Review of A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado by Kathleen Denly

 

 

About the Book

 

Book: A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado

Author: Kathleen Denly

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: October 8, 2024

When death visits Coronado, will secrets of the past keep them from uncovering the truth?

Her entire life, Eleanore Wainright has been molded to fit the ideal society wife in the glittering world of New York’s elite. Her father’s aspirations for her are clear: marry a man of wealth and status, and secure their family’s future. But when she arrives at the Hotel del Coronado with intentions to do just that, Eleanore’s carefully laid plans are thrown into disarray when she comes face to face with Thomas Harding, the man who shattered her heart and disappeared without a trace.

Working as a bellboy at California’s newest and most prestigious resort, Thomas never imagined crossing paths with Eleanore again, let alone amidst the backdrop of a suspicious death.

As the investigation continues and tensions rise, Eleanore and Thomas are forced to confront not only the ghosts of their past but also the secrets that threaten to destroy their future and the futures of those they hold dear. With the eyes of New York’s elite upon them, they must choose between the responsibilities they’re expected to fulfill and the love they’ve always yearned for, risking everything in the process.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

It is a wonderful Christmas story filled with historical details, a second-chance romance, and a mystery. The background setting of the Hotel del Coronado is perfect for this tale. Eleanor Wainwright, along with her Aunt Gladys, accompanies her father to the hotel. Little does she know that she will find someone from her past.

There is a family mystery, a murder, and lies that come out to keep you guessing. This book has everything you could ask for in a fast-paced historical romance. It will have you engrossed from the beginning.

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

 

About the Author

Kathleen Denly lives in sunny California with her loving husband, four young children, two dogs, and ten cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

 

 

 

More from Kathleen

A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado was inspired first by the true events surrounding the tragic death of a mysterious woman that occurred at Coronado’s world famous hotel in November of 1892, and second by the fun antics of Miss Scarlet in the Masterpiece television show, Miss Scarlet and the Duke.

Although Miss Scarlet is a professional sleuth, I chose to make my heroine, Eleanore Wainright, an amateur sleuth who typically puts her keen observation skills to use when secretly writing her own mystery novels. That is, until an unexpected death compels her to use those skills to uncover the truth. Of course my hero, Thomas Harding, gets wrapped into helping her despite the tension of past heartbreak lying between them.

One of the most fun parts of writing this story was seeing Eleanore’s spunky Aunt Gladys support and encourage her niece. Aunt Gladys has an energy and sassiness that belies her years. And today, her curiosity has got the better of her. You see, Eleanore is being stubborn and won’t reveal the title of her current work in progress, so Aunt Glady is snooping through her niece’s room for clues.

To learn more about the true history behind this story, look for the author’s note at the back of the book!

                   Blog Stops

Holly’s Book Corner, October 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 29

Texas Book-aholic, October 30

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 2

Devoted To Hope, November 3

Pause for Tales, November 3

Connie’s History Classroom, November 4

She Lives To Read, November 5

Simple Harvest Reads, November 6 (Guest Review from Donna)

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 7

Stories By Gina, November 8 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, November 8

Hannahbandanarama, November 9

Cover Lover Book Review, November 10

Blossoms and Blessings, November 11

Bizwings Book Blog, November 11

                   Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize of an enamel mug, scented candle, A6 journal notebook, ballpoint pen with black ink, and a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5481

New Release- Buster and The Christmas Parade by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

 

It's Christmastime and Buster's going to be in the big parade! NASCAR legend and New York Times bestselling author Dale Earnhardt Jr. introduces Buster and the Christmas Parade, the third book in the popular Buster the Race Car series.

It may be chilly out, but rival race car Scuff's mean comments make Buster's oil run hotter than ever! When Coach Hog invites Scuff, who was alone at the holidays, to join Punchy Motorsports in the Christmas parade, Buster must navigate the difficult course of finding the true spirit of Christmas and traveling the festive parade route with his main competition.

