Promised Land ~ Robert Whitlow

This is the story of a couple Hana and Daud that are from the middle east but working in Atlanta, GA.  Hana works in a law firm and Daud works as an undercover agent.  Their lives are tested when they go back to the Middle East for work and also planning a huge Christian Summit in Atlanta.  There are many characters in the book, but they all tie into the storyline with suspense, mystery, compassion and lots of faith.

I would recommend this book to all of Robert Whitlow fan's and if you have never read any of his books, get ready to be a fan.....   This is a read that you can't put down.  This book draws you into the storyline from the first chapter, I couldn't put it down and read it in two afternoons.  It is one of those stories that keep you guessing how it will end, lots of twist and turns, from the beginning to the end and with every character in the book.  I loved how God was portrayed in the whole book and how it was faith based.  This is a great book and once you pick it up you will want time to read from the first page to the end..... GREAT READ!!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

About the Book
Book:  Promise Land
Author: Robert Whitlow
Genre: Christian Fiction, Suspense, Legal Drama
Release Date: January 14, 2020

With historical mysteries, religious intrigue, and political danger, Promised Land asks one momentous question: what if your calling puts you—and your family—in the crosshairs?

Despite their Israeli citizenship, Hana and Daud cannot safely return to their homeland because a dangerous terrorist ring is threatening Daud. Hana is perfectly fine remaining in the United States, working for a law firm in Atlanta, especially when she learns she’s pregnant. But Daud can’t shake the draw to return home to Israel, even if it makes him a walking target.

Hana is helping her boss plan a huge Middle East summit in Atlanta when Jakob Brodsky, her old friend and former co-litigator, asks for her help with a current case. His client is attempting to recover ancient artifacts stolen from his Jewish great-grandfather by a Soviet colonel at the end of World War II. Because the case crosses several national borders, he knows he needs Hana’s knowledge and skill to get to the bottom of what happened to these precious artifacts.

Meanwhile, Daud is called in to help a US intelligence agency extract a Ukrainian doctor from a dangerous situation in Egypt. While overseas, he can’t resist the call of Jerusalem and thus sets off a series of events that puts thousands of people in danger, including his wife and unborn child.

Bestselling author Robert Whitlow explores the meaning of family and home—and how faith forms the identity of both—in this breathtaking follow-up to Chosen People.

Click here to get your copy. 

About the Author

Robert Whitlow is the bestselling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. He received his JD with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. Website: www.robertwhitlow.com; Twitter: @whitlowwriter; Facebook: robertwhitlowbooks
 

Click here to read an excerpt

Freedom in the Mountain Wind ~ Misty M. Beller

This is book one of the “The Call of the Rockies” series and is filled with adventure, love, faith and a journey.  When Suzanna’s dyeing father want to go and hike the Lewis and Clark trail through the Rockies before he dies, Suzanna decides to take him on the hiking trail.  When something happens on the trail, they need help and come across men to help them.  Beaver Tail and his friends make the decision to help Suzanna and her dad..... the adventure begins as they continue on the journey with them.

I would recommend this to any age and anyone that enjoys a good outdoor book.  This book gives good details in the writing that makes you feel you are really in the outdoors with them.  I enjoyed the adventure and little romance, the book had a few dramatic points, but very humbling and good read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

About the Book

Book: Freedom in the Mountain Wind
Author: Misty M. Beller
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: January 14, 2020

The last epic journey before her life changes forever.

Susanna Wilkins will do anything to make her father’s final dream come true, including trek along the path Lewis and Clark explored into the untamed wilds of the Rocky Mountains. Every mile is more crucial now that lung cancer is stealing Pa’s last days faster than she can come to terms with losing him. The journey becomes harder than she ever expected, but paddling upriver through fierce rapids and fighting hungry grizzlies isn’t what terrifies her the most.

Beaver Tail endured more than he can stand from the women in his Blackfoot camp, but the last disaster gave him the final shove he needed to join this band of brothers searching for one of their group who’s gone missing. The last thing he expected was to find a white woman and her sick father stranded at the base of massive waterfall. His plan is to help them carry their oversize canoe and supplies, then leave them to their strange mission. Yet, the more he learns about the pair, the more he realizes his life is about to be derailed—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 for 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. 

