Friday, January 10, 2025

Samantha Price- Dread




Trust.  It sure is difficult to "trust" Trust. She never seems to learn.  She is in one mess after another. 

Jack from the FBI wants to believe her but come on...

Trust wants to lead a honest life. She wants to belong. She even has some interest in Jack. But what chance is that? A law abiding officer with a former crook?  

You never know what is going to happen next.  It is quite a page turner. Just one book to go in this exciting series. ☹️

Samantha Price knows how to entertain you. I've loved every book that I've read.

I received this from the author to review.

#blogtour

#SamanthaPrice

Samantha Price profile image

About the author

Samantha grew up in the Brethren community and has a deep affinity for the Amish way of life, which she has studied in detail during over a decade of dedicated research. Her stories radiate authenticity and heart, transporting readers into the peaceful and inspiring world of the Amish community. Samantha is also an animal lover. She shares her home with two spoiled dogs and a rescued cat who thinks she's also a dog.

Samantha loves hearing from her readers. Connect to:

SamanthaPriceAuthor dot com


Dark Times for the Clark Factory Girls



Historical Fiction at its best.  I think that this is my favorite genre.  I was introduced to May Ellis a few years ago. I have enjoyed every book (this is the 3rd of the series) and loved getting to know Kate, Louisa and Jeannie even more. They work together at the Clark Factory and have become the closest of friends.

The book continues with the girls attempting to survive the losses of their  loved ones. The continuing war brings more heart break and fear. 

I will wait, but not so patiently, for the next book. I need to know how the girls forge ahead during these difficult times.

Thank goodness the Clark Girls have each other. 

I received this book from Boldwood to review.

#MayEllis

#blogtour

#BoldwoodBooks

#Rararesources


Dark Times for the Clarks Factory Girls

1916: As fighting in Europe continues, the Clarks Factory Girls find themselves caught in a divided community...

With the country in the grips of conscription, the pacifism at the heart of Street village comes under scrutiny, and when Kate befriends Gerald, a young Quaker arrested for refusing to fight, she starts to understand the true dilemma the community finds itself in.

Still grieving the loss of her sweetheart Mattie, Louisa finds herself at odds with her parents, who refused them the chance to marry. As her mother’s attempts to find Louisa a husband show no signs of abating, Louisa takes solace in her friendship with Jeannie’s brother Lucas, but could an unexpected opportunity offer a solution to both their problems?

Meanwhile, Jeannie finds herself torn between her heart and her faith. With each other’s help, can the girls hold true to what they believe in, even as the village enters its darkest days yet?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/DarkTimes


Author Bio – 

May Ellis has been a legal executive, registered childminder, professional fund – raiser and a teacher. She has travelled the world, including trekking in mountains, deserts and the Great Wall of China, as well as helping build a house in Thailand. She went to university in her forties and gained a first class degree and an MA while still working full – time. Her first book, a contemporary romance, was published in 2014. Since then she has had five more novels published, including another romance and a YA time travel adventure. The last three are gritty dramas set in the 1960s/70s published by Darkstroke Books. She lives in Somerset, within sight of Glastonbury Tor, volunteering at her local library and for the Alfred Gillett Trust (custodians of the Clark’s archives). Her current series, based on the factory workers at Clark’s Shoes was inspired by her move to the area and her love of social history.

Social Media Links –

Newsletter Sign Up: bit.ly/MayEllisNews 

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/may-ellis 





Sunday, January 5, 2025

Family Ties on Beamer Street


Life isn't always what we expect. Things can happen that will change the course of our lives.

Peggy was proud of the life she made with her husband, Dar. But one terrible accident changed everything.

Peggy was stronger than she thought.  When times got tough, she got tougher. She had to provide for her family.

I really liked Peggy. She was determined to give her children a better life than she had. She was determined to save her home.  She didn't waste time in questioning "Why me?".

Beamer Street was a great  place to live. Neighbors became family.  They were there to help each other out. Sadly, you don't see that much today.  I have neighbors that I have never met.

I loved the book.  Peggy was a character that you can root for.  

