A Model of Devotion by Mary Connealy // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Jilly is a gifted engineer, with dreams of building a railroad through the mountain to help transport the lumber. Her past has left her determined never to marry, but the man who her step father arranged a marriage with is not willing to give up his claim on her so easily. 

Nick has been a faithful friend, helping to get the sisters' mother safe from her treacherous husband, and he wants to whatever he can to help the women escape Edgar's clutches. He is honorable and has a good heart, I liked how he was understanding of Jilly and was supportive of her no matter what. 

This is a fast paced read, full of faith and adventure. I liked how this book brings together the whole family, and we get to see them working together as well as reunited with their mother. I liked how patient Nick is with Jilly, and how he already cares for her family. A wonderful conclusion to a highly entertaining series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

His Delightful Lady Delia by Grace Hitchcock // Celebrate Lit

 About the Book

Book: His Delightful Lady Delia

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: November 1, 2022

Behind the curtain, she must put on the performance of a lifetime . . . while love and risk take center stage.

Delia Vittoria’s mother has lost her voice at last. After five years of being her diva mother’s understudy, it is time for Delia to assume her place as the lead soprano onstage behind the Academy of Music’s faded velvet curtain. And she is all that stands between the Academy and its greatest threat–the nouveaux riches’ lavish new Metropolitan Opera House.

Kit Quincy never misses opening night, but when his sister begs him to help get her husband out of an Italian opera star’s arms, Kit accidentally confronts the younger Lady Vittoria instead. When he meets the stunning young diva again, he attempts to make amends, but then finds himself pulled into a society matron’s plot to win the great opera war. To draw attention to Delia Vittoria as the Academy’s new soprano star, Kit is convinced to act as both Delia’s patron and the enigmatic phantom who once haunted the Academy years ago. But when a second phantom appears, more than Delia’s rising career is threatened.

Click here to get your copy!

Review: 

Highly engaging and entertaining, I was swept away into the Gilded Age as rising opera star Delia Vittoria and Kit Quincy find themselves working together at the behest of Mrs. Astor, despite a disastrous first meeting. 

 I loved seeing some familiar faces from the previous books, yet this book stands on its own. I loved Kit for his honorable standards, sense of duty, and sincerity. And I loved the scenes with Delia and Kit the best. Delia has not had an easy upbringing, her life dictated by her mother's whims and choices. I admired her for making different choices than her mother, courage, and faith. 

Overall, a wonderful read from beginning to end. Well paced, engagingly bringing the Gilded Age to life, with characters that I could cheer for throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful read, that brought a smile to my face!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock (www.gracehitchcock.com) is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a master’s degree in creative writing and a bachelor of arts in English with a minor in history. Grace lives in the New Orleans area with her husband, Dakota, and their sons and daughter.

 

More from Grace

I’m pretty certain every author started as an avid reader who dreamed of how they would change an ending or change who the heroine ended up with if they could write the book instead. (Anyone else think Theodore Laurence should have married Jo March?) It’s that ever-beautiful question of “what if” that has haunted some of my favorite stories and often drives my own stories to spark to life.

 

I first discovered The Phantom of the Opera as a child and fell in love with the beauty of the Broadway musical, a love that continued into my adulthood. So, when I was researching ideas for Book Three in the American Royalty series and I stumbled upon the great opera-house wars between the new money’s opera house and the Academy’s elite opera house, the “what if” sequence began and I knew I had to write my version of a phantom-of-the-opera story. Then when I researched the Italian opera company, I grew even more excited, as I’m from a large Italian family. And when I say large, I mean it’s not uncommon for our smallest gatherings to be only forty people, and when the whole krewe is together, we need a large facility to house us all. I’ve also visited New York and Italy and felt I could add some authenticity to the Italian characters in my novel, which brings me to the leading lady—a delightful opera singer named Delia Vittoria, who takes a beloved hero from Book One in My Dear Miss Dupré, Kit Quincy, by surprise.

