Let Love Spring

About the Scavenger Hunt

Spring is here and we are celebrating with a Spring Scavenger Hunt featuring Celebrate Lit Publishing’s Spring Collection. Stop by each of the blog stops to learn about a specific author from one of our collections, enter the giveaway for a $50 Amazon card, and collect their secret word. At the end of the week, create the sentence from all the secret words and enter it in the giveaway for NINE bonus entries.

Have fun!

MY BOOK to review is Let Love Spring

Hope, prayer and renewal are the themes of this collection of stories called Let Love Spring. Each story demonstrates that prayer and faith in GOD can create miracles in your life.

A Bible verse came to me while reading this collection.

John: 4:13-14

Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."

 Spring IS a time of new life.  Renewal.  

I loved the collection by the three authors I have never heard before.  Great job and a wonderful start to my Spring reading.  I have included the following information on Author, Linda Matchett and her GUEST POST.

The three stories that are included in this book are the following:

AN ANGEL FOR THE COWBOY BY JODIE WOLFE

Essie lost hope and was desparate.  Little did she know that GOD sent her a cowboy.  Was he The answer to her advertisement?

Judah was hurt and injured.  Was Essie his Angel?

SPRING RECAPTURED

 BY SANDY FAYE MAUCK

Andi had secrets.  She was afraid that they would be revealed.  She needed to come home to her Aunt but it put her at risk.  Ren lost hope and became bitter when Andi left town with no explanation.

GOD had a plan for Andi and Ren.

A LOVE NOT FORGOTTEN

BY LINDA SHENTON MATCHETT

Chaz had no memories of his life before.  Allison had faith and believed that their love could be renewed.

Giveaway

To celebrate our Spring Scavenger Hunt, Celebrate Lit is giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

Spring Scavenger Hunt

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Grand prize is a $50 Amazon Gift Card.

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1 winner will be selected.

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Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, April 5

Jeanette's Thoughts, April 6

Bibliophile Reviews, April 7

Carpe Diem, April 8

Reading is my Super Power, April 9

A Baker's Perspective, April 10

Simple Harvest Reads, April 11 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

margaret kazmierczak, April 12

Artistic Nobody, April 13

Janices book reviews, April 14



GUEST POST;

A Love Not Forgotten

Linda Shenton Matchett Guest Post

April 6, 2018

Do you love happily ever after stories? I do. I can binge-watch Hallmark movies until the proverbial cows come home. My favorite plot line is one that involves second chances. As someone who has made her share of mistakes, I appreciate others who are graciously willing to afford someone another shot at getting it right.

When Sandy Barela of CelebrateLit Publishing approached me about writing a novella for her “Let Love Spring” collection, I knew the story had to be set during WWII (my favorite era) and have some element of “second chance.” Then I saw a magazine article about a woman who experienced amnesia as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident, and an idea started to germinate.

Intrigued, I set about researching the condition (there are a dozen types) and causes (three). I also had to determine how much the medical community knew about amnesia in the 1940s – not as much as they would have liked!

Armed with lots of information, I began to write. The story took shape, and I continued to write. Then I finally reached the crossroads where I had to choose whether or not to cure Chaz. I hope once you’re read A Love Not Forgotten, you agree that I made the correct decision.

Book blurb:

Allison White should be thrilled about her upcoming wedding. The problem? She’s still in love with her fiancé, Chaz, who was declared dead after being shot down over Germany in 1944. Can she put the past behind her and settle down to married life with the kindhearted man who loves her?

It’s been two years since Charles “Chaz” Powell was shot down over enemy territory. The war is officially over, but not for him. He has amnesia as a result of injuries sustained in the crash, and the only clue to his identity is a love letter with no return address. Will he ever regain his memories and discover who he is, or will he have to forge a new life with no connections to the past?

Bio:

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, blogger, journalist, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry. She has lived in historic places most of her life and currently resides in the Lakes Region of NH. A member of ACFW, RWA, and SinC, Linda writes historical romance and mystery stories. For more information about Linda and her books visit www.LindaShentonMatchett.com.

 Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda Shenton Matchett has lived in historical places most of her life-from Edison, New Jersey (named for the famed light bulb inventor) and Washington, DC to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (reputed to be the oldest summer resort in America). A freelance writer for over ten years, her articles and devotionals have appeared in numerous print and online publications. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and a Trustee for the Wolfeboro Public Library. She lives in NH with her husband, Wes and her fur-baby, Ben. Visit her at http://www.lindashentonmatchett.com./

Linda Shenton Matchett

2013 and 2015 Genesis Semi Finalist

www.lindashentonmatchett.com

www.stitchesthrutime.BlogSpot.com

Follow me on http://www.facebook.com/authorlindamatchett, https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorlindamatchett, http://www.pinterest.com/lindasmatchett

Love's Harvest: Now available in paperback and Ebook at www.amazon.com/dp/B01DMB3ZX2

Love Found in Sherwood Forest available at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MU3JDR3

On the Rails available at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MUYAGU3  

"A Love Not Forgotten," part of the Let Love Spring Collection available athttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XVZB38Y 

Under Fire available at http://http://www.electiopublishing.com/index.php/bookstore#!/Under-Fire-Paperback/p/88329129

"A Doctor in the House," part of The Hope of Christmas Collection, available at www.amazon.com/dp/B077656725/

WWII Word Find available at www.amazon.com/dp/0998526525

A Loyal Heart by Jody Hedlund

I am proud to say that Jody Hedlund is from my Home State of Michigan. I eagerly await her new releases.  It doesn't matter to me what genre.  This book is labelled as juvenile literature.

This book was exciting and kept me intrigued to the last page.

Lady Olivia has taken on the role of protector.  She protects her sister at all costs.  She wants to please her father.  But she fails to look out for herself.  

She is taken hostage by her father's enemy, Lord Pitt.  Lord Pitt assigned Sir Aldric as her guard.  Neither expected that they would be attracted to each other let alone fall in love. 

Wonderful journey as Lady Olivia and Sir Aldric explore the possibility of a future together.

I loved the story and highly recommend this to friends and family. 

I received this free to review.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jody is giving away a grand prize of An Uncertain Choice, A Daring Sacrifice, For Love & Honor, and A Loyal Heart!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cb76

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

Guest Post from Jody Hedlund

The Growing Need for Sweet Young Adult Romances

By Jody Hedlund

This past year my youngest daughter turned twelve and entered seventh grade. And she decided that she wanted to read my books.

Of course I was thrilled that she was taking an interest in my writing. But since my adult historical romances are more intense and contain some mature themes, I handed her the young adult series I’ve written.

As she started the first book, I peeked in her room a time or two to ask her how she liked it.

“It’s the best book you’ve ever read, right?” I teased.

“It’s okay,” she replied, teasing me right back.

The true test for how much she liked the series came when she couldn’t put the book down. She hid away in her room and read all day. Then she read the second book the next day and the third book the day after that.

She never did gush over the series. But she didn’t need to. Her serious reading marathon told me all I needed to know! Then when I was writing the fourth book in the series, she asked me if she could read it early before it was published which was another testament to how much she enjoyed the series.

“As long as you promise to say that I’m your favorite author,” I said, teasing her again.

I’m happy to say that she finished A Loyal Heart just as quickly as the others. Although I’m not sure that I’m her favorite author, I’m satisfied that she loved the series.

Even more, I’m thrilled that I could hand her sweet romances full of chivalrous qualities—like courage, sacrifice, honor, and loyalty. As she’s being entertained, she’s learning lessons about character traits that are important in relationships.

My daughter, like other young teens I’ve talked to, really enjoys medieval settings and stories. In some ways, those kinds of stories connect them to the princess fairy tales they used to love when they were little. Let’s face it, even adult readers still love stories about knights and castles and daring damsels!

In a book market for teens that has grown increasingly dark, jaded, and sexual, I only wish I had more to offer my daughter and other young women. It’s my passion to continue providing wholesome, clean romances for teens, books I know will encourage and uplift as well as entertain.

How about YOU? Is there a teen reader you know who needs an alternative to what’s available in the market? I encourage you to gift them with A Loyal Heart. And make sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win the entire series that you can read, pass along, or even gift to your library.

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. She lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!). When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

FLUTE IN THE WILLOWS

This book had me sitting in the edge of my seat.  Who was the bad guy?  Who could be trusted?  Would everything turn out ok?

