A Beautiful Story: Jesus & St. Nick by Sarah French Spotlight, Review & Author Interview

 

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  A Beautiful Story: Jesus & St. Nick by Sarah French
Category:  Children's Non-Fiction (ages 3 to 8), 32 pages
Genre:  Children's Book
Publisher:  Sarah French
Release date:   Sep 2023
Content Rating:  G.  Suitable for everyone.

Book Description:

The Christmas season is here, and you once again have to juggle the story of Jesus with good Ole St. Nick…

…but what if you didn’t have to?

This beautifully illustrated bedtime story teaches children the story behind St. Nick and how he was a follower of Jesus too! Children will learn about the birth of Jesus, the importance of giving, and the reason for many of our holiday traditions.

A Beautiful Story: Jesus & St. Nick will quickly become a family favorite. Parents love the values it teaches, and kids love the way it brings the real Christmas story to life! Make this book a Christmas tradition in your household so your kids will grow up understanding why we celebrate Christmas with certain traditions today. And don’t worry! We don’t give away any holiday secrets!

My Review

A wonderful hardback washable book that has stunning illustrations on the front and back cover. 

The illustrations inside are very festive to showcase the holiday season. The biblical references to the Christmas story are well written and represented, explaining that Jesus was the greatest gift we received for Christmas and the main reason for the season.

Jesus & St. Nick is a wonderful story that will be enjoyed by children and parents alike.  Combining the story of Jesus & St. Nick is a beautiful combination and will make a great addition to your children's book collection.  Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of the book and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Sarah French is a three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist. She is a broadcast news anchor for the NBC affiliate, WCNC Charlotte.

Sarah joined WCNC from WHDH in Boston, MA. She was the morning anchor there and joined the team in 2011. She was also the host of What's Cooking, How to Help, and Backstage in Boston. Prior to WHDH, Sarah was the morning anchor at WTIC in Hartford, CT. Sarah began her career as a reporter for KOMU in Columbia, MO.

Sarah brings rich experience covering major world events. She was on the ground covering the Boston Marathon bombing, the destructive aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. She holds three prestigious Emmy Awards. She also received the "Speak for Thyself Award" honoring community advocates and non-profit leaders, as well as Boston’s Most Exceptional Women Honoree.

Sarah is an inspirational champion for several notable causes, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. She is also an advocate for domestic violence victims. After the tragic death of her friend and colleague, Alice Morrin, Sarah worked tirelessly with Connecticut legislators to pass a 911 texting bill after Alice's death.

Sarah is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. In 2021, she went back to school and earned her Master of Journalism degree. After covering the Boston Marathon bombing, Sarah decided her research would focus on how to help journalists who cover traumatic events.

Sarah is a member of Cherokee nation. She grew up in Arkansas and lives in Charlotte with her husband and two kids. They also have two dogs, Buddy and Teddy! Sarah is a huge fan of the theater and enjoys spending her free time with family. Sarah also volunteers in the children's ministry of her church.

connect with author: website

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1)    What was the inspiration for this book? I originally wrote this book for my children. I wanted them to have a story that weaved together the birth of Jesus and the history of St. Nicholas. I want them to understand the reason behind many of our holiday traditions. It wasn’t until I posted about it on social media that other mothers asked me for the text. So I decided to turn it into a children’s book! 

2)    Where do you write? I always sit at my kitchen table. I love looking out the window. It’s where the most sunlight comes into the house. Whenever we sit down for family dinners, I always have to move my laptop and all my papers off the kitchen table. 

3)   What do you hope readers take away from this book? I hope readers gain a true understanding of the Christmas story. Jesus is the reason for the season and the most important person in the Christmas story. It’s His story! But I also want them to know when we talk about “Santa”, even though he has been embellished over the years, he was a real person. St. Nicholas was a follower of Jesus Christ. And in a way, we can all be a “Santa” to others. It’s much more important to give than to receive.