This jacketed picture book

• is ideal for kids, ages 4 to 8;
• shows kids the importance of kindness and forgiveness, an especially important message during the Christmas season; and
• is a perfect gift for Christmas and Advent.

Ride along with Buster and enjoy this heartwarming story that is a perfect read for children who love race cars and Christmas adventures.

Check out the other books in the Buster the Race Car series:

• Buster's Trip to Victory Lane
• Buster Gets Back on Track

To Order

About Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is an American professional stock car racing driver, champion team owner, businessman, television analyst for NBC Sports Group, and inductee into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. 

He won a record 15-straight NASCAR Most Popular Driver awards from 2003 to 2017, consecutive NASCAR Busch Series Championships in 1998 and 1999, and the prestigious Daytona 500 in 2004 and 2014. 

He is a two-time New York Times bestselling author, including his 2018 book Racing to the Finish. Dale lives in Mooresville, North Carolina, with his wife, Amy, and their two daughters, Isla and Nicole.

My Review

Buster and The Christmas Parade is about being part of a team that works together. Buster shows the Christmas spirit by embracing a car that isn't part of the team. The book teaches and important message for young children about forgiveness.

The writing style fits the age group the book is written for, and the bright and colorful illustrations are exceptional and filled with emotion. The beautiful illustrations are fun to look at and well done fitting the book perfectly. The cover will catch the eye of young children and adults as well. A wonderful book to add to your child's library.

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

Review of New Release- Peril in Dry Springs by Kristina Hall

 

Dry Springs hasn’t seen the last of trouble.

Ira Burke is surviving—just barely thanks to an injury that about stole his ability to hold down a job. The fact that the new saloon owner finds him a threat further complicates matters, as does the town matchmaker’s attempts to marry him off to the woman who helped him during the war.

Patience Ashbee arrives in Dry Springs to care for the younger sister she hasn’t spoken to in six years. What she doesn’t expect to find is an acquaintance from the war—or the dangers that follow her all too closely.

Because peril has once again come to Dry Springs.

From Kristina Hall, author of women's Christian fiction, comes a historical novel featuring high stakes, faith, humor, and a hint of romance.

To Order

My Review

Peril in Dry Springs is a wonderful story set in 1867. My favorite character is Ira Burke, a colonel in the war who had quite a reputation. The rest of the characters are well-developed, making the story come to life.

The town of Dry Springs had its share of trouble since Thurlow came to town. There are some twists and, times of suspense, even some budding romance to balance things out. The story is well-written, the characters appear real, and the town descriptions made me feel like I was there.

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

Review of Jackson's Fall by Carole Brown

 

 

About the Book

 

Book: Jackson’s Fall (Troubles in the West Book Three)

Author: Carole Brown

Genre: Western Romantic Suspense

Release date: August 20, 2024

He’d never fainted in his life. Hardly ever been sick. Never been afraid to tackle wild animals, untamed horses, or men with guns. But…there was his brother Jeremiah. A person so despicable he’d hope to never see him again. And worse, facing the heartless woman, Penelope, who’d betrayed him in front of the whole town—-standing here now just feet away from him with Jeremiah—well, for the first time in his life, he wanted to run. Fast.

Yet, he couldn’t. He wouldn’t. There was his job that he loved, and the dreams he’d planned. But most of all, there was a new woman in town. A woman who was kind and sweet and beautiful with a heart of gold. They were friends—good  friends, and neither of them expected anything else.

But can Jackson Barlowe find peace in the good things of his life? Or would the two people who had destroyed his past, ruin his life forever?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Jackson's Fall is an exciting and suspense filled story. Jackson bearing heartbreak from a run away bride isn't about to fall for another woman ever. But, that was before he laid eyes on Gabrille.

A sweet love story about how God can heal broken hearts and put people together and enable them to love again. Both main characters became real with their many layers. They had real faults, love for others, and were eventually willing to take a chance on love.

