His Wagon Train Sweetheart by Catherine Kennedy

A sweet little story that has the main character in a very unusual occupation.  Georgianna or George was a wagon train driver.  She was confident and self assured as long as she was driving the team of oxens.

It goes to show you that everything is not what it seems.  George had low self esteem.  Was she pretty enough?  Was she good enough?  These are questions that many people ask themselves? 

George's world turned upside down when she met Elijah and his mother.  Elijah and Georgianna were not just on the trail outwest but on the trail of self discovery. 

I received this free from ARC to review.

AUTHOR:

Catherine grew up reading Little House on the Prairie books, then watched it on TV. She doesn't mind admitting she had a HUGE childhood crush on Charles Ingalls :D

She also watched every episode of The Waltons ever made (she didn't count them but is pretty sure she's watched them all!!).

Next came Dr Quinn: Medicine Woman and another leading man to swoon over(!!), and a wonderful strong female leading character.

It's no wonder that Catherine chose to write Christian historical romances set in the 1860s. Join her in the fictional community of Walton Valley to follow the lives, and loves, of the settlers.

All That We Carried

I first picked this to read due to the location.  I am a Michigander.  I love the Upper Peninsula.  We have camped there a few times.  Porcupine Mountains are beautiful to see.  I highly recommend that you go.  But I prefer driving and sleeping in our trailer.  Sisters, Melanie and Olivia decided to hike there for a few days.  Neither would be called great hikers.

A cute title for the book.  At first, you would think it was referring to the heavy backpack they carried.  But as you get into the book, you discover the loads of emotions and feelings that they each carried day to day..for years.

This trip could be the opportunity to unload the heavy burden that they carried.

I enjoyed the location as well as the storyline.  

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

Matthew 11:28-30

New International Version

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Author Bio

Erin Bartels is the award-winning author of We Hope for Better Things, a 2020 Michigan Notable Book and a finalist for the 2019 Christy Award and the 2020 Star Award from the Women's Fiction Writers Association (WFWA), and The Words between Us, a finalist for the 2015 Rising Star Award from WFWA. Her short story, "This Elegant Ruin," was a finalist in the Saturday Evening Post Great American Fiction Contest in 2014, and her poetry has been published by The Lyric. A publishing professional for 18 years, she is the director of WFWA's annual writers retreat in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She lives in Lansing, Michigan, with her husband, Zachary, and their son. Find her online at www.erinbartels.com.

Endless Mercy

 Two great authors get together to write a series about Nome, Alaska in the 1900's.  I anticipated a great story and was not disappointed.  There are three books in this series and this was Book Two.  I didn't need to read the first book as this can stand alone.  But I know for sure I WILL read the next one.

The Powell Family has suffered from loss and catastrophic circumstances.  They are no different than any other family suffering the same.  We all have situations in our lives that we struggle to deal with and overcome.  The key to survival is turning it over to GOD.  GOD is there and wants to provide comfort and strength.  We need to open our hearts and with prayer GOD will provide.

The sisters are Whitney, Havyn and Madysen. Beautiful names.  Three sisters who love with all they have.  Three sisters who love GOD and their family.  

I enjoyed this book and recommend the whole series.

I received this book from Bethany House to review.

Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz

 I visited Jamestown many years ago.  I loved the history and the beautiful scenery.  I would love to go back and visit once again.  I had a mini vacation there without leaving the comfort of my home.  Ms. Frantz wrote this wonderful book based in the 1600s.

I loved the main characters.  Selah was beautiful inside and out.   She had a strength that was much needed to survive during this time.  Xander.   What a strong name for a man who is also warm and tender when he needs to be.  They may be a match but first they must survive through the circumstances before them.

I enjoyed reading about the other family members as well as Selah and Xander.  I liked Xander's Aunt and the ways she loved Xander like no one else could. 

Great story.  Five stars.  

Maybe I'll get to Virginia this year!!!!!

Jody Hedlund's A Cowboy For Keeps

 I have always been a fan of westerns. So I have watched a lot of the old tv shows as they don't make them like they used to.  I sound like my elderly relatives.  So when I have a chance to read a book based on the old west.....I am in heaven.

This book is the newest one from Jody Hedlund. It is going to be part of a series...hooray!  The series is called Colorado Cowboys.

