"A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado" by Kathleen Denly

About the Book

Book: A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado

Author: Kathleen Denly

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: October 8, 2024

When death visits Coronado, will secrets of the past keep them from uncovering the truth?

Her entire life, Eleanore Wainright has been molded to fit the ideal society wife in the glittering world of New York’s elite. Her father’s aspirations for her are clear: marry a man of wealth and status, and secure their family’s future. But when she arrives at the Hotel del Coronado with intentions to do just that, Eleanore’s carefully laid plans are thrown into disarray when she comes face to face with Thomas Harding, the man who shattered her heart and disappeared without a trace.

Working as a bellboy at California’s newest and most prestigious resort, Thomas never imagined crossing paths with Eleanore again, let alone amidst the backdrop of a suspicious death.

As the investigation continues and tensions rise, Eleanore and Thomas are forced to confront not only the ghosts of their past but also the secrets that threaten to destroy their future and the futures of those they hold dear. With the eyes of New York’s elite upon them, they must choose between the responsibilities they’re expected to fulfill and the love they’ve always yearned for, risking everything in the process.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts . 

I enjoyed reading this book. I liked being at the del Coronado during its heyday. It was a bit of a cozy mystery and I enjoyed trying to solve the case along with Eleanore and Thomas. There was a nice biblical faith thread. I found the book to be well written and easy to read. I look forward to reading more books by Kathleen Denly.

About the Author

Kathleen Denly lives in sunny California with her loving husband, four young children, two dogs, and ten cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

 

 

 

More from Kathleen

A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado was inspired first by the true events surrounding the tragic death of a mysterious woman that occurred at Coronado’s world famous hotel in November of 1892, and second by the fun antics of Miss Scarlet in the Masterpiece television show, Miss Scarlet and the Duke.

Although Miss Scarlet is a professional sleuth, I chose to make my heroine, Eleanore Wainright, an amateur sleuth who typically puts her keen observation skills to use when secretly writing her own mystery novels. That is, until an unexpected death compels her to use those skills to uncover the truth. Of course my hero, Thomas Harding, gets wrapped into helping her despite the tension of past heartbreak lying between them.

One of the most fun parts of writing this story was seeing Eleanore’s spunky Aunt Gladys support and encourage her niece. Aunt Gladys has an energy and sassiness that belies her years. And today, her curiosity has got the better of her. You see, Eleanore is being stubborn and won’t reveal the title of her current work in progress, so Aunt Glady is snooping through her niece’s room for clues.

To learn more about the true history behind this story, look for the author’s note at the back of the book!

Blog Stops

Holly’s Book Corner, October 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 29

Texas Book-aholic, October 30

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 2

Devoted To Hope, November 3

Pause for Tales, November 3

Connie’s History Classroom, November 4

She Lives To Read, November 5

Simple Harvest Reads, November 6 (Guest Review from Donna)

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 7

Stories By Gina, November 8 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, November 8

Hannahbandanarama, November 9

Cover Lover Book Review, November 10

Blossoms and Blessings, November 11

Bizwings Book Blog, November 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize of an enamel mug, scented candle, A6 journal notebook, ballpoint pen with black ink, and a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5481

"Hope Like Wildflowers" by Pepper Basham

 

About the Book

Book: Hope Like Wildflowers

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction

Release date: October, 2024

An Appalachian Girl Seeks a Place to Belong
Return to the mountains of 1910s Appalachia with beloved author Pepper Basham to discover Kizzie McAdams’s story.

Kizzie McAdams spent her childhood longing to see beyond the mountains of home, but when her job as a servant in a landowner’s house results in an unplanned pregnancy, her world tips into uncertainty and heartbreak. Disowned by her father, she seeks comfort in the arms of the man who promises to take care of her, but his support is conditional and inconsistent. She finds acceptance in the home of a nearby family who not only offer Kizzie friendship but point her to a deeper understanding of God’s love.

Despite her change of heart, her status as a social outcast brings with it continued threats and alienation so she flees her past in hopes of starting over in a nearby town. But her new world carries many of the same prejudices as the old. It also brings the unexpected friendship of businessman Noah Lewis, a man who lives with the same desire as Kizzie for helping the marginalized.