I received this book from Boldwood Books to review.

#rararesources

#BoldwoodBooks

#blogtour


Family Ties on Beamer Street

Set against the backdrop of The General Strike, difficult lines have to be crossed…

Liverpool May 1926

Peggy and Dar Tenant’s dream for security and respectability has been their driving force since they married. Just as they prepare to buy their own home, tragedy strikes, when Dar is involved in a devastated accident at the docks and Peggy’s world crashes around her.

With Dar seriously ill in hospital Peggy’s reduced to scrimping and saving to keep a roof over her family’s head having to revisit the hardships of her youth that she dearly wanted to escape from.

As summer days turn to winter the overwhelming struggle begins to take its toll and Peggy is forced to swallow her pride, as the good people of Beamer Street come to her rescue. She also seeks help from her formidable sister, Violet, little knowing that Violet holds a dark secret that has cast a shadow over Peggy’s whole life.

Love, lies and recriminations will be uncovered as Peggy tries to pick up the pieces of her shattered life, and finally reconcile the shadows of her past?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/familytie




Author Bio – 

Sheila Riley wrote four #1 bestselling novels under the pseudonym Annie Groves and is now writing a saga for Boldwood under her own name. She has set it around the River Mersey and its docklands near to where she spent her early years.


Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @sheilarileyauthor

Twitter: @1sheilariley  

Instagram: @sheilarileynovelist

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/SheilaRileynews






Thursday, January 2, 2025

Roost in Peace


What a cute cover!  How could I resist reading this charming, cozy mystery.

Ettie and her sister, Elsa-May, are once again in the middle of another murder investigation with the help of their friend, Maggie, and Detective Kelly.

These stories are just what I need. Short. Sweet. And Surprising!

I enjoy Samantha Price's books. I have never read one that disappoints. So cluck on over and pick this one up!! Don't be a chicken. 

#blogtour

#SamanthaPrice




About the author

Samantha grew up in the Brethren community and has a deep affinity for the Amish way of life, which she has studied in detail during over a decade of dedicated research. Her stories radiate authenticity and heart, transporting readers into the peaceful and inspiring world of the Amish community. Samantha is also an animal lover. She shares her home with two spoiled dogs and a rescued cat who thinks she's also a dog.

Samantha loves hearing from her readers. Connect to:

SamanthaPriceAuthor dot com


Monday, December 30, 2024

December 30, 2024



Tomorrow is New Year's Eve.  Where did this year go?

We spent quite a few days watching our grandkids in all their activities. They are busy swimming, cheering, playing football and one being in the marching band as drum major. Two Christmas concerts and one play ended the year.

We took a fantastic trip in September with my Mom to Canada.  We visited my Dad's grave and we were sad to see the small graveyard so run down.😞 We met up with many of my paternal cousins. And for Mom, she got to have her roast beef and yorkshire pudding.

We had a great time in Holland, Michigan with our daughter who lives in Tennessee.  We had some very special moments with our great grandson as well as one of our grandsons and grand daughter.

Mike and I took a cruise in May. We visited the Upper Peninsula for a few days. In Berlin, Ohio we visited Amish stores and had a yummy dinner. We went to Shipshewana, Indiana to see Clay Walker and Tracy Lawrence in concert. And to Toledo, Ohio to see Donny Osmond. Wow, I love him!!

This year we have spent special moments with our friends.  Two of my girlfriends came to Michigan for a quick visit.  It was great to see my friends and meet them for lunch. We have had many lunches with a dear couple this year.  Much laughter and thrifting!

After many years, I finally heard from my Uncle.  He lives in England.  We lost touch for some reason.  It is great to catch up with him now.

We spent a lot of time at Greenfield Village.  We live so close. We enjoy having a membership.

We also experienced being in a suite at a U of M football game.  What an experience!! Thanks, Matt.

Christmas was special this year.  We had a great time opening our Christmas crackers and blowing our whistles!  Go ahead and ask me about that.

My love for my husband continues to grow. We now have been married 17 1/2 years.  We have been blessed.

Whew! What a year.  

