Their Daring Hearts- Sharlene MacLaren

Josephine Winters felt driven to enlist in the Union Army.  But there is a problem: she is a girl.  This doesn't stop her!

Levi is a Quaker.  But he had a calling to enlist in the Army.

Both felt that GOD was calling them to do more in their lives.  Because of this they met under grueling circumstances...but Levi met Josephine as Gordon Snipp.

Their relationship developed from friendship and their faith in GOD.

I loved this story. It was a quick page turner.  I love historical books and this did not disappoint.

This is a book of fiction based on history.  There were women who served in the Civil War disguised as men.  It is hard to imagine but they were driven to serve, an example of this is Sarah Edmonds aka Frank Thompson.

I received this free to review.

To celebrate her tour, Whitaker House is giving away:

Grand Prize Package: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Summer on Sunset Ridge (Forever Freedom Series #1) signed by the author, Sharlene MacLaren, Abba Jerusalem Hyssop 6” Pillar Candle.
1st Place: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Heart of Mercy (Tennessee Dreams #1) by Sharlene MacLaren; Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils.
2nd Place: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils.!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c602

About the Author

Born and raised in western Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren graduated from Spring Arbor University then traveled nationally with a contemporary Christian vocal ensemble. She married Cecil, with whom she’d grown up in Spring Arbor, and the couple had two daughters. Shar embarked on a teaching career that would span over 30 years. As she contemplated retirement, Shar sought God’s guidance, praying for a vocation that would provide the kind of fulfillment and joy she experienced as a teacher and mother. A lifelong gifted story teller, she began to write Christian romance novels. Her first book, Through Every Storm, published in 2007, was met with critical acclaim and brisk sales. The rest, as they say, is history. Whitaker House’s bestselling fiction author, she’s subsequently published 18 books, mostly historical romances. Shar enjoys reading, singing in her church choir and worship team, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She’s very interactive on Facebook and Twitter. For more: www.sharlenemaclaren.com, www.facebook.com/sharmaclaren, Twitter @ sharzy_lu.

Ain't Misbehaving - Dallas Duets 1 by Marji Laine

Annalee did the right thing when she pled guilty.  But she sure paid the price!  She was assigned to community service at an after-school daycare.  What did she know about Kids?  What she didn't know was her life was about to change!!!!

CJ Whelen loved running the daycare.  He was a vital part of the community.  He forgot to mention to Annalee that he was the wealthy son of a prominent business man.  A big mistake!

 I was intrigued seeing that there was a probation officer in the story.  I am a retired Probation Officer. But my goodness......how unethical Laurel Stewart was.  I literally could have wrung her  neck.  She sure was nasty.

I enjoyed the story.  It was a treat being with Annalee on her spiritual journey.

I received this free to review.

About the Author

Marji Laine has completed seventeen years of homeschooling with the surreal notion that

she’ll now have time on her hands. But that’s unlikely. Her publishing company, Write Integrity Press, keeps her extremely busy. In her spare time, she teaches a high school and college Bible Study, leads a Sunday morning high school fellowship group, directs a children’s choir, and sings in her church’s adult choir.

She enjoys road trips with her family and friends, photography, scrapbooking, and participating in musical theater. Her favorite past time is game night with her family and her kids’ extended collection of friends.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marji is giving away a grand prize of Dallas chocolates, Texas snack box, and a packet of Bluebonnet seeds!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c516

Son of Promise

I didn't realize that this was a book in a series I previously read.  I was pleasantly surprised.

Cody's story is one we all have experienced sometime or another.  It made me think of the hymn - Amazing Grace's line :

"I once was lost but now I'm found"

This stood out for me.  Cody was almost a cast off.  He was lost in the system-lost in direction - lost in hopes and dreams.

But the strangest thing happened when he opened his heart to Jesus.  Love poured in.  He had a family.  He found God.  His world turning upside down.

Emmie and Travis welcomed Cody into their home and loved him unconditionally.  Just like Jesus - he loves all of us unconditionally  He is always waiting there praying that he will open the door for him and let him into our hearts.

Cody was the son of promise to Emmie and Travis.

Jesus was the son we were promised.

