My Review of "Capturing Hope" by Angela K. Couch Book Tour

 

 

About the Book

 

Book: Capturing Hope

Author: Angela K Couch

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release Date: November, 2023

One step ahead of the Nazi’s. . .leaves Nadia little room for hope.

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

After her father is murdered by Nazis and her mother flees to her native Germany, hope is something of which Nadia Roenne feels little—even if it is the meaning of her name. It isn’t until an American photographer sacrifices his escape from Poland to save a Jewish family, that she finds a purpose. David Reid is very familiar with failure, but when he is charged with getting Nadia safely out of Poland, he is determined to succeed—even if she works against him at every turn, putting other’s lives ahead of her own. While they race against the daily shower of bombs over Warsaw and the ever-nearing German army, Nadia grows used to risking her life. . .but dare she risk her heart?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Capturing Hope is a very well-written historical novel about the takeover of Poland by Germany during WWII. Also, the extermination of Polish Jews.

The storyline is a heart-wrenching one fraught with hardships, the unknown future, fear, and death. Among this, the main characters do their best to survive and rescue others, putting their lives in danger. David Reid, a photographer is sworn by Baron Roenne to bring his wife and daughter safely to London. Needless to say, nothing goes smoothly as the invasion begins. The confidence of David and Nadia is uplifting.

The characters seem to leap off the page and pull at your heart. I found myself fully engaged in the story and couldn't put it down through all the twists and turns. The research by the author is amazing.

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

 

About the Author

To keep from freezing in the great white north, Angela K Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the 2016 International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and toasty warm) by chasing after five munchkins.

 

 

More from Angela

When I first decided to set a story during the invasion of Poland, I was woefully unprepared for the pain and horror I found there. I wasn’t new to World War II and had just finished writing A Rose for the Resistance, which is set in France during the war and deals with the resistance and the Normandy invasion. The atrocities and genocide in Poland cut so much deeper.

In the early hours of September 1, 1939, the small town of Wielun, Poland, woke to a shower of bombs on their community. They did not house an army or warehouses, only homes and civilian businesses. Wielun was not the only town or village targeted—demonstrating the Nazi goal to spread fear and death. Six months earlier, Hitler had promised that if Poland did not bow to his wishes, he would wipe them off the map. Over the next month, and more so in the following six years, he came very close to succeeding.

For the full month of September 1939, while German armies rolled across the country, the city of Warsaw endured daily bombardment. Homes, workplaces, churches on Sunday morning, the Warsaw maternity hospital— nowhere was safe. On the tenth of September, someone recorded seventeen separate air raids over the city. I was moved to tears while viewing photographs of women and children who had been shot in the streets and fields by the bombers after they had dropped their payloads over the city.

No one came to their rescue.

Poland was abandoned by its allies to the Nazis.

So how do you write about all that and more while still trying to keep hope alive in the story and in the characters who have to live through such a frightening and demoralizing history?

I invite you to read Capturing Hope to find out.

                Blog Stops

An Author’s Take, November 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 30

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 1

Lily’s Corner, December 1

Texas Book-aholic, December 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 3

For him and My Family, December 3

Betti Mace, December 4

Books You Can Feel Good About, December 4

Life on Chickadee Lane, December 5

Cover Lover Book Review, December 5

Alena Mentink, December 6

lakesidelivingsite, December 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 7

Blossoms and Blessings, December 7

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 8 (Author Interview)

Devoted to Hope, December 8

Bizwings Book Blog, December 9

Exploring the Written Word, December 9

Holly’s Book Corner, December 10

Pause for Tales, December 10

Connie’s History Classroom, December 11

Labor Not in Vain, December 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 12

Lights in a Dark World, December 12

Joy Suzanne Hunt, December 13

Books I’ve Read, December 13

                 Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon eGift card and copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2909b/capturing-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review of "The Warsaw Sisters" by Amanda Barratt

 

On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.

When Antonina's beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls along with the rest of Warsaw's Jewish population, Antonina turns her worry into action and becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland's secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation. But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear the sisters apart--and the cost of resistance proves greater than either ever imagined.