More from Misty

When God Directs a Google Search… I’m a history lover, but you may have guessed that since I write historical romance stories. 😊 Most of my books are set in the Rocky Mountains during the mid-1800s, but as I began brainstorming ideas for this new series, my heart became drawn earlier to the earlier part of the century—a time period with which I wasn’t quite as familiar with the history. I love when God orchestrates even the most mundane part of our lives, including Google searches! During one particular search (I can’t even remember what I was originally looking for), I stumbled across part of a journal entry from the Lewis and Clark expedition, which trekked across Montana during the time period I was looking into. I’d forgotten that expedition had even entered the territory that would later become Montana, but now I was fascinated. After finding an audiobook of the abridged journals of Lewis and Clark, I happily listened to almost 19 hours of fascinating stories from the Corp of Exploration’s journey up the Missouri River and across the mountains to the Pacific Ocean, then back mostly the over the same path they’d come. The stories the men told were so amazing, and the detail of their trials so absorbing, I’ve actually re-listened to the audiobook twice! Many of the true tales wouldn’t be believable in fiction, but as I listened, my mind formed the premise for Freedom in the Mountain Wind: a father/daughter duo who sets out almost two decades after Lewis and Clark’s journey, determined to retrace the steps of that famous expedition. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I loved writing it! And whether you’re a history lover or not, I pray that you too will be touched by this “epic journey through breathless landscapes and adventure so intense, lives will never be the same.”

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/f49e/freedom-in-the-mountain-wind-celebration-tour-giveaway

Lone Star Ranger ~ Renae Brumbaugh Green

This is the first book in the Texas Ranger Series.  When Evan Covington is mistaken for one of the most wanted criminals in the U.S., James Weston Hardy, his sister Elizabeth sets out to save him from prison.  Ranger Rett arrested Evan as being James and puts him in jail.  Elizabeth an attorney from Boston and Evan's sister investigates and needs to prove to Ranger Rett and the towns people they have the wrong person.  Can Elizabeth save her brother in time?

I would recommend this to those that enjoy a good read with lots of drama and suspense.  This book kept me reading from the first chapter until the last page, I couldn't put it down.  It is a story that is a fast paced reading book.  I really enjoyed it and didn't want it to end.  It was a very short book that can be read in an afternoon setting.  The story wasn't predictable.  I would get this as gift for those that enjoy a little romance, comedy and drama all wrapped up into one, can't wait for book 2 to see what happens next.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

Book: Lone Star Ranger    Author: Renae Brumbaugh Green    Genre: Christian Historical Fiction  

Release Date: January 21, 2020

About the Book: Elizabeth Covington will get her man.

About the Author:  Renae Brumbaugh Green is a city-girl-turned-country-diva. She’s married to a handsome country boy named Rick, and she’s mom to four nearly-perfect, nearly-grown children, two rowdy dogs, and some ducks. They live in rural Texas where Renae wears overalls, western boots, and bubblegum pink nail polish. She’s a bestselling author of over 30 books, an award-winning humor columnist, and an online English teacher. In her free time, she can be found leaping tall buildings and rescuing kittens from trees. Or, she’d like to do those things, if she had free time.    

More from Renae:  And she has just a week to prove her brother isn’t the murderer Texas Ranger Rett Smith accuses him of being. She’ll show the good-looking lawman he’s wrong, even if it means setting out on a risky race across Texas to catch the real killer.   Rett doesn’t want to convict an innocent man. But he can’t let the Boston beauty sway his senses to set a guilty man free. When Elizabeth follows him on a dangerous trek, the Ranger vows to keep her safe. But who will protect him from the woman whose conviction and courage leave him doubting everything—even his heart?                                         Click here to get your copy.

I’ve been a fan of historical romance from the moment I graduated from The Babysitter’s Club. A friend of mind introduced me to the Love Comes Softly series by Janette Oke, and I was hooked. In college, between exams and extracurricular stuff, I read those books like they were M&Ms. That’s why, when I started writing grown-up fiction, I knew historical was my genre.

But there’s another reason—perhaps a more compelling reason—why I had to write The Texas Rangers series. See, my granddaddy was a Texas Ranger. Not the baseball player kind. The gun-toting, cowboy-hat-and-badge-wearing kind. As far as I know, he was not a master of any kinds of martial arts, so if you’re a fan of Walker, Texas Ranger, I’m sorry to disappoint.

And he was not alive during the late 1800s, as are the characters are in this series. Grandaddy died in 1980 when I was 12 years old. He was a good man, known for rescuing puppies and bringing small gifts and toys to children in stressful situations—i.e. when their parents were arrested. My favorite memory of him is sitting on his lap, falling asleep to the sound of his big, round pocket watch ticking. I have a picture of myself, age three, sitting on his knee while he typed up his reports. I love that typewriter picture, and find it significant since I’m now a writer.

