Dark Shadows Over Coronation Close

 

I was real excited to read this.  I read a previous book of this series and I loved it.

There are some real serious topics dealt  between the pages of the book.  But Lizzie Lane has a special writing talent that accomplishs this task in a tasteful way.  

Jenny, Thelma and all the neighbors of Coronation Close are doing their best to live week by week.  I really love both Jenny and Thelma.  They are so different but are the best of friends.  I don't always agree with their decisions.  And I find myself wanting to shout "No, don't".  But they can't hear me.

I hope there will be more to come.  I loved the story. Thanks to Boldwood Books, I was able to read this to review.

#rararesources

#blogtour

Dark Shadows Over Coronation Close

There’s talk of war and dark clouds fester on the horizon...

Bristol 1938

A shadowy presence overshadows Coronation Close, watching and waiting. Jenny Crawford is the first to notice the stranger and wonders why his attention is fixed on Thelma Dawson’s house. When challenged he makes a hasty retreat.

Meanwhile Thelma is having trouble with her precocious daughter Mary who is about to leave schooland start work. Mary considers herself an adult but to Thelma she’s still a little girl; an attitude resented by her daughter.

Unknown to her mother, Mary is secretly befriended by a stranger, an older man who treats her as the grown up she thinks she is. But what does this man want with this naïve young girl?

Problems shared are problems halved. Jenny and Thelma certainly share theirs as the shadow of war rolls over from Europe and nothing seems certain.

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

Author Bio – 

Lizzie Lane is the author of over 50 books, a number of which have been bestsellers. She was born 

and bred in Bristol where many of her family worked in the cigarette and cigar factories. This has 

inspired her saga series for Boldwood The Tobacco Girls.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgshaddick

Twitter: https://twitter.com/baywriterallat1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielane40/ 

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lizzie-lane

Amish Friends Life Hacks

 I collect all things from Wanda E. Brunstetter.  I love her fictional books but her cookbooks are fantastic.  I have made some really delicious food items that I discovered from the multiple books I own.

Her newest book is called Amish Friends Life Hacks.  There is so more handy tips and ideas to enjoy.  I love the different chapters ranging from garden ideas to making your own health items such as sore throat cures. 

These are great gifts for anyone.  I love the way they are made as the pages are sturdy and can be wiped clean.  I can be messy when trying out new recipes.  Plus the book can be folded open and it stays that way.  

I love all the new ideas to make my life easier and even more cost efficient.  

Amazon:

Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Life Hacks: Hundreds of Tips for Cooking, Cleaning, Gardening, Wellness, and More https://a.co/d/iCOcTvs

About the author

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 100 books with more than 12 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com

The Irish Matchmaker

This past year we visited England, Scotland and Ireland.  It was a trip of a lifetime.  My mother is from England.  So I have some British blood running through my veins.  I can't get enough of anything related to those countries.  So just the title of this book made me want to read it.  And I'm so glad I did.  

There is a festival in Ireland called Lisdoonvarna.  It sounds amazing.  It's a matchmaking festival. It has been going on for over 160 years.  There is a lot of dancing and music going on as well as a chance of finding true love.  This is the location and basis for this book.  

Catriona is following in her father's footsteps as a matchmaker.  She has plans to snare her own match.  But things are not always what they seem. Will she get the man of her dreams?

Donal Bunratty is raising his daughter on his own since his wife passed.  He would do anything for her.  What will he do when she asks for a "new" mother?

I have read all 4 of  Jennifer Deibel's books.  I loved everyone.  She takes me on a vacation with every page she writes.  She has become one of my favorite authors.  I look forward to every book she publishes.  

I received this book from the author to give a honest review.

About the author

Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher and freelance writer. Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic Magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona.

Calling on the Matchmaker

I have a list of my favorite authors.  Jody Hedlund is on that list.  I am always excited and eager to read her newest release.  This one is called Calling on the Matchmaker.  

Both Riley and Finola are single.  Neither are looking for a mate. Their respective parent(s) feel it is time.  