Shining a light on the oft-forgotten history of Poland during WWII and inspired by true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times, The Warsaw Sisters is a richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of our deepest ties.

To Purchase

About the Author

Amanda Barratt is the bestselling author of numerous historical novels and novellas including THE WARSAW SISTERS, WITHIN THESE WALLS OF SORROW, and THE WHITE ROSE RESISTS. Her work has been the recipient of the Christy Award and the Carol Award, as well as an Honorable Mention in the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards.

Amanda is passionate about illuminating oft-forgotten facets of history through a fictional narrative. She lives in Michigan and can often be found researching her next novel, catching up on her to-be-read stack, or savoring a slice of her favorite lemon cake.

To connect with Amanda, visit: www.amandabarratt.net.

My Review

If I could give this historical novel a 5+ I would. This is by far one of the best-researched and written historical novels I've read.

Although, heartwrenching at times and emotional, it was balanced out with hope. Two sisters, Antonina and Helena, each chose their own path working for the resistance when the Germans occupied Poland. They risked their lives many times for others.

The storyline is filled with heroism, courage, and the cruelty of war. At times, tears filled my eyes, soon to be replaced with pride at the sisters' heroic actions. The book left me thinking about the impact on Warsaw's citizens, the Jewish people living among them, and the drastic changes in their lives. Highly recommended. I couldn't put it down.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Revell, and chose to review it. A positive review is not required and all opinions are my own.

Review of "Wounded Tiger" by T. Martin Bennett

Wounded Tiger is the true, character-driven story of the Japanese pilot who led the Pearl Harbor attack, an American prisoner of war, and a college girl who becomes the fulcrum of change in this epic book. 

Three incredibly different people's paths cross in ways so remarkable that it would be hard to believe if it weren't so well documented. This is a meticulously researched true story of hatred, love, revenge, and redemption.

This massively updated 3rd edition for 2023 contains new content, information, and over 300 historic photographs and documents, some of which have never before been published!

To Purchase

My Review

Wounded Tiger is based on a true story following three different people. I'm a fan of historical fiction and the author has woven a story that reads like historical fiction but has historical accuracy which gives us the best of both. I was amazed at how easy the story was to read. The addition of the many photos brought the story to life for me.

Following the lives of Mitsuo Fuchida, Jake Desazer, and the Covell family, gave me the perspective to see how each reacted to the war they became part of. The story is intense, at times heartbreaking, and left people's lives changed forever.

If you are a history buff or enjoy true historical stories told in fiction style, this one is for you.

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

        More About the Book

  

                                                                                                                    

                                                                    

To remember and honor Pearl Harbor Memorial Day, we're excited to offer you the chance to win a copy of the critically acclaimed “Wounded Tiger” by T. Martin Bennett

                        Enter the Giveaway

  

New Release December 5th- "When Love Comes" (Wyoming Sunrise Book 3) 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 to cross paths with his childhood nemesis, the annoying Charlotte Eliason. But if she’s so annoying, why is she constantly on his mind?

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 grieving the untimely loss of her parents?

A woman with a broken heart. A man struggling with the loss of his family and the subsequent care of his young niece. And two silly aunts who discover it's never too late for true love.

Preorder today at 99c special pricing!

Purchase

My Review

The story puts Charlotte in the path of a childhood foe, Tobias Hallman. Charlotte isn't happy to find him living in the same town, but God has his plan for her life. Lanie, orphaned by the death of her parents, won my heart and is my favorite character.

The main characters were very relateable, the storyline was filled with instances of God's love and grace. Lots of humorous banter from Charlotte's aunts, surprising circumstances you won't see coming, and lots of faith and hope.

One of Penny's best. Highly recommended.

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

 

Once Upon the Very First Christmas by Rory Feek

 

Bestselling author and songwriter Rory Feek takes children and families on a beloved journey to Christmas past in Once Upon the Very First Christmas. On a picturesque farm, schoolchildren gather their homemade costumes and props and put on a heartwarming Christmas play for the community. As they don halos for the angel choir or round up sheep for the final nativity scene, readers will be immersed in the greatest blessings of Christmas—the gift of Jesus—and be reminded that we can rejoice together in the wonder of the season.

