In Honor's Defense Blog Tour & Giveaway by Karen Witemeyer

 

 

About the Book

Book: In Honor’s Defense

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: June 7, 2022

 

Luke Davenport has been fighting all his life–for respect, for country, and for those unable to fight for themselves. But now that his Horsemen brothers are domesticated, he’s left alone to battle the wildness within. When an opportunity arises to take a job on his own, tracking down a group of rustlers, he jumps at the chance.

Damaris Baxter has mastered the art of invisibility. Plain and quiet, she hides in books and needlework, content to be overlooked. Until her brother dies suddenly, leaving her custody of her nephew. She moves to Texas to care for Nathaniel, determined to create the family for herself that she never thought she’d have and to give him the family he desperately needs.

When Nate finds himself knee-deep in trouble, Luke’s attempt to protect him leaves Damaris feeling indebted to the Horseman. But suspicions grow regarding the mysterious death of Damaris’s brother. And the more questions they ask, the more danger appears, threatening the family Luke may be unable to live without.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

Damaris Baxter leaves St. Louis Mo for Madisonville Texas, in 1895 to take care of her nephew, Nathan when his father dies. Alone, mad, and ill-tempered, she tries to help Nathan but is faced with nothing but rebellion. Luke, carrying ghosts of his own, relates to Nathan in ways his aunt, Damaris can't. Luke carries secrets the Lord has forgiven him for but struggles to forget his painful memories.

I was impressed with Damaris' strength, determination, and Nathan's humor. In Honors Defense is one of those novels that keep you smiling long after you turn the last page. The characters are well-developed and the depth of their personalities is portrayed very well. I felt as if I knew them in real life.

The author has created a wonderfully inspirational storyline. One encompassing the redemption, healing, and love of God's ability to turn bad circumstances into good.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and willingly choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

 

About the Author

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Romance Author in 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and gospel hymn singer who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she’s on deadline.

 

More from Karen

Meet Luke and Damaris

As the Hanger’s Horsemen series comes to a close, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Luke Davenport and Damaris Baxter. If you haven’t read the other books in this series, don’t worry. This one stands on its own just fine.

Luke

Luke Davenport is a former cavalry officer who is part of an elite squad of men known as Hanger’s Horsemen. Haunted by the horrors of war, this group of Texas legends has spent the last few years fighting for justice on behalf of those who cannot fight for themselves. Luke is Matthew Hanger’s right-hand man, but when Matt retires the Horsemen in favor of a more settled life with his new wife, Luke is left feeling adrift. So when a solo job comes his way to track down rustled cattle, he jumps at the opportunity.

Known for his strength, his size, and his skill with his fists, I modeled Luke after a pair of football players, Howie Long and JJ Watt. He’s a man of action with a bit of wildness inside, yet his ability to memorize Scripture earned him the nickname Preach. He’s a godly man with scars, seeking to find his place as his Horsemen brothers move on to new phases of life.

Damaris

Damaris Baxter has been invisible her entire life. Plain of face and quiet of manner, she it’s the epitome of unremarkable. While she dares heroic feats and grand adventures between the covers of her favorite books, life outside the pages consists of little more than needlework and dull conversation with her great aunt. Until her brother dies under suspicious circumstances, and she travels to Texas to care for her nephew. Determined that the “Texas Damaris” will be bolder and braver than her former self, she sets out to win the heart of a grieving boy and ends up mixed up in a dangerous murder plot with a handsome cowboy who actually sees her.

When creating Damaris’s character, I gave her two of my favorite hobbies—reading and cross-stitching. She shares other similarities with me as well. She’s a quiet person who dislikes making waves, but when family needs her, there’s nothing she won’t do to help. Her questionable baking skills might also have found some inspiration in my personal experience. Just ask my husband about my famous transparent chocolate chip cookies. 

Opposites Attract?

I love to explore what brings people together, and while it’s a common idea that opposites attract, I’ve always believed that there must be some core commonalities beneath the differences to bind a couple together for a lifetime. So, while Luke and Damaris seem to be stark opposites—he an adventure-seeking soldier used to solving problems with guns and fists; she a quiet, proper lady used to escaping problems with books and needlework—they actually have several core commonalities. They both crave belonging and family, they both value God’s Word, and they both have a strong, protective instinct toward those they care about. This core common ground is what serves as the foundation for their relationship.

Now that you’ve been introduced to Luke and Damaris, I hope you’ll join them on the adventure that leads them to love.

