The Escape Game by Marilyn Turk // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: The Escape Game

Author: Marilyn Turk

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release date: March, 2023

A Board Game Holds Keys to Prisoners’ Escape

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

After the Nazis started the bombing blitz of England, Beryl Clarke puts her college on hold to return to Leeds, care for her mother, and work as a secretary at the Waddington game company. While she endures the war at home, her brother James fights the enemy in the air. When he is shot down, injured, and captured, James meets American POW Kenneth Anderson, and they plan to escape the Nazi prison camp. Beryl knows there is a board game with escape plans being delivered to POWs by the Red Cross. But how will the men discover the game’s secret?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review: 

An engaging read set during WWII, that follows Beryl Clarke and an American soldier as they wait out the war, she in England working for Waddington Game Company and Kenneth in a German POW camp. 

Beryl has put off her plan for schooling due to war as well as her mother's failing health, she is a hard worker and does what she can to make her mother more comfortable. I liked the friendship between James and Kenneth, and how he encourages Kenneth to take a closer look at Christianity. Kenneth is a good friend, clever and quick thinking, I liked how he and the other soldiers stuck together while in the prison camp. 

Overall it was an entertaining read, with a touch of romance, but mainly a story about the brave men and women who lived through the war. It was so cool learning about how games were used to help the troops on foreign soil. An enjoyable read. 

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

About the Author

Award-winning author Marilyn Turk writes historical fiction flavored with suspense and romance. Marilyn also writes devotions for Daily Guideposts. She and her husband are lighthouse enthusiasts, have visited over one hundred lighthouses, and also served as volunteer lighthouse caretakers at Little River Light off the coast of Maine.

When not writing or visiting lighthouses, Marilyn enjoys boating, fishing, gardening, tennis, playing with grandkids, and her golden retriever Dolly.

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers; Faith, Hope and Love; Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; and Word Weavers International.

 

More from Marilyn

The Story behind The Escape Game

In the process of writing my books, I’ve become fascinated by the real stories that happened during World War II. I’ve discovered information I didn’t know before and am finding out that many people I know, even those older than myself, didn’t know either. Every time I come across an interesting tidbit, I want to write about it. Since my husband knows I look for such things, when he came across a story about how the Monopoly game was used during the war, he shared it with me.

The true story was kept top-secret for over fifty years after the war, so few had heard about it, especially outside the United Kingdom. Of course, my writer’s mind set off asking “What If?” So the story developed about a woman who works for the company that makes the game and what happened after she found out about the secret. What if she had a close relative who had been captured before the British informed their soldiers about the game and he needed to know the information? How could she convey that to him?

I wish I could have gone to the UK for research, but that was not a possibility. Maybe someday. However, the people I contacted there were very helpful, and I was thrilled to make contact with the great granddaughter of the president of Waddintons, the company which manufactured the game. She was able to fill in a few details about the company, although when she was a child, her grandfather ran the company.

One thing many people find hard to believe, based on the horrible treatment the Nazi army inflicted on people they thought inferior, is that the treatment of POW’s was somewhat better, especially for pilots. Thanks to the rules of the Geneva Convention after WWI, the Germans abided by them for the most part. That involved treatment of prisoners who escaped. Most of them were caught and returned to the camp from which they escaped. And normally, the punishment was solitary confinement. The biggest hardship of the POWs besides lack of freedom was the meager food they were given, especially as the war continued, since the Germans themselves were facing food shortages.

The challenge for me as a writer was to accurately describe life in both England and the POW camp. The other big challenge was writing a love story when the two characters were apart for so long. But it’s true that many soldiers fell in love with women they corresponded with back home. That fact is verified in the many letters on record, including the ones my father-in-law wrote to a fellow soldier’s fiancé after the soldier was killed in action. Their relationship grew into love, and after the war, the two met in person at the train station for the first time and married the same day.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 30

Texas Book-aholic, March 31

Pause for Tales, March 31

Sylvan Musings, April 1

deb’s Book Review, April 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 2

Labor Not in Vain, April 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 3

Cover Lover Book Review, April 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 4

Connie’s History Classroom, April 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 5

Stories By Gina, April 6 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 6

Betti Mace, April 7

For Him and My Family, April 7

She Lives To Read, April 8

Remembrancy, April 8

SodbusterLiving, April 9

Holly’s Book Corner, April 9

Lily’s Book Reviews, April 10

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, April 10

lakesidelivingsite, April 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, April 11

Lights in a Dark World, April 12

Blossoms and Blessings, April 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marilyn is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon eGift 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/25256/the-escape-game-celebration-tour-giveaway

Della and Darby by Susannah B. Lewis // Review

Review: 

A character driven Southern fiction novel about twin sisters on the brink of 30 years old, working through their troubled past with the help of their grandmother in the small town of Clay Station, Mississippi. 

