Renewed Hope Blog Tour by Carmen Peone

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Renewed Hope by Carmen Peone, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Renewed Hope
Series: Seven Tine Ranch Romance #3
Author: Carmen Peone
Publisher: Iron Stream Fiction
Release Date: February 6, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance

Can they find her son in time? 

Sophie Cayes is on the road to success as an artist. Until her ex-husband threatens to sue for full custody of their son. Upon learning of a guest ranch in Eastern Washington that keeps a room open for women in need, she grabs her son and bolts. Although Chad Davis loves starting colts on the Seven Tine Guest Ranch, his goal is to have his own spread. Everything’s on course until a woman and her preschool son show up. He’s not thrilled about helping out. Until the boy comes up missing. On his watch. Along with a tribal cop, they head back to Montana in search of the boy, knowing his dad was the one who kidnapped him. Sophie prays they find him before her ex-husband and his new wife go on the run. Taking her son with them. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

MY REVIEW

Sophie Cayes has a complicated past. She learns that divorce doesn't always cut the ties of an abusive relationship-especially when you have a child. But, things get complicated when Chad Davis comes to her rescue.

Renewed Hope at times, was a difficult read. I relate to abusive behavior firsthand and like Sophie realized it takes a lot of courage, determination, support, and faith to see you through.

Carmen Peone pens a story of Native American victims who come to be victors. She takes a story of tragedy and shows how God turns it into a story of hope, faith, and a new future. This is another of her well-written books in the Seven Tine Ranch series that leaves me wanting more. Fantastic read. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and willingly chose to review it. A positive review is not required and all opinions are my own.

More Books In This Series

 

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About the Author

Carmen Peone is an award-winning author of Young Adult and Contemporary Western Romantic Suspense and lives with her husband in Northeast Washington and on the Colville Confederated Indian Reservation. She weaves threads of healing, hope, and horses into her stories that lead to happily ever after.

Connect with Carmen by visiting carmenpeone.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will win a signed copy of Renewed Hope, a $25 Amazon gift card, and a story-related postcard!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 5, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 12, 2024. Winners 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

New Release- Explosive Reunion by Dana R Lynn

 Madelyn Blake has worked hard to get where she is professionally and to be present to her twin daughters. An abusive relationship has taught her to be wary. It has also shaken her trust in God. When she becomes the target of a killer who enjoys using fire and explosives, her entire life is put on hold.

Trevor Stone appears to be a shy, mild-mannered man, but he has seen the worst of people. Still, he retains his unwavering faith that God is in control of everything. As a technician in a bomb squad unit, he has honed his ability to keep calm and clear thinking in life and death situations. When his former best friend is in danger, Trevor puts all his skills to work to keep her and her adorable little girls safe and stop the killer.

As the danger escalates, Maddie and Trevor struggle with their growing feelings for each other while trying to outwit a killer who is always one step ahead of them. Will they survive and get a second chance at love?

Purchase

MY REVIEW

Sargeant Madelyn Blake has twin daughters by her ex-husband, who recently died. Even though they divorced and his death made everything final, the abuse still plagues her. Sargeant Trevor Stone and Madelyn have a history. Now, they are working on a case together.

The storyline is action-packed and filled with mystery and intrigue. It kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who the killer was. The characters were well-developed and pushed the story along nicely. Lots of twists that will keep you guessing. Well written, and everything is wrapped up nicely in the end.

I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. A positive review is not required, and all opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dana R. Lynn is a bestselling, award-winning author of romantic suspense and Amish romance who believes in the power of God to touch people through stories. She met her husband at a wedding in Pennsylvania and told her parents she had met her future husband. Nineteen months later, they were married. Today, they live in rural Pennsylvania and are entering the world of empty nesters.

She is a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by day and writes stories of romance and danger at night. She is also a blogger on Seekerville and a member of the Suspense Squad. Dana is an avid reader, loves cats, and thinks chocolate should be a food group.

Readers can contact her or sign up to receive her monthly newsletter a www.danarlynn.com.

