Wake My Heart

Maggie was overwhelmed by grief.  Her life stopped when her husband died.  She gave up.  She had no hope.  There was no future.

My heart bled for Maggie.  She had to go through the grief process at her own pace.  It was so sad to read of her heartbreak. She felt that no one could understand.  But she did have people in her life that were there to see her through to the other side.  

Support can come from family, friends and co-workers.  Maggie had to take a risk to allow others to hold her up when she couldn't stand on her own.  

This book touched my heart.  I wanted to tell Maggie everything will be alright.  I never lost a spouse because he died.  I was going through a divorce.  I felt that I was destined to be alone.  I would never meet anyone that was decent and kind.  I mourned what I could have had but didn't.  With time, I healed and did eventually meet a wonderful man.  We just celebrated 15 years of marriage.  If I had closed up emotionally, I would not have had what I have now.

ABOUT AUTHOR-

Lydia Michaels is the award winning and bestselling author of over forty novels, including the groundbreaking collection, Write 10K in a Day. She is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media, as well as the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured in USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, Love & Lace, and more. As the host and founder of the East Coast Author Convention and the Behind the Keys Author Retreat, Lydia Michaels plays a respected role in the book community. When she’s not working on her next novel, she is accepting speaking engagements and using her platform to advocate for positive author business practices and doing whatever she can to empower female entrepreneurs around the world.

Lydia is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Some of her favorite things include the scent of paperback books, listening to her husband play piano, escaping to her coastal home at the Jersey Shore, cheap wine, 80’s pop culture, coffee, and kilts. She hopes to meet you soon at one of her many upcoming events. Lydia is most active on Instagram @Lydia_Michaels_Books. You can also follow Lydia at www.Facebook.com/LydiaMichaels

In Honor's Defense

Damaris had no clue what she was in for.  Her nephew, Nathaniel, needed her.  He just didn't know it.  

Luke just happened to be in the area when Damaris found herself locked in the cellar.  This accidental meeting changed their lives completely.

Damaris was determined to find out who killed her brother.  Luke agreed to help. With this question, comes drama and danger as they get closer to the answer they have been looking for. 

The book was hard to put down.  It had action, romance and a handsome cowboy.  I loved the book.  The characters were wonderful.   I always enjoy Karen Witemeyer's books. 

I received this book to review by Celebrate Lit and by Karen's Influencer team to give a honest review.

About the Book

Book: In Honor’s Defense

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: June 7, 2022

Luke Davenport has been fighting all his life–for respect, for country, and for those unable to fight for themselves. But now that his Horsemen brothers are domesticated, he’s left alone to battle the wildness within. When an opportunity arises to take a job on his own, tracking down a group of rustlers, he jumps at the chance.

Damaris Baxter has mastered the art of invisibility. Plain and quiet, she hides in books and needlework, content to be overlooked. Until her brother dies suddenly, leaving her custody of her nephew. She moves to Texas to care for Nathaniel, determined to create the family for herself that she never thought she’d have and to give him the family he desperately needs.

When Nate finds himself knee-deep in trouble, Luke’s attempt to protect him leaves Damaris feeling indebted to the Horseman. But suspicions grow regarding the mysterious death of Damaris’s brother. And the more questions they ask, the more danger appears, threatening the family Luke may be unable to live without.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Romance Author in 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and gospel hymn singer who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she’s on deadline.

More from Karen

Meet Luke and Damaris

As the Hanger’s Horsemen series comes to a close, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Luke Davenport and Damaris Baxter. If you haven’t read the other books in this series, don’t worry. This one stands on its own just fine.

Luke

Luke Davenport is a former cavalry officer who is part of an elite squad of men known as Hanger’s Horsemen. Haunted by the horrors of war, this group of Texas legends has spent the last few years fighting for justice on behalf of those who cannot fight for themselves. Luke is Matthew Hanger’s right-hand man, but when Matt retires the Horsemen in favor of a more settled life with his new wife, Luke is left feeling adrift. So when a solo job comes his way to track down rustled cattle, he jumps at the opportunity.

Known for his strength, his size, and his skill with his fists, I modeled Luke after a pair of football players, Howie Long and JJ Watt. He’s a man of action with a bit of wildness inside, yet his ability to memorize Scripture earned him the nickname Preach. He’s a godly man with scars, seeking to find his place as his Horsemen brothers move on to new phases of life.

