The Birds of Bachelor Lane by Hannah McNiven

 

With the name of Wren as one of the characters I knew I was in for a treat!  I was eagerly looking forward to reading this book by an author as I have read one of her books before.  I had no clue how wonderful this was going to be.

The story was about this small village and the drama that goes on behind the walls of a few families.  I felt like I was watching a PBS drama.  I couldn't wait for the next chapter (episode).  

The drama that was played out had me on the edge of my seat.  I actually felt like I was part of the story.  I had to warn Wren about Bertie.  I wanted to shake Lili. I loved Ewan and the way he treasured and loved his wife.  

A beautiful story that easily could be adapted into a movie.  I would buy a ticket.  

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

About Hannah McNiven

Hannah grew up on a farm in rural Ireland where she spent her childhood riding horses and chasing or being chased by many other animals (mostly cows). Thanks to her parents and siblings, she became a voracious reader. From reading novels by the Bröntes to Evelyn Waugh to Phillipa Gregory, Sebastian Faulks and Pat Barker (there was plenty of Enid Blyton too), Hannah has developed a love of historical and literary fiction which has influenced her own writing. She has an especial interest in stories that occur around the time of, and during, World War One and Two. She sometimes feels that she was, perhaps, born in the wrong era but then remembers how useful the internet is when it comes to researching her work. She is also proud of her Scottish and Irish heritage, believing that there is nowhere more beautiful on Earth than the verdant hills and rugged countryside of these places which are the perfect setting for her work.

Faith in the Mountain Valley by Misty M. Beller

 Colette and French- separated for years but are they destined to be together? What does GOD plan for their future?

GOD was with Colette every step of the way.  He guided her.  He protected her.  He led her to the decision she had to make. Colette listened when HE spoke to her.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5, 6).

Colette and French were fortunate enough to be surrounded by people that became their family. They were not related in any way.  They were from different cultures and races.  But  they were there for each other especially in their time of need.

Do you have friends that you can call family?  I am fortunate enough to have friends that I call family.  With families living in different locations from each other, friends are so important.

I have loved every book by Misty B. Beller.  She paints a picture with her words.  Her characters become real to me.  She truly has a gift.

I received this ebook for free to give a honest review for Celebrate Lit.

About the Book

Book:  Faith in the Mountain Valley

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 15, 2021

This epic journey is the only way to leave her secrets behind.

After eleven years spent looking for the girl who stole his heart, Jean-Jacques Baptiste—better known as French to his friends—is tempted to give up. Until the day he spotted the flaxen-haired stranger traveling the wooded path with Blackfoot Indians. He never imagined he’d find his childhood friend masquerading as a man in this Rocky Mountain wilderness, hundreds of miles from the Canadian town where he last saw her. No matter her reasons, he can’t let her go this time.

Colette Mignon’s life has become a cacophony of lies, including the fact that her Blackfoot Indian companions believe she’s a man. She’s willing to live the taxing life of a trapper in these desolate mountains as long as it keeps her secrets hidden. When her childhood friend and first love discovers her, his determination to help might put everything at risk.

As the worst of her past threatens to catch up with her, the hope for Colette’s new life shatters. But no matter what, she must protect the one good thing that came from all her mistakes. Though French is determined to stay at her side, she can’t let him become entangled in the perilous consequences of her actions. If only it wasn’t so painful to push him away. The danger pressing in may leave her only one choice—leave everything behind…again.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes another epic journey through breathless landscapes and adventure so intense, lives will never be the same.

 

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.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

More from Misty

Ever Played Dress-up?

I’ll bet most of us played “Let’s Pretend” when we were kids. Maybe you dressed up as a princess, or a knight, or a soldier. When we were little, my grandmother had a secondhand wedding dress she let us play with. It had the long train and veil that dragged several feet behind a grown woman. We spent so many fun hours dressing up and pretending. And of course, there were all the times my older brother and I played cowboys as we rode our horses.

