12.30.2021
Wish Book Christmas by Lynn Austin // Review
An Amish Baby for Christmas by Vanetta Chapman // Review
Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough by Josi S. Kilpack, Anneka R. Walker, Sarah L. McConkie // Review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
12.28.2021
The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham // Review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
12.23.2021
First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand // Review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Christmas Vendetta by Valerie Hansen // Review
Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review and Giveaway
About the Book
Book: Saving Mrs. Roosevelt
Author: Candice Sue Patterson
Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical/Adventure
Release date: December, 2021
Shirley Davenport is as much a patriot as her four brothers. She, too, wants to aid her country in the war efforts, but opportunities for women are limited. When her best friend Joan informs her that the Coast Guard has opened a new branch for single women, they both enlist in the SPARs, ready to help protect the home front.
Training is rigorous, and Shirley is disappointed that she and Joan are sent to separate training camps. At the end of basic training, Captain Webber commends her efforts and commissions her home to Maine under the ruse of a dishonorable discharge to help uncover a plot against the First Lady.
Shirley soon discovers nothing is as it seems. Who can she trust? Why do the people she loves want to harm the First Lady? With the help of Captain Webber, it’s a race against time to save Mrs. Roosevelt and remain alive.
Click here to get your copy!
Review:
An exhilarating high stakes adventure, mixed with romance in this inspiring WWII novel about the men and women who fought from the home front.
Shirley Davenport wants more than what her small town can offer. She joins the SPARs a division of the Coast Guard with her friend Joan, but when a mission sends her home undercover and in disgrace she must find the courage to stand tall and fight for her country, and find out who her friends are.
I was intrigued from the very beginning, as this was the first time I'd ever read about book about a woman serving in in the SPARs. A well researched read that blends fact with fiction in a suspensefully engrossing read. Shirley is an excellent heroine, brave for not just the physical risks that took, but also for the scorn and shame she had to bear coming back to her hometown. Even though Leo and Shirley didn't get to spend a ton of time together due to their duties, I thought that their relationship felt authentic and realistic. One of my favorite things was Shirley's friendship with Alma and how they work together to fulfill their mission.
Overall, an exciting WWII novel that highlights the brave men and women who fought for their country from the home front. Suspenseful, with courageous heroines, faith, and friendship, I enjoyed this book so much, easily a book that I would heartily recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About the Author
Candice Sue Patterson studied at the Institute of Children’s Literature and is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she’s not tending to her chickens, splitting wood, or decorating cakes, she’s working on a new story. Candice writes Modern Vintage Romance—where the past and present collide with faith. Her debut novel How to Charm a Beekeeper’s Heart was a 2012 ACFW First Impressions finalist and made INSPYs Longlist for 2016.
More from Candice
The idea for Saving Mrs. Roosevelt literally came overnight. I had just finished writing a contemporary romance set in Maine, centered around a harbor town where lobstering is prevalent. My agent called me and told me about the Heroines of WWII series and asked if I’d be interested in writing a WWII novel. If so, I needed to come up with a story and proposal fast because spots were limited and filling quickly. My mind was so consumed with research of the lobster industry that I felt I couldn’t clear my brain fast enough to come up with another story on such short notice. That’s when I started wondering how I could take the knowledge I already had and make it work for a WWII novel. I googled Maine during WWII, came across an article that mentioned the SPARs, and the idea for Saving Mrs. Roosevelt was born.
I don’t want to give too much away, but the Nancy Drew deep inside me figured out a unique way to merge lobstering with espionage.
Though the plot is purely fiction, there are some characters and events that are historically accurate that were fun to include as well. I love Maine, but I’m Hoosier born and raised, and in my SPAR research, I discovered that Dorothy C. Stratton–the woman the Coast Guard asked to direct the SPARs–was the Dean of Women at Purdue University in Indiana. She was a woman of true character, grace, and strength. I knew right away she needed a cameo in my story.
Within twenty-four hours of receiving my agent’s call, I had plotted the entire story and sent a proposal. Weeks went by, and as fall ushered in its beautiful colors, my husband surprised me with a trip to Monhegan Island, Maine. We walked the trails, ate amazing seafood, and took in the gorgeous view. While on the island, my agent called again, this time to let me know that Barbour had contracted Saving Mrs. Roosevelt. What a special moment it was to be standing on the very shoreline where the book is set when I received the good news.