4)    Do you have another profession besides writing? My alarm goes off at 2 a.m. every weekday to anchor the morning newscast for the NBC affiliate in Charlotte, North Carolina! I’ve always been a passionate storyteller, and I believe everyone has a story to tell. Then I joke with my colleagues, my second job is my kids’ chauffeur!

5)   What is your favorite holiday tradition? One of my favorite holiday traditions is the candlelight Christmas Eve service. I love going to church with my family on Christmas Eve. In the middle of all the hustle and bustle, it’s a reminder to my children to pause and remember Christ’s birth. The savior of the world had arrived, and this holiday is about Him. 

Enter the Giveaway:

A Beautiful Story: Jesus & St. Nick Book Tour Giveaway

Takeover Blitz Rendezvous 2023

 

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for JustRead Rendezvous, hosted, sponsored, and organized by JustRead Publicity Tours!

You are Invited

JustRead Rendezvous 

November 16-17, 2023

Holiday Inn St Louis SW – Route 66

Join fellow readers and authors at the inaugural JustRead Rendezvous to celebrate Christian fiction and sweet reads with food, games, giveaways, and books. This event aims to sweeten reading and storytelling experiences with fellowship and encouragement and is modeled after Christian Fiction Readers Retreat. Friday's activities will include speaker sessions, author panels, small group discussions, and author signings. 

On Thursday evening, JustRead is hosting a Meet and Greet and Watch Party for The Christy Award Winners Gala webcast. The Christy Award honors and promotes excellence in Christian fiction and is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Additional Rendezvous event sponsors include Baker Publishing Group fiction divisions (Bethany House Publishers and Revell), Kregel Publications, and Ambassador International.

Learn more about the 2023 JustRead Rendezvous

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Participating Authors

Keynote speakers are Jocelyn Green and Pepper Basham, 2022 finalists of The Christy Award. Rounding out our first 30 participating authors are Amanda Cox, Ann Elizabeth Fryer, Ann H. Gabhart, Barbara M. Britton, Danielle Grandinetti, Elly Gilbert, Erica Vetsch, Heather Greer, Janine Rosche, Jenny Rae, Jerusha Agen, Kimberley Woodhouse, Kristi Ann Hunter, Lisa M. James, Lisa Phillips, Lorri Dudley, Megan Besing, Michelle Griep, Nancy Mehl, Peggy Trotter, Rebecca Hemlock, Regina Rudd Merrick, Sarah Hanks, Shaen Layle, Stephenia H. McGee, Suzie Waltner, Tabitha Bouldin, and Tamara Leigh. Additional interested authors will be invited to register as reader registration grows.

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Register

Friday's activities (including a book tote, light breakfast, lunch, snacks, and more) are $110 for readers and Thursday evening is an additional $30. Reader registration ends on October 13 (or earlier if event capacity is met). Subscribe to email updates and learn more about each author on the JustRead Rendezvous website. Connect with other attendees and hopefuls to arrange shared experiences or cost-sharing opportunities in the Rendezvous Roomies & Logistics ’23 private Facebook group. 

Register Now

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Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a Rendezvous book tote loaded with books and swag, a signed event booklet, a cozy Route 66 throw, and an "If I can't take my BOOK, I'm not going" keychain!

The giveaway begins at midnight September 12, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 19, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Items may vary slightly. Throw and keychain ship immediately. Tote, books, swag, and booklet available at event or to ship in late November. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

JustRead Rendezvous Takeover Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

"Clutter Free" Spotlight & Excerpt by Jackie Layton

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Clutter Free by Jackie Layton, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Clutter Free
Series: An Organized Crime Cozy Mystery #1
Author: Jackie Layton
Publisher: Level Best Books
Release Date: August 29, 2023
Genre: Clean Cozy Mystery

Returning to Fox Island where she grew up, Kate Sloan begins her career as a professional organizer. When a woman accuses Kate’s police chief brother of having an affair, Kate’s priority shifts from organizing to proving her brother’s innocence. Kate visits the woman, hoping for a confession. The woman won’t admit she lied, and to make the situation worse, the accuser is found dead the next day by Kate and her business partner. 

