Oh my!  I literally just finished this amazing story.  I couldn't stop reading this once I started.  I admit it, it did bring a tear to eye...ok. more than once.

I am one that loves to research my family tree.  It  is fascinating to see where my relatives lived and worked.  My Mom was born in England during WWII.  She has told me stories of going to the bomb shelters during a raid.  She shared how my Nan wouldn't go until her tea was made.  She shared the delight she had when she got an orange for Christmas.  Her family survived in a period of history that is unfathomable to us.  But through it all she talks of how the family pulled together.  She speaks of the neighborhood that stuck together.  They survived and lived to tell their story.

Harriet was on the path of discovery.  She needed the answers to her questions.  With this knowledge, she can live the life her great-grandmother and mother would want for her.  

An excellent book that I highly recommend.  We should not forget our past.  It shapes our future.

I received this book for free to review from Celebrate Lit.

The Dressmaker’s Secret 

About the Book

Book:  The Dressmaker’s Secret

Author: Kellyn Roth

Genre: Christian historical women’s fiction

IF THEY KNEW WHO SHE WAS, THEY’D NEVER ACCEPT WHAT SHE’S BECOME.

Claire will stop at nothing to provide for her daughters. An unwed mother, she does everything possible to raise them whilst avoiding her scandalous past. Some secrets are best kept, even between mother and daughter. Alice longs for a father, especially if that means her mother will be happy. She takes matters into her own hands—but she never expected what she finds.

Despite her efforts to shelter her daughters, Claire’s ghosts rise up to haunt her, and any semblance of control over her life vanishes. If her secrets are uncovered, what will become of her family?

 

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kellyn Roth is a Christian historical women’s fiction & romance author from North-Eastern Oregon who has independently published multiple novels, the most notable being The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy series. You should definitely call her Kell.

Kell lives on family-owned property outside an unmemorable but historical town with her parents, two little brothers, arbitrary cat, precious border collies, a dozen cows, and lots of chickens. She also possesses a classic, vintage aesthetic which does not at all speak to her country girl side, but such is life.

When not writing, Kell likes to blog, teach writing to her various students, have day jobs which allow her to keep her car properly insured, and spend lavish amounts of money on Dairy Queen french fries.

 

More from Kellyn

I’ve honestly never rewritten a book as many times as I rewrote The Dressmaker’s Secret, and I hope I never do.

A first draft flew out of me one November when I was fourteen, and before the next November had come around, I’d gone through twelve drafts, changed points of view multiple times, and eventually rewrote the whole thing from scratch.

The ending especially went through many, many versions … until at last I settled on the final. Or so I thought.

Not long after, some more issues were called to light, and I revised again. And again. Years passed. I went through over twenty-five drafts! And, at the time, I liked all of them. Would I ever like one for longer than a month, though?

Well, turns out, it was possible! I’m over a year and a half into loving my draft of The Dressmaker’s Secret – e.g. the published draft – and that’s not likely to change any time soon.

This book taught me a lot. It practically taught me how to write – and edit! – a good book, and it made me really focus in on quality, even when it took some humility to admit I was wrong and critics were right – or, sometimes, that my gut was right. It taught me to not give up on something I love. It taught me that the risks I always wanted to take are worth taking. It taught me that no mistake is too great to be corrected … well, in some ways, at least.

And it taught me that there’s a great God out there who has grace for all my delays and mistakes and learning experiences.

So, that’s the story of how The Dressmaker’s Secret came to be written!

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 27

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 27

Splashes of Joy, January 27

Remembrancy, January 28

Genesis 5020, January 28

Worthy2Read, January 29

Vicky Sluiter, January 29

Maureen’s Musings, January 29

The Write Escape, January 30

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 30

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 31

A Novel Pursuit, January 31

Texas Book-aholic, February 1

CarpeDiem, February 1

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 2

Inklings and notions, February 3

lakesidelivingsite, February 3

Betti Mace, February 4

Reflections From My Bookshelves, February 4

deb’s Book Review, February 4

For Him and My Family, February 5

Connect in Fiction, February 5

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 6

Connie’s History Classroom, February 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 7

Godly Book Reviews, February 7

Labor Not in Vain, February 7

Artistic Nobody, February 8 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Blogging With Carol, February 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 9

Sodbuster Living, February 9

Bizwings Blog, February 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kellyn is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of both The Dressmaker’s Secret and Ivy Introspective, as well as 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/10689/the-dressmaker-s-secret-celebration-tour-giveaway

Faith's Mountain Home

Misty M. Beller has become a friend of mine and I have never met her.  But I know that when I open one of her books I was in for something special.  I can't resist any of her books.  She is able to transport me to another time and location page by page.  This book was no exception.