I pray for continued great health for my Mom, our siblings, our extended families, our children and grandchildren/great grandchild. 

Wishing you all a Happy New Year.

PS:

What was I thinking!!!  We also added a new member to our immediate family when our grandson married his bride in October. We travelled to Tennessee for the wedding.  It was different as it was on Halloween. 

We then went to Georgia to visit Mike's brother and his wife.  We had a great time seeing them. 



Friday, December 27, 2024

Amish Friends Comfort Foods Cookbook

I am not known as being a cook.  I am usually the one that brings the pop or napkins to a party.  I sure don't expect to be the next Food Network star.

I just received this cookbook from one of my favorite authors- Wanda Brunstetter. I love the layout and how it lays flat on the counter top.  It contains fantastic and pretty easy recipes to follow.  I can find quite a few that will grace our kitchen table in years to come.

I highly recommend this cookbook. It would make a fantastic gift for the new bride, the mother who needs something to feed her family and even me who doesn't particularly love being in the kitchen.

A great collection for all to enjoy.

I received this cookbook to review from Wanda's Clippity Clop Club. 


About Author

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written more than 100 books translated in four languages. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird­watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Samantha Price- SECRET


Trust finds herself once again risking everything. One false step she'll be in jail again.

This book was more exciting to me than the others in this series. I can't figure out why Trust finds herself in one bad situation after another. Is it the thrill?  When will she learn? What will it take for her to stop? She's really not that bad! You can see that she does have a heart. She does a great job of hiding her soft interior.

I received this book from the author to review.

#blogtour

#SamanthaPrice


About the author

Samantha grew up in the Brethren community and has a deep affinity for the Amish way of life, which she has studied in detail during over a decade of dedicated research. Her stories radiate authenticity and heart, transporting readers into the peaceful and inspiring world of the Amish community. Samantha is also an animal lover. She shares her home with two spoiled dogs and a rescued cat who thinks she's also a dog.

Samantha loves hearing from her readers. Connect to:

SamanthaPriceAuthor dot com


Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Cloaked in Beauty

Letty Hood lived life free from obligations and societal rules. She had no one but her grandmother and her trusty friend, Rusty.  Letty loved Rusty with all her heart.  What was strange was that Rusty was a wolf.  She was hidden away from others because she was in danger. Her mother went to great lengths to protect her.  Her grandmother gave up everything to keep her safe.

Philip was hired by Letty's mother to bring her home and to keep her safe.  But was she even safe from Philip and his affections?

The story was quite similar to Red Riding Hood. But in this story the Big Bad Wolf wasn't bad.  The red cloak was her protection. She wasn't in danger when she was with grandma but when she left her.

The woodsman, Philip, was still the one who saved her. He was there to protect her and bring her home.

It was an exciting book. I loved it. You never knew what to expect from one page to another. Letty's grandmother often quoted Bible verses that gave Letty wonderful advice. It gave her strength and courage to go forward.

I loved her grandmother the most. She made sure that Letty knew that GOD had plans for her and was by her side at all times.  

I received this book from the author to review.

#blogtour

#KarenWitemeyer



For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers' Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and gospel hymn singer who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she's on deadline.



Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Never Forgotten




Simon left his home in England in a fury.  He was not marrying Georgina. No way. He was going to America to escape his father's expectations.  He didn't look back. But life events change and he found himself right where he started.

Georgina couldn't forget what happened in the library.  She needed to escape but fear kept her from moving forward.

A great story.  It had twists and turns in every chapter.  I never could tell what was going to happen next.  

I have read some of Hannah Linder's books before.  She never disappoints and she always delivers.

It was difficult for me to say goodbye to Simon and Georgina.  But I'm more than positive the next book of Ms. Linder's will be just as great.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Celebrate Lit.  
#blogtour #CelebrateLit #HannahLinder

About the Book

Book: Never Forgotten

Author: Hannah Linder

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Regency Romance

Release date: November, 2024

All He Wanted was Justice. All She Wanted was His Heart.

