Monday, June 10, 2024

Review Spotlight of New Release: Adoration by Jo Huddleston

Adoration: A Sweet Southern Romance (Emotions of the Heart, book 3) by Jo Huddleston

Genre: Christian Romance

Publisher: Winged Publications

Release date: June 10, 2024

Purchase link: https://amzn.to/3Qqwqnn

Book Description -

Adoration

From “a wonderful storyteller” of Southern fiction: A trusting teacher who loves with all her heart and a successful lawyer who is naïve about women meet in this 1950s sweet romance of love and deceit.

Fran Wilson secretly gives her heart to Bobby Joe Anderson when they meet. More than a year later, he hasn’t mentioned the word love. What if he has no romantic emotions toward her and never will?

Bobby Joe Anderson is a successful lawyer who can passionately argue cases in a courtroom. However, when it comes to relationships and expressing his feelings, he’s innocently naïve. But if he doesn’t wise up, he may lose Fran, whom he loves.

Fran adores Bobby Joe; however, her patience with him wears thin, and she dates a co-worker she’s just met. But when the new man’s behavior becomes disturbing, she feels unsafe and questions her association with a stranger. Will Fran return to Bobby Joe for her happily ever after? Will he accept Fran after what he considers her betrayal?\

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment with your email. Three winners will be chosen to win an ebook copy of "Adoration."

Excerpt - Adoration

When Bobby Joe entered the law office on Monday morning, he greeted Susannah with a beaming smile and a melodious “Good morning.”

“Good morning. You certainly are upbeat on a Monday.”

“Yes, ma’am, I am.”

“To what do we owe your cheerful attitude?”

“All’s right with the world!”

He walked sprightly past her desk and down the hall toward his office. Depositing his briefcase there, he went to the break room for coffee. When he passed Edward’s open office door, he knocked lightly.

Edward looked up. “Good morning, Bobby Joe. What can I do for you?”

“Well, nothing this morning. You did it all last Monday when we talked. I just wanted to thank you for your advice regarding Fran.”

“You’re welcome. Did you follow my advice? Did it work?”

“Yeah, I did. I saw Fran Saturday night, and we both got some things out in the open. It was a little rough in the beginning, but we got everything all cleared up and shared our feelings like you suggested.”

“So, you’re both happy with the outcome?”

“We are.”

“Did you propose?”

Bobby Joe took a step inside Edward’s office. “Propose what?”

“You told Fran you loved her, didn’t you?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, did you ask her to marry you?”

Bobby Joe dropped onto one of Edward’s armchairs facing him. “No. Was I supposed to?”

Edward suppressed a smile. “Well, nothing says you have to ask a woman to marry you when you tell her you love her. Do you want to marry Fran?”

“Oh, yeah…someday. I’ve been saving up to buy myself a house like Gene did before I married. Wouldn’t that be the best way to do it?”

“I suppose there are two sides to that question. Gene was smart to already own a house before he met Bernice. But look at me—I’m married, and I still don’t own a house. That proves you can make it either way.”

Bobby Joe mulled over Edward’s words a moment. “I see. What would you recommend I do? I mean, about asking Fran to marry me?”

“If it were me, mind you, and I wanted to marry a certain woman someday, I’d ask her and get a ring on her finger to let other guys know she’s taken.”

Bobby Joe’s thoughts immediately went to that teacher, Ronald.

“Say, when is Fran’s birthday?”

Bobby Joe had to think a minute. “In May.”

“That’s a long way off to wait to give her an engagement ring. But Christmas is coming up next month. You might want to think about proposing to Fran around the holiday, and the ring could be her Christmas present.”

“Wow. That would be cool. I’ll think about that. Thanks, Edward…again.”

“You’re welcome.”

Bobby Joe forgot about his coffee and whistled a quiet little tune, walking back to his office.

Excerpted from Adoration by Jo Huddleston. Copyright © 2024 by Jo Huddleston. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. Used by permission.

Jo Huddleston Bio

Award-winning and bestselling author Jo Huddleston writes sweet Southern mid-20^th-century romance. Her stories are inspired by her fascination with the 1950s and love of her native American South. Jo’s readers describe her as a wonderful storyteller whose books will inspire and entertain you.

Jo likes to laugh with people but not at people. The beach is her favorite vacation spot. Jo doesn't like to see or hear about people or animals being abused. She's a spectator fan of several sports, her favorite being tennis. Jo doesn't enjoy being in the dark and is fearful of snakes!

Visit Jo at johuddleston.com where you can read the first chapter of her novels and novellas and receive a free eBook when you sign up for her newsletter.

My Review

Book #3, Emotions of the Heart series. This book is an excellent read with characters I could immediately connect with. They were interesting and had many layers.

