Children of the Stars by Mario Escobar ~ Review

My Review:

An incredible story of two brothers and the brave people who risked everything to help the boys escape.

Set in France during the WWII, this story follows brothers Jacob and Moses as they fight for their survival and a chance to reunite with their playwright parents. I loved how this book tells of the many men and women who sacrificed everything to stand up to oppression and help the children on their way. 

This book is rich in history, well researched it brings the dangers, betrayals, and sacrifices to life. This is an inspiring tale, compelling, yet at times it lagged in pace, feeling more "tell" than "show," and it felt very episodic. 

Overall, it's a book that I am glad to have read. There is much to admire and appreciate about this story of brotherly love, survival, and the kindness of strangers. 

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

The Escape by Lisa Harris ~ Review

Review:

US Marshals Madison and Jonas are transporting two prisoners by plane to a secure location in Denver, but when the plane experiences engine trouble and they are forced to crash land somewhere in between. Upon regaining consciousness, they find that one of the prisoners is dead, but the other has escaped. 

A heart pounding, action packed adventure of survival, and trying to catch a cunning con artist murderer. This is a intense read, filled with suspense, mystery, and great tension. 

Madison and Jonas are acquaintances, and this is their first time working together. Jonas knows that Madison is the perfect partner for this mission, as he trained her years ago and knows that she has sharp instincts, and is great at thinking on her feet. They make a great team, bouncing ideas off of each other, and listening to each other's input. I liked how Jonas stresses safety, how they grow to trust and depend on each other, as well as talk about their share values and beliefs. 

Overall, this was a book that I didn't want to put down! Great characters, and high intensity action. I'm also very happy that this series will continue to follow Madison and Jonas, as they are a great team and have great chemistry. I will be counting the days until book 2 is available! 

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

Twin Daggers by Marcykate Connolly ~ Review

My Review:

This book blew me away.

I wasn't sure what to expect going in, this author is new to me, and I was a little put off by the low average rating on the reviews that I had seen floating around. But let me tell you, this book worked for me. I read it all in one day, which is rare for me these days. 

Aissa and her twin sister Zandria are Magi, and they have been in training their whole lives to take down the Technocrat empire that has oppressed and persecuted their people. Aissa is the more serious and reserved of the sisters, while her sister is impulsive and charming. The story is told through Aissa's eyes, and the closer that she get's the enemy the more she finds everything that she was taught may be a lie. 

This book is fast paced and engaging, with fantastic speculative, fantasy steampunk worldbuilding. I loved uncovering the layers of this fresh and imaginative setting, how it juxtaposes the powers of the Magi against the cold science of the Technocrats, as well as the dark and light sides of both. This book has intrigue, mystery, and many twists along the way, which made me not want to put it down. 

This book was marketed as a Romeo and Juliet re-telling, and while there were shades of forbidden love, sacrifice, and betrayal, as well as two warring peoples, I think that this story takes that inspiration and makes it something completely its own. I also saw that it drew comparison to Marissa Meyer's Renegades Trilogy, to which I wholeheartedly agree. 

Aro is a very intriguing character, he is compassionate and determined. He is willing to make up his own mind, and not just follow what he is told. I loved the layers in his character. Remy is also a very interesting character, a lifelong friend of Aissa and Zandria, he is at times brooding and secretive, and there were times when I didn't know what to think of him. The side characters were not as fleshed out, and even though Zandria was Aissa's twin, I felt that she could have been explored more to give me more than just Aissa's feelings to go on.  

As for content I would say that it is PG-13 for violence, disturbing scenes. There are a few heated kisses, and two characters fall asleep together, but it doesn't go any further than that. 

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this speculative fantasy, with its excellent worldbuilding, fantastic tension throughout, and strong, likable, and mysterious characters. I loved learning about the world, the differences in culture between the Technocrats and Magi, and as the book progressed, everything started to fall into place, while simultaneously raising more questions, all leading up to the explosive climax that left me wanting more. I will definitely be picking up its sequel when it releases. Can it be August 2021 already?

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

Delayed Justice by Shirlee McCoy ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

When human interest journalist Sasha Eastman is threatened by a man who looks strikingly like her mother's murderer, even though he was caught 20 years ago, Detective Bradley McGregor and his K-9, King, step up to protect her. 