With so much experience playing dress-up and “let’s pretend,” I thoroughly enjoyed writing the story of a heroine who pretended to be a man! And not just a fellow around town. She joined up with a group of five Blackfoot braves and attempted to pass herself off as a man for weeks while she lived in their camp, trapping alongside them!

She had a good reason for attempting the ruse, and you can find out if she pulls it off in Faith in the Mountain Valley. This might be my favorite of all the books in the Call of the Rockies series. I pray you enjoy it too!

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, June 8

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 8

Texas Book-aholic, June 9

Blessed & Bookish, June 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 10

Inklings and notions, June 11

Betti Mace, June 12

For Him and My Family, June 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 13

Connie’s History Classroom, June 14

cats in the cradle blog, June 14

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 15

deb’s Book Review, June 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 16

Mary Hake, June 16

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 17

Reviewingbooksplusmore, June 17

For the Love of Literature, June 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 19

Blossoms and Blessings, June 19

The Adventures of a Travelers Wife, June 20

Splashes of Joy, June 21

Jeanette’sThoughts, June 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty 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/10d0a/faith-in-the-mountain-valley-celebration-tour-giveaway

Love Overseas by Michelle Cornish

 

Each character in this book had a wonderful story to tell.  I can't pick one over another to be my favorite.  

My Mother lived in England during WW II.  She was a child but reading these stories brought it to life.  She wasn't a war bride but she did immigrate to the US in the 1950s with her family.  After living here for a bit, she met my father.  Where do you think he came from?  Canada!

I enjoyed the book.  I can't even imagine living during these times.  The book does clearly show that life must go on.  Everyone suffered some type of loss but you couldn't give up after their sacrifices.

Love Overseas touched my heart.  I am sure it will for you, too.  

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

ABOUT AUTHOR:

Michelle strives to write the kinds of books she enjoys reading--interesting (yet complicated) characters, a little romance, and a lot of mystery and intrigue. Strong women in sticky situations is her specialty! You can find Michelle at www.michellecornish.com or email her your feedback at inspired[at]michellecornish.com. She also writes children's books with her kids as A.J. Kormon.

Along a Storied Path by Ann H. Gabhart

It is never to late.  This is what Perdita Sweet discovered.  Her life was anything but Sweet like her name.  She had regrets.  She was lonely.  She had no hope for the future.  But GOD had a plan.

I really enjoyed this book about the Appalachian backhills and the people in the the community.  They looked out for each other.  They might not have had much but they were willing to share what they had.  

The characters in this book were all on the road of discovery.  They were learning who they were and what what was important to them.  

This made me think of how some of us reevaluated our lives during the covid lockdown.  We had to slow down and take care of others.  We learned what was important when we were not allowed to be with our loved ones.  We took things for granted.  

Tansy, the book librarian, realized before it was too late what really mattered.  

Great book!

Revell gave me the opportunity to read this book for a honest review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ann H. Gabhart

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels--The Refuge, The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--as well as other historical novels, including Angel Sister, These Healing Hills, River to Redemption, and An Appalachian Summer. She and her husband live on a farm a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Ann enjoys discovering the everyday wonders of nature while hiking in her farm's fields and woods with her grandchildren and her dogs, Frankie and Marley. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.

To Find Her Place ( Redemption's Light- 2) by Susan Anne Mason

 We all at some time or another attempt to find our place in the world. Where do we belong?  What career should I study for?    Should I marry or stay single?  Jane was building a new life for herself.  She had difficult choices to make.  Garrett was hired to oversee the operations at Children's Aid Society where Jane worked.  This added more confusion for Jane just when she thought she had everything figured out.

I enjoyed the story as Jane was a Social Worker.  This was what I have my degree in.  I could completely understand how she felt about her clients.  It is difficult to distance yourself from getting too involved.  

The book was heart wrenching at times.  The characters were wonderfully written.  I hated to say good bye to Jane and Garrett's story.  