I received this free to review from the author.  I was so excited as I have read many books by this author.  I have never been disappointed.  Her books are wonderful to read and not filled with any vulgarity.  I appreciate that.

This story is about Greta and her sister, Astrid.  There is much love between the sisters.  Astrid is a delight.  She reminds me of my granddaughter.  Astrid loves life!!!

Greta must make a decision quickly that will change their lives drastically.  Wyatt gets an offer that is hard to refuse.  

The supporting characters were strongly written and I hope they will be in the future books of the series.  Judd is quiet but when he talks it is a must listen.  A good friend to have.  

“You can walk away every time the flies start bitin’. Or you can swat ’em until they’re gone.”  This is one quote of Judd's that I loved.  This is so true.  Anytime things are difficult or not going as planned, what can you do?  You have a choice of giving up or put up a fight.  GOD is with you throughout the good and bad times.  He listens to your prayers.  He will take on your burdens.  

I highly recommend this book.  I loved it!!!!!

An Ivy Hill Christmas

 As I read this Christmas story, I could see it as a movie.  I would love to visit Ivy Hill and have tea with the Brockwell Family.  

Richard Brockwell doesn't sound like someone I would want to spend Christmas with.  But people can change especially  at Christmas.

I loved reading this story.  It was a feel good book with great characters, a lovely location and set at the most perfect time of year.  

Julie Klassen has put me in the holiday spirit!!!!

I received this for free from Celebrate Lit to review.

    About the Book

Book: An Ivy Hill Christmas

Author: Julie Klassen

Genre: Christmas Historical Romance

Release Date: September, 2020

Richard Brockwell, the younger son of Ivy Hill’s most prominent family, hasn’t been home for Christmas in years. He prefers to live in the London townhouse, far away from Brockwell Court, the old family secret that haunts him, and the shadows of his past mistakes. But then his mother threatens to stop funding his carefree life–unless he comes home for Christmas. Out of options, he sets out for Ivy Hill, planning to be back on a coach bound for London and his unencumbered bachelor life as soon as the festivities are over.

But Christmas in the country presents many surprises, including encounters with an orphaned apprentice, the first love he disappointed years ago, and Arabella Awdry, a young lady who is far more appealing than he recalled–and determined to have nothing to do with him.

Will Christmastime in Ivy Hill, with its village charm, kissing boughs, and joyous songs, change his heart . . . and hers as well?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane–Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for 16 years and now writes full-time. Her novels have sold over 1 million copies, and three of her books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and a Christian Retailing‘s Best Award, and has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

 

More from Julie

My fascination with England began as a girl when I read The Secret Garden and Jane Eyre, and watched A Christmas Carol. I have now been to Great Britain several times, and my affection for the place has only grown. I love the country villages with their stone buildings and thatched roofs, the narrow, winding roads (though not driving on them), the ancient churches, friendly people, plummy accents, and history. Writing fifteen novels set there has been a real pleasure.

An Ivy Hill Christmas includes all the elements of an idyllic Olde English yuletide: A charming village setting, snowfall, mistletoe, caroling, gifts for less fortunate neighbors, and festive gatherings of friends and family. I thoroughly enjoyed researching 19th century Christmas traditions and weaving them into this novella.

In the story, a confirmed bachelor is determined to remain aloof from the celebrations going on around him—and from his mother’s matchmaking schemes. But divine hope, friendship, and unexpected romance change his heart…and his mind.  I love a transformation story; don’t you?

If you’ve read the TALES FROM IVY HILL series, you will enjoy returning to the village and spending time with favorite characters. But rest assured, the novella is a standalone, meaning you can enjoy it whether or not you’ve read the other books, as these reviews attest:

“[A] standalone novella that not only beautifully captures the kindness, hope, love, and faith of Christmas but also skillfully evokes the period holiday atmosphere of Regency England.”  —Booklist

“This feel-good tale of love and redemption will delight Klassen’s fans and new readers alike.” —Publishers Weekly

And if you like the novella, I think you will like the other books as well. An Ivy Hill Christmas would also make a lovely gift for a reading friend.

Finally, if you want to add a British flair to your own modern-day celebrations, buy (or make) mince tarts or Christmas pudding, place Christmas “crackers” (pull-apart gift tubes) on your table and wear the included paper crowns. Refer to Father Christmas instead of Santa; and instead of “Merry,” wish everyone a hearty, “Happy Christmas.”

