Hearts on Lonely Mountain Blog Tour & Give Away by A.M. Heath

Can two lonely people find more than a fleeting friendship or will a prejudiced town keep them apart?

When Ivory Bledsoe left the city to minister to the people of the rural mountain town of Willow Hollow, she never expected to be shunned rather than welcomed. Seeing the town as a lost cause, she’s eager to return home, but when the bridge leading out of town is washed away during a flood, she finds herself stranded in the last place she wants to be.

Ben Thrasher was content with his quiet life until he met the new librarian. He can’t help but be drawn to the friendly and lively Ivory Bledsoe, despite her being at the center of the town’s latest superstition. It’s only a matter of time until she captures his heart, turning his world upside down in the process.

Has Ivory gotten God’s plan for her all wrong or is there still a way she can serve these people? And can Ben ask her to stay in a place where so few are willing to embrace her?

Purchase


My Review

Ivory Bledsoe goes to Willow Hollow, Kentucky, with the anticipation of becoming a horseback librarian delivery books to the people. Her dreams are dashed once she arrives, to find she is assigned to the library building.

The storyline was an interesting one filled with loneliness and despair from not being accepted. The romantic part of the story evolved at a good pace and brought the story together nicely.

Forgiveness and acceptance into the community was an underlying theme. The book was easy to read with just the right amount of tension to keep me engaged.

I received an ARC copy from the author and willingly choose to review it.

Tour Stops

Aug. 31:
Becky @ Blossoms and Blessings: Review and Ivory’s Romantic Fiction Recommendations
Anne @ The Naptime Author: Review and Overview of the WPA

Sept. 1:
Amanda @ Amanda Tero Blog: Review and Character Interview: Curt Armstrong

Sept 2:
Nyla @ Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess: Review and More Horseback Librarian Reads
Julie @ Bizwings Blog: Review and Historical Note on the Horseback Librarians

Sept 3:
Tarissa @ In the Bookcase: Review and Common Great Depression Sandwiches

Sept 4:
Hannah: Nook of Grace: Review and Hearts on Lonely Mountain Inspiration Picture
Deana: Texas Book-aholic: Review and Ben’s Love Song to Ivory

Sept 5:
Kaitlyn: Maidens for Modesty: Review and My Inspiration for Ivory

Sept 6:
Debbie: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations: Review and Ivory’s Children’s Book Recommendations

Sept 7:
Tara @ Tower in the Plains: Review and More Great Depression and Appalachian Reads
Jana @ Reviews from the Stacks: Review and Authentic Horseback Librarian Audio Clip

Sept 8:
Vicky @ Vicky Sluiter: Review and Character Interview: Gerrit Callon

Sept 9:
Connie @ Older and Smarter: Review and Interview with a REAL Mobile Librarian from Kentucky
Loretta @ Just Writing: Review and 1930’s Music

Sept 10:
A.M. Heath @ A.M. Heath Blog: 1930’s Slang
Abigail @ Read Review Rejoice: Review and Character Interview: Ivory Bledsoe

Sept 11:
Virginia: Bigreadersite: Review and Character Interview: Ben Thrasher
Karen: Karen Sue Hadley: Review and Common Great Depression Desserts

I’m so excited to offer this tote from ParLaGrace. Be sure to visit her Esty page and enter the giveaway.

 Hearts on Lonely Mountain is still .99, but it won’t be for much longer!

                                Historical Note on Librarians 

The Pack Horse Library Project was a WPA program during the Great Depression. The goal was to deliver books to remote regions in the Appalachian Mountains and to provide jobs. Here are some interesting facts:

The horseback libraries weren’t the brainchild of the WPA. The first pack horse library was created by the Kentucky Federation of Women’s Clubs starting in 1896 but lack of roads and populated areas made it rather difficult to succeed in eastern Kentucky.

There was another pack horse library in Paintsville, KY in 1913 but ended in 1914 due to lack of funding.

The first pack horse library during the Great Depression was started in Leslie County.

Women were the primary employees for this project.

