Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Merry Christmas -FREE Christmas Gifts from Bizwings Blog


             I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has visited my blog during 2020. I appreciate your support. 

             I was fortunate to blog about some awesome books during the year and wish to also thank the authors that scheduled a spotlight on my blog. I am honored.

            I know this has been a trying year for us all and wish all of you a happy and safe Christmas. Remember to focus on your blessing during the year, as I'm sure there are some among all the hardships as well.  God is still with us.  

            I want to give you three of my books FREE as a Christmas gift.  

            You can download the e-book from Amazon during Dec. 23rd to Dec. 27th.  I hope to give you an outlet for enjoyment if even for a short time. I pray that you find inspiration among the pages.


Christian Mystery/Suspense/RomancePigeon Bay is a safe, peaceful town. That is until a woman goes missing.

Samantha and Jonathan Winters arrive for a real estate convention and photoshoot. Will Jonathan’s pictures reveal more than he realizes?

Nina Dupree, a private investigator, and friend of the Chief of Police will lend a hand to help solve the case. Is this victim’s evidence tied to another unsolved event her father was examining?

What secrets are the members of the Belmonte family hiding? Another mansion full of buried mysteries is waiting, but will they remain so?

FREE



Christian Inspirational/Mystery/Romance

The Sanders Legacy begins. Soon after their wedding, Jason & Naomi move to the Pacific Cove Ranch. Naomi, giving up the city life she is accustomed to and trying to come to grips with the death of her sister, finds herself isolated and depressed.



Is her grief causing her to see things or is there some entity attached to the ranch house? Will she convince her husband and the owner of the ranch that there is a 100-year old mystery that she desperately wants to solve? Maybe, it’s the only way to regain her sanity.

FREE



Christian Inspirational/ Romance

Continuation of the Sanders legacy. In book 2, Jason and Naomi’s son graduates from college and returns to the Pacific Cove Ranch. He continues the legacy by choosing to work and plan his future there. Could the young woman, Amanda, crippled by a broken heart, become the woman of his dreams?


A series of devastating events happen to the family and their faith and ability to endure and go on is tested to their fullest. Can faith, friends, and love carry them through or will the struggles cripple them?

FREE

Sunday, December 13, 2020

An Ivy Hill Christmas Blog Tour & Giveaway by Julie Klassen

 

 


About the Book

 


Book: An Ivy Hill Christmas

Author: Julie Klassen

Genre: Christmas Historical Romance

Release Date: September, 2020

Richard Brockwell, the younger son of Ivy Hill’s most prominent family, hasn’t been home for Christmas in years. He prefers to live in the London townhouse, far away from Brockwell Court, the old family secret that haunts him, and the shadows of his past mistakes. But then his mother threatens to stop funding his carefree life–unless he comes home for Christmas. Out of options, he sets out for Ivy Hill, planning to be back on a coach bound for London and his unencumbered bachelor life as soon as the festivities are over.

But Christmas in the country presents many surprises, including encounters with an orphaned apprentice, the first love he disappointed years ago, and Arabella Awdry, a young lady who is far more appealing than he recalled–and determined to have nothing to do with him.

Will Christmastime in Ivy Hill, with its village charm, kissing boughs, and joyous songs, change his heart . . . and hers as well?

 

Click here to get your copy!


MY REVIEW
The beginning of the story is set in 1822 London. Richard Brockwell has chosen to live there rather than at Ivy Hill was his family. He's a writer trying desperately to become published and rather a self-centered bachelor. When he goes home to Ivy Hill for the holiday he meets Arabella. She is put off by his reputation.

The story is one of growth in beliefs, second chances, and redemption. The romance portion of the story is sweet and well written. Richard comes to gripe with mistakes from his past and tries to start a new direction for his life.

The transformation of one character took me by surprise. There are a few twists to the story and the ending wrapped things up well. A very enjoyable read.

I received an ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily choose to review it.















About the Author

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane–Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for 16 years and now writes full-time. Her novels have sold over 1 million copies, and three of her books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and a Christian Retailing’s Best Award, and has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.



More from Julie

My fascination with England began as a girl when I read The Secret Garden and Jane Eyre, and watched A Christmas Carol. I have now been to Great Britain several times, and my affection for the place has only grown. I love the country villages with their stone buildings and thatched roofs, the narrow, winding roads (though not driving on them), the ancient churches, friendly people, plummy accents, and history. Writing fifteen novels set there has been a real pleasure.

An Ivy Hill Christmas includes all the elements of an idyllic Olde English yuletide: A charming village setting, snowfall, mistletoe, caroling, gifts for less fortunate neighbors, and festive gatherings of friends and family. I thoroughly enjoyed researching 19th century Christmas traditions and weaving them into this novella.

In the story, a confirmed bachelor is determined to remain aloof from the celebrations going on around him—and from his mother’s matchmaking schemes. But divine hope, friendship, and unexpected romance change his heart…and his mind.  I love a transformation story; don’t you?

