Tuesday, December 26, 2023

"For the Sake of her Sons" by Allie Pleiter

 About the Book


Fear has been holding them back

But love can open any door…

Healing from a tragedy has been challenging for Willa Scottson. And not even Camp True North Springs seems to ease the pain. But photographer and swim instructor Bruce Lawrence is determined to help the grieving widow and her twin boys, for their sake—and for his. Carrying his own sorrow and guilt, this is his chance to make amends, if Willa will let him once the truth comes out…

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

True North Springs

Book 1: 
Restoring Their Family
Book 2: 
The Nurse's Homecoming
Book 3: 
For the Sake of Her Sons


My Thoughts

I enjoyed reading this book. It was fun to be back at Camp True North Springs and to see characters I met in the previous books in the series. While you could read this book as a standalone, it is nice to know the stories of some of the other secondary characters. I liked watching Bruce with the twins and seeing them open up to him and trust him. There was a nice biblical faith element through the story and the characters grew. I look forward to reading more books by Allie Pleiter.


About the Author


Bestselling international author Allie Pleiter honed her talents in the world of popular fiction, where she still releases multiple books a year. Allie has over 50 published titles to her name, and over 1.5 million Allie Pleiter fiction and non-fiction books have been sold around the world.

Her well-known Chunky Method system trains writers at every level to formulate plans and meet deadlines in a way tailored to their unique working style. Allie runs an active coaching practice helping writers and all kinds of creative people be more productive, as well as training productive people to be more creative. Already a national speaker among writing associations, Allie now extends her reach to entrepreneurs, speakers, consultants, and anyone who needs to bolster their productivity and creativity in a demanding marketplace.

Allie is an avid knitter, confirmed coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better.” She holds a BS in Speech from Northwestern University and lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her husband and the world’s most adorable dog.


"For the Sake of her Sons" is available in paperback:

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Love Inspired True Large Print; Original edition (December 26, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1335417753
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1335417756
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.1 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.33 x 0.96 x 8 inches

and in Kindle edition:

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C4B5LQHW
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Love Inspired (December 26, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 26, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1929 KB


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.

Monday, December 18, 2023

"Call to Embrace" by Maryann Landers -- Epic Book Launch

About the Book


Book Title: Call to Embrace

Author Name: Maryann Landers

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release Date: November 1, 2023


She’s detached in a stormy marriage because of both of their unfaithfulness. Now she faces

the aftermath of her compromise with an unwanted pregnancy. Will fleeing bring her the

freedom she yearns for?


Emily Corentin wants to escape the jagged edges of her brokenness. She believes the only option

she has is to take her young daughter, leave her husband, and end the unintended pregnancy with

an abortion. But her plans take an unexpected turn when the homeless shelter she finds is not the

type of help she wanted. She’d buried religion years ago with the death of her Gran. Any God-

fearing place will only confirm how much God abandoned her. 


An offer from a shelter volunteer may be the lifeline she and her daughter need, but Emily only

sees it as a means to an end. The unlikely friendship that follows, draws her closer to the answers

she may have carried with her all along. But rash decisions bring new challenges that drag her

further into a sea of helplessness.


When all hope is lost in despair will she be washed away by the patterns of her past? Or will she

answer the call to embrace the mercy of the cross and in turn bring reconciliation to her

marriage?

Book Excerpt

He'd agreed to a remote assignment within the state shortly after our move, and the

luminous Chugach Mountains never brought me the comfort I needed. Left at home, on base and

alone, I yearned to escape what had become a prison of isolation as we grew farther apart.

"Mommy, where we go?"; My daughter, Destiny, tugged at my hand as she resisted my

guidance around a sloppy mess.

A car splattered water in our direction as it passed.

After we maneuvered across the gritty pavement, I knelt by her and brushed back the

strands of brown hair that slipped out from her hood and covered half her face. "We're going on a

walk, baby girl."

She squeezed her eyes tight at my gentle touch. At only three and a half years old, she'd

weathered storms I'd hoped to shield her from. But here we stood, the two of us, taking

advantage of her dad’s planned absence to find some kind of a solution.