I look forward to each and every book by Susan Anne Mason.  She is on my favorite authors' list.

The Heart's Charge - Hanger's Horsemen 2

 Faith that GOD will take care of you.  He will protect you. He is with you.

Katherine and Eliza were on a mission.  They were going to take care of children in need.  They were quite a team.  Bold and fiesty but their insecurities were just under the surface.  GOD was with them.  HE was taking care of them.  

Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV 

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

I loved the story.  It had everything I love: romance and a western.  How can you not love a strong, good looking cowboy?  Karen Witemeyer made Mark and Jonah so attractive that I was ready to travel to Texas myself to hunt them down.  

I highly recommend picking up the book.  It was highly entertaining.  

 

A Lady in Attendance

I am so glad that I didn't peek at the back of the book.  I had no idea what the book was about.  I won't give it away to you as I don't want to spoil it.

I read this quickly as I enjoyed the story that much.  I would say that this book pulls on my heart strings during the good and bad times that Hazel goes through.  Hazel was attempting to get to the truth.  What really happened?  

She met some wonderful friends along the way.  Ina struggling and hoping her dreams will come true.  And Gilbert.  Wonderful, reliable Gilbert.  His life  changed dramatically when Hazel entered his life.

I loved the story.  It shows how important it is to have faith and believing.  Things will work out.  GOD will make sure of that.  

I received this ebook for free from Celebrate Lit to give a honest review.  

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Celebrate Lit Team

About the Book

Book:  A Lady in Attendance

Author: Rachel Fordham

Genre: Christian Historical

Release date: June 1, 2021

Will the Past Destroy Her Future? 

Ada, Mi.—Rachel Fordham’s historical novels have received high praise for their warm and engaging story lines filled with romance, adventure, and happy endings. In A Lady in Attendance, Fordham beautifully blends these same great features in a novel about overcoming obstacles in the past to make room for a better future.

After spending the last five years in a New York state reformatory, Hazel is desperate to begin life anew, but she knows that a tarnished name could ruin her chances. She accepts a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts’ lady in attendance but does so under an alias so she can hide her shameful past.

Dr. Watts has come to enjoy the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, but he senses her sadness and wonders if there is more to her story than she’s shared with him. As their friendship deepens, Hazel must grapple with her desire to trust him.

Can Dr. Watts and Hazel’s friends help expunge her record? And can Hazel possibly find hope and love along the way?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Rachel Fordham is the author of The Hope of Azure Springs, Yours Truly, Thomas, and A Life Once Dreamed. Fans expect stories with heart, and she delivers, diving deep into the human experience and tugging at reader emotions. She loves connecting with people, traveling to new places, and daydreaming about future projects that will have sigh-worthy endings and memorable characters. She is a busy mom, raising both biological and foster children (a cause she feels passionate about). She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington.

 

More from Rachel

Ten behind the scenes extras from A Lady in Attendance:

