- Wrote everyday at least a minimum of 100 words? yes
- Number of days that I wrote 500 words a day: 15
- Wrote 9921 words this month
- Be creative
- Tat
- Crochet 1 Jellyfish
- Knit
- Sculpt
- Exercise 5 days a week? yes
- Read my Bible everyday? yes
- Blog posts that weren't book reviews: 0
- Read 9 books
Monday, August 31, 2020
Month in Review -- August
"Hearts on Lonely Mountain" by A.M. Heath -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway
This time, I have exclusive bonus content for you at each and every stop. Tucked away, inside each post is a key word/phrase. If you complete the phrase, you’ll earn bonus entries in the giveaway. Have fun!
About the Book
Can two lonely people find more than a fleeting friendship or will a prejudiced town keep them apart?
When Ivory Bledsoe left the city to minister to the people of the rural mountain town of Willow Hollow, she never expected to be shunned rather than welcomed. Seeing the town as a lost cause, she’s eager to return home, but when the bridge leading out of town is washed away during a flood, she finds herself stranded in the last place she wants to be.
Ben Thrasher was content with his quiet life until he met the new librarian. He can’t help but be drawn to the friendly and lively Ivory Bledsoe, despite her being at the center of the town’s latest superstition. It’s only a matter of time until she captures his heart, turning his world upside down in the process.
Has Ivory gotten God’s plan for her all wrong or is there still a way she can serve these people? And can Ben ask her to stay in a place where so few are willing to embrace her?
My Thoughts
Tour Stops:
Aug. 31:
Becky @ Blossoms and Blessings: Review and Ivory’s Romantic Fiction Recommendations
Anne @ The Naptime Author: Review and Overview of the WPA
Sept. 1:
Amanda @ Amanda Tero Blog: Review and Character Interview: Curt Armstrong
Sept 2:
Nyla @ Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess: Review and More Horseback Librarian Reads
Julie @ Bizwings Blog: Review and Historical Note on the Horseback Librarians
Sept 3:
Tarissa @ In the Bookcase: Review and Common Great Depression Sandwiches
Sept 4:
Hannah: Nook of Grace: Review and Hearts on Lonely Mountain Inspiration Picture
Deana: Texas Book-aholic: Review and Ben’s Love Song to Ivory
Sept 5:
Kaitlyn: Maidens for Modesty: Review and My Inspiration for Ivory
Sept 6:
Debbie: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations: Review and Ivory’s Children’s Book Recommendations
Sept 7:
Tara @ Tower in the Plains: Review and More Great Depression and Appalachian Reads
Jana @ Reviews from the Stacks: Review and Authentic Horseback Librarian Audio Clip
Sept 8:
Vicky @ Vicky Sluiter: Review and Character Interview: Gerrit Callon
Sept 9:
Connie @ Older and Smarter: Review and Interview with a REAL Mobile Librarian from Kentucky
Loretta @ Just Writing: Review and 1930’s Music
Sept 10:
A.M. Heath @ A.M. Heath Blog: 1930’s Slang
Abigail @ Read Review Rejoice: Review and Character Interview: Ivory Bledsoe
Sept 11:
Virginia: Bigreadersite: Review and Character Interview: Ben Thrasher
Karen: Karen Sue Hadley: Review and Common Great Depression Desserts
I’m so excited to offer this tote from ParLaGrace. Be sure to visit her Esty page and enter the giveaway.
I have 2 ebook sales for you. Hearts on Lonely Mountain is still .99, but it won’t be for much longer!
My Ancient Words Series is also marked down for a limited time.
About the Author
teacher, sweet tea drinker, history fanatic, romantic, bubbly, lover of broccoli, and a retired 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:
Ivory’s Romance Recommendations
Hotdog! There’s nothing I like better than recommending a good romantic novel. I’m going to start my list with some of my favorite Jane Austen picks.
Persuasion. Sigh. Just trust me. You’ll never find a love letter quite like this one.
Austen’s Emma is equally charming but in a more comical way. Emma makes a bit of a mess along the way, but she’s loved by an amazing hero who proves to be patient and steady.
While I could go on listing all other Austen novels, I stop here with the expected recommendation: Pride and Prejudice. There’s a reason why it’s #1 on most lists.
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell has strong Pride and Prejudice tones to it. Not only is a stunning story, but it also addresses some real hardships surrounding cotton mills in the 1800s.
Little Women is more than a romance, it’s a love story between four unforgettable sisters. You’ll watch them blossom in this moving tale.
Secret Code #1: There
Sunday, August 30, 2020
"A Dazzle of Diamonds" by Liz Johnson -- Book Review
About the Book
Penelope Hunter loves her job as the events manager at one of Savannah's premier historic venues--until her ex-fiancé walks into her office with his new bride-to-be. To make matters worse, a scheming social matriarch is intent on seeing Penelope fired, especially if she insists on being seen with Tucker Westbrook.
Since returning from serving two tours in the Middle East, Tucker has built a thriving security company. His work is nearly as stabilizing as his friendship with Penelope, who has been by his side since childhood. But when the lone candidate for county sheriff goads him, Tucker loses his cool and ends up on the ballot--and on the receiving end of a smear campaign claiming the Westbrooks were traitors to the South.
To clear his name, Tucker and Penelope must join forces to find the truth behind a 150-year-old lost treasure. But the more time they spend together, the closer she comes to losing her job--and falling helplessly in love.
My Thoughts
"A Dazzle of Diamonds" is the third book in the Georgia Coast Romance series. It is able to be read as a standalone, though. The hero from the second book plays a role in this book, but you don't feel totally left out if you haven't read the other books (although the other books are great, so why not read them?) I found the book to be well written and nicely paced. The characters are realistic with authentic feelings and insecurities. I loved reading the diary entries and trying to figure out what the treasure was and where it was hidden. I did not want to put the book down once I picked it up and had to force myself to go to bed. I look forward to reading more of Liz Johnson's books.
About the Author
By day Liz Johnson works in marketing. She finds time to write late at night and is a Christy Award finalist and a two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. She is the author of more than a dozen novels, including A Sparkle of Silver, A Glitter of Gold, The Red Door Inn, Where Two Hearts Meet, and On Love's Gentle Shore, as well as a New York Times bestselling novella and a handful of short stories.Liz makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona where she enjoys theater, exploring local history, and doting on her nieces and nephews. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. Find out more about Liz at www.LizJohnsonBooks.com.
"A Dazzle of Diamonds" is available in paperback:
- Item Weight : 11 ounces
- Paperback : 352 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0800729420
- ISBN-13 : 978-0800729424
- Product Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.88 x 8.5 inches
- Publisher : Revell; 7/2 Edition (August 4, 2020)
- Language: : English
and in Kindle edition:
- File Size : 6598 KB
- Publisher : Revell (August 4, 2020)
- Print Length : 352 pages
- Publication Date : August 4, 2020
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Language: : English
- ASIN : B0821QDF48
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.
Friday, August 28, 2020
"Lady Airell's Choice" by Rachel Skatvold -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway
About the Book
Book: Lady Airell’s Choice
Author: Rachel Skatvold
Genre: Christian Medieval Romance
Release Date: January, 2019
Will one choice save her kingdom from destruction?
During a time of peace and prosperity, Princess Airell of Daireann is given the rare privilege of choosing her own suitor. As eligible rulers from all over Ardena vie for her hand, a betrothal to Prince Tristan of Órlaith seems to be the clear choice. Yet, in the midst of Lady Airell’s happiness, the winds of change are coming.
When an evil usurper from the north rises to power and his forces attack the southern kingdoms, peace in Ardena is shattered. With Daireann under siege, the princess must find the courage to protect her people. Will Lady Airell choose to sacrifice her own happiness in order to save her kingdom?
Get swept up in an epic adventure while reading this Christian medieval romance filled with themes of faith, redemption and forgiveness.
My Thoughts
I enjoyed reading "Lady Airell's Choice". I liked the medieval setting and imagining what it would be like there. I had an idea of what would happen with Lady Airell's choice, but there were still things that happened that I did not expect. There were biblical faith elements throughout the book which I really liked. I think it would have been more helpful to have the pronunciation guide at the beginning of the book, so I would have known how the words were said before I read it and came up with my own way of saying them. I can see lead ins to other stories and I look forward to reading more books in the Ladies of Ardena series.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing inspirational romance and encouraging blogs. Rachel completed her first series, the Riley Family Legacy Novellas in 2014 and is now working on the Hart Ranch Series, set in the Montana wilderness and the Ladies of Ardena Series, set in medieval times. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming, Brides of Pelican Rapids and Independence Island Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons. You can find more information about Rachel and her books on her website: www.rachelskatvold.com.
More from Rachel
The Ladies of Ardena Series has been by far my favorite series to write because the stories are adventurous fast-paced tales with themes of faith, hope and redemption. While I am more well-known for my contemporary western and small-town romance series, I have always been interested in history and fascinated with the medieval time period. Although Ardena is a fictional land, it is inspired by Irish and Scottish culture, in honor of my ancestors. Each book is also inspired by one of my six nieces and is dedicated to them. For that reason, these stories have a special place in my heart.
Lady Airell’s Choice follows the eldest daughter in the Daireann royal family who has come of age. Since it is a time of peace in the land, her father allows Airell to choose her own suitor. She is excited to start a new chapter in her life, but her dreams for the future are shattered when a usurper from the north kills her father and wages war against Daireann. Princess Airell is forced to choose between her own happiness and the survival of her kingdom.
Lady Airell’s story is inspired by Psalms 23 1-3 NLT which says: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” This verse is relevant during Airell’s time and in our lives today as well. We may not face the same perilous circumstances with evil kings and perilous voyages across the sea. Our battles are a little different these days, but God is still the same. He can help us through any trials and lead us down the correct path if we put our faith in Him.
Thank you for following this Celebration Tour for Lady Airell’s choice. To learn more about this book and the others in the series, please read the summary below and visit the series page on Amazon. Also, don’t’ forget to sign up for the giveaway for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card! Blessings.
Blog Stops
Texas Book-aholic, August 20
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 21
For the Love of Literature, August 22
Inklings and notions, August 23
Novels Corner, August 24
deb’s Book Review, August 24
For Him and My Family, August 25
Older & Smarter?, August 26
Connect in Fiction, August 27
Labor Not in Vain, August 27
Blossoms and Blessings, August 28
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, August 29
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 30
Pause for Tales, August 31
Emily Yager, September 1
Artistic Nobody, September 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/ffa1/lady-airell-s-choice-celebration-tour-giveaway
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.
Sunday, August 23, 2020
"The Crushing Depths" by Dani Pettrey -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway
About the Book
Book: The Crushing Depths
Author: Dani Pettrey
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: June 30, 2020
When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker on the first drilling platform off the North Carolina coast, Coast Guard investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent to take the case. Tensions surrounding the oil rig are high and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the structure from being completed, while rumors are being whispered about ancient curses surrounding this part of the ocean.
Mounting evidence shows the death may not have been an accident at all. Was he killed by one of the activists or, perhaps more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only a plethora of suspects, but also their own past and attraction to each other.
Just as the case seems like it’ll break open, worse news arrives. A tropical storm has turned their way and soon they’re cut off from any rescue–and right where the killer
wants them. It’s a race to discover his identity before he eliminates the threat they pose.
My Thoughts
"The Crushing Depths" is the second book in the Coastal Guardians series. There was a lot going on in this book and we read from lots of different characters' perspectives. There was Greg Barnes, Rissi Dawson, Caleb Eason, Noah Rowley, Mason Rogers, Brooke Kesler, a mystery bad guy. The story line following Rissi and Mason was started in the first book and I think I see the set up for the next book in the series. There were twists and turns and I didn't want to put the book down. Since Rissi and Mason knew each other from before, we didn't get to see much of them falling in love since they were pretty much already there. The mystery and suspense was the main focus of the story. I look forward to reading more books in this series and from Dani Pettrey.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
More from Dani
Enjoy this special recipe for a Lavender and Honey Latte that makes a special appearance in my book!
Blog Stops
Where Faith and Books Meet, August 12
Losing the Busyness, August 12
deb’s Book Review, August 12
Texas Book-aholic, August 13
Fiction Full Of Faith, August 13
For Him and My Family, August 13
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 13
Artistic Nobody, August 14 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 14
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 14
Through the Fire Blogs, August 15
Mia Reads, August 15
April Hayman, Author, August 15
Emily Yager, August 15
Inklings and notions, August 16
Stories By Gina, August 16
CarpeDiem, August 16
Betti Mace, August 17
Lighthouse Academy, August 17
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 17
KarenSueHadley, August 17
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 18
lakaesidelivingsite, August 18
Livin’ Lit, August 18
The Christian Fiction Girl, August 19
Life, Love, Writing, August 19
Blogging With Carol, August 19
Life of Literature, August 19
Older & Smarter?, August 20
Inside the Wong Mind, August 20
Mary Hake, August 20
Melissa Wardwell- Back Porch Reads, August 21
Southern Gal Loves to Read, August 21
Empowermoms, August 21
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 21
Amanda Tero, August 22
Splashes of Joy, August 22
Simple Harvest Reads, August 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Pause for Tales, August 22
Blossoms and Blessings, August 23
Worthy2Read, August 23
Spoken from the Heart, August 23
Hallie Reads, August 23
The Artist Librarian, August 24
Christian Bookshelf Reviews , August 24
Daysong Reflections, August 24
Hebrews 12 Endurance, August 25
Live. Love. Read., August 25
Remembrancy, August 25
Lights in a Dark World, August 25
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Dani is giving away the grand prize package of a necklace, tumbler 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/ff51/the-crushing-depths-celebration-tour-giveaway
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.