New Release- Review of Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley

 

As a child, artist and potter Dani Bennett witnessed the brutal murder of her parents. With no memory of the incident or her true identity, she was forced to take on a new name and a new life, hidden away in Montana for the past 25 years.

Mae Richmond has spent the same stretch of time searching for her granddaughter, who went missing the night her daughter and son-in-law were murdered. Convinced the woman she saw in a pottery magazine feature is the woman she's been searching for, she enlists the help of K-9 officer Mark Lassiter of Pearl Springs, Tennessee, who tracks Dani down.

Skeptical but curious, Dani sets out on a journey to uncover the secrets of her past and reclaim her true identity. But someone close to her is determined to keep the truth of what happened all those years ago hidden.

Purchase

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA Today best-selling author, Patricia Bradley is the recipient of numerous awards, including an Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award in suspense, a Selah winner, was a Carol, and a Daphne du Maurier finalist. Her romantic suspense novels include the Logan Point series, the Memphis Cold Case Novels, and the Natchez Trace Park Rangers.

She is now hard at work on the second book in her new Pearl River series set in the Cumberland Plateau area above Chattanooga. The first book in the series, Counter Attack will release in mid-2023.

She has conducted writing workshops for American Christian Fiction Writers, the Mid-South Christian Writer’s Conference, the KenTen and Scrivener retreats (where she was the keynote), the Memphis American Christian Fiction Writer group, and the Bartlett Christian Writers group.

She and her two cats call Northeast Mississippi home--the South is also where she sets most of her books, and when she has time, she likes to throw mud on a wheel and see what happens.

My Review

This is my first read by this author. I found Fatal Witness a runaway thrill ride. Lots of well-developed characters, and a great storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat holding my breath.

The story had lots of suspense, mystery, and a who-done-it that entered into the story a few times. It kept me guessing until almost the end. Also, included in the story was a K-9 dog and another smart dog owned by Dani.

The ending of the story wrapped up nicely. Fatal Witness is one of those stories that once you're engaged, keeps you there until the end. I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read her next book.

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

Review of Deadly Mountain Escape Blog Tour by Mary Alfred

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Deadly Mountain Escape by Mary Alford, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Deadly Mountain Escape
Author: Mary Alford
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: January 23, 2024
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Can this officer stop a trafficking ring? 

Or will deadly criminals stop her first? 

A search for a missing young woman becomes a nightmare for K-9 deputy Charlotte Walker when she stumbles on a trafficking ring and is captured. Death seems certain until she’s rescued by rancher Jonas Knowles. Together, they take shelter in the Amish community he left behind. But they can’t hide forever—not when the criminals are still after them and countless girls are at risk…  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

My Review

Deputy Charlotte Walker and Jonas Knowles are both dealing with guilt from their past. When they are forced to lean on each other, their lives go in a direction they never expected. The action was non-stop and it had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put it down. The mystery and deception come at every turn.

Even though the story is about a sensitive subject, the author handled it brilliantly. The main characters have lots of layers and are courageous and cunning when trapped in a dire situation. Their faith in God is strong. My favorite character is Charlotte and her resilience in trying to protect the victims. Lots of surprises in the story. Highly recommended.

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

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About the Author

Mary Alford is a USA Today bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can't put down. Her titles have been finalists for several awards, including the Daphne Du Maurier, the Beverly, the Maggie, and the Selah. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two cats and one dog.

Connect with Mary by visiting maryalford.net to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) The winner will win a copy of Deadly Mountain Escape & a $50 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 30, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 6, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for a print copy, ebook if outside US. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Charlie Chaloosy is Often Quite Choosy by Brad Masen, Ed.D.

 

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Charlie Chaloosy is Often Quite Choosy by Brad Mason, Ed. D.
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 32 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Yorkshire Publishing
Release date:   January 2024
Content Rating:  G.  Suitable for everyone.

Book Description:

The Charlie Chaloosy book series kicks off with its inaugural offering, Charlie Chaloosy is Often Quite Choosy.

