Much Ado About Persuasion by Barbara Cornthwaite // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Much Ado About Persuasion

Author: Barbara Cornthwaite

Genre: Historical/Jane Austen Retelling

Release date: May 3, 2022

Some duel with swords, others with ships. In love, however, they duel with hearts.

When Sir Walter Elliot, secret admirer of the Navy, invites officers to visit his estate, what could be more natural than for his two daughters to find themselves in love?

Elizabeth Elliot’s legendary, bitter pride clashes with Admiral Baldwin’s stubborn conceit until any hope of a match seems impossible. They say love conquers all, but does it?

All looks hopeful for Anne Elliot and the dashing Captain Wentworth, but when a cousin steps in and sets evil plans into motion, is their love enough to withstand the storm, or is it best to let the captain sail that ship… alone?

Shakespeare’s Much Ado about Nothing meets Jane Austen’s Persuasion in this story about trust, disappointment, and disguises.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review: 

A fresh mash-up of classic British literature featuring Much Ado About Nothing and Persuasion. 

Perfect for anglophiles everywhere, this book does a great job of handling and blending two well-known classics. I liked how the author was able to pay homage to the styles of both of these great authors, while also taking unique twists of her own. 

I think that it does help to be somewhat familiar with the original plots of the stories, I had to ask my daughter and consult the internet a few times to refresh my memory. I liked that it gave us more characters to follow, and more subplots, as well as surprises. 

Overall, a fun twist on literary classics, well written and engaging. Anne and Wentworth are just a few of the characters that are explored in this fresh re-mix. 

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

About the Author

Barbara Cornthwaite lives in the middle of Ireland with her husband and children. She taught college English before “retiring” to do something she loves far more; her days are now filled with homeschooling, trying to keep the house tidy (a losing battle), and trying to stay warm in the damp Irish climate (also a losing battle). She is surrounded by medieval castles, picturesque flocks of sheep, and ancient stone monuments. These things are unappreciated by her six children, who are more impressed by traffic jams, skyscrapers, and hot weather.

 

More from Barbara

I discovered Jane Austen in college when I was required to read Pride and Prejudice. This was in the dark ages before the famous adaptations, and I knew nothing about the storyline. In fact, I expected it to be depressing, probably because the title sounded similar to War and Peace. It was a delightful surprise to be charmed by the novel, and I went on to read all Austen’s other books on my own. Each of them have a special place in my heart. I love Emma so much that I wrote a two-book parallel novel for it (the George Knightley, Esquire series). I also have novellas based on Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park and Emma in the A Very Austen anthologies. This book, however, is the first thing I’ve written based on Persuasion.

Shakespeare I met in high school, and furthered my acquaintance with him in college. Much Ado About Nothing is, I think, my favorite of his plays (although there are several close contenders for the top spot). His grasp of character is unmatched, and his language, even after five hundred years, is striking.

Mixing the stories of these two authors has been great fun, and redeeming a couple of characters who didn’t learn anything from their mistakes in the original stories gives my version a spiritual twist. I hope you enjoy it!

Blog Stops

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, June 17

Texas Book-aholic, June 18

Miriam Jacob, June 18

A Reader’s Brain, June 19

Britt Reads Fiction, June 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 20

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , June 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 22

For Him and My Family, June 22

Inklings and notions, June 23

deb's Book Review, June 24

Of Blades and Thorns, June 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 25

Connie's History Classroom, June 26

Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen, June 26

She Lives To Read, June 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 28

Sylvan Musings, June 28

Labor Not in Vain, June 29

Back Porch Reads, June 30

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Barbara 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/1eff5/much-ado-about-persuasion-celebration-tour-giveaway

Songs That Could Have Been by Amanda Wen // I Read with Audra Tour, Review, and Giveaway

About the book:

Two couples in love. Two sets of impossible circumstances. One powerful God of grace.

After a devastating tailspin in her late teens, Lauren Anderson’s life is finally back on track. Then a chance meeting with Carter Douglas, her first love and the man who broke her heart, threatens to throw her well-balanced world out of control.

