Month in Review - September

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"The Girl on the Tombstone" by Betty Ruth Weatherby -- Book Review

About the Book

Wilhelmina Sukovich is curious and determined to have her own By Line in the Sacramento Bee. Aged out at the Children’s Home Society orphanage, she attends night school and works herself up in the newspaper hierarchy. Her first big break comes as an assignment takes her to the small mountain town of San Andreas in the Gold Country of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. She searches out her father’s gravesite only to mysteriously be drawn to the artistry of an ancient tombstone nearby, Eliza Osbourne, 1868. Formidable ranchers and a widow befriend her in her quest to fulfill her assignment for school children and search for Eliza’s roots. World War II veteran, Charles, rescues Will from her misadventures. Who is he and why is he such a recluse? Why has he taken it upon himself to see she is safe?

My Thoughts
The write up about this book sounded intriguing, but I had a hard time reading it. It didn't flow or feel smooth to me. I did not jive with the author's style of writing. This is not to say that all people will feel the same way. It was just how it was for me. Not everyone likes the same things as me. I had to put the book down for awhile and come back to it. I think that helped. The majority of the book is told in first person point of view of the main character, Will Sukovich, but it occasionally slipped into third person in the same paragraph. (There were sections that were supposed to be in third person, also). I wanted to find out the story behind who the "girl on the tombstone" was and for Will to make a connection to her past.

About the Author 

Miss Weatherby holds a BA from California State University, Stanislaus. She earned her teacher’s credentials from Chapman University, as well as a cross-cultural language and academic development certificate from Sacramento State University.

She is an active member of Sierra Baptist Church, in Pioneer, California and travels extensively.

Betty Ruth Weatherby currently lives with her dog, Buttons, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Visit on facebook.

"The Girl on the Tombstone" is available in paperback:

• Paperback: 274 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; First edition (December 17, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1981831738
• ISBN-13: 978-1981831739
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 3068 KB
• Print Length: 249 pages
• Publication Date: April 19, 2018
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B07CJDVB79

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was given for my review.

"Shadows from the Past" by Ashley Dawn - Book Review

About the Book

“…It is the price you pay for choosing to be a cop. Your brother’s life…”

Those words haunt her dreams, and her waking moments. LAPD officer, Aurora Kavvan cannot rest until she finds her brothers killer. Digging into the past always brings back unpleasant things: memories, guilt…the hit man. Now she is in a race against time to find the murderer before he finds her.

“Kill her. I don’t care how, and I don’t care where, but I want her dead now!”

Someone was trying to kill his dead partner’s sister. FBI agent, Jordan Reiley will stop at nothing to protect the woman he loves. Even if it means going against her wishes; putting himself between her and the man who murdered her brother.

Will God keep them alive long enough for them to find the truth?

My Thoughts

I had never heard of Ashley Dawn before, but the book blurb sounded intriguing. I found the book to be action packed and didn't figure out the mystery ahead of time. There were some things that bugged me about the book, however. It would jump from one person's point of view to another from one paragraph to another. It was difficult at times to know who we were following at the moment. There were also grammar issues that wouldn't have gotten caught by a spell checker since they were correctly spelled, just not the right word for the circumstance, such as: innocents for innocence, barley for barely, they're for their, boarder for border, isle for aisle. It was distracting. I do look forward to reading the other books in the series. 

About the Author  

Ashley Dawn was born and raised in rural Arkansas where she developed her love for writing while helping in her parent's office. She graduated with an accounting degree from the University of Central Arkansas but is currently working as a legal assistant.

Ashley has been writing professionally for the past twelve years and has three published books. Her Shadows Series include Shadows From The Past, Shadows of Suspicion, Shadows of Pain, and Shadows of Deception. She is currently working on multiple projects including the fifth in her ‘Shadows’ series entitled “Shadows in Black and White” and also a standalone suspense titled ‘One of Their Own’. She and her family make their home in Texas.

www.facebook.com/authorashleydawn

www.ashleydawn-author.com

https://twitter.com/authoradawn 

"Shadows from the Past" is available in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 697 KB
• Print Length: 284 pages
• Publication Date: November 27, 2016
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B01MZYUOFP

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

"The Christmas Prayer" by Wanda E. Brunstetter --Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book Title: The Christmas Prayer

Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter

Genre: Historical Christmas Romance

Release date: September, 2018

Beloved, bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter takes readers on a journey in 1850 along the California Trail.

