Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Ellie's Redemption by Molly Jeeber

Who wouldn't love Ellie? She was kind and thoughtful. She was loving. She was beautiful. But she had a past that could ruin everything. Can she finally have the future she always dreamed about or was she going to pay the price for her past mistakes?

This book is about making mistakes and asking for forgiveness. It's about understanding. It's about community and acceptance.

I loved Ellie's story. She came to realize her mistakes and learned from them. She is not perfect. But GOD is willing to accept and forgive. Some members of the community have to learn this. We are not here to judge others.

We all have made mistakes. It is important to learn from them.

I received this free to review from Celebrate Lit.

About the Book

Title: Ellie’s Redemption

Author: Molly Jebber

Genre: Christian fiction, Amish

Release date: January 29, 2019

1912, Charm, Ohio

Ellie Graber is determined to restore her bad reputation in Charm, Ohio. She regrets leaving Amish life and the danger and heartache she caused her family and friends. Ellie loves working with Liza, and her best friend and cousin, Hannah, at Liza’s Amish Charm Bakery, attends church, and obeys Amish law, but the gossip about her past life won’t stop. Joel Wenger’s deep blue eyes tell her he cares for her, but she suspects his parents have warned him to stay away from her. Joel wants to trust Ellie’s changed but his sister, Maryann, who left Amish life broke their hearts. Will Joel ignore his parents and friends, face their anger and ridicule, and give her a chance?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Molly Jebber writes Amish Historical Romance. Her latest release, ELLIE’S REDEMPTION, is the second book in her Amish Charm Bakery Series. Molly’s books have been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today’s HEA, and Romantic Times. Her books have received widespread media attention throughout the US. Her books are sold in print and Ebook throughout the US and United Kingdom. She’s a touring speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, other women’s organizations, and she offers presentations on writing and the Amish. She says the most rewarding part about writing stories is meeting wonderful readers who become friends through social media and at her speaking events. Please visit her website: http://www.mollyjebber.comfor a full list of her books (and options stores to buy them), speaking events and recipes.

She loves God, her family, and friends. She says yes to swimming, the beach, golf, and time with her family and friends, and no to coconut, onions, and skydiving!

Guest Post from Molly

Hi Friends!

Ellie likes newcomer Joel, and he’s the first Amish man to show interest since her return to Charm. She’s afraid when he learns of her rebellious past and the danger she brought to her family before turning her life around, he’ll end their courtship. Joel is frustrated his sister left Amish life before his family moved to Charm. He chooses not to tell Ellie about her, until he has no choice. What does the future hold for Ellie and Joel when their secrets are revealed?

Along with the story of Ellie’s Redemption are recipes!

Here’s one just for you!

Ellie’s Surprise Cookies

1 cup shortening 2 cups rolled oats (quick cook)

1 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon soda

1 ¼ cup brown sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla

¼ teaspoon cinnamon 1 ½ cups chocolate chips

2 eggs 2 cups flour

3 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt

Sift dry ingredients. Cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs and beat until fluffy. Stir in dry ingredients. Add oatmeal, vanilla and chocolate chips. Dough will be crumbly. Spoon a teaspoon of dough at a time on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Blog Stops

Quiet Quilter, January 29

Carpe Diem, January 29

Lighthouse Academy, January 30

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, January 30

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 31

Splashes of Joy, January 31

Janices book reviews, January 31

A Baker’s Perspective, February 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 1

Bigreadersite, February 2

Mary Hake, February 2

Maureen’s Musings, February 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 3

EmpowerMoms, February 3

Inklings and Notions, February 4

Captive Dreams Window, February 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5

Robin is Bookish, February 5

Texas Book-aholic, February 6

My Devotional Thoughts, February 6

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, February 7

SusanLovesBooks, February 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 8

For the Love of Books, February 8

Henry Happens, February 9

Blossoms and Blessings, February 9

Bibliophile Reviews, February 10

Connie’s History Classroom, February 10

Vicky Sluiter, February 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Molly is giving away a grand prize that includes an Amish doll, a handmade lap quilt (can be used as wall hanging), an Apple Pie recipe tea towel, a Blessings journal, a handmade quilted potholder, a $10 Amazon Card, Ellie’s Redemption Print Book, a mug, a 2019 Planner, pad and pen set, and a bookmark!!

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/da8b/ellie-s-redemption-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, January 26, 2019

The Forgiving Jar by Wanda Brunstetter

The hardest thing is to forgive someone who has hurt you. It is even harder to forgive yourself. Michelle and Sarah had help with The Forgiving Jar.

The Forgiving Jar is the second book in a series by Wanda Brunstetter. It seems like I took a speed reading course as I finished this delightful book so quickly. I couldn't put it down. I am excited to know that there will be a book three in August 2019.

We all would benefit from the love and kindness of the Lapp Family. Could Michelle and Sarah learn from their past mistakes? Could they learn to forgive?

