Tuesday, May 10, 2022

A Rose for the Resistance Blog Tour & Giveaway by Angela K. Couch

 

 


About the Book

 

Book: A Rose for the Resistance

Author: Angela K. Couch

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Christian

Release date: April, 2022

A French Woman and German Soldier Create a Truce

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

With her father in a German POW camp and her home in Ste Mere Eglise, France, under Nazi occupation, Rosalie Barrieau will do anything to keep her younger brother safe. . .even from his desire to join the French resistance. Until she falls into the debt of a German solder—one who delivers a wounded British pilot to her door. Though not sure what to make of her German ally, Rosalie is thrust deep into the heart of the local underground. As tensions build toward the allied invasion of Normandy, she must decide how much she is willing to risk for freedom.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW
A Rose for the Resistance is set in France during the invasion of Germany. Its characters are full of depth and the storyline is engaging.

Even with all the books written about the war, this one held my interest. The author's descriptions of the countryside brought the story to life and is enhanced by the message of faith.

The storyline draws us in to view the daily struggles, fears, and uncertaintly. It reminds us of choices and to stand up for what we believe in.

I received a complimentary copy and willingly choose to review it. 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 four munchkins.

 



More from Angela

The story of A Rose for the Resistance has been in the making for a while. Rosalie and Franz came to life for me in the first novel I started writing as a teenager… (not even going to mention how long ago that was). Though much of that early work will never see the light of day, I am glad I can finally share them with you.

 

Every November 11th since I was a child, I would sit with my dad and watch WWII documentaries and movies like A Bridge too Far, or The Longest Day which featured Sainte-Mère-Église during the D-day landings. So many of those stories beg to be remembered and I tried to include as much as I could in this novel, even in passing. Stories such as John Steele of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment who dropped into the warzone of Sainte-Mère-Église that night and his chute caught on the spire of the church. He hung limply for hours, pretending to be dead, before the Germans took him prisoner. John later escaped and rejoined his division. Or, Henry Langrehr who landed five miles from his drop zone, crashing through a greenhouse on the way down. He was unharmed from the fall, but was later wounded and captured. He lived into his nineties to tell the tale.

 

Many of the events and deeds of The Resistance in the novel are also pulled from history. The French citizen’s willingness to risk their lives to transport weapons and information, and to staunchly resist the brutal German occupation. It is estimated that approximately 90,000 men women – and children – were killed, tortured, or deported by the Germans for their efforts.

Though many of the characters in this story are fictional, there are so many men and women who truly did live through the horrors of the War in Europe, and more importantly risked or sacrificed their all for the freedom and lives of others.

I pray we never forget.

                               Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 29

Books, Books, and More Books, April 29

The Write Escape, April 30

Remembrancy, April 30

Southern Gal Loves to Read, May 1

Rachael’s Inkwell, May 1

Texas Book-aholic, May 1

Genesis 5020, May 2

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, May 2

Inklings and notions, May 2

She Lives To Read, May 3

lakesidelivingsite, May 3

Betti Mace, May 4

For Him and My Family, May 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 4

Sodbuster Living, May 5

deb’s Book Review, May 5

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 6

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 6

Vicarious Living, May 6

Older & Smarter?, May 7

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 7

Sylvan Musings, May 7

Connie’s History Classroom, May 8

Blossoms and Blessings, May 8

Mary Hake, May 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 9

Splashes of Joy, May 9

Through the Fire Blogs, May 9

Bizwings Blog, May 10

Pause for Tales, May 10

Labor Not in Vain, May 10

Bigreadersite, May 11

Where Faith and Books Meet, May 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, May 11

CarpeDiem, May 12

Lights in a Dark World, May 12

                                 Giveaway



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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1d3bb/a-rose-for-the-resistance-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, May 7, 2022

Blog & Review Tour of Secrets of Rosenli Manor by Heidi Eljarbo

 




Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Secrets of Rosenli Manor by Heidi Eljarbo, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Secrets of Rosenli ManorTitle: Secrets of Rosenli Manor
Series: Mysteries of the Modern Ladies’ Society #1
Author: Heidi Eljarbo
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: March 29, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction/Mystery

Betrayal and trust go hand in hand in the first book of Heidi Eljarbo’s new turn-of-the-century series.

It’s 1898, and Lilly has spent most of her life motherless and living with a father who never looks for a silver lining. When her great-aunt Agatha passes, Lilly’s existence takes a drastic turn. She packs her few belongings and moves into the old lady’s magnificent estate, Rosenli Manor.