Rory's soothing and lyrical retelling of the Christmas story

• is paired with magical illustrations by Christine Cuddihy of a homemade Christmas play,
• is perfect for ages 4 to 8, and
• is a great gift for Christmas, baby showers, and baptisms.

Take a moment to slow down this Advent and Christmas to treasure that first Christmas, God's gift of Jesus, and every precious moment He's given you to celebrate with family and friends.

Purchase

My Review

Once Upon the Very First Christmas is a new retelling of the Christmas story from the eyes of the schoolchildren's play, held on a farm.  The story is filled with beautiful illustrations of the children as they put on the play for the community.

The book is a large size with a beautifully illustrated cover in vivid colors that will get your children's attention. It is well written in short sentences that children can understand.

Celebrate the magic of Christmas with your little ones with Once Upon the Very First Christmas with Rory's soothing and lyrical storytelling, along with Christine Cuddihy's vivid illustrations, young readers will be immersed in the story of the first Christmas, the gift of Jesus.

Get your copy today and start a new tradition of reading this to your young loved ones each Christmas. A book to enjoy and create special moments with your family.

Blog Tour of The Restless Wrangler by Karen Baney

 

 

About the Book

 

Book: The Restless Wrangler

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Christian Western

Release Date: March 8, 2023

A Prodigal Son, Surprise Baby Christian Historical Cowboy Romance. Compelling love story full of heartache and redemption set in Ash Fork, Arizona Territory in 1893-1894.

Preston Colter felt like he was the forgotten son. Years of drinking and drifting finally catch up to him. When a near-death experience recharts the course of his life, he finds himself face-to-face with an old flame. Will he prove he is a new and different man, or will he fall back into his old destructive ways

Years ago, Hetty Clark made one bad choice to follow her attraction to a man she loved which led to the birth of her son out of wedlock. After she inherits her father’s ranch, an older man offers her security for her son’s future if she marries him. When the man from her past shows up on her doorstep, she is faced with a difficult decision. Will she choose a loveless proposal to secure her son’s future? Or will she risk her heart on a man she doesn’t believe has really changed?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

The Restless Wrangler is a good story about overcoming an addiction and a second chance for happiness. Preston & Hetty have a painful past history. Hetty has trouble forgiving Preston. Preston is harboring guilt and a long separation from his family. He's been the prodigal son for quite a while.

Things change dramatically throughout the story. Some changes are a challenge and others a blessing. My heart went out to Preston and Hetty. With God's help and faith things can change for the positive.

The ending wrapped up nicely and I enjoyed taking the journey with the Coulter family. Great fleshed characters with lots of layers, good storyline, and historical details woven in. Highly recommended.

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

 

About the Author

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona in the late 1990s, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

 

More from Karen

What was the inspiration behind Preston Colter’s character?

I love a good prodigal story—partly because I was one. I also figured in a family with five boys and one daughter, at least one of them had to have a rebellious streak. Very early in developing the series, I felt like this role would be perfect for a fifth son.

Why did you write the series in the first person?

A few years ago, I read a historical series by Tess Thompson where she wrote the hero and heroine in the first person. I had enjoyed how the point of view felt deeper when written in the first person, so with the Colter Sons Series, I decided to give it a try. Since then, I’ve loved hearing from many readers how much they’ve enjoyed it.

If you’re a little nervous about reading something in the first person, please take advantage of the sample download feature available on most ereaders, including Kindle. The point of view characters are clearly marked at the beginning of the chapter and whenever the point of view changes.

Hetty Clark is a rancher?! What inspired you to choose that profession for her, especially since the book is set in 1893?

One of my favorite research sites for Arizona territorial history is the Sharlot Hall Museum’s online archives and “Days Past” articles. I read several articles about the early days of Prescott, Arizona’s Independence Day Celebrations. These were HUGE events for the town and surrounding communities, which eventually expanded into Cowboy Tournaments (aka Rodeo).