Jerry Patterson was a spy in the U.S. Military.  He was on a dangerous mission in Germany.  He returned home with physical and mental scars.  He didn't return home the same man.

Josie Patterson wanted her "real husband" back.  What happened to Jerry?  Didn't he love her anymore?

Danger followed Jerry home.  Josie was at risk.  Jerry would do what was needed to keep her safe.

Josie and her family were very close to each other.  She had all their love and support.  She needed to accept GOD'S love.  He was there for her.  GOD would give her the strength and courage to survive and to fight for the one she loved.

I received this free to review.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away a grand prize of a canvas flowered/musical tote, a pink “All Things are Possible journal, and a copy of A Flute in the Willows (winners choice of print or ebook)!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c9e2

About the Author

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Guest post from Carole Brown

How Great is Our God! By Carole Brown

And the peace of God which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:7

It seems everywhere you turn today, the world is a mess. I try to keep up with current events, but sometimes I find myself pulling back away from it all. The enemy of us all would drown us in disbelief, doubt and worry if we would allow it. I find my spirit beginning to flounder in that sea of distress and must need revive it with the good things of God.

In my newest WWII Spies series, in book two, soon to be released, both Jerry and Josie Patterson are rebellious, self-centered people. Neither have given much thought to God, and both have gone gung-ho after their own pleasures and desires.

• Jerry not only suffers a serious physical injury, but his spirit is troubled over actions taken as a spy in Germany. Guilt over the death of a sweet woman, guilt over all the deceit he needed to use, guilt over the temptations that knocked, and though he didn’t give in to them, nevertheless, troubles his mind and soul. Who do you turn to when you have no God in your life?
• Josie, filled with elaborate plans on becoming an Olympic participant once the horror of war is over, ignores all the people in her life—except when it’s convenient for her to use them. All that matters is attaining her goal and Jerry. Running roughshod over all others, forgiving and forbearing as they are, is her usual ploy in getting what she wants. So who do you turn to when all your dreams turn to ashes?

It’s only after each one of them receive a severe injury that prevent them from doing what they want, only when they think they’ve lost the other, that they begin to listen to what God is teaching them.

Isn’t that so in our own lives? Many times we go headstrong toward our goals, without prayer or definite assurance from God that it’s what he wants for us. It seems a good thing, beneficial, and desirable so it must be good for us, right?

God is so great, so faithful, so loving in pulling us back, in teaching us that He is our all in all. Our strength in times of deep distress and trial, our anchor when the storms of life are blowing us off course, our shield when others would hurt or wound our spirits…our peace through it all.

May we, like Josie and Jerry, learn that our God IS a great God. We need have no fear; he does not fail.

The Tempering Agent

Egypt.  An exotic location.  A mystery to be solved.  Ancient artifacts to be found.  A heart to be mended.

A contemporary story where Dr. Priscilla Tackling learns to love again.

I was intrigued when I started this story.  It was my first time reading something like this or anything similar.  I enjoyed the start of each chapter where a jewel was described as to color, origination, etc.

Priscilla never got over her fiance's murder three years ago.  It happened right in front of her just days before their wedding.  It continued to haunt her and she somewhat felt responsible for his death.  She refused to be vulnerable ever again.

Agent Donnie Barnes was brought to assist Dr. Hackling in the murder investigation.  They were not expecting the immediate attraction they both felt.

Is it possible for Priscilla to give of herself completely to Donnie? Will they find the killer?  Is Priscilla next on the killer's list?

I received this free to review.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Victoria is giving away

Grand prize: Murano type heart necklace with lampwork bracelet and $25.00 Amazon gift certificate

1st Place: Green and white lampwork pendant and earrings

2nd Place: Set of three lampwork earrings

3rd place: Set of three holiday themed earrings

4th place: One ten $10 Amazon gift card

5th place: One ten $10 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c9e1

About the Author

Victoria Pitts Caine is a native Californian and lives in the central portion of the state. Her varied interests include genealogy and exotic gemstone collecting both of which she’s incorporated into her novels.

The author has received recognition in both fiction and nonfiction from: Enduring Romance top 10 picks for 2008, William Saroyan Writing Conference, Byline Magazine, Writer’s Journal Magazine, Holt International Children’s Services Magazine, and The Southern California Genealogical Society. Her first novel was published in 2007 followed by two more as well as novellas and short stories in anthologies.