In the days that follow, Lilly tries to understand who Agatha really was, and hidden secrets slowly rise to the surface. Her great-aunt’s glamorous legacy is not quite what Lilly had imagined. She must trust in newly forged friendships, and to her surprise, she discovers what it means to truly fall in love. But not everyone is happy about the new mistress of Rosenli.

Intrigue, mystery, and a touch of romance in the Norwegian countryside fill the pages of Secrets of Rosenli Manor. Fans of Rhys Bowen, Julie Klassen, Kathleen McGurl, Kate Morton, and Lucinda Riley will be delighted with this new novel.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

My Review

Lilly inherits her aunt Agatha's estate, Rosenli Manor in 1898. Lilly is quite accomplished as a bookkeeper in spite of working in a predominately man's profession. Lilly barely remembers her aunt and through a series of letters and townspeople, she tries to learn about her life.

The storyline is filled with many secrets. There were dark periods of suspense where Lilly was confused and afraid. Her staff at the manor were her refuge. I enjoyed the descriptions of the town in and the grounds of the manor. It made me feel as though I was there with her.

The ending was surprising and unlocked the many secrets, all but one. Can't wait to find that out as the series continues. If you love mysteries, this one is for you. The characters will have you mesmerized from the beginning. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of the book and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heidi Eljarbo

Heidi Eljarbo is the bestselling author of historical fiction and mysteries filled with courageous and good characters that are easy to love and others you don’t want to go near.

Heidi grew up in a home filled with books and artwork and she never truly imagined she would do anything other than write and paint. She studied art, languages, and history, all of which have come in handy when working as an author, magazine journalist, and painter.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She and her husband have a total of nine children, thirteen grandchildren—so far—in addition to a bouncy Wheaten Terrier.

Their favorite retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summertime and ski the vast, white terrain during winter.

Heidi’s favorites are family, God’s beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

CONNECT WITH HEIDI: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(3) winners will receive a paperback copy of Secrets of Rosenli Manor and a paperback copy of Of Darkness and Light!

Secrets of Rosenli Manor JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 3, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 10, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.





Thursday, May 5, 2022

Finding Love in Big Sky Montana Blog Tour & Giveaway by Angela Ruth Strong

 



About the Book

 

Book: Finding Love in Big Sky Montana

Author: Angela Ruth Strong

Genre: Sweet romance/western

Release date: September, 2016

Bright Star Ranch led him to her–but will he stay?

Josh Lake is forced to head home for the holidays after he’s suspended from his job in the city, but running into Paisley Sheridan could be exactly what he needed. Not only does she board him at her ranch in exchange for his advertising expertise, but spending the Christmas season with her in Big Sky, Montana, brings more joy than he’s felt in a long while. Is he willing to give up the lavish lifestyle he’s worked for in exchange for the gift of love?

The last thing Paisley wants for Christmas is to spend time with Josh Lake—the guy who broke her heart in high school—but until her bank loan goes through, she has to take all the free help she can get. Unfortunately, Josh seems to want back in her life again, and the town’s quirky coffee shop owners don’t help by hanging mistletoe at every opportunity. Will Paisley succeed in driving him away, or will she find the healing needed to have hope for a future together?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Twelve years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there’s nothing else she’d rather write about. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon best-sellers. Her book Finding Love in Big Sky filmed on location in Montana and will air in spring of 2022. She also writes non-fiction for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she teaches as an expert online at WRITE THAT BOOK.

 

More from Angela Ruth

Having my book made into a movie is a dream come true, and getting to be an extra on the set in Montana blew away all my expectations. There’s nothing like walking into a world you created and seeing your imaginary friends come to life.

 

I knew what was going on before anyone told me. I pointed around the set as I narrated: “They are going to hang that star on the barn. The horses are named Butch and Sundance. And that big red truck is going to break down because I WANT it to break down.”

 

I got it all right except for one thing. “Actually, Angela, the truck really did break down.” Oops.

 

Not only was I in on the inside jokes, but I kind of made them up. For example, during the “almost kissing” scene, Josh’s brother walks into the kitchen to look for ice cream. The actors got a good laugh afterwards whenever they were practicing the kissing scene because the actress would turn away with an “I’m going out for ice cream.”

 

I was only on location for one day, but it was the best day. I saw them film both kisses, the mentor scene, and we were extras in the cowboy ball. (I’m the one in the blue dress who signs up for the silent auction.)