The project eventually had 30 libraries, serving 100,000 and employing nearly 200 people.

The horseback librarians were often referred to as “book ladies” or “book women.”

When the material became too worn to circulate, they glued pictures and articles into scrapbooks and circulated scrapbooks. Recipes and quilt designs were very popular.

Even though local women were employed, they were visiting areas much more remote and weren’t often trusted right away by the people they served.

One of their solutions for gaining the trust of the people was to read passages from the Bible out loud as they traveled. Many of the people had heard about the Bible through oral stories and would recognize what was being read and consider the librarian and her books as trustworthy.

Even though the books were free, the people often gifted the librarians with something in exchange for the loan.

There are so many more things that can be shared about this fascinating job. I encourage you to read the Librarians of Willow Hollow novellas and other horseback librarian books or articles.

Secret Code #5: out

Bio: 

Besides being an Indie Author, I’m a wife, mother of four, Sunday School teacher, sweet tea drinker, history fanatic, romantic, bubbly, lover of broccoli, and a retired cake decorator who has a soft spot for Christmas trees, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. What I’m not is a laundress (or at least not one who keeps up very well), a duster, tall, or patient in a doctor’s office.

Links:

I’d love to hear from you. You can visit me online on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Bookbub, Pinterest, and my blog. *Note: I’m most active on Facebook and my blog.

Whether you’re on social media or not, you can ensure that you never miss one of my sales, giveaways, or new releases by signing up for my newsletter. 

I’ll send you a direct link to your email anytime something big happens.

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Website

 https://christianauthoramheath.net/

Blog

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My Ancient Words Series is also marked down for a limited time

Welcome, Christian Author Janet Palmer Grunst Q & A

Janet is a wife, mother of two sons, and grandmother of eight who lives in the historic triangle of Virginia (Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown) with her husband. 

Her debut novel, A Heart Set Free was a Selah Award winner. A Heart For Freedom was a Christian Indie Award winner. 

A lifelong student of history, her love of writing fiction grew out of a desire to share stories that communicate the truths of the Christian faith, as well as entertain, bring inspiration, and encouragement to the reader.

Website

Facebook

Colonial Quills Website

Instagram

Twitter

Pinterest

                                                                             Q & A

Tell me about yourself. 

I grew up in a military family and was a military wife. Living in many different places was an education and a blessing. My husband and I have a blended family, my two sons, his daughter, and their families. The three guys are all military officers and their wives are incredible. We have ten grandchildren, four are quads. When we retired in 2006 and sold his contracting company and I retired from working for Community Bile Study we moved from Northern VA to Williamsburg, in the historic triangle (Jamestown, Williamsburg, Yorktown).

What got you started writing?

In the early 80’s when I was a stay-at-home mom I had a column in our community paper and one in a regional tabloid. A story had been germinating in my mind so I asked God if I could serve Him through writing fiction? Would He give me two or three hours a day to write if I would willingly put it aside after that time to take care of my family? I felt His confirmation and began researching and studying the craft of writing fiction. The Lord faithfully gave me those hours while my sons were in pre-school and elementary school.

How did you come up with your book idea? What inspired you? 

Setting Two Hearts Free is the third book in my Revolutionary War series and it primarily deals with the next generation. While it is a stand-alone story, the main characters are ones the reader has gotten to know in the previous two books. The story addresses what we now refer to as PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder. Throughout history, men and women have borne invisible injuries from war and other life experiences, and they can be very long-lasting. For many people, faith helps them to cope with these issues.

What was the most difficult part of writing this book? 

The subject matter was complex and personal but it’s a topic that needs acknowledgment and empathy. I wanted to address it honestly, sensitively, and hopefully.

How did you overcome this difficulty? 

I prayed constantly through the writing and editing process and listened to my agent's and editors’ suggestions.

Who is your favorite character from the novel? 

Donald.

What about them makes them your favorite?

 

While I have great empathy for Mary’s struggles, For many decades I’ve had a heart for those who bear the invisible wounds of war. They often face incredible challenges once they leave the battlefield and need understanding as they adjust to life post-combat.