"I hungry" Destiny protruded her lower lip and pushed it out farther to show me her

dislike for our early-morning stroll.

"A little farther, and I'll find you a snack."; I offered her hope, but I had so little that I could

only pour out a drop at a time.


Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here



Excerpt One: http://kid-lit.library-lady.blog/epic-book-launch-and-excerpt-call-to-embrace/
Excerpt Two: https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/2023/12/call-to-embrace-by-maryann-landers-epic.html
Excerpt Three: https://moments-of-beauty.blogspot.com/2023/12/epic-book-launch-call-to-embrace-by.html
Excerpt Four: https://carolkeen.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-call-to-embrace-book-blast.html
Excerpt Five: https://storiesbygina.wordpress.com/2023/12/27/call-to-embrace-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Six: https://www.guildmaster97.com/posts/call-to-embrace-epic-book-launch-excerpt/
Excerpt Seven: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/call-to-embace-epic-book-launch/


About the Author


Alaskan based author Maryann Landers writes women’s faith filled fiction based on true stories

of extraordinary women of her magnificent state. She loves to showcase the unique north and

give her readers a little taste of rustic Alaska.

While writing in her log home in the woods she is also looking forward to her next

adventure with her Alaskan husband, juggling mom tasks such as crafting homemade meals from

moose and caribou meat, building DIY projects from scrap wood piles and guiding her teens in

their homeschooling.

To learn about her inspiration to write Alaskan based stories read her blog at www.mary-

ann-landers.com

Her first novel in the Alaskan Women of Caliber Series; Alaskan Calibration released

June 2021.

Thursday, December 14, 2023

"Never Hire a Hero" by Regina Scott

 

About the Book

Title: Never Hire a Hero
Series: Fortune's Brides: Guarding Her Heart #3
Author: Regina Scott
Publisher: Edwards and Williams
Release Date: December 11, 2023
Genre: Sweet Regency Romance

Three children and a marriage of convenience may be his biggest challenge yet

A former elite soldier, Stephen Roth was trained to be ruthless as he served as bodyguard for kings and princes. So why would his English patroness, Lady Belfort, and her cat, Fortune, arrange for him to take a position as the tutor to the heir of Alldene Castle and the boy’s siblings? And why does the children’s mother, Lady Alldene, look at him with shining eyes, as if he could be some sort of hero? This was not the sort of challenge he bargained for!

A peer in her own right, Thea, Countess of Alldene, was raised in Alldene Castle and taught how to rule over it. But nothing prepared her for the death of her husband and the villainy of the man he appointed as guardian for her children. If a tutor with a razor-sharp gaze will prevent that man from taking her sons away from her, she’s willing to put up with Roth’s rough-shod ways.

But the castle holds a secret that may prove Thea’s undoing. When danger threatens, she turns to the one man who might be able to keep them all safe. Could a marriage of convenience over Christmas prove that heroes can turn up in the least likely places?

If you like warm, witty historical romances, with a touch of mystery, then you’ll love this historical romance by an award-winning, bestselling author.

“All readers who love Regency and historical romances need to pick up stories by Regina Scott. The author has never disappointed me. I am very happy to recommend any of her novels.” – Huntress Reviews

Hire yourself a hero, today.

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

More Books in This Series

 



My Thoughts

I enjoyed reading this book. Regina Scott's books are fun to read. I liked the characters and seeing what made them the way that they were. As well as watching them interact with each other and how they would fall in love. I wanted to keep reading to see what the mystery of the castle turned out to be and the secret was. Books with children included are always fun because they add a special charm to the book. And being set at Christmas time makes a book enjoyable. I look forward to reading more books by Regina Scott in the future.



About the Author

Regina Scott

Regina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn’t actually sell her first novel until she had learned a bit more about writing. Since her first novel was published, her stories have traveled the globe, with translations in many languages including Dutch, German, Italian, and Portuguese. She now has now published more than 65 works of warm, witty romance and more than 1 million copies of her books are in reader hands. She and her husband of 30 years reside in Washington State on the way to Mt. Rainier. Regina Scott has learned to fence, dressed as a Regency dandy, driven four in hand, and sailed on a tall ship, all in the name of research, of course.