 

However, my husband Jim was really bummed we couldn’t be there for the scene in the auto repair shop. He took his own coveralls just in case he could be an extra mechanic. We joked with the actress about it, and when we watched the final cut, we were surprised to see her call back into the shop to a “Jim.” I messaged her to ask if she did that on purpose, and she said she did. Such a sweet tribute.

 

On our last day, we ate breakfast at the Western Café (another film location) with the director, and we visited the jewelry shop where my hero had a necklace made for the heroine with the logo of her ranch on it. Jim gave me the exact same necklace for Christmas.

 

Everyone was so fun and nice, and even if I someday get to have another book made into a movie, I don’t think it could top this experience. I really hope you enjoy both the novel and the film. And may the message of how “you are a treasure” carry you forward toward your own dreams.


My Review

Paisley Sheridan inherits her grandfather's ranch and she has plans for it. The plan didn't include a man from his high school days that finds out he still has feelings for her. The romance between Paisley and Josh is sweet, and intense at times. Both characters feel the need to pray about it.

The storyline is about two people who live different lives and can't seem to come together. The ending wrapped everything up nicely and it was a sweet romantic story which held my attention from the beginning. The Christian aspect came through perfectly.

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


                                 Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, April 27

I luv the books, April 27

Inklings and notions, April 28

The Sacred Line, April 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 29

For Him and My Family, April 30

Rebekah Reads, April 30

deb’s Book Review, May 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 3

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, May 3

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 4

Vicky Sluiter, May 4

Bizwings Blog, May 5

Back Porch Reads, May 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 7

Miriam Jacob, May 7

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 8 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 8

Blossoms and Blessings, May 9

A Baker’s Perspective, May 9

Simple Harvest Reads, May 10 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

                                  Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the grand prize package of a movie package with a $25 gift certificate to the movies, popcorn, popcorn bowl, and an autographed copy of Finding Love in Big Sky, including author notes in the margins!!

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/1d0b4/finding-love-in-big-sky-montana-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

The Ranchers Want Ad Mix-Up Blog Review Tour & Giveaway by Megan Besing

 

The Rancher's Want Ad Mix-Up JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Rancher's Want Ad Mix-Up by Megan Besing, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Rancher's Want Ad Mix-Up
Title: The Rancher's Want Ad Mix-Up 
Author: Megan Besing 
Publisher: Love Inspired Historical 
Release Date: April 26, 2022 
Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance 

A mail-order mistake… 

Or a made-to-be match? 

When Della Mae Wagner’s train arrives in Missouri, she’s shocked to find that the couple who hired her don’t just want a teacher for their grandsons but a wife for their son! After a broken engagement, marriage is not in Della’s plans. And Hank Lamson isn’t pleased—with his parents, with his unexpected guest or with Della’s unfairly appealing smile. But his plans to send her packing are foiled as his family comes to love her…and he feels the walls around his wounded heart start to fall. 


EXCERPT

Della straightened her back at Mr. Lamson’s tone. So much for an ally amongst the confusion. Of course, she wasn’t looking for a husband any more than this man sought a wife, yet she couldn’t help but relive the sting of Tom’s rejection all over again. “I’m not here to apply to be your wife. Nor to be someone you court.”

Alice released a small gasp and Mr. Lamson crossed his arms as if he didn’t believe her, either. “You’re not?”

Mercy sakes. Did women fall at his feet so often he was surprised that anyone didn’t wish to be his wife? What kind of women lived in Missouri?


MY REVIEW

The story is set in Missouri in 1889. Della answers an ad for what she thought was a teaching position. Instead, Hank's parents had hoped she would be his mail-order bride. Hank wasn't ready to marry. His wife died, leaving him with three young sons and no desire to wed again. On a trial basis as a teacher, they both agreed she would stay.

The story is inspirational and has a lot of hardships, learning to have a new relationship and lots of forgiveness. What starts as a teaching position turns out to be much more but it doesn't come easy. Fear and a hardened heart toward the Lord make things more difficult.

Even though the story has some sad circumstances, it also has some humorous and loving instances. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of the book and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Megan Besing 

Despite always adoring happily-ever-afters, Megan Besing didn't unlock a love for reading until her mid-twenties, which quickly expanded into writing. Her own stories have won many awards, including the Selah for her novella, Perfect for the Preacher, along with the Pre-published Maggie for The Rancher’s Want Ad Mix-up. And now she’s thrilled to be a Sunrise Publishing author. However, her most cherished achievements are being a wife and mother. She lives in a pocket-size Indiana town, centered around extended family, where she's always planning a road trip with a view. Yet, her favorite place may just be on her front porch drinking tea. Connect with Megan at meganbesing.com.