A fast paced K-9 adventure that wraps up the True Blue K-9 Unit: Brooklyn Series. A quick read, filled with action, mystery and adventure. Because I had read the previous books in the series, the parts that were a continuation of the story thread running throughout the series, felt a little repetitive because of recapping. 

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, with good protagonists, faith, and plenty of action. 

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

Joy to the World by Carolyn Miller, Amanda Barratt, and Erica Vetsch ~ Review

Review: 

A beautiful collection of three novellas from some of my favorite Regency authors. 

Each of these novellas takes their title from the lyrics of Joy to the World, telling tales of hope, second chances, love, and the True Light of Christmas.

Heaven and Nature Sing is a story of second chances. Both Edith and George have love of music, which initially brought them together years ago. This is a charming holiday tale of second chances, I loved how the author brings to life the Christmas traditions of the times.

 

Far as the Curse is Found, is a story of hope. Dwight and Jenny are both struggling, Jenny is trying to raise her young child alone in less than favorable circumstances, while Dwight wears a mask to cover the scars of war. A beautiful story of love in unexpected places, and hope in the darkest of times. I loved the characters, strong faith, and original take on the genre.

Wonders of His Love was probably my favorite of the collection, as it features a few familiar faces from another series by this author. Cilla and Hamish are from very different worlds, in this heartwarming sweet romance, with fantastic character interaction. Strong faith and great character arcs make this story stand out.

Overall, a must read for fans of Christian Regency fiction, a great gift for yourself or for a loved one. This was a quick read, completely enjoyable, and highly entertaining. Well worth the read!

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

Georgia Ann, English Rose by Elva Cobb Martin ~ Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway

 

About the Book

 

Book: Georgia Ann, English Rose

Author: Elva Cobb Martin

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: November 17, 2020

Two Charles Town men love Georgia Ann Cooper—Samuel Vargas and his step-brother, Joshua Becket—but only one both attracts and infuriates her. Even though he’s a dangerous budding patriot and a privateer—or more likely pirate—Samuel fills her dreams and waking moments. When he leaves Charles Town for high sea adventure on the legendary Spice Trail, she determines to push him out of her thoughts and her graces. A task made slightly easier when she sets out on her own journey to accompany her father on one of his merchant trips to the Mediterranean.

Samuel Vargas is determined to make his own way in the world, not live in the glow of his parents’ escapades throughout Charles Town and the seas surrounding the Spanish Main. There’s no better place to earn his fortune than the Spice Trail. But the adventure becomes more than he bargained for when he stumbles across a familiar face from Charles Town in Tripoli, and he’s forced to use all his abilities to save the life of the woman he’s been trying to forget.

As their paths intertwine on a journey filled with Barbary pirates, intrigue, and romance, only love and the grace of God can overcome the past and ignite a new beginning for Georgia Ann and Samuel.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Review:

A swashbuckling romantic adventure. 

Slow to start and at times it felt unrealistic, the story picks up steam as the story progresses and the characters grow. I enjoyed the friendships and faith, as 18 year old Georgia Ann matures through he experiences and being put to the test. Samuel is a natural leader, who is driven to do his duty and live his faith, I admired his work ethic and how he is ever working to give Georgia Ann the life that she is accustomed to. 

Overall, this book really comes together as it progresses into a high stakes satisfying ending. I think that it is well researched and I loved the settings of the exotic ports. Georgia has a faithful friend in Bella, who helps her in many a tight spot. Samuel has a fantastic crew, and I admired his endurance facing many unforeseen challenges. There is a lot going on in this story, with strong faith, and a great ending.

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

About the Author

Elva Cobb Martin is a wife, mother, and grandmother who lives in South Carolina with her husband and a mini-dachshund. A life-long student of history, her favorite city, Charleston, inspires her stories of romance and adventure. Her love of writing grew out of a desire to share exciting stories of courageous characters and communicate truths of the Christian faith to bring hope and encouragement. Connect with her on her web site at http://www.elvamartin.com.

 

More from Elva

Georgia Ann (& the Spice Trade) – Book 2 in my Charleston Brides Series

 

I enjoy researching material to make my novels richer and help readers learn something new while enjoying my Christian historical romances. In Georgia Ann, my hero, Samuel Vargas, sails off to make his fortune in spices we take for granted in our kitchens today. I loved doing the research about this flavorful commodity.