Now a TV meteorologist, Carter is determined to make amends with Lauren. After all, she still owns his heart. But his old demons are forcing him toward the same decision he faced in the past. Is he courageous enough to make a different choice this time around?

When Lauren’s elderly grandmother, Rosie, begins having nightmares about a man named Ephraim--a name her family has never heard before—a fascinating and forbidden past love comes to light. As Lauren and Carter work to uncover the untold stories of Rosie’s past in 1950s Wichita, they embark on a journey of forgiveness and second chances that will change their lives—and Rosie’s—forever. Along the way they’ll learn that God wastes nothing, his timing is perfect, and nothing is beyond his grace and redemption.

Click here to read an excerpt.

Review: A resurfaced memory, a painful past relationship, can they move forward?

A powerful story about love, redemption, and forgiveness. A story told in the present day with glimpses into a past of forbidden love and lost hopes. I loved that this story picks up with familiar characters from the previous book, but could also be read as a standalone. 

A beautifully told story, well written, with effortless transitions. I think that my favorite part of the book was Ephraim and Rosie's story set in the 1950's and how the author vividly brought that time to life in a realistic and conscious way. 

Compelling storytelling, with strong themes of faith throughout. I thought that the author did an excellent job of showing the heartbreak of Alzheimer's disease, the loss and heartbreak, as well as the bright moments. Lauren and Carter are likable protagonists, flawed, vulnerable, with past regrets that they are still overcoming.

Overall, a memorable read, compelling, engaging,  and well written, dealing deftly with difficult topics. Definitely recommend!

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

What Others Are Saying

“A reading experience both heartfelt and heart-tugging, a timeless exploration of young and enduring love and the grace found in second chances. Amanda Wen is a rare and remarkable storyteller, and this is a novel I will not soon forget.” –Amanda Barratt, Christy Award-winning author of The White Rose Resists

“A stunning journey of loss, love, and yearning. . . . Past and present are deftly woven together in this dual-timeline narrative that will leave readers flying through the pages.” – Amanda Cox, author of the 2021 Christy Award Book of the Year, The Edge of Belonging

About the author:

Amanda Wen is an award-winning writer of inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction. She has placed first in multiple writing contests, including the 2017 Indiana Golden Opportunity, the 2017 Phoenix Rattler, and the 2016 ACFW First Impressions contests. She was also a 2018 ACFW Genesis Contest finalist. Her debut novel was a 2021 Christy Award First Novel finalist.
 
Wen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and regularly contributes author interviews for their Fiction Finder feature. She also frequently interviews authors for her blog and is a contributor to the God Is Love blog. She is the author of Roots of Wood and Stone and The Songs That Could Have Been.
 
In addition to her writing, Wen is an accomplished professional cellist and pianist who frequently performs with orchestras, chamber groups, and her church’s worship team. She serves as a choral accompanist as well. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Wen lives in Kansas with her patient, loving, and hilarious husband, their three adorable Wenlets, and a snuggly Siamese cat.
 
To find Amanda Wen’s blog and short stories, visit www.amandawen.com. Readers can also follower her on Facebook (@AuthorAmandaWen), Twitter (@AuthorAmandaWen), and Instagram (@authoramandawen).

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Undercover Assignment by Dana Mentink // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Undercover Assignment

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Suspense

Release date: June 28, 2022

This K-9 will stop at nothing to keep a child safe.

When a little boy is threatened, Officer Daniella Vargas and K-9 partner, Zara, are assigned to pose as his nanny to uncover the culprit’s identity. Suspecting one of the guests in his inn, widower Sam Kavanaugh’s only option is to begrudgingly trust Daniella and Zara to help. But can they solve the case and its mysterious connection to Sam’s late wife before it’s too late?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review: When strange things start happening around his inn and endangering his young son, Oliver, Sam Kavanaugh reaches out to the local police to help. 

Daniella Vargas grudgingly takes a job guarding a child along with her K-9, Zara. But as the unsettling events become more frightening, Daniella and Sam must work together to keep Oliver safe and figure out the source of the threats before someone gets hurt. 

