The Women of Wynton's

The 50s. Glamour. Fashion. A time long forgotten. This is a story that brings you back to those magical days.

Wyntons had a long history and tradition.  It kind of made me think of Macys.  The store had its scandals and rumors ran wild.  Of course. Audrey must be sleeping with Mr. Wynton.  How else could she have risen so far in the company?  Don't this still happen in today's world?  The falsehoods and lies that run rampant and can destroy people's reputations.

Audrey loved her job and enjoyed helping other staff reach their potential.  But tragedy strikes and Audrey finds herself right in the middle of a murder mystery. Can her fellow employees help her solve this crime?  

This book was very entertaining.  I enjoyed meeting the Women of Wynton's. They all came from different backgrounds (economic and social).  This didn't stop them from forming a closeknit work family which carried over in their personal lives.

I loved it.  

I received this book to review from Celebrate Lit.  

#blogtour 

About the Book

Book: The Women of Wynton’s

Author: Donna Mumma

Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction

Release date: July, 2024

Mid-Century Glam Meets Murder Mayhem

Get swept away to the glamor of a 1950’s department store where four women’s loyalties, vanity, friendship, and detective skills are put to the test.

Audrey Penault once led a glamorous life as a model but now works as devoted secretary to Mr. Wynton. To her fellow employees, she is too vain and uppity.

Mary Jo Johnson, a wife and mother, longs to find her worth in the cosmetics department, but it may take a while for the shy housewife to discover her voice.

Vivian Sheffield owns and runs the bridal salon within Wynton’s. She is proud of her accomplishments and won’t let anyone take them away.

Gigi Woodard dislikes her job as waitress in the store’s lunchroom, but she is determined not to let her secret shortcomings cause her to lose the position.

These four women have much to dislike about each other, but they unanimously agree that Mr. Wynton is the best of employers and must be protected at all costs from someone who seems determined to see him gone for good. When other employee deaths occur, can the women band together to solve the murders, or will they discover it is one of their own bent on destroying Wynton’s from within?

 

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Donna Mumma perfected storytelling in her first grade classroom, spinning tales exciting enough to settle a roomful of antsy six-year-olds. She is an award winning author who loves to blend history, mystery, and a dash of hope in stories that explore ordinary people who learn extraordinary life lessons. Donna is an active member of Word Weavers International, serving as president for the Tampa chapter as well as a mentor for chapters around the country. She was recognized as the Word Weavers traditional groups president and mentor of the year in 2022. She also serves as a line editor and contributor for Inskpirationsonline.com, a site featuring devotions written for writers by writers. An avid believer in education, Donna earned her M. Ed in elementary education and writes educational blogs and articles to assist teachers overseas for the International School Project. A native Floridian, she loves sharing life with her husband and her energetic collie, Duke.

More from Donna

Two models posed in red, flowy iconic 50’s dresses, white gloves, and classy hats. Perfect makeup and hair. Years ago, this picture hung in the dressing rooms of my favorite clothing store.

I was hooked.

Every time I entered the store, I’d walk to the dressing rooms to stare at the picture whether I had something to try on or not. There was something about that image that drew me in.

A few years later, I happened upon the same picture from the store on a social media page I’d joined featuring fashions from the 1950’s. I discovered my beloved photo came from a cover of Vogue magazine issued in 1955.

Then my imagination started churning. Every movie I’d watched with Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Kim Novak came to mind. I pictured four women, wearing the classy, tailored suits, full-skirted dresses, and the beautiful gowns from the 50’s. They were going to work in a department store because I grew up on a dairy farm, way out in the country of central Florida, and the big department stores like Burdines, Maas Brothers, and Robinsons were the most glamourous, luxurious places I’d ever seen.

These women were going to have to deal with a few murders. And the fact they don’t care much for each other.

As I researched, departments stores, history, fashion, and life in Florida in the 1950’s these characters came alive. First was Audrey, a former fashion model and the personal secretary to the owner of Wynton’s Department Store who may be the most hated woman around town. Miss Vivien, the owner and designer for Wynton’s bridal salon, who fights being set aside because she’s growing older. Mary Jo, a young wife and mother who longs to be at home but must take a job at Wynton’s to save her family. Lastly, Gigi, a girl who’s tired of the tough breaks in her life and hopes a new job at Wynton’s will bring her better fortune.

