7.31.2022

Embracing His Past by Christina Miller // Review

Review: New beginnings and a chance to make up for lost time. 

Retired nurse Harrison Mitchell is surprised to learn that he has an adult son, so he moves to Natchez in hopes of reconnecting with his son. He is surprised to find that his neighbor and new boss is also his son's adoptive mom, Anise Armstrong. 

A wonderful story from beginning to end, filled with faith, family, friendship, and new starts. I loved revisiting the Armstrong family in Natchez, catching up with Grannie, Jase, Abe and their families. I was so happy to see Anise getting a story and a chance at happiness, she is so passionate about serving the community and I thought that she and Harrison made a great team. I liked that Harrison helped to shoulder the heavy load that Anise had taken up on herself, and helped her see that she couldn't do it all alone. 

Such an enjoyable, heartwarming read that brought a smile to my face. I loved the close knit family and Grannie's matchmaking ways, there was great interaction, strong faith, and endearing characters. Definitely recommend!


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

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughter // Review and Giveaway



Watch Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters exclusively streaming on Pure Flix starting August 1st! https://www.pureflix.com/movie/strong-fathers-strong-daughters


Steve loves all three of his daughters – but does he really know who they are? Discover the heartfelt journey of a dad who is desperately trying to hold onto his little girls but learns he must give up control and trust God with their future. Watch the movie inspired by Dr. Meg Meeker’s best-selling book, “Strong Fathers,  Strong Daughters.”

Featuring real-life married couples Bart Johnson & Robin Lively and Maria Canals Barrera & David Barrera!




Review:

A fun, heartfelt film about growing up and letting go based on the best-selling book of the same title by Dr. Meg Meeker.

Steve has worked hard to give his daughters the best in life, but when his oldest daughter returns home from a mission trip engaged and with a change of heart about her future, it is hard for him to accept.

I enjoyed watching this movie with my family and I thought that it did a good job of balancing the serious with the lighthearted moments. I especially liked Oz's parents, they were so gracious and kind, taking everything in stride and offering support. I liked how they used comedy to bring out the struggles that Steve was having with holding on and letting go of his daughters, as well as the strong themes of family, faith, and growing up.

Overall, such a well done movie for families with older daughters, with great truths for everyone. A wonderful film about the changes that come with growing up, and supporting your daughters at every stage.

#StrongFathersMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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


This is the perfect film to watch as a family with your older daughters



Interview with Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters author Dr. Meg Meeker!




Start streaming quality family entertainment today: https://www.pureflix.com/movie/strong-fathers-strong-daughters

Giveaway: 3-month subscription to Pure Flix


a Rafflecopter giveaway

7.26.2022

Hope Beyond the Waves by Heidi Chiavaroli // Just Read Tour, Review, and Giveaway

Hope Beyond the Waves JustRead Blog Tour 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Hope Beyond the Waves by Heidi Chiavaroli, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hope Beyond the Waves

Title: Hope Beyond the Waves 
Author: Heidi Chiavaroli
Publisher: Hope Creek Publishers, LLC
Release Date: June 28, 2022
Genre: Christian, Dual Timeline Fiction

From award-winning author Heidi Chiavaroli comes a sweeping dual timeline story that explores hope and enduring love in the midst of the impossible. 

Massachusetts, 1993 

After making a grievous mistake that will change her life forever, Emily Robertson is sent away to live with her grandmother on Cape Cod. When Emily finds a timeworn photograph buried in a drawer, she realizes her grandmother has concealed a secret even bigger than her own. Will convincing Gram to reveal their family history help Emily make the most important decision of her life or will it prove her parents right—that family scandal is better off buried and forgotten? 

Massachusetts, 1916 

Atta Schaeffer plans to marry the man of her dreams and whisk her little sister away from their abusive father. But when she is diagnosed with a dreaded malady, Atta is forced into a life of exile, leaving her sister in harm’s way. 

On Penikese Island, Atta’s best hope lies with Harry Mayhew, a doctor who seeks a cure for his patients at any cost. But when experiments fail, Atta runs from Harry—and from God. Can she return to her sister before it’s too late? Or will her illness consume both her body and soul? 

A testament to faith and love, Hope Beyond the Waves is the raw account of the journey of two generations of women running from desperate situations toward irresistible hope.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

Review: 

Secrets from the past touch future generations in this masterfully told story of hope and redemption. 