The writing style was easy to read and descriptions brought it alive. A happily ever after ending made me smile.

I was given a complimentary copy from the author and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

 

About the Author

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of twenty-some, some of which are best selling, award-winning books, she loves to weave suspense, mystery and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She’s also published one children’s book and is in two anthologies. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. She has found that the traveling and ministering has served her well in writing her novels. Together, they enjoy their grandsons and great granddaughter, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grands?

More from Carole

In Jackson’s Fall, the female protagonist, Gabrielle Autumn, and her Grandparents own a bakery in the small town of Roaring Springs. Although I don’t mention this recipe in the book, it is one that I really believe Grandmama Mayfair would have baked and sold in her shop. And, perhaps, would have taught Gabrielle to make also. It’s totally delicious and diverse in that you can use whatever kind of fruit that you wish.

My mother made it often in our house! A perfect dessert for a historical, western setting…and a modern day family meal. I truly hope you enjoy making and eating it at your supper table.

Mountain Pie

1 cup of self rising flour

¾ cup of sugar

1 stick of butter

¾ cup of milk

Fruit Filling

Melt butter in baking dish

Pour batter over butter

Put fruit or pie filling on top of batter

Bake in moderate oven (around 350 degrees), 15-20 minutes

Serve as is or with ice cream.

                 Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, November 2

Vicky Sluiter, November 3 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Book Blog, November 4

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 5 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, November 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 6

Simple Harvest Reads, November 7 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 8

For the Love of Literature, November 9 (Author Interview)

Karen Baney Reviews, November 9

Texas Book-aholic, November 10

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 11 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 12

Blossoms and Blessings, November 13 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, November 14 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, November 15 (Author Interview)

               Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift certificate and an eBook copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5485

Review of New Release: Courting the Country Preacher by Angela K. Couch, Carolyn Miller, Naomi Dawn Musch, and Kari Trumbo

Every Preacher Needs a Wife, Right?
 
Being a preacher in the countryside is not for the faint of heart nor faith. Four inexperienced preachers face a myriad of challenges including those who figure a man of the cloth needs a wife. Can they meet the expectations of “helpful” congregants and be true to their hearts?
 

To Order on Amazon

My Review

This collection of four stories was a blessing to read and is filled with hope and love. All four stories warmed my heart. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.

# 1-The Mounties Rival by Angela Couch
A lovely uplifting story of a country preacher who isn't as settled in his faith as he thought. Taking over the congregation in Rowley, he finds more trouble than he imagined. Can he settle his lack of faith and find happiness? An enjoyable and inspiring read filled with encouragement.

#2-Convincing the Circuit Preacher by Carolyn Miller
A minister with a wounded heart and set on never marrying again, finds that God has something else in mind when he meets Thea. An exciting read with suspense, mystery, and a second chance at love.

#3-The Angel & The Sky Pilot by Naomi Musch
The traveling preacher, Everett, stays at a logging camp in order to preach God's word to the loggers. One thing he didn't count on was Angeline, the store owner's daughter. Even with the transformation when he was saved, he will go through another miraculous change.

#4- Mail-Order Minister by Kari Trumbo
Reverand Presley accepts an invitation to be the minister at Bakers Nook, S.D. Trying to concentrate on his ministry, he puts a bad relationship behind him. That was until he meets Olive and his faith is shaken.

I received a complimentary copy through Net Galley from the publisher; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Review of Virginia (Daughters of the Lost Colony Book Four) by Shannon McNear

 

About the Book

Book: Virginia (Daughters of the Lost Colony Book Four)

Author: Shannon McNear

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical Romance

Release date: September, 2024

The White Doe of the Outer Banks Grows into Womanhood

Return to the “what if” questions surrounding the Lost Colony and explore the possible fate of Virginia Dare–the first English child born in the New World. What happened to her after her grandfather John White returned to England and the colony he established disappeared into the mists of time? Legends abound, but she was indeed a real girl who, if she survived to adulthood, must have also become part of the legacy that is the people of the Outer Banks. In the spring of 1602 by English reckoning, “Ginny,” as she is called by family and friends, is fourteen and firmly considered a grown woman by the standards of the People. For her entire life she has watched the beautiful give-and-take of the Kurawoten and other native peoples with the English who came from across the ocean. She’s enjoyed being the darling of both English and Kurawoten alike—but a stirring deep inside her will not be put to rest.

