna is her terrible secret – a secret she promised her friends she would keep. Now Shauna needs help and protection. Could she trust Mick, or will she lose everything by telling him?

Will Mick finally be free of loss and find success in America? Will Shauna overcome her fears and finally feel safe?

In this Muldoon’s Misfortunes prelude novella, author E.V. Sparrow creates a provoking tale of flickering faith and enduring hope through an emigrant’s efforts to adapt, and a young woman’s unprejudiced love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

E.V. Sparrow is a short story writer turned novelist. Her readers encounter God’s unexpected presence through her character’s escapades. Her own adventures she wrote about involved traveling in over twenty countries. Sparrow lived on an Israeli kibbutz, worked for the U.S. Army in Bavaria, and hopped a freight train for a weekend.

A highlight for Sparrow is when Guideposts and Bethany House Publishers accepted four of her anthologized stories before she signed a 3-book historical fiction series contract with Celebrate Lit Publishing.

Her father’s family’s immigration from Ireland, their letters and documents, and some family stories inspired her current historical fiction novels.

In E.V.’s personal and church life, she ministered through prayer, worship, mission teams, and in Divorce Care and Singles. California native relocated to North Carolina, E.V. Sparrow and her husband enjoy family time with their grandchildren and exploring their new state.

More from E.V.

I’m writing books inspired by my father’s family because they believed in God but wrestled with their faith. Faith doesn’t come easy for every believer. We grapple with intimacy with God, but does God battle with us?

My oldest brother shared some stories of our great-grandfather, who emigrated here after losing his wives and children in Ireland. Yes, at least two families. I wondered, how could a suffering heart and soul survive those losses? Our great-grandfather’s inner turmoil didn’t change once he resettled in America. I read letters he wrote to his son—our grandfather and sifted through family photos. Certain aspects from the timeline of great-grandfather’s life fashioned my main character, Mick Muldoon. Mick encountered God’s unexpected presence several times without recognizing it.

Thinking through a Scripture verse, 1 Corinthians 13:13, (NIV) “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love,” reveals what remains when all else we are accustomed to is gone. I assume hope is as powerful as faith and love. It’s a triangle of strength for us until it goes wobbly. What happens when one or two of the three stabilizers are weaker than the others? Wounded, confused, and resilient characters named Mick, Orla, and Liam Muldoon.


My Review

The story starts in New York and ends in Minnesota. The life of Mick Muldoon, twice wed and now a widower hates his life in New York and decides to head to Minnesota with his brother. He is looking for a better life.

The characters have lots of layers and despite having heartache and despair, keep praying for hope. The story has moments of joy, some difficult situations, and fear. The happy ending and renewed faith wrapped everything up nicely.

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and Celebrate Lit and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.




                  Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 24 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 25

Bizwings Book Blog, January 26

Sylvan Musings, January 27 (Author Interview)

An Author’s Take, January 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 28

A Reader’s Brain, January 29 (Author Interview)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 30

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 31 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 2

By The Book, February 3 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 3

For Him and My Family, February 4

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 5 (Author Interview)

                    Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, E.V. is giving away the grand prize package of an eBook copy of Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling and an Amazon $50 gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/299bb/muldoon-s-minnesot-darling-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Love's Healing Spark : A Christian Doctor Nurse Romance by Crystal Mary Lindsey



After enduring the betrayal of love once before, a cautious doctor is reluctant to repeat the same mistake of falling in love with the wrong woman. During his interview to hire a new registered nurse, he is instantly captivated by her but remains aloof to hide his true emotions. This book was previously called, "Consuming Fire."


Employment under this skilled reconstructive surgeon grants Sage a five-day workweek, allowing her to enjoy a fun social life without the constraints of shift work. Spirited and unpredictable, Sage becomes a source of whimsy and amusement, confounding the doctor's thoughts and leading him on a sometimes hilarious mind chase.

Dr. StClair, an enigma to his patients, maintains a professional distance that adds to his allure. Scarred by the pain of a failed marriage, he keeps others at arm's length despite numerous attempts by women to break through. His reputation for impeccable reconstruction surgery and unwavering commitment to precision earns him respect and admiration.
Meeting Sage, however, sparks a genuine desire to know her deeply. He convinces her to embark on a transformative journey to an Outback missionary clinic, traveling past her familiar territory.

As they explore the rugged beauty of the Australian Outback, encountering exotic wildlife and vast landscapes, the lives of these two individuals are forever changed.

Sage discovers her true self in this unfamiliar terrain and witnesses the remarkable qualities distinguishing Javin and his parents from her previous experiences. Their shared inner peace and profound spirituality inspire Sage to want the same. She learns to know Jesus as her savior.


