Sunday, March 28, 2021

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle

I just spent a few days with the residents of Whelk's Island.  I loved spending time with each one of them.  Nancy Naigle created a town with residents we would all love to have as neighbors.

Amanda moved to Whelk's Island to start a new life and to heal.  She couldn't have picked any place better. It was evident that GOD had a plan for her and her children.

Maeve was a lifetime resident of the town.  She was loved by many.  She was a good friend to all.  Maeve and Amanda became friends by meeting on the beach.   Both gained so much from their friendship.

I will admit I cried some.  There is no way you couldn't but it was so worth it.  I loved the story.  It clearly demonstrated how a small gesture of kindness can make significant changes to others and for you.


I will be on the lookout for future releases from Nancy Naigle.  


I received this for free from WaterBrook and Multinomah   to give a honest review.





Love at First Flight

 One night and I finished it!  I couldn't put it down.  Will Evelyn fulfill her dream?  Will Jasper get his wish?


I enjoyed reading about WWII and the part the women played in fighting this war.  They not only were fighting the enemies but had to prove their worth.  Not all the women stayed at home on the home front.  Evelyn was an example of the women who joined the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron. I never heard of this group of women.  It sure sounded dangerous.  I can imagine that the men in their lives frowned upon them doing this.  


Evelyn dreamed of flying planes.  She would do anything to see this come true.  But was it worth what she gave up? Jasper couldn't forget the last time he saw Evelyn. They are brought together after not seeing each other so many years ago.  Was this GOD's plan?  Was this their chance of rekindling what they lost?

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Evelyn was determined and not looking for romance.  It was a joy to read a character who was intelligent and beautiful.  Jasper was intelligent, kind and handsome.  They could be a perfect couple.  

I received this for free to review from Celebrate Lit.


About the Book

Book:  Love at First Flight

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical  Romance

Release date: September 15, 2020

LAFF coverCan two people emerge from the clouds of past hurt to find a silver lining of love?

Evelyn Reid would rather fly than do anything else, so when war engulfs the U.S., she joins the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron. One of the program’s top pilots, she is tapped for pursuit plane training…the dream of a lifetime until she discovers the instructor is her ex-fiancĂ©, Jasper MacPherson.

Collecting enough points to rotate stateside, fighter pilot Jasper MacPherson is assigned to teach the WAFS how to fly the army way. Bad enough to be training women, but things take a turn for the worse when his former fiancée shows up as one of his students.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Linda Matchett Head ShotLinda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry. Linda has lived in historic places all her life, and is now located in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities include serving as a volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, exploring historic sites, and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

 

More from Linda

Dear Readers:

 

It’s all I can do to parallel park my car…well, actually I can’t. I’m terrible at that sort of thing, which is why I’m so impressed with the Women’s Air Service Pilot who served during World War II. Created in August 1943 by merging the Women’s Flying Training Detachment and the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron, the WASP was a civilian organization that came under the authority of the Air Force and freed male pilots for combat or other duties. Their leader was the intrepid Jacqueline Cochran, an award winning pilot who set and broke numerous records during her career.

 

Qualifications for the program were stringent, and of the more than 25,000 women who applied, only 1,800 were accepted. Of that number, 1,074 completed the program. These women flew over sixty million miles and transported every type of military aircraft from the ninety-nine foot long B-29 Bomber that weighted over 100,000 pounds to the P-51 Mustang that could fly at over 400 miles per hour.

 

The WASP also towed targets for live anti-aircraft gun practice, simulated strafing missions and transported cargo. Thirty-eight WASP members lost their lives and one disappeared while on a ferry mission, her fate still unknown. Disbanded in December 1944, the WASP did not receive military status or benefits for their service. However, after nearly three decades its members were granted veteran status, and in 2009 they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

 

It is my hope that Love at First Flight honors these brave women in some small way.

 

Blessings,

Linda Shenton Matchett


Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 24

Texas Book-aholic, March 25

Genesis 5020, March 25

Inklings and notions, March 26

Betti Mace, March 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 27

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 29

Hebrews 12 Endurance, March 30

For Him and My Family, March 31

Connect in Fiction, March 31

She Lives To Read, April 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 2

deb’s Book Review, April 2

Connie’s History Classroom, April 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 4

Blossoms and Blessings, April 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 5

CarpeDiem, April 6

A Novel Pursuit, April 6

  .

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed paperback edition of Love at First Flight, eco-friendly reusable shopping bag with image of Women’s Air Service Pilots, stuffed WASP bear, Norman Rockwell notecards, VJ Day book mark, and I {heart} Spam socks!!

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/109d2/love-at-first-flight-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, March 19, 2021

Karen Kingsbury- A Distant Shore


A new book by Karen Kingsbury will always be on my must read list.  I was looking forward to this one.  The cover drew me in.  This was a page turner and I finished it one night.  

