PRESENT DANGER BY Elizabeth Goddard

What?  I usually can figure out the bad guy before the last chapter.  But not in this book.  The killer could have been one of many.  Tara and Jack had a past but was there any chance of a future?

The main characters, Jack and Terra, had something to prove to others as well as to themselves.  This could be a strength or a weakness.  Terra's mother once told her that " The direction your life takes often come down to one decision, one moment in time."  I'm sure that at one time or other you can look back at a decision that altered your life.   I often wondered if I went to college straight out of high school instead of later how my life would have been different.  What if I turned left instead of right?  These decisions didn't seem like much at the time but your whole life can change because of them.

The story was interesting and action packed.  Terra was a strong and intelligent woman with a career.  She wasn't just waiting for a man to rescue her.  But if she needed someone  to do so, Jack was the man.  

I received the free Ebook from Revell Reads to give a honest review.  

Hope Between The Pages - Pepper Basham

 "Books breathed to me".  Ok, I was hooked by that simple sentence.  

A lovely story that I enjoyed right from the start.  This is a part of the Doors To The Past Series.  We are introduced to Sadie and how her choices in life impacted the future.  

Clara inherited Blackwells' Books.  It's a bookstore that is an important part of the community.  But it's survival depends on Clara discovering the truth.  In this discovery, Clara finds her destiny.

We all have to find our own path in life.  What are we meant to be or do?  In making life's decisions we often can make mistakes or we experience misfortune.  But with each mistake, we can come out stronger with GOD's guidance and love.  HE is with us in every step.  

I received this ebook for free from Celebrate Lit to give a honest review.  

Plus I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

About the Book

Book:  Hope Between the Pages

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Historical

Release date: April, 2021

Uncover the Story Behind a One-Hundred-Year-Old Love Letter

Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Past series. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance.

Clara Blackwell helps her mother manage a struggling one-hundred-year old family bookshop in Asheville, North Carolina, but the discovery of a forgotten letter opens a mystery of a long-lost romance and undiscovered inheritance which could save its future. Forced to step outside of her predictable world, Clara embarks on an adventure with only the name Oliver as a hint of the man’s identity in her great-great-grandmother’s letter. From the nearby grand estate of the Vanderbilts, to a hamlet in Derbyshire, England, Clara seeks to uncover truth about family and love that may lead to her own unexpected romance.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

 

More from Pepper

Books are a uniquely portable magic – Stephen King

Appalachia is known for having a high illiteracy rate. A place of beautiful scenery and rugged landscapes, the people of the mountains developed stories through oral storytelling much more than “book learning”.  As a young girl growing up in this world, I loved hearing my granny share tales from up to five generations ago, filling in the narrative gaps between a birth date and a death date on a tombstone – giving flesh and breath to the stone-etched names.

It’s no surprise then, with a heart cultivated from rich oral stories, I fell in love with reading. Books became that “portable magic” that took me places my little Appalachian community couldn’t provide. I fell in love with the Boxcar Children and Nancy Drew. Wept through the end of Bridge to Terabithia and Old Yeller. Traveled to the plains with Sarah Plain and Tall and fell in love with horses with The Black Stallion. But when I was in seventh grade, I read my very first “British” novel, The Secret Garden. In that one introduction, my world expanded into mysterious English manor houses and British classics. Before long, I’d consumed Jane Eyre, Austen’s classics, some Dickens, Dracula, Frankenstein…and the list goes on! And then…I found Tolkien and Lewis – and the ‘real’ world swelled into OTHER worlds.

I’m grateful for true stories of book-loving pioneers traveling into the world of Appalachia to provide books and literacy training to “my people”, because I know some of those books made their way to my tiny elementary school library…and not only brought me the chance to discover stories, but to write them too!

Isn’t it amazing how books can do that?

In Hope Between the Pages, I wanted to bring the same awe and discovery I felt as a child (and continue to feel as an adult reader) to the story of two people whose words had seemed small. Stories stretched their worlds, but the stories also gave them wonderful imaginations and positive perspectives. It’s still amazing to me that ink-and-paper words can make such a lasting impact on hearts and minds. They can lead us to dream, teach us new things, encourage our hearts, help us to think outside the box, swell our imaginations, broaden our horizons, and encourage our hope.

Books are not a replacement for real adventures and relationships, but they certainly provide a beautiful “door” into other lives and worlds that we may never have a chance to experience in real life. Sadie, my historical heroine, and Clara, my contemporary heroine, both have kept close to home but traveled greatly through books…and BOTH are given the opportunity to reach beyond the bindings to discover real-life adventures. I’d like to think that their love for stories helped them have the courage to step away from the page and into their own tales even more prepared than they would have been without stories.

What are some of your favorite books you read as a child? Did any of them influence you to become a more avid reader?