Since the book is set in Maine where the heroine works on a lobster boat with her father, I wanted to share my favorite recipe for Maine blueberry pie.
Maine Blueberry Pie
Ingredients:
2 Pie crusts
1 quart of fresh Maine blueberries
1 ½ tbsp lemon juice
Freshly grated nutmeg
¼ c light brown sugar
¼ c sugar
¼ c flour
2 tbsp tapioca for thickening (if the berries are juicy)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place the berries into a large bowl, add lemon juice, and toss. Add the remaining ingredients and toss until the berries are well coated with the flour and sugars mixture. Line the pie plate with one crust. Put the berries into the pie plate and top with a solid or lattice-top crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the berries are bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Blog Stops
Where Faith and Books Meet, December 15
Girls in White Dresses, December 15
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 15
Remembrancy, December 16
Bigreadersite, December 16
Genesis 5020, December 16
Lighthouse Academy, December 17 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
lakesidelivingsite, December 17
The Sacred Line, December 17
Betti Mace, December 18
Boondock Ramblings, December 18
Inklings and notions, December 18
Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, December 19
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 19
Older & Smarter?, December 20
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 20
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 20 (Spotlight)
Texas Book-aholic, December 21
Blossoms and Blessings, December 21
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 22
Through the Fire Blogs, December 22
Mary Hake, December 22
For Him and My Family, December 23
Spoken from the Heart, December 23
Labor Not in Vain, December 23
She Lives To Read, December 24
Elly Gilbert, December 24
Splashes of Joy, December 25
Pause for Tales, December 25
deb's Book Review, December 26
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 26
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 26
Connie's History Classroom, December 27
To Everything There Is A Season, December 27
The Author Reads, December 27
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 28
Southern Gal Loves to Read, December 28
Lights in a Dark World, December 28
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Candace is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift 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/14f18/saving-mrs-roosevelt-celebration-tour-giveaway
12.20.2021
Her Christmas Dilemma by Brenda Minton // Review
12.19.2021
Hiding His Holiday Witness by Laura Scott // Review
12.15.2021
'Twas the Night Before Jesus by Donna Wyland, illustrated by Courtney Smith // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway
About the Book
Book: ’Twas the Night Before Jesus
Author: Donna Wyland
Genre: Picture Book
Release date: Fall 2021
‘Twas the Night Before Jesus is a beautifully illustrated picture book that introduces children to the life of Jesus and God’s promise of an eternal home in heaven. As the melodic rhyme carries children through Jesus’s birth, death and resurrection, they come to understand the true meaning of Christmas.
Click here to get your copy!
Review:
Set to the rhythm of the familiar cadence of a Christmastime classic, 'Twas the Night Before Jesus brings to life the true meaning of Christmas in beautiful rhyme. Accompanied by whimsical and humorous illustrations, this book will quickly become a favorite among families at Christmas and all year long.
My favorite thing about this book was how it doesn't just tell of Jesus's birth, but gives the gospel and the reason for His birth and sacrifice. A quick read, but one that you will want to re-read over and over again! A book that I can happily recommend, a wonderful book to share with the little people in your life, and makes a great gift!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About the Author
Donna Wyland is an Award-winning author, editor, and coach who believes in writing books that entertain, encourage, and inspire. Her bestselling children’s book, Your Home in Heaven, sold thousands of copies and was gifted to more than 4,000 children around the world through churches, schools, and various ministry organizations in the U.S. and abroad. Reprinted in 2020 by Elk Lake Publishing, Inc., Your Home in Heaven has become a classic story that shares the love of God and the hope of heaven with an increasing number of children. If I Could Ask Jesus, Donna’s premier Christian bedtime story is bringing young hearts closer to God, too.
Donna lives in Ohio with her husband and a couple of bunnies that hide under the bushes outside. She loves to read, ski, jump on the trampoline with her grandson, and cross items off of her personal Bucket List.
More from Donna
Donna Wyland’s love for God and for Christmas inspired her to write ‘Twas the Night Before Jesus. Only recently did she discover how many websites offer Happy Birthday Jesus items to help families, Sunday schools, and more to celebrate the real reason for the season. Children of all ages have read and reviewed ‘Twas the Night Before Jesus. It received a rousing 5 stars! Glory to God! You can find some fun resources here!