Della and Darby are twin sisters that couldn't be more different. Della has always longed to fit in with the popular crowd, whittling herself to fit what she believes will make others like her. Darby is introverted and prefers to keep to herself. My favorite was probably Birdie, I liked the chapters from her perspective with her old fashioned Southern sayings and insight into Della and Darby. 

It was a quick read, but hard to read at times because of all the secondhand embarrassment that I caught from Della's cringe-worthy moments. I liked that Darby was comfortable in her own skin, but also learned to shine. I liked the faith elements, and the message of friendship, finding oneself and forgiveness.  

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

Brides & Brothers by Anneka R. Walker // Review

My Review: 

A charming modern take on Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, filled with humor, faith, and romance. 

Camille Kelly is teaching at the local college, but having trouble finding housing before she ages out of being eligible to live in the dorms. A broken computer leads her to a whirlwind romance and marriage to Aidan Peterson, but she is surprised to find that 5 of his 6 brothers live with him...and now them. Camille puts her matchmaking skills to the test, while adjusting to her new marriage and 5 additional housemates. 

This was a fun read from beginning to end, a sweet read with plenty of humor and great interaction between the characters. I loved how we got a pretty good sense of the brothers and the girls, making it easy to keep their stories straight in my head. Full of charm, with not just one love story, but 7, it was also fun seeing Camille get to know her new brothers-in-law and help them find love. 

Overall, a heartwarming, feel-good rom-com, with likable characters, and wonderful friendships. A great pick-me-up that brought a smile to my face. Engaging, and entertaining, perfect for fans of wholesome rom coms. 

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

Breach of Honor by Janice Cantore // Review

My Review:

Forced to act in self defense, cop Leah Radcliff finds herself fighting for a fair trial in a town strongly influenced by her abusive husband's prominent family connections. 

A heart pounding and compelling read that had me hanging on tight. I loved how Clint is willing to ask questions and stand with Leah, I thought it was cool that he was friends with her dad, and admired his courage and faith. Leah finds her challenged many times over the course of the story, as she fights for justice against the "Good Ole Boy's Club" of crooked cops and influential people that are determined to silence her. 

A gripping story that had me emotionally invested and my sense of justice outraged for Leah. I liked that she grows while in prison, and taking time to think about her life and beliefs. 

Overall, this book has it all a killer plot, fantastic characters, faith, suspense, and touches of a growing romance. I could not turn the pages fast enough! Highly recommend this thrilling and compelling novel. 

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

The Miracle at Manchester // Pureflix Movie and Giveaway

MIRACLE AT MANCHESTER is a powerful film based on the true story of a high schooler & the power of prayer!

God is still in the business of miracles. Based on the true story, a high schooler’s bright future changes in an instant when he’s diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. But the power of prayer  and support from his community renews a father’s faith and brings healing to a family.

Start streaming MIRACLE AT MANCHESTER on Pureflix April 1st, 2023! https://app.pureflix.com/videos/504275494602/miracle-at-manchester-trailer

Review:

Based on a true story this film tells the story of Brycen Newman, a highschool athlete diagnosed with a advanced type of brain cancer.

An uplifting and inspiring movie about the faith and support of a community and Catholic school as they rally around Brycen throughout his journey. An engaging film that brings to life the powerful story. I especially liked Ed and Marilyn, their hearts for others and the community. Ed is a gifted man who has a hard time slowing down in his retirement, and I loved his willingness to go the extra mile for others.

Overall, this is a heartwarming and inspiring film, great for families to watch together. At first as we were getting to know the characters I wasn't sure how they would all connect, but it was fun seeing it all come together. An inspiring film, based on the even more amazing true story!

#MiracleAtManchesterMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

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

Giveaway: 3-month subscription to Pure Flix 

(Note: This is limited to US winners only, and only to those who have NOT won a sub scription in the last 6 months).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

His Only Son // Coming to Theaters March 31st // Giveaway

Angel Studios, who brought you THE CHOSEN, is releasing a new film, HIS ONLY SON, which is a film about Abraham and Isaac!