One careless decision lands her and fellow “first baby” Henry Harvie, along with their Croatoan friend Redbud, in enemy hands. Carried away into Mangoac territory, out of the reach of Manteo and the others, she must learn who she truly is—not only the daughter of Elinor and Ananias Dare but also a child of the One True God, who gives her courage to go wherever the path of her life might lead.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

Virginia continues the story based on the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Virginia is the first English child born in the New World. The story is set in 1602, and Virginia and two of her male friends are captured by members of the Skaru tribe attacking the island.

The story is well-researched and filled with the tribal culture, customs, and traditions of all peoples at that time. The descriptions of different events seemed real and made me feel like I was there.

The characters are well-developed, with some unfolding layers. Virginia and Felipe showed great faith, courage, and love. I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed the others in the series. I highly recommend it.

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

 

About the Author

Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in the Deep South, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. She’s the author of four novellas, the first a 2014 RITA® nominee and the most recent a 2021 SELAH winner, and six full-length novels. Her greatest joy, however, is in being a military wife, mom, mother-in-law, and grammie. She’s been a contributor to Colonial Quills and The Borrowed Book, and is a current member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers. When not cooking, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies.

 

More from Shannon

So—here we are! I am just so, SO, sooo blessed to get to be on Celebrate Lit yet again. And book FOUR of my Lost Colony series! Initially I thought two, maybe three books. I pretty much disregarded the possibility of writing Virginia Dare’s story because, well, there’s a good bit of mythology surrounding her, and I felt absolutely no inclination to tackle any of that.

Until early last year. The idea dropped into my head and seemed too obvious to turn away. I didn’t have much idea of what would actually happen in the story, although I knew I wanted to explore the identity of the Mangoac, who held the interior of what is now North Carolina and Virginia when the Spanish and the English first arrived in the New World. They spoke an Iroquoian language and were referred to with dread and distaste among all their neighbors, including the Powhatan. Those people are what we know now as the Tuscarora.

Little was known of the Tuscarora before John Lawson wrote of his journey through the Carolinas in 1700-01. A few years later, Lawson himself met with a fairly horrible death at the hands of the Tuscarora (one wonders what he might have done to tick them off), and tensions soon escalated between settlers and indigenous peoples into all-out war. After their defeat by the English, the Tuscarora people moved northward and became the sixth nation of the Iroquois Confederacy.

They call themselves Skaru:re—pronounced sgah-ROOO-rah (with that long “ooh” held out a little extra)—translated variously as “Long-Shirt People” or “Hemp People,” for the garments they would weave from “Indian hemp,” also known as milkweed. The Tuscarora word for milkweed does indeed contain the same root as Skaru:re, but no one knows when as a people they might have made the transition from merely using milkweed fiber for cording or twine to spinning and weaving it into fabric, as the English did flax for linen.

I decided to have a bit of fun in my story, then, with Ginny being questioned about the making of a linen garment, and then a later mention of a “rough, twiny fabric.” I’d meant to expand upon that a bit, or at least address it in the historical notes at the end—and then completely forgot until working through the galleys.