Bellamy, son of the current matchmaker, is starting on his own.  This will be his first assignment as a matchmaker.  He has an unique approach to bring Riley and Finola together.

Both Finola and Riley are running from their past.  Can they resolve their past to have a future together?

Great story.  I loved it.  It looks as though Bellamy has another opportunity to use his matchmaking skills in a future book.  I can't wait.

I received this book to review from the author's publishing company.

#blog tour

#JodyHedlund 

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over forty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle.

Rocky Mountain Promise

 I try to read every book that Misty B. Beller writes.  I have been out west and I know how beautiful it is.  She writes so beautifully that I feel I am there.  She visually paints a picture with her words.

This sweet story is about Lorelei.  She has a soft spot for any member of the animal family.  In this book, she is taking care of a white buffalo calf.  This isn't an easy task.  With some help from the new trading post owner, Tanner Mason, she has found another species that she cares for.

I loved the tale.  It was entertaining as well as informative.  I didn't have any idea that white buffalos were sacred to Native Americans.

I'll continue to read and enjoy anything Misty B. Beller writes. I hope it will be for a long time.

I received an early ARC from the publisher to review this title.

#CelebrateLit

About the Book

Book: Rocky Mountain Promise

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: November 21, 2023

Lorelei Collins possesses a soft heart for any animal in need, so when she finds a buffalo calf bawling beside its mother’s lifeless body, she can’t help but bring it home to raise on the ranch she and her sisters are building in the Rocky Mountain wilderness. Little does she realize that its white coloring is rare and considered sacred by Native Americans, which makes it highly valuable to them and the European trappers alike.

A flood of men visit their ranch to regard the marvel, some trying to woo Lorelei into marriage so she’ll bring the buffalo calf along as dowry, and others trying to steal the calf outright. When the men’s advances become more sinister, she approaches Tanner Mason, the quiet and mysterious owner of the new trading post, with an idea: She and the calf will move to his post, along with her family’s trusted Blackfoot friend. This will solve both their problems, bringing customers to his trade room and protecting her family from the trouble brought on by so many strangers. Yet as the danger travels with her, Lorelei and Tanner are faced with a threat greater than anything they’re prepared for–one that will test the limits of both their abilities and the love growing between them.

USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller delivers an exhilarating addition to the Sisters of the Rockies series fraught with peril, adventure, and romance amid the majesty of the Rocky Mountains.

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 29

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 30

Pens Pages & Pulses, November 30

Betti Mace, December 1

Wishful Endings, December 1

Lighthouse Academy Blog, December 2 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 2

Texas Book-aholic, December 3

Splashes of Joy, December 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 4

For Such A Time As This – Miriam Jacob, December 4

lakesidelivingsite, December 5

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 6

Life, Love, Writing, December 7

Avid Reader Nurse, December 7

Cover Lover Book Review, December 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 9

For Him and My Family, December 9

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 10

Exploring the Written Word, December 10

Holly’s Book Corner, December 11

Blossoms and Blessings, December 11

Lily’s Corner, December 12

Pause for Tales, December 12

Giveaway:

https://promosimple.com/ps/2909a/rocky-mountain-promise-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Winter Wonderland

Jaz can't trust any man.  Not even her hunky neighbor, Milo.  She just can't get over her divorce.  Unfortunately, this can destroy her chance for happiness.

 I would love to visit the Little Duck Pond Café.  It sounds so inviting and cozy.  Everyone looks out for each other even if you were new to the area.  Freddy discovered this when he landed up in their community.  He was lost but he soon found his way with the help of a few new friends. 

This story was just what I needed on this cold and wet week.  Christmas is coming and it's the perfect time to visit A WINTER WONDERLAND.   

#blog tour

#rararesources

#RosieGreen

A Winter Wonderland

The festive season is fast approaching and the Little Duck Pond Café menu has been given a mouth-watering sprinkling of December magic. Jaz is hoping for the perfect festive season with little daughter Emma. But her feelings for next-door neighbour, Milo, are getting in the way. With his old love back on the scene, is she really prepared to risk her heart and make it the best Christmas ever?