Georgina Whitmore, not accustomed to any man being unaffected by her charms, is plagued with the disappearance and rejection of Simon Fancourt. Twelve years later, Mr. Fancourt returns to British society with two children and a mad hunger for justice.

Racing against time, Simon works to uncover the men responsible for his wife’s horrific murder, protect his children, and fulfill his father’s unexpected will by marrying Georgina—the last thing in the world he wants to do.

Though her heart throbs to accept, she would rather lose him again than have his name without his love. She denies his proposal of matrimony, knowing it will cost them both. But as tragedies unravel and secret enemies narrow their sights on Simon, Georgina risks her life—and her reputation—to protect him and the children. Will the danger scorch them alive? Or will it, for the first time, open his heart to her?

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels filled with passion, secrets, and danger. She is a four-time Selah Award winner, a 2023 Carol Award semi-finalist, a 2023 Angel Book Award third place winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Also, Hannah is an international and multi-award-winning graphic designer who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York TimesUSA Today, and international bestsellers. She is also a self-portrait photographer of historical fashion. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, ukulele, and banjolele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, square dancing, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse.

More from Hannah

We seldom know anyone. I mean, really know them. We brush hands with people, laugh with them, tell them our stories, listen to theirs, and think we know them.

But we don’t.

We have no idea what thrums in their heart, late at night, when they burrow their face into a wet pillow. We have no idea what they fear. We have no idea what beautiful thoughts dance in their mind, or what ugly mysteries harden like lava in the pit of their chest.

“We all have secrets,” Georgina Whitmore, our heroine in Never Forgotten, once said to Mr. Simon Fancourt. He didn’t understand. He didn’t even suspect.

Because he’d sat beside her a hundred times.

Played whist with her.

Rode alongside her in summer carriage rides.

Smiled at her—emptily—and cringed a little when she smiled back.

If you had asked him, at seventeen years old, if he knew Georgina Whitmore, he would have been earnest in his answer. “Yes.” Lovely. Soft. Teasing. Ridiculous. Shallow. All attributes he professed to know only by their brief, passionless courtship.

She was more than he had ever noticed.


Deeper than he had imagined.

Perhaps if he had looked longer, prodded harder, he might have seen a glimpse of what dwelled in the heart of the woman he was betrothed to marry. How long is too long? How many years may blindness, ignorance, and prejudice be forgiven? Even if Simon finally discovers the loveliness of her heart, will it be too late?

If you walk away from Never Forgotten with nothing else, I hope you feel challenged to look deeper. As you’re brushing hands, laughing, telling stories—I hope you stare into people’s eyes and search for a bit of their soul.

We’re all more than what we seem.

We all have secrets.

Like Simon, you may discover the people around you are more beloved, dear, and wonderful than you ever imagined.

Blog Stops

Alena Mentink, December 6

Book Looks by Lisa, December 6

Inspired by Fiction, December 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 8

Stories By Gina, December 9 (Author Interview)

Pens Pages and Pulses, December 9

Texas Book-aholic, December 10

Cover Lover Book Review, December 11

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 11

Betti Mace, December 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 13

Mary Hake, December 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 15

Pause for Tales, December 16

Books You Can Feel Good About, December 16

For Him and My Family, December 17

An Author’s Take, December 18

Sylvan Musings, December 18

Holly’s Book Corner, December 19


Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Hannah is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54111






Saturday, December 7, 2024

A Better Tomorrow for the East End Library Girls

Cordelia, Mavis and Jane were known as the Library Girls.  But they were so much more than that.  Each played such an important role in the community that they lived. 

You will love each one of them.  Cordelia or Lady Cordelia worked hard to make the library a place for all. Mavis fights for better housing for her friends and neighbors. Jane attempts to get along with her difficult mother in law. 

How hard it must have been to live in those times. Loved ones off fighting in different countries. Sirens going off and having to rush off to the air raid shelters not knowing if your house will still be standing when you come out. Foods rationed and shortages everywhere. They did the best they could to survive. 

Thank goodness the Library Girls had each other, the people in their community and the library. 

I received this book from Boldwood Books to review.