Kate has an eye for seeing what’s out of place, and she knows how to fix problems. Can she utilize her organizational skills to toss red herrings and focus on legitimate clues? Kate’s business is at risk as well as her brother’s career. The clock is ticking, and this could be the deadliest deadline of Kate’s life. She must discover the truth behind the victim’s vicious lies, but most of all, she needs to solve the murder before she becomes the next victim.

Excerpt from the Book

Officer Emerson Diaz arrived at Carissa’s apartment complex, wearing a frown. He’d worked on the police force for years with my brother. Officer Diaz ordered Ian, Bess, and me to sit at the kitchen table and wait until he could question us. He also confirmed what we already guessed. Carissa was dead.

I texted Reid. No need to come. The cops are here. Take care of Paul.

After sending the message, I remained in my seat and took pictures of the main living area. The kitchen, eating, and living area comprised the bulk of the apartment. Sliding glass doors led to a balcony with an ocean view.

There were no signs of a struggle in this area.

If Carissa had asked my advice, I could’ve given her tips for storing her books, comforters, and magazines in an attractive and functional manner. Instead, they were scattered around the apartment with no particular organizational scheme.

Ian ran his hands through his wavy blond hair. “Do you think she killed herself?”

“I don’t know.” I swallowed hard. “It seems like the options are suicide, accidental drowning, or murder.”

His eyes widened. “But the door was chained. That’s got to mean something.”

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

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About the Author

Jackie Layton is the author of cozy mysteries with Spunky Southern Sleuths. Her stories are set in Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina. She lives on the coast of South Carolina, where she enjoys walks on the beach and golf cart rides around the marsh. Reading, gardening, and traveling are some of her favorite hobbies. She always keeps a notebook handy to write down ideas for future stories. Be careful what you say around her, because it might end up in a book.

Connect with Jackie by visiting jackielaytoncozyauthor.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

 

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a paperback copy of Clutter Free and Weeding Out Lies, a $10 Starbucks gift card, and a polka dot shopping bag!

(1) additional winner will win a paperback copy of Clutter Free!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 11, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 18, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Blog Tour of A Counterfeit Betrothal by Denise Weimer

 

 

About the Book

 

Book: A Counterfeit Betrothal

Author: Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: September 6, 2023

A frontier scout, a healing widow, and a desperate fight for peace.

At the farthest Georgia outpost this side of hostile Creek Territory in 1813, Jared Lockridge serves his country as a scout to redeem his father’s botched heritage. If he can help secure peace against Indians allied to the British, he can bring his betrothed to the home he’s building and open his cabinetry shop. Then he comes across a burning cabin and a traumatized woman just widowed by a fatal shot.

Freed from a cruel marriage, Esther Andrews agrees to winter at the Lockridge homestead to help Jared’s pregnant sister-in-law. Lame in one foot, Esther has always known she is secondhand goods, but the gentle carpenter-turned-scout draws her heart with as much skill as he creates furniture from wood. His family’s love offers hope even as violence erupts along the frontier—and Jared’s investigation into local incidents brings danger to their doorstep. Yet how could Esther ever hope a loyal man like Jared would choose her over a fine lady?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Weimer has authored over a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

 

 

More from Denise

Romance on the Colonial Georgia Frontier

Near my home north of Atlanta, we have plenty of history, which is great for a lifelong history buff like me. But apart from some Colonial-era settlement in Savannah and Augusta, most of it (at least, the recorded part) doesn’t trace back much before the Civil War. Many town and river names hint of the native people and earlier times.

Imagine my surprise when I learned that a War of 1812 fort existed in what is currently Gwinnett County—then Jackson County—less than forty miles northeast of current downtown Atlanta. That evidence of this fort was plowed up in someone’s back yard in 2009 made it even more intriguing. And the fact that I grew up in Jackson County and later briefly lived and worked in Gwinnett (as a historical interpreter, of all things) made my connection to Fort Daniel a close one. The location is now an archeological site with a small museum maintained by the Fort Daniel Foundation.