 His Only Son recounts one of the most controversial moments in the Old Testament—when Abraham was commanded by God to sacrifice his son Isaac on the mountain of Moriah. While traveling to the place of the sacrifice, alongside Isaac and two servants, Abraham is flooded with vivid memories from the years he and Sarah spent longing for the son they were promised—the son he must now lay upon the altar.  

Buy tickets today to see HIS ONLY SON in theaters March 31st!  

Review:

A powerful new film about Abraham and his son, and the defining moment of faith remembered throughout the centuries. 

The film is well acted and the studio did an amazing job of cinematically telling this inspiring story of faith. The film opens with Abraham hearing from God that he must sacrifice his only son, and as they travel to Mount Moriah he remembers the promise of a son as well as the painful years of waiting and doubt leading up to the fulfillment of the promise. 

The movie does an excellent job of bringing out the struggles that Abraham faced walking in faith, following the God who gave him a son, but then asked him to give up that very son. Inspiring and powerful, this film uses Abraham and Isaac to point to an even bigger future sacrifice. 

Overall, a well done film that will be even more impressive on the big screen. A film well worth seeing, I think that the creators did a good job bringing this powerful story to the screen, and it benefits from a clear vision its message. Very well done!

#HisOnlySonMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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

Giveaway:  $10 Amazon giftcard (Note: This is limited to US winners only). a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Deeper Life by A. W. Tozer // Review

My Review: 

A concise yet hard hitting read, that in nine chapters exhorts its readers to not settle for shallow Christianity, but to strive to truly experience God as he invites us to in His word. 

Mr. Tozer does and excellent job of encouraging his readers to not settle, but to continue thirsting and seeking Christ through Scriptures, the Spirit, and by surrendering our will to His. A quick read, but one that takes some time to mull through. 

Encouraging readers to get past head knowledge to a deeper, more beautiful, personal relationship with Christ. You don't have to rely on sleazy prosperity gospel promises but on the words of God, He has given us everything that we need if we only seek Him with our whole hearts. I also really enjoyed Mr. Tozer's take on Spiritual gifts. 

Overall, another wonderfully compiled read from A.W. Tozer who is just as timely now as he was in the over 50 years ago when he wrote this book. Highly recommend!

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

Forged in Love by Mary Connealy // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Forged in Love

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: February 28, 2023

When sparks begin to fly, can a friendship cast in iron be shaped into something more?

Mariah Stover is left for dead and with no memory when the Deadeye Gang robs the stagecoach she’s riding in, killing both her father and brother. As she takes over her father’s blacksmith shop and tries to move forward, she soon finds herself in jeopardy and wondering–does someone know she witnessed the robbery and is still alive?

Handsome and polished Clint Roberts escaped to western Wyoming, leaving his painful memories behind. Hoping for a fresh start, he opens a diner where he creates fine dishes, but is met with harsh resistance from the townsfolk, who prefer to stick to their old ways.

Clint and Mariah are drawn together by the trials they face in town, and Clint is determined to protect Mariah at all costs when danger descends upon her home. As threats pursue them from every side, will they survive to build a life forged in love?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review:

Mariah Stover loses her brother and father in a terrible stagecoach robbery, but being the lone survivor puts her in the sights of the Dead Eye Gang that killed her family.

Mariah is an independent heroine, facing terrible danger and almost insurmountable heartache. I liked that Clint steps up offering his help. He is a gifted cook, and I liked the way that he adjusts to living in a simple Wyoming town, and taking joy in what he does. He is a gentleman, with noble intentions. I liked that he was patient with Mariah, giving her space to mourn and figure things out. It was nice to see them bonding over their faith as well. 

This was a fast paced romantic adventure, set on the Wyoming plain. I liked getting to know the townsfolk, as well as the humor, and romance. A great introduction to a new series, with strong admirable characters in an adventure filled romance! I'm excited to read the rest of the series!

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

About the Author

Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than one and a half million books. She is the author of the popular series Brothers in Arms, Brides of Hope Mountain, High Sierra Sweethearts, The Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

 

More from Mary

The Inspiration

I started plotting this novel when I found out that Wyoming was the first state (then a territory) in the Union to grant women the right to vote. Then I discovered it wasn’t just the right to vote; all sorts of other rights were given to women as well, like the right to run for elected office or be appointed to office. In fact, the first woman justice of the peace in the U.S. was from Wyoming. This inspired me to have one of my heroines be the second justice of the peace in the country.