Grandaddy was Robert Everett Smith, and Grandmother (yes, I called her that—she was very formal, but also very sweet) was Ellie Marie (Edgar) Smith. The two lead characters in Lone Star Ranger are named Rett (Everett) and Elizabeth, in their honor.

Like Grandmother, Elizabeth is refined and formal, yet strong headed, with her own lady-like brand of spunk. She hails from Boston, and is a little overwhelmed at the grit and gravel of Texas lawmen. But she’s not intimidated—not even by handsome Texas Ranger Rett Smith.

Thanks so much for sharing in my cherished family memories. I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed writing it!             —Renae Brumbaugh Green

A Promise Child ~ Kathryn Spurgeon

This book setting is during the era of the 1930's depression.  It is about Sibly and her family surviving the depression era.  This story tells how it was living during this time and how it effected friends, neighbors and the economy.  The author writes of stories from different families and what they had to do to survive, many had to make the choice of staying in Oklahoma or moving to survive.  It is based on the main character in the book and how it effected her family through survival of faith, food, shelter, work, economy and everyday living. Will Sibly be able to keep her family together and will she and her husband move or make other choices? 

I could recommend this book to those that enjoy books about history.  I found this book very slow for my reading, it seemed to repeat the stories people were going through.  As I read this book each chapter seemed to be the same as the chapter before.  It was a struggle for me to read.  If you like a read that is from this era and reading about historical struggles in life you may enjoy this read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

About the Book:  She can’t survive the ‘30s alone…

About the Author:  Kathryn Spurgeon, an award-winning author and recipient of a 2018 Illumination Book Award, has published over a hundred stories, articles, and poems. She grew up on an Oklahoma farm before moving to South Korea, where she adopted two children. She and her husband, Bill, hold weekly studies in their home for international college students. They have six children and twelve grandchildren.

More from Kathryn

Book:  A Promise Child   Author: Kathryn Spurgeon      Genre: Inspirational historic fiction   Release Date: September 10, 2017

Sibyl Trimble does everything she can to keep her family together. Before falling in love with a handsome, penniless hobo, she lived a life of new cars, speakeasies dances, and fancy cloche hats.

Then the Great Depression hits Oklahoma. The wind blows topsoil away, hundreds of jobless men hang around town, and the economy falls apart. Even Fremont, her strong, stable husband, grows discouraged and considers leaving as they struggle to put food on the table.  

When disaster strikes again, will Sibyl and Fremont move on to California or try to survive in Oklahoma? Neither option sounds promising.           Click here to get your copy

Author:  Researching and writing about the 1930s has been a blast, and although it was the economically worst decade of the last century, faith, love, and life went on. It has been fun to glimpse into that historical time and find amazing and uplifting stories.

Sibyl Trimble, my grandmother and the ever up-and-down, emotional but brilliant lady, did her best to create a great family environment. Seeking God, she also studied, taught, and shared about Christ in the midst of heartaches. Based on a true story, I hope this tale will inspire, uplift, and bring a touch of nostalgia to your day.

The strength and courage Sibyl revealed can encourage us all and I am honored to share her tale with you.

Broken Promises ~ Melody Carlson

This is book 3 of the Being Zoey series and is meant for tweens reading.  But anyone will enjoy this book.  In this book Zoey promises her best friend Louisa to try out for the school play, even though she doesn't want to.  When she makes the play Zoey holds on to her promise to her best friend and participates in the play.  Zoey also is dealing with her mother coming back to pick her up from living with her grandparents and taking her back to live in Seattle.  Zoey has to deal with bullying, friendship, family and following what God wants her to do.

I would recommend this to those that want a great read about staying true to your word.  It also deals with bullying in school from classmates that don't understand.  It teaches a great lesson of how to deal with the situation instead of doing what your feelings want you to do.  I loved this book and how it moved fast and kept you interested and made you feel for Zoey and her friend.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

About the Book

Book:  Broken Promises
Author: Melody Carlson
Genre:  Middle Grade
Release Date: December 15, 2019

A school play sounds like fun…for some.

As she settles into life in the middle school of her new hometown, Zoey agrees to audition for the school play to encourage Louisa. Isn’t that what a BFF does? But she’s none too sure it’ll actually be fun—especially when she’s cast as a dog! Louisa really does need her support though when some of the older girls get upset at a sixth grader landing the lead role. Zoey does her best to be supportive and finally begins to feel really at home with her grandparents and at school.

Until someone pulls the plug on all her dreams.

Click here for your copy.   

About the Author

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. 