Happy Christmas!

 

Blog Stops

Through the Lens of Scripture, November 30

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 30

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 30

Christian Bookaholic, November 30

Andrea Christenson, November 30

Texas Book-aholic, December 1

KarenSueHadley, December 1

Robin’s Nest, December 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 1

Blessed & Bookish, December 2

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 2

Mia Reads, December 2

Wishful Endings, December 3

lakesidelivingsite, December 3

Through the Fire Blogs, December 3

For Him and My Family, December 3

Just Your Average reviews, December 3

She Lives To Read, December 4

Remembrancy, December 4

deb’s Book Review, December 4

Writing from the Heart Land, December 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 5

Quiet Workings, December 5

Blogging With Carol, December 5

Spoken from the Heart, December 5

The Christian Fiction Girl, December 6

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 6

Connect in Fiction, December 6

Artistic Nobody, December 6 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Worthy2Read, December 7

Genesis 5020, December 7

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 7

Inklings and notions, December 7

Life of Literature, December 7

For the Love of Literature, December 8

Connie’s History Classroom, December 8

Batya’s Bits, December 8

Labor Not in Vain, December 8

Hallie Reads, December 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 9

Older & Smarter?, December 9

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, December 9

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 9

Betti Mace, December 9

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 10

Faery Tales Are Real, December 10

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, December 10

Mary Hake, December 10

Daysong Reflections, December 11

Bigreadersite, December 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 11

Splashes of Joy, December 11

Vicky Sluiter, December 12

To Everything There Is A Season, December 12

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 12

Blossoms and Blessings, December 12

The Write Escape, December 12

A Baker’s Perspective, December 13

Bizwings Blog, December 13

Simple Harvest Reads, December 13 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Pause for Tales, December 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Julie is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of An Ivy Hill Christmas and the other three books in the Ivy Hill series, plus the winner’s choice of Bingley’s Tea!!

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/103f5/an-ivy-hill-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway Christian Retailing‘s Best Award, and has been a  in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota

The Noel Letters

I just got this book from the library.  I loved it!  It was perfect for this time of year as it is the week before Thanksgiving.  I couldn't help but cry as I read about Noel and her relationship with her father.  This relationship impacted her life choices.

After my Father died, I had to come to terms with our relationship.  There were conversations we didn't have.  Words that weren't said.  He died when I was in my 20s.  I graduated from college 3 months after he died.  He never knew the career I had.  He was here when my children were little.  But he didn't get to meet all of his grandchildren or his great grandchildren. But I always felt he was there with me...proud of my accomplishments.  

This book was a tearjerker for me but it had a feel good quality at the conclusion.  I highly recommend this lovely story by Richard Paul Evans.  

The Bells of New Cheltenham

I love Christmas.  So many of us do.  The lights, the decorated trees and the music.  Christmas carols bring out the best of us.  Isn't that the reason it has become earlier and earlier when the radio starts playing them?  

Justine just happened to visit New Cheltenham. It wasn't her plan.  GOD knew what he was doing.  He was writing her story.  

I was intrigued by a paragraph near the end of the book.  It made me pause and take notice. We need to "hand the pen over to God".  I can't tell you how many times in my past that I tried to write my own story.  My life changed forever when I gave my life to Jesus.  We can't do this thing called life by ourselves.  

I give this book five stars.  I loved the story.

I received this complimentary copy from Celebrate Lit to review.  

About the Book

Book: The Bells of New Cheltenham

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian fiction, Christmas romance

Release Date: October 15, 2020

Who knew that Christmas carols were love songs?

Justine Driscoll sure didn’t. Peace on earth? She’s heard of that. Holy and joyful? Something about that, too. But love songs sung by a bride about the birth of her bridegroom? That’s just weird stuff right there.

Weird or not, though, once Justine decides to enter a short story contest using a Christmas carol as the inspiration, she discovers love in the carols she investigates, in the story an ex-Army guy tells, and in the little tourist town of New Cheltenham.

“But what do the words mean?”

Ken Torsney is used to fighting for causes he believes in. He just never imagined he’d go from Army “warrior” to spiritual warrior in the span of one question from a stranger. Justine is like no girl he’s ever known— hungry for the gospel even as she rejects it.

He’s falling for her, and that’s bound to break his heart.