If you’ve read the TALES FROM IVY HILL series, you will enjoy returning to the village and spending time with favorite characters. But rest assured, the novella is a standalone, meaning you can enjoy it whether or not you’ve read the other books, as these reviews attest:

“[A] standalone novella that not only beautifully captures the kindness, hope, love, and faith of Christmas but also skillfully evokes the period holiday atmosphere of Regency England.”  —Booklist

“This feel-good tale of love and redemption will delight Klassen’s fans and new readers alike.” Publishers Weekly

And if you like the novella, I think you will like the other books as well. An Ivy Hill Christmas would also make a lovely gift for a reading friend.

Finally, if you want to add a British flair to your own modern-day celebrations, buy (or make) mince tarts or Christmas pudding, place Christmas “crackers” (pull-apart gift tubes) on your table and wear the included paper crowns. Refer to Father Christmas instead of Santa; and instead of “Merry,” wish everyone a hearty, “Happy Christmas.”

Happy Christmas!


 

                               Blog Stops

Through the Lens of Scripture, November 30

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 30

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 30

Christian Bookaholic, November 30

Andrea Christenson, November 30

Texas Book-aholic, December 1

KarenSueHadley, December 1

Robin’s Nest, December 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 1

Blessed & Bookish, December 2

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 2

Mia Reads, December 2

Wishful Endings, December 3

lakesidelivingsite, December 3

Through the Fire Blogs, December 3

For Him and My Family, December 3

Just Your Average reviews, December 3

She Lives To Read, December 4

Remembrancy, December 4

deb’s Book Review, December 4

Writing from the Heart Land, December 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 5

Quiet Workings, December 5

Blogging With Carol, December 5

Spoken from the Heart, December 5

The Christian Fiction Girl, December 6

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 6

Connect in Fiction, December 6

Artistic Nobody, December 6 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Worthy2Read, December 7

Genesis 5020, December 7

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 7

Inklings and notions, December 7

Life of Literature, December 7

For the Love of Literature, December 8

Connie’s History Classroom, December 8

Batya’s Bits, December 8

Labor Not in Vain, December 8

Hallie Reads, December 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 9

Older & Smarter?, December 9

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, December 9

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 9

Betti Mace, December 9

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 10

Faery Tales Are Real, December 10

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, December 10

Mary Hake, December 10

Daysong Reflections, December 11

Bigreadersite, December 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 11

Splashes of Joy, December 11

Vicky Sluiter, December 12

To Everything There Is A Season, December 12

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 12

Blossoms and Blessings, December 12

The Write Escape, December 12

A Baker’s Perspective, December 13

Bizwings Blog, December 13

Simple Harvest Reads, December 13 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Pause for Tales, December 13


                                Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Julie is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of An Ivy Hill Christmas and the other three books in the Ivy Hill series, plus the winner’s choice of Bingley’s Tea!!

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/103f5/an-ivy-hill-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway








Friday, December 11, 2020

Snuffed Out Blog Tour & Giveaway by Barbara Cornthwaite

 

 


About the Book

 


Book: Snuffed Out

Author: Barbara Cornthwaite

Genre: Christian cozy mystery

Release Date: July 24, 2020

Picnics can be murder… scenes.

What was supposed to be a romantic picnic at “their spot” turns criminal when Katrina and Todd stumble—almost literally—over a body.

What’s the college chef doing under a bush up in the mountains? Other than being dead, that is.

Who killed him? Why?

All clues point to people who Katrina is certain didn’t do it. Especially the one who ends up dead himself.

Uh, oh.

Thanks to a slow-burning romantic relationship that can’t seem to get past chapter one, and a determination to save her friend from false arrest, Katrina joins Todd again as they riddle out bizarre clues, weed through unlikely suspects, and learn to communicate on a more personal level.

What do you get when you combine literary humor, sweet romance, and a practical helping of faith? A cozy mystery that’ll keep you guessing. Barbara Cornthwaite’s second Wilkester Mystery has everything you want for a cozy read.

Snag Snuffed Out today.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author



Barbara Cornthwaite lives in the middle of Ireland with her husband and children. She taught college English before “retiring” to do something she loves far more; her days are now filled with homeschooling her six children, trying to keep the house tidy (a losing battle), and trying to stay warm in the damp Irish climate (also a losing battle). She is surrounded by medieval castles, picturesque flocks of sheep, and ancient stone monuments. These things are unappreciated by her children, who are more impressed by traffic jams, skyscrapers, and hot weather.

 

Teaser for Snuffed Out

Todd closed the folder with the Franklin case paperwork in it and laid it on top of the stack of folders waiting to be filed. He almost reached for the Delaney case notes again but resisted the impulse. There was no new information in there, and he’d gone over everything a dozen times in the last few days. He had promised Katrina he wouldn’t give up, but without any new leads to pursue, there wasn’t much he could do.

He shook his head, impatient with himself. He’d been doing so well at putting her out of his mind—hadn’t thought of her all day until this moment. Now he’d probably be struggling for the rest of the day.

John Ortega poked his head into Todd’s office.

“Hey, we just got a call from the librarian at Wilkester College about the theft of a manuscript. The chief said either one of us could go, but I thought you might like to take it.”

“Why?”

“Oh, come on,” said John. “You think I’m blind and deaf?”