I wanted their experiences in the story to be true-to-life for that period and drew from stories and memories my own mother shared with me when I was growing up. I had so much fun writing about The Women of Wynton’s as they worked their way through mayhem, murders, and a Christmas parade, but also learned much about the women in this period of history. It is my hope my readers will too.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 2

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 2

Stories By Gina, August 3 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 3

Pause for Tales, August 4

Texas Book-aholic, August 4

Inspired by fiction, August 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 7

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, August 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , August 8

Books You Can Feel Good About, August 9

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

Paperbacks and Throwbacks, August 10

Book Looks by Lisa, August 11

Cover Lover Book Review, August 12

For Him and My Family, August 13

Lights in a Dark World, August 14

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 14

Labor Not in Vain, August 15

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2d090/the-women-of-wynton-s-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Home Front Nurses

Three young women who want to make a difference.  

Freda, Sylvia and Veronica became fast friends while working at a hospital in Bath, England as nurses. Injured soldiers and displaced families are treated with honor and respect. It does takes its toll as they grow in their profession.

So far, Bath has been spared from the bombing Germans.  But how long will this last?  

Heart wrenching at times but a delight to read.  

I received this ebook from Boldwood Books to review. 

#raresources

#Boldwoodwood

#blogtour 

#RachelBrimble

The Home Front Nurses

September 1941, Bath – three friends are about to find that some of the biggest battles are to be found on the home front…

As war rages and brave soldiers returning home from the frontline need nurses more than ever, fiercely proud redhead Sylvia Roberts is determined to help in any way she can. In spite of her mother’s belief she isn’t good enough, Sylvia believes that becoming a home front nurse is her calling.

Together with the two friends she makes on her first day in the job – Freda and Veronica – she knows she can help save lives. And, as the devastation of war shows no signs of ceasing, their work becomes ever more vital.

Then Sylvia’s life is thrown into the path of a man who might just be able to capture her heart. Even though he is somebody who everyone – except her best friends – seems prejudiced against. Can love really conquer all, in times of war?

One thing she knows is that – in the dangerous days that will follow – she and her friends will all need to support each other right to the end…

The Home Front Nurses is a gripping, uplifting story of unbreakable bonds of friendship in times of strife and heartbreak.

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

Author Bio – 

Rachel Brimble is the bestselling author of over thirty works of historical romance and saga fiction. The first book in her series, The Home Front Nurses, is set in Bath.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @rachelbrimbleauthor 

Twitter: @RachelBrimble

Instagram: @rachelbrimbleauthor

Convincing Lou

Can Ellie Lou Williams trust GOD?  Does he really listen?  Lou does need some convincing that GOD really listens.  

She puts herself at risk to save her ranch. She doesn't hesitate. She jumps right in and faces the challenge before her. 

A cute story with a few twists and turns.  You can't help but love feisty Lou.  She has gumption and plenty of spark.  Caleb Martin, a soon to be retired U.S. deputy marshal, can't help being intrigued by her. Once he realizes she's a girl!!

I love the frequent Bible quotes and passages that are throughout the story.  The message is clear.  GOD is there with you during your highs and lows.  He listens.  He is someone you can rely on in your times of need.  Pray often and be grateful for your blessings.

Lou deserves a happy ending.  Can Caleb be an answer to a prayer?

This is a part of a new series:

I received this book from Jodie Wolfe to review.

#JodieWolfe

#blogtour

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), and COMPEL Training. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie.

Saved By The Matchmaker

Scars are not always just on the outside.  We all have scars at one point or another.  Some are quicker to heal than others. 

Enya was badly bruised after a failed relationship.  She found herself in a bad situation.  Sullivan's (just love that name) scars were more visible. 

Both were carrying heavy emotional loads.  Is it possible to cast off these negative messages?