The Spice Islands are actually called the Maluku Islands and they lie in the Indonesian Pacific archipelago, north of Australia and south of Thailand and China.

 

The history of spices reveals a hazardous, exciting tale spread over centuries of daring, courage and greed and many countries and oceans.

 

The spice trade actually drove the world’s economy from the end of the Middle Ages well into modern times. But the economical importance of spices, recorded in the history of Kerala, referred to as “The Spice Garden of India,” goes back as far as 3000 BC which marks the beginning of the spice trade.

Wars have been fought on land and sea and nations have been made wealthy (and at least one annihilated) in the battle for control of the spice trade.

 

Nutmeg and New York

The spice trade brought great riches to Arab, Indian, Venetian, Portuguese, Dutch, and Spanish traders. It once brought death to residents of the Banda Spice Islands over a nutmeg monopoly. In 1603 the Dutch East India Company (known as VOC) ousted the Portuguese control of nutmeg on these islands.

Here’s an interesting tidbit in the history of nutmeg. The English fought the Dutch over control of this spice. England finally handed their island of Rhun over to the Dutch in exchange for a swampy island trading post in North America, an unattractive property known then as New Amsterdam; today as Manhattan Island!

 

The search for cinnamon, ginger, pepper, cloves, nutmeg, turmeric, cassia, in the ancient world gave rise to unbelievable tales. To satisfy the curious, to protect their market, and to discourage competitors the spice-source countries like India and Asia spread fantasy tales of danger, magic, strange animals, and snake-infested glens. Sinbad the Sailor stories grew out of this mindset.

For us in the USA, another most important fact stands out about the Spice Trade, besides it being involved in the trade for Manhattan Island. The Americas were discovered (1492) due to Spain sending Columbus to find a western route to India (from the Atlantic to the Pacific) to reap in the rewards for these valuable spices desired by all Europe.

The danger-fraught routes at that time (1400’s) from Europe were through the Mediterranean and Egypt (Alexandria) overland to the Red Sea and down the Persian Gulf, then sailing over the Indian Ocean to India, and to the Spice Islands.

 

Cloves

A native tradition of the Spice Islands was to plant a clove tree at a child’s birth, symbolically linking the child to the tree’s life.

The clove tree is an evergreen that grows up to twelve feet tall with large glossy leaves and crimson flowers in clusters that when ripe and dried become the cloves like we use in cooking.

 

Today, spices are grown in many countries other than the Spice Islands that have temperate climates.

 

The World’s Three Most Traded Spices Today

Pepper, vanilla, and ginger are spicing up lives and economies. Millions of dollars are earned in sales. Pepper is exported by Viet Nam, India, and China. Vanilla comes from mainly Madagascar, Indonesia, and Mauritius. Main exporters of ginger are China and the Netherlands.

 

And one last spicy tidbit: The United States leads the world in spice consumption and imports.

 

Hope I haven’t bored you, but I love discovering history like this and sowing bits into my novels.

Thanks for stopping by.  And remember when you use cloves again to stick in that ham, or use the powdered form in an apple pie—a lot of “stuff” happened over centuries to get this spice so readily available in your kitchen.

 

Elva Cobb Martin

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 19

Simple Harvest Reads, November 19 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Inklings and notions, November 20

For Him and My Family, November 21

Texas Book-aholic, November 22

deb’s Book Review, November 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 24

Betti Mace, November 25

Labor Not in Vain , November 25

Daysong Reflections, November 26

Artistic Nobody, November 27 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Connie’s History Classroom, November 28

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 29

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 2

Connect in Fiction , December 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Elva 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/103eb/georgia-ann-english-rose-celebration-tour-giveaway

Watercolors by Lorna Seilstad ~ Review

Review:

Amelia York is a determined, educated young woman, with a degree in Art from the University of Iowa, and a gift for watercolors. She joins a Christian mission group to nurse the injured, and after a terrible accident is determined to bring her paralyzed brother home. 

Escorting her and her brother is lawyer Braedon McCrae, an ex-Confederate soldier, informally trained in medicine. Braedon is a man of strong convictions and honor, still struggling to reconcile the horrors of war and his lack of faith. 