Emily is spending the remainder of the school year with her grandmother on Cape Cod, adjusting to a  new school and a loss of old friends. While there she uncovers a piece of her history deemed shameful by her politically climbing family. 

Decades earlier, one diagnosis changes Atta Schaeffer's life forever. Whisked away from her future plans to marry and rescue her younger sister from their abusive father, she is taken to live in exile on Penikese Island. Will she find Hope Beyond the Waves?

An engrossing read that gripped me from the beginning and held on to the very last page, I'd never read a book about Penikese before and found the entire subject to be so fascinating. I think that the author did such a good job of bringing that world to life through the characters and their different reactions to their plight. Atta has always been the strong one in her family, caring for her sister, shielding her from their father, but suddenly she is helpless to protect her sister. I was inspired by Atta's perseverance, faith and courage throughout. Harry though was one of my favorites, seeing how he changed being there on the island and his determination to find a cure. 

Overall, beautiful story of heartache and hope, faith, friendship, and perseverance, with great attention to detail and well crafted characters. I loved Sam's unflagging friendship towards Emily, as well as her Gram's support through it all. Highly recommend this story of hope and restoration!

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

ALSO AVAILABLE

Where Grace Appears Where Hope Begins Where Love Grows Where Memories Await


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

heidi chiavaroli 

Heidi Chiavaroli is a writer, runner, and grace-clinger who could spend hours exploring places that whisper of historical secrets. Her debut novel, Freedom's Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons.

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


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Handmade French Market Seagrass Bag, hardcover copy of Hope Beyond the Waves, and Ocean-Lover Bookmark!

Hope Beyond the Waves JustRead Giveaway 

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 25, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 1, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

7.23.2022

The Bookseller's Promise by Beth Wiseman // Review

My Review: 

A charming new series from best-selling author Beth Wiseman. 

Yvonne travels to Jake's bookstore in Montgomery, Indiana to try and purchase an incredibly rare book for her client, but the more time she spends with Jake and Eva, the more she finds herself questioning everything that she thought she knew. 

A sweet romance, set in an Amish bookstore that happens to be in the same community as previous novels by Beth Wiseman, it was a wonderful surprise to have familiar faces pop up here and there. Eva had to be my favorite character, kind and outgoing, befriending Yvonne despite their differences. I liked that Eva listened to and encouraged Yvonne through tough times. 

Overall, a quick read with wonderful characters and a charming setting. It will be fun to see where the series goes!


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

7.22.2022

An Unlikely Alliance by Toni Shiloh // Just Read Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway

 

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for An Unlikely Alliance by Toni Shiloh, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: An Unlikely Alliance
Series: K-9 Companions 
Author: Toni Shiloh 
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired 
Release Date: June 28, 2022 
Genre: Christian contemporary romance

To save her animal shelter,

She’ll have to work with her biggest foe… 

With her emotional support dog at her side, Jalissa Tucker will do whatever it takes to ensure the survival of the local animal rescue—even ally herself with her nemesis, firefighter Jeremy Rider. As working together dredges up old hurts, putting the past aside could be the key to their future joy. But can Jalissa resist falling for the man she’s always considered the enemy?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

Review: 

Can two people at odds with each other, work together to save the local animal shelter, and possibly give each other a second chance? 

Jalissa and Jeremy find themselves in An Unlikely Alliance, working together to save the place that they are both so passionate about. I liked how Jeremy is strong in his faith, and his passion for helping children. Jalissa loves her job and doesn't want to see the shelter close, so if it means working with her nemesis she will do what it takes. It as fun to see how working together on the project of saving the shelter helped them to see the other person in a new light, as they shared their pasts, and discussed their faith. 

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, with familiar faces from An Unlikely Alliance, as well as new ones in this stand alone companion novel. I loved how they both had good friends in their lives, as well as how they both work hard to make their community a better place. I liked learning more about emotional support animals and all the ways that Jalissa's dog helped her. A wonderful read for fans of enemies to lovers sweet romance!

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

ALSO AVAILABLE

In Search of a Prince An Unlikely Proposal


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Toni Shiloh

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring God glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novels, Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist, Risking Love a 2020 Selah Award finalist, The Truth About Fame a 2021 Holt Medallion finalist, and The Price of Dreams a 2021 Maggie Award finalist. Learn more at http://tonishiloh.com.

CONNECT WITH TONI: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of An Unlikely Proposal & An Unlikely Alliance, a $25 Amazon gift card, and a Golden Retriever key chain!