Unfortunately, Kizzie and Noah’s attempts to help those in need pit them against Noah’s elder brother, a powerful mill owner who holds control of the family finances. Is Kizzie and Noah’s growing romance strong enough to battle family power, social expectations, and Kizzie’s past to capture their happy ending? And when Kizzie’s first love returns to claim her, which future will she choose?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts 

I enjoyed reading this book. It is well written and easy to read. I felt immersed in the setting and culture of the mountain communities. There is a great biblical faith thread and good lessons are learned. I liked Kizzie and her finding who she was and relying on God. I look forward to reading more books by Pepper Basham.

About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

 

More from Pepper

It’s pretty easy to overlook wildflowers.

I mean, until they show off all their pretty colors, especially in the middle of a barren place, then they’re noticed and usually appreciated but did you know there’s a lot more to wildflowers that…meets the eye?

Apart from providing food and shelter for smaller animals and/or insects or assisting bees in pollination, wildflowers can be used as an ingredient for healing remedies and contribute to soil health and reduce erosion.

Especially in places where other plants aren’t likely to grow. They’re known as “hardy” because they can survive all sorts of weather conditions, extreme temperature, animal damage, even drought.

So why am I talking about wildflowers??

Because, in lots of ways, wildflowers are a great example of what hope looks like.

1. Hope nourishes. Romans 15: 14 “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” When we recall and reflect on what the Bible says about who we are in Christ, our hearts are encouraged and given the spiritual energy they need to remind ourselves of truth in the middle of hard times and wilderness-living.
2. Hope spreads – Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” A heart filled with the knowledge of the love of God is a heart filled and “overflowing” with hope…and that hope is contagious. When we know whose we are and what our future looks like because of the One who loves us, we live in joy…even when the storms come.
3. Hope restores and heals: “Isaiah 40:31 reads, “For those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
4. Hope protects – Psalm 62:5-6 “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” Life is hard. Sometimes, bone-achingly, soul-shakingly hard. If we’re reliant on our own ability to protect our faith or mind or soul, we will fail. We’re not strong enough and neither is any of our human defenses, but God is amply able to protect us from the storms, trials, and droughts that mean to wither our hope. HE is the hero of our heart’s story and he is armed to overcome so we can trust Him with our hope and our futures.
5. And hope grows in the hard places. Hope does not consist of weak or wishful thinking, it grows out of nutrients squeezed from the soil it has. Hard-won, many times. Romans 5:3-4 “ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” A life with Christ doesn’t mean that pain is taken away, but there is a promise and purpose in the pain. The promise that God is with us and a purpose that He is making us more like Him.

Hope Like Wildflowers tells the story of hope, but the main character, Kizzie, isn’t relying on her own abilities to keep her hope strong. Oh no! She learned to trust in the only One who is strong enough to BE her hope. He nourishes her heart when her life has turned upside down and she’s been forsaken. He restores and heals her when she’s been broken and cast out. He protects her from dangerous men who try to hurt her, but also he protects her heart from choosing the wrong path. And through the hard places of life, Kizzie’s hope overflows in joy to touch the lives of those around her.

And it’s beautiful and unexpected.

Like wildflowers.

How has God helped bring hope to your life? What trials has His hope helped you through?

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 30

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 30

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 31

Devoted To Hope, November 1

Texas Book-aholic, November 1

Lighthouse Academy Blog, November 2 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 3

Wishful Endings, November 4

Book Looks by Lisa, November 4

Sylvan Musings, November 5

For Him and My Family, November 5

lakesidelivingsite, November 6

Blossoms and Blessings, November 6

Connie’s History Classroom, November 7

Labor Not in Vain, November 7

Holly’s Book Corner, November 8

An Author’s Take, November 8

Back Porch Reads, November 9

Inklings and Notions, November 9

Cover Lover Book Review, November 10

Pause for Tales, November 11

Just Your Average reviews, November 11

To Everything There Is A Season, November 12

Vicky Sluiter, November 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5482

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 Trail to the Lonely Tree" by Kurt Mahler -- Epic Book Launch

About the Book

Book: The Trail to the Lonely Tree (Book 1 of the Jaguar Oracle Series)

Author: Kurt Mähler

Genre: Christian Magical Realism Fantasy

Release date: November 25, 2024

A richly poetic tale of friendship, courage, and destiny that will awaken the imagination of

children and adults alike.

When Oracle, a jaguar from the Yucatán, learns of the dying words of the last jaguar in the Rio

Grande Valley, he finds himself on a perilous journey to see a prophecy fulfilled.

