ABOUT THE BOOK
Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Publisher: Smitten Historical Romance
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Pages: 313
In 1928, soot from the local mills and music from speakeasies linger in the Pittsburgh air. When the manager of The Kelly Club is found dead, nightclub singer Vera Pembroke is thrust into peril. As the only witness to the crime, she’s sentenced to hide away in the Allegheny Forest with a stuffy police sergeant as her guardian.
Sergeant Mick Dinelo harbors a burning hatred for Pittsburgh’s underworld after the devastation it left on his life—and heart. He should be out exposing the culpable gangsters rather than tending to the impetuous woman who defies his every effort to keep her safe.
Mick and Vera must set aside their differences to solve the murder that someone wants to keep buried beneath the soot of Steel City.
Sergeant Mick Dinelo harbors a burning hatred for Pittsburgh’s underworld after the devastation it left on his life—and heart. He should be out exposing the culpable gangsters rather than tending to the impetuous woman who defies his every effort to keep her safe.
Mick and Vera must set aside their differences to solve the murder that someone wants to keep buried beneath the soot of Steel City.
MY THOUGHTS
Another amazing story by Rachel Scott McDaniel! I am always in shock that she doesn't have more books out! She definitely is an amazing writer and has a great gift at transporting you into the era her books are set in. From the descriptive settings to the way the dialogue is between the characters this one was no exception! In this book we travel to the 1920's to the age of speakeasies and the prohibition era. We meet Vera who is a singer at the Kelly Club who is owned by her "boyfriend" Carson Kelly. Vera is spunky, has goals and dreams for her life she wants to accomplish but unfortunately her boyfriend and lifestyle hold her back. She was raised to know God by her grandmother but life circumstances have her leaving her faith.
We also meet Mick Dinelo, an upstanding cop, who becomes guardian to Vera after she witnesses a murder. He carries a heavy burden with him and doesn't like getting close to anyone. However, he can't help being drawn to Vera and falling for her. I absolutely loved the chemistry between them. The witty banter and the way that their romance develops is quite dreamy!
If you have not read anything by this author I highly recommend it. You will definitely be drawn into the story and these characters. The way that she also interweaves faith into the story was very well done and perfectly suited for this story.
My Rating: 4 Stars/ Really Liked it! Can't wait to read another one of her books!
(I received this book from Just Read. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
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Also available through Kindle Unlimited
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ABOUT THE BOOK
Author: Lauren H. Brandenburg
Genre: Humorous Fiction
Publisher: Lion Fiction
Release Date: October 23,2020
Pages: 272
It is said that something magical happens during the festival season in Coraloo, something unexplainable. People tend to be a little crazier, reckless. Maybe it's because it coincides the full moon, but Coraloo's constable, Roy Blackwell, is beginning to think it's something else. That said, Roy has other things on his mind, like marrying Margarette Toft. A controversial decision as the Toft and the Blackwell families have a hatred for one another that is older than the town itself. Tradition collides with superstition as the feuding families compete to organize the events surrounding the most talked about wedding in the history of Coraloo. Despite the array of minor catastrophes that ensue, and the timings clashing with a four-week long festival celebrating a legendary beaver, Roy and Margarette hold fast and declare they will do whatever it takes to wed. That is until Roy unearths a town secret - a murder involving a pair of scissors, an actor with a severe case of kleptomania, and the mysterious marriage of Innis Wilkinson. Can good come out of unearthing the past - or will only heartbreak follow?
MY THOUGHTS
The cover of this book is what drew me in. I told you I am a sucker for covers and this one just looks so whimsical and completely unique just like the story inside. This book returns to the whimsical and quirky town of Coraloo to tell the story of a few characters but mainly of Constable Roy, Margaret Toft and of course Innis Wilkinson. The town of Coraloo is definitely an interesting place filled with residents that are involved in each other's lives and even more interesting traditions.
Constable Roy and Margarette Toft are planning to get married but when they go tell their family members it all goes down the tubes and the family is in an uproar. Both their families are at war with each other and do not get along. Although the story revolves mainly around the wedding we find out that there is mystery as well as there is a possible murder linked to Innis Wilkinson. And I have to say that the scissors on the cover that intrigued me so much do play a key role in the story. (I will not ruin it for you!)
This is definitely very different from any book that I have picked up this year. Although I must be honest it took me a while to get into it but I didn't feel like it needed to be abandoned and I am glad I didn't. It was refreshing and to read. This author definitely has a unique writing style that I can't say I love or disliked because it was an interesting read that drew me in eventually. It definitely took me out of my reading comfort zones and I am glad it did.