 

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 18, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 25, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

7.19.2022

Mulberry Hollow by Denise Hunter // Review

My Review: A woman who has vowed never to love, and a man who has promised himself to another.

Avery is surprised to find dehydrated and feverish hiker Wes Garrett literally on the doorstep of her clinic, in order to pay off his medical bill he offers to help her spruce up the place in hopes of attracting another doctor to the practice.

 Wes is a great guy, bound by duty and determined to assuage his guilt. Meanwhile Avery is working herself to the bone to give her community the best medical care that she can offer, while living in fear of the unknown. Avery and Wes find an easy companionship, and I liked how they made a great team. 

Overall, a sweet romance set alongside the Appalachian trail. I thought it was funny how protective Gavin and Cooper were of Avery, constantly checking up on Wes. I loved the close knit family of the Robinsons, as well as the themes of trusting God and accepting forgiveness. I'm excited to read Gavin's story next!


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

7.18.2022

The Slow March of Light by Heather B. Moore // Review

My Review: 

Based on an inspiring story of courage on the border between East and West Germany. 

Bob Inama is a US soldier stationed in West Germany, his fluency with the German language makes him the perfect candidate for a secret mission posing as an American student. 

Luisa Voigt is a young nurse who becomes pulled into the plight of East Germans, what starts with a simple message turns into somethings that touches the lives of many. 

An engaging and evocative novel blending fact and fiction to tell the story of a remarkable man and the brave men and women who sacrificed so much to love their eastern neighbors. It was so cool that the author worked hard to keep Bob's story as accurate as possible, and I was inspired by his steadfast faith throughout the entire experience. Luisa is also a courageous woman who takes risks to help give others a chance at a better life. 

A poignant read that brings to life the hardships and stark differences between the East and West. Rivetingly realistic, this is a well written novel from beginning to end. Highly recommend!

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

7.16.2022

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold // Review

Review: 

A beautiful story spanning decades, about living, loving and sacrifice. 

Aidyn Kelley is a writer who wants her big break, but instead is tasked with writing the obituary of Mrs. Kip a hospice patient at the end of her life. 

An inspiring and emotional read, I was intrigued by the title and am so glad that I picked it up. This stunning debut explores love and sacrifice, through the present and past. Clara was a courageous woman, through so many small acts she loved others and helped them to have a better life. 

Mrs. Kip is a winsome and engaging woman, and I liked how her story helped put things in perspective for Aidyn. Aidyn grows a lot over the course of the story. 

Overall, this was an inspiring and thought provoking read, emotionally deep, poignant read, and full of faith. I left this book so inspired by Mrs. Kip's deaths, and the message of love, sacrifice, and a life well lived. 

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

7.14.2022

Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton by Susannah B. Lewis // Review

My Review: 

A humorous and honest Southern story of starting over, friendship, family, and faith. 

Rae Sutton moves back to her hometown after the death of her mother and end of her marriage, finding hope with the friendship of the Third Thursday ladies. 

A witty Southern read, that flashes between the present day and snap shots of the past as Rae dissects her life and plans for the future. The plot of this story meanders by like a Southern afternoon, keeping me on my toes while also delivering a dollop of heart along the way. I liked that Rae felt like an honest character, at a crossroads for the first real time in her life. I loved how her mother's friends welcomed her with open arms, sharing their own stories along the way. 

Overall, this was a enjoyable read, sweet, yet in other ways unexpected. My favorite thing about Rae's story was how others encouraged her in her faith when her tank was low. An engaging read filled with faith and friendship, hoe and forgiveness!

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

7.13.2022

Critical Alliance by Elizabeth Goddard // Review

Review:  A heart-pounding suspense, filled with intrigue, faith, and romance. 

Mackenzie Hanson is a brilliant cybersecurity expert, she goes home to help her estranged family after threats from her past reemerge. Alex Knight is an old acquaintance on vacation in his home state, when he gets drawn into a tangled web of intrigue and danger with a beautiful professor of cybersecurity. 

A thrilling suspense, filled with non-stop action, great relationship building, with a twisting plot that kept me guessing with no idea who to trust. Mackenzie is an intelligent heroine who puts her skills to good use, she is a whiz on the computer and knows the weak points in a system because she once exploited them. Alex is a wonderful ally, supportive and ready to step in, even though it puts his position in jeopardy. 