Pick up this book. You won't be sorry. It is a treasure. Throughout the book, there are "pearls of wisdom" to read, think about and put into practice.

I received this free to review.

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

A Love To Behold

I just completed book 3 of a series by Sharlene MacLaren. I was moved by Lydia's determination. She left all she knew behind to teach children that needed her so desperately. She was given the gift to serve. She loved her students and rejoiced in their successes. She had a plan. But GOD had additional plans for her.

Reese was one special man. He followed GOD and did his best to take care of his family. He opened the door and his heart to those who needed him and something wonderful happened.

At times, it was difficult to read about the destruction made by hatred. But with every hurtful act, kindness and love was shown by others in the community. GOD is there and will see us through.

I received this free to review from Celebrate Lit.

About the Book

Title: A Love to Behold

Author: Sharlene MacLaren

Genre: Christian romance, historical

Release date: January 8, 2019

Publisher: Whitaker House

Two years after the Civil War, Lydia Albright, 27, is an established teacher in Boston when she senses God’s call to leave the comfort and security of her job and go south. She accepts a position to teach in a school for former slaves in Charleston, South Carolina. A church there that’s affiliated with the American Missionary Association offers support, along with room and board at the parsonage.

The Ku Klux men are hell-bent on seeing that the new school fails. Lydia’s life is threatened, and the parsonage, church, and school are vandalized.

But they haven’t contended with a strong, determined woman like Lydia before. It also helps that she has a couple potential suitors on her side.

A Love to Behold is a tale of people who grow strong in the face of adversity and a church that learns love, compassion, and acceptance, even in the face of cruelty and hatred.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Born and raised in west Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. Upon graduating in 1971 with an education degree, she taught second grade for two years, then accepted an invitation to travel internationally with a singing ensemble for one year. In 1975, she came home, returned to her teaching job, and married her childhood sweetheart. Together, they raised two lovely daughters, both of whom are now happily married and enjoying families of their own. Retired in 2003 after thirty-one years of teaching, “Shar” loves to read, sing, travel, and spend time with her family—in particular, her adorable grandchildren!
A Christian for over fifty years, and a lover of the English language, Shar always enjoyed dabbling in writing. She remembers well the short stories she wrote in high school, and watching them circulate from girl to girl during government and civics classes. “Psst,” someone would whisper from two rows over, always when the teacher’s back was turned, “pass me the next page.”
In the early 2000s, Shar felt God’s call upon her heart to take her writing pleasures a step further, and in 2006, she signed a contract for her first faith-based novel, Through Every Storm, thereby launching her writing career. With eighteen published novels now gracing store shelves and being sold online, she daily gives God all the glory. She dedicated her last novel, Their Daring Hearts, to Jesus.
Shar has done numerous countrywide book signings and made several television appearances and radio interviews. She loves speaking for community organizations, libraries, church groups, and women’s conferences. In her church, she is active in women’s ministries, regularly facilitating Bible studies and other events. She and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan, with their beautiful white collie, Peyton, and their ragdoll cat, Blue.
Shar loves hearing from her readers. If you wish to contact her as a potential speaker for a church function or would simply like to chat with her, please feel free to send her an e-mail at sharlenemaclaren@yahoo.com. She will do her best to answer in a timely manner. You may also find her on Facebook.

Guest Post from Sharlene

My dear readers,

It has indeed been my great privilege and pleasure to write this series set in Civil War times. What a thought-provoking, amazing, and heart-wrenching era in American history.

If you read all three books in the “Forever Freedom” series—Summer on Sunset Ridge, Their Daring Hearts, and A Love to Behold—you will have gotten some history lessons regarding the Religious Society of Friends, also known as Quakers; Abolition; the Underground Railroad, which the Quakers were instrumental in launching; life as a Union soldier in the Civil War; the Freedmen’s Bureau; and Reconstruction, that period following the war when the south had fallen into great dis-repair. Also prevalent in this third book is a bit of history regarding the origin of the Ku Klux Klan, a hate group that formed during the Reconstruction period.

Although I did not appreciate history as a young girl, as an older adult, I’m quite fascinated by it. History itself is a great teacher. Learning about it can be everything from exhilarating to depressing, challenging and yet exciting. It is my prayer that as you read my books, you’ll not only find them entertaining, but also inspiring and uplifting. I aim to encourage, not discourage. Much of history—if we dwell on it—can be disheartening, but focusing our hearts and minds on Christ gives us courage and confidence. Let us learn from history, but let us look to the future with hope in our hearts.