My Rating: 4 Stars/Really liked it for its uniqueness.
(I received a copy of this book from the author through Just Read. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ABOUT THE BOOK
Author: Kim D. Taylor
Series: Bitterroot Mountain Series, Book 1
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
Release Date: October 6, 2020
Pages: 348
A time and place where men longed for a piece of God's green earth to call their own and women still dreamed of a home and a hand to hold. Beth Yates has lost everything and could lose much more if she doesn't escape her beloved city of Chicago and the dreadful memories it holds. Forced to run from a powerful tyrant determined to ruin her, she blames God and vows never to trust a man again. Ethan Dawson dreams of owning a horse ranch in the foothills of the stunning Bitterroot Mountains but is stuck building the dreams of Montana's Copper King, Marcus Daly. With time running out to make his dream a reality, Ethan refuses to let anything...or anyone stand in his way. Runaway River is a powerful story of God's perfect timing and complete care during difficult times. Ethan and Beth must realize that their setbacks, troubles, and trials are not sent from a distant God but that His great love and overwhelming kindness has gently carried them through it all.
MY THOUGHTS
This was a great debut novel for Kim Taylor! I was intrigued from the first line "The children were finally asleep. All fifty-six of them." With a line like that you have to find out what the story is all about and I am so glad that I did. This story definitely hits on a lot of emotions. I know I definitely felt the characters pain and joy making the characters very believable. Right away we meet Beth Yates and her siblings Michael and Maggie, who have lost their parents in a fire. Immediately you feel their loss as they not only have to come to terms with losing their parents but also losing their home.
We meet conniving Eli Sands, a Chicago banker, who intends to "help" Beth with her money situation and he does so by sending her to a brothel to "work". Little does she know what is about to happen. As she gets close to being assaulted they all flee to Montana to find a job. Beth is hurt emotionally, she is fearful of what may happen if she doesn't find a job and help her family. She feels like God has abandoned her and has no place for him in her life.
We definitely meet a lot of great characters like Belle, Russ, Calamity Jane and Sadie. They all have different stories to tell and God working through them, help change the hearts of the Yates family each in their timing and unique ways. We also get to have love story between Ethan and Beth and although it didn't fully develop until closer to the end of the book the relationship between them was sweet. He had to come to the realization that he needed to gain her trust in order to pursue anything else.
The author leaves you in almost of a cliffhanger on the second to last chapter but then provides a sort of wrap-up (three months later) to part of this story. It left me with questions about certain characters! (I won't spoil it for you but still, I have questions!) I am sure all of those will be answered on the second book. Overall this was a good read with a great message on redemption, forgiveness and seeing God work in His way and timing. I think you will enjoy this read!
My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it! Can't wait to see what happens next!
Reviewer's Note: This book also touches on prostitution, rape and physical abuse. There are a few scenes in particular that although not graphic or done distastefully may be triggers for some, so I want to make you aware of that. The author does a great job at being realistic in a very sensitive way.
( I received this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gourmet cooking, table settings, and entertaining are at the top of Kim’s love-list, and she will always make time for a great cup of tea with family and friends. Find out more @ www.kimdtaylor.com
ABOUT THE BOOK
Author: Brandy Bruce
Series: Romano Family, Novella
Genre: Christian Holiday Romance
Publisher: Independent
Release Date: December 8, 2019
Pages: 115
Mandy Romano feels like Christmas is one long checklist she wishes she could avoid. She usually loves the holiday season, but this ear she just can't get into the Christmas spirit. And when her husband's ex-fiancée shows up in town, Mandy begins to think she really does need a Christmas miracle to save this holiday. Is there any way for her family to have the sweet, simple holiday her heart longs for?
MY THOUGHTS
This is not my first book by Brandy Bruce. I really enjoy her writing. I first encountered her when I grabbed the book The Last Summer and I completely enjoyed it. Then of course I had to read the second book to that After the Rain. Both of those books were great reads and I highly recommend them. I have not, however, read any of the Romano Family collection that she has and that has to be quickly remedied!
In this book, A Merry Little Christmas we re-visit the family seven years later, focusing on Mandy and Leo who are the characters from her Table for Two. Even though I have not read the previous books I didn't feel lost and I read it as a stand alone novella and completely understood what was happening. However I think it would of been a bit more enjoyable if I had so I could understand the family dynamics a little bit better.