1. This book takes place in Amherst and Buffalo New York, places I lived for four years. Buffalo has had some rough years but if you ever visit the area you will see gorgeous old buildings, beautiful parks and cemeteries and understand why it was once a booming and prosperous city (and why I love it still). Gilbert and Hazel both grew up in the area (though, they did not know each other until the story begins). Two of my children were born in Buffalo and though they aren’t being raised there, I tell them stories.
2. Hazel spent five years in a New York State reformatory. Reformatories were basically the first juvenile delinquent facilities (the ages of who could be sentenced there was different from today). Reformatories were a new idea. There were still a lot of people who believed in “bad blood” and that a criminal could never be anything but a criminal. There were some heroes who fought hard to convince the public, that people could change. Because of this book’s storyline, I could not go too deeply into this subject, but it is fascinating!
3. Gilbert Watts is this book’s leading man. I gave up on being able to use the name Gilbert on one of my own kids and instead gave it to a character. I adore the name Gilbert and everything about this character, hope you do too!
4. There is a joke at the end of the book about a graveyard (don’t worry, it’s not scary) and it’s a nod to my mom who used to use this joke on us every time we passed a cemetery. I really love sneaking in things into my stories that will make my kids, family and friends smile when they read it. I often think of my books as love letters from me to others and the best kind of love letters are personal.
5. My husband is a dentist and as a result, we tend to notice dentist in media. They are often portrayed as villains or comic relief. I decided it would be my goal to write a romantic dentist that would change the image in readers minds.
6. Gilbert tells Hazel that being a dentist is really being an artist. When my husband was first trying to decide on a career path, he shadowed a dentist. He didn’t really think it would be for him, but he was open to exploring options. He came home and told me that the cool thing about dentistry was that you were essentially making art that was functional, every day. Little sculptures that helped people eat and smile better. Gilbert from the book is very different from my husband, but it was fun sneaking in little pieces of him in there.
7. One of my favorite scenes from this book take place at a corn husking. There is a tradition that says, if a red ear of corn is found, the finder gets a kiss. Sigh, I love that scene!
8. Without always meaning to, my books end up having messages woven into them. I believe one of the messages in A Lady in Attendance is forgiveness. In this case, it’s forgiving of one’s self. I believe this message is one that we all need at some point in our lives (or many points!).
9. My books are coming out in a different order than they were written in. I actually wrote this book before Yours Truly, Thomas and after A Life Once Dreamed. This story has been waiting a long time to be in print! During that time, it has been reshaped in little ways. It gained a prologue and lost an epilogue, it was tamed down in places and intensified in others, but the heart of it has always been the same!
10. One last piece of A Lady in Attendance trivia—several of my books have had their titles changed. It’s part of the writing process. The books get a working title and later a title that the rest of the world knows it by. The Hope of Azure Springs was originally just Azure Springs. Yours Truly, Thomas was originally Dear, Azure Springs. A Life Once Dreamed was originally The Belle of Penance. A Lady in Attendance began as A Lady in Attendance and stayed A Lady in Attendance. Not only is this title fitting because dental assistants were knowns by this or as an attending lady, but also because Hazel wrestles with her worth. In a society that believes a mistake made once can leave a mark forever, it takes the right eyes and open heart to realize that there truly is a lady in attendance.

Blog Stops

Girls in White Dresses, June 30

The Sacred Line, June 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 30

lakesidelivingsite, July 1

Inklings and notions, July 1

For Him and My Family, July 2

Reflections From My Bookshelves, July 2

Mary Hake, July 2

deb’s Book Review, July 3

Remembrancy, July 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 4

Reviewingbooksplusmore, July 4

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 5

Breny and Books, July 5

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 6

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, July 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 7

The Christian Fiction Girl, July 7

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, July 8

Simple Harvest Reads, July 8 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 8

Older & Smarter?, July 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 9

Connie’s History Classroom, July 10

For the Love of Literature, July 10

Pause for Tales, July 10

Splashes of Joy, July 11

Life of Literature, July 11

Daysong Reflections, July 12

Bliss, Books & Jewels, July 12

Labor Not in Vain, July 12

Through the fire blogs, July 13

Texas Book-aholic, July 13

Blossoms and Blessings, July 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of A Lady in Attendance as well as A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham, a signed bookplate, book swag, and a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble!!

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/10e71/a-lady-in-attendance-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

Bridge of Gold

A holiday weekend and a new book to read.  I was excited to jump right in and get to know the characters in this book.  And jump I did!!!!  I was quickly turning the pages and learning about the occupations of diving and the building of The Golden Gate Bridge.   

The book was one of intrigue and mystery.  Who was threatening them?  Who were the dead bodies that were discovered in the shipwreck? 

Kayla was an underwater archaeologist.  I never knew a job like that existed.  It didn't sound like a job I would want.  It sounded interesting but a little to dangerous for me.  She would do research on her findings and provide clues to the past.  