Victoria is a former staff technician in air pollution control. She is the mother of two daughters. Now retired from the work force, Victoria and her husband enjoy travel, cooking, and are self-appointed “foodies”.

Guest post from Vicki Caine

Since childhood, I have been interested in genealogy and ancient Egypt. Two of my prior novels, Alvarado Gold and Cairo, let me follow my fantasies into those two areas. Donnie the hero in The Tempering Agent is also in the other two books, and it was his turn to find his own romance. When archaeologist Dr. Priscilla Hackling finds herself drawn back into the murder investigation of her fiancé and the missing breast plate of the high priest, Agent Donnie Barnes, is just the man to help her out, even if she doesn’t think so.

Traveling along with Priscilla and Donnie, I discovered some interesting facts about ancient Egypt, from the ruins in the Siwa Desert to the mystery of the Valley of the Kings. The genealogy factor in my novels is Donnie is loosely based on my cousin. Alvarado Gold tells the story of my family while Cairo and The Tempering Agent fueled my inquisitiveness about Egypt.

The Innkeeper's Daughter by Michelle Griep

Johanna felt responsible for her mother and brother's safety, security and happiness. She was determined to keep The Blue Hedge Inn from going under.  She refused to think that all would be lost and they would land up in the workhouse.  She would even put herself at risk to save them.

It wasn't until she met Officer Alexander Moore aka Alex Morton that Johanna felt she didn't have to carry the burden all alone.

This book is set in the early 1800's in England.  The clincher for me to pick up this story was the location!

I loved It!  There was espionage, hearts to be healed and a love story to unfold.

I received this free to review.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize of a signed copy of The Innkeeper’s Daughter and a $25 gift card from Barnes & Noble!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cb72

About the Author

Michelle Griep has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild). Keep up with her adventures at her blog “Writer off the Leash” or visit www.michellegriep.com.

Guest Post from Michelle Griep

Celebrating Oak Apple Day

Spring is just around the corner, or maybe it’s in full bloom in your neck of the woods. Regardless, by this time of year, everyone is ready to celebrate. . .and nothing new is under the sun. For centuries people have been eager to welcome budding greenery and warmth.

In my recent release, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, I incorporated a spring holiday that’s been around for over 500 years in England, one you may never heard of.

Oak Apple Day.

This ancient celebration dates back to the year 1651. At the time, Charles II escaped the Roundhead army by taking cover in an oak tree. Everyone loved ol’ Charlie and was glad he lived, so in his honor, a new national holiday was born—one that in some parts of England is still celebrated today.

Another name for this annual event is Royal Oak Day and the festivities occur every May 29th. Celebration traditions vary from parades to the ringing of bells, but one thing that is standard is that it’s a day to pin an oak leaf on your lapel. If you fail to wear one, you could end up getting pinched.

The hero in my latest release is kind enough to remind the heroine that she forgot to pin on her leaf, thus saving her from untoward pinches. Interested in hearing more about this gallant fellow and the forgetful miss? Here’s a blurb about The Innkeeper’s Daughter…

Tension is high with the threat of a Napoleonic attack in Regency England, but risk from abroad means nothing when there’s danger at home.

Officer Alexander Moore goes undercover as a gambling gentleman to expose a high-stakes plot against the crown—and he’s a master of disguise, for Johanna Langley believes him to be quite the rogue . . . until she can no longer fight against his unrelenting charm.

All Johanna wants is to keep the family inn afloat, but when the rent and the hearth payment are due at the same time, where will she find the extra funds? If she doesn’t come up with the money, there will be nowhere to go other than the workhouse—where she’ll be separated from her ailing mother and ten-year-old brother.

Alex desperately wants to help Johanna, especially when she confides in him, but his mission—finding and bringing to justice a traitor to the crown—must come first, or they could all end up dead.

It’s a race against time for them both.

The Heart's Appeal by Jennifer Delamere

The two main characters, Julia and Michael, felt they needed to make sacrifices to achieve their dreams.  Michael felt obligated to his sister and their struggle to survive.  Julia felt she must give up having a husband and a family to become a doctor.

Both discovered that with GOD they didn't have to make these sacrifices at all.  Julia thought she knew her destiny.  Michael discovered that he had to listen to his heart.