                                 Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 27

Book Looks by Lisa, June 27

Where Faith and Books Meet, June 27

Bliss, Books & Jewels, June 28

Daysong Reflections, June 28

For Him and My Family, June 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 29

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 30

Pause for Tales, June 30

lakesidelivingsite, June 30

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, July 1

Sylvan Musings, July 1

deb’s Book Review, July 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, July 2

Babbling BeckyL’s Book Impressions, July 3

Bizwings Blog, July 3

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 4 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 4

Inklings and notions, July 5

Simple Harvest Reads, July 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Connie’s History Classroom, July 6

SodbusterLiving, July 6

Texas Book-aholic, July 7

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 7

Through the Fire Blogs, July 7

Splashes of Joy, July 8

Melissa’s Bookshelf, July 8

                                 Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away a Hanger’s Horsemen prize bundle consisting of autographed copies of all three books in the series, a custom mug, and Horsemen swag!! (U.S. Only)

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/1f45c/in-honor-s-defense-celebration-tour-giveaway

New Release- "More Precious Than Gold" by Renee Yancy

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Historical Fiction/Romance

When artistic, middle-class Kitty Winthrop discovers the grandmother she always believed dead is actually the uber-wealthy leader of New York City high society, Kitty jumps at the chance to make her debut into that world despite her mother’s disapproval. After dancing lessons and etiquette classes, she enters the high society life as the granddaughter of a New York City blueblood, wearing the gorgeous Worth ball gowns she used to design for her portfolio. But she soon discovers all that glitters isn’t gold, and ball gowns, jewels, and fancy parties don’t feed the soul.

As America enters World War I, Kitty makes the choice to forego the life of wealth and luxury promised by her grandmother and pursue a nursing career at Bellevue Hospital. She catches the eye of Dr. Samuel Hayden, a young physician in charge of the medical wards who falls hard for her.

As Kitty and Samuel fall in love, the Pandemic Flu of 1918 strikes New York City and the world. Soon the student nurses are working sixteen-hour shifts, people in the prime of life are dying, and the city morgues are overflowing with the dead. Through this incredibly stressful time, Kitty realizes she want to pursue medicine, but Samuel won’t hear of it. As the flu epidemic reaches its lethal peak, hearts are tested, lives are lost, and no one knows who will survive to see if love can overcome all obstacles.

MY REVIEW

Kitty Winthrop decides to become a nurse as the world enters the war and an influenza outbreak of 1918 strikes the U.S. The storyline is one of heartbreak, uncertainty, and forgiveness. The character of Kitty shows strength and resilience beyond her years. A dedicated nurse, compassionate and giving when most would have given up. Her mother, giving of herself helping place orphans, feels alone when her husband joins the war effort as a chaplain.

The characters circumstances pulled me into the story and touched my heart. They were very well-developed with deep convictions. The story made me laugh, cry, and feel full of admiration for the selfless efforts of the doctor and nurses. The historical aspects of the story seemed well-researched.

More Precious Than Gold is a story that because of the recent outbreak of COVID, appeared more personal. A great but intense and emotional read.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

More Precious Than Gold, the sequel to The Test of Gold, is here! It's set against the backdrop of WWI and the Pandemic Flu of 1918. I finished the manuscript for More Precious Than Gold in 2017, two years before COVID hit. Never in a million years did I ever think I would live through a pandemic in my own lifetime!

Everyone knows someone who has had COVID or has had it themself. I know several nurses that have had it twice.

Today, though, we have antibiotics and antivirals. We have oxygen and ventilators, breathing treatments, and monoclonal antibodies. We have access to clean water and health care. In 1918, all they had was aspirin powder and morphine. But, unlike COVID, this pandemic flu of 1918 primarily affected people in the 20 to 40 age group---people in the prime of their life. In New York City alone, over 100,000 children were left orphans.

My interest in archaeology and history began when my father brought home a full color book on Tutankhamun sometime in the 60's. I was hooked!

I was a voracious reader from an early age, often bringing home 10 or 12 books a week to read during summer vacation. I particularly love historical fiction that immerses you in a new culture. Time travel in a book! To this day, one of my all-time favorite reads is Shogun, by James Clavell.

When I'm not writing, I'm traveling to see the places I write about, antiquing, and collecting pottery.

Visit my website and blog at https://www.reneeyancy.com.