Set right after the end of the Civil War, this book shows the tensions still very much alive on both sides as people adjust to the aftermath of the war. The loss of a loved one, or a loved one returned from war forever changed. Amelia is unconventional for her time, she knows what she wants and is determined to see it through. I loved her devotion to her family, as well as her strong faith. She is encouraging and compassionate towards others, especially her brother John. 

Braedon is a trained lawyer, and informally trained in medicine, he is still struggling to process everything he experienced. I loved his Aunt, and his father who both love her dearly and want him to find the answers that he needs. 

Overall, I was so impressed with the strong, integral to the plot, themes of faith, pain, loss, and hope. At times I thought that the pacing could have been tighter, but overall it worked well. I liked how it showed the tension and prejudices that were present in a country trying to make sense of the aftermath of a Civil War. An engaging story of faith, hope, and finding love. 

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

Dogwood Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels ~ Review

Review: 

Cornelia Gill has grown up on Dogwood Plantation, where her father worked as a foreman. Carter returns home after being injured in the war of 1812, to take charge of the Plantation that will be his legacy. 

Bringing to life a time period that I've not read about very often, this book gives a look into life during that time. This book tells the story through multiple characters, which at times made it hard to follow, as there were a few times that I didn't remember who the particular character was right away. 

Overall, an enjoyable read, that at times could have been tighter, but had solid themes of faith, forgiveness, and second chances. Nell is a very intelligent, hardworking and admirable young woman. A historical romance, against the backdrop of  life in a young America.

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

Besotted by Jody Hedlund ~ Review

My Review:

A satisfying conclusion to this beautiful trilogy of fairy-tale re-tellings.

Kreston doesn't consider himself a serious contender to the throne, as his two elder brothers are the heavy favorites. While serving out his testing in the Inglewood forest he comes across an enchanting beauty, who is captivating in a way unlike every young woman he has ever met before. 

Aurora has lived a sheltered life, hidden away in the Inglewood forest until the moment when she can claim her throne. Kreston is charming, and forbidden, making her long for both more than her quiet life in the forest, and less than the heavy mantle of royalty.

As their time in the forest draws to an end, their bond is tested as they fight for their countries, freedom, and love. 

Recognizably based loosely on Sleeping Beauty, this third and final book in the Fairest Maidens is my favorite of the series. I loved how it creatively re-invents the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty in a way that is fresh, but honors the original story. One of the main reasons I loved this book was because of Kreston's character arc, and how he grows from a young man not taking his Testing very seriously to a man willing to risk his life for what he loves and believes in. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, with its strong, protagonists, the return of familiar faces, fantastic plot and climactic conclusion. Aurora is curious about the outside world, she is kind, and a problem solver. I loved her aunts doting and Chester's gruff protectiveness. A worthy conclusion to this wonderful series!

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

Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

An engaging adventure, with captivating characters, that brings to life the early days of Yellowstone National Park. 

Yellowstone is my favorite National Park, so I was thrilled when I found out about this book, I added it to my TBR instantly. And this book does not disappoint, Kate Tremaine is a widow raising a young son, and one of the first hoteliers possessing a lease on the new National Park. She is happy to help the Calvary as they take control, flushing out poachers and troublemakers. I admired how capable and ready to tackle a challenge, Kate is. She is a master at keeping multiple plates spinning, and is an excellent mother to Danny. 

Lt. William Prescott is haunted by his past, but determined to do his job well, but's hard to do when you don't know the lay of the land, so he asks Kate to help him. I loved how this book shows the wild beauty of Yellowstone, through the eyes of both Kate and Will, who make an excellent team. 

Overall, a quick read, I enjoyed every minute of it and was sad to see it end. Danny is an adorable and intelligent child, and I loved every scene with him in it. An entertaining, engaging read with strong themes of forgiveness, faith, family, and new beginnings set against the stunning Wyoming sky. 

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

The Price of Valor by Susan May Warren ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

A thrilling and satisfying conclusion to the Global Search and Rescue Series!

I went into this book knowing that I would love it, and I wasn't disappointed. Hamilton Jones has been a supporting cast member, and friend in the previous installments of this series, so I was thrilled to finally get to read his story, which began in the background of the earlier books in the series, or if you go back even farther--he makes an appearance in a companion series also by this author. So to say this was a long time coming would be an understatement. 