Wonderful story of the difficulties Julia and her female colleagues experienced to go to medical school. I enjoyed the book and would highly recommend to friends and family.



I received this free to review.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away a grand prize package of that includes All four March Bethany House historical releases (The Heart’s Appeal, plus A Most Noble Heir by Susan Anne Mason, A Chance at Forever by Melissa Jagears, In Places Hidden by Tracie Peterson) and a $20 Starbucks gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cacd

Tour Reminders

About the Book

Jennifer Delamere’s debut Victorian romance, An Heiress at Heart, was a 2013 RITA Award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, A Lady Most Lovely, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She’s been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.

Guest Post from Jennifer Delamere

Power couples?

Perhaps that’s not a concept that initially comes to mind when one thinks of Victorian England! And yet, they did exist. I love to include real people from history in my books, and in The Heart’s Appeal, Julia Bernay meets two inspiring real-life couples who will make a positive impact in her life.

In 1865, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson became the first woman to qualify as a physician in Britain. She did this through a legal loophole, but soon the laws were changed to open the medical field to all women. In 1874, Dr. Anderson co-founded the London School of Medicine for Women. She remained involved in the school in various capacities for the rest of her life, even as she continued to run her own busy practice. In The Heart’s Appeal, she becomes a mentor for Julia, opening doors for her education and introducing Julia to people who can help her succeed in medical school.

Dr. Anderson’s husband, James Anderson (Jamie), was the joint-owner of a successful shipping line and also served on the boards of several organizations (including a children’s hospital). He was a handsome man, very much in love with his wife, and fervent in supporting her choice of a career.

In a letter he wrote to her while they were engaged, Jamie explained his vision for their future—how they could keep their professional and private lives separate, yet still give each other plenty of love and support:

“I think we had better lay it down once for all as a rule that I am under no circumstances to bring people ‘favorably under your notice’ or ‘exert any influence’ or anything of the sort. It will give people a wrong idea of you unless I take a decided line in this matter — and as I mean to be if I can a successful man of business, neither interfering with your pursuits nor being interfered with by you (but having our confidences on all feasible subjects at off times of the day and week and mutually advising and fortifying one another), I must let people know unmistakably not to come bothering me about your public affairs. Will you think about this, dearest?”

Who couldn’t love a man like that?

Jamie Anderson’s outlook on life comes into play later on in The Heart’s Appeal, when he provides advice and aid to Michael Stephenson, the book’s hero, at a critical time.

Julia also has an inspiring encounter with Dr. Anderson’s sister, Millicent Fawcett. Millicent was married to a Member of Parliament and actively supported her husband’s career in many ways, including acting as a scribe for him since he was blind. She is most remembered for her role in the women’s suffrage movement. In fact, a statue of her will be placed in Parliament Square in London this summer. She was not a militant suffragette, but rather campaigned for suffrage under the banner “Law-Abiding Suffragists.”

Both couples raised families, too, and their children’s successes in life show they were raised to have the same energetic and “can-do” attitudes that their parents had.

Julia initially believes she must remain single to achieve her life’s goals. But soon she finds her heart drawn to successful barrister Michael Stephenson, who admires Julia’s intelligence and ambition. She learns that love and the freedom to pursue her dreams do not have to be mutually exclusive. A meeting of minds to spark a true romance? Yes, please! I hope readers will agree this can be the most satisfying of all.

Storms in Serenity by Fay Lamb

Serenity is the name of the town but there is nothing peaceful in this town.

Storms are brewing in this community.  Secrets are about to explode.  Brother vs. Brother.  Marital problems and breakups.

Very intense story that has me turning one page after another.  I was surprised by the outcomes.  Angry about the deceptions.

What does it take to really forgive?  Every character in this book had to come to terms with their past.  They had to evaluate their actions - past and current.

When you really listen, GOD is with you guiding the way.  I

I received this free to review.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Fay is giving away a grand prize of an Echo Spot!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/ca75

About the Author

Fay Lamb writes emotionally charged stories with a Romans 8:28 attitude, reminding readers that God is always in the details. Fay donates 100% of her royalties to Christian charities.

Storms in Serenity is the first book in Fay’s Serenity Key series. Fay’s other series include, Amazing Grace and her novels, Stalking Willow, Better than Revenge, Everybody’s Broken, and Frozen Notes. The Ties that Bind Series includes Charisse, Libby, andHope. Delilah, is coming soon.