Flame of the Rockies Blog Tour & Giveaway by Angela Breidenbach

 

 

About the Book

 

Book: Flame of the Rockies

Author: Angela Breidenbach

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release date: February 1, 2022

The fiery pain at her new husband’s murder might equal the disaster blazing across the Pacific Northwest. Stranded in the treacherous railroad camp, baking bread for survival to avoid the life of a bordello canary, Juliana Hayes has no desire to marry a railroad ruffian like Lukas Filips, or anyone else. Her scrimping and saving will pay off soon. She’ll be free of the camps, the rails, and the men who destroyed her life. But she can’t earn her living constantly besieged by desperate bachelors where few women cause chaos in the male ranks.

Juliana reluctantly accepts his protection, but when Lukas reveals the secret of his Montenegrin nobility, the old fears flare as hot as the fire storm eating up the forest at their heels. Can she release her prejudice to love again? Or will either one of them survive The Big Blowup to find out?

Flame of the Rockies, Book 6 in the Queen of the Rockies series, is based on true history when three million acres burned out of control on the border of Montana and Idaho darkening the skies all the way to the East Coast during August of 1910. It’s a wonder anyone survived! Read this heart-pounding romance full of adventure, honoring true history and the heroes that made it. Be sure to follow this 6-book historical romance adventure series, Queen of the Rockies, set in the Gilded Age through the turn-of-the-century. Written by bestselling author and professional genealogist, Angela Breidenbach.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

Another great read from the Queen of the Rockies series. I loved reading the historical material included in the introduction insight into the life of the many nationalities that had swarmed to Idaho in 1910.

Julianna Hayes, a widow and baker that rode the train providing baked goods to the mining camps, was strong-willed and very determined to make it until she could leave the area. Her life was plagued by circumstances beyond her control and even danger. Lukas, a foreigner and foreman is also a hard worker with strong ties to his family overseas which he provided for.

The descriptions of the fire were terrifying to read. Lots of action, suspense, and a sweet ending that wrapped everything up well. My only complaint is that it ended before I was ready. The storyline had me captivated from the beginning and kept me on the edge of my seat.

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

 

About the Author

Angela Breidenbach is a professional genealogist, the director and president of The National Institute for Genealogical Studies (GenealogicalStudies.com), conference speaker, bestselling author of eighteen books. Angela lives in Montana with her hubby and Muse, a trained fe-lion, who shakes hands, rolls over, and jumps through a hoop. Surprisingly, Angela can also. Catch her show and podcast, Genealogy Publishing Coach!

https://AngelaBreidenbach.com

 

More from Angela

Research is both a joy and a nemesis for an author and/or genealogist. We’re easily distracted with one more fascinating discovery! The entire series, Queen of the Rockies, came from research rabbit trails when I thought there’d be one book. Now there are six ending with Flame of the Rockies!

 

Flame of the Rockies happens on the factual Trail of the Hiawatha. At first, this trail was a mining area deep in the mountains on the Idaho-Montana border. So deep that fourteen feet of snow blocking the railroad was common during the winter. Quite the contrast to the hot, dry summers with countless lightning strikes and regular forest fires.

 

After the Big BlowUp that occurred in August of 1910 burning over 3,000,000 acres, the area gradually became a gorgeous upscale train ride through the mountains. People rode the Hiawatha for leisure, upscale dining, and tourism. Then rails died out. The Trail of the Hiawatha rose from the ashes of forgotten history to become the incredible 16.5 mile bike path it is today. The trail winds down the valley from on top of the Continental Divide with incredible views for miles as you ride and experience the awe of God’s creative grandeur.

 

Understanding the history and evolution of this special trail isn’t hard. So much work in historical preservation has been done, and continues to be done, for those who come. Be sure to read the travel article in the back of this book so you can be one of those holding your breath as mountain after mountain after mountain roll outward from the trestles. You’ll see mountain tops go on for miles and miles. Those vistas truly feel as if you’re standing on the clouds with the Heavenly Hosts. Then you’ll understand why Montana is called the Big Sky Country!

 

I hope you enjoy Flame of the Rockies and meeting many of the real people who lived and worked in those extreme conditions. Yes, a few of the characters are fictitious. But remember you’re also going to meet a true hero whose heroism and name still rings through the Hiawatha and the world today!

