Thursday, February 17, 2022

Song of the Rockies Blog Tour & Giveaway by Angela Breidenbach

 

 


About the Book

Book: Song of the Rockies

Author: Angela Breidenbach

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release date: October 1, 2021

1890, Helena MT Song of the Rockies is the story of a sweet music teacher and eleven boys given one chance or else! Evan Russell lost everything—his ranch, his wife, and now, after trusting relatives with his young son, even the little boy is missing. How can a beautiful symphony of the heart come from such chaos?

Mirielle Sheehan, a music teacher at an exclusive boys’ school, believes scholarships for disadvantaged boys will solve the plight of hopeless homeless children. Mirielle’s challenge is to turn eleven street ruffians of various ages into stellar, disciplined boys with a future. Most think guttersnipes like this should be sold into indenture to learn a trade or pressed into the military. Get those miscreants off the streets!

Evan Russell, new mining millionaire, lost everything in the disastrous winter of 1886. Then his wife died leaving him with a son. Relatives in Helena offer a safe home for the child while Evan must find work in the mines. When he returns, he’s devastated to learn the entire family perished in a fire, and his son has never been found. Though he gained a fortune, he’s lost everything he valued! Romantic, sweet adventure set in picturesque Helena, Montana written by a bestselling author who is also a professional genealogist.

 

Click here to get your copy.


My Review

The story is set in 1890, Helena, Montana. The characters are relatable and well-developed. My favorite is Mirella, a teacher that has a strong concern for the "newsies" or orphans. She fights to get them homes to keep them from becoming indentured or forced to join the military.

The storyline is engaging and will tug at your heart. There are surprises throughout and lots of moments of compassion and sweet tender romance. Inspirational and heart-warming.

The ending wrapped up everything nicely. The only negative is that I wish it hadn't ended so soon. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

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

About the Author

Angela Breidenbach is a professional genealogist, media personality, bestselling author, and screenwriter. She’s also the Christian Authors Network president. Angie lives in Montana with her hubby and Muse, a trained fe-lion, who shakes hands, rolls over, and jumps through a hoop. Surprisingly, Angie can also. Catch her show and podcast, Genealogy Publishing Coach!

http://AngelaBreidenbach.com

 

More from Angela

Song of the Rockies idea came from the need to continue deepen the experience from Queen of the Rockies to share more about the orphaned children on the streets of Helena MT in the late 1800s. A lot of readers asked a lot of questions that kept me fired up and involved in the story. That led to the full six-book series because I just couldn’t stop once the first book sparked all the curiosity.

 

The people of Montana are very civic-minded, committed to volunteerism, and helping those who can’t help themselves. And that’s the modern society. But that kind of a “personality” of a place doesn’t come from a void. The people of Montana have a reputation of being intensely independent. But the heart of the people isn’t about independence, that’s just the way we are because life here is spread out and requires a lot of individual effort to survive and thrive. The result of such a spread-out population is the opposite of intense independence—devout and loyal support of one another. So, though Montanans are independent, we’re also fiercely supportive.

 

An ironic history tidbit I ran into on my research for this series, but couldn’t use, was the famous Thomas Meagher who was originally from Ireland. We have a massive, gorgeous statue of him on his horse in front of the Montana State Capital Building in Helena because of his contributions toward Montana becoming a state. He was educated in Ireland by the Jesuits and then in England. He spent time in France as well. His last name is pronounced like the planet, “Mar”. The irony is that Thomas Meagher escaped from imprisonment in Australia, banished there by the British for crime of sedition. He believed in Irish independence. Thomas was a hero to the Irish independent movement, a Civil War hero who flipped from supporting the Confederate South to the Union when the Catholic Church put their support behind the North, and after a successful military career he moved to Montana. Evidently, he put all those skills to good use as Montana became a state. But he was also a well-known scoundrel whose stories didn’t always add up. 