Engaging and intriguing, this was a book that I picked up easily and didn't want to put down. Sam is an excellent father, protective of his son, and full of faith. Oliver is such an adorable kid, I loved how he instantly takes to Zara and welcomes Daniella into their lives. I enjoyed how this book was more of a mystery than a guns blazing suspense, wonderful pacing, as well as the great interaction between the characters, and how I grew to love them more as the story progressed. 

Overall, this was a wonderful read, entertaining with strong faith, mystery, and well developed, compelling characters. 

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

 

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA TODAY and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author. She’s written more than forty mystery and suspense novels for Love Inspired Suspense, Harvest House, and Poisoned Pen Press. She is honored to have received two ACFW Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion Award, and a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. Please visit her on the web at www.danamentink.com to sign up for her newsletter, or find her on Twitter, Facebook and Bookbub.

 

More from Dana

What a joy to participate in a series with seven other talented authors! A continuity series is a set of books, each written by a different author, and each with its own suspense plot along with an overarching series plot and characters. It’s a very complicated project to complete, but the fantastic part is chatting, collaborating, and sometimes commiserating with other writers. What a rare treat, since most of our work is done alone in dark rooms with computer screens and bottomless cups of coffee! This series was especially fun to write because of the whole wilderness lodge setting which is my favorite type of story. Picture it! Ancient cliff dwellings, a freak electrical storm, twenty-four hours with no power and a killer on the loose! That’s my kind of suspense novel. I hope you will enjoy this multi author series as much as we enjoyed creating it!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 15

Inklings and notions, June 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 16

EmpowerMoms, June 16

Vicky Sluiter, June 17

For Him and My Family, June 17

An Author’s Take, June 18

Blogging With Carol, June 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 19

Betti Mace, June 20

Texas Book-aholic, June 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 21

Blossoms and Blessings, June 21

She Lives To Read, June 22

Through the Fire Blogs, June 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 23

Labor Not in Vain, June 24

deb’s Book Review, June 25

Pause for Tales, June 25

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 26

For the Love of Literature, June 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 27

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, June 27

Genesis 5020, June 28

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon gift card and a signed book!!

(If the winner is outside the U.S., then he or she will receive an eBook.)

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/1eff2/undercover-assignment-celebration-tour-giveaway

Pudge and Prejudice by A.K. Pittman // Review

Review: A delightful rom-com retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in America during the 1980's. 

Nostalgic and full of heart, this is the Pride and Prejudice retelling that I didn't know that I needed. Engaging and original, paying homage to one of literature's most beloved romances. I loved Elyse from the start, the middle of the elder set of Nesbitt sisters she is used to being overlooked in favor of her beautiful sister Jayne or her attention-seeking younger sister, Lydia. As she tries to find her place in a new town and new school, she is intrigued by Billy Fitz, the enigmatic star of the football team and best friend to Jayne's new boyfriend Charlie. 

Told from Elyse's perspective, this was a heartwarming, hilarious coming of age story, filled with swoon-worthy moments, as well as faith. Such a fun read from beginning to end, yet I didn't want it to end and savored every sentence. Easily one of my favorite reads of this year! I'm really hoping for a sequel!

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

Fatal Code by Natalie Walters // Review

Review: 

Elinor Mitchell is a dedicated aerospace engineer who stumbles on her late grandfather's research for a government nuclear project, making her the target of nefarious criminals. 

SNAP agent Kekoa Young has been tasked with monitoring Elinor, a job that he is uneasy with, especially as he gets to know her more and more. I liked how Kekoa's outgoing personality draws Elinor out and how he is willing to take a stand to support her. I liked that he admires her more quiet personality, and takes time to get to know her. I also loved the comradery between the SNAP agents as they work together. 

Overall, this was an entertaining read with well developed characters. Elinor is an incredibly intelligent heroine, yet she is humble and has a down to earth personality, with an appreciation for the nerdy. A little slower start, but building as it went, and the twists picked up momentum. An engaging, action packed read with compelling characters!