With love and a prayer for God’s best blessings,

Shar

Blog Stops

Reading Is My SuperPower, January 22

Maureen’s Musings, January 22

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 23

Genesis 5020, January 23

Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis and Christ Collide, January 24

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 24

Splashes of Joy, January 25

Blossoms and Blessings, January 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 26

Mary Hake, January 26

Godly Book Reviews, January 27

Daysong Reflections, January 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 28

Robin is Bookish, January 28

My Devotional Thoughts, January 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 29

The Becca Files, January 30

For the Love of Literature, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 1

Janices book reviews, February 1

A Baker’s Perspective, February 2

Bibliophile Reviews, February 3

Carpe Diem, February 4

Bigreadersite, February 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sharlene is giving away a grand prize of a $20 Starbucks 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/d8d2/a-love-to-behold-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, January 21, 2019

WOMAN OF COURAGE

Wanda Brunstetter did it again! I can't wait to read any of her books.

This story was about Amanda and her determination to reach her destination. Amanda was on a journey of discovery. She was on a mission.

The book was titled Woman of Courage. Amanda, her friend - Yellow Bird and Little Fawn were women of courage. Their courage came from God.

Joshua 1:9 English Standard Version (ESV)

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Their faith gave them strength. Their strength gave them courage. Their courage gave them the ability to continue their journey through difficulties and sadness.

I loved the book. This edition was a Collector's Edition as it continues the story of Little Fawn. I want to read more about Little Fawn and her journey.

Thank you, Wanda Brunstetter, for another treat. I finished this book on a cold, brisk day. The temperature might be -4 outside but my heart is warm with the message it gave to me!

Thursday, January 3, 2019

This Homeward Journey

I highly recommend anything that Misty writes!

Seth and Rachel both had a past that determined their destiny. Rachel had every reason to be cautious of strangers. She was to protect her son at all costs as well as her heart. Seth never expected to meet someone like Rachel. She changed the way he thought of his future.

Rachel was determined to reach her brother in Canada. She was desperate to make a home that was safe for her son. Seth came along just in the right moment to help her fulfill her dreams. But not like she thought...

I loved the story and how Rachel's son blossomed after meeting Seth and his twin, Samuel. But the ending made me go....what? I know there must be another book to come! How long will I have to wait?

We all have a past that impacts our future. I was divorced. I started to doubt that I would meet someone that wanted the same thing as I. After my divorce, I could have easily closed my heart. Keep men at a distance. But I didn't. I was cautious. I was careful. And one day I did meet my soul mate. I couldn't believe that he was for real. Allowing myself to be vulnerable gave me a gift. The Gift of love. I prayed about it and God gave me the man that was to be my partner.

About the Book

Title: This Homeward Journey

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian historical romance

Release date: January 1, 2019

After her husband’s death, Rachel Gray is finally free from the turmoil his addictions caused. She wants nothing more than a new life with her twelve-year-old son. If she can reach her brother in the wilderness of the Canadian territories, they’ll have help to start over in peace. She knows better than to put her life in the hands of another man, but she never expected the Montana mountains to be so treacherous. When two brothers invite her to join their small group traveling to the same area, she refuses. After she and her son narrowly escape a bear attack, she’s forced to admit they need the safety of numbers in this untamed land. If the men prove dangerous, she can always leave with her son and strike out alone again.

Seth Grant has made some bad choices in his life, but God healed him from the addiction that mired him in his sins. Now, he’s determined to live the life God called him to, starting with a journey northward to see the Canadian mountain both his brother and sister have fallen in love with. When he discovers the woman and boy who plan to travel the same mountain trail, he can’t fathom why she refuses to join in the safety of their larger group. Though her decision seems unwise, he has no other choice but to pray God provides her protection.

Despite Rachel’s best efforts, she can’t seem to fight her attraction to the Seth—until a secret from his past proves he’s not at all the man she thought. When a new peril threatens her son’s life, she must choose between trusting in what she can control, or the man who her heart says is trustworthy, no matter his previous sins. The path she chooses just may determine whether she can step into the new life God has in store for them all.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Misty M. Beller writes 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 daughters 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.

Guest Post from Misty

Why Christian Historical Romance?

I don’t know about you, but my life can get crazy…busy…chaotic. Historical fiction gives me a haven, allowing me to immerse in a simpler time and place. Add in remote mountain settings—log cabins and horses and snow…what could be better? Sometimes I wish God had let me live a couple centuries ago, but then I remind myself He knew exactly what He was doing. I don’t do well without a shower every day. 😊 And He even lets me go back to that simpler time through stories!

If you’re reading this, you probably enjoy immersing yourself in a good book, too. Story can be such a powerful thing! Becoming an intimate part of the characters’ lives, feeling their struggles—the desperation, the elation, the emotions, the love.

I enjoy reading and writing Christian fiction because it provides a place where I don’t always have to be concerned about inappropriate language or too-graphic love scenes. It’s a “safe zone” where my imagination can escape, living out exciting times and experiencing God-orchestrated happily-ever-afters—without having to clean-up at the end of the day. Can you relate?

I’m excited to share my latest Christian Historical Romance story with you, and hope you enjoy it as much as I loved writing it!