 

I knew from Kit’s character that if he’d met the woman he was meant to wed, nothing would have stopped him in his pursuit, so I knew I had to introduce a new heroine instead of a lady introduced in Book One. It is rather daring to bring in a new lead in the third book of a series without some form of introduction in prior novels, but I felt Kit’s character warranted it. Kit is by far the “oldest” hero I have written about to date, and to my delight, he captured my heart with his genuine soul and fierce devotion toward the woman he loves. Because of his age and personal experience, I felt that Kit could be a wonderful example of true, godly love to a woman who has seen almost nothing but poor imitations. I hope that you will enjoy their journey toward love and my nod to The Phantom of the Opera! Happy reading, friends!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 19

Melissa’s Bookshelf, November 19

Texas Book-aholic, November 20

Inklings and notions, November 21

The Book Club Network, November 21

deb’s Book Review, November 22

For Him and My Family, November 22

Girls in white dresses, November 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 24 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 25

Holly’s Book Corner, November 25

Remembrancy, November 26

Connie’s History Classroom, November 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 27

Book Looks by Lisa, November 28

Cover Lover Book Review, November 28

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 30

Blogging With Carol, December 1

Back Porch Reads, December 1

Splashes of Joy, December 2

Through the Fire Blogs, December 3

Labor Not in Vain, December 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away the grand prize package of a $30 e-gift card to Baker Book House and a paperback copy of all three books in the American Royalty series: My Dear Miss Dupré, Her Darling Mr. Day, and His Delightful Lady Delia!!

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/22ec4/his-delightful-lady-delia-celebration-tour-giveaway

Live Your Truth (and Other Lies) by Alisa Childers // Review

My Review: 

A timely book that explores the modern cultural lies that assault and deceive us with their seemingly feel-good or empowering sentiments. 

A quick read for me, written in a conversational, but knowledgeable style. I liked that she backs up her points with Scripture, showing the alternate worldviews at play. This one wasn't quite as compelling for me as her first book, but that might be due to me being a frequent listener to her podcast, so it wasn't the first time hearing a lot of the information, though still very valuable. 

The book does a great job picking apart the reason why these seemingly harmless memes don't sit right, and why we must stand on the truth of God's word. I think that the book builds as it goes along, and I liked what she had to say about modern feminism. 

Overall, an excellent read great for sharing with the women in your lives.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Strike to the Heart Series by Danielle Grandinetti // Blog Blitz

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for the Strike to the Heart series by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOKS

Title: To Stand in the Breach 

Series: Strike to the Heart 

Author: Danielle Grandinetti 

Publisher: Hearth Spot Press 

Release Date: September 13, 2022 

Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense, Christian

She came to America to escape a workhouse prison, but will the cost of freedom be too high a price to pay?

1933, Wisconsin - Large animal veterinarian Katy Wells takes her patients’ welfare personally, so it’s no surprise when she stands up to angry farmers planning a milk strike or takes in an injured draft horse to save its life.But after a visitor from the past discovers her location and reveals a threat, she must choose between her work and her freedom, and whether to trust a man to keep her safe. 

To Stand in the Breach is the prequel novella to A Strike to the Heart, releasing April 2022.

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

Title: A Strike to the Heart 

Series: Strike to the Heart 

Author: Danielle Grandinetti 

Publisher: Hearth Spot Press 

Release Date: September 13, 2022 

Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense, Christian 

She’s fiercely independent. He’s determined to protect her. 

Wisconsin, 1933―When a routine mission becomes an ambush that kills his team, Craft Agency sniper Miles Wright determines to find the persons responsible and protect the woman he rescued. But the fierce independence that led Lily Moore to leave her family’s dairy business for the solitary life of a dog trainer and the isolation of her farm don’t make that easy. Neither does his unwanted attraction to her. Meanwhile, escalating incidents confirm that she’s far from safe. 

Lily fears letting the surprisingly gentle retired marine into her life almost as much as she fears whoever is threatening her. As Wisconsin farmers edge toward another milk strike, one that will surely turn violent, it becomes clear that the plot against Lily may be part of a much larger conspiracy. When the search for her abductor leads close to home, she must decide whether to trust her family or the man who saved her life.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

Title: As Silent as the Night 

Series: Strike to the Heart 

Author: Danielle Grandinetti 

Publisher: Hearth Spot Press 

Release Date: September 13, 2022 

Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense, Christian

He can procure anything, except his heart’s deepest wish. She might hold the key, if she’s not discovered first.

Chicago, 1933―Lucia Critelli will do anything for her ailing grandfather, including stand in a breadline to have enough food to make him a St. Nicholas Day meal. When she catches the eye of a goon who threatens her grandfather, she discovers the end of Prohibition doesn’t mean the end of the mafia’s criminal activity. Retired Marine Scout Giosue “Gio” Vella can find anything, especially if it helps a fellow Italian immigrant, so he has no doubt he can locate his neighbor’s granddaughter, who has gone missing from a local church. Keeping her safe is another matter. Especially when he chooses to hide out with his Marine buddy in Eagle, Wisconsin, the site of a barely-held truce among striking dairy farmers. Will Christmas bring the miracle they all need or will Gio discover there are some things even he can’t find, particularly when he stumbles upon the most elusive gift of all: love.