To do so he must travel 1,400 miles to Texas and find the Lonely Tree, where his kin spoke an

enigma to the heavens as hunters took him down. But the Lonely Tree is in the dangerous realm

of Man—and Oracle will need more than his own wisdom and strength to fulfill the task.

Oracle remembers Eden and the naming of the animals; what Adam spoke to the first of each

kind. He discovers the animals in the Valley have forgotten their names—as has Man himself.

Can he not only fulfill the prophecy, but help the animals reclaim ancient truths before they are

lost forever?

This hope-filled tale explores the quest for courage in a fallen world and how to make the faith

journey—and its sacrifices—worthwhile.

Book Excerpt

And yes, I admit, our tribe has its secrets on how to borrow, one for each ring on our

tails.”

“We jaguars have rings on our tails too, but they are not just for recording our secrets.

They’re for fishing.”

“Fishing?” asked Patch as he cocked his head.

“Here, I’ll show you,” the jaguar said, and he reclined along the grassy bank with his

forepaws casually drooping at the water’s edge like an aloof Persian cat on the arm of a couch.

Oracle extended his tail over the surface of the water and dropped its tip downward. The tip,

bordered by the last ring of the cat’s tail, hovered just above the surface. The jaguar looked at the

reflection of the half-moon floating on the dark water. As he did so, now and then a drop of

saliva from his open mouth fell onto the pond, leaving a curious shape on the surface.

In the aquatic world below, fish looked up to see a fascinating sight. A shadowy thing

besilvered with moonlight hovered like a moth just above the gossamer film of the water’s

surface, while nearby a fleet of tiny shapes like water striders drifted along the surface itself.

Allured by this enigma, a fish approached to investigate.

Whap!

The once-docile paws flashed and flipped a fish to the shore—a stunned, striped mullet.

Patch’s eyes widened with amazement. He dropped the crab, who scuttled away with a

parting glare toward fish and fur.

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

Excerpt One: https://storiesbygina.com/2024/11/06/the-trail-to-the-lonely-tree-epic-book-launch-with-celebrate-lit-publicity/
Excerpt Two: https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/2024/10/celebrate-lit-presents-trail-to-lonely.html
Excerpt Three:h ttps://www.guildmaster97.com/posts/the-trail-to-the-lonely-tree-epic-book-launch-excerpt/
Excerpt Four: https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/2024/11/trail-to-lonely-tree-by-kurt-mahler.html
Excerpt Five: https://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/the-trail-to-the-lonely-tree-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Six: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/the-trail-to-the-lonely-tree-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Seven: https://penspagesandpulses.wordpress.com/2024/11/06/the-trail-to-the-lonely-tree-by-kurt-mahler/

 

About the Author

Kurt Mähler writes in the prophetic and poetic tradition, inspired by the wonder of creation and

cultures of the world. He and his wife have served in forty nations as encouragers in the

Christian faith, where Kurt discovered the beauty and wisdom of storytelling. His roots include

the Gulf Coast, Rio Grande Valley, and Heart of Texas.

"Unison Parenting" by Cecil Taylor -- Author Interview

 

About the Book

Book: Unison Parenting: The Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Christian Parenthood with One Voice

Author: Cecil Taylor

Genre: Parenting/Family, more specifically Christian Parenting

Release date: September 17, 2024

Singing in unison is when all voices sing the same note, at the same time, to emphasize the text. Similarly, families need to parent in unison to emphasize the message they want to send to their children.

Cecil Taylor uses his personal parenting experience, and those of the families he’s taught and ministered to over decades, to create unique foundational strategies for unison parenting within a Christian context. Learn how to stay on the same page throughout the trials of parenting, provide children with a solid faith foundation, and balance loving nature with firm boundaries to create a warm, stable environment where the child and parent can eventually collaborate to bring the child to full, responsible adulthood.

Whether in a traditional or nontraditional family structure, Unison Parenting leads parents through the ages and stages of childhood into mature adulthood. Additionally, Cecil lays out parenting fundamentals to manage your child’s growing need for independence during their teen years, while gradually building trust through incremental decision-making.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview 

Why did you choose to write about this particular topic?
I’ve been passionate about our children for a long time; I spent thirty years in youth ministry at
my church and taught parenting classes for fifteen years. Eventually those experiences led to a
book.
In addition, most of us want to contribute to society and make the world a better place. This is a
tangible way that I can help families and indirectly make the world a better place.