Purchase Links 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C97VXWCY

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C97VXWCY

Author Bio – Rosie’s series of novellas is centred around life in a country village cafe. Look out for 

THE SUNSHINE SISTERS – a heart-warming and thoroughly enchanting trilogy of books in the Little 

Duck Pond Café series, out early in 2024!

Follow Rosie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green88

Her Amish Christmas Baby

 

Alice thought she had her life all thought out.  She will marry Samuel.  She'll have many babies to love and to cherish.  

But a tragic accident happened and she found herself caring for her best friend's baby.  She adored Emily and planned to make a forever home for her.  

Alice found herself in the middle of a custody fight.  What was she going to do?  

An interesting story with a surprise ending.  I enjoyed getting to know Alice and Matt.  You could see their growth as individuals and as a couple. 

#SamanthaPrice

#blogtour

About the author

Samantha Price is a USA Today bestselling author of Amish romance books and cozy mysteries. She was raised Brethren and has a deep affinity for the Amish way of life, which she has explored extensively with over a decade of research.

She is mother to two pampered rescue cats, and a very spoiled staffy with separation issues.

Samantha loves to hear from her readers. Connect at:

samantha@samanthapriceauthor.com

www.facebook.com/SamanthaPriceAuthor

www.instagram.com/SamanthaPriceAuthor

Twitter @AmishRomance

www.pinterest.com/AmishRomance

www.SamanthaPriceAuthor.com

Sarah's Choice

 

It wasn't too long ago that I was introduced to Rosie Clarke.  I lean towards historical novels and this was right up my alley.

Sarah came from a privileged background.  Her parents were led by what others might think and let society dictate their decisions.  Sarah led life by her heart.  She loved Troy with all her being.  She stood by him even when times were difficult.

A great love story.  The story is based during WWI.  Women were saying goodbye to their husbands and boyfriends without knowing if they will return or not.  Some women buckled under pressure.  Others like Sarah did what they must and became stronger with time.

I enjoyed the book.  How could not love Troy and Sarah?  

I received this from Boldwood Books to review.

#rararesources

#blogtour

#RosieClarke

Sarah's Choice

Can life ever be the same again? The start of a fabulous new series set at Trenwith Estate from bestselling author Rosie Clarke.

Hampshire, 1913

Amidst the glitz and glamour of England’s High Society, Sarah Trenwith is more of a wallflower living in the shadow of her beautiful sister Marianne.

But as the war approaches Sarah will have to step out of the place society and her family have assigned her if she’s to do her part and claim the love she always dreamed of from afar.

As heir to Lord Pelham's estate, Troy is not expected to join the army, but he’s determined to do his part. Yet the war exacts a toll that he never anticipated and the future he once imagined with his one true love seems forever from his grasp.

After the trials and tribulations of war, can two star crossed lovers finally find each other and true happiness?

Previously published as A Gentleman’s Honour by Linda Sole.

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

Author Bio –

Rosie Clarke is a #1 bestselling saga writer whose most recent books include The Mulberry Laneseries. She has written over 100 novels under different pseudonyms and is a RNA Award winner. She lives in Cambridgeshire.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: Rosie clarke - Home | Facebook

Twitter: Linda Sole (@AnneHerries) / Twitter

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

Bookbub profile: Rosie Clarke Books - BookBub

 

Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise

Ruth never expected to own a cat.  Let alone it's living in her house!  She also didn't know if  she would ever get over the loss of her husband.

Jonas is running his business and raising his little girl, Abigail.  Thank goodness, his sister helps him out as he has learned that this isn't easy.

Both lost their spouses.  Both working hard to make a living.  At times, both were lonely.  Neither expected anything to change in the future.

An enjoyable story by a brand new author.   I was quite impressed with Ruth in maintaining her composure with the Bishop.  She didn't do as well with Jonas.

Congratulations Ann Blackburne!  Great book.  I look forward to future releases.  Great cover.

Here is the Amazon.com link for the paperback if you want to pre-order it.  Believe me, you want to!!