I loved this book.  The characters came to life for me.  I once was fed negative messages that took me a few years to get rid of.  The mind games played by my ex could have ruined my life.  But with time and my faith in GOD, slowly you start to realize that it wasn't true.

Sullivan and Enya were fortunate to have Bellamy, the matchmaker, put them together. Maybe he really knows what he is doing!!

Thanks, Jody Hedlund, for giving me the opportunity to review this wonderful book.

Token of Love

This book took my breath away.  It had two story lines about 200 years apart.

Four main characters that were quite a like in many ways.

Matthew and Jonas were GOD fearing men who took their responsibilities very seriously.  Lillian and Janelle were afraid to open their hearts due to their pasts.  But were Matthew and Jonas worth the risk?

The book was "A Token of Love" given to us by the author, Carrie Turansky.  It touched my heart.  It made me stop and think.  It made me cry.  I loved the story.  It wasn't always easy to read but it was so worth it. A treasure.

#blogtour

#CarrieTuransky

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She loved traveling to England to research her latest Edwardian novels including The Legacy of Longdale Manor, No Journey Too Far, No Ocean Too Wide, Across the Blue, and Edwardian Brides series.  Her novels have received stared reviews from Christianbooks.com and Library Journal. They have been translated into several languages and enjoyed by readers around the world. Carrie loves to connect with reading friends on Facebook, Instagram, and via her website and blog: carrieturansky.com.

 

The Christmas Tree Farm

The Christmas season was always the busiest time of year for Madison's grandparents.  They ran a Christmas tree farm.  She had so many fond memories of visiting and helping them with their business.  

After being out of the country, Madison returns to find many homes and businesses destroyed by a wildfire.  Her sister tells her that the farm is in trouble and they need to sell.  Madison is determined to save the farm. 

Her determination and grit is remarkable.  With the help of a young girl, who happens to be the daughter of a childhood boyfriend, she does everything she can to hold onto the farm that she loves. A little romance with the girl's father might cause some diversion from the task at hand.  He made my heart go pitter/patter.

Madison begins to understand herself better as well as her sister and their mother. 

I enjoyed the book and had my fingers crossed that the beloved farm would survive for many years to come.

Author

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark movie, and the movie based on her novel The Happy Camper premiered on UPtv in 2023. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at MelodyCarlson.com.

The Christmas Duet

Debbie Macomber has written another winner.  I can't tell you how many of her books I've read.  I particularly love her Christmas books.

The Christmas Duet involves a teacher, Hailey, who really wants to be a songwriter.  She lost her confidence while dating her last boyfriend. Can she gain it back?

She needs to get away over the holidays.  A perfect opportunity opens up in a remote cottage in Podunk, Oregon. She longs for a quiet two weeks to do what she loves: compose music.  Her plan goes all haywire after she meets Jay.  He turns her world upside down in the most delightful way.

Have you ever changed your traditional Christmas plans for something new?  Did it disappoint your parents, siblings or children?  Hailey's mother wasn't too happy and she was going to do something about it.

I loved the story.  I finished it in one night.  I read this in July but I'm ready for Christmas Debbie Macomber style.

#blogtour

#achristmasduet

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author and a leading voice in women’s fiction today. She is a multiple award winner with more than 200 million copies of her books in print. Five of her Christmas titles have been made into Hallmark Channel Original Movies, as well as a series based on her bestselling Cedar Cove stories.

The Protector

Norman Petersheim is the oldest child out of five.  He takes his family responsibilities very seriously. He is determined to protect and care for his parents and his siblings the best way he can.  

The whole family is shaken when a catastrophe happens.  Each family member deals with it in their own way.  

We all have experienced some type of loss in one  form or another.  In my experience, I find myself task-oriented.  What do I need to do?  Who do I need to contact?  I am the oldest like Norman.

Others are so grief stricken that they freeze up. They are incapable  making any decisions or taking on any responsibilities.

Guilt also plays into our thinking.  I should have done this or that. I could have prevented it if I did this.

Families can either pull together during a crisis or fall apart.  