After reading an article about the women winners in the Cowboy Tournament in 1888, I dug deeper into what competitions the women participated in. I was surprised to learn that many of the women worked on ranches right alongside their husbands or brothers.

I enjoy writing strong female characters in unconventional roles, so making Hetty Clark a bronc rider and a ranch manager fit perfectly with the type of woman I pictured for Preston.

                     Blog Stops

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 2 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 3

By The Book, November 4 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 6 (Author Interview)

lakesidelivingsite, November 7

Sylvan Musings, November 8 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 9

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 10 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Book Blog, November 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 11

Artistic Nobody, November 12 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, November 12

Simple Harvest Reads, November 13 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Guild Master, November 14 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 15

                  Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 gift card with signed paperback copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/28b2b/the-restless-wrangler-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Tour of Estelle's Endeavor by Linda Shenton Matchett

 

 

About the Book

Book: Estelle's Endeavor

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 26, 2023

Will a world at war destroy a second chance at love?

Estelle Johnson promises to wait for Aubry DeLuca to return from war, but then she receives word of his debilitating injuries. Does she have the strength to stand by him during his hour of need?

Aubry DeLuca storms the beaches of Normandy, then wakes up in a hospital, his eyes heavily bandaged. Will the only woman he’s ever loved welcome him home or is he destined to go through life blind and alone?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Estelle's Endeavor is a sweet romance with God's redemption. A time of new beginnings and trusting in God to heal the hearts of Aubry and Estelle. Aubry back from the war tries to put the memories behind him but doesn't know how. Nightmares keep him on edge and outbursts due to stress from his war injury keep Estelle confused.

The author created a wonderful small town with a library as a backdrop. It was easy to read and the main characters had plenty of layers, and I felt connected from the beginning.

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

 

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. 

She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a former trustee for her local public library. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state and immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

 

 

 

More from Linda

Dear lovely readers,

I was thrilled to be asked to participate in Thanksgiving Books & Blessing Collection Five because Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday. When I was growing up, no matter where we lived (and we lived a lot of places thanks to my dad’s job!), my parents would bundle all of us into the car and we’d make the trip to my maternal grandparent’s house in Maryland; the tiny town of Burtonsville to be exact. Cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents, with the occasional “honorary family member” (anyone who had nowhere to spend the holiday) would gather.

The adults ate at a HUGE table in the dining room, and the kids were relegated to card tables in the living room. My grandmother and great aunt must have prepared for days. After dinner, we kids were responsible for washing the dishes (and with 20-30 people, there were tons!). I have countless happy memories from those days. Our Thanksgiving celebrations are much smaller now, but no less joyous.

In Estelle’s Endeavor, I wanted to explore the holiday and the concept of thankfulness in light of a world at war. Could people find it in their hearts to be thankful in spite of their circumstances not because of them? Additional themes emerged as the story unfolded, and I hope you are encouraged by the characters’ journey.

 

Blessings,

Linda Shenton Matchett

                  Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 7

The Lofty Pages, November 7

Maureen’s Musings, November 8

Alena Mentink, November 8

Bizwings Blog, November 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 10

Texas Book-aholic, November 11

Mary Hake, November 11

Mornings at Character Cafe, November 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 13

Connie’s History Classroom, November 14

Betti Mace, November 15

She Lives To Read, November 15

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 16

For Him and My Family, November 17

The Lit Lady, November 18

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, November 18

Holly’s Book Corner, November 19

SusanLovesBooks, November 20

Pens Pages & Pulses, November 20

                   Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Visa Gift Card and signed copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/28d32/estelle-s-endeavor-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review of "Hold Your Breath" by 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.

Get Your Copy

My Review

Jayna, running for her life on her own terms, accepts an invitation to stay in the Bahamas. There she falls for the owner but doesn't realize the mistake when she accepts his marriage proposal. Everything goes to worse from there.

The dialogue is great, characters with real flaws, and a great plot will keep you on the edge of your seat. An action-packed story with drug runners, a fight for your life, and a tropical setting completes the harrowing tale. I felt this one was even better than the first in the series.

The Christian element is woven into the story and fills the reader with hope, salvation, and a new life filled with God's blessings.

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