As I continued my research, reading about all that went on in Wyoming was fascinating. They became a territory in 1868—with women voting—and yet they weren’t allowed statehood for another thirty years. With other states being granted statehood in only a few years, why was this? Because the U.S. government refused to let Wyoming in unless they took the vote away from women.

Because Wyoming adamantly refused to strip the vote from women, year after year they were denied statehood. When they finally did get it, the state’s women maintained their right to vote because Wyoming would not budge on the issue. The whole history of this was great reading.

So I wrote a three-book series called Wyoming Sunrise in which all my heroines play against the normal, conventional female roles of the day.

Now, what job could I possibly think of that wasn’t traditionally for women? How about Mariah who happens to be a blacksmith? And while I’m writing against stereotypes, I created a man named Clint who runs a diner. That wasn’t too unusual, for lots of diners were run by men back in the day. Yet not many of them were talented chefs trained in high-class restaurants in New York City. Clint is an excellent chef. Of course, an excellent chef in a small Wyoming town is kind of wasted on folks who prefer fried chicken and beef stew.

Clint makes chicken and beef, but he calls his dishes weird names and makes them unusually delicious. Meanwhile, Mariah is working over a hot forge for long hours every day. When her father and brother are killed in a stagecoach holdup, she becomes the only blacksmith in town.

There’s some resistance to her doing such a masculine job, but even among those who disapprove, well, they’ve got a broken wagon wheel or a hole in their kettle and it’s either let Mariah fix it or go without. Mariah is allowed to be a blacksmith out of pure necessity.

My second book, The Laws of Attraction, has a female justice of the peace, while the third, Marshaling Her Heart, features a tough lady rancher. I write westerns, and honestly, writing about tough, feisty lady ranchers like Becky the Rancher comes naturally to me. Writing about a blacksmith and a judge, however, presents more of a challenge.

Mariah, who survived the stagecoach holdup, learns that the robbers believe she might know something that will reveal their identity, and she needs to be silenced. Clint tries to protect her and finds himself stepping between her and a murderous gang of outlaws.

Through it all, love finds them, and they begin to forge a life together.

Blog Stops

Bigreadersite, March 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 18

Texas Book-aholic, March 19

Through the Fire Blogs, March 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 19

Stories By Gina, March 20 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, March 20

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 20

Connie’s History Classroom, March 21

For Him and My Family, March 21

Labor Not in Vain, March 21

Cover Lover Book Review, March 22

Lighthouse Academy, March 22 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Remembrancy, March 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 23

Betti Mace, March 24

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 24

She Lives to Read, March 25

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 25

Pause for Tales, March 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 26

Holly’s Book Corner, March 26

Book Looks by Lisa, March 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 27

SodbusterLiving, March 28

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 28

Splashes of Joy, March 29

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 29

Wishful Endings, March 30

HookMeInABook, March 30

lakesidelivingsite, March 31

EmpowerMoms, March 31

Mary Hake, March 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize package of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book Forged in Love!!

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/24dc0/forged-in-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

After the Shadows by Amanda Cabot // Review

Review: 

Emily returns to her hometown to find that her father has passed, a string of mysterious events has Emily and the new school teacher asking questions. 

An engaging read with a full cast of characters in a small town shrouded in secrets, with a mystery that kept me guessing. Well written with wonderful well developed characters. Emily is a courageous woman, willing to stand up for truth and ask the hard questions. I loved her friendship with little Noah, who is the most adorable little boy! 

There is a lot going on in this small Texas town, and I liked the multiple intertwining story threads, as well as the growing friendship between Emily and Craig. 

Overall, an entertaining novel, and great start to a new series, with a heroine that I could cheer for all the way through. Definitely great for fans of Western romance, with a streak of mystery!

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

The Courtship Plan by Kathleen Fuller // Review

My Review: 

Charity Raber is excited for a fresh start in a new community, who doesn't know about her past desperate ways. Jesse Bontrager is the last person she expected to see again, will they be able to put their past behind them and give love a chance? 

A charming and humorous opposites attract romance, I loved Shirley and how she genuinely cares for her friend Charity, and doesn't want her to be hurt. She is probably my favorite person in the story. I liked how Charity and Jesse get to see a different side of each other and that Jesse wants to be kind to Charity. It was also really cute how the dog helped bring them together along with Shirley. 

This was a quick read, with a sweet plot, filled with humor, faith, and romance. I liked how Charity grew since the first time we met her in a previous book, and how she continues to mature in this story as well.

Overall, a wonderful story from probably my favorite author in Amish fiction. A wonderful start to what is sure to be a great series!

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