                                  Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 18

Texas Book-aholic, June 19

Rebecca Tews, June 19

Inklings and notions, June 20

For Him and My Family, June 21

Blogging With Carol, June 21

deb’s Book Review, June 22

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 23

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 24

Bizwings Blog, June 25

Sylvan Musings, June 25

Pause for Tales, June 26

Betti Mace, June 27

Connie’s History Classroom, June 27

Mary Hake, June 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 29

Blossoms and Blessings, June 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 30

Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 1

Spoken from the Heart, July 1

                                   Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the prize a free genealogy course to three winners!!

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/1eff7/flame-of-the-rockies-celebration-tour-giveaway Tour Reminders

The Songs That Could Have Been by Amanda Wren

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Two couples in love. Two sets of impossible circumstances. One powerful God of grace.

After a devastating tailspin in her late teens, Lauren Anderson’s life is finally back on track. Then a chance meeting with Carter Douglas, her first love and the man who broke her heart, threatens to throw her well-balanced world out of control.
 
Now a TV meteorologist, Carter is determined to make amends with Lauren. After all, she still owns his heart. But his old demons are forcing him toward the same decision he faced in the past. Is he courageous enough to make a different choice this time around?
 
When Lauren’s elderly grandmother, Rosie, begins having nightmares about a man named Ephraim--a name her family has never heard before—a fascinating and forbidden past love comes to light. As Lauren and Carter work to uncover the untold stories of Rosie’s past in 1950s Wichita, they embark on a journey of forgiveness and second chances that will change their lives—and Rosie’s—forever. Along the way they’ll learn that God wastes nothing, his timing is perfect, and nothing is beyond his grace and redemption.

The Songs That Could Have Been is full of the same deftly handled, resonant writing that readers and critics alike enjoyed in Amanda Wen's first book in the series, Roots of Wood and Stone. Fans of Lisa Wingate and Rachel Hauck will add Amanda Wen to their must-read shelves.

Purchase a copy

MY REVIEW

I absolutely loved this book. It touched on a sensitive subject back in the 1950s that created lots of surprise and tension within the dual timeline narrative. The writing was easy to read and the characters from both timelines are full of depth and my heart was captivated by them.

This is a story that will give you lots to think about long after you have turned the last page. There is mystery and the ending was sweet. The author wrapped everything up nicely. The storyline is steeped in faith, loss, enduring love and forgiveness.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

\ Amanda Wen is an award-winning writer of inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction. She has placed first in multiple writing contests, including the 2017 Indiana Golden Opportunity, the 2017 Phoenix Rattler, and the 2016 ACFW First Impressions contests. She was also a 2018 ACFW Genesis Contest finalist. Her debut novel was a 2021 Christy Award First Novel finalist.   Wen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and regularly contributes author interviews for their Fiction Finder feature. She also frequently interviews authors for her blog and is a contributor to the God Is Love blog. She is the author of Roots of Wood and Stone and The Songs That Could Have Been.   In addition to her writing, Wen is an accomplished professional cellist and pianist who frequently performs with orchestras, chamber groups, and her church’s worship team. She serves as a choral accompanist as well. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Wen lives in Kansas with her patient, loving, and hilarious husband, their three adorable Wenlets, and a snuggly Siamese cat.   To find Amanda Wen’s blog and short stories, visit www.amandawen.com. Readers can also follower her on Facebook (@AuthorAmandaWen), Twitter (@AuthorAmandaWen), and Instagram (@authoramandawen).

                      a Rafflecopter giveaway

Adventures of Harmony "The Elegant Emu" Blog Tour & Giveaway by Karen M. Bobos

 

 

Join us for this tour from June 14 to July 8, 2022!

Book Details:

Book Title:  THE ELEGANT EMU (a Harmony Adventure) by Karen M. Bobos
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 40 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book, Fairy Tale
Publisher:  Bobos Babes, Ltd.
Release date:   June 2022
Content Rating:  G for everyone.  

 

 

Book Description:

The magical sisters are enrolled in an etiquette class when their manners are not fit for the king and queen of the enchanted land of Harmony. Can Elizabeth the Emu help the royal sisters?

In the beautiful and peaceful land of Harmony, three magical sisters, the Bobos Babes, uproot the kingdom's tranquility with some not-so-polite actions -nose-picking, belching, and other noisy...expulsions. Their parents, the King and Queen, enroll the sisters in the elegant Elizabeth the Emu's etiquette class where they learn manners and other ways to self-improve like being on time, politeness, and proper personal hygiene.