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Danielle Grandinetti is author of the Strike to the Heart series and a book blogger at DaniellesWritingSpot.com. Her short stories have appeared in several publications and her writing has won the University of Northwestern Distinguished Faith in Writing Award. Originally from the Chicagoland area, she now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline with her husband and their two young sons. Danielle especially loves quiet mornings served with the perfect cup of tea.

Connect with Danielle by visiting daniellegrandinetti.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of the Strike to the Heart series and a tote bag featuring a dairy cow.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 29, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 6, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

Yesterday's Gone by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall // Review

My Review: 

Amish time travel. That was all I had to hear to be intrigued. 

After the loss of their third child, Eliza begins to wonder if the whispers about a family curse that she and Jesse ignored when they wed have some truth to them. In a moment of weakness, she takes the opportunity to change the past and must live with the consequences. 

An engrossing genre bending read that follows two sisters as they fight for their futures after a changed choice in the past has more impact than they anticipated. My favorite character was Ruth, she is a fighter determined and a good friend to her sister, and Andrew. I liked that she takes the initiative to make things right and is a problem solver. 

Overall, an engaging read with a riveting plot, about enduring love through the ups and downs of marriage. Strong themes of faith and family run throughout, definitely a very unique read and not my typical read, but still enjoyable!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I Heard the Bells // Release Celebration, Review and Giveaway!

Coming to movie theatres this December, I HEARD THE BELLS tells the inspiring true  story behind the beloved Christmas carol and its author, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Learn more at IHeardtheBellsMovie.com

Known as America's Poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow leads an idyllic life...until  the day his world is shattered by tragedy. With a nation divided by Civil War and his  family torn apart, Henry puts down his pen, silenced by grief. But it's the sound of  Christmas morning that reignites the poet's lost voice as he discovers the resounding  hope of rekindled faith. 

The perfect film to watch with your family as you prepare to celebrate Christmas!

Review:

The powerful true story of America's Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

An excellent film from beginning to end, it was obvious that this was a labor of love with all of the attention to detail in the set and costume design that only made this wonderful story of faith shine all the brighter.

Engaging, this movie pulled me in from the beginning, never lagging in pace, with superb storytelling that incorporated some of Longfellow's poetry into the narrative of the story. Well acted, with a beautiful set, and excellent script, this movie doesn't pull any punches in telling this powerful story of a rediscovered faith after heartbreaking tragedy.

A story of hope in a time of turmoil and a nation divided, based on the inspiring true story of the faith that inspired the beloved carol. The best Christian film I have seen in years, you will not want to miss it!

#IHeardTheBellsMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Sight & Sound Films for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

I HEARD THE BELLS is in theaters starting on December 1st, 2022!

Buy your tickets TODAY to see I HEARD THE BELLS in theaters starting 12/1!

https://www.iheardthebellsmovie.com/

Giveaway: One $10 Amazon giftcard 

(Note: Giveaway is limited to U.S. winners only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Honor's Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A compelling read, emotionally gripping and with captivating characters.

Phil Osbourne is determined to help his friend Melissa regain what she lost so many years ago when she was separated from her sister Lola. Phil and Melissa have become good friends over the years, and he wants to help her in any way that he can. I liked that Phil is an honorable guy, who is honest about his faults and puts others before himself. 

An action packed read, this book felt different from the other books in the series in that we didn't have the camaraderie of the whole team working together like in previous books, but still an excellent read. One of my favorite series that I have read this year!

Overall, an inspiring read, filled with suspense, and faith in this high stakes adventure! Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice by Rebecca Connolly // Review

My Review: 

An engaging and unique perspective of the tragic sinking of the Titanic.

I've read many books about the Titanic in my life, but never have a I read a book that more than whispered of the Carpathia the only ship to pick up survivors. Told from the perspective of the courageous and humble Captain Arthur Rostron of the Carpathia as well as Kate Connolly a passenger on the fated Titanic the added depth of perspective gives the true story a fresh angle. The chapters go back and forth between the two main characters as they tell their sides of the story. I liked how the author used the alternating narratives to give more information and depth to the story. 

I walked away from reading this book feeling like I had learned so much and had doubled my knowledge of the Titanic by learning about the humble heroics of Captain Rostron, and how hard he worked to save the lives of the survivors. I also liked how Kate's side of the story added emotional depth and gravity to the situation as a survivor. 

Overall, a well written read, well researched and compelling telling of a true life tragedy. A wonderful read for fans of historical fiction!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It's Christmas Again // Movie Review and Giveaway

 IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN is a modern-day musical the whole family will love! 