To Purchase

Crystal Mary Lindsey Author Page


About the Author

Crystal Mary Lindsey is a retired healthcare professional, widowed mother, and devoted grandmother.

She discovered her passion for writing following her retirement from the demanding world of hospitals.

Her hobbies include art, reading, gardening, and research, plus touching lives for Jesus whenever possible.

Her profound appreciation for the transformative power of reading ignited the spark that led her to embark on a writing journey. She has an unwavering goal to encourage and inspire her readers to a more contented state of mind.

As a spiritual Christian, Crystal has been touched by many unexplainable human experiences, which occasionally find their way into her stories. These add depth and intrigue to her narratives and create a unique and compelling blend of spirituality to her storytelling.

Credentials: BN, BSN, MHN, Dip Counselling/Psychology. Cert Theology.

AWARD WINNING AUTHOR (Editor's Choice and Readers Favourite Award x2).

Christian Fiction, Inspirational Romance, Clean Romance, Clean and Wholesome, Historical Romance, Contemporary Romance, Time Travel Romance, Medical Romance, Doctor Romance.

My Review

Love's Healing Spark is a sweet, clean romantic story that takes you to the Outback. It's a story rich in description of the countryside and brings the story to life. The characters are interesting and the descriptions of the medical world show knowledge of the subject.

I was inspired as I read about the relationship between Sage and Javin. Javin's love for his patients and the selfless hours given without compensation in the Outback is admirable. His love for family also came through along with the Christian elements of the story. Highly recommended.



Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Release day- Yellow Roses by Suzie Waltner

 


Mia Mason has always strived to meet others’ expectations. Her adoptive family, her fans, even her friends in the band. She works hard at pleasing everyone because she’s never felt like she truly belongs. After connecting with a cousin through a DNA website, she plans a covert road trip, hoping to find her biological mother and the answers she desires.

During a music awards ceremony, Levi Sinclair receives two messages that ruin his night. One is a breakup text from his girlfriend of six weeks. The other is from the father who abandoned his family seventeen years ago and wants to reconnect. Then Levi discovers Mia’s secret mission and insists on going along to keep her safe.

As the two friends pass the miles and see the sights, Levi’s true feelings for Mia rise to the surface. And her journey to the past might open the door to their future. Family issues and a shared career are just two of the hurdles they’ll have to jump if they want a shot at love. Could the end of the road lead these friends to a new beginning?


To Purchase


MY REVIEW

Levi and Mia had been close friends for years, until a recent cross-country road trip, that hadn't changed. Read Yellow Roses and follow Levi and Mia across the country while they both find out things they never imagined. Their lives drastically change.

I loved the sweet budding romance between Levi and Mia. The characters are well-developed and have lots of layers. I can't wait to read the next installment in the series. A story of love, forgiveness, and redemption.

I received an ARC from the author and willingly chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Friday, January 19, 2024

New Release- January 23rd! Dangerous Texas Hideout (Cowboy Protectors Book 3) by Virginia Vaughn

                      


Seeking refuge from danger…with threats at every turn

When her daughter is the only witness able to identify a group of bank robbers, single mom Penny Jackson knows their lives are in danger. These men will do anything to keep Missy quiet—permanently. Escaping to a small Texas town was supposed to be safe, but when the criminals track them down, police chief Caleb Harmon becomes their only hope for survival…

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Cowboy Protectors

Book 1: 
Kidnapped in Texas
Book 2: 
Texas Ranch Target
Book 3: 
Dangerous Texas Hideout

To Purchase


MY REVIEW

Penny and her young daughter, Missy are on the run. Missy had witnessed something no child should see. The FBI can't keep them safe. That's when Penny and Missy meet Police Chief, Caleb Harmon. He becomes their guard to keep them safe, but then things begin to heat up.

There are so many twists to the story and it kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure everything out. I loved the main characters and how the story unfolded. Another great read. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.


Thursday, January 18, 2024

Blog Tour of Faces in the Window by Andrew Busch & Melinda Busch

 



About the Book

 


Book: Faces in the Window

Authors: Andrew Busch and Melinda Busch

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: October, 2022

Franz Maedler, an officer in the Wehrmacht, loses a leg in Stalingrad and is evacuated just before it becomes impossible to do so. He returns to a desk job with the Army General Staff in Berlin but is deeply conflicted. His father is committed to the Nazi cause, as seems to be his brother Friedrich. Yet his girlfriend Katrin is a devout Christian, as was his now-deceased mother, and his conscience is haunted by things he was a part of on the Eastern Front. He wants to marry Katrin, but she will not agree until he decides who he is and who he follows. Then, unexpectedly, a moment of crisis forces Franz to choose. Will he side with the cross or with the swastika? And what will it cost him?