He met his end in a murky manner, well that’s what they say… Thomas was purportedly drinking and playing cards on a paddle boat up the Missouri River near Fort Benton. Somehow, though he was supposedly a good swimmer, he managed to fall overboard and drowned. Was he drunk? Was he cheating and murdered? Did he run into those he’d flipped on during the war? Was he pushed over? He did have a bad knee… No one knows. His body was never found. Hmm… We have a bar/pub in Missoula called theThe Meagher Bar that serves delicious Irish fare. So, if you visit Montana, please don’t ask for the “Meeger” Bar, not a soul will understand what you’re looking for. But now, you know how to pronounce his name.  


                                 Blog Stops


Texas Book-aholic, February 18

Bizwings Blog, February 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 19

For Him and My Family, February 20

Mary Hake, February 20

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 21

Lighthouse Academy Blog, February 21 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Betti Mace, February 22

Inklings and notions, February 22

deb’s Book Review, February 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 24

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 25

Blogging With Carol, February 25

Connie’s History Classroom, February 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 27

Blossoms and Blessings, February 27

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 1

Austen’s Angle, March 1

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 3

Pause for Tales, March 3

                               Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the grand prize 20-minute genealogy consultation to a winner via Zoom!!

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/1ab2b/song-of-the-rockies-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Valentine's Week Promo- Two Different Series on Sale

 Watchmaker Series Books 1 and 2 Valentine's Week Promo


 Book 1- FREE 2/16- 2/20- Transcending Time

Christian historical/romance

Watchmaker, Bastian Andros, carries on the family tradition in Gem City, Illinois in the year 1955. His shop, Transcending Time, located in the historic district of a town steeped in history, is known by locals and tourists alike.

 Bastian, a man rich in his faith and chosen by God to fulfill the purpose of using a special oil on timepieces when prompted by the Holy Spirit, now comes to the end of his days. Bastian’s life has not always been easy and there are secrets hidden in his past that will change lives forever. As they come to light, will hearts finally be healed or become bitter?

Will Bastian’s son, Louis, follow the calling and continue his father’s legacy?

Purchase on Amazon


Book 2 - 2/16- 2/23- Louis' Legacy 99c


After the passing of Bastian, Louis continues to work at the shop. With the addition of his cousin, Alfred, and sister, Victoria, it has been kept a family business. But times are changing for all of them. A fire that takes away something close to Louis and changes Millie’s life forever, sends them all to their knees praying for a resolution.

A new romance, a mystery that all of them try to help their customer solve, and a long-distance relationship that has everyone saddened are just a few of the hardships the trio face. Will the New Year bring renewed relationships and answers to prayers? Only God knows.

Purchase on Amazon


Book 3- God's Unfolding Plan- Coming Soon!



Houses of Mystery Series-Books 1 & 2 FREE Valentines Week Promo


Book 1-FREE 2/20-2/24-Redemption at Shadow Lake

Samantha Dunning needs a change of scenery after a lengthy relationship that ends in a bad breakup. Can a big city girl find peace and happiness in the small town of Shadow Lake as a real estate broker?

Just when Samantha begins to enjoy her new surroundings, she meets Calvin Benham, a handsome and charismatic investment broker planning on building a resort in Shadow Lake. But does he have a hidden agenda?

When her GPS mysteriously resets itself and takes her to the abandoned McClure Mansion her adventurous side takes over. Frightened by something inside, she flees and finds herself in the arms of Jonathan Williams, a local photographer. Just a coincidence or something more?

Will the hidden secrets of the McClure Mansion destroy any chance for a relationship between Samantha and Jonathan or has God brought them together? What will the secrets of the historical McClure Mansion reveal?


Purchase on Amazon


Book 2- Buried Secrets- FREE 2/15-2/19

Pigeon 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?


