Methuselah Project S.O.S. Blog Tour & Giveaway by Rick Barry

 

 

About the Book

Book:  Methuselah Project S.O.S.

Author: Rick Barry

Genre: Christian suspense

Release date: October 20, 2020

 

Born in the final days of Nazi Germany, an underground organization is alive, growing, and manipulating events in our world today …

The survivor of a secret German experiment in 1943, Roger Greene possesses a unique physiology. To this day, his body remains youthful and heals quickly. In exchange for information about the mysterious Heritage Organization that Roger once escaped, the CIA has given him a new identity and pulled strings to get him into the modern U.S. Air Force.

Now, Roger’s main thrills are serving his country in an F-35 and spending time with Katherine, the love of his life. Suddenly, the CIA shows up and drops a bombshell—evidence that Sophie, the woman who Roger believed had died helping him escape, is alive. The Heritage Organization is holding her and others prisoner in an unknown location.

Honor-bound to rescue the woman who risked her life for him, Roger accepts temporary duties with the CIA. But just when the mission is already straining his relationship with Katherine, Roger becomes a murder suspect. A fugitive, he continues alone the mission to find Sophie. What he discovers lands this pilot deep inside a shadowy network intent on world domination.

Will Roger’s faith carry him through this quest—or will those tracking him succeed in snuffing out his long life once and for all?

A sensational standalone story, Rick Barry’s sequel to The Methuselah Project launches you into an unforgettable journey through danger, suspense, hope, and love—an experience that will keep you turning pages well into the night! 

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

The story is a constant suspenseful tale fraught with danger and unexpected situations. Roger uses his past training and cunning to adapt. Prayer and faith also help him through. Roger has to face down the memories of past trauma by returning to where it all began.

I enjoyed this one as much as the first one I read. The characters are even more fleshed out, strength and flaws alike.

The book is fast-paced, and at times, a jaw-dropping story that leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat. I can't wait to read the next in the series.

 

About the Author

 

Rick Barry has authored 4 novels: The Methuselah Project, Methuselah Project S.O.S., Gunner’s Run, and a young adult fantasy called Kiriath’s Quest. 

In addition, he has hundreds of published articles and short stories to his credit. He speaks Russian and has visited Eastern Europe over 50 times.

 Experiences that have provided fuel for his fiction include skydiving, mountain climbing, rappelling, serving in Christian camping ministries in Russia, kayaking, wilderness hiking, white-water rafting, visiting World War II battlegrounds, and prowling deserted buildings in the evacuated Chernobyl zone in Ukraine.

 

More from Rick

More than once, I’ve told friends that if I could write only one novel in my life, The Methuselah Project is the one I’d choose. After all, that inspirational suspense story has equal appeal for men and women readers. Plus, its hero—Captain Roger Greene—is such a fun character. He’s patriotic, handsome, humble, conscientious, and he possesses a sense of humor that carries him through tough times. Sure, it’s a suspense story, but it also includes a satisfying touch of romance.

 However, with the publication of its standalone follow-up, Methuselah Project S.O.S., I might have to revise my statement. In this second book I worked hard to raise the stakes, to increase the danger, and to ramp up the tension. Also, in this book we get much better acquainted with the main characters, and the romance deepens. (Sorry, no spoilers!) Even though Roger Greene and his girlfriend Katherine are my own inventions, I’ve really grown to love these two. Judging by reviews, readers have, too!

 I confess that S.O.S. was harder to write than the first book. My brain insists on details and believability. For me to write it, the plot of S.O.S. compelled me to research a variety of subjects—the CIA, the Air Force, escape and evasion techniques, functional booby traps, and more. The resulting story is a roller coaster ride of action and emotions.

So, what gives me as author the most joy from these books? Probably the reviews where readers begin, “I don’t usually read this kind of book”—but then tell why they absolutely loved it. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the next one to say so!

                              Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 3

Where Faith and Books Meet, March 3

Texas Book-aholic, March 4

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 6

Becka Jiménez, March 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 7

Inklings and notions, March 8

Betti Mace, March 9

Blogging With Carol, March 9

For Him and My Family, March 10

deb’s Book Review, March 11

Lights in a Darkness World, March 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 12

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 13

Pause for Tales, March 13

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 14

CarpeDiem, March 15

Mary Hake, March 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 16

Bizwings Blog, March 16

                                 Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Rick is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paper copy of Methuselah Project S.O.S.!!