I loved the story.  I recommend this for anyone that needs a reminder that miracles can happen.

I received this free to review.


About the Author;

Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and a quick scroll through her novels’ rankings by Christian readers attests to the Father’s faithfulness. She loves writing almost as much as singing the new songs He gives her—look her up on YouTube to hear a few. Her high school sweetheart husband won her heart fifty-two years ago, and now they share four children and seventeen grandsugars. Ron and Caryl live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away

GRAND PRIZE : $50 Amazon Gift Card
1st Prize: Choice-of-Caryl’s Titles (print or ebook)
2nd-4th: ebook of SON OF PROMISE!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c511

A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand

I have read many books based in. Huckleberry Hill and I love this community and all the characters located there.  They are real and fun to get to know.  How could you not love Mammi and her lack of cooking skills?

Elsie was no way looking for love when she took the teaching position.  She wanted to teach her students and get over her feeling of rejection when she was let go by her previous position.  She did not know What to expect when Sam stormed into her classroom.

Sam did everything he could for his brother, Wally, and his family.  But not everything he did was helpful.

Sam and Elsie clashed almost every time they got together. It was a joy reading about their developing relationship.

Wally, Sam's younger brother, is a central figure in this story.  He learned some valuable lessons.  It is an example of how words and actions can influence your beliefs and behavior.

I received this for free to review.  I give it five stars!

Lovely story.  Touching and encouraging.

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to three winners!! https://promosimple.com/ps/c6cf

About the Author

Jennifer Beckstrand is the RITA-nominated, award-winning Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hillseries and The Honeybee Sisters series for Kensington Books. Her much-anticipated Amish series, The Honeybee Sisters, has created a lot of romantic buzz. Sweet as Honey received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly and Sweet as Honey and A Bee in her Bonnet were both awarded Top Picks from RT Book Reviews. Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth and the Honeybee sisters’aendi Bitsy. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a passion for Jane Austen and Shakespeare. She and her husband have been married for thirty-three years, and she has six children and six adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

A Song Unheard

Just finished this marvelous book-left me speechless...but with a song in my heart.

So sad that Willa felt she was unloved- abandoned.  All it took was a little girl, wiser than her years, to convince her that Jesus was right there with her all along ready to put the "pieces" together.

I was a little lost at the beginning as this was Book 2 of a series.  It only took a few chapters before I got it.

So much hurt - fear - loss and HOPE of a better tomorrow wrapped up in one book.

Great story, moving....a story that will stay with me for awhile.

I received this free to review.

About the Author

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

To celebrate her tour, Roseanna is giving away a Grand Prize Package of a signed copy of the book as well as a lovely album of soothing songs based on the Scriptures called Hidden in My Heart (winner’s choice of CD or digital download)!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c72a

The Valentine Verse by JoAnn Durgin

Who wouldn't want a suitor like Thornton?  He is everything a girl could ask for.  He is handsome, smart, caring, playful, loyal and has a deep love for God.

Vara didn't expect her life to change forever when she accepted a client in Cherish.  She stopped at a coffee shop and her life wouldn't be the same.  Vara met Thornton there.  She was attracted to him but she was not interested in starting a new relationship.  Thornton really didn't have room in his busy life to begin a relationship.  But God had different plans for both of them!

The coffee shop was central to the town of Cherish. There was a bulletin board in the shop that had a posting for the day on it.  Who was responsible for the postings?


I loved how Thornton swept Vara off her feet.  He was romantic and so sweet.  I was routing for him!
This is a lovely story of how Vara learns how to forgive and with forgiveness she was given a new beginning.  Thornton is one of learning what is important in life and family commitment. 

It made me think of my husband and the night we met.  He expressed to me how God was central to his life.  He thought that this might be a turnoff for some but to me, it was wonderful.  I was so touched.  I was more attracted to him after he shared this with me.   We just celebrated 10 1/2 years years of marriage.

I received this free to review.

Great read.  Perfect for Valentine's Day!