 Damaris

Damaris Baxter has been invisible her entire life. Plain of face and quiet of manner, she it’s the epitome of unremarkable. While she dares heroic feats and grand adventures between the covers of her favorite books, life outside the pages consists of little more than needlework and dull conversation with her great aunt. Until her brother dies under suspicious circumstances and she travels to Texas to care for her nephew. Determined that the “Texas Damaris” will be bolder and braver than her former self, she sets out to win the heart of a grieving boy and ends up mixed up in a dangerous murder plot with a handsome cowboy who actually sees her.

When creating Damaris’s character, I gave her two of my favorite hobbies—reading and cross-stitching. She shares other similarities with me as well. She’s a quiet person who dislikes making waves, but when family needs her, there’s nothing she won’t do to help. Her questionable baking skills might also have found some inspiration in my personal experience. Just ask my husband about my famous transparent chocolate chip cookies. 

Opposites Attract?

I love to explore what brings people together, and while it’s a common idea that opposites attract, I’ve always believed that there must be some core commonalities beneath the differences to bind a couple together for a lifetime. So, while Luke and Damaris seem to be stark opposites—he an adventure-seeking soldier used to solving problems with guns and fists; she a quiet, proper lady used to escaping problems with books and needlework—they actually have several core commonalities. They both crave belonging and family, they both value God’s Word, and they both have a strong, protective instinct toward those they care about. This core common ground is what serves as the foundation for their relationship.

Now that you’ve been introduced to Luke and Damaris, I hope you’ll join them on the adventure that leads them to love.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away a Hanger’s Horsemen prize bundle consisting of autographed copies of all three books in the series, a custom mug, and Horsemen swag!! (U.S. Only)

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/1f45c/in-honor-s-defense-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 27

Book Looks by Lisa, June 27

Where Faith and Books Meet, June 27

Bliss, Books & Jewels, June 28

Daysong Reflections, June 28

For Him and My Family, June 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 29

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 30

Pause for Tales, June 30

lakesidelivingsite, June 30

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, July 1

Sylvan Musings, July 1

deb’s Book Review, July 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, July 2

Babbling BeckyL’s Book Impressions, July 3

Bizwings Blog, July 3

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 4 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 4

Inklings and notions, July 5

Simple Harvest Reads, July 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Connie’s History Classroom, July 6

SodbusterLiving, July 6

Texas Book-aholic, July 7

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 7

Through the Fire Blogs, July 7

Splashes of Joy, July 8

Melissa’s Bookshelf, July 8

Coming Into Her Own

 

Tybee Island sounds like a wonderful place to visit.  Maybe we could stay there?  It's a place where I could relax and take a much needed vacation.

But it wasn't a vacation for Whitney.  She has a lot on her plate.  A single mom trying to take care of everyone. Is she able to keep up this pace?

Julep, Whitney's Mom, was doing what she can to keep the Inn going.  She needed to keep busy.  She missed her husband more than ever.   

Oh no!  The book ended with a cliffhanger.  So you can bet that I'll be picking up the next book as soon as I can.

I enjoyed the story.  It was easy to read.  The characters were well written. 

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

About Author:

Laura Brighton lives on the southeast coast of the United States, full of sunny beaches, beautiful marshes and stories that speak to the heart. Her women's contemporary fiction resonates with women of all ages. And so does her blatant addiction to good books and great food!

Sunburst

 Book Two of The Sky King Ranch Series continues the story of the Kingston Brothers.  Ranger's life is about to change.  A ray of sunshine enters his life unexpectedly just when a cloud threatens his future.  Noemi is in danger and Ranger is prepared to do what is necessary to keep her safe.  

A very interesting book that goes into detail of Nigeria and their lifestyles.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the foods served and the elaborate wedding ceremony.  I would have loved to attend that wedding!  

SUNBURST was quite enjoyable.  It had everything you look for in a book: mystery, romance, intrigue, cultural differences and family dynamics.  I couldn't put it down.  

I received this book from Revell to review.

About the Author

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly 90 novels with more than 1.5 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and the Montana Rescue series, as well as Sunrise and Sunburst. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers' Choice Awards, Susan makes her home in Minnesota. Find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook @SusanMayWarrenFiction, and on Twitter @SusanMayWarren. 

Ensnared by Jody Hedlund

 Sacrifice, loyalty and honor.  I thought of these three words as I was reading this new book by Jody Hedlund.