This book is a little different than her regular books.  I found this one being a little difficult to read.  It was about child trafficking.  The topic alone is hard to read about but necessary.

The characters, Jack and Eliza, were two young people who were determined to conquer evil.  What was behind their determination?  The book explores this and what is needed for them to heal from their loss and pain.

Each chapter started with a Bible quote.  I found this to be uplifting and encouraging.  There were many that were my favorites. This is the one that I have held onto all my life.

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I 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.


A Distant Shore is a must read.  I received this book for free from Simon &  Schuster to give a honest review.  



About the Author

Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated to debut soon. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. She and her husband, Donald, live in Tennessee near their children and grandchildren.



 https://youtu.be/y2F-ikBvRJk

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Painted Memories by A.M. Heath

 Quite a touching story of GOD'S love and that he is a waster of none.  Olivia and Grady had everything planned out.  But GOD had a different plan.  

I really liked Olivia and felt so terrible for her.  How do you let go of all the dreams you had?  How do you grieve?  No one can tell you how to do it.  Grieving is personal.  Olivia took tiny steps to healing.

Many lessons learned in reading this story.  I thought of thIs one while reading Painted Memories.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

I didn't expect the book to end like it did.  It was touching and brought a tear to my eye.  But it ended just like GOD intended it to be.  

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

About the Book

Book:  Painted Memories

Author: A.M. Heath

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: March 8, 2021

Painted JPGShe moved on when the love of her life died in the war, but what will happen when she finds out he’s alive?

Olivia Jernigan never thought she’d get over Grady. But three years after his death, she’s on the verge of marrying Kenneth Wade when she receives a new painting by her deceased fiancĂ©. Olivia flees home to learn what really happened to the man she thought died in the Korean War. The man she thought loved her enough to come home for her.

Grady Barnes woke up three years ago in a hospital room with no knowledge of his identity. The only memory to resurface is the image of a woman he can’t stop painting. When she suddenly shows up at his painting class, she may help him discover where he really belongs or she may disrupt the life he was building for himself.

Olivia and Grady have a history. But now, they wonder if they still have a future … or perhaps, their love is just a painted memory.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

AMHeathBesides being an Indie Author, I’m a wife, mother of four, children’s Sunday School teacher, sweet tea drinker, history fanatic, romantic, bubbly, lover of broccoli, and a retired cake decorator who has a soft spot for Christmas trees, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What I’m not is a laundress (or at least not one who keeps up very well), a duster, tall, or patient in a doctor’s office.

 

More from A.M. Heath

The Blessing of Unexpected Research

 

With any novel, there’s always a measure of research involved. While historical novels are more in-depth, even contemporary novels need research when the characters are involved in a job or a setting the author isn’t familiar with. Research can feel so random at times. It’s almost comical the strange topics you end up spending an hour or longer digging into online.

 

As I sat down to write Painted Memories, I was already well into the first drafts of Dance With Me and Yesterday’s Christmas, so the 1950s setting wasn’t as foreign to me as it once had been. But there were newer aspects involved.

 

For example, I recently found myself researching long-distance calls during the 1950s. And I often look up commonly misspoken phrases/words.

 

One of the ways I love to research is to imagine myself in the character’s shoes. Sometimes I have opportunities to play pretend. Maybe a little red lipstick or a new hairstyle to help me get into character. Visiting a historical home to get a feel for the lifestyle from long ago. A walk in the rain might be an opportunity to imagine the weary march of a soldier. A bad case of strep was once inspiration for a character on their death bed.

 

But, by far, the most memorable research experience was given to me by surprise. It was one of those things that I didn’t ask for and I wasn’t thrilled with when it happened but, even at that moment, I couldn’t help noticing the timing of it all and the big way God would use it for good.

 

I forgot the PIN to my debit card.

 

We all forget things from time to time. But this was a PIN that I used multiple times a week for nearly twenty years.

 

YIKES!

 

I was standing at the register when “poof” the code disappeared from my brain. I remember standing there in panic because nothing came to mind. I punched in a couple of combinations but neither was correct.

 

I spent the next couple of weeks trying to remember it but I never did.

 

It was confusing and scary. I remember searching my brain but there was only empty darkness. Yet, I could feel it. I could practically sense it right on the edge of my mind, but I never could bring it any closer.

 

I was amazed at my sudden connection to Grady. When I wrote for him, I put myself in his shoes and imagined what it would feel like. But when a small piece of my memory suddenly disappeared, I had a new understanding. When I wrote his scenes where he talks about sensing a memory close by but never being able to bring it any closer, I wrote that from experience. That’s exactly how it felt for me.

 

I had started the first draft about 2 weeks before I forgot my PIN. So instead of being angry, I couldn’t help being grateful. I thanked God and put my experience to good use. It was all I could do.