Only the brave—or foolhardy—would attempt a cross-country journey late in the season. Three wagons meet up in Independence, Missouri, in April 1850, and their owners decide to keep forging ahead despite many setbacks and delays. December finds them in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when a sudden snowstorm traps them, obscuring the trail.

Cynthia Cooper is traveling with her mother and the man she has promised to marry. But as Christmas is upon them and they are hunkered down in a small cabin, she is forced to reevaluate her reasons for planning to marry fellow-traveler Walter Prentice. When a widowed father heading to a California ranch and a gold prospector both show an interest in Cynthia, she weighs her dreams for marriage alongside her responsibility to care for her mother. Can love win over her timid heart?

My Thoughts

"The Christmas Prayer" is a short book, but it was still enjoyable and well written. I was able to read it in one afternoon. The book is told primarily from the points of view of Cynthia Cooper, Cole Edwards, and Jack Simpson, but there are short parts from the points of view of Ginny Edwards and Mabel Cooper also. Their life on the trail is not spelled out in great detail, but we do get glimpses of the trials they face, mostly from Cynthia's diary entries. One thing I was a little disappointed in was that we don't see the characters fall in love, they just suddenly are. I know it would take away the surprise of what happens in the end and who Cynthia ends up marrying, but I like getting to see the budding love grow. 

About the Author

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.

Guest Post from Wanda

A cross-country journey in 1850 leads to high mountain danger—and romance.

Only the brave—or foolhardy—would attempt a cross-country journey late in the season. Three wagons meet up in Independence, Missouri, in April 1850, and their owners decide to keep forging ahead despite many setbacks and delays. December finds them in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when a sudden snowstorm traps them, obscuring the trail.

Cynthia Cooper is traveling with her mother and the man she has promised to marry. But as Christmas is upon them and they are hunkered down in a small cabin, she is forced to reevaluate her reasons for planning to marry fellow-traveler Walter Prentice. When a widowed father heading to a California ranch and a gold prospector both show an interest in Cynthia, she weighs her dreams for marriage alongside her responsibility to care for her mother. Can love win over her timid heart?

Find out in The Christmas Prayer from NY Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

Try this Exclusive Bonus Recipe Found Inside the Book!

Cynthia’s Fried Apples

Instructions:

Without peeling, quarter as many tart apples as you would like. Lay apples close together, skin side down, in frying pan with salt pork fat or butter. Cover until well steamed then uncover and brown both sides, turning and watching closely to prevent burning.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, September 18

The Avid Reader, September 18

The Power of Words, September 18

Lighthouse Academy, September 18

Just Commonly, September 19

Carpe Diem, September 19

A Baker’s Perspective, September 19

Blossoms and Blessings, September 20

Britt Reads Fiction, September 20

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, September 20

Connie’s History Classroom, September 21

Luv’N Lambert Life, September 21

Not Enough Time for Books, September 21

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, September 22

Lis Loves Reading, September 22

Literary Reflections Book Blog, September 22

Babs Book Bistro, September 23

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 23

Janices book reviews, September 23

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 24

Mary Hake, September 24

Two Points of Interest, September 24

Inspiration Clothesline, September 25

Inklings and notions, September 25

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 25

Fiction, Faith, and Fun, September 26

Girls in White Dresses, September 26

Book by Book, September 26

Splashes of Joy, September 27

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, September 27

The Morning Chapter, September 27

The Mimosa Blossom, September 28

Pause for Tales, September 28

Have A Wonderful Day, September 28

Miss Tina’s Amish Book Reviews, September 29

To Everything A Season, September 29

Cafinated Reads, September 29

Bibliophile Reviews, September 29

Quiet Quilter, September 30

Southern Gal Loves to Read, September 30

proud to be an autism mom, September 30

Texas Book-aholic, October 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 1

Bigreadersite, October 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Wanda is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a free copy of The Christmas Prayer with an autographed book plate inside!!

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/d297/the-christmas-prayer-celebration-tour-giveaway

"The Christmas Prayer" is available in paperback:

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (September 1, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1683226577
• ISBN-13: 978-1683226574
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.5 x 7 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 1016 KB
• Print Length: 176 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (September 1, 2018)
• Publication Date: August 15, 2018
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B07D46TL8W

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review. 