 

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

Andrew and Melinda Busch were both born and raised in Boulder, Colorado, and were introduced in 1994 by their junior high school math teacher. They married in 1995 and have three grown children. They now live in Rialto, California.

Andrew teaches American government at Claremont McKenna College in southern California. He has authored or co-authored about two dozen books on American politics, government, and public policy. He received his Ph.D. in Government from the University of Virginia. Melinda is a freelance author who has published numerous short stories and children’s books. She received her Master’s degree in education from Concordia University-Portland. Faces in the Window is their first co-authored book.

More from Andrew and Melinda

We came up with the idea for our book after a trip to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. in 2006, but didn’t start writing it until late 2019. The COVID lock-down gave us a lot of time at home to work on it.

Writing together was fun. Sometimes one of us would draft a section and the other one would revise it and then we would go back and forth until we were satisfied with it. Other times, when there was important dialogue, we would each pick a character, go onto Google Docs, and have the conversation in real time. We had to be sharp, since our characters often found themselves in a tight spot. Though we planned out the story, sometimes the conversations took on a life of their own, and things went in a different direction.

One of us is a poet and an author of children’s books, fantasy stories, and fan fiction, while the other is a professor who has written extensively about American government but has never before dipped his toe into the vasty depths of fiction. Together, we had a great time.



MY REVIEW

Faces in the Window had me turning the pages from the beginning. There is a lot of tension between the main characters due to activities relating to the war. With Hitler in power and the extermination of the Jewish population, Franz Maedler is conflicted. Serving as a Wehrmacht officer wounded in Stalingrad, his only concern now is for his girlfriend, Katrin, but she wants to wait to marry. Little does Franz know the true reason behind the delay.

The actions and descriptions of the countryside and vivid details of the war, made the story come alive. Well-researched with real characters with faults due to many harrowing circumstances. Keep the tissues handy. At times I held my breath waiting to see how things would turn out.

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and Celebrate Lit and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.


               Blog Stops

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 17 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Book Blog, January 18

Artistic Nobody, January 19 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 20

Splashes of Joy, January 21 (Author Interview)

Betti Mace, January 22

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 23 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 24

Guild Master, January 25 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 26

Sylvan Musings, January 27 (Author Interview)

Connie’s History Classroom, January 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 29 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 30

                Giveaway



To celebrate their tour, Andrew and Melinda is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/297c8/faces-in-the-window-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, January 14, 2024

Blog Tour of Loving Beth by Bonnie Rose Ward

 

 


About the Book

 


Book: Loving Beth

Author: Bonnie Rose Ward

Genre: Christian Historical Romance Fiction

Release Date: June 8, 2023

A courageous woman, a bitter man, and God’s plan.

Times were hard after Beth McCullough’s father died in the Civil War, but she and her mother are getting by on their little farm outside Rosewood, West Virginia. The kindly banker holding the loan lets them pay what they can. Then Beth’s mother dies suddenly, and the banker’s arrogant son gives her only thirty days to pay her full debt. Beth is left alone and lonely and fears losing the only home she’s ever known. It would be nice to have someone in her life like Jacob, the handsome man who found her mother. Then to her horror, Beth discovers two small children who’ve been abandoned. It’s one more thing for her to worry about, but Beth has to keep faith in God’s ability to work miracles.

Although he has to travel to Baltimore to care for his ailing mother, Jacob Wallace can’t stop thinking about Beth, but he’d promised his late wife he’d never love again after her tragic death. After receiving a letter with terrible rumors about Beth, Jacob returns to Rosewood, angry, bitter, and disillusioned, more determined than ever to keep his vow to never love again. He’s right to close his heart against Beth.

As Beth struggles to protect the children and keep her farm, she’s also defending against Jacob’s unfounded suspicions. The danger escalates with an attack and threats to her life. But God moves in mysterious ways. Is there room in Jacob’s heart for a new love? Will they learn to trust each other and have faith in God’s plan to find their way together?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Bonnie Rose Ward, an award-winning author celebrated for her vivid memoirs recounting life in the Alaskan wilderness, currently resides in West Virginia with her husband. Bonnie’s homestead is nestled within the serene foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. The spirit of these mountains and her husband’s familial tales from the region breathe life into her compelling narratives of Appalachian resilience, strength, and the quest for love. Drawing from her fifteen-years in the wilderness, Bonnie’s present lifestyle encapsulates the essence of self-sufficiency. Together with Samuel, she tends to a menagerie of goats, chickens, Zebu cattle, and other barnyard animals, while also cultivating their verdant gardens. When not immersed in her rural responsibilities, Bonnie transitions into her writer’s persona. At her keyboard, she masterfully weaves new tales echoing the valor of women, the fidelity of men, and the extraordinary miracles that God orchestrates in their lives. Bonnie Rose Ward is not just an author, but a storyteller—painting vivid pictures with her words that resonate with the human spirit’s trials, triumphs, and faith.