The first book focuses on Charlie's experiences as he learns lessons, gains new experiences, and grows up in a world that happens to rhyme. The story is told through the use of a playful rhyme scheme and enhanced with beautifully colored illustrations of Charlie tackling new adventures in whimsical detail. The book ends with Charlie providing two pages for the reader to become an author by writing their own story.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N
add to Goodreads

Meet the Author

My passion for children's literature stems from 30+ years in education and my re-entry into bedtime stories with the addition of my beautiful grandchildren. I created Charlie as a means for children to learn with Charlie by having a growth mindset when it comes to facing new experiences and learning new things. Children live in a world that is traveling ever faster and my desire is to help them slow down and enjoy childhood through the adventures of Charlie Chaloosy. I hope children have fun with Charlie while engaging their minds through stories that encourage them to read, write, illustrate, and dream a little.

Author Interview with Brad Mason, author of CHARLIE CHALOOSY IS OFTEN QUITE CHOOSY

Are you a fulltime author and if not what else do you do?

I’m in my 34^th year in education and I wrote my dissertation in 2004 and I think upwards of 10 people read it, so I knew it was time for another book. Seriously, this is my first book, so you could say that I am new to the children’s literature world.

 

What do you do in education?

I am in my 9^th year as a superintendent of a TK-8 school district in Southern California. Previously, I was a teacher, dean of discipline, high school assistant principal, middle school principal, and held different management positions at the district office. It appears I’ve had a hard time keeping a job. The beautiful thing about my career trajectory, though, is I’ve been able to clear my name with my mom. I have her believing that all the time I spent in the principal’s office growing up wasn’t because I was in trouble. She now believes I was “job shadowing.”

 

What was your motivation for writing the Charlie Chaloosy book?

As I previously mentioned, I’ve spent my professional life in education with tens of thousands of children and I have always been drawn to the “invisible child.” I’ve been asked what is an “invisible child.” They are the children that walk with their eyes cast down, that are often alone or exist in an outer orbit of activity away from the core of what is going on at the school. These children are often not there by choice; they often end up there due to a lack of self-confidence, anxiety, or the relational skills necessary to make and sustain friendships. Charlie has his own struggles in the book due to his fixed mindset about what he will eat, what he will wear, or what he is comfortable doing. Charlie goes through a bit of a metamorphosis in the book that sees him build up the courage to try new things, make a new friend, and benefit from the confidence that comes with each of those little successes. I want children to see bits of Charlie in themselves and make plans to do something that stretches them a little bit.

 

Why did you choose to use the rhyme scheme for the book and where did the idea come from to ask the reader to be an illustrator and writer with you and Charlie?

Realizing my audience is young children, I wanted the book to be enjoyable and accessible, but I also wanted it to have some impact. I thought the rhyme scheme might be fun, as well as the liberty I take bending some words to make them fit. It was fun taking a base word that fit the narrative and kind of “oosying” it a bit. I know that many children are struggling in the area of anxiety and a lack of self-confidence and I wanted to write Charlie as a character that was relatable in that way. I wanted to provide a book caring adults could use with children that could assist them in this area. Lastly, it just kind of hit me to add the last two pages for drawing and writing on their own. I figured what better way to give a child a call to action than to let them draw about and write about something new they would like to try that would be a stretch for them?      

 

What is your hope for the book?

This is a simple answer. This book will be a success if it is enjoyed by children and it provides encouragement for children to take a chance and try something new. Oh, and lastly, it will be a success if it outperforms my dissertation, which is currently holding at 10 readers, including my mom.

connect with author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram

My Review

This children's book is a hardback of good quality that should hold up after many times of reading. The cover illustration is eye-catching and will catch the attention of young children.

Through reading the book, a child is taught through rhyming story form, to experience new things with anticipation and to interact with other children. The inside illustrations are well-drawn and are in vibrant color. The character of Charlie is very expressive and compliments the story told on each page.

Charlie Chaloosy is Often Quite Choosy is a story to be enjoyed by children and also by adults reading to children. Parents can feel comfortable adding this to their children's book collection. Highly recommended.