Purchase on Amazon

Monday, February 14, 2022

New Release Spotlight- "Summer's Song" by Dora Hiers

  Book 2 (Second Chance Summers)


Will a simple summer song bring them back together for a second chance at love…


Cole Kallen never planned to be gone so long. He'd only left Laurel Cove to escape the painful reality of seeing the woman he loved hanging onto his best friend and business partner's arm. Everyone could see that London and Denton didn't make beautiful music together. Cole had kissed her once, and that kiss had rocked his world. But how could a nerdy computer geek compete with all the jocks vying for the popular cheerleader's attention? Before she could reject him, he'd broken it off and poured himself into the company he'd founded with his college buddies.

From their very first kiss, London Carlson had been smitten with the handsome songwriter. But Cole had shattered her heart with some flimsy excuse and avoided her carefully crafted attempts to reunite. His best friend's idea of fake dating seemed like her only hope, but Cole deserted her for a country she had to look up on a map and still couldn't pronounce. After ten years, the digital nomad's back in town for their friends' wedding, his beautiful music-making her heartache for a lifetime with him. But now that his name's included in the popular magazine's most recent list of billionaires, he probably won't even remember her name, let alone that life-changing kiss.

Can London's faith carry her through yet another rejection? Will a song bring them back together for a second chance at love? Or will Cole choose to lead a solo lifestyle forever?

** A Billionaire Second Chance Christian Romance **




MY REVIEW

Summer's Song is about getting over past hurts, becoming new in Christ, and accepting forgiveness. Cole and London reconnect after leaving her years ago. Neither one ever got over it.

I loved the scripture and words of faith woven into the story. The characters are down-to-earth and showed a hunger to become a better version of themselves. Cole's past hurts and his ability to become successful still leaves him empty.

The message of the story is that God always has someone for everyone, and we should trust him to work things out for the best. A heartwarming, uplifting, and inspirational read that made me sad when it ended. I feel it's Dora's best so far. Loved it and highly recommend it.

I was provided with an ARC by the author and voluntarily choose to review it.




ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Dora believes that a person should love what they do or choose to do something else. She’s doing exactly what makes her heart sing and considers every day a gift. 

Besides writing, Dora adores lazy afternoons in her hammock with a great book, sipping coffee on her mountain cabin deck, and evening binges of Hallmark movies. Life’s too short to be stuck in traffic, to drink bad coffee, or to read books with a sad ending. 

Dora and her real-life hero make their home in North Carolina, but with a world full of amazing places to explore, that’s only a landing point.

Join Dora’s newsletter family for regular updates of her newest releases, awesome book deals, and happy sigh excerpts of sweet, clean, and/or Christian romances. https://BookHip.com/QHDTAV

Connect with Dora on her website at www.dorahiers.com



Second Chance Summers- Book 1


Will their reunion reignite a spark or will Harper's secret destroy their second chance at love?

The space transportation services company Denton Parker founded with his longtime buddies has literally skyrocketed into success, and a popular business magazine just published their names among the country's billionaires. But money doesn't buy what Denton really wants…a second chance with Harper, the woman who vanished from his life without an explanation five years ago.

When a vicious attack left her twin sister broken, distraught, and pregnant, Harper Robyson abandoned everything--her career, her friends, and her beloved boyfriend--the man she believed was about to propose--to help Heidi get her life back. But soon after delivering Aria, her sister disappeared, leaving Harper to raise the child as her own. As a single parent, Harper doesn't have time for dating. So much has changed since she left Laurel Cove, including her budding faith, but one thing hasn't…her love for Denton.

When Harper returns for a new job in the university, a beautiful little girl hiding behind her dress, Denton doesn't believe Harper's claims that Aria is not his child. Given the timing, how could she not be his daughter? Angry and demanding custody, will Denton finally accept the truth? That his heart yearns for a lifetime with this beautiful woman, transformed by motherhood and faith, and the daughter he wishes were his. That money can't buy true and lasting happiness, and the precious gift of salvation is priceless…

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Spotlight of New Release- "The Sound of Sins" by Danni Roan

              New Release- The Sound of Sins ( A Jessie Whyne Mystery) 

                                                         Book 1


Jessica Whyne is finished with college, but her life is not going as she had planned. Still working as a barista at the college coffee shop, she doesn’t know what comes next. Life has changed since graduation, with her mother’s recent marriage and new sweet baby brother and Jessica decides that she needs a change.