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

Giveaway

My Review of I NEVER KNEW YOU by Patrick Higgins

 Is the God you serve the true God of the Bible? If you profess faith in Christ, this book will challenge you mightily from beginning to end, GUARANTEED! Many are calling it Patrick Higgins’ best book to date and predict it, too, will become an award-winner like his other books.

Charmaine DeShields thought she had it all. A promising career. Good health. A beautiful house. A promising relationship. Most importantly, she was a proud member of the largest and most popular megachurch in all of Seattle—the Blessed and Highly Favored Full Gospel Church.

Everything started changing in her seemingly perfect life after a pastor visiting from China created such an uproar at her church, with messages most members found both mean spirited and judgmentally offensive, that Mark Lau was asked to leave and told never to come back.

It took traveling all the way to Shanghai, China, with her best friend, Meredith Geiger, for Charmaine to discover the many differences between her church, which was opulent in every sense of the word, and Pastor Lau’s church, which was located beneath dry cleaners, of all places.

Even more telling were the messages both pastors preached. Despite that they taught from the very same Book, their messages couldn’t have been anymore polarizing. While Charmaine was instantly intrigued by the whole “underground” experience, Meredith was so traumatized that she cut short what had been the best vacation of her life, to go back to the States.

But not before alarming Charmaine’s boyfriend of the grave danger they faced. Rodney Williams then told lead pastors, Julian and Imogen Martín, who flew 5,700 miles from Seattle to China, to rescue her from the so-called pastor who’d already caused some to leave their megachurch.

Upon arriving, they learned their suspicions were quickly confirmed. Mark Lau had used his subterranean gathering place to radically change Charmaine’s way of thinking. Despite her strongest protests, they flat-out refused to believe that God had used him to transform her life and deepen her faith, to the extent that she finally had eternal assurance.

Tragically for the Martíns, by the time they discovered the prosperity Gospel they’d been preaching was a false one, it would be too late…

Purchase

Patrick Higgins Amazon Page

MY REVIEW

From the very beginning, I Never Knew You held my attention. It brought back all the true gospel teaching I remembered from my youth and touched my heart in ways I never imagined. If you only read one book this year, make it this one.

The story was a page-turner for me. Once into it, I couldn't stop reading. All the scriptural references and how they were interpreted by the Chinese pastor as he explained it to Charmaine, stirred my soul. There were parts of the story where I cried along with her and praised God that the author had written it. The message is one the world so desperately needs to hear right now.

I'm a big fan of the author and must say that to me, this is his best work yet. The story is impactful, filled with messages of faith and salvation, and will stay on your mind after you finish the last page. It made me think about my own salvation and walk with Jesus.

The author's descriptions of the suspenseful part of the story kept me on the edge of my seat. A very well-thought-out book that will be a blessing to all that read it.

Texas Target Standoff Blog Tour & Giveaway by Virginia Vaughan

 

 

About the Book

 

Book:  Texas Target Standoff

Author: Virginia Vaughan

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release date: March 1, 2021

A sniper lurks closer…

and only a Navy SEAL can save her.

When psychologist Shelby Warren suddenly becomes a sniper’s target, navy SEAL Paul Avery springs into action to protect her. He needs her evaluation to get back to his team…and rescuing her might finally give him the redemption he’s been searching for. But when danger follows them to his family’s Texas ranch, keeping Shelby safe could be his most difficult assignment yet.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Shelby, a psychologist, does PTSD evaluations for the military. She dedicated her life to helping veterans. Paul Avery is her patient and is restless, wanting to get back to duty with his Seal Team. Part of Shelby's evaluations consists of a home visit to his family ranch where he lives.

The story starts out with excitement right away when she is stalked by a sniper. Paul just happens to be in her office to save her. The rest of the story progresses at a fast-pace. Shelby is running for her life from an unknown assailant and things become complicated.

Texas Target Standoff is thrilling and will have your nerves on edge bringing you twists and turns you won't see coming. The ending wraps everything up nicely but will surprise you. I can't wait to read more of her books. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.

 

About the Author

Bestselling author Virginia Vaughan writes inspirational romantic suspense. Blessed to come from a large, southern family, her fondest memories include listening to stories recounted by family and friends around the large dinner table. 

She was a lover of books even from a young age, devouring gothic romance novels and stories of romance, danger, and love. She soon started writing them herself. A former investigator for the State of Mississippi, Virginia utilizes her criminal justice background with her love or writing to transform words into powerful stories of romance and danger.