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

     

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Enter the Giveaway:

Charlie Chaloosy is Often Quite Choosy by Brad Mason Book Tour Giveaway

Muldoon's Minnesota Darling Blog Tour by E.V. Sparrow

 

About the Book

Book: Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling, a Novella

Author: E.V. Sparrow

Genre: Historical fiction

Release Date: May 10, 2023

A heartsore widower with hidden fears and little faith…
The naïve daughter of a farmer guarding a repulsive secret…
A township unaware of the hidden menace amongst them…

Heartbroken from losing his family and his farm, Mick Muldoon is hopeful as he emigrates to America with his siblings. All he finds is despair and no work. Were America’s rumored promises of plenty all lies? Would God ever hear and answer his prayers?

Seventeen-year-old Shauna McGann is determined to marry Mick Muldoon despite her mother’s objections. His past and his limp might repulse others, but not her. What burdens Shauna is her terrible secret – a secret she promised her friends she would keep. Now Shauna needs help and protection. Could she trust Mick, or will she lose everything by telling him?

Will Mick finally be free of loss and find success in America? Will Shauna overcome her fears and finally feel safe?

In this Muldoon’s Misfortunes prelude novella, author E.V. Sparrow creates a provoking tale of flickering faith and enduring hope through an emigrant’s efforts to adapt, and a young woman’s unprejudiced love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

E.V. Sparrow is a short story writer turned novelist. Her readers encounter God’s unexpected presence through her character’s escapades. Her own adventures she wrote about involved traveling in over twenty countries. Sparrow lived on an Israeli kibbutz, worked for the U.S. Army in Bavaria, and hopped a freight train for a weekend.

A highlight for Sparrow is when Guideposts and Bethany House Publishers accepted four of her anthologized stories before she signed a 3-book historical fiction series contract with Celebrate Lit Publishing.

Her father’s family’s immigration from Ireland, their letters and documents, and some family stories inspired her current historical fiction novels.

In E.V.’s personal and church life, she ministered through prayer, worship, mission teams, and in Divorce Care and Singles. California native relocated to North Carolina, E.V. Sparrow and her husband enjoy family time with their grandchildren and exploring their new state.

More from E.V.

I’m writing books inspired by my father’s family because they believed in God but wrestled with their faith. Faith doesn’t come easy for every believer. We grapple with intimacy with God, but does God battle with us?

My oldest brother shared some stories of our great-grandfather, who emigrated here after losing his wives and children in Ireland. Yes, at least two families. I wondered, how could a suffering heart and soul survive those losses? Our great-grandfather’s inner turmoil didn’t change once he resettled in America. I read letters he wrote to his son—our grandfather and sifted through family photos. Certain aspects from the timeline of great-grandfather’s life fashioned my main character, Mick Muldoon. Mick encountered God’s unexpected presence several times without recognizing it.

Thinking through a Scripture verse, 1 Corinthians 13:13, (NIV) “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love,” reveals what remains when all else we are accustomed to is gone. I assume hope is as powerful as faith and love. It’s a triangle of strength for us until it goes wobbly. What happens when one or two of the three stabilizers are weaker than the others? Wounded, confused, and resilient characters named Mick, Orla, and Liam Muldoon.

My Review

The story starts in New York and ends in Minnesota. The life of Mick Muldoon, twice wed and now a widower hates his life in New York and decides to head to Minnesota with his brother. He is looking for a better life.

The characters have lots of layers and despite having heartache and despair, keep praying for hope. The story has moments of joy, some difficult situations, and fear. The happy ending and renewed faith wrapped everything up nicely.

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and Celebrate Lit and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

                  Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 24 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 25

Bizwings Book Blog, January 26

Sylvan Musings, January 27 (Author Interview)

An Author’s Take, January 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 28

A Reader’s Brain, January 29 (Author Interview)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 30

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 31 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 2

By The Book, February 3 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 3

For Him and My Family, February 4

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

                    Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, E.V. is giving away the grand prize package of an eBook copy of Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling and an Amazon $50 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/299bb/muldoon-s-minnesot-darling-celebration-tour-giveaway

Love's Healing Spark : A Christian Doctor Nurse Romance by Crystal Mary Lindsey

After enduring the betrayal of love once before, a cautious doctor is reluctant to repeat the same mistake of falling in love with the wrong woman. During his interview to hire a new registered nurse, he is instantly captivated by her but remains aloof to hide his true emotions. This book was previously called, "Consuming Fire."