The story speaks of these three words.  Gunnar would do anything to protect Mikaela.  Mikaela constantly is aware that her actions could hurt her family.  Both will make sacrifices.  Both will deny their true feelings.  

This series is geared towards younger adults but I'm 64 and enjoyed the storyline.

This book is part of a series- Knights of Brethren.   I read book one - Enamored - and Book two - Entwined- so I was eager to start this one.  I was introduced to Jody Hedlund's books a few years ago.  I have enjoyed every book she has written.  She is always on my go to reading list as soon as I see a new book coming out.

I received this book to review from the author.

ABOUT AUTHOR:

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over thirty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. She lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy teens, and five spoiled cats.

Among The Innocent

 

Evil exists.  He killed before and plans to do it again.  Leah survived his first attempt.  Would she this time?

What a story.  It kept me in suspense until the very last page.  The characters were realistic and likeable.  I can't resist Amish books but this was different. It was more of a criminal mystery in an Amish village.  I loved it.

This is my first book by this author.  I recommend you pick up this book.  

I received this book from Revell to review.

◄ Romans 12:21 ►

New International Version Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Alford

Mary Alford is a USA Today bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can't put down. Her titles have been finalists for several awards, including the Daphne Du Maurier, the Beverly, the Maggie, and the Selah. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two cats and one dog. Learn more at www.maryalford.net.

The Sergeant's Matchmaking Dog

 

Radar, a dog rescued from Afghanistan, is on the cover.  It is the kind of book cover that gets my attention.  I am glad I picked this story to read. I am not often drawn to Harlequin Romance stories. But how could I resist Radar and his owner, Gabe?

Gabe returns to his hometown.  He has a past he'd like to forget.  Addie moved there to start a new life with her brother, Teddy.  Addie and Gabe found that it is possible to change their lives for the good.  You never forget your past but it doesn't have to dictate your future. Gabe and Addie were good for each other.  Radar was great for all of them.  

A short but sweet story.  I could have done without the love scene but that's me. 

Carrie Nichols

Carrie Nichols loves to travel, is addicted to British crime dramas, and knows a Seinfeld quote appropriate for any occasion. She has one tolerant husband, two grown sons, and two critical cats. To her dismay, Carrie's characters--much like her family--often ignore the wisdom and guidance she lovingly offers. Her stories contain heart, home, and humor.

Dawn has always played it safe.  By doing that, she is in a job she doesn't like and lost the love of her life.  She clashes with her mother and is not very happy.  Marnie, her mother, realizes how fast time is flying by.  She jumps and buys an old ice cream parlor that needs a lot of work.

Marnie and Dawn. Mother and daughter. Is it possible for them to reach an agreement?  Can they find " The Sweet Life" that everyone is looking for?

I really enjoyed the story.  The book covered numerous topics: loss, grief, fear and most importantly - hope.

I was one that usually played it safe.  I can look back (as I'm old now-ok, not that old) and see where that got me.  But at age 50, I took a chance.  And that chance changed my life completely.  I got married to a wonderful man.  If I let my fears have complete control, I would have missed out on happiness.  Was I scared?  You bet.  But I trusted that GOD was steering me in the right direction.  And I am forever grateful HE did.

I received this ebook from Celebrate Lit to review.

The Sweet Life 

About the Book

Book: The Sweet Life

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: May 3, 2022

Jilted by her fiancé, Dawn Dixon escapes to beautiful Cape Cod on a groomless honeymoon–with her mother. But she didn’t expect her mom to risk everything, on a whim, to move there permanently or buy a rundown ice cream shop in need of repair. In order to make their new life work, they’ll also need her ex’s help.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

With over 1.5 million copies sold, Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author of over 30 books, ranging from novels to children’s books to non-fiction. She is a Christy Award finalist, a winner of Carol and Selah awards, and a two-time finalist for ECPA Book of the Year. She writes stories that take you to places you’ve never visited—one with characters that seem like old friends. But most of all, her books give you something to think about long after you’ve finished reading it. Suzanne lives with her very big family in northern California.

 

 

 

More from Suzanne

The Sweet Life is a story about a mom and a daughter who, both in need of a little respite from life’s bumps and bruises, start an ice cream shop on Cape Cod…thinking it will be easy. After all, who doesn’t love ice cream?

 

Well, sure. That’s true. Everybody loves ice cream. But ice cream can be tricky. This I can say with authority. My husband is a serious hobby ice cream maker. He even attended Penn State’s Ice Cream School. While Steve was working on his vanilla recipe, he experimented fifty-nine times before he was finally satisfied. 59 times! Other flavors, like chocolate, can mask mistakes. Not vanilla. Too pure.