:

To celebrate her tour, JoAnn is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c5dd

About the Author

JoAnn Durgin is the USA Today bestselling author of the beloved Lewis Legacy Series as well as Prelude, the prequel to the series. Her other works include the Amazon bestselling Catching Serenity, Heart’s Design and its sequel, Gentle Like the Rain, The Wondrous Love Series, Echoes of Edinburgh, Perchance to Dream, Whisper to My Heart, Thee Will I Cherish, The Christmas Challenge, and the popular Starlight Christmas Series.

A former estate administration paralegal, JoAnn now writes contemporary Christian romance full-time and lives with her family in her native southern Indiana. Writing Christian fiction is her passion, and she loves nothing more than sharing the hope to be found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Strains of Silence

Difficult read for me as I experienced abuse in my life.  Kasia blamed herself for Blake's behavior.  Blake convinced her it was her fault.  She gave up all the things she loved to make him happy.  But in reality, nothing could keep Blake happy and in the process, she lost herself.

Zan felt responsible for keeping his sister, Bailey, safe.  Bailey was in an abusive marriage.  Bailey was determined to change her life.  She knew that she was not alone.  She knew that GOD would be by her side throughout her ordeal and HE would keep her safe from harm.

A chance meeting between Zan and Kasia changed their lives.  Zan was so busy trying to save his sister and Kasia.  He failed to realize that he was the one who needed to be saved.  Once Zan allowed GOD to enter his heart, he knew that "all things work together for good to them that love GOD".  Roman 8:28

There were times in the book where I wasn't sure Keisha or Bailey would survive.  Definitely a page turner!!!

I received this book for free to review.

About the Author

Bethany loves a home filled with family and friends. Word gets around that—at the Kaczmarek house—food is abundant, conversations are real, and anything is up for discussion. She and her clan are fans of laughter, indie music, sonic screwdrivers, and superheroes. Home is wherever in the world they’re all together.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Bethany is giving away a grand grand prize a signed book, a Polish pottery mug with two of the main character’s favorite kinds of teas, 4 of her favorite albums (Josh Garrels, Waterdeep, The Gray Havens, and Andrew Greer), a box of chocolate butter cookies, and a $50 Amazon gift card.!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c5dc

The Lacemaker

Williamsburg, Va. 1775
I have travelled to Williamsburg on vacation a couple of times.  Page after page brought me to Williamsburg.  I could see the shops, the inns...I can see Lady Elizabeth walking down the streets.

 Lady Elizabeth or Libby (what she wanted to be known by) created lace pieces.  With patience and with each stitch, a beautiful creation was made.  GOD carefully weaves each one of us into a beautiful creation.

This story is one of discovery.  Who are we?  What do we stand for?  Libby must make a decision that will change her whole life.

Libby and Noble are a wonderful couple.  I loved reading their love story.

I received this free to review.

Food For Thought - Janet Lynn Mitchell

Dieting or attempting to lose weight is not an easy task for anyone.  I have been struggling to lose weight and keep it off all my life.  In order to be successful I must equip myself with the necessary tools.  I received this book free to review and I'm so glad I did.

This book is a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration that will aid me in this weight loss journey.

I spent sometime reading the verses and I am looking forward to finding and picking out my favorites.  This is a powerful, little book that I will keep close by my side.

I love it!  I will recommend this to my friends and family!!!

Giveaway:
https://promosimple.com/ps/c513

I received this free to review.

About the Author

Candid, dynamic, friendly…and memorable are some of the words used to describe Janet Mitchell. Her fun, engaging style keeps her audiences wanting more. As a master storyteller, she shares her heart, passions and faith, relating incidents from her life that will touch you and make you laugh. Janet addresses relevant life issues and how it just takes one to make a difference in your world!

Janet has held staff positions with Youth for Christ and Forest Home Christian Conference Center and has served as the director of a Christian preschool. Janet is a CLASS Speaker (Christian Leaders, Authors, and Speakers) and is a popular speaker for women’s events, MOPS, family camps and single-parent groups.

As a senior in high school, Janet lost the use of her legs following surgery. On the night of her tenth surgery, she met Marty, who became her cheerleader and was alongside her as she learned to walk again. Eventually, he became her husband. Janet and Marty have been married for over thirty-five years and have three children. Janet’s knee problems reoccurred when she was thirty-two. She was horrified to learn she had been a victim of medical negligence, fraud and concealment. Her additional surgeries had been attempts to correct the mistakes. Janet has since become a voice for others who have suffered medical fraud. Assembly Bill 2571, borne out of her misfortunes, unanimously passed both the California Assembly and the Senate and was signed into state law on August 31, 2000. Her story, Taking a Stand, has motivated others to “take a stand” and remain firm in their faith through the good, bad, and the outrageous.