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


Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will win ebook copies of all 14 books in the Fortune's Brides series!

Never Hire a Hero JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 13, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 20, 2023. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Books will be delivered via BookFunnel. No country restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours



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. 

Monday, December 11, 2023

"Rocky Mountain Promise" by Misty M. Beller

 

About the Book

Book: Rocky Mountain Promise

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: November 21, 2023

Lorelei Collins possesses a soft heart for any animal in need, so when she finds a buffalo calf bawling beside its mother’s lifeless body, she can’t help but bring it home to raise on the ranch she and her sisters are building in the Rocky Mountain wilderness. Little does she realize that its white coloring is rare and considered sacred by Native Americans, which makes it highly valuable to them and the European trappers alike.

A flood of men visit their ranch to regard the marvel, some trying to woo Lorelei into marriage so she’ll bring the buffalo calf along as dowry, and others trying to steal the calf outright. When the men’s advances become more sinister, she approaches Tanner Mason, the quiet and mysterious owner of the new trading post, with an idea: She and the calf will move to his post, along with her family’s trusted Blackfoot friend. This will solve both their problems, bringing customers to his trade room and protecting her family from the trouble brought on by so many strangers. Yet as the danger travels with her, Lorelei and Tanner are faced with a threat greater than anything they’re prepared for–one that will test the limits of both their abilities and the love growing between them.

USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller delivers an exhilarating addition to the Sisters of the Rockies series fraught with peril, adventure, and romance amid the majesty of the Rocky Mountains.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts 

I enjoyed reading this book. It was fun being back with the Collins sisters and catching up on their lives. I found the book well written and easy to read. I liked the characters and their interactions. I would love to be able to see a white buffalo in person. I look forward to reading more books by Misty M. Beller in the future.


About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

 

More from Misty

My latest release, Rocky Mountain Promise, follows the four Collins sisters who traveled west to accomplish their father’s deathbed request, and stayed on to run a ranch in the Wyoming Rockies. This particular book is Lorelei’s story, the third sister by age.

I loved writing Lorelei! She LOVES animals and has a heart to heal and nurture. Growing up on a ranch in the early 1800s, she understands that animals are important to survival, but she loves taking in any injured or orphaned creature she finds.

Like the orphaned buffalo calf with beautiful shades of white fur she discovered on the plains. The creature was only a couple weeks old, far too young to survive on its own in the wild, so she took it home to nurture until it could be released back into a herd.

Little did she know, white buffalos are extremely rare and considered sacred by the Indians, which puts them in high demand. I first learned about this belief when I was reading the non-fiction book My Life as an Indian, a memoir of James Willard Schultz, a white man who married into the Blackfoot tribe and lived among them for many years.

The respect for the white buffalo originally began with the Sioux, and they have a legend about the White Buffalo Woman that I won’t take time to share here (though you can read about it in Rocky Mountain Promise!). The deep respect for a white buffalo spread quickly among all the tribes and the trappers who lived in the Rockies and the surrounding plains, and such a creature (or even its hide) became one of the most sought after treasures in that day!

In Lorelei’s story, trapper and Indian alike show up in their cabin yard to see the remarkable white calf, some trying to woo her into marriage so she’ll bring the buffalo calf along as dowry. Others try to steal the calf outright. She ends up taking drastic measures to protect both the calf and her family. Any guess what she did?

I pray you love Rocky Mountain Promise as much as I do!