Most folks, even those who live around here, aren’t aware that the Creek War (or Red Stick War) fought in modern-day Alabama was part of the War of 1812. Or that the Cherokees fought alongside the Americans against the Creeks, allied to the British. The military side of that story is explored in my earlier novel, Bent Tree Bride. But when I learned about Fort Daniel, a home front romance, A Counterfeit Betrothal, book one in my Scouts of the Georgia Frontier Series, was born.

1813

At the farthest Georgia outpost this side of hostile Creek Territory, Jared Lockridge serves his country as a scout to redeem his father’s botched heritage. If he can help secure the peace against Indians allied to the British, he can bring his betrothed to the home he’s building and open his cabinetry shop. Then he comes across a burning cabin and a traumatized woman just widowed by a fatal shot.

Freed from a cruel marriage, Esther Andrews agrees to winter at the Lockridge homestead to help Jared’s pregnant sister-in-law. Lame in one foot, Esther has always known she is secondhand goods, but the gentle carpenter-turned-scout draws her heart with as much skill as he creates furniture from wood. His family’s love offers hope even as violence erupts along the frontier—and Jared’s investigation into local incidents brings danger to their doorstep. Yet how could Esther ever hope a loyal man like Jared would choose her over a fine lady?

Esther seems to have everything against her—a physical handicap, an abusive past, and then being stranded on the frontier without money, friends, or relatives. Not to mention, the assailant who killed her husband still appears to be stalking her. Her only skill? The herbal remedies learned from a Cherokee woman. The harshest winter in Georgia history closes in, threatening to extinguish all hope. Yet through the example of the loving Lockridge family who take Esther in, she finds her identity and strength in God’s love…and eventually, the love of a good man.

In writing this story, I drew on real history and folklore as related in History of Gwinnett County Georgia 1818-1943 Vol. I by J.C. Flanigan and The Early History of Jackson County Georgia: The Writings of the Late G.J.N. Wilson. The panther attack Esther and Tabitha Lockridge face during the hard winter is based on an 1830s account of a Missouri settler. And the Wog? This strange creature of legend is not only mentioned in the History of Jackson County, but I grew up hearing tales about it as late as the 1980s.

A Counterfeit Betrothal is a story of how healing and redemption can happen among the harshest circumstances. But it’s not just a survival tale. Its sweet romance and loyal friendship will take you back to bayberry candles and syllabub at Christmas, the scratch of a fiddle at a spring log rolling, and the laughter of loved ones gathered around a crackling fire. I hope you enjoy the journey!

My Review

The story takes place in Georgia in 1813, during a time when Creek war parties were attacking farmers' homesteads. Jared worked occasionally as a scout and lived with his brother and sister-in-law. Jared was betrothed to a woman from Augusta and was building a home for her later arrival.

Jared, while scouting, came upon a burning cabin and a dead man shot with arrows. He also finds Mrs. Andrews, now a widow and since she has nowhere to go, he takes he with him. The story gets complicated from there.

The story is one I couldn't put down. There was one unexpected situation after another that could change Jared's future. The ending wrapped up all unanswered questions and was heart-warming. The character's faith in God and family kept the characters strong and optimistic. I loved the lessons they learned along the way. An uplifting and heart-warming story of feelings of rejection to acceptance. The sweet love story weaved in warmed my heart. Highly recommended.

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

                   Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, September 6

For him and My Family, September 7

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 7

Connie’s History Classroom, September 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 9

Avid Reader Nurse, September 9

Bizwings Book Blog, September 10

Books You Can Feel Good About, September 11

Blossoms and Blessings, September 11

lakesidelivingsite, September 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 13

Holly’s Book Corner, September 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 14

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 15 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 15

Cover Lover Book Review, September 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 17

Pause for Tales, September 17

Simple Harvest Reads, September 18 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

She Lives To Read, September 19

Love. Love. Read., September 19

                 Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon 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/2813a/a-counterfeit-betrothal-celebration-tour-giveaway

New Release Book Spotlight & Review - Like a Ship on the Sea by Kellyn Roth

 

Title: Like a Ship on the Sea

Series: The Hilton Legacy

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Subgenres: Women’s Fiction / Victorian-Era Romance / Gilded-Era Romance

Launch Date: Tuesday, September 5th, 2023

ISBN: 978-1-7341685-9-4

 

If God asks you to confront a storm, how dare you stay in the harbor?