 

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

Going Home : Episode 5 // Review and Pure Flix Subscription Giveaway

“Going Home” is a new series that follows an inspiring team of nurses who help guide patients and loved ones on the ultimate journey – one of transition from this world to their forever home. It’s a race against time as the team must help their clients find peace and wrap up loose ends with compassion and dignity. 

 Everyone has a calling from God and Charley’s purpose is to help people transition from this world to their forever home. Watch this heartfelt series that will inspire you to think deeper about your relationships and how you can live well with the time we’re all blessed with. God gives everyone a calling – and for Charley, it’s to help families during one of the most difficult times of their lives. 

Review:

A heartfelt original series from Pure Flix that follows a group of nurses and their patients at an end of life facility as they prepare for their journey to the life after this one.

I was impressed from the start with the excellent writing of this series, dealing with a difficult subject in a way that is compassionate, gives dignity, respect, and is a reminder of the hope for those who believe in Christ. This particular episode was one the hardest to watch, as Katherine's daughter especially is struggling with the facts of their situation, while a child with end stage Huntington's disease is admitted to their facility. I loved seeing how Janey has grown under the mentorship of Charley as a nurse not only dealing with patients, but their families as well. 

Heartwarming and tear-jerking, yet at the same time filled with hope and encouragement for the families who are also facing some of their darkest days. I especially loved how Charley helped Sadie, by encouraging her to make the most of the time she had left with Steph. A inspiring and thought provoking new series that explores many unique topics for a TV series, bringing hope and encouragement even in the toughest trials. 

 #GoingHomeMIN #PureFlix #PureFlixVIPAmbassador #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

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

 Join Pure Flix now and watch Going Home today! 

 Giveaway: One 3-month Pure Flix subscription 

 Note: Giveaway is limited to US winners only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lily of the Valley by Sarah M. Eden // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Lily of the Valley

Author: Sarah M. Eden

Genre: Georgian Romance

Release date: April 11, 2022

Amateur inventor Kester Barrington prefers the peace and quiet of his estate to the bustle of Society. But when his tightknit group of friends, the Gents, descends on Livingsley Hall for their annual gathering, he stoically joins in their activities. It all seems exhausting—until an unexpected addition to the party catches his eye: his new neighbor, the lovely Violet.

Violet Ridley longs to make friends in this new corner of the country, but her family’s fortune was made through investments rather than inheritance, and Society can be fickle. So when tragedy forces her family to shelter at neighboring Livingsley Hall, Violet is delighted to receive a warm welcome from the Gents. In particular, Violet finds herself inexplicably drawn to Kester. The pair is a study in contrasts: Violet, with her sunny disposition, and Kester, with his prickly facade. Their connection is impossible to deny, but both Kester and Violet harbor heavy constraints. As their association becomes increasingly tangled and confused, their only hope of pursuing a life together is to trust one another with the very truths that could tear them apart.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review:

A sparkling read from Sarah M. Eden, with a full cast of engaging characters, and opportunity for romance. 

A riveting, highly enjoyable, clean historical read, I loved the depth of development of the characters as well as their comradery with each other. I loved how Kester's friends made the effort to always include him, as well as give him space to create and be himself. 

Violet is new to the area and is happy to find a welcoming group of new friends, especially Julia and Kester. She struggles to only show her sunny side. I loved how she and Kester connect over their shared interests, and are able to encourage and support each other. 

Overall, a highly enjoyable read with an excellent cast of characters that I can't wait to revisit! Well written with excellent interaction and growth, though I thought that there was an odd emphasis on the power of fate. A must read for lovers of clean historical romance!

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

About the Author

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today best-selling author of witty and charming historical romances, including 2020’s Foreword Reviews INDIE Awards Gold Winner for Romance, Forget Me Not, and 2020 Holt Medallion finalist, Healing Hearts. She is a two-time “Best of State” Gold Medal winner for fiction and a three-time Whitney Award winner. Combining her obsession with history and her affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting deep characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a bachelor’s degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library.