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 29

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 30

Pens Pages & Pulses, November 30

Betti Mace, December 1

Wishful Endings, December 1

Lighthouse Academy Blog, December 2 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 2

Texas Book-aholic, December 3

Splashes of Joy, December 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 4

For Such A Time As This – Miriam Jacob, December 4

lakesidelivingsite, December 5

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 6

Life, Love, Writing, December 7

Avid Reader Nurse, December 7

Cover Lover Book Review, December 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 9

For Him and My Family, December 9

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 10

Exploring the Written Word, December 10

Holly’s Book Corner, December 11

Blossoms and Blessings, December 11

Lily’s Corner, December 12

Pause for Tales, December 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of 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/2909a/rocky-mountain-promise-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, December 10, 2023

"Knowing You" by Traci Peterson

About the Book

Book: Knowing You

Author: Tracie Peterson

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: November 7, 2023

Could a captivating art exhibit hold the key to truth—and love?

Budding artist May Parker is captivated by the Japanese exhibits at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition and longs to know more about her mother’s heritage—which her mother refuses to speak of because of the heartache she left behind in Japan. Wanting to experience more of the exhibits, May works as a Camera Girl–but her curiosity leads her into danger when a suit of samurai armor becomes the target of an elusive art forger.

After ten years apart, May is reunited with her childhood friend Lee Munro, a police detective assigned to keep a watchful eye on the exposition. Their friendship immediately begins to blossom with hints of something more, but when they become entangled in a dangerous heist involving the samurai armor and their love is threatened, can they overcome the odds against them?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts 

I enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting going to visit the Alaska Yukon Pacific Expo. It would be interesting to have seen it in person. I liked the bibilical faith thread woven through the story. There were several mentions of something that happened to one of the other characters and it made me feel as if she were the main character in a different book and I was missing out on part of the story. The story deals well with the issue of prejudice.


About the Author

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling author of more than 100 novels, both historical and contemporary, with more than 6 million copies sold. She has won the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award and the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.

 

 

 

 

More from Tracie

Knowing You is book three in the Pictures of the Heart series. This series has proven to be a lot of fun for readers, as well as for me. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the research and chance to share this tidbit of history.

In the summer of 1909, Seattle was finally able to debut The Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition – often affectionately called the AYP.  The AYP was set up with amusement park rides, vendors, concerts, and all things typical of a fair.  It was also designed to showcase various details about life in Alaska, the Yukon, and a variety of Pacific Islands. The latter included Hawaii, the Philippines, and Japan as well as others.  When I started looking into the various displays, I came across the building they put together for the Japan Building. They spoke of the various displays that the building held and how photographs and other pieces of memorabilia told of Japan’s history.  It was a fascinating set up and I couldn’t help but think it might be fun to have a heroine who was part Japanese.

I mapped out the story studying various aspects of Japanese history, talking to folks who knew more than I did on the topic and reading (a lot) on things like the Samurai and their armor, the Satsuma Rebellion, and the language and Kanji. I learned so much and tried to weave some of the most interesting bits into the storyline. I kept thinking about the fact that most people in the United States in 1909 probably didn’t even know where Japan was, much less anything about their history. There was, after all, no Internet.

Another fascinating thing about the AYP was the fact that it was set on the campus of the University of Washington.  The AYP groomed the grounds and put in beautiful fountains and over 50,000 flowering plants. They built several permanent buildings for the University of Washington and strictly adhered to their policy of no-liquor on campus. This was unusual because all the other fairs and expositions had allowed alcohol.  Nevertheless, from June until October the fair saw nearly four million visitors, and from all reports, they had an amazing time.

I hope you’ll enjoy your journey with me to the AYP!

Tracie Peterson

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid reader, December 4

Book Looks by Lisa, December 4

lakesidelivingsite, December 5

Lighthouse Academy Blog, December 6 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 6

Texas Book-aholic, December 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 8

Exploring the Written Word, December 8

Cover Lover Book Review, December 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 10

Blossoms and Blessings, December 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 11

Blogging With Carol, December 12

For Him and My Family, December 12

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 13 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, December 13

Holly’s Book Corner, December 14

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, December 14

Splashes of Joy, December 15

Min Reads and Reviews, December 15

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 16

Pause for Tales, December 16

Lily’s Corner, December 17

Lights in a Dark World, December 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tracie is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Amazon gift card and one paperback set of the Pictures of the Heart series (Remember Me, Finding Us, Knowing You)!!

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/29246/knowing-you-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.