The storyline occurs at Colbert & Colbert Law Firm but leans more toward how the characters react to change and struggle.

Circumstances and twists I didn't see coming kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. The story has some sadness but then shows how God blesses people despite it. It is a sweet love story with a flair for mystery and suspense.

I received an ARC from the author and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Saturday, June 8, 2024

Review of Trouble in Assisi by Heidi Eljarbo

Series: A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #2
Author: Heidi Eljarbo
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: 28 May 2024
Genre: Historical Mystery, Dual-timeline art mystery, Italian Historical Fiction

This is the second book in a dual-timeline art mystery series by Heidi Eljarbo—an intriguing spin-off from her much-loved Soli Hansen Mysteries.

Assisi, 1973. On art historian Fabiola Bennett’s first day in Assisi, a local gentleman takes her aside to ask for advice about a painting that has wondrously appeared in the basilica’s bell tower. So much for enjoying relaxing days filled with dining on pasta and gelato. Soon, Fabiola and her besties, Pippa and Cary, are thrown into a shrouded mystery and caught up in a whirlwind of intrigue, theft, lies, and attempted murder, all of which overshadows the postcard-like charm of the small, historic town.

Rome, 1511.Life is going well for Teodoro Nicoletti. Since he was a young man in Florence, he has worked and learned alongside the most-favored artist Raphael. When Pope Julius II commissions Raphael to paint several frescos in the reception rooms of the Vatican Palace, Teodoro follows his master to Rome and discovers firsthand the admiration and rivalry between Raphael and two other reigning Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. But the prickliest thorn in Teodoro’s side is his beloved Elisabetta’s father. The old man is determined to keep his youngest daughter from becoming Teodoro’s wife.

To Order

My Review

Trouble in Assisi is the second book in the series and just as good as the first. It's a dual-timeline story about the adventures of Fabiola Bennett and takes place in Rome 1511 and Assisi in 1973. With one circumstance after another, I couldn't put it down.

The characters are well-developed and have lots of layers. My favorite is Fabiola who is determined in her work, has a lack of fear when faced with danger, yet is a very caring and intelligent art historian and investigator. The wonderful historical details, the mystery, and the many twists and turns kept me turning the pages.

Being an art lover, this book spoke to me and the details about the artists of 1511 brought the book to life. I felt like I was watching a movie unfold as I read. I kept trying to guess how it would end, but the ending still surprised me. A great read and I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. A positive review is not required, and all opinions are my own.

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Review of New Release: The Crown Conspiracy by Connie Mann

She’s a master at spotting a forgery . . . and knowing how to create one. But can she solve a decades-old mystery?

The media spotlight is the last thing art thief and forger Sophie Williams needs. But when one of three long-missing royal portraits turns up in Germany at her best friend’s art gallery, the spotlight is exactly what she gets. Since the tragic deaths of Princess Johanna of Neuhansberg and her two children forty years ago, the whereabouts of these portraits have been unknown . . . and the timing of their reappearance—just days before a new prince’s coronation—reignites questions surrounding the infamous accident.

Then Sophie’s best friend vanishes, and a rumor about hidden treasure connected to the paintings surfaces, seemingly confirmed by a cryptic message on the back of the first canvas. Convinced that finding the other two portraits will lead to her friend, Sophie begins a twisty investigation that pits her against other ruthless treasure hunters, a handsome investigator who seems to dog her trail at every turn, and a mysterious group that offers help, wearing an emblem identical to one on the painting.

From Germany’s grand castles and soaring cathedrals through the Alps to the canals of Venice, Sophie must choose her allies carefully if she hopes to find the portraits, rescue her best friend—and perhaps save a throne—before time runs out.

A clean, contemporary adventure with a dash of romance
A thrilling cold case mystery
Includes discussion questions for book groups

To Order

MY REVIEW

The Speranza team are taken on an adventure of their lives. When girls from the encampments are missing, Lise and Sophie look into what happened. The Crown Conspiracy has wonderfully developed characters, non-stop action, art thefts, trips to many different places, and all while being chased by the bad guys.

The non-stop action has lots of twists and turns that have you puzzled one instance after another. Friend or Foe? Robin Hood thief, art investigator, and the police are all involved. A set of characters that will have your head swimming in delight trying to figure it all out.

Everything wraps up nicely in the end with surprises that will make you smile and go, "A-hah!" I can't wait for the next in the series. I highly recommend it.

I received an ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Review of Chain of Mercy by Brenda S. Anderson

Chain of Mercy JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Chain of Mercy by Brenda S. Anderson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Chain of Mercy
Series: Coming Home
Author: Brenda Anderson
Publisher: Independently published through The Mosaic Collection (2nd ed.)
Release Date: April 22, 2014 (1st ed.)
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Christian)

A devastating argument
One reckless decision
An unforgivable sin

Successful Manhattan businessman Richard Brooks is living the dream, drunk with success and all its trappings, until one reckless decision turns his dream life into a living nightmare.