 

More from Sarah

esearch is one of my favorite aspects of writing. Lily of the Valley offered ample opportunities for researching incredibly interesting topics. One main character is an amateur inventor, which tossed me deep into the realm of innovations of the 1780s and 1790s. The other main character has an interest in engineering and mechanics, allowing me to delve into what was known and understood in these fields at the end of the 18th Century. Amongst the supporting cast are a variety of interests, strengths, and passions, all of which saw me pouring over everything I could find from this era on those topics.

 

A particularly fun area of research I tossed myself into was parlor games played in late 18th Century England. Among my favorites I learned about:

• The Three Kingdoms, a game very much like modern-day “Twenty Questions.” The guesser has up to six questions to gain clues about what the others in the group have decided among themselves is the thing the guesser is trying to discover. One twist: the first question is always “To which Kingdom does the item thought of belong? (meaning animal, vegetable, or mineral)

• Short Answers, a game of wits and creativity. The group sits in a circle and one at a time, ask the person to their right a question which that person has to answer in only one word. However, the word cannot be repeated during that round. Once someone has answered a question “Yes” no one else can answer with that word until the round is over. A round ends when someone cannot think of a one-word answer to the question they have been asked and is, subsequently, eliminated.

• A centuries-old version of musical chairs

• A game that involved determining which fabricated crime the various players would pretend to have committed.

• Plenty of games involving forfeits of kisses or handkerchiefs or other shows of affection that the very staid rules of Society would have otherwise looked down on.

 

Discovering more about the historical context of this book was intriguing and delightful. I hope readers will enjoy learning more of this bit of the past, lose themselves in romance, enjoy the delightful friendship between the characters, and perhaps even find a few new games to try.

-Sarah Eden

Blog Stops

Inside the Wong Mind, June 6

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, June 6

Inklings and notions, June 7

Reading with Emily, June 7

For Him and My Family, June 8

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 8

Texas Book-aholic, June 9

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, June 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 10

deb's Book Review, June 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 12

The Book Club Network, June 12

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 13

Pause for Tales, June 13

Connie's History Classroom, June 14

Sylvan Musings, June 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 15

Rachael's Inkwell, June 16

Wishful Endings, June 16

Through the Fire Blogs, June 17

Britt Reads Fiction, June 18

Labor Not in Vain, June 18

To Everything There Is A Season, June 19

Miriam Jacob, June 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, print copy of book, and Exclusive Sarah Eden vinyl stickers!!

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/1e7ee/lily-of-the-valley-celebration-tour-giveaway

Love in Plain Sight by Kathleen Fuller // Review

Review: New love and healing in Birch Creek. 

Katherine Miller is a kind-hearted young woman who came to Birch Creek for sanctuary away from her painful secrets; not looking for a husband she has slowly made friends in the community. I loved that she had many supportive people in her life that she could call her friends, as well as her budding relationship with Ezra. My heart instantly went out to Katherine, and she is the kind of heroine that you can cheer for all the way through. 

The book also picks up some of the story threads from the previous books in the series, like with Rhoda and Loren as they wonder about the future of their relationship. Ezra is a kind and thoughtful young man, and I liked how he always was making sure that Katherine was comfortable and doing alright. 

Overall this was a quick, emotional, heartwarming read with strong themes of trusting God, forgiveness, courage and second chances. I loved revisiting familiar faces and meeting new ones, as well as finally solving some mysteries that had been going on in the background for quite some time. An excellent addition to the series!

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

Orphan's Song by Gillian Bronte Adams // Review

My Review: 

An exciting new fantasy series, with compelling characters and a gripping plot. 

Birdie has heard a song her whole life, but is the song a gift or a curse?

The first in what is set up to be trilogy, this first installment does an excellent job of setting up the plot and introducing us to Birdie, Amos and Ky. The world building was well done, there was a great balance of action and intrigue. 

I liked that this book took familiar fantasy tropes respinning them in a fresh way that grabbed my attention and sucked me in. I liked that the story also follows Amos who is a more mature character who kept me guessing at his intents with secrets of his own. 

Overall, this is an excellent read for young adults and even families to read together. Exciting, with heroes that you can root for, and storytelling that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Engaging, with elements of faith that I sense will grow stronger as the story progresses. 

I checked out this book at my local library. Opinions expressed are my own.