 

Sometimes we’re not dealt with the easiest hand. But if we’re willing to let Him, God can still use it for our good and His glory. In the book, Grady and Olivia talk about how God redeemed the time they thought was lost. That time when they thought everything was ruined and nothing was going right, God was using in a subtle but remarkable way.

 

The Christian life is often like that. We tend to think that something has lost all purpose but God is redeeming it and making it into something beautiful.

 

I’d love to hear from you. Is there a moment in your life when it seemed that all was lost but looking back you can see how God was using it for good?

Blog Stops

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 9

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 10

Purposeful Learning, March 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 11

Texas Book-aholic, March 12

Blossoms and Blessings, March 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 13

Inklings and notions, March 14

Batya’s Bits, March 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 15

deb’s Book Review, March 16

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 16 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 17

For Him and My Family, March 18

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 20

Mary Hake, March 20

Adventures Of A Travelers Wife, March 21

Connie’s History Classroom, March 22

Live. Love. Read. , March 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, A.M. is giving away the grand prize package of a Grace is Sufficient mug 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/108d6/painted-memories-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Dreams Rekindled by Amanda Cabot


I have read many books by Amanda Cabot.  I picked this up and was ready to revisit Mesquite Springs.  This is Book Two of the Mesquite Springs Series. The cover is beautiful and I can imagine being right there, taking in this beautiful sight. 

I have never been one to take a risk.  At least, I don't think I did.  By. Dorothy's standards, I am a major risk taker.   I have been married more than once.  Divorce and recovering from one can take some time.  It takes a while to trust again.  If ever.  To protect oneself from any additional pain, an invisible wall is put up. I know.  I didn't allow my past experience to stop me from loving again.  Thank goodness, as I married the love of my life at age 50.

Dorothy never divorced but she was afraid of being hurt.  No one intentionally enters a relationship wanting to be hurt.  Dorothy put up a wall.  She wasn't going to marry.  She was not going to allow anyone to come inside....to touch her heart.  Brandon was just the one to take the wall down.

The book also clearly deals with gossip and how it can injure individuals but also communities.  Mean and vicious gossip can destroy lives.  It spreads like a fire and it is difficult to extinguish.  It is relevant in today's world as well as in the 1850's.

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



Amanda Cabot
Amanda Cabot

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, Christmas Roses, Summer of Promise, and Waiting for Spring. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers Best. She lives in Wyoming.

Favorite Verse: Joshua 1:9 (KJV) Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Revell Books
ISBN 978-08007-3536-4

Order PrintEbook


Audio Book



Hard Cover

Thursday, March 11, 2021

No Journey too far by Carrie Turansky (Book 2 of 2: McAlister Family)

 

A touching conclusion about a family torn apart by the British Home Children Program.  I have ties to Britain and to Canada so it was quite interesting to read this story.

The McAlister family fought long and hard to be together again.  This book's main characters were siblings: Garth and Grace McAlister.  Both had different upbringings due to their placements but were proud of where they came and fought for the truth.

I loved the twists and turns of the book.  It had a little of everything.  Who could be more romantic and devoted than Garth towards his love, Emma?  Rob, a very close friend of Garth's, carefully lets his guard down to show Grace his true feelings.

I was touched by how people whom were not blood related can and did become family.  This was displayed by so many in this story.  

I truly loved the book.  I left feeling that I was a part of their family.  

Thank you, Carrie Turansky for such a moving story.  It is not one I will easily forget.

I received this book for free from Carrie Turansky's Reading Friends on Facebook to give a honest review.


About the Author

Carrie Turansky is an award-winning author of more than twenty novels and novellas. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Holt Medallion, and the International Digital Award. She loved traveling to England to research her latest Edwardian novels, including No Ocean Too Wide, Across the Blue, and the Edwardian Brides series. Her novels have received starred reviews from Library Journal. They have also been translated into several languages and enjoyed by readers around the world. --This text refers to the paperback edition.

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Bent Tree Bride by Denise Weimer


Susanna lived a life of privilege.  Her future was planned out.  Her father had a husband selected for her.  Susanna had no say in the matter.  She was to do what she was told.

Of course, Susanna was determined to live her life the way she felt she should. Throughout the book you can see the growth in Susanna as she found herself surrounded by the historical events during the War of 1812.  

Sam, a mix-blood Cherokee, was caught between two worlds.  He often found himself in turmoil.  

Could Susanna and Sam have a life together despite their differences?  

A love story that I could not put down.  A historical delight that made my heart pitter patter every time Sam and Susanna were together!!

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


Denise Weimer writes historical and contemporary romance and romantic suspense, mostly set in her home state of Georgia. She's authored a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas. As a managing editor for the historical imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, she also helps others reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

Hero for the Holidays

Landry King has a difficult time dealing with his past relationship with Fia Sullivan.  They were teenage lovers who broke up after Fia beca...