"If Only it Were Yesterday" by A.M. Heath--Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

Book Description: 
Liz Cooke has two problems in life: Her social media is filled with brewing political conflict and her idea of a perfect man seems to have gone extinct a century ago. Inspired by the contents of an antique trunk, Liz dreams she time-travels to 1885. As she sets out to enjoy the Victorian era in all its glory, armed with knowledge gleaned through historical novels and period dramas, will she find the past to be all that she thought? And does the right man for her exist only in her dreams or has he been in her life all along?
Loosely inspired by Alice in Wonderland, A.M. Heath brings you a fun read chock-full of humor and whimsy with a special message for the avid reader in all of us.

My thoughts:
I liked the little quotes from "Alice in Wonderland" and Bible verses that appear at the beginning of each chapter. I also liked the nods to various books and movies. Some of the ties to "Alice in Wonderland" were more obvious, like the uncle who was obsessed with his timepiece and even the story being set in "Carroll". While I was reading, I wasn't quite sure if Liz was experiencing something like in "Alice in Wonderland" or if it were more like "Somewhere in Time". I kept waiting for her to realize her life wasn't so bad after all and to notice what was right in front of her all along. I was happy to see her growth and progress. I found the book to be well written and enjoyable. I liked how we got to meet characters that will have books of their own later on in the series and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.


Author Bio: 
Besides being an Indie Author, I’m a wife, mother of four, children’s Sunday School teacher, sweet tea drinker, history fanatic, romantic, bubbly, lover of broccoli, and cake decorator who has a soft spot for Christmas trees, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What I’m not is a laundress (or at least not one who keeps up very well), a duster, tall, or patient in a doctor’s office.

Author Links: 

You can visit me online on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and my blog. *Note: I’m most active on Facebook and my blog.

Whether you’re on social media or not, you can ensure that you never miss one of my sales, giveaways, or new releases by signing up for my newsletter. I’ll send you a direct link to your email anytime something big happens. http://eepurl.com/dDbVNz

Blog: https://amheathblog.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMHeathfanpage/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8302606.A_M_Heath

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/aheath2257/?eq=a.m.&etslf=5672

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorAMHeath

Giveaway:


https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b7851a9011/?

Release Day Spotlights: 
Sept 4: 
Amanda Tero @ With a Joyful Noise
Becky Dempsey @ Blossoms and Blessings 
Alicia G. Ruggieri @ A Brighter Destiny

Reviews for If Only It Were Yesterday:

Sept. 5:
Laura Wilson @ Blue Eye Books

Sept. 6:
Alicia G. Ruggieri @ A Brighter Destiny

Sept. 10: 
Karen Hadley @ Karen Sue Hadley

Sept. 11:
Becky Dempsey @ Blossoms and Blessings

Sept. 12: 
Virginia Winfield @ Bigreadersite

Sept. 13:
Heather G. @ Blue Jeans and Teacups

Sept. 17:
Raechel Lenore @ God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae

"If Only it Were Yesterday" is available in paperback:

• Series: A Season Passed
• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (August 8, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1986902005
• ISBN-13: 978-1986902007
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 3283 KB
• Print Length: 221 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1986902005
• Publication Date: September 4, 2018
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B07F27JLLN

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

"A Worthy Rebel" by Jody Hedlund--Book Review

About the Book: 
A desperate noblewoman, a rebellious peasant, and a forbidden love. 

While fleeing an arranged betrothal to a heartless lord, Lady Isabelle becomes injured and lost. Rescued by a young peasant man, she hides her identity as a noblewoman for fear of reprisal from the peasants who are bitter and angry toward the nobility. 

Cole Warwick cannot turn his back on a person in need and soon finds himself falling for Izzy, the gentle and beautiful runaway who is mending in his cottage. As the leader of an imminent uprising against the nobility, he tries to resist his growing feelings for Izzy to protect her from the dangerous life he’s chosen. But the longer she stays, the more he hopes she’ll never leave.

When Izzy’s true identity is revealed, Cole feels betrayed. With the rebellion underway, can Cole forgive Izzy and find a way to save her from an unhappy marriage? Or will he and his peasant army be destroyed before he has the chance to fight for the people and the woman he loves?

My Thoughts:
"A Worthy Rebel" is the fifth and last book in the Uncertain Choice series. It, like the others in the series, can be read alone, but there are ties to the other books in the series and a fuller appreciation would be gained from reading them all in order. Plus, they are great books, so you have the benefit of reading more wonderful books that way! This book is about Isabelle who we met in the previous book about her sister Olivia. In the beginning, Izzy is timid and unsure of herself and always compares herself to Olivia. As the book progresses, Izzy learns more about herself and her purpose in life. I liked Cole and his desire to be worthy. He wasn't perfect, but learned and grew along the way. I enjoyed getting to meet Thea, Posy, Priest, and the others and the fullness that they add to the story. I look forward to reading more books by Jody Hedlund.