 AUTHOR

Anne Blackburne lives and works in Southeast Ohio as a newspaper editor and writer. She is the mother of five grown children, has one wonderful grandchild, and a spoiled poodle named Millie. For fun, when she isn’t working on Amish romance or sweet mysteries, Anne directs and acts in community theater productions and writes and directs original plays. She also enjoys reading, kayaking, swimming, searching for beach glass, and just sitting with a cup of coffee looking at large bodies of water. Her idea of the perfect vacation is cruising and seeing amazing new places with people she loves.

 

The Library Girls of the East End

Cordelia was different from the East End Girls.  But was she really?

A page turner that introduced a new series by Patricua McBride.  I enjoyed meeting Cordelia, Mavis and Jane. Each had a story to tell.  But the relationship that grew from them working together was a treasure.

Schools were closing. Buildings were destroyed.  War threaten their own existence.   Lives were forever changed.  

Cordelia did everything she could to keep the library open.  

A great story.  I read it in one night.

#rararesources

#blog tour

The Library Girls of the East End

1940, London

When Cordelia accepts the post of head librarian in Silver Town Library, her mother is more than a little disapproving. The East End has high levels of poverty and illiteracy, and her mother says it’s no place for a woman of her status.

But Cordelia is determined to make a difference in these times of strife, and along with her colleagues, Jane and Mavis, she begins to help the local community, making sure everyone knows what the library can offer them.

And maybe even a romance will blossom, giving Cordelia the strength to make it through the chaos and destruction that constantly threatens their livelihood.

Against a background of war, air raids and rationing, it becomes clear the library is more than a building filled with books - it is the beating heart of a community refusing to be torn apart.

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

Author Bio –

Patricia McBride is the author of the very popular Lily Baker historical saga series. She is now writing a new WW2 series for Boldwood, based in the East End of London during the Blitz, the first title of which, The Library Girls of the East End, will be published in November 2023.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patriciamcbrideauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tricia.mcbride.writer/

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

Whispers of Change

 

Debbie deserves all the happiness in the world.  She is finally going to marry Fritz.  Her dress is made. The food is being prepared.  But is she ready?  

This is Book 39 of the Bonnet Sisters.  I have really enjoyed getting to know each sister and their personal path.  They each have a story to tell. 

Will Debbie find what she is looking for?  Will Wilma find it too quiet after Debbie leaves?  I can't wait for Favor's baby to come. I need to learn more about Gabe.  What place does he have in future books?  

There is so much to look forward to in future books. I'm ready for more adventures with the sisters.  There is a WHISPER OF CHANGE for everyone.

#SamanthaPrice

About the author

Samantha Price is a USA Today bestselling author of Amish romance books and cozy mysteries. She was raised Brethren and has a deep affinity for the Amish way of life, which she has explored extensively with over a decade of research.

She is mother to two pampered rescue cats, and a very spoiled staffy with separation issues.

Samantha loves to hear from her readers. Connect at:

samantha@samanthapriceauthor.com

www.facebook.com/SamanthaPriceAuthor

www.instagram.com/SamanthaPriceAuthor

Twitter @AmishRomance

www.pinterest.com/AmishRomance

www.SamanthaPriceAuthor.com

Trouble at Fishers Wharf

War is a terrible thing.  Ruth's two brothers were far away serving their country.  She didn't know what to do. She couldn't leave her father.  She volunteers at the Fishermen's Mission.

Ruth thought she was there to serve others.  But she learns much more about herself.  

You can't help liking Ruth.  A lot of her decisions are made by her heart.  And this has caused some heartbreak.

I think I know who I want her to land up with.  I won't tell but I can forsee a future book telling that story.  

I received this from the publisher to review this book.

#rararesources

#traceybaines

#blogtour

Trouble at Fishers Wharf

The winds of war bring uncertainty but also opportunity…

With the outbreak of War, the fishing fleet is confined to port, bringing hardship to the families and businesses of Fishers Wharf.