When she buys a small house near her hometown of Macon, Georgia she is soon on the trail of the mysterious sounds emanating from her basement each night.


Can a retired cop, living at her mother’s elder care facility in the old Georgia Plantation help her find the answers she needs or will danger silence the sound of sins from the past?


Purchase on Amazon




ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Danni Roan, a Christian author, has always been a storyteller and that unique talent has translated well into the western romance genre. Dani's characters are real, genuine, and come alive on the page.  To date, Dani has two western romance series, "The Cattleman's Daughters" and " Tales from Biders Clump," as well as several standalone novellas in the Strong Hearts Open Spirits Group. 

Danni has also participated in several multi-author projects, including Whispers in Wyoming, a Christian Western Contemporary series, and the much anticipated Alphabet Mail-Order Brides series.

Amazon Author Page





Monday, February 7, 2022

Review of Good Morning Little One -New Mercies & Prayers to Carry You Through the Day by Amy Kavelaris

 

Good Morning Readers,

It's my pleasure to introduce you to a lovely Christian children's book that will warm your heart and bless those who read it.   

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Reassure kids that God is carrying them throughout the day with these morning affirmations and whimsical illustrations from beloved author Amy Kavelaris. Adorable animals with gorgeous floral art and words of hope remind little ones of God's love, security, and peace for the day ahead.

Through a child’s eyes, the world can be beautiful, wonder-filled, and a bit fear-filled all at the same time. Remind your little one that God is always near with this unique book of blessings. A beautiful companion to Amy Kavelaris’s popular Good Night, My Darling Dear, this inspirational picture book

  • reassures children ages 4 to 8 that God carries them through good days, hard days, and anxious days
  • shares biblical promises of God's love, purpose, and protection
  • features the whimsical imagery of nature and animals that has made Kavelaris’s art beloved
  • encourages kids to discover God each day and joyfully live out who He created them to be
  • gives children the confidence to be brave in scary and unexpected situations

This unique book of blessings and prayers will remind your little one of God’s loving promises revealed in nature: that He protects us from the rain, He covers us with His wings, He shines His light into the darkness, and most of all, He’ll always be with us. Good Morning, Little One by artist Amy Kavelaris

  • includes a stunning cover with a jacket over hardcover
  • makes a touching keepsake gift book for a child's Easter basket, baby showers, and other new beginnings such as adoption, a new sibling, or the first day of school
  • is an enchanting piece of art for a botanical nursery or child's bedroom
  • is ideal for any parent, grandparent, or family who wants to establish a tradition of blessing their child in the morning

There's no better way to start the day than praying over your children with this sweet, Scripture-based book about trusting God to carry each of you in His gentle arms.



Check out the book and get a FREE activity guide.


Order Book





ABOUT THE AUTHOR




Amy Kavs (Kavelaris) Art can be spotted in Target, Anthropologie, Better Homes & Gardens, etc. & hanging in homes/sold on products around the globe. She has been captivated by the study of light and the way little ones interact with nature since she was old enough to hold a pencil. This fascination with everyday beauty, is apparent in her breadth of paintings, blooming in a dreamlike-whimsy.

Amy grew up in nature, writing poetry & sketching in a tree overlooking the lake -- a source of much of her inspiration for her work.

Amy now lives in the Midwest, with her husband and their 3 small girls.

You can find her work:

www.bloomprintsstudio.com


Instragram




MY REVIEW



This is my first experience with reading any of Amy Kavalaris' books. She is an author but also a fantastic illustrator. Good Morning Little One is a large-size hardcover book with a beautifully drawn and painted cover done in soft watercolor style.