Elizabeth the Emu explains to Angel Scarlet, Princess Daphne, and Fairy Cora that having proper etiquette is more than good manners, it's about being kind and courteous. And for the sisters? Well, let's just say that they will be needing more than one lesson from Elizabeth the Emu's etiquette class.

MY REVIEW

The Land of Harmony is a place of magic. The King and Queen raise Scarlett, Daphne & Cora with grace and good manners, but then things just happen. The addition of Elizabeth, the Emu, makes for a very cute and entertaining story. You see, Elizabeth's pet peeve is manners, and she is about to teach the girls etiquette.

The illustrations are bright and cheerful, well-drawn and a nice eye-catching addition of soft colors that draw your attention. Any child would be engrossed in the images. It's a well-written easy to read story that involves lessons for a child to learn. I enjoyed the message. It's a short story that will hold a child's attention.

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

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N
Walmart

 

Meet the Author:

Karen M. Bobos is the multi-award-winning author of the Adventures in Harmony series, which was created in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. While living in a city of unrest, her family left Chicago to stay with her mother in Northwest Indiana for several months. She and her husband were determined to keep life filled with wonder and magic for their three daughters, Scarlett (6), Daphne (5), and Cora (3). The Adventures in Harmony series was created to entertain her daughters during their stay at Gigi’s home and is filled with characters from the sisters’ world. Everyone deserves to escape to a land filled with love and adventure where creatures co-exist and happiness awaits.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Author Interview

What is your favorite part of The Elegant Emu?

I had fun writing the end of the book when Elizabeth comes home from a long day of teaching the royal sisters.  She’s this elegant creature that these sweet young sisters flipped into a hot mess after one day with them.  This is how I feel most days after taking care of my three children.  My sister-in-law truly has a wonderful, doting husband and their children are precious.  I could only imagine them running to take care of her after a long day at work.

Where do you write?

I prefer to write in my office when the kids are in school, and I have quiet to think.  Unfortunately, that is not always the case.  Unfortunately, that is often not the case … LOL.  With three children under eight years old, my quiet time is far and few between.  I often write while sitting at a table at their gymnastics studio while they are in class.  It’s not super quiet, but I can zone into my writing there.

Do you write every day?

I would LOVE to write every day.  I try to as I notice that the more often that I write, the better and more creative my stories are.  It’s true for writing as for anything else, practice makes perfect.

What do you do for fun when you aren’t writing?

Well, I am a very busy mom of three.  When I am not doing “mom stuff,” I love working on decorating our home.  We have a 1929 vintage condo in Chicago that I am constantly working with contractors to restore.  We recently bought a lake house in Indianapolis, so I am so excited to begin working on decorating and renovation projects on that home.  I also love hanging out with our giant Bernese Mountain Dog, Luke.

Luke, your giant Bernese Mountain Dog, is also in your books.  Is he really “giant?”

Yes!  The real Luke weighs 140lbs.  The average male Bernese Mountain Dog weighs around 100lbs.  He’s a big boy.  When he was younger, we would put the girls on his back and pretend to have them ride him.  Now that he is 9 years old, we just shower him with lots of love.

What do you think makes a good story?

I love adding humor to my stories.  I often find myself giggling while I write.  My hope is for mom and dad to enjoy reading the books as much as the children do.

What do you hope your readers learn from The Elegant Emu?

Well, obviously some etiquette tips that are wrapped into the story.  I think it’s important to know that no one is perfect, even royal, magical sisters.  There is always room for improvement in our lives.  Having proper etiquette is more than behaving well, it’s about being kind to others.

 

Tour Schedule:

June 14 – Faith And Books – book review / giveaway
June 14 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
June 15 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
June 16 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
June 16 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
June 16 - Kam's Place – book review
June 17 – icefairy's Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
June 20 – Bizwings Blog – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 20 - Lisa Everyday Reads – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
June 21 - Library Lady's Kid Lit – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 22 – Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting – book review / giveaway
June 23 – Older & Smarter? – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 24 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
June 28 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / guest post / giveaway
June 29 – The Phantom Paragrapher – book review / giveaway
June 30 – My Reading Getaway – book review / giveaway
July 5 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
July 6 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
July 6 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
July 7 – Bigreadersite – book review / giveaway
July 8 – Lisa's Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
 

Enter the Giveaway:

 

BOBOS BABES ADVENTURES: THE ELEGANT EMU by Karen Bobos Book Tour Giveaway