This is Book One of a new series called A Mifflin County Mystery by Wanda Brunstetter.  It deals with grief and how to continue on with life. It shows how GOD comforts us in our time of need.

I am glad that there will be another book as it does leave you hanging.  I enjoyed the story and I want to know what happens next. 

I received this book to review from Barbour Books and Wanda's Clippity Clop Club.

#blogtour

#Wanda'sClippityClopClub  

#theprotector

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written more than 100 books translated in four languages. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nation’s most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Outcast

I have been enjoying the Amish Bonnet Sisters Series by Samantha Price.  I have enjoyed every one. I loved all the characters.

OUTCAST is a new book but so very different than her others. It was much more serious and I must say, a little disturbing. I had a difficult time warming up to the main character, Trust. I did feel her pain on how she was treated by her own parents and neighbors when she was younger.

It was full of twists and turns.  I didn't know what was going to happen next. 

Samantha Price did it to me again.  I got to the last page and went "what"?  She writes like the old movie theater series where there is a cliffhanger to bring you back next week.  You have to come back and read Book 2.  You just have to.

I received this book from the author to review.  

#SamanthaPrice

#blogtour

About the author

Raised in the Brethren, Samantha has a profound affinity for the Amish way of life, which she has explored extensively through over a decade of dedicated research. Her stories resonate with authenticity and heart, drawing readers into the serene and inspiring world of the Amish community. Samantha is also a devoted animal lover. She shares her home with two pampered dogs and a rescue cat who believes he's a dog too.

Samantha loves to hear from her readers. Connect at:

SamanthaPriceAuthor dot com

A Conflicted Betrothal

 

Temperance and Tabitha were sisters.  Temperance always felt second best.   She wasn't as beautiful and she wore glasses!   But she was fiesty and determined to fight against the loyalists even if her father and the handsome soldier, Ansel, were members of that exact same party.

How can two people at opposite ends of the spectrum get along?  Temperance discovered that it is possible with sacrifice and understanding. 

The historical content of this book is absolutely amazing.  I really appreciate the research and time that the author put in to write this wonderful story.  

I received this book to review from Celebrate Lit.

#blog

#Celebratelit

#DeniseWeimer

About the Book

Book: A Conflicted Betrothal

Author: Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 11, 2024

A King’s Ranger, a secret patriot, and a love that calls everything into question.

As a King’s Ranger on Georgia’s frontier, Ansel Anderson loves his independent life. But he’s also a second son, which means he’ll need the favor of someone influential to secure a land grant to settle his future. What better way to win support than by marrying the daughter of a member of the Governor’s Council? Yet Ansel’s straightforward plan is complicated by Miss Scott’s aloofness and his own growing sympathy for the passionate cause of the Liberty Boys.

As drawn to the enigmatic Ansel Anderson as Temperance Scott might be, he’d be more of a match for her feisty twin sister—who is all too happy to oblige. Not only would timid, nearsighted Temperance make a poor wife for a man trained for life on the frontier, but anyone she allows close to her must share her secret patriot ideals.

When Savannah erupts into riots and intrigue following the passage of the Stamp Act, Ansel is tasked with identifying a spy passing sensitive information to the Liberty Boys and the author of anonymous letters threatening those loyal to the governor. And as suspicions focus on the Scott family, which is he prepared to sacrifice—love or loyalty?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Weimer has authored over a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

More from Denise

The American Revolution That Almost Happened a Decade Earlier:

The Setting for A Conflicted Betrothal

Savannah, Georgia, 1765. Sedition, secret letters, spies, and Sons of Liberty. An absolutely irresistible combination for an author of historical romance! All this intrigue centered around the passage and implementation of the Stamp Act.

The crowning grievance after a series of increasingly repressive acts levying taxes for Britain, the act required an imprint on official papers or a small blue paper affixed with tin foil to a document, including bills, calendars, warrants, deeds, court documents, commercial papers, degrees, newspapers, pamphlets, ads, almanacs, indentures, appointments, and even cards and dice. Anyone breaking the Stamp Act would be tried in admiralty court in Novia Scotia. Colonists objected to not having a local trial by their peers and because English parliament, not the local upper and lower colonial houses, set the tax.