About the Author:
Jody Hedlund is a bestselling and award-winning author who loves fairy tales and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI, with her husband and five children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

"A Worthy Rebel" is available in paperback:

• Paperback: 332 pages
• Publisher: Northern Lights Press; 1 edition (September 4, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0692144196
• ISBN-13: 978-0692144190
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.8 x 8 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 2908 KB
• Print Length: 208 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Northern Lights Press (September 4, 2018)
• Publication Date: September 4, 2018
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B07FZ6KBNW

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

"Crack Yourself Up: Jokes for Kids" by Sandy Silverthorne --Book Review

About the Book:
Any kid can be a comedian with a little help from award-winning author/illustrator Sandy Silverthorne's Crack Yourself Up Jokes for Kids. Perfect for kids ages 6-12, this zany collection of one-liners (Did you hear about the missing barber? Police are combing the city.), knock-knock jokes (Knock, Knock. Who's there? Pizza. Pizza who? Pizza nice guy, don't you think?), riddles (What's red and goes up and down? A tomato in an elevator.), puns, and funny lists represents some of the world's best clean humor. Add in the author's hilarious illustrations and cartoons, and kids will get hours of fun with the kind of laughs that make milk come out your nose--that is, if you're drinking milk while you read!


My Thoughts:
I thought that this book looked like it would be something my kids would enjoy. When I handed it to my daughter, she eagerly cracked it open and immediately started giggling. My other kids thought it was fun, too. There are a variety of kinds of jokes and riddles, so there is plenty of things to appeal to different people. Some were old, tried and true jokes, but others were new. I'm sure the kids will get a lot of use out of the book.

About the Author:

Sandy Silverthorne has been writing and illustrating books since 1988 and currently has more than half a million copies in print. His award-winning Great Bible Adventure children's series has sold more than 170,000 copies and has been distributed in eight languages worldwide. His One Minute Mysteries series has sold more than 160,000 copies. He's written and illustrated more than thirty books and has worked with such diverse clients as Universal Studios Tour, World Vision, The University of Oregon, The Charlotte Hornets, and The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Sandy has worked as a cartoonist, author, illustrator, actor, pastor, speaker, and comedian. Apparently it's hard for him to focus.

"Crack Yourself Up: Jokes for Kids" is available in paperback:

• Age Range: 6 - 8 years
• Grade Level: 4 - 6
• Mass Market Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Revell (August 21, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800729692
• ISBN-13: 978-0800729691
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.5 x 7.2 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 9743 KB
• Print Length: 144 pages
• Publisher: Revell (August 21, 2018)
• Publication Date: August 21, 2018
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B079348PSR

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

Spotlight: "If Only it Were Yesterday" by A. M. Heath

Book Description: 
Liz Cooke has two problems in life: Her social media is filled with brewing political conflict and her idea of a perfect man seems to have gone extinct a century ago. Inspired by the contents of an antique trunk, Liz dreams she time-travels to 1885. As she sets out to enjoy the Victorian era in all its glory, armed with knowledge gleaned through historical novels and period dramas, will she find the past to be all that she thought? And does the right man for her exist only in her dreams or has he been in her life all along?
Loosely inspired by Alice in Wonderland, A.M. Heath brings you a fun read chock-full of humor and whimsy with a special message for the avid reader in all of us.

Join the party HERE

Release Day Spotlights: 
Sept 4: 
Amanda Tero @ With a Joyful Noise
Becky Dempsey @ Blossoms and Blessings 
Alicia G. Ruggieri @ A Brighter Destiny

Reviews for If Only It Were Yesterday:

Sept. 5:
Laura Wilson @ Blue Eye Books

Sept. 6:
Alicia G. Ruggieri @ A Brighter Destiny

Sept. 10: 
Karen Hadley @ Karen Sue Hadley

Sept. 11:
Becky Dempsey @ Blossoms and Blessings

Sept. 12: 
Virginia Winfield @ Bigreadersite

Sept. 13:
Heather G. @ Blue Jeans and Teacups

Sept. 17:
Raechel Lenore @ God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae