Friday, December 31, 2021

Book List 2021

January:

"Dreams of Savannah" by Roseanna M. White

"Love, Again" by Tamara G. Cooper

"Only You" by Susan May Warren

"An Unlikely Proposal" by Toni Shiloh

"Still the One" by Rachel D. Russell

"Lethal Intent" by Cara Putman

"A Cowboy for Keeps" by Jody Hedlund

February:

"The Thief of Blackfriars Lane" by Michelle Griep

"Wait for Me" by Margureite Gray

"Oath of the Brotherhood" by Carla Learauno

"The Moonlight School" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

"Beauty Among Ruins" by J'Nell Ciesielski

"Bookers on the Rocks" by Chautona Havig

"Cast the First Stone" by David James Warren

"Her Steadfast Heart" by Sharlene MacLaren

"Roots of Wood and Stone" by Amanda Wen

"The Secret of the 14th Room" by Rebecca

"Lady Wynwood's Spies 1: Archer" by Camille Elliot

"When Twilight Breaks" by Sarah Sundin

"A Dance in Donegal" by Jennifer Deibel

March:

"Sing in the Sunlight" by Kathleen Denly

"A Mug of Mayhem" by Angela Ruth Strong

"Texas Target Standoff" by Virginia Vaughan

"Dark Threat" by Kimberly Rose Johnson

"The Matchmaker's Best Friend" by Kari Trumbo

"Can't Buy Me Love" by Andrea Christenson

"Heart Pressed" by Melissa Wardwell

"Framed in Death Valley" by Dana Mentink

April:

"The Purple Nightgown" by A.D. Lawrence

"Love at First Flight" by Linda Shenton Matchett

"Courage in the Mountain Wilderness" by Misty M. Beller

"The Indebted Earl" by Erica Vetsch

"The Elnora Monet" by Rachel Skatvold

"No Unturned Stone" by David James Warren

"Another Ending" by Sara Witley

"Present Danger" by Elizabeth Goddard

May:

"Hope Between the Pages" by Pepper Basham

"Stealing the First Mate" by Tabitha Bouldin

"To Save a King" by Rachel Hauck

"A Mother for His Twins" by Jill Weatherholt

"At Lighthouse Point" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

"Regaining Mercy" by Carolyn Miller

"Shielding the Amish Witness" by Mary Alford

"Dusk's Darkest Shores" by Carolyn Miller

June:

"The Captain's Quest" by Lorri Dudley

"Crazy for You" by Michelle Sass Aleckson

"The Silver Shadow" by Liz Tolsma

"Sticks and Stone" by David James Warren

"Ruth" by Caryl McAdoo

"Flipping Hearts" by Chautona Havig

"Jake and the Giant" by E.G. Foley (MG)

"Faith in the Mountain Valley" by Misty M. Beller

"Her Faith Restored" by Cynthia Herron

"The Songstress" by Lori Bates Wright

"Along a Storied Trail" by Ann H. Gabhart

"Come Back to Me" by Jody Hedlund

July:

"Pint of No Return" by Dana Mentink

"Bridge of Gold" by Kimberley Woodhouse

"A Lady in Attendance" by Rachel Fordham

"Betrayal of Genius" by Robin Patchen

"Shadow" by Kara Swanson

August"

"Missing in the Desert" by Dana Mentink

"Then Came You" by Rachel D. Russell

"The Scarlet Pen" by Jennifer Uhlarik

"Set in Stone" by David James Warren

"Beyond These War-Torn Lands" by Cynthia Roemer

"Husband Auditions" by Angela Ruth Strong

"Seasoned Grace" by Melissa Wardwell

"A Mother's Strength" by Allie Pleiter

September:

"The Cryptographer's Dilemma" by Johnnie Anderson

"Engagement Cover" by AM Heath

"Long Shadows" by Cathe Swanson

"Dinah's Dilemma" by Linda Shenton Matchett

"Hangin by a Moment" by Andrea Christenson

"More Than a Heartthrob" by Kari Trumbo

"Dangerous Amish Showdown" by Mary Alford

"A Warrior's Heart" by Misty M. Beller

October:

"Blood from a Stone" by David James Warren

"A Midnight Dance" by Joanna Davidson Politano

"Since You've been Gone" by Tari Faris

"Personal Threat" by Kimberly Rose Johnson

"Penelope's Pursuit" by Chautona Havig

November:

"A Season on the Wind" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

"The Mobster's Daughter" by Rachel Scott McDaniel

"A View Most Glorious" by Regina Scott

"Right Here Waiting" by Michelle Sass Aleckson

"Yukon Justice" by Dana Mentink

"Hooper Safe Haven" by Rachel Skatvold

"Murder at the Empire" by Cathe Swanson

"Footprints on Her Heart" by

"Honor in the Mountain Refuge" by Misty M. Beller

"My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island" by Carrie Fancett Pagels

"Behind Love's Wall" by Carrie Fancett Pagels

"Enamored" by Jody Hedlund

"Debutante's Code" by Erica Vetsch

"Deadly Target" by Elizabeth Goddard

December:

"Lost in Darkness" by Michelle Griep

"Heart of Stone" by David James Warren

"Love Finds You in Bridal Veil Oregon" by Miralee Ferrell

"A Convenient Risk" by Sara R. Turnquist

"Home For Christmas" by Chautona Havig, Toni Shiloh, Cathe Swanson, & Jaycee Weaver

"Saving Mrs. Roosevelt" by Candice Sue Patterson

"The Way We Are" by Tanya Eaverson

Thursday, December 30, 2021

"Entwined" by Jody Hedlund -- Book Review

About the Book

A princess cursed from birth, a loyal knight worthy of being king, and a sword that can determine their destiny.

After growing up on a remote farm, Lis learns she is the rightful heir to the throne of Norvegia. Even as she does her part to thwart a dangerous plot against the king, she resists pursuing her new identity and resigns herself to a simple life helping her elderly father with their farm.

With the king losing his mind, Sir Ansgar, the highest knight in the land, is desperate to save the sovereign he’s sworn to protect. But before Ansgar can uncover what is causing the king’s demise, he finds himself falsely accused of treason and dismissed from court.

In danger of losing his life, Ansgar takes refuge on Lis’s farm. Love soon blossoms between Ansgar and Lis, even as they realize a future together is impossible. Yet they must unite to save the kingdom from ever-growing forces of evil. Are their destinies entwined? Or will they be ripped apart forever?

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved Lis and Ansgar and their desire for the best for the kingdom. I found the book to be well written and with a nice flow. I held my breath in several spots wondering what going to happen. I enjoy the twists of familiar fairy tales in this series and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the author of over thirty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she's learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!). When she's not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

"Entwined" is available in paperback:

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Northern Lights Press (December 7, 2021)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 278 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1733753494
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1733753494
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 - 17 years
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09B31H3H2
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Northern Lights Press (December 7, 2021)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 7, 2021
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 4160 KB

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

"Saving Mrs. Roosevelt" by Candice Sue Patterson -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Saving Mrs. Roosevelt

Author: Candice Sue Patterson

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical/Adventure

Release date: December, 2021

Shirley Davenport is as much a patriot as her four brothers. She, too, wants to aid her country in the war efforts, but opportunities for women are limited. When her best friend Joan informs her that the Coast Guard has opened a new branch for single women, they both enlist in the SPARs, ready to help protect the home front.

Training is rigorous, and Shirley is disappointed that she and Joan are sent to separate training camps. At the end of basic training, Captain Webber commends her efforts and commissions her home to Maine under the ruse of a dishonorable discharge to help uncover a plot against the First Lady.

Shirley soon discovers nothing is as it seems. Who can she trust? Why do the people she loves want to harm the First Lady? With the help of Captain Webber, it’s a race against time to save Mrs. Roosevelt and remain alive.

My Thoughts

Being unfamiliar with Candice Sue Patterson, I almost didn't read this book. But I had liked the other books in the Heroines of WWII series, so I decided to read it afterall. I am very glad that I did. I really enjoyed reading the book and I found it to be well written. I liked the characters and found them realistic. I don't think I've read any other books about the SPARs before so that was a new experience. I liked the mystery and Shirley's time as a spy. I did pretty much figure out exactly who was behind the threats, but there were still some things that were good twists. I look forward to reading more books by Candice Sue Patterson now that I've discovered her.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

CandicePatterson Candice Sue Patterson studied at the Institute of Children’s Literature and is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she’s not tending to her chickens, splitting wood, or decorating cakes, she’s working on a new story. Candice writes Modern Vintage Romance—where the past and present collide with faith. Her debut novel How to Charm a Beekeeper’s Heart was a 2012 ACFW First Impressions finalist and made INSPYs Longlist for 2016.

More from Candice

The idea for Saving Mrs. Roosevelt literally came overnight. I had just finished writing a contemporary romance set in Maine, centered around a harbor town where lobstering is prevalent. My agent called me and told me about the Heroines of WWII series and asked if I’d be interested in writing a WWII novel. If so, I needed to come up with a story and proposal fast because spots were limited and filling quickly. My mind was so consumed with research of the lobster industry that I felt I couldn’t clear my brain fast enough to come up with another story on such short notice. That’s when I started wondering how I could take the knowledge I already had and make it work for a WWII novel. I googled Maine during WWII, came across an article that mentioned the SPARs, and the idea for Saving Mrs. Roosevelt was born.

I don’t want to give too much away, but the Nancy Drew deep inside me figured out a unique way to merge lobstering with espionage.

Though the plot is purely fiction, there are some characters and events that are historically accurate that were fun to include as well. I love Maine, but I’m Hoosier born and raised, and in my SPAR research, I discovered that Dorothy C. Stratton–the woman the Coast Guard asked to direct the SPARs–was the Dean of Women at Purdue University in Indiana. She was a woman of true character, grace, and strength. I knew right away she needed a cameo in my story.

Within twenty-four hours of receiving my agent’s call, I had plotted the entire story and sent a proposal. Weeks went by, and as fall ushered in its beautiful colors, my husband surprised me with a trip to Monhegan Island, Maine. We walked the trails, ate amazing seafood, and took in the gorgeous view. While on the island, my agent called again, this time to let me know that Barbour had contracted Saving Mrs. Roosevelt. What a special moment it was to be standing on the very shoreline where the book is set when I received the good news.

Since the book is set in Maine where the heroine works on a lobster boat with her father, I wanted to share my favorite recipe for Maine blueberry pie.

Maine Blueberry Pie

Ingredients:

2 Pie crusts

1 quart of fresh Maine blueberries

1 ½ tbsp lemon juice

Freshly grated nutmeg

¼ c light brown sugar

¼ c white sugar

¼ c flour

2 tbsp tapioca for thickening (if the berries are juicy)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place the berries into a large bowl, add lemon juice, and toss. Add the remaining ingredients and toss until the berries are well coated with the flour and sugars mixture. Line the pie plate with one crust. Put the berries into the pie plate and top with a solid or lattice-top crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the berries are bubbly and the crust is golden brown.

Blog Stops

Where Faith and Books Meet, December 15

Girls in White Dresses, December 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 15

Remembrancy, December 16

Bigreadersite, December 16

Genesis 5020, December 16

Lighthouse Academy, December 17 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

lakesidelivingsite, December 17

The Sacred Line, December 17

Betti Mace, December 18

Boondock Ramblings, December 18

Inklings and notions, December 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 19

Older & Smarter?, December 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 20 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, December 21

Blossoms and Blessings, December 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 22

Through the Fire Blogs, December 22

Mary Hake, December 22

For Him and My Family, December 23

Spoken from the Heart, December 23

Labor Not in Vain, December 23

She Lives To Read, December 24

Elly Gilbert, December 24

Splashes of Joy, December 25

Pause for Tales, December 25

deb’s Book Review, December 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 26

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 26

Connie’s History Classroom, December 27

To Everything There Is A Season, December 27

The Author Reads, December 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 28

Southern Gal Loves to Read, December 28

Lights in a Dark World, December 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Candace is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a 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/14f18/saving-mrs-roosevelt-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.

Thursday, December 16, 2021

"Touch of Innocence" by Robin Pachen --Epic Book Launch

About the Book

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a gripping story of mystery, romance, and pulse-pounding suspense.

How can she save the little girl next door from being exploited if nobody believes her?

Grace used to try to save people, but that was before she realized how powerless she is. Now, she avoids emotional ties, working from her secluded cabin, content with her aloneness. When eight-year-old Lily starts hanging around, Grace enjoys her company but carefully keeps her distance—until she discovers the girl is being exploited. Little though she wants to, she must get involved, even if it means risking her own safety to secure Lily’s.

Andrew can’t help but be drawn to his new neighbor and her beautiful foster child. When he learns about Lily’s disturbing history, he offers to help Grace prove her suspicions about the girl’s father. But the more they learn, the more puzzling Lily’s history seems. They work together to unravel the mystery, determined to ensure Lily ends up with a family who loves her.

But Lily’s father isn’t giving up his muse—or his obsession—that easily. He believes Lily is rightfully his, and he’ll do anything to get her back.

Don't miss this thrilling page-turner, the latest in the addictive Coventry Saga.

BOOK EXCERPT

Touch of Innocence Excerpt 2

Grace had found her slippers the night before, but not in her closet where she kept them. They’d been under the bed.

Strange.

Now, after she set the kettle on the stove to boil, she searched for her favorite mug. It wasn’t in the cabinet where she kept it or anywhere else in the small kitchen of the cozy home she’d rented a year before.

A glance into the breakfast room revealed no mug. Beyond the windows, clouds were gathering. One learned to enjoy the sun when it shined in this part of Washington. As spring turned to summer, the sun would peek out more and more. It had been a dreary winter, though Lily’s presence the last few weeks had brightened Grace’s world.

On the back porch, the girl was coloring in one of the books Grace had bought her, little legs swinging beneath the cafe table. She was a gorgeous child with thick brown hair and the biggest, greenest eyes Grace had ever seen, so unlike Grace’s blond hair and bland gray eyes.

Lily had to know what was keeping Grace so long. Why hide her mug?

Why hide her slippers?

She searched the small living area and the guest room. No mug.

MISSED ANY EXCERPTS, GO HERE:

Excerpt One: https://travelerswife4life.com/touch-of-innocence-book-spotlight/

Excerpt Two: https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/2021/12/touch-of-innocence-by-robin-pachen-epic.html

Excerpt Three: https://storiesbygina.wordpress.com/2022/01/06/touch-of-innocence-epic-book-launch-w-celebrate-lit/

Excerpt Four: http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/2022/01/touch-of-innocence.html?m=1

Excerpt Five: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/touch-of-innocence-book-excerpt/

Excerpt Six: https://catsinthecradle.blog/2022/01/05/touch-of-innocence-epic-book-launch/

Excerpt Seven: https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2021/12/20/touch-of-innocence-epic-book-launch/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aside from her family and her Savior, USA Today bestselling author Robin Patchen has two loves—writing and traveling. If she could combine them, she’d spend a lot of time sitting in front of her laptop at sidewalk cafes and ski lodges and beachside burger joints. She’d visit every place in the entire world—twice, if possible—and craft stories and tell people about her Savior. Alas, time is too short and money is too scarce for Robin to traipse all over the globe, even if her husband and kids wanted to go with her. So she stays in Texas, shares the Good News when she can, and writes to illustrate the unending grace of God through the power and magic of story.

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

"The Way We Are" by Tanya Eaverson -- Book Review

About the Book

To Gain a Bodyguard - Book One

Undercover ICE agent Madi Reynolds has spent years infiltrating a human-trafficking ring, but when her life is threatened, she is forced to walk away and advised to leave the country. Undeterred, she continues her plan to attend her brother’s Christmas wedding, with her partner assigned as her bodyguard. But after seeing Brice care for her niece, she finds it's more than her life that needs protecting. Is there really any defense for the heart?

War Veteran and ICE agent Brice Johnson has been defending his country and American lives for as long as he can remember. Now, he faces the biggest assignment of his life--protect the woman he loves. He's never been one to run from a fight, but when an old flame butts in expecting a second chance with Madi, and crippling visions of war call out to him, he begins to wonder if surrender is an option after all.

To Gain a Bodyguard - Book Two

Undercover ICE agent, Brice Johnson, fell in love with his partner, but the fight to control his PTSD drove him to leave her and his assignment.

Deep undercover, ICE agent Madi Reynolds’ identity is blown, and she is involved in a hit-and-run meant to kill. Lucky to be alive after her vehicle was forced off the mountain, she finds herself in a wheelchair and facing an unknown future.

Even though the men responsible were tracked down and brought to justice, Brice’s gut tells him Madi is still not safe. Details of the investigation aren’t adding up. In secret, Brice moves to Helen, Georgia, across the street from Madi. But how long can he stay in the shadows when seeing her struggle day in and day out bombards him with memories of their happier days.

Unable to forgive himself for Madi’s accident, Brice vows to protect her, but is it enough? Is he enough?

My Thoughts

I found these novellas to be well written and easy to read. I am not that big of a fan of sequels that have the couple not together anymore. If I had not read the first book, I would have liked the second one better just from the stand point of not having seen them get together already. There wasn't a biblical thread but they were a clean romances. I look forward to reading more books by Tanya Eaverson.

About the Author

Tanya Eavenson is an award-winning Christian romance novelist. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book. You can find her at her website http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/

"The Way We Are" is available in Kindle edition:

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09CJSZC3W
Publisher ‏ : ‎ All Roads Publishing (October 5, 2021)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 5, 2021
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 720 KB

"Home for Christmas" by Chautona Havig, Toni Shiloh, Cathe Swanson, and Jaycee Weaver -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Home for Christmas

Authors: Chautona Havig, Toni Shiloh, Cathe Swanson, Jaycee Weaver

Genre: Contemporary Christian Christmas Romance

Release date: October 21, 2021

Settle in with your favorite beverage, a Christmassy snack, and get ready for all the feels with these four heart-warming, military-honoring Christmas novellas.

The Christmas Lights Collection is back, and this year’s collection is better than ever. Full of love, joy, and hope, this year’s collection offers the celebration of freedom, sacrifice, and the greatest Gift ever given.

These novella features two veterans and two active servicemen and their stories.

The Stars of New Cheltenham (Chautona Havig): When a woman arrives at the Marine recruiting center, livid that her brother is ready to sign up tomorrow, the recruiter takes her on a journey through Rockland in hopes of showing her why her brother wants to serve.

Most Wonderful Time– Gabe loves Christmas, so when he discovers that his new co-worker Shanée wants nothing to do with the season, he makes it his mission to show her the true meaning. But he never expected feelings to develop for the Air Force veteran. Will he take a chance that she feels the same way or miss the best gift of all?

The Road Home: Tally has tried to leave her military history far in the past, but she’s not ready to go back to her former life, either. Can an old army buddy help her find a new road home?

Now and Forever Christmas: The past eight years as a professional musician for the US Army prepared Tobin McGhee for his new job as high school band teacher. They didn’t prepare him for how he’d feel seeing an old girlfriend again. This time, though, he won’t make the same mistakes. Can they make holiday music together and rekindle the friendship they once had, or will romance ruin everything… again?

The Stars of New Cheltenham: I enjoyed this story. It was fun to see the dates that Gareth came up with to go with the books. I liked the biblical thread and the characters' growth. It was also fun to see the other characters that we've met before.

Most Wonderful Time: I enjoyed this story and for Gabe to get his story told. It was nice to see old friends again. I felt the story was well written and with a good flow.

The Road Home: I loved being back at Unity Plenkiss again and seeing all the familiar people. I was thrilled to get Tally's story and for her to find her own happily ever after. I think it would be best to read the other books that have to do with the Unity Plenkiss before reading this novella so you get the full picture of Tally's life. I liked Christopher and his steadiness. The biblical faith thread was good.

Now and Forever Christmas: This is the second installment of The Sinclair Sisters Trilogy, but you could read it without having read Clari's story first. I enjoyed getting to know CJ and Tobin, both in the past and in the present. I found the story to be well written and kept me wanting to read.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Authors Chautona Havig, Toni Shiloh, Cathe Swanson, and Jaycee Weaver are about as different geographically and personally as you can get—except where they’re not. What they all share is a love of books, writing, and Jesus. Their great diversity is what makes their books so complementary and what makes the Christmas Lights Collection an eagerly-anticipated set each year.

More from Chautona

Picture it. Sweaters, fuzzy socks, a gas fireplace, and laptops. Cathe Swanson and I had been invited to join author Brenda Anderson for a writing retreat at her timeshare in the Wisconsin Dells. So, I flew out (and arrived in Minneapolis in the middle of riots! EEEP!) and we drove over to the Dells. There we were both determined to get a ton of writing done. And we did.

While Cathe worked on Home Run, (and I sneaked peeks at her recent release, Long Shadows), I finished up Penelope’s Pursuit and wrote a significant amount of Adoring April.

I also had a genius idea while I was there. I kind of freaked out poor Cathe a bit, running into the room where she was working and blurting out all the idea-ness (for a video of that, go HERE), but still… guys! Military! Woohoo! Here’s a video of us brainstorming:

It was perfect on so many levels. So, Cathe zipped messages off to Jaycee and Toni, and we all began planning what we’d do to honor our military in this collection.

Look, it’s been a hard year for our military families. Folks are grieving and there’s just so much uncertainty. So, all of the authors of the Christmas Lights Collection would like to dedicate this collection not just to the men and women who have and are currently serving in our armed forces, but also to the families who make their own sacrifices in giving up time (often years) with their service men and women.

In this collection, you’ll find a Marine recruiter, a struggling veteran, an Army musician, and an Air Force veteran now working a nice prosaic bank job! See how each author ties Christmas and these heroes together!