Do your characters (or message) ever seem to have a life of their own or agenda? 

All the time. I’m a “pantster” not a “plotter” so I’m often surprised where the characters take me. 😉

How has writing this book impacted you personally?  At times it was emotionally draining, at other times it was restorative.

How many books do you currently have published? What genres?  

This is my third novel, I also have a novella in LPC’s Smitten’s Highlander Collection. All are Historical Romances.

What is your favorite thing about writing?  

Research. I love studying history and it is required for historicals, even down to knowing what words and idioms were in use during the subject era.

Your least favorite?  

Marketing. I find promoting my books very challenging. There are so many other talented authors with wonderful books on the market.

What authors in your genre inspire you most? 

There are too many current authors to mention, but reading Janette Oke, first inspired me to think about writing historical fiction.

What would you tell a beginning author who wants to publish but doesn’t believe he/she has enough talent?

Pray about writing, learn all you can about the craft, and write about something you love. I didn’t start writing intending to get published, I just wanted to find out if I could write a story. Get a critique partner for objective feedback. Learn about the process of submitting a manuscript. Find an agent who believes in your writing and with whom you have a good rapport. Develop a tough skin to deal with rejections, and be open to suggestions. Keep learning about the craft.

Release Date: October 6th

Pre-Order

Donald Duncan joined the Patriot cause for noble reasons, battling the British while enduring deprivation and hardship on every side. The war has changed him, and now the battle is internal. Returning home to Virginia is in sight where a new life and his Mary wait for him.

Mary Stewart spends the war years with her family at Stewarts’ Green, helping them operate their ordinary. Daily, she prays for Donald’s safe return, eagerly waiting for him … until that day the evil side of war touches her.

Two hearts changed by a war that dragged on for six years. Two hearts left hurting and struggling to find the love and trust they once knew. Is there a path for them to rekindle what was lost, Setting Two Hearts Free?

PreOrder on Amazon

​

A Dream for Harper Blog Tour & Giveaway by Teresa Slack

About the Book

Book: A Dream for Harper

Author: Teresa Slack
Genre: Christian Historical Western Fiction
Release Date: June 2

With no prospects for a better life at home in Kentucky, Harper Dixon’s mother sends her to Willow Wood, Idaho to become a companion to her cousin Ellie Lundy. Ellie was jilted by a man who everyone believes was only interested in her for her money. Harper doesn’t know how she can help Ellie without having been in love herself, and with no prospects.

Harper believes the only way to help Ellie recover from her melancholy is to find out what happened to Matthew Dunleavy, the man who broke her heart. She enlists the help of Logan Kinski, the family’s hired man who knew more about Matthew and his secrets than anyone.

Logan doesn’t trust the cousin from Kentucky. He believes Harper
is here to take advantage of Ellie and worm her way into the family’s immense
fortune. Harper doesn’t have time or patience to deal with a hard-headed
man who keeps getting between her and the truth.

Danger and suspicions mount as Harper and Logan uncover secrets about
Matthew Dunleavy and his dangerous past. Did he leave town on his own,
or did someone from his past with a score to settle catch up to him?

Can Harper and Logan put their mutual distrust aside in order to protect
Ellie? Will their suspicions prevent their growing attraction from
blossoming into love before the search for the truth destroys them?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Teresa Slack loves reading, writing, and falling in love. Creating clean and wholesome western romances where fearless cowboys still sweep independent heroines off their feet was an easy choice for her.

Her first book, Streams of Mercy, won the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association Award for Best First Fiction. The Willow Wood Brides Series is her first series of western historicals and her third series of Christian fiction novels. She also has two stand-alone contemporary romances and contemporary suspense, Joy Redefined.

She writes from her home in the beautiful southern Ohio hills, which she shares with her husband and rescue dog and rescue cat. Any errors and typos she blames on the cat randomly running across her keyboard.

Learn more about Teresa Slack and her books by visiting her website at
www.teresaslack.com .Readers who sign up for her newsletter will receive
a free download of A Promise for Josie: A Willow Wood Prequel.