This was a very quick read (I read it in a couple of hours) and very sweet but it hit upon a subject I think we sometimes shy out of. Mental illness whether on its beginning stages or deeper is something that we should all talk about. Mandy is struggling. She loves her family and her life but sometimes life gets overwhelming and there is a struggle to find joy in even the little things. I liked how the author didn't end this in a "and everyone lived happily ever after" but rather in a more realistic way. Mandy didn't have an easy fix for herself but she found a way to be okay with others helping her and taking some of the burdens or activities out of her calendar and being okay with that. She also is seeking professional help so that she can find ways to cope and manage these feelings.
I really enjoyed this short book and I definitely recommend it, especially if you just need a quick read in your day!
My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it
(I received a copy of this book from the author via Just Read. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
To know more about her books visit:https://www.authorbrandybruce.com/
ABOUT THE BOOK
Author: Sandralena Hanley
Series: Valdeor Chronicles, Book 1
Genre: Christian Fantasy, YA
Publisher: Independent
Release Date: July 24, 2020
Pages: 311
At his coming of age ceremony, Alloryn faces a mythical creature to win a fabled sword, is taken under the wing of a mysterious mentor, and sets out to find the lost Princess.Lauressa's quest is to free the land from the evil warlord, Feornson, who usurped her throne.Together they search for six stones of power, which can only be won by practicing a corresponding virtue.During their travels, they face foes and dangers from every side. They also make many allies, who they hope will join them in the final battle for the kingdom.
MY THOUGHTS
I thoroughly enjoy when authors contact me to review their books because sometimes its a genre that I am not as strong in. It definitely stretches me. Not all books make it on my pile to read but I am so glad this one did. The cover and the description of this book intrigued me. It's not often you see a cover like this one so I was immediately drawn to it. Sadly I am one of those readers that judges the book by its cover. I am trying to get better at it, but it is a hard habit to break. This cover just reminded me of the Middle Ages time period. It felt like a good adventure was about to begin!
I was right. This is one of those books that takes you on an epic adventure. It definitely is one of those books you are rooting for the hero want to know what happens so you can't put it down. We meet Alloryn who feels like he's treated like a child and not trusted with anything until his father has him retrieve a fabled sword from a mythological creature. When he succeeds he learns where his heritage comes from and the beginning of his quest commences.
He must find the lost Princess Lauressa and free the land from the evil warlord. Together they meet and make allies who help them through their journey and the final battle for the kingdom.
This is Sandralena's debut novel and she did a phenomenal job in captivating me as a reader and I have no doubt she will do the same for you especially if this is a genre that you enjoy reading. This is a clean, Christian fantasy story that is perfect for adults but most of all tweens, teens or young adults. I may be assigning this to my oldest son to read as part as his summer reading books.
My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it.
(I received this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sandra is a former middle school teacher. An avid reader, she reads many genres, including fantasy, mystery, sci-fi, and action adventures. Besides writing, she draws, paints, and crochets. She is currently working on the next book in the Valdeor Chronicles. To learn more about her and her books visit her website: https://www.sandralenahanley.com/
Happy Friday!!
Can you believe there are only 7 days until Christmas?! Who is ready?! I must say this year I was determined to be done shopping way before the week of and I can proudly say I have accomplished that! Now all that awaits me in my closet (which looks like an Amazon warehouse 😂) are the gifts that need to be wrapped! Goal is to work on that on Sunday! Let's see if that happens. We have even accomplished most of our baking! Which is impressive for me this year! Last year I was so behind and this year I am feeling like I have it altogether... let's hope I haven't forgotten anything!
It is First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books and today my first line come from my current read Runaway River by Kim D. Taylor.
Now it's your turn! Grab the closest book to you and drop the first line in the comments!
About the Book
Series: True Colors, Book 9
Author: Liz Tolsma
Genre: Christian/Historical/Suspense
Release Date: December, 2020
Author: Liz Tolsma
Genre: Christian/Historical/Suspense
Release Date: December, 2020
Pages: 256
Men Are Disappearing in LaPorte, Indiana
Book 9 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History
Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History
In 1907, shy but loyal Ingrid Storset travels from Norway to support her grieving sister, Belle Gunness, who owns a farm in LaPorte, Indiana. Well-to-do widow Belle, who has lost two husbands and several children, provides Ingrid with enough money to start a small business. But Ingrid is confused by the string of men Belle claims to be interviewing for her next husband. When Nils Lindherud comes to town looking for his missing brother, who said he was going to marry Belle, Ingrid has a sinking feeling her sister is up to no good.
Click here to get your copy!