Laura and Nate had apprehension about each other.  They were both from troubled pasts. Could they trust their feelings?  Could they trust each other?

This story was a great example of how GOD can change lives and relationships. 

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

  

Book:  Faith’s Mountain Home

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian historical romance

Nate Long has always watched over his identical twin brother, Aaron, even when it put him on the wrong side of the law. When Aaron is wounded in a shootout, the brothers are taken to Settler’s Fort to recover. As Nate works to make reparations for their past, he marvels at the nursing Aaron receives under the care of a woman with all the reason in the world to resent him.

Laura Hannon knows what it is to start over, and she knows Nate’s newfound faith is real. What she can’t look past is how far he allowed himself to be led astray by his brother’s weaknesses.

As a fledgling trust grows between Nate and Laura, they stumble upon a mysterious cave in the mountains that may not be as uninhabited as it seems.

As they work together for a common cause, will the new lives they seek for themselves include love, or is there too much that stands between them?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

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.

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and children now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

 

More from Misty

Who doesn’t love a good cave?

Well, maybe not everyone, but I have to confess, I love exploring!

While there aren’t many caves near my South Carolina home, I’ve always loved the idea of finding an opening hidden in the rocks. Then venturing in and finding a huge cavern filled with stalactites and stalagmites and a host of other beauties I can’t pronounce!

And dark tunnels? As long as I have a light and a string to unravel as I go so I can get back out, I’m game!

Unfortunately, I’ve never found a large cave in real life that had never been explored, but in Faith’s Mountain Home, Nate and Laura found exactly that! Although…turns out, it had been discovered by someone already. I won’t give you (too many) spoilers, but let me just tell you there’s a precocious Native American girl involved, and a few other things not so delightful.

The good news is, you can enjoy the story without actually entering the pitch black cavern!

Last summer, I had the opportunity to tour a cave with many features like Nate and Laura discovered in their hidden cave. The Caverns of Sonora in Sonora, Texas was a fantastic experience! As you can imagine, it’s hard to get good pictures in solid darkness, but here are a few of the amazing formations still growing in those two miles of underground tunnels.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 26

Artistic Nobody, January 26 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Connie’s History Classroom, January 27

Bigreadersite, January 27

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 27

Betti Mace, January 28

Connect in Fiction, January 28

Texas Book-aholic, January 28

Lighthouse Academy Blog, January 29 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

lakesidelivingsite, January 29

Bizwings Blog, January 29

Through the Fire Blogs, January 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 31

Fiction Book Lover, January 31 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Inspiration Clothesline, January 31

Wishful Endings, February 1

Life of Literature, February 1

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 1

deb’s Book Review, February 2

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 2

Blossoms and Blessings, February 2

For Him and My Family, February 3

Splashes of Joy , February 3

Simple Harvest Reads, February 3 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Blessed & Bookish, February 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 4

To Everything There Is A Season, February 4

Older & Smarter?, February 5

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 5

Pause for Tales, February 5

For the Love of Literature, February 6

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 6

Remembrancy, February 7

Inklings and notions, February 7

Hallie Reads, February 7

She Lives To Read, February 8

HookMeInABook, February 8

Genesis 5020, February 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize package of the entire Hearts of Montana series, plus a “Faith Moves Mountain” sign!! (See Here: https://etsy.me/2JjZAVV)

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/1062c/faith-s-mountain-home-celebration-tour-giveaway

Reunited on Dragonfly Lane by Annie Rains

Another new author that I discovered recently.  Annie Rains wrote this story that includes a cute dog. There are seven books in the Sweetwater Springs Series.  This book can stand alone.  Right away I was drawn to the cover.  How can you resist picking this up?