MY REVIEW 

Harper leaves her family and goes to be a companion to her cousin, Ellie, in Willow Wood, who has a case of melancholy due to her fiance' leaving her. Harper finds herself in a difficult position. Ellie's father is hardly ever there and Ellie seems distant and hard to reach.

The story has a lot of mystery surrounding it, a twist I didn't see coming, and lots of suspense. It's a story of forgiveness, new relationships, new love, and accepting yourself and moving on.

The characters were well-developed. Ellie was withdrawn but still learned to reach out. Harper was a loving person dedicated to truly making a difference. Logan was strong in his faith and a strong character with lots to give. I enjoyed following their growth throughout the story.

Highly recommended. A tear-jerker at times, but very inspirational.

I received a copy of the book and voluntarily choose to review it.

More from Teresa Slack

When people say nothing ever happens in a small town, they’re just not paying attention. I’ve always been intrigued by the real stories behind small-town scandals and gossip. That’s why I write the stories I write and create the towns I create.

A Dream for Harper is based on a short story I started about twenty years ago. I never finished it and pretty much forgot it. When I started researching the Old West for the Willow Wood Brides Series and devouring Louis L’Amour and Elmore Leonard's stories as research, I remembered that unfinished short story.

I knew it would make a great addition to the series. In the story, Harper leaves the loving arms of her large family in Kentucky to travel to Willow Wood, Idaho to help a cousin she never met. She is thrust into a world completely foreign to her, but she’s determined to help Ellie overcome her crippling depression. I think most of us can relate to Harper’s story. Feeling like a fish out of water and unqualified to fix the mess we’re handed. A little mystery, a lot of romance, and some unexpected twists and turns show Harper that God hasn’t put more on her plate than she can eat. Just like us.

                               Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, August 18

lakesidelivingsite, August 18

Blossoms and Blessings, August 19

Inklings and notions, August 20

deb’s Book Review, August 20

For Him and My Family, August 21

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 22

The Book Chic Blog, August 22

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 23

Older & Smarter, August 24

reviewingbookplusemore, August 24

Texas Book-aholic, August 25

Artistic Nobody, August 26 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Bizwings Blog, August 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 28

Connie’s History Classroom, August 29

Connect in Fiction, August 29

Splashes of Joy, August 30

Pause for Tales, August 30

Simple Harvest Reads, August 31 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Maureen’s Musings, August 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Teresa is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! 

Click the link below to enter the giveaway

https://promosimple.com/ps/ff9f/a-dream-for-harper-celebration-tour-giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours-Darling Hedgehog: Goes Down a Foxhole by Auralee Arkinsly

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Darling Hedgehog: Goes Down a Foxhole

By Auralee Arkinsly

Children's Chapter Book

Paperback & ebook, 44 Pages

August 8, 2019 by Capture Books

Darling Hedgehog goes on an adventure to look for her parents who dropped out of sight. 

Darling Hedgehog learns about the animal nature of things in high humor and carefree, cute, and winning episodes. Learn about opposites, homophones, and similes as two animals in nature roll into fantasy land. For children 4-8 or preschool and kindergarten, as a read-to-me picture book, and first grade and second grade as a chapter book.

Darling and Miss Fox come to life as Darling introduces herself to the strange animal who is Miss Fox. Miss Fox gives her gifts so that Darling is distracted from her mission. The two animals look for things to do together in fantastical attempts to be friendly. When Darling enters Miss Fox's kitchen, she realizes that by nature, not all strangers are good for you. Will Darling save the day when it's already dinner time?

Pictures similar to Charlotte's Web and the Mercy Watson series are characterized and painted in full-color, though the pages are set up like a chapter book.