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, April 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 24

Reflections From My Bookshelves, April 24

Worthy2Read, April 24

Texas Book-aholic, April 25

Reviewingbooksplusmore, April 25

Christian Bookaholic, April 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 25

She Lives To Read, April 26

Books and Everyday Life, April 26

For the Love of Literature, April 26

For Him and My Family, April 26

Wishful Endings, April 27

Bigreadersite, April 27

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, April 27

deb’s Book Review, April 27

Inklings and notions, April 28

Connect in Fiction, April 28

Writing from the Heart Land, April 28

Blogging With Carol, April 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 29

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 29

Life of Literature, April 29

Pick a good book, April 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 30

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 30

Betti Mace, April 30

Kathleen’s Blog, April 30

lakesidelivingsite, May 1

Connie’s History Classroom, May 1

Fiction Book Lover, May 1

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 1

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 2

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 2

Godly Book Reviews, May 2

Mary Hake, May 2

Older & Smarter?, May 3

Genesis 5020, May 3

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 4

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads , May 4

Blossoms and Blessings, May 4

sodbusterLiving, May 4

Splashes of Joy, May 5

Where Faith and Books Meet , May 5

Simple Harvest Reads, May 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Through the Fire Blogs, May 5

Pause for Tales, May 6

To Everything There Is A Season, May 6

Remembrancy, May 6

Lights in a Dark World, May 6

Live.Love.Read., May 7

Karen Sue Hadley, May 7

Amanda Tero, blog, May 7

The Write Escape, May 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pepper 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/10b27/hope-between-the-pages-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon

 

Katherine aka Kat needed to make some important decisions.  There was no better place to go than Hope Harbor.  She was hoping for peace and quiet to steer her in the right direction.  She never expected that she would meet Zach.  

Zach appears to have it all together.  But he was at the point in life that he needed more.  

Zach and Katherine as well as others in this book question if they are good enough.  This thought is something that many at some point in their lives think.  Turning to GOD with prayer will give you the answer.  You just need to listen.

Luke 12:6-7, ESV Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

A lovely story.  I read a previous Hope Harbor book and was hooked.  The characters were real and appealing.  Charley, the taco stand owner, is my favorite.  He always knows what to say.  He has much wisdom.

I received this book for free from Revell Books to give a honest review.

A Merry Heart by Wanda Brunstetter

 

Miriam did not have a merry heart.  She had her reasons.  She was just unable to get through her pain. Her mother prayed for her.  Her friends prayed for her.  Even Amos, a hopeful suitor,  prayed for her.  Miriam tried to pray but felt lost and confused.

Depression is very serious. I have had relatives who suffered from depression.  They sometimes don't even have the energy to get out of bed.  It hurts to watch their downward spiral.  I can remember praying that everything would be ok.  I was frightened that they would take their own life.  Help is available but they have to want the help.

Positive thoughts.  Prayers.  Supportive family and friends.  GOD.  Miriam had what it takes to make the right choice.  A choice for happiness.  

I loved the book.  How grateful I am of the gifts GOD gave me.  I know I have A MERRY HEART!

Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.  Ecclesiastes 9:7

 

Wagon Train Wife by Catherine Kennedy

 A few years ago my husband and I went out west for a vacation.  One of our stops was the trail ruts.  I was amazed to see the ruts made so many years ago by the early pioneers etched in stone.  I stood there and was easily taken back to the days when wagon after wagon took this trail praying for a better future.  They often experienced hardship after hardship to achieve their goal.

This book is about two young girls and their determination for a better life.  Eliza and Hannah were sisters.  They endured much before they even started on this journey.  Did they have what it takes to survive?

Thomas had a plan.  He was saving for his future.  Then he met the sisters and was determined to help them.  But how far would he go?

I enjoyed the book and the strong sense of community displayed in the pages.  It was a rough world and everyone pulled together.  They had each other's' back.  

I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more by this author.

I received this ebook from Book Sirens to give a honest review.  

Laura V. Hilton - The Amish Secret Wish

Have you ever had a secret wish?  Were you afraid to tell?  Did you believe that if spoken it would not happen? 

Hallie was heartbroken and afraid for her future.  She needed to face this fear to ever fulfil GOD's plan.  

Kiah was determined to find his true love.  But at all costs? 

It seemed that Kiah and Hallie were not going to get together.  There were obstacles between them and in their communities that stood in their way.  There were family members that had other plans.  But remember:

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version

 For know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

This is one of my favorite passages from the Bible.  I have kept this close to my heart as I dealt with the ups and downs of my life.  

A lovely story about the importance of faith and family.  Both Hallie and Kiah were blessed by GOD's love and guidance as well as their family's.  

 I enjoyed the book and loved visiting Hidden Springs.

Philippians 4:13 ESV 

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning author with more than twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she's not writing, she reviews books and writes devotionals and blog posts for Seriously Write. Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. When she's not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls.