My Thoughts
I have read now three out of the twelve books from the True Colors series and I must say that this may be my favorite when it comes to suspense and mystery!! Wowza! It was like reading something out of the movie Misery. Anyone remember that movie? That's what this felt like except this was a true story. That is what I enjoy about this series. It is based on true crimes that have happened in history. This was also my first book by Liz Tolsma and I must say I really enjoyed her writing. Very descriptive and engaging. This is definitely one of those books that is hard to put down as you want to know what is happening next and who the culprit is.
This story is about Belle Gunness a widower twice-over in La Porte, IN. She runs a hog farm and has a sister Ingrid. Ingrid is shy and getting adjusted at being in a new country. She loves her sister and doesn't see the peculiarities that surround her. Her sister is always in search of a new husband and puts ads in the paper. Men come to the farm but mysteriously enough they never stay and no one sees them go. Not even the former farm hand Ray who is obsessed with Belle and will do pretty much anything to get her attention.
When Nils brother goes missing after answering one of the ads, Nils comes to find out where he is. He meets Ingrid and they strike up a friendship. We do get some romance between Nils and Ingrid but that definitely is not the focus of the book. However it is sweet and needed to balance out the other parts of the story.
Now if you are looking for a cozy mystery this is not your book. This book definitely is definitely strange, terrifying and twisted. It is unresolved so this is definitely not going to leave you with a happy ending. I am so glad that the author put an Afterword in this story. It was needed to understand the history of the story a bit more.
My Rating: 4 Stars/ Really intriguing! Really Liked it!
(I received this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
About the Author
More from Liz
This story was so much fun to write, and the research was so interesting. It has to rank up there with one of my favorite books to write. That’s what makes my job the best around.
There are a great number of characters in The Gold Digger who are historical. Many of the places I mention are also historical. I had the pleasure of spending a day in LaPorte, Indiana, to research the book and take some pictures they had in the museum there. Research is one of my favorite aspects to writing. I could have spent much, much longer losing myself in the museum and in the archives. Good thing my cousin, who I was staying with, called me to let me know that it was getting dark and she had dinner ready, otherwise who knows how long I would have been there. Probably until they kicked me out!
To help you better visualize the characters and setting, here are some photographs of the real people and places that appear in The Gold Digger.
Enjoy the book!
Liz
Blog Stops
Connie’s History Classroom, December 17
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 17
Genesis 5020, December 17
Pause for Tales, December 17
Artistic Nobody, December 18 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Sodbuster Living, December 18
21st Century Keeper at Home, December 18
Older & Smarter?, December 19
Sara Jane Jacobs, December 19
Blossoms and Blessings, December 19
The Write Escape, December 19
For the Love of Literature, December 20
deb’s Book Review, December 20
Blogging With Carol, December 20
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 21
lakesidelivingsite, December 21
Betti Mace, December 21
Inklings and notions, December 21
Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 22
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 22
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 22
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 23
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 23
CarpeDiem, December 23
Hallie Reads, December 23
Remembrancy, December 24
Christian Bookaholic, December 24
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 24
Writing from the Heart Land, December 25
Splashes of Joy, December 25
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 25
Through the Fire Blogs, December 26
Rebecca Tews, December 26
For Him and My Family, December 26
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 27
Bigreadersite, December 27
Southern Gal Loves to Read, December 27
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 27
Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 28
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 28
Mary Hake, December 28
Texas Book-aholic, December 29
Godly Book Reviews, December 29
Daysong Reflections, December 29
Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, December 30
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, December 30
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of The Gold Digger!!
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/104fc/the-gold-digger-celebration-tour-giveaway
Welcome to the Takeover Tour for Courting Misfortune by Regina Jennings, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Courting Misfortune
Author: Regina Jennings
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: December 1, 2020
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | BookBub
Calista York needs one more successful case as a Pinkerton operative to secure her job. When she's assigned to find the kidnapped daughter of a mob boss, she's sent to the rowdy mining town of Joplin, Missouri, despite having extended family in the area. Will their meddling expose her mission and keep Lila Seaton from being recovered?
When Matthew Cook decided to be a missionary, he never expected to be sent only a short train ride away. While fighting against corruption of all sorts, Matthew hears of a baby raffle being held to raise funds for a children's home. He'll do what he can to stop it, but he also wants to stop the reckless Miss York, whose bad judgment consistently seems to be putting her in harm's way.
Calista doesn't need the handsome pastor interfering with her investigation, and she can't let her disguise slip. Her job and the life of a young lady depend on keeping Matthew in the dark.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
photo credit: Lane Aday Photography
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a print copy of Courting Misfortune, all three Fort Reno series books, and a magnifying glass! (3) additional winners will receive a print copy of Courting Misfortune.
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight December 14, 2020 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on December 21, 2020. 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.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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