Employment under this skilled reconstructive surgeon grants Sage a five-day workweek, allowing her to enjoy a fun social life without the constraints of shift work. Spirited and unpredictable, Sage becomes a source of whimsy and amusement, confounding the doctor's thoughts and leading him on a sometimes hilarious mind chase.

Dr. StClair, an enigma to his patients, maintains a professional distance that adds to his allure. Scarred by the pain of a failed marriage, he keeps others at arm's length despite numerous attempts by women to break through. His reputation for impeccable reconstruction surgery and unwavering commitment to precision earns him respect and admiration.
Meeting Sage, however, sparks a genuine desire to know her deeply. He convinces her to embark on a transformative journey to an Outback missionary clinic, traveling past her familiar territory.

As they explore the rugged beauty of the Australian Outback, encountering exotic wildlife and vast landscapes, the lives of these two individuals are forever changed.

Sage discovers her true self in this unfamiliar terrain and witnesses the remarkable qualities distinguishing Javin and his parents from her previous experiences. Their shared inner peace and profound spirituality inspire Sage to want the same. She learns to know Jesus as her savior.

To Purchase

Crystal Mary Lindsey Author Page

About the Author

Crystal Mary Lindsey is a retired healthcare professional, widowed mother, and devoted grandmother.

She discovered her passion for writing following her retirement from the demanding world of hospitals.

Her hobbies include art, reading, gardening, and research, plus touching lives for Jesus whenever possible.

Her profound appreciation for the transformative power of reading ignited the spark that led her to embark on a writing journey. She has an unwavering goal to encourage and inspire her readers to a more contented state of mind.

As a spiritual Christian, Crystal has been touched by many unexplainable human experiences, which occasionally find their way into her stories. These add depth and intrigue to her narratives and create a unique and compelling blend of spirituality to her storytelling.

Credentials: BN, BSN, MHN, Dip Counselling/Psychology. Cert Theology.

AWARD WINNING AUTHOR (Editor's Choice and Readers Favourite Award x2).

Christian Fiction, Inspirational Romance, Clean Romance, Clean and Wholesome, Historical Romance, Contemporary Romance, Time Travel Romance, Medical Romance, Doctor Romance.

My Review

Love's Healing Spark is a sweet, clean romantic story that takes you to the Outback. It's a story rich in description of the countryside and brings the story to life. The characters are interesting and the descriptions of the medical world show knowledge of the subject.

I was inspired as I read about the relationship between Sage and Javin. Javin's love for his patients and the selfless hours given without compensation in the Outback is admirable. His love for family also came through along with the Christian elements of the story. Highly recommended.

Release day- Yellow Roses by Suzie Waltner

 

Mia Mason has always strived to meet others’ expectations. Her adoptive family, her fans, even her friends in the band. She works hard at pleasing everyone because she’s never felt like she truly belongs. After connecting with a cousin through a DNA website, she plans a covert road trip, hoping to find her biological mother and the answers she desires.

During a music awards ceremony, Levi Sinclair receives two messages that ruin his night. One is a breakup text from his girlfriend of six weeks. The other is from the father who abandoned his family seventeen years ago and wants to reconnect. Then Levi discovers Mia’s secret mission and insists on going along to keep her safe.

As the two friends pass the miles and see the sights, Levi’s true feelings for Mia rise to the surface. And her journey to the past might open the door to their future. Family issues and a shared career are just two of the hurdles they’ll have to jump if they want a shot at love. Could the end of the road lead these friends to a new beginning?

To Purchase

MY REVIEW

Levi and Mia had been close friends for years, until a recent cross-country road trip, that hadn't changed. Read Yellow Roses and follow Levi and Mia across the country while they both find out things they never imagined. Their lives drastically change.

I loved the sweet budding romance between Levi and Mia. The characters are well-developed and have lots of layers. I can't wait to read the next installment in the series. A story of love, forgiveness, and redemption.