Richard flees to Minneapolis where he repairs ancient boilers instead of solving corporate problems, and he's determined to live the solitary life he now deserves.

Executive Sheila Peterson has other plans for the handsome custodian. Richard appears to be the perfect match for the no-strings-attached romance she's after, but she soon discovers that he's hiding more than the designer clothes in his closet.

Richard can't deny the allure of a relationship with Sheila. The closer they get, though, the greater the risk that she will discover not only who he used to be but also the unforgivable sin he committed that reckless night.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

MY REVIEW

Chain of Mercy is the perfect title for this emotional story covering a tough subject but is handled very well and brings insights into the physical and mental issues of abortion.

The characters of Richard and Sheila appeared real with real strengths and flaws, each struggling with their demons. Richard, a backsliding Christian, and Sheila, unsure if she believes a God exists. Meghan was another character that went from a hate-filled heart but was redeemed and bad turned to good.

I saw God's influence in this insightful and inspirational read and was drawn into the story from the beginning pages. As the story unfolded, it was evident that God used people and equipped them when they felt unqualified for the task. I can't wait to read and highly recommend the rest of the series.

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

About the Author

Brenda S. Anderson

Brenda S. Anderson writes authentic and gritty life-affirming fiction that shows God at work in people’s messy lives. She enjoys live sports and theater, walking along the shores of Lake Superior, and sharing hot cocoa with friends and family. She lives near Minneapolis with her newly retired husband and their mischievous twin kitties.

Connect with Brenda at brendaandersonbooks.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a book box which includes a paperback copy of Chain of Mercy and locally crafted, book-related items like a Booktrovert glass tumbler, bath balls, a bookish tote, bookmarks, and much more!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 28, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 4, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for book box. Winner outside the US will receive a $30 Amazon gift card and ebook. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Review of When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer

About the Book

Book: When Hope Sank

Author: Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian / Historical / Romance

Release date: May, 2024

Can Hope Resurface After Evil Tries to Drown It?

Introducing a series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic American disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.

The Civil War has taken everything from Lily Livingston—her parents, her twin brother, her home. Now she works at her uncle’s inn and keeps her head down. Speaking up for her beliefs proved too costly in a part of Arkansas split by conflicting loyalties and overrun by spies and bushwhackers.

Emaciated in body but resilient in spirit, Lieutenant Cade Palmer is crowded onto the Sultana with other paroled Andersonville and Cahaba POWs for the journey north. But a fiery explosion on April 27, 1865, rends the steamer and empties two thousand men into the frigid Mississippi River.

Recovering from wounds that might end his career as a surgeon but clinging to his faith, Cade threatens both Lily’s defenses and her heart. How can she tell him she might’ve prevented the tragedy if only she’d reported a suspected saboteur’s claims? And when the man returns to town and encoded messages pass through the hotel, will Lily follow her convictions to prevent another tragedy?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Wonderfully written historical story of the sinking of the steamboat Sultana. The historical aspects of the story made it come alive and I was engaged from the beginning. The main characters are well-developed and lead interesting lives filled with hardships. Their struggles tugged at my heart.

The storyline takes place just after the Civil War with countless injured soldiers. There are accounts of espionage, deception, and betrayal, but the story also shows hope and faith in God. It's a good over evil, and sacrifice over selfishness story. You will be thinking about the story long after the last page is turned. An excellent and exciting story.

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

About the Author

Denise Weimer holds a journalism degree with a minor in history from Asbury University. A former magazine writer, Denise authored romantic novella Redeeming Grace, as well as The Georgia Gold Series (Sautee Shadows, The Gray Divide, The Crimson Bloom, and Bright as Gold, winner of the 2015 John Esten Cooke Award for outstanding Southern literature) and The Restoration Trilogy (White, Widow and Witch) with Canterbury House Publishing. A wife and swim mom of two daughters, Denise always pauses for old houses, coffee and chocolate, and to write any story the Lord lays on her heart.

More from Denise

The first novel I ever wrote was set during the Civil War, inspired by travels to historic sites of the Southeast with my parents and scribbled in my eleven-year-old hand in spiral-bound notebooks. Fresh out of college with my new degree in journalism with a minor in history on my shelf, I narrowly missed signing a contract for another Civil War series. Fast forward another decade or so. I was a young mom writing for magazines and directing a volunteer 1800s dance group when my Georgia Gold Series, literary-style historical fiction set between the Cherokee Removal and Reconstruction, found a home with Canterbury House Publishing. Since then, I’ve written everything from Hallmark-style contemporaries to Rev War romances (including my current Scouts of the Georgia Frontier Series with Wild Heart Books, where I also work as an editor). Everything but Civil War-era stories … until this one.