Fay’s is also the author of The Art of Characterization: How to Use the Elements of Storytelling to Connect Readers to an Unforgettable Cast.

Guest Post from Fay Lamb

ONCE UPON A STORM

I’m one of those people who love storms. I revel in the lightning that streaks across the sky, the rumble of thunder as it rolls over the air, and I dance to the eerie sound of the wind coming through a crack in the window. Storms don’t frighten me. I’m an East Coast Floridian. I’ve lived through many a tempest.

However, so that you won’t think me completely insane, I have also fled a few hurricanes. In our house, a Cat III storm is something to debate as we watch to see how low the millibars fall at the storm’s center. A Cat IV means gather the important documents, place them into plastic bags and tuck them into plastic tubs, batten down the hatches, and depending upon its projected proximity, hunker down or flee. A Cat V is a no-brainer. Run!

If only the storms in our lives had categories so that we know when to stand and face the winds of life or to debate the direction, or to decide when to flee. Sometimes, the storms of life come at us without warning, with no stirring up of the waters by our own hands. Other times, the storms can be abated by the stance we take, the decisions we make, and by failing to move out of harm’s way, perhaps in an opposite direction.

That’s what my first novel in The Serenity Key series is about: one man stirred up a storm many years prior. The destructive force of that storm amassed because he didn’t take a stand, he failed to make crucial decisions, and he choose to run from a situation that God would not allow him to outrun. Storms in Serenity is a modern-day retelling of the Biblical truths of the aftermath of David’s sin with Bathsheba and the destruction the storms of life that blew apart not only David’s family but also those he called friends.

Mostly, though, Storms in Serenity, is a novel that proves that when it comes to sin, truly, no man is an island.

SOUL'S PRISONER BY CARA LUECHT

This is the story of Rachel and how she became a prisoner of the insane hospital that she was working for.  Rachel moved to Chicago with high hopes of being with the one she loved.  It didn't go as planned.  She was alone and feeling lost.

How could things get worse?  Rachel discovered a newborn baby out in the cold.  She knew she had to do something.  Her decision cost her her freedom.  She became a prisoner....a soul's prisoner.

Fortunately, Rachel had her brother looking for her.   

At times, this book was difficult to read.   I'm glad that I read this all the way through.  The past treatment of mental illness is disturbing.  Even today, mental illness and the treatment of it is a hot topic of conversation.

I received this free to review.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away a grand prize of a signed copy of Soul’s Prisoner and sketching art supplies!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cb74

About the Author

Award winning author, Cara Luecht, lives in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin with her husband, David, and their children. Cara graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Currently, Cara is studying for a Masters of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Guest Post from Cara Luecht

The Setting for Soul’s Prisoner: Dunning Asylum for the Insane

Dunning Asylum for the Insane was built in the 1850s and housed psychiatric patients until the early 1900s. It has since been demolished, and a small park currently stands as the only remaining testament to the people who lived and died on the grounds.

The original plot of land also included a poor farm and a cemetery. A railroad used to connect the grounds to Minneapolis, Chicago, and Milwaukee. It was nicknamed the “Crazy Train”—a phrase that still survives in our language today. Those buried in the cemetery include Civil War Veterans, victims of the Chicago fire of 1871, orphans, paupers, and the residents of the asylum for the insane. Most estimates agree that nearly forty thousand people were buried on the grounds.

There is no doubt that mental illness is hard on families, but in the 1800s, having a family member who struggled with mental illness was an embarrassment. With little understanding of mental health in general, and even less compassion for those who suffered, examples of this tragic response to the threat of mental illness can be seen in the numerous inmates who were there simply due to addiction or depression. There are even cases where women were committed because their families were humiliated by their giving birth outside the bonds of marriage. Often times, challenges with mental health were synonymous with the notion of moral failure or vice. Because of this, even many charities looked the other way when corruption or abuse was exposed. Reporters sometimes wrote about the horrors of the institutions, but once the sensational story was out, and the initial outrage worn away, few worried about the people who suffered on a daily basis. And because of the moral implication of mental illness, families commonly turned over their suffering members to the county, and later simply explained to friends that the person had died.