 

More from Virginia

As writers, we discover many new and interesting things while researching a story. For TEXAS TARGET STANDOFF, I decided I wanted the hero to have a dog so I started looking at different photographs of dogs online until I found the one image I wanted to use—a sweet little border collie I named Bullet. He helps my navy SEAL hero find comfort and friendship while he’s recovering from injuries at his family’s ranch. But looking at dog photos on the internet did more than help my character grow, it also inspired me to adopt a dog of my own.

My home had been pet-free for many years since my beloved dog Miss Duchess died from cancer five years ago and, although the ten-year-old nephew I’m raising had been asking for a dog for about a year, I hadn’t reached the point of pulling the trigger and bringing another one home. Only the research I did for this book reopened that desire inside of me for canine companionship. In September of 2020, my son and I searched the shelters in search of a family dog and, when I spotted this adorable border collie mix, I knew we had to bring her home. We named her Ivy and, since joining our family, this sweet girl has brought us lots of love and laughter, plus a new adventure—dog training. I’ve never trained a dog in my life and little Ivy is a stubborn one. I’ve scoured YouTube for videos, taken classes, and worked daily on the simplest of commands like sit, wait, lie down. Slowly, we are making progress although barking, jumping, and walking on a leash are still some areas where we’re struggling.

I’d love to hear about your pets or your best training tips! To learn more about my family, including my training journey with Ivy, follow me on Facebook or subscribe to my newsletter at the links below. And look out for the next book—little sister Kellyanne’s story—in my Cowboy Lawmen series coming June 29, 2021.

Blessings!

Virginia

                                                           Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 12

For the Love of Literature, March 12

Through the Fire Blogs, March 12

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 13

Bizwings Blog, March 13

Texas Book-aholic, March 14

Bigreadersite, March 14

Fiction Book Lover, March 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 15

Genesis 5020, March 15

Hebrews 12 Endurance, March 16

For Him and My Family, March 16

Artistic Nobody, March 16 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Inklings and notions, March 17

Reviewingbooksplusmore, March 17

Older & Smarter?, March 18

deb’s Book Review, March 18

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 19

Blogging With Carol, March 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 20

Betti Mace, March 20

Mary Hake, March 20

Lighthouse Academy, March 21

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 22

Blossoms and Blessings, March 22

Labor Not in Vain, March 22

KarenSueHadley, March 23

She Lives To Read, March 23

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 24

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 24

Pause for Tales, March 24

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 25 (Author Interview)

HookMeInABook, March 25

Simple Harvest Reads, March 25 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

                                                              Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Virginia is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of Texas Target Standoff!!

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

GIVEAWAY

The Soldier's Unexpected Family Blog Tour & Giveaway by Tanya Angler

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Soldier's Unexpected Family

(Heroines of Hollydale #3)

By Tanya Agler

Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 230 Pages

March 1, 2021 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He had a plan…
She changed it all!

Major Aidan Murphy arrives in the charming small town of Hollydale to take full guardianship of his six-year-old nephew. Only there’s a slight problem—his vivacious, fiery co-guardian. School teacher Natalie Harrison has no intention of letting Aidan take her best friend’s heartbroken little boy away. Now Aidan must convince Natalie that blood is stronger than love…even if his heart tells him otherwise.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | Target | Walmart

BAM | IndieBound | Apple Books | GooglePlay | Kobo | Harlequin

Other Books in the Series

(Amazon affiliate links.)

About the Author

Tanya Agler remembers the first set of Harlequin books her grandmother gifted her, and she’s been in love with romance novels ever since. An award-winning author, Tanya makes her home in Georgia with her wonderful husband, their four children, and a lovable rescue beagle. When she’s not writing, Tanya loves classic movies and a good cup of tea. Visit her at www.tanyaagler.com or email her at tanyaagler@gmail.com.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Author Interview

What inspired you to write The Soldier’s Unexpected Family?

This book is the third in a trilogy that began with The Sheriff’s Second Chance. When I was thinking about the heroine for the first book, the theme of friendship spoke loudly to me as Georgie is independent and never connected to friends or the community. During the plotting stages of that book, two characters came to mind of women who would befriend Georgie: Lucie Decker, who would be jaded by life events but not defeated, and Natalie Harrison, who was also the hero’s sister. Natalie is a happy person, always ready for a new challenge.

When I started writing this book, at first I was in a corner. Natalie believes in hope and happiness, which are wonderful attributes but sometimes not the best character for a whole story. Her optimism drew me to her character in the first place as a foil for Georgie, but it left me wondering what I could do with someone with a naturally sunny disposition. So at first, I was wondering what could stand in the way of Natalie finding happiness. With this book, the character came first, and the story followed.