A Heart's Forgiveness by Lena Nelson Dooley

Madeline had a loving heart.  She was not afraid to help others less fortunate than her.  She was loved dearly by her father and the caretakers of her family home.  She wasn't prepared of the evil she experienced after her father died.  She must do something but what?

GOD led Madeline to Golden, New Mexico.  
Forgiveness was the central theme of this story.  Is forgiving others easy when they have done you harm?  How can you forget the hurt they caused?  

GOD shows you the path to forgiveness.  
Matthew 6: 14-1514 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
I don't know anyone who has not been wronged in their life at some point.  I held bitterness towards an ex-husband years ago.  But at some point this bitterness became a heavy load.  I had to let go of my anger and forgive.  I didn't forget what he did but I allowed GOD to comfort my pain.  I did not allow the past bitterness to control my life.  I prayed.  I prayed a lot. 
Before I realized, I was set free of the pain of carrying anger and bitterness.  I realized my ex was carrying this burden on his own.  I was not afraid of what he can do to me.  I was in GOD's arms..safe.
I enjoyed Madeline's story of forgiveness and her love of others. Her relationship with Philip was sweet and memorable.  Great story.  
I received this ebook from Celebrate Lit to give a honest and fair review.

A Heart’s Forgiveness 

About the Book

Book:  A Heart’s Forgiveness

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 6, 2021

Accepting an ad for a mail-order bride was supposed to solve her problems.

It’s 1890, and Golden, New Mexico, is a booming mining town where men far outnumber women. So when Jeremiah Dennison’s good friend and mentor finds himself in need of a nurse, Philip places an ad for a mail-order bride—despite Jeremiah’s protests.

Hoping to escape a perilous situation back East, Madeleine Mercer answers the ad and arrives in town under a cloud of suspicion. What she finds in Golden is nothing like what she expected, especially not Philip, her expected husband-to-be.

But just as she begins to win over Philip—and Jeremiah himself—the secrets she left behind threaten to follow her to Golden…and tarnish her character beyond redemption.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Lena Nelson Dooley has been an author for 36 years. Her 51st book released in June 2020. Raised in Arkansas, she married a Texan 56 years ago. They have lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex for decades. She is an active member of ACFW and one of the founding members the DFW local chapter. She’s often been a speaker for other writers’ groups and conferences, both as a keynote speaker and a workshop teacher. Her fans love reading her books filled with characters who grip your heart.

 

More from Lena

The Story Behind A Heart’s Forgiveness

I’ve been a lover of history for decades. In college and graduate school, all my elective courses were history. Of course, I chose the countries and eras I wanted to learn about. When I began writing novels, my first one was a contemporary story. After that, at least 75% or more of my novels have been historical, all the way from 1805 through the early 20th century.

One of the hallmarks of my historical novels is the authenticity I write into the stories. Because of the amount of research I’ve done over the years, I’m kind of an expert in 19th century history. My characters and their stories are completely fictional, but the other things in the book are mostly true. I search until I find what I need to know or until I reach a complete dead end.

A Heart’s Forgiveness is set in two places—Boston, Massachusetts, and Golden, New Mexico. It’s a Mail-Order Bride story. This is another type of story I like to read and I like to write. Finding a different reason for both the man trying to get a wife that way and a woman who needs an answer to her serious problems is a fun way to start the story. In this book, the bride and groom don’t meet until several chapters, even though he knows about her. And then I added another twist I think you’ll like.

There is also a very bad villain. One who doesn’t deserve to be forgiven. I didn’t plan that from the start of the book, but I realized much later in the book that God wanted her to forgive him. That one act of obedience, undeserved forgiveness, affected the lives of others in the novel. And isn’t that just like God. None of us really deserve forgiveness, but He freely gives it to each of us who will accept the gift.

I’m what’s called in the industry a seat-of-the-pants author, more or less. I do have the complete outline of the story in my head. When I sit down to write, I know where I’m going, but I don’t have every single scene plotted out as some authors do. And I pray a lot. During the time I’m writing a book, God drops ideas into my mind. Not just while I’m writing, but other times, too. That’s the exciting thing about writing. This keeps it fresh for me.

When you’ve finished reading this story, I hope you’ll let me know what you think of it. I really like getting reader feedback.

Blog Stops

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 10

A Novel Pursuit, April 10

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations April 12

Reviewingbooksplusmore, April 12

lakesidelivingsite, April 13

Texas Book-aholic, April 14

Inspiration Clothesline, April 14

Inklings and notions, April 15

Betti Mace, April 16

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 16

For Him and My Family, April 17

deb’s Book Review, April 18

Simple Harvest Reads, April 18 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, April 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 20

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 20

Connie’s History Classroom, April 21

Vicky Sluiter, April 22

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 23

Maureen’s Musings, April 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lena is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/10a50/a-heart-s-forgiveness-celebration-tour-giveaway

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