Kayla had a problem dealing with her own past. She was excellent on the job but in her own life she struggled.  The answer to her struggles was leaving it up to GOD.  

Deuteronomy 31:6. New International Version ... Be strong and courageous. ... Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse
Series: Doors to the Past, Book 1
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Barbour Books
Publication Year: JUN 2021
ASIN: B08MX3PBFM
ISBN: 1643529579

Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund

 

Jody Hedlund enters the world of time travel.  A story of desperation.  A tale of finding what you were not looking for. 

Marian must go back in time to save her family.  In her journey, she discovers so much more than she bargained for.  

William has all what he needs in 1300s.  He thinks..  But after seeing Marian, he knows that she was meant to be his.  And his alone.  He will never let her go.  

A very romantic story that had me up late to finish it.  This is Book one of the Waters of Time Series.  I will be waiting for the next installment.    

Come Back To Me was a wonderful adventure with knights and fair ladies.  Love and War.  

A great beginning to my holiday weekend.  

Psalm 23:4

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

The Jam and Jelly Nook

 

A story of new beginnings.  A chance to heal.  An opportunity to grow.

This book explores the topic of healing and moving forward.  We all experience setbacks one time or another.  How we handle these setbacks determines our future.  

Emory and Leanna never expected to find themselves in this situation.  Could they ignore the attraction they felt for each other?  

At times, I was frustrated with Emory.  He made things much more difficult for himself.  He wasn't listening to himself and to GOD.  It was almost too late.

Amy Clipston is an award-winning bestselling author and has been writing for as long as she can remember. She's sold more than one million books, and her fiction writing “career” began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories. She has a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan University and is a member of the Authors Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America. Amy works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC, and lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and five spoiled rotten cats.

Early Years

A native of New Jersey, I've been writing for as long as I can remember. I often joke that my fiction writing “career” began in elementary school when I wrote and shared silly stories with a close friend. However, throughout school, I only considered writing a hobby, and I never dreamt of being an author.

After I graduated from high school, and my parents and I moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia. My father retired, and my mother went to work full-time. I attended Virginia Wesleyan University in Norfolk, and I graduated with a degree in communications. I met my husband, Joe, during my senior year in college, a few days after my father had a massive stroke. Joe and I clicked instantly, and after a couple of months we started dating. We married four years later.

After graduating from VWU, I took a summer job with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District, which turned into an eleven-year career. I worked in the Public Affairs Office for four years and then moved into Planning as a writer/editor.

During that time, I continued writing for fun. It was something I did to escape stress and unwind. I didn't share the stories with anyone except for a couple of close friends. In fact, I was even afraid to admit to my husband that I wrote.

Writing as a Career

One day while surfing the Internet for a professional editor's group, I accidentally found a local fiction writing group, Chesapeake Romance Writers. I attended a meeting and I met writers in all stages of their careers. The group helped me realize that I did want to be an author, and it was my dream to see my name on the cover of one of my novels.

Through Chesapeake Romance Writers, I learned how to plot, write, and edit a novel, and I also learned how to pursue an agent. I signed with my first literary agent shortly before Joe and I moved my parents and our sons to North Carolina.

My dream came true when I sold my first book in 2007. Holding my first novel, A Gift of Grace, in my hands was exhilarating and surreal.

My Amish Books

My Amish series include the Kauffman Amish Bakery Series, the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel Series, the Amish Heirloom Series, the Amish Homestead Series, and the Amish Marketplace Series. Another series is coming soon! My books have achieved the Christian Fiction bestseller lists, including the CBA (Christian Book Association) bestseller list and the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) bestseller list.

I love writing about the Amish, and an Amish friend in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, helps me with my research. I was always fascinated with the Amish when I was a child. I remember visiting Lancaster County. I was drawn to their simplicity and faith. Due to my German heritage, I feel a loose connection to the Amish and their culture.

My plots come straight from my heart and all involve family issues intertwined with faith.