Blog Stops
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 3
Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, December 4
Blogging With Carol, December 4
Texas Book-aholic, December 5
Author Adventure, December 5
Inklings and notions, December 6
Simple Harvest Reads, December 6 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
For Him and My Family, December 7
Cats in the Cradle Blog, December 7
deb's Book Review, December 8
Splashes of Joy, December 8
A Reader’s Brain, December 9
Library Lady's Kid Lit, December 9
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 10
Southern Gal Loves to Read, December 10
Older & Smarter?, December 11
An Author's Take, December 11
Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, December 12
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 13
Mary Hake, December 13
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 14
Spoken from the Heart, December 14
The Adventures of a Travelers Wife, December 15
Labor Not in Vain, December 15
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 16 (Spotlight)
Lights in a Dark World, December 16
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Donna is giving away the grand prize package of a hardcover copy of the book and an online $50 Magnolia Market 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/14195/twas-the-night-before-jesus-celebration-tour-giveaway
12.13.2021
Protecting Annie by Jodie Wolfe // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway
About the Book
Book: Protecting Annie
Author: Jodie Wolfe
Genre: Western Historical Romance
Release date: November 12, 2021
After twenty years living along the trail as a deputy U.S. Marshal, Joshua Walker takes a job as sheriff in Burrton Springs, Kansas so he can be closer to his sister. Only problem is, she no longer requires his protecting.
After the death of her father, Annie McPherson needs a change. She accepts a position as schoolmarm hoping her past won’t catch up with her. Life is good, except for the pesky lawman who creates confrontations at every turn and continually questions her ability to adjust to life in the west.
When the irritating schoolteacher’s past and present collide, dragging Josh into the turmoil, he has to decide who he’s willing to defend.
Click here to get your copy!
Review:
A western romance of misunderstanding.
A promising premise, with interesting characters. I thought it was a fun read, and it was interesting to see how Annie and Josh would get to know each other through their multiple misunderstandings. Annie has a great friend who stands up for her, and I liked the addition of an adorable little boy who befriends Josh's dog.
I think that the plot was promising, and definitely wanted to know what would happen next. Though I felt that there were many times when Josh really let Annie down and left her in a vulnerable position, instead of protecting her, and that made it hard for me to like them together--or more specifically Josh.
Overall, this was one was a mixed bag for me, because there were things that I liked and wanted to like more of, but at the same time there were elements that just didn't work for me. I really appreciated the strong faith journeys, which was one of the shining spots of this novel. I think that this would be great for people who really enjoyed the first book in the series, and like western romances.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About the Author
Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers, and COMPEL Training. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.
More from Jodie
I’ve always been fond of reading mail-order bride books. Not that I would have ever had the courage to do something so brave. 🙂 But it’s fun writing and reading them. I also love perusing historical journal entries of women who decided to marry a complete stranger. Sometimes it worked out great, other times, not so much. In most cases, the heroine traveled across country to arrive in the west to meet her potential groom. Often they had no idea what each other looked like before they met for the first time. Not that looks matter.
At times the woman was given the opportunity to get to know the fella for a while before they actually married. Other times, they tied the knot as soon as the potential wife arrived at their destination. Some women fled desperate situations in the east, hoping for a better outcome only to find themselves embroiled in another bad position. All of the different scenarios I’ve read about helped to prime the pump for Protecting Annie.
In book one of my Burrton Springs Brides series, Taming Julia, I had the heroine’s brother, Josh set Jules (Julia) up as a mail-order bride. As I was writing that story, I knew it would be fun to change things up in book two and have Jules return the favor by ordering a mail-order bride for Josh. That’s the premise for this new story. Josh isn’t exactly thrilled to learn of his sister’s interference in his life and decision to remain single.
I hope you’ll enjoy the story of two unlikely people who are thrown together.
Blog Stops
Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, November 30
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 30
Texas Book-aholic, December 1
Inklings and notions, December 2
For Him and My Family, December 3
deb's Book Review, December 4
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 5
Jeanette's Thoughts, December 5
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 6
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 7
Bizwings Blog, December 7
Connie's History Classroom, December 8
Mary Hake, December 8
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 9
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 10
Stephanie's life of Determination, December 10
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, December 11
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 12
Vicky Sluiter, December 12
Labor Not in Vain, December 13
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Jodie is giving away the grand prize of an audio CD of 12 historical novels and novellas. Stories of chivalry, adventure and romance!!
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/13cfe/protecting-annie-celebration-tour-giveaway
12.12.2021
Cross-Country Christmas by Laurie Lewis // Review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.