 

Here’s a few other things you probably didn’t know about ice cream:

 

The very first mention of a frozen dessert dates back to Persia in 550 BC, though it might have been sorbet-like. It’s said that Emperor Nero had ice brought down from the Apennine Mountains to produce a sorbet of honey and wine. And then there are those who insist that ice cream came out of China, and were introduced to Italy with the help of Marco Polo. Regardless of its origins, a love of ice cream has been around for a very, very long time.

 

Quaker colonists introduced ice cream to early America, having brought their recipes with them from England. Some argue that the French brought ice cream to America. Regardless, during the colonial era, ice cream was sold in shops in New York.

 

George Washington loved ice cream. So much so that he even brought ice cream making equipment to Mount Vernon! There are many accounts of “ice creem” (as it was then called) served during his administration.

 

First Lady Dolley Madison, wife of U.S. President James Madison, served ice cream at her husband’s Inaugural Ball in 1813. Common colonial flavors were soft fruits, like peaches or strawberries, added to a vanilla custard. Dolley had a curious favorite flavor: oyster. (Ugh.)

 

In September of 1846, a Philadelphia house wife named Nancy Johnson filed patent #3254 for a simple hand cranked ice cream churn. Prior to this point, ice cream belonged to the wealthy. Her hand cranked ice cream churn made it affordable for everyone. Nancy Johnson’s design is still used today.

 

During the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904, an ice cream vendor ran out of cardboard dishes. The vendor next door offered to make cones by rolling up his waffles. Voila! The birth of the ice cream cone.

 

The majority of American ice cream companies have been in business for more than 50 years. Many of them are still owned by single families.

 

For the last 128 years, Penn State University has held Ice Cream School for professionals and serious hobbyists during January (for obvious reasons). All the greats have attended: Baskin & Robbins, Ben & Jerry, Dreyer’s, Nestle’s, Blue Bell Creamery, Dairy Queen, and…my husband.

 

The most popular flavor in the world? Vanilla. Of course.

Blog Stops

Back Porch Reads, May 26

Inside the Wong Mind, May 26

The Avid Reader, May 27

lakesidelivingsite, May 27

Vicky Sluiter, May 27

Remembrancy, May 28

Southern Gal Loves to Read, May 28

Splashes of Joy, May 28

Texas Book-aholic, May 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 29

Miriam Jacob, May 29

Daysong Reflections, May 30

Inklings and notions, May 30

For Him and My Family, May 31

The Book Club Network, May 31

Blogging With Carol, May 31

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 1

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 2

deb’s Book Review, June 2

Artistic Nobody, June 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 3

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 4

Blossoms and Blessings, June 4

Mary Hake, June 4

Christina’s Corner, June 5

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 6

Book Looks by Lisa, June 6

Simple Harvest Reads, June 6 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Pause for Tales, June 7

Spoken from the Heart, June 7

She Lives To Read, June 8

Bigreadersite, June 8

Labor Not in Vain, June 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne 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/1e36c/the-sweet-life-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Change of Heart

Cherish didn't know what to do.  Someone would be hurt no matter what decision she makes. 

This family, like every family I know, has their ups and downs.  Due to a sad situation, the family is brought together.  Their differences are clear to see but love is evident amongst them.  Each member has an obstacle to overcome before they find true happiness.

Cherish is a people pleaser.  She is afraid to make a decision.  This could very well backfire on her.  I was afraid that she was going to be hurt by her inaction.

Is it difficult for you to make a decision?  Do you make a decision based on your heart or head?  Do you make a decision quickly or do you take your time?  The answers to these questions can determine your happiness.  Or regrets?

This is Book 29 of the Amish Bonnet Sisters series.  I only have read the previous book and this one.  I enjoyed both but I recommend reading them in order starting with the first one.  

I received this ebook from the author to review.

About the Author-

USA Today Bestselling author of Christian & Amish fiction, Samantha Price wrote stories from a young age, but it wasn’t until later in life that she took up writing full time. Formally an artist, she exchanged her paintbrush for the computer and, many best-selling book series later, has never looked back.
Samantha is happiest on her computer lost in the world of her characters.

Samantha is best known for the Ettie Smith Amish Mysteries series and the Expectant Amish Widows series.