Ruth Evans awaits the safe return of her father’s last trawler carrying her wayward brother Henry, the future of the family business. But unbeknown to their father, Henry sees war as a chance to break free from the constraints of his privileged background and follow his heart.

Much is expected of Ruth. Her marriage to Arthur Marshall will help realise her father’s dream uniting two of the largest trawler companies in Grimsby. But will Ruth choose the path of duty or destiny?

Ruth’s friendship with hardworking Letty Hardy sustains her. Separated by class, they are united through their work for the Fishermen’s Mission as Letty battles to keep her business and family afloat while husband Alec serves on the minesweepers.

Can they navigate the treacherous waters ahead – or will they be caught by hidden dangers?

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

Author Bio –

Tracy Baines is the bestselling saga writer of The Variety Girls series, originally published by Ebury, which Boldwood will continue with. She was born and brought up in Cleethorpes and spent her early years in the theatre world which inspired her writing. The first title of her new saga series for Boldwood – set amongst the fisherfolk of Grimsby – will be published in October 2022.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracybainesauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tracyfbaines

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyfbaines/

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tracy-baines

The Warsaw Sisters

I made a big mistake.  I read this before bed.  I couldn't get it out of my mind.  I did finish this in a couple of nights.  I had to find out how it ended. 

My husband is Polish.  I know nothing about Polish history.  This book gave me much more than I bargained for.  The story is about two sisters (Antonia and Helena) and what they must do to survive during the German invasion during WW2.  

The two sisters had interesting individual stories to be told as well as their shared experiences.   I often found myself with tears as I turned the page one after another. It was sickening to read what happened to ordinary citizens especially the Jewish people during this time.  So much suffering.

The book was excellent even though hard to read at times.  

I received this from Revell to review.

Home for an Amish Christmas

 

Two lonely people coming home for Christmas.  

I can remember coming home for Christmas when I lived in another State.   So many memories.  The memory of being greeted at the door by Mom.   The hugs I received from the family and the delicious dinner just waiting to be served.  

 Ellen and Captain Mark Beller felt the same.  Sue was returning to her little boy after working away from home.  Pete returning to his family after serving in the military for 7 years. 

They both knew disappointment. They both were hoping for a better future. 

I enjoyed this short novella.  It had everything I love in a book: Amish, Christmas and Romance.

I received this story to review.

The Christmas Love Letters

 

Ruthie had a romance that they write books about.  Unfortunately, it wasn't happily ever after.  But could she finally find the happiness she deserves?

A very sweet love story that continues with Ruthie's niece, Maddy and Raff.  Maddy was just trying to survive after her husband disappeared 7 years ago.  With her Great Aunt's help, she made a home for her daughter.

I enjoyed the twist and turns of the story.  I rejoiced at the ending as Christmas is the time for love.

Her Secret Hope

 

Lilly left home to Pinecraft, Florida.  Her friends were there.  She hoped for a new beginning and a chance to live the life she always dreamed of.

Lilly's discovery was that everything doesn't go as you expect it to.  She was with her friends but it still left her longing for what they had.  

A chance meeting with November changed her life completely.  Can Lilly find the happiness she longs for?  

Lilly learns that happiness is within her grasp.  But is it worth the risk?

I enjoyed getting to know Lilly.  November is an older Amish grandmother that plays matchmaker between Lilly and her grandson, Eddie.  It's cute how she goes about putting them together.

I received this ebook from Revell to review.

#RevellReads

#ShelleyShepardGray

Garden of the Midnights

Wonderful characters that become real after a few chapters.  Isabelle was sheltered and grew up with no siblings.  Her closest friend was her maid, Bridget.

William grew up in a household of lies. He never experienced kindness except from the staff.

 Everything changed when William went to seek the truth.   

A very emotional read.  I loved the book and was moved by William and Isabelle's  story.  

Hannah Linder is a very talented author.  I have read two books by her and both were excellent.

I received this to review from Celebrate Lit.

About the Book

Book: Garden of the Midnights

Author: Hannah Linder

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance

Release Date: October, 2023

Danger Lurks at Rosenleigh Manor

Enjoy another Gothic Style Regency from Hannah Linder.