This book helps to train children in natural wisdom, analysis, and discernment. It helps to balance the teachings of acceptance of everyone and friendliness to all. There may be good purposes for everyone to exist under heaven, yet all purposes may not be good for a child. So, beware, and flee from crafty foxes especially when they are holding your parents in the pantry.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

About the Author

Auralee Arkinsly writes in good humor about serious subjects because kids of all ages can learn a lot from laughing. Since opposites exist, she believes children can learn to identify the nature of things and get out of a risky situation. "Good Laughter sparks the mind." She reckons if she can save some from the bumps and bruises, then she has done a good day's work.

Goodreads | Amazon

My Review

Darling Hedgehog Goes Down a Foxhole has a great storyline. Every child has experiences with friends, so it's a story they can relate to. It teaches the reader a lesson about knowing which friends are best suited for you.

The illustrations are well-drawn and the bright colors used make them appeal to a young child. The story length is adequate and should hold a young child's attention. It's well written and easy to understand.

I received a copy and voluntarily choose to review it.

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card

Open internationally to those who can receive the gift card through one of Amazon's branches
Ends September 2, 2020

ENTER HERE

Welcome Christian Author, Teresa Smyser Q & A

Teresa Smyser lives in Northern Alabama with her minister husband and their deaf cat, Spock. They have two married children, two grandsons, and two granddaughters.

 She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University and now works as an accountant and divides the rest of her time between family, friends, church activities, and writing.

Teresa's prayer is that not only will her novels entertain, but they will point people to the love and the hope found in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Visit her website 

Facebook 

Amazon Profile

She loves hearing from her readers and reading their reviews.

Sendquestions or comments 

                                                                      Q & A

Tell me about yourself. What got you started writing?

Born and raised in Kentucky, I now live in Alabama with my Godly warrior husband, Keith, and our deaf, rescue cat, Spock. I’m a wife, a mother, an accountant, a super-fun Mimi, a cat-lover, and a Bible-study teacher. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me reading, traveling to historical sites with my husband, or loving on my grandbabies. What a blessed life!

Frequently, people ask if I grew up wanting to be a writer. Not exactly. As a young girl, it was quite common to find me in my bedroom reading the latest Nancy Drew or Trixie Belden books. Years down the road while rocking my baby girl to sleep, she asked to hear stories about a picture hanging on the wall or about her toys. She desired new fairytales each time we sat in the rocker for a nap. Actually, I believe it was her stall method. However, not until my daughter was in college did I consider penning my first novel. After reading several uninteresting books, my daughter said, “Mom, you could write better than this.”

Challenge accepted!

My passion for writing Christian fiction sprouted from her challenge. You will find adventure, bizarre plot twists, flawed characters, and believable romantic friction in my novels. So, kick back and browse through my website.

How did you come up with your book idea? What inspired you?

I love reading historical romances. They take me to far-away places where I can’t afford to visit and put me in a different setting in history. Since I’ve never traveled to Scotland or England, I enjoy researching the area and visualizing it through my imagination. Even though medieval times were not all glamorous, I romanticize about it in my mind. The dresses are beautiful, the men are strong warriors and chivalry abounds.

 Book 1 of my Warrior Bride series took root as I dreamed about medieval castles and all the events that could take place without the luxuries we have today. Book 2 & 3 of the series follow the family I set up in Book 1. When I came near the completion of book 1, I had already picked out a character to develop in book 2 and then book 3. I build each story around one or two Godly principles that I want to showcase in the book. This helps me stay focused on the end result.

What was the most difficult part of writing this book? How did you overcome this difficulty?

One difficult part of writing this book was finding a place for my evil deeds to take place. This required me to do extensive research of the area during the time period I had chosen. This necessitates lots of reading but a nice byproduct is absorbing new history lessons. Once I found a place, my imagination went wild allowing my story to pick up speed.

Who is your favorite character from the novel? What about them makes them your favorite?

My heroine—Philippa Emma Gail Fairwick or Pippa for short. Thrust into a dire situation requires her to make a hard choice. She sacrifices for the good of her people. Oftentimes, each of us are faced with a hard decision. If we’re walking with God, He will direct our paths. His choice is always best and will work for our good if we allow it. Pippa steps out in faith even against the advice of close advisors. In the end, her obedience brings blessings. God teaches this in His Word. If His children will stay close through Bible study and prayer, and obey His commands, blessings will follow. Pippa is my favorite because she is a strong woman who follows her God through the good and the bad as each Christian woman should strive to do. She puts the needs of her subjects ahead of her own needs. This exemplifies an admirable leader and friend.