And that is exactly what the mentally ill would do in the institution. Live there until they died, forgotten.

And that’s how the story played out at Dunning, until late in the 1900s when developers began to dig the roads and foundations for a new neighborhood on the grounds of what was once the Asylum. At that time, Dunning, and the people who had resided there, were still within living memory, so when bones were unearthed, it was no mystery how they ended up on that patch of land. What had slipped from memory was the magnitude of the collective stories of suffering and hardship.

For this novel, the people and events are fictitious. However, when examining old news stories from an institution known for corruption, it is not hard to imagine situations like the ones in the novel. The details that are true are the nearly one thousand inmates, no hot water, little to no heat in the winter, bad food, and the general feeling of living ghosts, intentionally forgotten, and doomed to never leave the grounds.

Meddlin' Madeline- Fine Print by Chautona Havig

I am really looking forward to receiving this book in the near future!!!!  I read a previous book with Madeline as the main character.  She sure got herself into some interesting situations.

As soon as I can I will review this book by Ms. Havig!!!

About the Book

Book Title: Meddlin’ Madeline Fine Print

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Historical, Mystery

Release Date: February 20, 2018

Budding detective, Miss Madeline Brown, has gained quite the reputation for “meddling” in the circa 1900 city of Rockland. With two successful “cases” under her belt, it was only a matter of time before she found something new to interest her insatiable curiosity.

This time, however, the “curiosity” found her.

Challenged by Edward Gastrel, to prove her deductive prowess, Madeline embarks on riddling out the puzzle of a journal left to him by his grandfather. If she can decode the contents, the local gentleman may find himself in the possession of something quite valuable.

As usual, however, things aren’t as they seem, and Madeline finds herself in a race against more than time and ambiguity.

Click here to purchase your copy!

Please stop by the Meddlin’ Madeline: Fine Print Celebration Tour featuring Chautona Havig!

Learn about Chautona’s Denny’s experience and how it helps and hinders her writing!

Don’t forget to enter the themed giveaway worth $50!

Click link below to follow:
http://s.ripl.com/30z5so

About the Author

Chautona Havig lives and writes in California’s Mojave Desert where she uses story to point readers to the Master Storyteller.

Guest Post from Chautona

Denny’s. “America’s Diner.” It’s also my “office away from my office away from home.” Most nights I write at our local prayer house. But on Wednesday nights for a few hours, and then all night on Saturday, I sit in booth 14 and write.

It was a cold, frosty Wednesday night. With thoughts from Bible Study still swirling in my mind and heart, I ordered my loaded baked potato soup and began brainstorming with my writing and podcasting buddy, April.

She left around midnightish—as usual. And another evening regular began chatting.

Look. I like this guy. He’s a fascinating conversationalist. We have a lot of fun talking books, movies, politics, history, computers… He’s even given me a great idea for a book (without meaning to, but still).

But… that night, I needed to get a bunch done on Madeline and didn’t have time for chatting. So, when he started talking about his evening, I wanted to bang my head on the table. I kept repeating, “People are more important. People are more important. People are more important,” over and over in my head.

I can’t tell you how often this has happened at Denny’s. Employees stop to chat. Regular diners stop to chat. This guy starts a long conversation and always on nights I can’t afford to spend… chatting!

But everything shifted in an instant.

The man said something—what, I can’t remember—and my brain started churning.

I asked a question.

He answered.

The next thing I knew, he’d moved into my booth and began firing questions at me. Suggestions. Most of what he suggested wouldn’t work with the story, but he had no way of knowing that. Still, every time he did I got a new idea. And I’d ask a question. He’d answer, suggest. I’d counter—ask or answer. Ideas blossomed and exploded into seeds of even more ideas.

And right there, at two o’clock in the morning, with Angela the wonder server keeping me in fresh glasses of Coke, Fine Print went from not only my favorite of the Madelines (thus far) but also became much more exciting.

The whole thing taught me a couple of lessons. First, I always say that people are more important than the “stuff” I do. Sometimes, that’s not so easy to live. But the Lord is always faithful, like He did that night, to remind me that it sometimes helpsme, too.

Second, sometimes a mid-book brainstorming session is just what I need to keep my excitement high. And, if that means a “wasted” Wednesday night in booth 14, then I’d say it’s worth it.