I loved amazing characters and strong sense of tension throughout, Ham is determined to do everything he can to give his newfound daughter a home and family. Ham has a lot of experience in a tight situation, and is more than willing to go to great lengths for his daughter and former love. I also really loved how prominently featured many of my favorite characters from previous books are featured, and if you have read as many books by this author as I have, than you will recognize more than a few familiar faces. Ham is a loyal friend and hardworking, he has held onto his faith through many tough things, I I like how he encourages his teammates and friends. 

Overall, a fantastic read and satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, with great characters, strong faith and shocking revelations. Nearly impossible to put down, with a very climactic ending. Highly recommend!

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

An Amish Christmas Wedding by Vannetta Chapman, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin, and Amy Clipston ~ Celebrate Lit Tour and Review

 

About the Book

 

Book: An Amish Christmas Wedding

Author: Vannetta Chapman, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin, and Amy Clipston

Genre: Amish Christmas

Release Date: October 6, 2020

From bestselling authors of Amish fiction come four delightful stories perfect for celebrating love, joy, and the everyday miracles Christmas brings.

Evergreen Love by Amy Clipston

Ryan Lapp had promised to marry Lorene Bontrager as soon as he was able to build them a house, but the day never came. Ryan moved away. Five years later, Lorene has settled in to her old maid role, and she’s shocked when her younger sister announces her quick engagement to Ryan’s younger brother. As they rush to plan the wedding, Lorene is constantly around the family she almost joined. Worse, she’s forced to face Ryan himself, who has returned to town. As both Ryan and Lorene examine their own feelings, they must decide if they can find grace with each other—and the young people they once were—this Christmas season. There just might still be love in their future.

Holiday of Hope by Kelly Irvin

Henry Lufkin is one of four bachelors who lived in the West Kootenai, Montana, cabins that were destroyed by wildfires. He’s the only one of them who hasn’t since married, but he likes his solitude. Then an old friend asks him to care for his son, and Henry has to share his small cabin and his life with bewildered and rebellious ten-year-old Tommy. When the child encounters trouble at school, Henry reaches out to Tommy’s teacher. Leesa Yoder never expected to find herself single and teaching sixteen young scholars, and she certainly didn’t anticipate an inexperienced bachelor telling her how to do her job. Amid the flying sparks, can Henry and Leesa see that there might be hope and love in this unexpected situation?

Wreathed in Joy by Kathleen Fuller

Mary Wengerd and Jakob Mullet have been best friends since childhood. Pressured by friends and family, they decided to date—with disastrous results. When they break up, their friendship is ruined. A year later, Mary is baking her Englisch friend’s wedding and groom cakes for a Christmas Eve wedding. Mary loves the Christmas season, and had always dreamed of marrying during that time. Now she wonders if she’ll ever marry. After she and Jakob form a tenuous new friendship, Mary breaks her arm. As he steps in to help her with the cakes, Mary is inexplicably and suddenly falling for him. But they’ve already dated, and that ended so horribly. Could it be better this time?
A Christmas Prayer by Vannetta Chapman

Widower Micah Miller runs the Amish Tour Company, offering Englischers a glimpse of a simpler life as well as tea at Rachel King’s. Rachel has never married and has recently lost her parents. When Micah comes across an abandoned and injured dog, he gives it to Rachel for company. As Rachel is charmed by the dog and shocked by news of the existence of family she never expected, her heart and mind bend toward the possibilities of change in her life—even toward the possibility of love.

Review:

4 Amish couples find a second chance at love and hope for a new beginning in this Christmas collection of novellas. 

I enjoyed this heartwarming collection of unique love stories by some of the biggest names in Amish fiction. Some couple get the chance to rekindle an old flame, while others have their eyes opened to the opportunity for love around them.

 I liked the second chance to right a misunderstanding in Evergreen Love. And I couldn't resist my favorite trope of all of friends to lovers in Wreathed in Joy, I liked their ease with each other, and how much they knew the other. I admired Henry and Leesa's patience and love for Tommy, in Holiday of Hope, as well as how they made a good team, as they worked to find solutions for the challenges they faced. And I absolutely loved how A Christmas Prayer focuses on an older couple, and the dog that brings them together, because I don't think that young people should have all the fun. 