Overall, an excellent conclusion to the Rocky Mountain Courage Series, I loved seeing familiar faces from previous books, as well as seeing Alex have a story of his own. There is so much going on in this book, and I didn't want to put it down. Romantic, full of suspense, well researched, and definitely kept me guessing. Highly recommend! 

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

7.12.2022

Enriched by Jody Hedlund // Review

My Review: 

A daring quest to save a life. 

Two hearts at risk. 

Torvald returns home to save his family's estate with a marriage of convenience, promising himself that he will never lose his heart. But when he meets the pure hearted woman who is to be his bride, will he change his mind?

The Arthurian re-telling continues in this romantic tale of sacrifice, forgiveness, and the freedom found in love. Torvald is an honorable knight, known for his integrity, he will do his duty, but can promise no more. His harden exterior hides a passionate soul, and I liked that he didn't want to make promises that he couldn't keep or give Karina false hope. Karina is a beautiful young woman, devoted to God, and willing to do her duty. I admired her determination to keep trying to win Torvald despite his reception of her being initially cold. 

Overall, a Medieval romance inspired by the legends of King Arthur, filled with romance, adventure and faith. A wonderful series, with compelling characters, virtuous maidens and daring knights. Perfect for fans of marriage of convenience romances, fairy-tale fantasy ret-tellings. 


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

7.11.2022

Hunted in the Wilderness by Kellie VanHorn // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway



About the Book


Book: Hunted in the Wilderness

Author: Kellie VanHorn

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 28, 2022

Protecting the evidence
means facing down assassins and an unforgiving wilderness…

Framed for murder and corporate espionage, future aerotech company CEO Haley Whitcombe flees in her plane with a camera full of evidence that could clear her name—until she’s shot out of the sky. Now trapped in North Cascades National Park, her survival in the wilderness depends on park ranger Ezra Dalton. Yet escaping the wild will mean nothing if they can’t outrun their merciless hunters…

 

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review:

Haley Whitcombe flees for her life, with a camera full of information that could put someone behind bars, she is shot from the sky in the North Cascade National Park. Ranger Ezra Dalton sees her plane fall, now it up to both of them to stay one step ahead of the people who want to take her out for good.

An action packed suspense, with elements of survival, healing and faith. I liked how Haley and Ezra got to know each other, coming to depend on each other as they fought for their lives in the wilds of Washington State. There was a lot going on all throughout the story, as the action kept on coming. 

A fast paced read that was hard to put down, though I felt so bad that it seemed like everything bad that could happen did. Haley is a likable, strong character, and I liked that both Ezra and Haley found their faith strengthened as a result of their ordeal. Perfect for fans of survivalist suspense!

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

About the Author



Kellie VanHorn is an award-winning author of inspirational romantic suspense. She has college degrees in biology and nautical archaeology, but she’s always found her sense of adventure most satisfied by a great story. When not writing, Kellie can be found teaching her four children, camping, baking, and gardening. She lives with her family in west Michigan.

 

More from Kellie

One of my favorite things about being a writer is living out wild adventures in my imagination. I get to enjoy all the action and feels without any of the unpleasant real-life problems I’d face if I were actually being chased by bad guys with guns. The more exciting and far-off the setting, the better! My family loves to travel and to camp, so we’ve spent a lot of time visiting national parks around the U.S. Our favorites include Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Devil’s Tower, and Badlands. We pile our four kids into the car, fill it to the brim with gear, and tent our way from park to park for weeks at a time in the summer.

 

For Hunted in the Wilderness, I wanted to explore a park we haven’t had the chance to visit yet—North Cascades National Park in Washington state. In fact, my first glimpse of the story came to me when I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and saw a picture of a lake in the Cascades. Inspiration struck, and I knew the heroine of my next book had just crash-landed her Cessna airplane in those mountains, and she needed a handsome, single park ranger to come help her escape the bad guys.

 

What makes this park such a perfect setting for a romantic suspense is not only the gorgeous scenery, but also the fact it’s very remote. The region is easy enough to access via road from Seattle, but most of the protected land can only be reached on foot, horseback, or float plane. Because I hadn’t been there myself, I relied on a topographic map and lots of research to help me craft the setting and make it an indispensable part of the plot.