 

Lady Mary Cassidy O’Connell has a dream that can be summed up in three connecting ideas: a loving husband, adorable children, and a home of her own. Her mother’s lack of care makes life difficult for Cassie, and an escape is necessary. The plan? Marry Aubrey Montgomery, the man her parents have chosen for her, and find the peace she craves.

 

Unfortunately, Cassie is uneasy about marrying Aubrey. Her apprehension grows as she witnesses her dearest friend’s loving marriage take place. At this wedding, she catches the eye of Patrick Hilton, son of a wealthy American. Like Cassie, he’s also set to marry a woman chosen by his parents—only, Patrick claims, he is content with this choice.

 

Torn between her desire for happiness and the knowledge that God is leading her in a different direction, Cassie confronts the impossible decision. Is a loveless marriage of obligation better than being alone, or will she set sail on a voyage without a safe harbor?

 

Like a Ship on the Sea is the first novel in The Hilton Legacy, a stand-alone trilogy featuring characters from the author’s first series, The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy.

 Amazon:     https://amazon.com/dp/B0CH26VQ61/

                                 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kellyn Roth is a historical romance & women’s fiction author who writes stories to share hope in life’s storms. Her novels include the inspirational Victorian family saga, The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy, and the Kees & Colliers series, which follows a broken family in the tumultuous years of the first half of the 20th century.

Kellyn is a student of the Author Conservatory and a writing coach. When not building her author career or her indie-author-helping business, Wild Blue Wonder Press, she is likely getting lost somewhere in the Pacific Northwest with her friends, watching period dramas and facetious comedies, or spending time with her husband.

Find out more on her website, https://kellynrothauthor.com/

—Links—

My website: https://kellynrothauthor.com/books/the-hilton-legacy/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/136003771-like-a-ship-on-the-sea

My Review

Lady Mary Cassidy O'Connel at her family estate, Pearlbelle Park is courting Mr. Montgomery a suitor chosen by her parents in an arranged marriage. She knows he is not the husband for her. The Lord is leading her somewhere else, but does she have the courage to follow HIM.

Cassidy becomes friends with Patrick Helton's younger sisters and later with him. Patrick is also caught up in an understanding with his parents for an arranged marriage with Blanche who he has mixed feelings about, but feels trapped because of his obligation to his parents.

The story is about true faith in God to lead you on the right path and to honor his choice for you. Choosing to follow God first even though some of the choices can be painful.

The characters were well-developed with many layers. I especially liked Cassidy who at times struggled with making a choice but was a good influence. She cared more about serving others. The story has some heart-wrenching issues but also has a happy ending. Highly recommended.

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

The Giveaway

 

US-Only Giveaway: a signed paperback copy of Like a Ship on the Sea, a themed candle, two bookmarks, three character art prints, a themed charm bracelet, and extra special bonus scenes.

 

International Giveaway: an ebook copy of Like a Ship on the Sea, extra special bonus scenes, a themed phone wallpaper, and the first chapter of book 2.

 

Click the link to enter: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cbb544c921/

Cover Reveal for When Love Comes by Penny Zeller

Can love be found amidst broken hearts and unexpected loss?

Determined to heal her broken heart, Charlotte Eliason visits her aunts in Prune Creek, Wyoming. What should be a time of peace and calm becomes one of chaos and unwelcome surprises when she discovers her longtime foe, Tobias Hallman, is the new blacksmith. To make matters worse, her two meddlesome aunts are constantly inviting him to supper and encouraging friendship between the two sworn enemies.