The accidents are not a matter of chance. They are deliberate. As English gentleman William Kensley becomes aware of the danger at Rosenleigh, he pleads for truth from the only man he can trust—until that man is murdered.

As the secrets unfold into scandal, William’s world is tipped into destitution—leaving him penniless and alone. His only comfort is in the constant love of Isabella Gresham, but even that has been threatened. When a hidden foe arises from their acquaintances and imperils Isabella’s life, will William be the only one willing to rescue her? And even if he saves Isabella from her captors, will he still have to forsake her heart?

 

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. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award finalist, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and International bestsellers. She is also a local photographer and a self-portrait photographer. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, and ukulele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. To follow her journey, visit hannahlinderbooks.com.

More from Hannah

Sometimes, the things we say we’ll never do are exactly the things we find ourselves doing.

Back when I was still wearing two braids and walking around barefoot everywhere, I told myself I would never make a speech. Never. But by the time high school graduation came along, despite a thousand firm declarations that I wouldn’t, my mother shook her head. “I think you should do it,” she said—and because mothers are usually right, I did.

Granted, I read the speech off a folded sheet of copy paper because I was too nervous to face the crowd. And my knees were jelly. And I stood off-centered on the stage instead of behind the pulpit like anyone else.

But I did it.

For the rest of my life, I’ll look back and remember what it felt like. Standing on the stage, reading my heart, hearing the sniffles and glancing up to see tears glistening in the eyes of endless people I love.

That was special. Mother was right.

Want to know another thing I said I would never do? Re-write a novel. I’ve heard the stories all my life. The author second guesses their own ability and burns their manuscript. Then, years later, they rewrite the story that echoes through the ages as a classic. Or the novelist loses their entire document to a computer crash, so with a blank page and a blinking cursor, they start anew.

I never thought that was something I could do.

I never wanted to.

If I ever lost a novel or was prompted to start over, I would abandon ship and try for a different vessel. Anyway, that’s what I told myself.

Garden of the Midnights was the story I wrote many years ago when I was younger, when I knew less about manors and England and history. I made mistakes. I broke writing rules. I did too little research and too much overwriting…but it had my soul. Somehow, it was alive. The characters breathed. The tears in their pillow, the aches in their throat, became a part of who I was and what I felt.

This was the one. The story I loved most.

But the edits and the mistakes and the problems overwhelmed me. Like the fearful girl in braids who refused to make a speech, I wanted to throw in the towel and say with even more defiance, “I will never re-write a novel. Never.”

But Mother knew what was needed. She knew the story was too much a part of me to tuck away in some drawer, forgotten and dusty, unread by anyone. So she nodded her head and said, “I think you should do it.”

I didn’t want to.

I was afraid because it wasn’t easy.

But because mothers are usually right, I did. Now, Garden of the Midnights is ready. My heart is still tangled in all the words, all the twists, all the secrets—but this time more, because the book has yet another part of me. The part that was fearful. The part that was too close to quitting. The part that finished anyway.

For the rest of my life, I’ll look back and be thankful. When someone writes me a note that they enjoyed the book, or gets a whimsical tone to their voice when they talk about a scene, or looks up from the pages with tears shimmering in their eyes.

That will be special. Mother was right.

Giveaway

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

 

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 28

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 28

Texas Book-aholic, October 29

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 29

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 30

An Author’s Take, October 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 31

Mary Hake, October 31

Book Looks by Lisa, November 1

Alena Mentink, November 1

Connie’s History Classroom, November 2

Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 3

Sylvan Musings, November 3

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 4 (Author Interview)

To Everything There Is A Season, November 4

Blogging With Carol, November 5

For Him and My Family, November 5

Betti Mace, November 6

Live.Love.Read., November 6

Wishful Endings, November 7

Cover Lover Book Review, November 7

Where Faith and Books Meet, November 8

Holly’s Book Corner, November 8

Splashes of Joy, November 9

Labor Not in Vain, November 9

Pause for Tales, November 10