And the answer came from something a writer friend told me a while back. When you start a story, ask why. Once I started asking why, Natalie turned into someone real for me. Why did she start projects and not finish them? What is one project you can never turn your back on? What is the one thing she would never turn her back on? And even though Natalie wouldn’t have a qualm about turning her back on a project or something trivial, Natalie loves people. She’s an extrovert who loves fun and craves excitement. She’d never turn her back on someone she loves so that inspired the character of Danny, who is a sweet six-year-old boy whose mother, Shelby, died of natural causes.

Then that brought the next piece of the story into play. If Natalie somehow were to end up as Danny’s guardian, who would fight her for custody? And enter Aidan Murphy. I was fortunate to brainstorm this book with my editor, who made so many great suggestions. My father and both my grandfathers served in the military, so for Aidan to be in the military would be a reason for him not to have lived in the same town as his sister, Shelby.

From there, once Danny and Aidan came into the picture, I kept asking why and the story clicked into place. Natalie’s vivacity and her love for her friends and family first inspired me to write her as a character into the first book, and the theme of friendship led me into catapulting her into her own story.

What do you love the most about this story?

This might be my favorite book I’ve written to date. I’m sure most writers say that, but I loved writing this story. To wake up and have the opportunity to jump into Natalie’s sections with her optimism and bright outlook was such a joy, and writing Aidan’s scenes with his careful deliberate manner interacting and opening to the town that embraces him was also such a pleasure.

But as much as I love Natalie and Aidan, two characters took me by storm and just stole the show. Hyacinth Hennessy and Belinda Chastain are two amateur pie bakers who are total opposites in their approach to life and baking. Hyacinth is a flighty extrovert who loves everything and everyone, including her two boxers. Belinda is more cautious, but they are both adamant they bake the best pies to the extent the town takes sides and people are either Team Hyacinth or Team Belinda as far as who is the better baker. They’ve both won thirteen blue ribbons for their pies, and this Fourth of July’s pie contest will be a tiebreaker year where one of them gets bragging rights for a year.

They’re funny and animated, and their feud is the stuff of small-town legends. I love books that present a touch of humor, and I hope these two make people laugh as much as they made me laugh while I was writing.

What challenged you about writing it?

There were different challenges about the book. The timing itself was challenging as I wrote the last half of the book and edited it while under lockdown. My kids learned to do schoolwork to classical music playing in the background as that seemed the least intrusive music and was a signal that it was time for work. However, there were different challenges about the book itself.

When Natalie came into books one and two, her personality was bright and sunny and just plain happy. These are great qualities in a supporting character who is trying to show the heroine that goodness and hope will prevail. In a heroine, though? It was hard to put someone that happy into impossible situations. The more time I spent with her and this book, the more I discovered she is happy, but there were layers to her and I hope those come across to the reader.

Another challenge revolved around Aidan. My father and grandfathers served in the military. My father was in the Air Force, and both my grandfathers were veterans of World War II with my maternal grandfather serving in the Navy and my paternal grandfather being part of what became the Flying Tigers. One interesting sidenote about my paternal grandfather was he was an amateur photographer who once met Babe Ruth and the last king of Hawaii and they posed in the same picture. Because of my family’s ties to the military, I wanted to make sure I did justice to Aidan, a major in the army.

On a much lighter note, it was rather challenging but fun to write a book set in summer during the doldrums of winter! I kept looking at pictures of the Fourth of July and fireworks and parade floats at the same time I saw snow out the window (yes, Georgia had snow in February of 2020!) and wore thick sweaters. It’s great fun, though, and it feels like it’s the best of both worlds to write a summer book while it’s winter.

Which character do you most relate to and why?

With The Soldier’s Unexpected Family, I relate a little to each of the characters: Natalie’s optimism, Aidan’s planning, Diane’s family focus, and Belinda and Hyacinth’s competitiveness. Overall, however, if I have to choose one character with whom I relate the most, though, I think it would have to be Aidan. We both grew up with fathers who served in the military. He’s a planner at heart, and his protective nature is something that’s endearing to him. When he arrives in Hollydale, he is laser focused on his objective (which is something I can also relate to!), which is taking Danny home with him and becoming the best guardian he can be. Over the course of the book, Aidan changes (and I won’t say how because I hope you’ll read the book and find out!) and this impacts how he sees the people around him.

I also relate to Natalie’s hope of a better tomorrow. Her attitude of hope and bringing people together is one of the qualities I love about her.