Tobias Hallman has always wanted to be a blacksmith, so when an opportunity arises to own his own shop in Prune Creek, he seizes it. However, he doesn’t expect his childhood nemesis, the annoying Charlotte Eliason, to be one of Prune Creek’s newest residents.

When tragedy strikes, close proximity soon forces two reluctant hearts to become allies in a quest to rescue Tobias’s orphaned niece. Can Charlotte and Tobias put aside their preconceived disdain for each other and find love in the midst of challenging circumstances? Does God have a plan for them and for a young girl in search of someone to take the place of the parents she lost?


Take a journey back to Wyoming in Book #3 in the Wyoming Sunrise Series with Charlotte and Tobias. While you're there, revisit some of the other characters you've grown to love including John Mark, Annie, Lydie, Solomon, Aunt Myrtle, Aunt Fern, and others.


Readers of Christian historical romance will enjoy this faith-based series with tender romance, plentiful humor, and memorable characters.

Wyoming Sunrise Series
Prequel: Love's New Beginnings (Lydie and Solomon's story)
Book One: Forgotten Memories
Book Two: Dreams of the Heart
Book Three: When Love Comes (Coming December 3, 2023 and available for preorder)   

Preorder

Book Four: Love's Promise (Coming March 19, 2024, and available for preorder)

New Release- Review of A Love Redefined by Dora Hiers

 

For the last year, Beryl Rimerly locked herself in the kitchen, creating and testing recipes, so that she could enjoy this month in Butterfly Bend, relaxing on the beach with her sisters. But a call from her agent dashes that dream, and now she's back to page one. With stinging reviews like "outdated" and "something my grandmother would make" along with declining sales over the last couple of releases, Beryl must deliver recipes that attract a younger demographic or the publisher's dropping her. She can't afford any distractions, even ones as handsome and delectable as Ford Lewiston. Besides, her heart is off limits after being burned twice by men looking for a free ride into retirement. She had her one true love, and she's prepared to go through life alone.

At seventy years old, Ford Lewiston yearns to hand over the reins of his successful vacation rentals business to his son. But Brock doesn't seem enthused, and Ford's praying for the best successor to carry on his legacy. Since his beloved wife passed, he's not in a hurry to retire. But an unexpected encounter with the lovely Beryl ignites an itch to spend lazy afternoons walking the beach with her, to spend the rest of his days showing her that she's still beautiful and that those ugly reviews don't define her. He offers to photograph her dishes, and soon he realizes that her career is on the verge of exploding while his is fading into the sunset.

When a random incident and meddling sisters throw Ford and Beryl together, will Ford find a reason to retire? Are faith and family the perfect recipe to convince Beryl it's time to hang up her apron for good? Can Beryl and Ford make room in their hearts for love and redefine their futures?

To Get Your Copy

MY REVIEW

Beryl, an author of cookbooks for many years gets shocking news while on a well-needed vacation with her sisters at the Butterfly Retreat. Beryl, has a fainting spell while standing by her car and Ford stops to assist her. Their unexpected meeting is about to turn both their lives upside down.

The storyline is about second chances for romance regardless of your age, a strong faith in God, and family ties.

One of Dora's best. A must-read.

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and voluntarily chose to review it.

Julie

Hold Your Breath Cover Reveal- Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

 

The end justifies the means—or does it?

Serial dater and travel blogger Jayna Scott lands a dream assignment in Bimini, Bahamas at Mario Delgado’s resort. But after she falls hard and fast for her host, she discovers his terrible secret. Her flight instinct sends her to the mountains of North Carolina on a trip with a Tampa church group, but Mario pursues her, determined to prove his actions were justified.

Private investigator Liam Bracken helps his best friend plan a surprise engagement in Beech Mountain to the woman he once liked. Now, the mysterious Jayna, the new addition to their group, tugs at his heart, but his instincts warn him she’s running from something. When Jayna emerges at the epicenter of his agency’s high-profile drug investigation, Liam prays he can save her—and guard his heart at the same time.