Jake Young (Lawson Touliatos) wants nothing more than to spend his  Christmas vacation with his girlfriend, Abbey Walker (Leela Owen). So when Abbey  volunteers for her church’s Christmas play, Jake is ready to skip Christmas this year until an unexpected turn of events lands him in a field outside Bethlehem on the  night Jesus was born. While on his journey with the shepherds to find the promised  Messiah, Jake discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Coming this Christmas season, IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN is a modern-day musical the whole family will love!

Buy your tickets TODAY to see IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN in theaters only on 11/29!  https://itschristmasagainmovie.com/

Review: An upbeat and energetic musical about the true meaning of Christmas!

Engaging and clever, this is a fun film for the whole family! Jake is ready to skip celebrating Christmas this year, until he is hit with an experience that changes his perspective.

A original new twist on The Christmas Carol, with with catchy songs and choreography that makes you want to dance, along with humor that will have the whole family laughing. I loved how it is a film that engages the whole family with heart and an honest message of hope at Christmastime.

I thought that this was such a wonderful upbeat film, great for all ages. I was impressed with the quality of the songs and dance routines, my favorites were all the ones that took place in Bible times!

If you are looking for a new family movie to watch this Christmas, look no further than this fun-filled, energetic musical!

#ItsChristmasAgainMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Mapelle Films for providing a sample of the product for this review.  Opinions are 100% my own.

Buy your tickets TODAY to see IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN in theaters only on 11/29!  https://itschristmasagainmovie.com/

Giveaway: One $10 Amazon gift card 

(Note: Giveaway is limited to U.S. winners only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Fallen Sparrow by Lynne Basham Tagawa // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: A Fallen Sparrow

Author: Lynne Basham Tagawa

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: August 13, 2022

Ruth Haynes uses the pen name Honorius when she writes for her father’s newspaper. Boston has changed beyond recognition, and her Loyalist views soon get her in trouble. With war looming, what will their family do?

Jonathan Russell hides a guilty secret. The Battle of Bunker’s Hill sweeps him and his Shenandoah Valley family into the war. The unthinkable happens, and he’s forced to deal with both his grief—and his guilt.

Lieutenant Robert Shirley is summoned by his godmother and introduced to the Earl of Dartmouth, who charges him to gather intelligence in Boston. He is horrified but must obey.

Gritty, realistic, and rich with scriptural truth, this story features Dr. Joseph Warren, Major John André, Henry Knox, and Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review:

Bringing the American Revolution to life, this novel is well written and researched. The author does an amazing job of setting the tone and exploring differing opinions during that tumultuous time, I loved how accurate it felt. 

The story initially follows Ruth, Robert, and Jonathan in the stirring of the Revolution, and it worked well as a stand alone despite being third in a series. I liked how the books showed different perspectives and character growth, as well as strong themes of faith throughout. 

Overall, an excellent read that brings to life the historic events that helped to birth our nation, as well as historical figures that helped shape it. A wonderful novel for lovers of historical fiction!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Lynne Tagawa is an educator and author with four sons and five grandchildren. She is the author of a narrative Texas History curriculum, Sam Houston’s Republic, and enjoys writing historical fiction. She lives with her husband in South Texas.

 

More from Lynne

When writing my books, I study all sorts of things: soapmaking, rifles and muskets, and horses. What breeds come to mind when you think of horses?

Here in Texas today, quarter horses are quite common, although you will find a plethora of other types: Arabians, Tennessee Walking horses, Morgans, even Friesens! Interestingly, in the 18^th century, the quarter horse did not exist. Thoroughbreds (“hunters”) were fairly common as well as carriage / early draft horses: Cleveland Bays and Canadians. Narragansett pacers were popular as riding horses; George Washington was partial to pacers, and their descendants include the Tennessee Walker. Ponies and mules thrived in the backcountry.

Exotic breeds were imported as well. I included a Friesen stallion in A Fallen Sparrow because—well, because I could. Friesens were part of the ancestry of one of the very first American breeds: the Morgan.

In my stories, the horses all have names and personalities. I hope you enjoy these characters as well as my human ones!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 8

Texas Book-aholic, November 9

Holly’s Book Corner, November 9

Inklings and notions, November 10

deb’s Book Review, November 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 12

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 13

Connie’s History Classroom, November 14

Books You Can Feel Good About, November 14

Betti Mace, November 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 16

For Him and My Family, November 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 18

Pause for Tales, November 19

Cover Lover Book Review, November 20

Labor Not in Vain, November 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lynne is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of the book, and handcrafted soap based on the soap a character makes!!

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/22674/a-fallen-sparrow-celebration-tour-giveaway