What do you hope readers will take with them after they’ve read it?

That’s such a great question. I hope readers will take a little laughter and a lot of happiness with them after they read The Soldier’s Unexpected Family. Aidan has a precise idea of what he wants to take with him from Hollydale, and when he arrives, nothing goes according to that plan. He didn’t account for Natalie’s underlying strength and determination. He didn’t expect to meet formidable rivals in Hyacinth and Belinda. And, most of all, he wanted to reconnect with his only family member, not realizing the town had adopted Danny and loved him and considered him part of their family. During the book, he runs into unexpected encounters that make him laugh and unexpected memories that starts him on the road toward grieving for his sister. Throughout his visit, unexpected moments lead to new possibilities, and I hope that theme resonates with the reader.

I love books that make me laugh and tug at my heartstrings, and I hope this book provides that same type of feeling for the readers.

What do you enjoy doing when you're not writing?

In October, my family recently adopted a beagle who came with a blue blanket and so we named him Linus. He now loves his afternoon walks around the neighborhood. Walking has always been one of my favorite forms of exercise. When I attended the University of Georgia, I enrolled in the walking class to satisfy my PE requirement. I loved taking walks along the hilly streets of Athens. Now I love hiking the trails of Georgia, especially ones that end up on trails with waterfalls. Cloudland Canyon and Amicalola Falls are two of my favorite places for walking or hiking in Georgia.

I’m also a huge fan of classic movies, especially anything with Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, or Irene Dunne. I love curling up on a couch and popping in a DVD and getting lost in a screwball comedy or some other romance from the Golden Age of Hollywood.

I love reading, and one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon is reading a book with a cup of hot tea in winter or unsweet ice tea in summer.

And I miss going to plays or eating out in restaurants. Those are two activities I look forward to resuming in the near future.

My Review

Aiden is an active military man with a year to go before he is discharged. He's more structured and goal-sett. He has met his match with Natalie who is spontaneous, living every day to its fullest and has a love for her small town.

Tanya has another winner. The characters are enjoyable, unpredictable at times, and even quirky.

The story is about two people who want what's best for six-year-old, Danny, but with different ideas about what that is. Small town v/s city.

It's a sweet romance, tension-filled story but with lots of tender moments. I loved how the characters engaged in real down-to-earth moments and grew as the story unfolded. Highly recommended.

Tour Schedule

March 1st:

Splashes of Joy

Heidi Reads...

Read Review Rejoice

March 2nd:

Rockin' Book Reviews 

Readers Roost

March 3rd:

Remembrancy

Christy's Cozy Corners

March 4th:

Fire and Ice

Becky on Books

Books and More Books

March 5th:

reviewingbooksplusmore

Britt Reads Fiction

March 8th:

Bizwings Blog

Adventures Of A Travelers Wife 4 Life

Older & Smarter?

March 9th:

Jorie Loves A Story

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting

March 10th:

Hallie Reads

Candrel's Crafts, Cooks, and Characters

Nicole's Book Musings

March 11th:

Pause for Tales

Andi's Book Reviews

March 12th:

Reading Excursions

Teatime and Books

Bookish Jottings

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive an ebook of The Sheriff's Second Chance and a $25 (USD) Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)

Ends March 17, 2021

ENTER HERE

Soon the Dawn Blog Tour and Giveaway by Linda Brooks Davis

 

 

About the Book

 

Book:  Soon the Dawn

Author: Linda Brooks Davis

Genre: Historical  fiction

Release Date: February 9, 2020

Ella thought becoming a mother to five daughters a month after marriage would be difficult.  Sixteen years later, letting go is even harder.  What should be a joyous time of Amaryllis spreading her wings as she graduates from the College of Industrial Arts… isn’t.

Ella fears that Amaryllis will lose a grip on her faith, her upbringing, and the goals Ella believes she should have.  Will Ella’s mother-in-law’s high society friends puff up the girl until Amaryllis loses sight of what’s important?  If Amaryllis stays away, can Ella trust that the Lord will keep the girl safe? Can she trust Him with her daughter’s well-being period?

Of course, she can!  But will she?

When everything begins to crumble around her, Ella must decide where she will place her trust—in her own capable hands or in the Lord’s sovereign ones.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Soon the Dawn is an inspirational story set in 1906, Neeham, Indian Territory. Andrew and Ella only married a month, are asked to adopt five young children. They agree to the undertaking and the story is of their struggles, joy, and growth over many years.