Savannah seethed with discontent while awaiting the appointment of a stamp master and the arrival of the stamps.

Then a sensational article in the Georgia Gazette revealed that four local citizens had received letters signed by “the Townsman” accusing them of being the stamp master or having stamped papers in their possession. The men were instructed to publicly advertise their innocence or risk grievous results.

When protest and riots speared by the fledgling Liberty Boys repeatedly erupted, the governor called out his Royal Rangers to quell the potential rebellion. But the rangers and the militia were riddled with secret patriots, many of whom were the sons of prominent loyalists. Imagine being in the position where you are sworn to serve and protect—only, you suspect you may be on the wrong side.

That’s what happens to my hero in A Conflicted Betrothal. Georgia Royal Ranger Ansel Anderson is summoned from his frontier post to provide intelligence to his father’s friend, a loyalist judge. To obtain the land grant he needs, he’s also to court the man’s daughter, an ardent patriot. Patience Scott has no intention of letting herself fall for a sworn King’s Man…until anonymous letters threatening those loyal to the governor corner her into agreeing to a betrothal. But will their attraction to each other survive their conflicting loyalties?

Blog Stops

Holly’s Book Corner, July 2

Texas Book-aholic, July 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 3

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 4

lakesidelivingsite, July 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 6

Pause for Tales, July 6

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 7

Simple Harvest Reads, July 8 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 9

Inkwell Inspirations, July 10

For Him and My Family, July 11

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 12

Blossoms and Blessings , July 12

Cover Lover Book Review, July 13

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 14

Connie’s History Classroom, July 15

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Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/2c80b/a-conflicted-betrothal-celebration-tour-giveaway

Courage for the Clarks Factory Girls

I have been wearing Clark Shoes for years.  Great shoes that last a long time.  I was intrigued by the title.  This is part of a series.  I recommend reading the previous book as it gives you a better understanding of the plot.  

This book continues the story of three girls who work at the Clark Factory.  They become very close friends.  Kate, Louisa and Jeannie are there for each other in every way possible.  It is rare to find friendships like that.

I loved the story.  It was heart wrenching at times.  It brought you to WW2 when the local lads went off to serve their country.  This caused grief and hardships for the families they left behind.

I look forward to the next chapter as the ending leaves you hanging!!  

I received this book from Boldwood to review.

#rararescources

#BoldwoodBooks

#MayEllis

Courage For The Clarks Factory Girls

1915: As war continues to rage across the Channel, the families of the Somerset village of Street can no longer avoid its long shadow.

Workers in the Clarks shoe factory, at the heart of the village, have left for the army in droves, and news from the Front seems to grow darker by the day.

When life-long friends Louisa, Jeannie and Kate receive the news they had been fearing, all hope seems lost. And Louisa’s world will be rocked further when she makes another discovery, one that will see her cast out by her family, changing her life forever.

Kate and Jeannie are determined to be strong for their friend, but each of them has their own problems to bear, and when Jeannie’s beloved brother Lucas enlists, she fears history is about to repeat itself.

Can the Clarks factory girls help each other through the darkest days and keep hope alive?

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

Author Bio – 

May Ellis has been a legal executive, registered childminder, professional fund – raiser and a teacher. She has travelled the world, including trekking in mountains, deserts and the Great Wall of China, as well as helping build a house in Thailand. She went to university in her forties and gained a first class degree and an MA while still working full – time. Her first book, a contemporary romance, was published in 2014. Since then she has had five more novels published, including another romance and a YA time travel adventure. The last three are gritty dramas set in the 1960s/70s published by Darkstroke Books. She lives in Somerset, within sight of Glastonbury Tor, volunteering at her local library and for the Alfred Gillett Trust (custodians of the Clark’s archives). Her current series, based on the factory workers at Clark’s Shoes was inspired by her move to the area and her love of social history

Social Media Links –  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alison_Knight59 

Newsletter Sign Up: bit.ly/MayEllisNews 

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/may-ellis