“It’s no use. Nothing’s going to happen between Dr. Peters and me.”

John leaned up against the door frame and grinned at him. “’Dr. Peters,’ huh? She was ‘Katrina’ for weeks.”

“Well, that was before. Now that I know a relationship isn’t possible, I need to keep my distance.”

“She turned you down?”

“I didn’t ask, but trust me, I know what I’m talking about.”

“Hmm,” John said. “You don’t usually give up on things so easily. Well, do you mind handling this anyway? I’ve got that other robbery case to deal with, and I’m supposed to be interviewing that guy from Tacoma in a couple hours.” Todd hesitated and John added, “She’s an adjunct professor, right? She’s probably not even on campus now, and she certainly won’t be in the library.”

“Oh, okay.” Todd sighed. He pushed back his chair and stood up.

“’Attaboy. Thanks for taking the call.” John turned to go and then looked back. “It will get easier, you know.”

“I know.” As long as I don’t see her again.


MY REVIEW

Snuffed Out is a continuation of the Wilkester Mysteries. Katrina and Todd are thrown together again to solve not one, but two murders at Wilkester College.

The clues aren't coming together very fast and the suspect they have seems to be guilty. Lots of twists and unexpected surprises in the storyline.

The character of Katrina is quirky, playful but apprehensive of her relationship with Todd. She wonders constantly how his feelings for her are progressing. She is faced with insecurity but feels God has chosen Todd for her.

The story is steeped in inspirational and uplifting circumstances within relationships and teaches trust. A wonderful read with everyday situations among friends.

Single parent foster care adds an interesting aspect to the story. I loved the surprise ending and how the author finally uncovered the actual killer. It will surprise you to the end!

I was provided with a complimentary copy and voluntarily choose to review it.

                             Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 28

Texas Book-aholic, November 29

Nancy E Wood, November 29

The Avid Reader, November 30

Genesis 5020, November 30

For the Love of Literature, November 30

Sodbusterliving, December 1

Artistic Nobody, December 1 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 2

deb’s Book Review, December 2

Remembrancy, December 3

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 3

Splashes of Joy, December 3

Inklings and notions, December 4

21st Century Keeper at Home, December 4

For Him and My Family, December 5

Blogging With Carol, December 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 6

Emily Yager, December 6

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 7

Lis Loves Reading, December 7

Labor Not in Vain, December 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 8

Mary Hake, December 8

She Lives to Read, December 9

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 10

Godly Book Reviews, December 10

SusanLovesBooks, December 10

Daysong Reflections, December 11

Bizwings Blog, December 11

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Barbara is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback 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/103f2/snuffed-out-celebration-tour-giveaway







Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Train to Laramie Blog Tour & Giveaway by Andrew Roth

 

 


About the Book

 


Book: Train to Laramie

Author: Andrew Roth

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: August 30

 

Runaway! Tess flees her lecherous stepfather but takes the wrong train, arriving in Laramie. This end of tracks town bursts with workers building the Transcontinental Railroad, striving to lay the rails that will connect a nation. Threatened by outlaws, Tess is helped by Brett Calloway, a tie cutter for the Union Pacific. But when her stepfather locates her and joins the outlaws terrorizing the region, will her newfound faith in Christ be enough to guide Tess through the danger?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Train to Laramie is a well-written western story with exciting and well-developed characters that bring the western flavor to life. The storyline varies from the actions of violent men to townspeople just trying to scrape a living to survive.

The story is suspenseful, filled with a sense of faith, and fraught with uncertain times. The main characters have to rely on their faith in God and lots of courage to see them through. Can Tess and Brett, the log cutter who saved her find true happiness in spite of their many struggles? Read this inspirational and inspiring story to find out. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily choose to review it.

 

About the Author



Author of Wildfire For Rose, Andrew Roth joined the U.S. Army before attending California State University, Bakersfield. He taught American History for twenty-two years at the middle school level before beginning his literary career. Married for over thirty years to his wife, Laurie, Andrew has two married adult children and is a proud grandfather. A native of Kansas, Andrew was raised with a deep love and appreciation for history, particularly the Old West. Andrew’s hope is to glorify God and encourage readers through his writing.

 

More from Andrew

The American West has always fascinated me with ruggedly beautiful landscapes and the indomitable spirit of the pioneers.  When building the Transcontinental Railroad, nothing could stop the people from their goal. This innovation and tenacity has shaped our soul, our character as a nation. This deep sense of perseverance encourages me through the tough times we face today.

Dedication

To our God and Creator, able to transform lives and redirect paths. Thank you, Savior.

“. . . And I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt.” –Jeremiah 31:4


                                  Blog Stops

                                                            Texas Book-aholic, November 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 29

Inklings and notions, November 30

For Him and My Family, December 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 2

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 3

Connie’s History Classroom, December 4

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 6

deb’s Book Review, December 6

Artistic Nobody, December 7 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Daysong Reflections, December 8

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 10

Bizwings Blog, December 10

Betti Mace, December 11


Giveaway



To celebrate his tour, Andrew is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/103f3/train-to-laramie-celebration-tour-giveaway