Comet, the dog, brought Sophie and Chase together.  Well, together again.  They have a past but is there a chance for a future?

 Sophie and Chase each have fears and obstacles to conquer before they can even think of a future together.  

I plan to pick up the previous books as I enjoyed the story line and all the characters.  The covers of her books are appealing as well as what is in between them.

I received this book for free to review from The Hachette Book Company.

 Annie Rains is a USA Today Bestselling author of small town contemporary romance full of hope and heart. After years of dreaming about being an author, Annie published her first book in 2015 and has been chasing deadlines and happy ever afters for her characters ever since. When she isn’t writing, Annie is usually spending time with her husband and 3 children, binging Netflix, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

​Sign up for Annie’s newsletter to stay informed about new releases and sales.
 
You can find Annie online at www.annierains.com or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @annierainsbooks

​Order Now:

Amazon Print Barnes and Noble Print Walmart Target ​Books A Million ​IndieBound

Modern Cast Iron

 

I am not a cook. I have a reputation of not being a chef.  We bought our house in 2018.  The stove/oven is a cook's dream.  It has a double oven with convection.  It does overwhelm me just looking at it!  Everyone in the family had a chuckle when they saw the stove for the first time.

I might not be a cook but I love collecting cookbooks.  I have a collection that ranges from early American cuisine to Mexican food and beyond.  

I received this cookbook because I won a contest.  I entered but I had no thought that I would win.  But lucky me...I won!

I received my cookbook with hot gloves, a Lodge cast iron fry pan and a magazine.  I was thrilled.  This cookbook is more than just a cookbook.  It is a guide to cooking with cast iron.  I was quite impressed.  

I am excited to try out one of the recipes soon.  Let my family be shocked with my cooking!  I will make sure to tell them that Ashley L. Jones was in the kitchen with me guiding  me along the way!!!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ashley L. Jones is an author, blogger, and teacher, but she prefers the title of Big Sister. A firm believer that we all know something worth sharing, she started the blog Big Sister Knows as a way to encourage and inspire other young women to live with gusto.

In her debut release, "Modern Cast Iron" (August 2020, Red Lightning Books), Ashley continues that mission. Not only does she instruct readers about cast-iron cookware, but she inspires them to cook simple, wholesome foods and to gather with family around the table.

Ashley also has several manuscripts for faith-based children's books and inspirational nonfiction for young women. She looks forward to the day when these books are available for readers.

In everything she does, Ashley hopes to inspire others to live wholesome lives that bring glory to God. Find your encouragement, and follow Ashley’s journey, at www.BigSisterKnows.com.

Faith, Farming, And Family

GOD has a plan for you. I believe that.  I haven't always believed that.  During my low moments, I questioned what was wrong with me?  Why did my marriage fail?  What did I do wrong?  It had to be my fault after two failed marriages. 

I prayed. I suffered.  I hurt.  But I continued on..what choice did I have?  Every day was a struggle until one day I felt a little better and realized that GOD was working in my life. He had a plan.  I was in a hurry.  GOD knew what was in store for me.  

Seven years later I met a man that I totally believe GOD had planned for me.  My soulmate.  The love of my life.  I can look back and see how GOD blessed my life.  I appreciate what I have so much more because of my past.

I was given the chance to read Faith, Farming and Family by Caitlin Henderson. I never heard of this young woman who wrote this beautiful book.  She opened her heart and life to her readers.  It was a wonderful read.  She touched my heart with her writing.  I immediately signed up for her blog.  

I highly recommend this book to my friends and family.  Ms. Henderson has something to say that is valuable for us all.

I received this book from Waterbrook & Multnomah to review for free.

About Author:

I’m an author, speaker, and woman on a mission. I want to impact the Kingdom of God, but I don’t want to do it alone. I’m here to encourage you and speak truth into your life so that we can start a domino effect that goes on for generations of women boldly going where God calls. So friend, I’m going to metaphorically grab your hand and look you in the eyes and ask you a question. Do you believe God wants to use you for His glory? (He does) Then sis, let’s go!

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.