I received an ARC from the author and willingly chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

New Release- January 23rd! Dangerous Texas Hideout (Cowboy Protectors Book 3) by Virginia Vaughn

                      

Seeking refuge from danger…with threats at every turn

When her daughter is the only witness able to identify a group of bank robbers, single mom Penny Jackson knows their lives are in danger. These men will do anything to keep Missy quiet—permanently. Escaping to a small Texas town was supposed to be safe, but when the criminals track them down, police chief Caleb Harmon becomes their only hope for survival…

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Cowboy Protectors

Book 1: Kidnapped in Texas
Book 2: Texas Ranch Target
Book 3: Dangerous Texas Hideout

To Purchase

MY REVIEW

Penny and her young daughter, Missy are on the run. Missy had witnessed something no child should see. The FBI can't keep them safe. That's when Penny and Missy meet Police Chief, Caleb Harmon. He becomes their guard to keep them safe, but then things begin to heat up.

There are so many twists to the story and it kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure everything out. I loved the main characters and how the story unfolded. Another great read. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Blog Tour of Faces in the Window by Andrew Busch & Melinda Busch

 

About the Book

 

Book: Faces in the Window

Authors: Andrew Busch and Melinda Busch

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: October, 2022

Franz Maedler, an officer in the Wehrmacht, loses a leg in Stalingrad and is evacuated just before it becomes impossible to do so. He returns to a desk job with the Army General Staff in Berlin but is deeply conflicted. His father is committed to the Nazi cause, as seems to be his brother Friedrich. Yet his girlfriend Katrin is a devout Christian, as was his now-deceased mother, and his conscience is haunted by things he was a part of on the Eastern Front. He wants to marry Katrin, but she will not agree until he decides who he is and who he follows. Then, unexpectedly, a moment of crisis forces Franz to choose. Will he side with the cross or with the swastika? And what will it cost him?

 

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

Andrew and Melinda Busch were both born and raised in Boulder, Colorado, and were introduced in 1994 by their junior high school math teacher. They married in 1995 and have three grown children. They now live in Rialto, California.

Andrew teaches American government at Claremont McKenna College in southern California. He has authored or co-authored about two dozen books on American politics, government, and public policy. He received his Ph.D. in Government from the University of Virginia. Melinda is a freelance author who has published numerous short stories and children’s books. She received her Master’s degree in education from Concordia University-Portland. Faces in the Window is their first co-authored book.

More from Andrew and Melinda

We came up with the idea for our book after a trip to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. in 2006, but didn’t start writing it until late 2019. The COVID lock-down gave us a lot of time at home to work on it.

Writing together was fun. Sometimes one of us would draft a section and the other one would revise it and then we would go back and forth until we were satisfied with it. Other times, when there was important dialogue, we would each pick a character, go onto Google Docs, and have the conversation in real time. We had to be sharp, since our characters often found themselves in a tight spot. Though we planned out the story, sometimes the conversations took on a life of their own, and things went in a different direction.

One of us is a poet and an author of children’s books, fantasy stories, and fan fiction, while the other is a professor who has written extensively about American government but has never before dipped his toe into the vasty depths of fiction. Together, we had a great time.

MY REVIEW

Faces in the Window had me turning the pages from the beginning. There is a lot of tension between the main characters due to activities relating to the war. With Hitler in power and the extermination of the Jewish population, Franz Maedler is conflicted. Serving as a Wehrmacht officer wounded in Stalingrad, his only concern now is for his girlfriend, Katrin, but she wants to wait to marry. Little does Franz know the true reason behind the delay.

The actions and descriptions of the countryside and vivid details of the war, made the story come alive. Well-researched with real characters with faults due to many harrowing circumstances. Keep the tissues handy. At times I held my breath waiting to see how things would turn out.

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and Celebrate Lit and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

               Blog Stops

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 17 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Book Blog, January 18

Artistic Nobody, January 19 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 20

Splashes of Joy, January 21 (Author Interview)

Betti Mace, January 22

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 23 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 24

Guild Master, January 25 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 26

Sylvan Musings, January 27 (Author Interview)

Connie’s History Classroom, January 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 29 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 30

                Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Andrew and Melinda is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed 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/297c8/faces-in-the-window-celebration-tour-giveaway