Inside the book, each page is filled with easy-to-read rhyming verses filled with God's message. It is a joy to read to any child and one they can easily relate to. The verses are filled with promise and hope. The drawings that clothe each page are done in beautiful watercolor and will hold a child's attention.

As an adult, I found myself immersed in the message and loving the illustrations. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it.


















Tuesday, February 1, 2022

High Wire Heartbreak Blog Tour and Giveaway by Anna Schmidt

 

 


About the Book


Book: High-Wire Heartbreak

Author: Anna Schmidt

Genre: Christian/Romance/History

Release date: January 1, 2022

In 1936–A party at the Ringling mansion Ca d’Zan in Sarasota, Florida, leads to a robbery–and possibly death.

A successful historical mystery writer, Chloe Whitfield comes to Ca’ d’Zan to research her next novel. Chloe’s fascination with the circus is rooted in family stories of her great-grandmother Lucinda Conroy, who reportedly was a trapeze artist of some renown. She’s heard hints of scandal—and perhaps larceny, but no details.

Chloe’s grandmother—rumored to be Lucinda’s only offspring—was raised in an orphanage and never knew her mother. Intrigued as she is, Chloe has no intent of writing about Lucinda until she sees a poster featuring Lucinda as the star performer for a 70th birthday gala for John Ringling in May of 1936. From there the trail goes cold.

Who was Lucinda and what happened to her?

 

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW
The story revolves around the Ringling Brother's Circus in 1936. The historical details as a backdrop is well done and made me feel as though I was there along with the main characters.

I loved hearing the story of Lucinda Conroy from two different time periods, hers and that of a historical mystery writer, Chloe. Lots of mystery, deception, scandal, and intrigue are included in the storyline to keep me engaged.

A very well-written tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's one of the best stories I've read this year and hated for it to end. Highly recommend.

I received an early copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.

 

About the Author

Anna Schmidt is the author of over twenty works of fiction. Among her many honors, Anna is the recipient of Romantic Times’ Reviewer’s Choice Award and a finalist for the RITA award for romantic fiction. She enjoys gardening and collecting seashells at her winter home in Florida.

 

 

 

 

 

More from Anna

It’s hard to split time living between Wisconsin and Sarasota Florida and NOT get caught up in the circus world! The Ringlings are icons in Sarasota where a LOT of things are named for them! But the five circus brothers got their start right here in Wisconsin. So, when the opportunity to create a story for DOORS TO THE PAST came my way, it was pretty much a no-brainer that I would go with John and Mable Ringling’s incredible home, Ca ‘d Zan as the setting. Then somehow, I stumbled on this picture:

and I knew she was my character of Lucinda, the trapeze artist whose story would drive my novel. I hope you fall in love with her—and Chloe—as I did, and most of all I hope you’ll be in touch to let me know what you thought at  http://booksbyanna.com.

HAPPY READING and all best wishes, Anna


                                 Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 25

Remembrancy, January 25

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 25 (Author Interview)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 26

For the Love of Literature, January 26

Where Faith and Books Meet, January 26

Genesis 5020, January 27

Texas Book-aholic, January 27

Inklings and notions, January 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 28

Rachael’s Inkwell, January 28

Austen’s Angle: Jane Austen’s Influence in Modern America, January 29

For Him and My Family, January 29

Rebecca Tews, January 29

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 30

deb’s Book Review, January 30

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 31

Wishful Endings, January 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 31

Bizwings Blog, February 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 1

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, February 1

Older & Smarter?, February 2

Connie’s History Classroom, February 2

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 3 (Spotlight)

Bigreadersite, February 3

Blogging with Carol, February 3

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 4

Life of Literature, February 4

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 5

Joannabair, February 5

Blossoms and Blessings, February 6

Pause for Tales, February 6

Labor Not in Vain, February 6

Splashes of Joy, February 7

Through the Fire Blogs, February 7

                                Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Anna is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and paper 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/186c0/high-wire-heartbreak-celebration-tour-giveaway