Janet has been featured on radio programs across the nation, including popular programs such as Focus on the Family and Billy Graham’s Decision Today. Janet has appeared on television programs such as, Fox, CBS and ABC News, Aspiring Women, The Harvest Show, and Chuck and Jenny. Her stories and articles have appeared in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Multnomah’s Stories for the Extreme Teen, and in magazines such as Woman’s World, Light and Life, and Celebrate Life. Her Testimony, “When Doctors Make Mistakes,” was published in the July/August 2005 issue of Today’s Christian Woman magazine.

Janet’s book, A Special Kind of Love, published by Broadman and Holman and Focus on the Family, has been highlighted by Rick Warren in his “Ministry Toolbox.” Her Hands on Faith: Family Nights and Hands on Faith: Family Fun books by Carson- Dellosa are now available along with Janet’s five new Praying Scripture Flip Books. Janet’s Taking a Stand was released in November of 2006. It is truly a testimony of God’s faithfulness through the good, bad and outrageous. This past year Janet’s latest book, Words Matter became available. One thing Janet has learned is:

It just takes one to change the world we live in.

The Hope of Christmas

Three stories-

So happy to receive this in time to read right before Christmas!  I love historical stories and I was not disappointed with these three stories of love and discovering what really matters. 

Picking A Bride For Paul is a delightful tale of finding love right in your front yard.  We often don't realize how good we have it and think that it is "greener" next door.

Typhoon Prompting is a powerful reminder what our servicemen and women deal with during times of war.  Jerry is pretty casual about his circumstances until he faces a life and death situation.  It makes him re-evaluate his life and love.

A Dr. in the House demonstrates the prejudices women faced when they went outside the box and started to become doctors, etc.  This story made me think of Downton Abbey.  Can Emma have it all or does she have to give up a man she has fallen for or a job she worked so hard for?

All three stories were written in the Christmas season.  This is appropriate as each main character had something they wished for and were gifted the true meaning of the holiday season.

I received this for free to review.

About the Authors

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests and is a member of ACFW. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.

Linda Shenton Matchettis a journalist, blogger, author, and history geek. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life-from Edison, New Jersey (named for the famed inventor of the light bulb) and Washington, DC to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (reputed to be the oldest summer resort in America). She volunteers at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a trustee for her local public library.

Giveaway

To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c514

 

December 13th-The Heart of an Agent by Tracey J. Lyons

Can one learn to love again after experiencing a loss?  The answer is yes!!!!  This is a delightful story of two people that can't escape their pasts.  They meet and it opens up new beginnings!  

Lily does not expect to find love at Great Camp.  Owen has lost his wife and now is losing his home.   He sure wasn't ready for Lily to change his life forever.

I loved the story and the location of this book.  I have never been to the Adirondacks but Ms. Lyons painted a beautiful picture with her words.  I can imagine staying at the camp enjoying all the sights and sounds.  Then you add the delightful cuisine from Mrs. Cuddieback's kitchen and you are in heaven!

Owen and Lily both had a lesson to learn.  It is best to be honest.  This is a lesson for all of us to learn.

I received this for free to review.

About the Author:

An Amazon Top Ten bestselling historical romance author of the Adirondack Pinkertons and the Women of Surprise series, Tracey was a 2017 National Excellence Romance Fiction Award finalist. She sold her first book on 9/9/99! Her books have been translated into several languages and are available in print, digital and audio formats. A true upstate New Yorker, Tracey believes you should write what you know. Her historical romances are all set in the New York State area. Tracey considers herself a small town gal who writes small town romances. You can learn more about Tracey and her books by visiting her website atwww.traceylyons.com.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tracey is giving away a Grand Prize Package of a tea-time themed gift box (Valued at over $75) and a $25 Visa Gift Card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!https://promosimple.com/ps/c1f6