 

Of course, now that I’ve studied the trail systems so extensively, I’d love to visit the Cascades in person one day. One of my teenaged sons who loves hiking has all sorts of plans for us to take a long backpacking trip out there, even though neither of us has ever backpacked before. I might have to work up my courage a bit before I’ll be ready to hit the trail without our minivan full of gear. 😉

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 29

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, June 29

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 30

Genesis 5020, June 30

Texas Book-aholic, July 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 1

Inklings and notions, July 2

EmpowerMoms, July 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 3

Christina's Corner, July 3

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 4

Book Looks by Lisa, July 4

Paula's Persuasion, July 4

For Him and My Family, July 5

Blogging With Carol, July 5

deb's Book Review, July 6

Simple Harvest Reads, July 6 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 7 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 7

Mary Hake, July 7

Betti Mace, July 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 8

Bigreadersite, July 9

Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 9

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

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 10

Labor Not in Vain, July 11

Through the Fire Blogs, July 11

Bizwings Blog, July 12

Pause for Tales, July 12

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Kellie is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed 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/1f7ef/hunted-in-the-wilderness-celebration-tour-giveaway

7.10.2022

Season of My Enemy by Naomi Musch // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway



About the Book

 

Book: Season of My Enemy

Author: Naomi Musch

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical Fiction / Romance

Release date: June 1, 2022

“Get Your Farm in the Fight” – The Realities of WWII Come to a Wisconsin Farm

Only last year, Fannie O’Brien was considered a beauty with a brain, and her future shone bright, despite the war pounding Europe. With her father’s sudden death and her brothers overseas, Fannie must now do the work of three men on their 200-acre farm—until eight German prisoners arrive and, just as Fannie feared, trouble comes too. Someone seems intent on causing “accidents,” and Fannie is certain the culprit is one of the two handsome older Germans—or possibly both. Can she manage the farm, keep the prisoners in line, and hold her family together through these turbulent times?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Review:

A tale of family, faith, and friendship on the home front of Wisconsin. 

Fannie and her family are working hard to keep their family farm afloat while 2 of her brothers are away, and the recent death of her father. To help fill the gaps their absences have left they take on a group of German POW workers. This book does a good job of showing the sacrifices that the families at home made during the war. Fannie is hard working and does her best to give others the benefit of the doubt, I liked how she helped her younger siblings, as well as how they grew up with the responsibilities of the farm. 

Overall this was an enjoyable read, I loved how the O'Brien family worked together and was especially impressed with how Jerry grew up over the course of the story. A little slower to start for me, but picked up as I became more invested in the characters. A wonderful historical read full of faith, family and friendship. 

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

About the Author

Naomi Musch is an award-winning author who writes from a deer farm in the pristine north woods of Wisconsin, where she and husband Jeff live as epically as God allows near the families of their five adult children. When not in the physical act of writing or spending time loving on her passel of grandchildren, she can be found plotting stories as she roams around the farm, snacks out of the garden, and relaxes in her vintage camper. Naomi is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Wisconsin Writers’ Association, and the Lake Superior Writers. She loves engaging with others and can be found all around social media or at her site naomimusch.com

 

More from Naomi

Welcome to my wilderness – that’s what it says when you pop onto my website, because so many of my books take place in rural and wilderness settings. That’s where my heart lives too. Therefore, when I decided to write a World War II story, I gravitated to the home front, to rural America, where living out the war years meant a different kind of survival.

Before this story idea came to me, I knew that prisoners of war had been held in America during part of the war years. There are a number of other wonderful WWII novels out there set in North America involving POWs, and I adore the 2005 movie Sweet Land. Yet, until looking further, I hadn’t realized that so many German soldiers were held right here in my home state of Wisconsin! In fact, thousands of prisoners were sent to work in our country’s canning factories and on our farms. How could I have grown up and never been told that there had once been a POW camp right in my home town?

In fact, there were 38 such “branch camps” just in Wisconsin alone—camps that housed workers specifically for contracting work on farms and in canneries. Workers were contracted by farmers with the army and sent to labor in the cranberry bogs, cherry orchards, apple orchards; to farms picking beans, peas, corn, and to tend the other crops. By international treaty, prisoners had to be paid for their work, so they were allowed to earn scrip in the equivalent of 80 cents per day which they could spend in camp canteens on personal items.

Bingo! There was the seed that burst through the soil of my imagination for my novel Season of My Enemy.

My heroine Fanny O’Brien is a Wisconsin farm girl who left state teacher’s college to manage her family’s farm during the war. She never imagined herself coordinating the work of eight German prisoners in the process—or what the outcome of that task would be.