As I read the book it brought forth many emotions. Ella's strength through hardships is inspiring and Andrew's love of God and family showed great love and strength. I could see how they questioned their faith in God during times of grief, but with encouragement from God's word, it became stronger.

I really enjoyed taking the journey with the family and the author's wonderfully descriptive writing style gave insight into their family life.

I received a copy from the author and willingly choose to review it.

 

About the Author

Linda’s debut novel, Amazon best-selling The Calling of Ella McFarland, Book One in the Women of Rock Creek series, is set in 1905 Indian Territory prior to Oklahoma statehood. It won Jerry Jenkins Operation First Novel in 2014 and subsequently, ACFW’s Carol award for debut novel 2016. 

The sequel novella, A Christmas to Remember, is set in 1908 Oklahoma. A second novella, A Christmas Measure of Love, is set in 1910 and is the prequel to Linda’s second full-length novel, which is set in 1914, Amazon best-selling The Mending of Lillian Cathleen, Book Two. 

The third novella, A Christmas Tale for Little Women, releases in 2020 and is set in 1912. It is a prequel to Book 3 in The Women of Rock Creek series, The Awakening of Miss Adelaide, which is set in 1918.

Linda and her beloved husband Al worship and minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio and dote on six grandchildren. Readers may contact Linda through her website, www.lindabrooksdavis.com.

 

More from Linda

When the Backstory Is Tragic

Family lore abounds in my family tree, much of it tragic. There’s the Boyd Irish crystal heiress who forsook her heritage for love in 1747 colonial America. The Billingsley American patriot hanged in his front yard by Tories in 1776. The Brooks great-grandfather who lost his three brothers in the Civil War and its aftermath. And the De Graffenried Swiss baron who brought a group from Switzerland to establish New Bern, North Carolina in 1711 and was captured by Indians.

 Among the most tragic stories is how my grandmother, Ella Pyle Banks, buried 5 daughters and 2 husbands. Mama Ella and Papa Tribble’s story has waited years to be told. Part of it is the inspiration for my latest novella release, Soon the Dawn.

 Ella Jane Pyle met William Tribble Banks in Indian Territory prior to Oklahoma statehood. They married in Elmore City in 1904 and welcomed seven girls over the next 18 years. Papa Tribble, a kind and sensitive one-armed man, farmed. And Mama Ella, known for her salt-of-the-earth character and neighborliness, was the one folks called on to tend their sick and prepare their loved ones’ bodies for burial. She possessed a will of iron, but her voice was whisper soft. I love the story about how Papa tried to kiss her while they were courting, and she responded with a slap. “No kiss from me until you’ve proposed.”

 When I decided to write for publication, I knew I would create stories based on my family’s experiences. There are transatlantic stowaways, rejection by Quaker brethren, the murder of a groom at his wedding reception, prisoners of war, deaths by lightning, fortunes won and lost, and more disease and death than I can imagine. With such drama hanging on the various branches, how could I not include these stories?

 What’s an author to do with such tragedy?

 Tragedy and loss are integral parts of life on fallen Earth, but triumph invariably attends each loss. Wellness follows the disease. Light peeks through the darkness. Blessings attend tragedies. And life follows death. It’s the space between the two that intrigues me as a storyteller.

My task, then, in creating a story inspired by Papa Tribble and Mama Ella’s experiences was to find the colorful strands among the black, the shining light amid the darkness, and the blessings tucked into the folds of the woe.

Soon the Dawn contains dark and light strands and many colors between. But it’s the stitching—Jesus—who binds the strands together. He turns an ordinary morning into a hint of the “Sweet By & By.” As the delicate aroma of the Rose of Sharon, He scents the sultry stillness before a summer storm. And He wraps the bitterness of grief and failure in the richness of His incomparable grace.

I offer Soon the Dawn to Jesus as a tale that reaches beyond the ordinary to the extraordinary because of His grace.

                               Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 22

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 23

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 23

Texas Book-aholic, February 24

Lighthouse Academy Blog, February 25 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Rebecca Tews, February 25

Inklings and notions, February 26

Betti Mace, February 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 27

For Him and My Family, February 28

Connie’s History Classroom, March 1

Bizwings Blog, March 1

deb’s Book Review, March 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 3

Artistic Nobody, March 3 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 4

She Lives To Read, March 5

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6

Pause for Tales, March 7

CarpeDiem, March 7

                                Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize of a handmade 8×12 wooden cross suitable for shelf or hanging with the winner’s personalized engraving on the back!!

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/1086b/soon-the-dawn-celebration-tour-giveaway