Love is in the air in New Cheltenham this Christmas. Again.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

More from Chautona Havig

3 Things That Make My Christmas Heart Sing

I didn’t have a ghost of a chance.

The message popped up in my messenger at exactly the moment I sat down.  This is significant, because I get dozens of Facebook messages every day, and often, they get buried when a new one supersedes it. So, as you can see, it’s a near miracle that I ever saw the message at all.

The message offered me a spot in a collection of novellas—a Christmas collection.  Yep. Not a ghost of a chance.

Still, I tried to be responsible, you know?  After all, I had quite a few books due at the same time already.  Bookers on the Rocks, The Last Gasp, my Christmas Lights Collection “noella,” and my CrossRoads Collection “noella.”  And those didn’t include anything I wanted to write in spring or summer.

Then she added another layer of temptation. This collection had a theme.  That theme? Christmas carol inspired romances.

Have I ever mentioned how much I love music, Christmas, and specifically, Christmas music?

The other authors in the set had already made their carol selections.  She sent a list of those that had already been claimed.  I read them with great trepidation. See, I already had two carols I’d want to use in the story for this collection that I hadn’t even agreed to participate in yet.

No one had chosen “The Holly and the Ivy” or “The Bells on Christmas Day.”

That ghost slowly transformed into the ghost of my resistance.

All that remained was for me to come up with a story idea.  I mean, why join a collection if you can’t even decide what to do with it?

That’s when it happened.

There’s always this moment when the first idea germinates, sprouts, and pushes up through the fertile soil of my imagination.  My favorite moment.  And it hit me.  What if the theme for the collection was my story idea?  My character could enter a contest that requires a short story based on a Christmas carol.

And once I had that idea, the rest came in a whoosh!  Mitchell, from The Ghosts of New Cheltenham could be sick to death of this annual ghost storytelling contest and decide to create his own contest.  And then… well…

The Bells of New Cheltenham was born.

If you’ve not read The Ghosts of New Cheltenham, you’ll follow this “noella” just fine. It is meant to be a stand-alone.  However, if you want a richer reading experience, I recommend reading The Ghosts of New Cheltenham, followed by the companion short story, “The Ghastly Therapist” first. Both are available through Kindle Unlimited.  Additionally, if you send your receipt (or a screenshot of the final page of the eBook from Kindle Unlimited) for the Melodies of Christmas Love collection to chautona@chautona.com, I’ll send YOU the bonus short story—the one Justine Driscoll writes in this “noella.”

But I promised to tell you three things that make my heart sing at Christmas.

1. The way people are often just a little kinder and a little more giving and understanding.
2. The joy that seems to fill every part of life—family, friends, parties, presents, church services, reading, singing…
3. The music that plays everywhere—and often sings of a Savior’s love.

 

What makes your heart sing at Christmas?

Blog Stops

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 9

21st Century Keeper at Home, November 9

Simple Harvest Reads, November 10 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 10

Texas Book-aholic, November 11

Blogging With Carol , November 11

Among the Reads, November 12

Artistic Nobody, November 12 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Inklings and notions, November 13

Batya’s Bits, November 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 14

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 15

Worthy2Read, November 15

For Him and My Family, November 16

Labor Not in Vain, November 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 17

lakesidelivingsite, November 17

Aryn the Libraryan, November 18

Lots of Helpers, November 19

deb’s Book Review, November 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 20

Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 20

She Lives To Read, November 21

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, November 22

Mary Hake, November 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/10359/the-bells-of-new-cheltenham-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Haven For Her Heart

 

Why does bad things happen to good people?  We often ask.  Does anyone have the answer?

This book yanked on my heart as I read of Olivia's plight.  Olivia went through such terrible atrocities.  But the shame and pain stayed with her even after she was physically free.  She was not completely free until she laid her burdenS down and left it with GOD.  

I loved the book even when at times it was difficult to imagine that this could happen.  Susan Anne Mason wrote this powerful story about Olivia and the people she met on her journey.  Each character really had to look at themselves and evaluate what they stood for.  Forgiving ourselves for past behaviors or decisions is difficult to do.  We can sometimes forgive others easier than giving ourselves any slack.

Fortunately, this is Book one of the Redemptions Light series.  I couldn't put it down.  I will make sure that I will get the next one.  

I received this book for free to review from Bethany House Publishers.