It feels a lot like coming home.

Some of that also has to do with the fact that I love writing stories that illustrate how God can bring healing and redemption out of the most difficult circumstances. I also endeavor to work as much real history as possible into the plots of my novels. And I love finding a little-known aspect of the past to center a story upon. When Hope Sank embodies all those things.

Reeling from the loss of over 600,000 men in the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln just the week prior, the nation hardly noticed when a steamer carrying a couple thousand U.S. prisoners of war exploded in the Mississippi River on April 27, 1865. Over eleven hundred perished in the icy waters that swelled several miles past the normal embankments at flood stage, making the sinking of the Sultana the most crippling maritime disaster in the nation’s history.

The former POWs on their way to muster out at Camp Chase, Ohio, were already emaciated and ill from imprisonment at infamous Andersonville and Cahaba prison camps. A number were badly burned when the boilers exploded, and many did not know how to swim. You can imagine the scene that ensued. While the steamboats docked at Memphis—which had been under Union occupation since the summer of 1862—got up steam, local citizens hurried to help, even those on the Arkansas shore who had fought for the Confederacy. The towns of Hopefield, Marion, and Mound City had suffered harsh reprisals for harboring Confederate guerillas. The area was well-known as a hotbed of spies and saboteurs intent on disrupting Union shipping on the Mississippi.

From this cauldron of chaos, discontent, and pain, an emotionally rich story was born. Focused on survival for herself and her little brother, Lily works at her uncle’s inn and keeps her Union sympathies to herself in her family of Southern sympathizers. The Yankee lieutenant she pulls from the river needs emotional healing even more than physical, though his wounds may compromise his ability to practice as a surgeon. The bond that forms between them from their shared faith and allegiances makes Lily question if she might have another option besides marrying her childhood sweetheart, a former partisan. And when coded message pass through River’s Rest, Lily struggles to find the courage to do what she didn’t the first time—speak out to save lives.

While the sinking of the Sultana may be the inciting event in When Hope Sank, it’s not the main focus. The reactions of the characters in the aftermath are. In our lives as followers of Christ, isn’t that where the real focus should lie? How we respond to tragedy? How we learn to reach for God instead of blaming Him? How, when we walk with Him, He brings beauty out of our ashes? It’s my prayer that the message of When Hope Sank settles deep in your heart.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 28

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 28

Bizwings Book Blog, May 29

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 29

Alena Mentink, May 30

Lighthouse Academy Blog, May 30 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Betti Mace, May 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 31

Texas Book-aholic, June 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 2

Book Looks by Lisa, June 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 3

Life, Love, Writing, June 4

Blogging With Carol, June 4

The Lofty Pages, June 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 5

For Him and My Family, June 6

Blossoms and Blessings, June 6

Stories By Gina, June 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, June 7

Cover Lover Book Review, June 8

Connie’s History Classroom, June 8

Holly’s Book Corner, June 9

An Author’s Take, June 9

Pause for Tales, June 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift 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/2bbf4/when-hope-sank-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, May 24, 2024

Review of The Song of Sourwood Mountain by Ann H. Gabhart

While the century began with such promise, it is 1910 when Mira Dean's hopes of being a wife and mother are dashed to pieces. Her fiancé dead from tuberculosis, Mira resigns herself to being a spinster schoolteacher--until Gordon Covington shows up.

No longer the boy she knew from school, Gordon is now a preacher who is full of surprises. First, he asks Mira to come to Sourwood in eastern Kentucky to teach at his mission school. Second, he asks her to marry him. Just like that. And all at once the doors that had seemed firmly shut begin to open, just a crack.

With much trepidation, Mira steps out in faith into a life she never imagined, in a place filled with its own special challenges, to serve a people who will end up becoming the family she always dreamed of.

From the pen of bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart comes a heartwarming story of the unexpected blessings that can come when we dare to follow the Lord's leading.

To Order

My Review

The Song of Sourwood Mountain is a story about Mira Dean, a schoolteacher who loses her fiancé due to illness and figures she will spend the rest of her life as a spinster. That is until she meets Gordon Covington, a single minister from Sourwood Mountain, and complicates her life even more.

I loved the way the author describes the countryside and the mountain folk including their customs. The main characters are very relatable, and I enjoyed their many layers. My favorite character was Ada June, a ten-year-old girl living through difficult times but was a ray of sunshine to read about.

The story takes you through a series of pain and disappointments but also one of immense faith and hope. I couldn't put it down.

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