Pre-Order

Review of Hearts Journey by Linda Hoover

 

Series: Heart’s Desire

Publisher: Independently Published

Release Date: September 1, 2023

Author: Linda Hoover

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

This journey isn’t about the distance they travel but the trust they discover . . .

After narrowly escaping an arranged marriage, Boston socialite Julia Phillips joyfully marries the man she loves. But shopkeeper Jacob Anderson has farming in his blood. After their wedding in June of 1880, he takes Julia to Iowa where their best-laid plans soon fall apart. As they learn to rely on each other and God’s provision, He leads them to a promising opportunity. Julia bravely steps into her new role as a farmwife; with help from a few friends—and a sense of humor—she learns the skills necessary to care for her family. Just as Jacob and Julia become established within their close-knit community, a shocking loss threatens to divide them and destroy their dreams for the future. Is God still leading their journey, or have they lost their pathway home?

Fans of Jeanette Oke and Karen Witemeyer will enjoy this sweet continuation of Jacob and Julia’s love story.

“This lovely, faith-affirming story will steal your heart from the beginning chapter and carry it through to the satisfying ending. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.” —Kathleen E. Friesen, author of Hearts Unbroken

To Order Your Copy

MY REVIEW

Julia coming from Boston and home of privilege marries Jacob from New York. The story is set in the 1880s and they decide to purchase a farm in Iowa, even though neither one has any experience with farming. Julia never set foot in a kitchen or cleaned house. After a long trip by train and wagon, they arrive in Carsonville, but not without disappointment along the way.

Trusting God to lead them to the farm they desire, they meet neighbors who insist on helping them to fit into farm life. The entire story is faith-based and filled with God's blessings, but always in his timing. It's about family, forgiveness, relationships, love, understanding, and compassion.

The main characters showed great faith, strength, and endurance in their new life. The other townspeople showed kindness and a warm welcome. I loved seeing the other characters who were not saved, finding their way to Christ. The ending was great and a total surprise.

I received a complimentary copy of the book and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Review of Mail Order Deception by Karla Gracey

 

There's loyalty... and then there's love. Which will triumph when the chips are down?

Jane has always been shy and quiet, but she’s gaining confidence in her abilities as a dressmaker, and she’s ready to take on new challenges. She’d love nothing more than to have a husband and children to complete the picture, so when she’s dared to place an ad in the paper, she does it… much to everyone’s surprise.

Bookkeeper Mark doesn’t really want a wife. He’s been burnt before, but he thinks he should have a family, so when he sees Jane’s ad, he begins writing. But he’s shy too, and when she comes to New York to purchase dressmaking fabric, he sends his twin brother, Peter, to meet her in his stead.

As soon as Peter and Jane meet, the stars collide and their whole story changes. They fall for each other immediately… The only problem is, Jane believes that Peter is Mark, and when their relationship is confined to letters again, she can’t understand why he seems so different on paper. She doesn’t love the Mark who writes to her… She loves the Mark who talks to her.

Peter is stuck… He can’t betray his brother, but can he really betray his heart when it’s so clearly telling him that Jane is his love?

The deception can’t go on forever, but how can Peter tell Jane who he really is? Doing so could lose him both of them…

Eagle Creek is never without a new tale of love and heartache, and this one will have you gripped immediately. Lose yourself in a story thick with deception and longing, and hold your breath as you wait to see if love truly can find its way to the surface.

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MY REVIEW

The story starts off in 1884, in Texas. Jane Brown, an orphan turns 16 and works as a housekeeper when she leaves. Cook becomes her close friend and so does Marianne, the lady of the house. When Marianne gets married and moves to Eagle Creek, Montana, Jane moves to be with her. Once Jane is settled in, she takes a job working as a dressmaker for Mrs. Albert and then moves into her own small house. Jane thinks she is doing well by herself but gets talked into answering an ad for a wife in the newspaper.

There were some funny moments, some intense surprises, and a sweet ending. Great characters, a surprising deception, forgiveness, and a sweet romance. This is my favorite book from Karla Gracey and highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and a positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Julie