Do your characters (or message) ever seem to have a life of their own or agenda?

I begin each story with a goal in mind. However, as I write, the characters often develop their own agendas. This springs from my over-active imagination. Since becoming a writer, I observe movie characters for new personality insights. I might see an expression or a mannerism I want to incorporate into one of my novel characters. On occasion, I see a person in public that catches my eye. I file these observations away and my imagination pulls them out as I write. It’s cool how it all works together without extra effort on my part.

How has writing this book impacted you personally?

It’s funny you ask this question. When my daughter reads my books, she says she can hear me saying a certain phrase or word from my story. I put my all into each book. Capture a Heart of Stone reminds me how my own attitude affects the way I treat people whether negative or positive. It also points out how I can get ahead of God and have disastrous results. Just like Pippa and William, I have areas in my life that I don’t wish to relinquish control to God and insist on holding on to it for a time even though God’s way is better. However, I would say the biggest reminder for me is how God alone controls my destiny. Every situation in my life is to lead me to be more like Jesus.

How many books do you currently have published? What genres?

I have self-published one contemporary Christian romance—Heaven Help Us! Self-published three Christian historical romances—The Warrior & Lady Rebel, In His Embrace, and Capture a Heart of Stone—this is my Warrior Bride Series during Medieval times. I’m presently working on book 4 which will be with a traditional publisher. I also self-published one non-fiction book for women called Women of God Arise: Conquer Daily Goliaths with Godly Power.

What is your favorite thing about writing? Your least favorite?

My favorite thing is creating an alternate reality. It gives me an outlet for the stories rattling around in my mind. The least favorite is sitting for long hours. I did purchase a Vera desk to help with the constant sitting.

What authors in your genre inspire you most?

Tamera Leigh, Kathleen Morgan, Debbie Costello, Carol Umberger, and the old book by Lori Wick—The Knight and the Dove.

What would you tell a beginning author who wants to publish but doesn’t believe he/she has enough talent?

Your personal goals will direct how you want to approach writing. If you just need to get a story out there and don’t care about sales, then go for it. If you want to be a best-seller, then you’ll need to put hours into achieving that goal. STUDY, LEARN, APPLY!

As a new author, I spent many hours learning the craft. I went to conferences and listened to podcasts or webinars about writing. This is especially easy during this time with everything offered on-line. I subscribed to several email lists like Jerry Jenkins, natasa@nybookeditors.com, 

bethany@seriouswriter.com, who offer free information on writing. It will take time, but research great writers and check out the resources they offer.

While you’re learning the craft, look for a good editor to polish your novel. Then find beta readers who aren’t your friends. You need unbiased opinions. Don’t be sensitive to criticism. I welcome constructive criticism to help improve my novels.

When you feel your book is the best it can be, get it published. I lost countless hours looking for an agent to represent me—time wasted for me. I then applied at publishers—again—time wasted for me. I chose self-publishing and have had moderate success with selling my books. Recently, I signed with a young publishing company and look forward to this new journey.

Don’t allow others to squash your dreams. Life is too short. DREAM BIG!

Capture a Heart of Stone

Warrior Bride Series

A mercenary . . .

A desperate heir . . .

A hard choice . . .

As William McKinnon hunts for his father’s kidnappers, unexpected events hurl him down a treacherous path fraught with danger and deceit. With a hardened heart, he runs toward revenge.

After her father’s murder, Philippa Emma Gail Fairwick is the sole heir to his estate. Faced with a damaged castle and a starving people, she exposes her secret defense in order to obtain the help she requires.

Will this unlikely pair set aside their own desires to embrace God’s best for them? Follow William and Pippa as they traverse a twisted path to discover how self-sacrifice and obedience bring blessings.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078KXVC54