#blogspot

#rararesources 

#PatriciaMcBride

#BoldwoodBooks



A Better Tomorrow For The East End Library Girls

As the war nears its end, the library girls rally for their community...

With London still in the grip of war, Cordelia, Mavis, and Jane find themselves facing a new challenge. Determined to make a difference, the librarians band together to organise rent strikes, standing up against dirty landlords and unfair practices.

Meanwhile, with the arrival of American GIs in the East End, Cordelia is presented with a temptation too irresistible to bear. Should she follow her head or her heart – stay faithful to her beloved Robert fighting abroad, or enjoy the brief respite from the constant air raids and destruction?

As the women fight for what’s right, the promise of a better tomorrow begins to take shape. But will their efforts be enough to secure a better life for their community?

A stirring tale of courage and camaraderie, perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane, Elaine Roberts, and Lesley Eames.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/ABetterTomorrow



Author Bio – 

Patricia McBride is the author of several fiction and non-fiction books as well as numerous articles. She loves undertaking the research for her books, helped by stories told to her by her Cockney mother and grandparents who lived in the East End. Patricia lives in Cambridge with her husband.

Social Media Links

Facebook: @PatriciaMcBrideAuthor

Instagram: tricia.mcbride.author

Newsletter Sign Up: bit.ly/PatriciaMcbridenews

Bookbub profile: Patricia McBride Books - BookBub



Friday, December 6, 2024

HIDDEN SECRETS


About the Book
Book: Hidden Secrets: A Thriller (Mirror Estate Series Book Four)
Author: S.F. Baumgartner
Genre: Christian Mystery, Thriller
Release date: September 24, 2024

Abducted. Trapped. Hunted. Grace Benson must find a way out… or die trying.

After her harrowing escape from a kill order, Grace thought she’d return to a normal life, only to be abducted from her home.

Meanwhile, FBI investigations into the murders of a congressman and his staff uncover a shocking link to Grace’s abduction, threatening international stability.

Desperate to survive, Grace allies with an unlikely partner—a child who knows the bunker’s secrets—but as they navigate the treacherous tunnel system, a misplaced step echoes through the corridors, alerting a deranged captor who now closes in, gun in hand.

If you like Alex Cross, Gabriel Allon, you will like this unpredictable, fast-paced suspense thriller.

Hidden Secrets Book Excerpt 6
“The story about me growing up in a foster home was a lie.” Javier kept his scowl fixed on the bar’s worn surface.
Simon blinked. “Okay, why? You and your folks don’t get along?”
Javier hung his head, a gesture heavy with more than just denial. “It’s worse. The business, uh, I can’t get involved in the business.”

Simon puzzled over this. Sure, it wasn’t uncommon for children to shy away from a family business, but to fabricate a story of foster care? That was a drastic step. Most didn’t lie about it.

“My mother agreed not to spill the beans. But now…” Javier rubbed his eyes. “I don’t know what to do.”

Not knowing the whole situation, Simon didn’t comment.

Javier sighed again, a sound heavy with unsaid words. “I may follow your footsteps.”

Simon’s resignation from his senatorial position months earlier had been a decision born of necessity, a path chosen amid a thicket of complexities. While Javier wasn’t a senator, he was a US congressman. Was he facing a similar crossroads?

“You’re thinking about resigning?” Simon kept his voice steady but his heart not quite so.

“I can’t see another way out.”

“What’s the problem? Anything I can do?”

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here


 
About the Author

S.F. Baumgartner writes fast-paced Christian suspense thrillers. Book 1 of her Mirror Estate series, Living Secrets, was selected as one of the Top Picks in the thriller category at Killer Nashville, 2024. Her love for writing comes second only to her love of reading. When she’s not busy writing about complex characters, secretive operatives, and relentless agents, she spends her time binge-watching crime TV shows, such as NCIS, or playing with her cats. If you enjoy James Patterson’s style—specifically short chapters—you’ll love her Mirror Estate series.



 

Samantha Price- Dread

Trust.  It sure is difficult to "trust" Trust. She never seems to learn.  She is in one mess after another.  Jack from the FBI wan...