I believe a great story has to reveal strong yet subtle themes in order for the characters and their plight to feel real. In Season of My Enemy, Fannie uncovers a lot of prejudice both in her own heart and as her eyes are opened to the broader sphere around her. There are all kinds of prejudice in the world, and some of it revealed in this story may surprise you. In fact, my editor and several other authors of WWII fiction who read the book all said, “I didn’t know that!” (I won’t tell you what they were referring to, because you know…spoilers.)

Season of My Enemy isn’t all about history of course. It’s a heartfelt story of a man and woman who slowly yield their hearts to love amidst unpredictable times and unusual circumstances. They begin as enemies who finally look beyond their prejudices to find they have more in common than they first thought. To overcome terrific odds, they must depend upon their faith and rest in a powerful hope that touches their own lives as well as the lives of others surrounding them.

I hope you’ll read Season of My Enemy, and be sure and pop me a note to tell me what you think!

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, June 28

Blossoms and Blessings, June 28

Inklings and notions, June 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 30

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, June 30

For Him and My Family, July 1

Remembrancy, July 2

Pause for Tales, July 2

deb's Book Review, July 3

Book Looks by Lisa, July 4

Mary Hake, July 4

Betti Mace, July 5

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 7

Connie's History Classroom, July 8

Books, Books, and More Books, July 8

Bizwings Blog, July 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 10

Labor Not in Vain, July 10

lakesidelivingsite, July 11

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Naomi is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback 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/1f45e/season-of-my-enemy-celebration-tour-giveaway

7.07.2022

An Amish Quilting Bee by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Shelley Shepherd Gray // Review

My Review: 

Three Amish couples find love in this heartwarming novella collection. 

Patchwork Promises by Amy Clipston 
When Joanne learns that Colin's grandmother who lost everything in a recent fire has been having trouble sleeping without her heirloom quilt, she offers to replicate it. A charming novella, Joanne has a big heart for others, and I liked that she was patient with Colin and didn't pass judgment on him too quickly. 

A Common Thread by Kathleen Fuller
Alex returns to his hometown and Amish community after years of fulfilling his dreams of travel. He and Susie quickly hit it off, but the rest of the community aren't so sure about him and his intentions. A cute story, I liked the moments of humor woven in, as well as their growing relationship. 

Stitched Together by Shelley Shepherd Gray
Rosie has been working hard on her submission for the annual quilt competition and charity, but so many things seem to be working against her, from impromptu babysitting to the handsome missionary who has come to visit. A sweet story about love in the midst of chaos. Tim is a patient and understanding man, I liked how he and Rosie got to know each other, working to keep 4 yo twins out of trouble!

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

7.06.2022

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher // Review

My Review: 

Based on true events. 

Lucy Wilson is sent to work alongside Cora Wilson Stewart in the mountains of Appalachia. There she sees the hardship and resilience of the mountain people, as well as a need for literacy. A well written read that brings to life the struggles and triumphs of the mountain people, and the birth of the Moonlight Schools. 

An entertaining and heartwarming read, filled with compelling characters. Fin especially brought a smile to my face almost every time I got to his chapters. It was amazing to see how people's self confidence grew as their worlds opened up with the ability to read and write their own names. 

I loved how the author brought Appalachia to life, showing the resilience, determination, kindness, and stubborn pride of the mountain folk, as well as their rich culture. An entertaining read, heartwarming and masterfully told. Definitely recommend!


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

7.04.2022

Heirlooms by Sandra Byrd // Review


My Review: 

A heartfelt story of friendship, faith, holding on, and letting go.

Whidbey Island, 1958, Helen Devries welcomes another young Navy widow into her home, beginning a decades long friendship, and sharing a secret with ramifications touching the present day. 

A compelling dual timeline story, masterfully woven together, about courageous women of grit, wisdom, and faith both in the present day and 1958.  I loved the rich cultural details in this well crafted novel, I admired Choi Eunhee's steadfast faith, and though to many it would appear that she was on the receiving end of things, she gave so much more back. Helen is practical, seeming to have it all together from the outside, she is clever and capable, and I loved how her friendship with Eunhee brought out another side of her. 

Cassidy in the modern day is chasing a dream that seems so out of reach, she has a gift for gardening and encouraging others, even when she is defeated. I enjoyed every minute of this book, not wanting to put it down, yet wanting to savor it and not have it end too soon. Richly layered storytelling, with strong themes of friendship, faith, perseverance, and hope, heartfelt women's fiction at its best!


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