Overall, a sweet heartwarming Christmas collection of stories, set in various plain communities across the country. I loved the meeting the characters and their families as they prepared for the holiday. This would also make a great gift for the Amish fiction lover in your life.

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

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

VANNETTA CHAPMAN

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She is the author of sixteen novels, including the Pebble Creek Amish series, The Shipshewana Amish Mystery series, and Anna’s Healing, a 2016 Christy Award finalist. Vannetta is a Carol award winner and has also received more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She was a teacher for fifteen years and currently resides in the Texas hill country. Visit Vannetta online: VannettaChapman.com, Twitter: @VannettaChapman, Facebook: VannettaChapmanBooks.

 

KATHLEEN FULLER

With over a million copies sold, Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including the Hearts of Middlefield novels, the Middlefield Family novels, the Amish of Birch Creek series, and the Amish Letters series as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield. Visit her online at KathleenFuller.com; Instagram: kf_booksandhooks; Facebook: WriterKathleenFuller; Twitter: @TheKatJam.

 

 

KELLY IRVIN

Kelly Irvin is the bestselling author of the Every Amish Season and Amish of Bee County series. The Beekeeper’s Son received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, who called it a “beautifully woven masterpiece.” The two-time Carol Award finalist is a former newspaper reporter and retired public relations professional. Kelly lives in Texas with her husband, photographer Tim Irvin. They have two children, three grandchildren, and two cats. In her spare time, she likes to read books by her favorite authors. Visit her online at KellyIrvin.com; Instagram: kelly_irvin; Facebook: Kelly.Irvin.Author; Twitter: @Kelly_S_Irvin.

AMY CLIPSTON

Amy Clipston is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery, Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel, Amish Heirloom, Amish Homestead, and Amish Marketplace series. Her novels have hit multiple bestseller lists including CBD, CBA, and ECPA. Amy holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan University and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and four spoiled rotten cats. Visit her online at AmyClipston.com; Facebook: AmyClipstonBooks; Twitter: @AmyClipston; Instagram: @amy_clipston.

 

Read an Excerpt from An Amish Christmas Wedding

Want to read an excerpt from An Amish Christmas Wedding featuring four of your favorite authors?

You can find more information about the book and the excerpt [Insert Excerpt Link Here]!

Blog Stops

Through the Lens of Scripture, November 9

The Avid Reader, November 9

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, November 10

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, November 10

Inklings and notions, November 11

A Baker's Perspective, November 11

Lighthouse Academy Blog, November 12 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

lakesidelivingsite, November 12

For Him and My Family, November 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 13

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 14

Southern Gal Loves to Read, November 14

Texas Book-aholic, November 15

Simple Harvest Reads, November 15 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

deb's Book Review, November 16

Labor Not in Vain, November 16

Older & Smarter?, November 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 17

Artistic Nobody, November 18 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Jeanette's Thoughts, November 18

Splashes of Joy, November 19

EmpowerMoms, November 19

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 20

Blossoms and Blessings, November 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 21

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 21

She Lives To Read, November 22

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 22

*No Giveaway for this Celebration Tour

The Bells of New Cheltenham by Chautona Havig ~ Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway

About the Book

 

Book: The Bells of New Cheltenham

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian fiction, Christmas romance

Release Date: October 15, 2020

Who knew that Christmas carols were love songs?

Justine Driscoll sure didn’t. Peace on earth? She’s heard of that. Holy and joyful? Something about that, too. But love songs sung by a bride about the birth of her bridegroom? That’s just weird stuff right there.

Weird or not, though, once Justine decides to enter a short story contest using a Christmas carol as the inspiration, she discovers love in the carols she investigates, in the story an ex-Army guy tells, and in the little tourist town of New Cheltenham.

“But what do the words mean?”

Ken Torsney is used to fighting for causes he believes in. He just never imagined he’d go from Army “warrior” to spiritual warrior in the span of one question from a stranger. Justine is like no girl he’s ever known— hungry for the gospel even as she rejects it.

He’s falling for her, and that’s bound to break his heart.