More from Bonnie

My husband, and I lived in the Alaskan wilderness for many years. We built cabins and lived off the land. While there, Sam shared stories about his ancestors—especially those of his spunky great grandmother, Easter Mullens. I was fascinated by her life. We eventually purchased my husband’s mother’s old homeplace nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, and together we built our home by hand, reminiscent of the cabins we built in Alaska. Living in the wilderness for fifteen years gave me the skills and understanding of how our forefathers and mothers’ must have lived in the 1800s. Sam often talked about his aunts foraging from the land—they knew what vegetation you could eat and what you couldn’t. I became enamored with these hardy, resilient mountain people and their stories.

I started to write Easter’s story as nonfiction, but my imagination took over and a fictional story grew from the fragments of her life and circumstances.

As you know, characters are typically a composite of people we know and characters we imagine, with a bit of ourselves sprinkled in there. Beth originally was a combination of Sam and my ancestors—at least, how I imagined them to be. As I worked with her, she took on a life of her own. Instead of simply being impressed by her courage, I realized how vulnerable she is. I also realized that being so young, she is going to make mistakes a more mature person wouldn’t. But I think her driving characteristic is her spunk. She does what she has to do to survive in a harsh world and to protect those she loves.

Jacob is a decent man whose devotion to his departed wife leaves no room for another. He has to come to terms not just with his wife’s death, but with what is expected from him as he puts the pieces of his life back together. Most importantly, he must realize his harshest expectations are those he has cast upon himself—and that his stubbornness is destroying not only his own happiness, but the happiness of those he loves.

Faith, love, and determination are the main themes of the book. Faith has been so important in my own life and got me through so much when we lived in the Alaskan wilderness. Therefore, I wanted to illustrate the role faith played in the lives of Beth and Jacob. Love comes in so many different forms, and I wanted to explore the different types of love. There’s the love between a man and a woman; the love between parents and children—even if they are not biologically related; and, of course, the love that grows from relying on good neighbors and friends. Determination is what allows us to survive the unsurvivable. Without the determination that seeds in our guts and grows to see us through the worst times of our lives, we would not succeed. Of course, determination can also work against us. When we stubbornly adhere to principles that are no longer relevant, our determination cause much more harm than good.


MY REVIEW

Loving Beth is a wonderfully written story filled with some heartbreaking moments, but has tender loving times also. The character of Beth is my favorite. She is incredibly courageous and is such an inspiration. The community in the small town where she lives looks out for each other.

The story kept me engaged from the first chapter and wondering what would happen next.

It's a very loving, romantic story but not without times when the main characters would need to have strong faith. I loved the ending. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

                      Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 13

Bizwings Book Blog, January 14

Exploring the Written Word, January 14

Holly’s Book Corner, January 15

lakesidelivingsite, January 16

Madi’s Musings, January 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 17

Lighthouse Academy Blog, January 18 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Cover Lover Book Review, January 19

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 20 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, January 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 21

Texas Book-aholic, January 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 23

Pause for Tales, January 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 24

For Him and My Family, January 25

Books I’ve Read, January 26

Connie’s History Classroom, January 26

                    Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Bonnie is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card & a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2979d/loving-beth-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

New Release, New Series- Double Take by Lynette Eason



ABOUT THE BOOK

Detective James Cross has been honorably discharged from the Army Criminal Investigation Division due to wounds sustained when an IED blew up near him. Now with the Lake City Police Department, he's rooming with this good buddy and partner, Cole, while he figures out his family dynamics.

Physician Assistant Lainie Jackson is eighteen months out from an attempted murder perpetrated by her ex, which ended when she managed to grab the weapon and shoot him. When he appears to have survived and is back to finish the job he started, Lainie insists it's not possible. But someone keeps trying to kill her, and she keeps seeing his face.

Together, Lainie and James must work together to find out who, exactly, is after her and why he wants her dead. And failure is not an option.

USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason will leave you breathless with this fast-paced first book in a brand-new series.

To Purchase on Amazon


MY REVIEW

Lainie is witty, has regular faults plus dealing with PTSD from an abusive situation that ended badly. Along with her childhood crush, James, he tries to keep her safe. Protection as a cop stretches him to his limit in this tale of phenomenal proportions.

The suspense had me on the edge of my seat through the entire story and I was barely able to take a breath before something else blindsided me. Double Take is a story not to be missed. It was non-stop action from the beginning.

I received an ARC from the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it. A positive is not required and all opinions are my own.