What types of research do you do?
It depends on the type of book. For this parenting book, I was very confident in the material due
to my aforementioned background. However, I wanted to make sure the material was current,
and I wanted to add voices to give more weight and authority than my own reasoning and
experience.
As a result, I researched two broadly defined types of sources: purely academic and relational.
The academic sources could speak to statistics, trends, and research studies. The relational
sources could lean on observation and experience.
My other works have been Christian living books, so I study and ponder the Bible and scriptural
interpretations. For Unison Parenting, I did research the Bible and used a number of key
passages; every chapter starts with a scripture-based devotional. But the Bible isn’t strictly
written to be a detailed parenting book, especially given that the families of our time face
different challenges than the families back then.

How long does the researching stage usually take?
In my experience, it might take two to three months to research sufficiently before beginning to
write. But the research never stops. I sometimes research while writing the very last
paragraphs, as new ideas and questions come to mind.

Was there anything you found particularly interesting while researching?
One of the eye-catching statistics you’ll find in Unison Parenting is that 46% of U.S. children live
in households that are considered traditional: Man + Woman + First Marriage. That means the
majority of children live in what are considered non-traditional families.
I use the term “parenting partners” because all kinds of combinations exist. The “Collective
Parenting” chapter is devoted to issues of those families in particular.
I believe I should write and give advice in light of reality. For this book, it doesn’t matter to me
how people arrived at the family arrangements they have. I want all my readers to become great
parents producing great children, because that’s what the world needs.

Do you have any usual writing habits?
I do like to have a certain environment. It may look messy, but when I know where everything is,
and it’s all close by, then it’s organized. I may or may not want music as I write; it depends on
my stress level (give me music) and my concentration level (keep it quiet if I’m on a roll).
For books, I tend to only write two to four hours per day. Writing a book is very intense and soul-
pouring, so I find it takes a lot out of me. I can get fried by the effort. For other writing outputs, I
can write for a longer period.
I’m doing more and more to outline before I write. I’ve always done that for books, but I’m
starting to do it as well for blogs and articles.

About the Author

With more than 30 years’ experience as an adult Sunday School teacher and as many in youth ministry, Cecil Taylor has impacted lives in local churches throughout his adult life. He founded Cecil Taylor Ministries to broaden that impact, teaching Christians to live a 7-day practical faith through books, video studies, and speaking engagements. His ministry is cross-denominational, focused on the common struggle Christians face in putting their faith into practice and applying scripture and faith principles to life situations.

Cecil has written three previous books, all of which have been awarded across international, national, and regional contests. For each book, Cecil has created a study guide, a video study, and downloadable free leader guides.

 

More from Cecil

Would you like to know the surefire, guaranteed way to get your teen to open up and talk to you? You’ll find it in my new book, Unison Parenting: The Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Christian Parenthood with One Voice.

Unison Parenting is the culmination of my fifteen years leading parenting classes in my church, my thirty years of youth ministry, and my raising of three children (one adopted) to adulthood. I taught and tested the parenting advice with seven hundred families that attended my classes, so I am convinced the structure and tips you’ll find in the book are well-proven.

One of those tips is how to get your teen to talk to you. I have never had anyone return to me to say that the technique doesn’t work; in fact, they laughingly complain that the technique works too well, and they can’t get their teen to stop talking!

An overarching theme of the book is, of course, getting and staying in unison as parents, but not only as parents – as a family. Another way to put it is a spirit of collaboration. You begin building this collaboration when the children are young, and as they grow, you expand the collaboration to partner with them on the common goal of helping them become mature adults who make good decisions.

I can tell you from experience that the collaborating spirit of such a family continues into adulthood, fostering solid on-going relationships and a desire for family community, even across distance.

This is not to say that my wife and I were perfect, nor that our children were perfect. We all made regrettable mistakes along the way. Our learnings, plus the positive and negative experiences of families I encountered over decades, will help you avoid pitfalls as you create a unison atmosphere among parenting partners and with your children.

Blog Stops

Lots of Helpers, October 23

Simple Harvest Reads, October 24 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 24

Artistic Nobody, October 25 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, October 26 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 27

Fiction Book Lover, October 28 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, October 29 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 30 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 31

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 1 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 2

Blossoms and Blessings, November 3 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, November 4 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 5 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Cecil is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5475/