Love is in the air in New Cheltenham this Christmas. Again.

 Review:

Experience the wonder of understanding the true meaning of Christmas for the first time, in this heartwarming Christmas story set in the idyllic tourist town of New Cheltenham.

An enjoyable read from beginning to end, I liked this book's strong emphasis on faith, and how Ken is open and willing to share what he knows with Justine. I loved the cozy setting of New Cheltenham, with it's welcoming characters and small town feel to share. 

This was a quick standalone read, I loved the carols, and learning their history, as well as the strong focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Justine is a wandering and curious soul, going from temp position to temp position, I liked her curiosity and that she is willing to learn. 

Overall, a heartwarming Christmas read set in a lovely town, with beautiful carols, good character interaction, faith and romance. 

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

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

More from Chautona Havig

3 Things That Make My Christmas Heart Sing

I didn’t have a ghost of a chance.

The message popped up in my messenger at exactly the moment I sat down.  This is significant, because I get dozens of Facebook messages every day, and often, they get buried when a new one supersedes it. So, as you can see, it’s a near miracle that I ever saw the message at all.

The message offered me a spot in a collection of novellas—a Christmas collection.  Yep. Not a ghost of a chance.

Still, I tried to be responsible, you know?  After all, I had quite a few books due at the same time already.  Bookers on the Rocks, The Last Gasp, my Christmas Lights Collection “noella,” and my CrossRoads Collection “noella.”  And those didn’t include anything I wanted to write in spring or summer.

Then she added another layer of temptation. This collection had a theme.  That theme? Christmas carol inspired romances.

Have I ever mentioned how much I love music, Christmas, and specifically, Christmas music?

The other authors in the set had already made their carol selections.  She sent a list of those that had already been claimed.  I read them with great trepidation. See, I already had two carols I’d want to use in the story for this collection that I hadn’t even agreed to participate in yet.

No one had chosen “The Holly and the Ivy” or “The Bells on Christmas Day.”

That ghost slowly transformed into the ghost of my resistance.

All that remained was for me to come up with a story idea.  I mean, why join a collection if you can’t even decide what to do with it?

That’s when it happened.

There’s always this moment when the first idea germinates, sprouts, and pushes up through the fertile soil of my imagination.  My favorite moment.  And it hit me.  What if the theme for the collection was my story idea?  My character could enter a contest that requires a short story based on a Christmas carol.

And once I had that idea, the rest came in a whoosh!  Mitchell, from The Ghosts of New Cheltenham could be sick to death of this annual ghost storytelling contest and decide to create his own contest.  And then… well…

The Bells of New Cheltenham was born.

If you’ve not read The Ghosts of New Cheltenham, you’ll follow this “noella” just fine. It is meant to be a stand-alone.  However, if you want a richer reading experience, I recommend reading The Ghosts of New Cheltenham, followed by the companion short story, “The Ghastly Therapist” first. Both are available through Kindle Unlimited.  Additionally, if you send your receipt (or a screenshot of the final page of the eBook from Kindle Unlimited) for the Melodies of Christmas Love collection to chautona@chautona.com, I’ll send YOU the bonus short story—the one Justine Driscoll writes in this “noella.”

But I promised to tell you three things that make my heart sing at Christmas.

1. The way people are often just a little kinder and a little more giving and understanding.
2. The joy that seems to fill every part of life—family, friends, parties, presents, church services, reading, singing…
3. The music that plays everywhere—and often sings of a Savior’s love.

 

What makes your heart sing at Christmas?

Blog Stops

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, November 9

21st Century Keeper at Home, November 9

Simple Harvest Reads, November 10 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 10

Texas Book-aholic, November 11

Blogging With Carol , November 11

Among the Reads, November 12

Artistic Nobody, November 12 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Inklings and notions, November 13

Batya's Bits, November 13

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, November 14

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 15

Worthy2Read, November 15

For Him and My Family, November 16

Labor Not in Vain, November 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 17

lakesidelivingsite, November 17

Aryn the Libraryan, November 18

Lots of Helpers, November 19

deb's Book Review, November 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 20

Jeanette's Thoughts, November 20

She Lives To Read, November 21

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, November 22

Mary Hake, November 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/10359/the-bells-of-new-cheltenham-celebration-tour-giveaway