So I get to talk about it—now. 😊

You might guess that both details, which may feel random to the casual reader, are a nod to the translation of the name Skaru:re, and to the influence that either the Spanish or the English might have had on various Native people groups. A good author endeavors, of course, to not have any random details littering a story. In Virginia, many small things point back to previous stories—there are hints of connection to Rebecca as well even though either story could be read before the other. By the same token, all four books are what we could term alternate history—a reach beyond what is known into what might have been. I think it most likely that as Native peoples acquired European fashions, they used what they already had (in the case of the Skaru:re, a familiarity with milkweed and other materials to provide fiber) to produce garments and other items modeled after what the Spanish and English used. They were nothing if not eager to take advantage of new technologies—and what if their contact with members of the Lost Colony was what sparked the idea behind their famed “long shirts”?

A stretch, for sure. But there’s a reason why I’ve always enjoyed writing speculative fiction as well as historical. 😊

                 Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 6

To Everything There Is A Season, October 6

Devoted To Hope, October 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 8

lakesidelivingsite, October 9

Texas Book-aholic, October 9

Betti Mace, October 10

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 11

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 11

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 12

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 13

Bizwings Book Blog, October 14

Cover Lover Book Review, October 15

Lights in a Dark World, October 15

Holly’s Book Corner, October 16

Sylvan Musings, October 17

Pause for Tales, October 17

                 Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shannon is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card and a print copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5458

Review of When the Mountain Crumbled by Angela K. Couch

About the Book

Book: When the Mountain Crumbled (A Day to Remember Book 4)

Author: Angela K Couch

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release date: September, 2024

Though Mountains Crumble, Hope Is Not Buried

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

Discipline and rules are the foundation on which Samantha Ingles has built her life—the life of a spinster schoolteacher in a small mining town in the Canadian Rockies. All that crumbles from her grasp when part of a mountain crashes down on their community.

Constable David Harty has little patience for the strict schoolmarm but has no choice but to leave his three young nieces in her care while he tries to discover the fate of his brother. Already, the girls have lost their mother and brothers to the landslide and require comfort and love while they await the fate of their father, possibly buried in the coal mine.

With the mountain looming over their heads threatening more lives, and the town scrambling to save who they can from the rubble, can hearts find healing—both for their own sakes and the children in their care?

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

When the Mountain Crumbled is a novel with lots of heart-breaking moments and suspense. The town of Frank is hit by a natural disaster. Samantha, the schoolteacher, agrees to help care for three children until their Uncle Nathan can get his family to provide a home for them.

The characters are real, with flaws as they maneuver through the circumstances brought upon them. The story is well written with history entwined into it, enhancing the storyline. The story is about loss, the emotions of the people, and the effect it has on all of them.

Everything wrapped up nicely in the end. A very uplifting and inspirational read, giving testimony of how disasters can still bring about miracles despite heartbreak. Through God there is healing.

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

 

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

Around 4:10 am on April 29^th, 1903, approximately 110 million metric tonnes of limestone broke from the side of Turtle Mountain and crashed down into the Crowsnest Valley, burying ranches, camps, an active coal mine, and a part of the town of Frank. What has come to be known as “Frank Slide” was the deadliest landslide in North American recorded history, claiming the lives of more than seventy people.

I first visited Frank Slide as a child, as it is located only an hour’s drive from my home. All I remember from that experience was the heaps of rocks and boulders, and the story of the mine-horse named Charlie. When driving through the Crowsnest Pass as an adult, I began to appreciate the terror of that night and the horrible loss of life. Not until expanding my research while writing this story, did the miracles of Frank shine through everything horrible that happened. That became the focus of my story, When the Mountain Crumbled.

I find our own lives follow a similar pattern. Tragedy, hardship, sickness and disappointment… but do we see the miracles?

              Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 2

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 2

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 3

Betti Mace, October 4

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 5 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Devoted To Hope, October 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 6

Texas Book-aholic, October 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 9

Bizwings Book Blog, October 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 10

Holly’s Book Corner, October 11

Blossoms and Blessings, October 11

An Author’s Take, October 12

Cover Lover Book Review, October 13

Mary Hake, October 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 14

Pause for Tales, October 15

Connie’s History Classroom, October 15

                 Giveaway

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

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5456