CONNECT WITH MEGAN: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

TOUR GIVEAWAY

Grand Prize Package: (1) winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card, signed copy of The Rancher's Want Ad Mix-up, rose necklace, 1 Cor. 13:13 tote, apple oven mitt, apple kitchen towel, and a Great is Thy Faithfulness bookmark!

2nd Prize: (1) winner will receive an engraved rose leather journal!

Third Prize: (1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Rancher's Want Ad Mix-up!

The Rancher's Want Ad Mix-Up JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 2, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 9, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Set Apart Retreat 2022-GFA World

 



Jesus is calling you to step away from the world and its distractions—to learn to hear His voice and discover a deeper calling for your life.

With this in mind, we invite you to a weeklong retreat where you can draw near to God.

A week to help you:

  • Live fully devoted to God.
  • Catch a passion for restoring a broken and hurting world.
  • Find a greater purpose for your life.
  • Enlarge your heart for missions.

Are you ready to set apart one week of your life to hear from God and discover a deeper calling?


Who:
Men and women ages 18–30

When:
June 20-26, 2022

Where:
GFA World headquarters at Antioch Village
1116 St. Thomas Way
Wills Point, TX 75169




Sunday, May 1, 2022

Death Valley Hideout Blog Tour & Giveaway by Dana Mentink

 

 


About the Book

 

Book: Death Valley Hideout

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Christian fiction

Release date: April 26, 2022

Running from a murderer

with only the desert as refuge…

Placed in WITSEC while his brother testifies against a terrifying criminal, Tony Ortega must guard his young niece and nephew from the hitman hunting for them. Death Valley local Willow Duke’s hideout might just be the difference between the little family’s life or death. When bullets start flying, can they thwart a killer long enough to survive and become a family for real?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion. She’s written over fifty titles in the suspense, lighthearted romance, and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming, and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink), and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

 

More from Dana

Wooty woo! We’re back in Death Valley again! So excited about this fourth book in the series because Papa Bear and I have actually returned to this amazing place. (Our previous return trip was stalled for a while due to the virus that shall not be named!) People have asked me, “Why do you love Death Valley so much?” I can only respond that you just have to go there to understand. Is it the vastness of the place? The enormous topographical variety? Maybe it’s the profound quietness that permeates the national park and environs. Then again, it might be the panorama of nighttime stars. (Death Valley National Park is a certified International Dark Sky Park due to its limited light pollution.) Could it be the tenacity of people who live there and survive the one hundred twenty-plus degree temperatures in the summer? And how about those animals? The Death Valley pupfish is a teeny little endangered fish that lives in precisely one spot on the globe (Death Valley) and only two places within that range, Salt Creek and Cottonball Marsh. Imagine that! So why set a six-book series in Death Valley? Because there’s no more hostile and incredible place I can think of. I hope you will enjoy taking a fictional trip with me there too. Enjoy the adventure, reader friends!


My Review

Another great read set in Death Valley. Willow Duke a member of the well-known Duke family, finds herself in the middle of a race for her life. Tony, whose brother is a witness in an important high case trial to bring down a crime boss takes care of his brother's two children.

Lots of intrigue, suspense, family relationship issues, and mystery. At times it was hard to know whose side all the characters were on. It kept me on the edge of my seat even to the end. In the middle of the chaos, grows a high-tension romance that keeps those involved guessing. A sweet romance, inspirational and uplifting main characters, and a wonderful setting brings the best storyline. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

                                Blog Stops

Remembrancy, April 21

Texas Book-aholic, April 21

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 22

Bigreadersite, April 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 23

Life, Love, Writing, April 24

For Him and My Family, April 24

Betti Mace, April 25

Inklings and notions, April 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 26

EmpowerMoms, April 26

deb’s Book Review, April 27

Blogging With Carol, April 27

For the Love of Literature, April 28

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 28

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 29

Simple Harvest Reads, April 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 30

Vicarious Living, April 30

Bizwings Blog, May 1

Blossoms and Blessings, May 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 2

Paula’s Persuasion, May 2

Labor Not in Vain, May 3

Through the Fire Blogs, May 3

Pause for Tales, May 4

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, May 4

To Everything There Is A Season, May 4

                                Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of the first four books in the series-Framed in Death Valley, Missing in the Desert, Death Valley Doublecross and Death Valley Hideout (Paperback for U.S. Only) and a $50 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/1d0af/death-valley-hideout-celebration-tour-giveaway