More from Melody

For many tweens, middle school is a jungle of insecurities, mean girls, and disappointments. As usual I gave Zoey plenty to deal with. Including a BFF with high expectations and an absentee mom who still hasn’t grown up. Even though some people let her down, Zoey keeps plugging along, even playing Sandy the dog in the school play. And through her struggles she changes and matures — kind of like real life.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Melody is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of Broken Promises
and the classic Annie movie (DVD or digital download, winner’s choice)!!

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/f4a1/broken-promises-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Gray Chamber ~ Grace Hitchcock

This book is a fiction based on strange but true history story.  Edyth and her trust fund from her late father has been under the watch of her uncle since her father died.  She has taken care of her uncle and aunt in her home.  Now that the trust is about to be turned over to her in a few months, her uncle has a different plan by having her committed to an asylum and keeping all the money and assets for himself.  Edyth makes friends with a few women in the asylum and learns about trust, faith and what real love is.  

I would recommend this to anyone that wants a heartwarming, dramatic and page turner read.  The cover of this book is dark and gray (as the name of the book), but very misleading from message of the pages inside.  If I had seen this book in the store I wouldn't have picked up to read because the cover made me think it was a dark and depressing story, but not that at all!  This book is a great suspenseful read, with love, friendship, faith and GOD.  What a wonderful read that will leave you wanting your friends to read and get a great message from beginning to end.  Reading this book will leave you cheering for Edyth and wanting her to have peace, love and faith through her trials and tribulations.  So glad I was able to review this book, because if I had judged by the cover, I would have missed a wonderful story... can't wait to read the next one by Grace.... The blue cloak!!.....

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

About the Book
Will Edyth prove her sanity before it is too late?
Step into True Colors—a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime
Book:  The Gray Chamber
Author: Grace Hitchcock
Genre:  Christian Historical / Suspense
Release Date: January, 2020

On Blackwell’s Island, New York, a hospital was built to keep its patients from ever leaving.

With her late parents’ fortune under her uncle’s care until her twenty-fifth birthday in the year 1887, Edyth Foster does not feel pressured to marry or to bow to society’s demands. She freely indulges in eccentric hobbies like fencing and riding her velocipede in her cycling costume about the city for all to see. Finding a loophole in the will, though, her uncle whisks Edyth off to the women’s lunatic asylum just weeks before her birthday. And Edyth fears she will never be found.

At the asylum she meets another inmate, who upon discovering Edyth’s plight, confesses that she is Nellie Bly, an undercover journalist for The World. Will either woman find a way to leave the terrifying island and reclaim her true self?

Click here to get your copy!  

About the Author:  Grace Hitchcock is the author of three novellas in The Second Chance Brides, The Southern Belle Brides, and the Thimbles and Threads collections with Barbour Publishing. The White City is her debut novel and releases March 2019 with Barbour Publishing. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in southern Louisiana with her husband, Dakota, and son. Visit Grace online at GraceHitchcock.com.  

More from Grace:  I am thrilled to share with you my second novel in the True Colors series, The Gray Chamber, which is set in New York City in 1887. I loved writing about Edyth Foster, our cat-rescuing, spunky heroine who spends her days painting, fencing with her dreamy instructor, and avoiding society at all costs, which as you can imagine, comes back to haunt her before the end. I’ve never written about a character who despised reading, so that was a new one for me. Edyth just doesn’t like to sit still long enough to finish a book, but you’ll find out why later.   I am pretty certain the librarians at my local branch are wondering what in the world my hobbies are, judging from the stacks of fencing books for beginners, histories of New York crime in the 19^th century, and Nellie Bly’s Ten Days in a Mad-House, and more that I have continuously checked out since moving back to Louisiana.   The inspiration for this book came from Nellie Bly’s scandalous exposé for Joseph Pulitzer’s newspaper, The World. In reading Nellie’s articles, I was shocked at the grounds by which the asylum would commit women and that’s when I discovered a tiny mention about an heiress with family members who had her tucked away so they could have her fortune. . .and Edyth Foster was born.   I hope you will enjoy reading about our eccentric leading lady and her fencing master hero, Raoul “Bane” Banebridge. If you are interested in seeing pictures of the asylum and to see what I pictured the characters looking like, check out my Pinterest board here.   Thank you for joining the fun for the Celebrate Lit tour! Join my author newsletter for more bookish news and to find out what is coming next! Just enter your e-mail address and name here. Happy Reading!  “With beautiful description and shiver-worthy scenes, Grace Hitchcock has penned an incredible fiction story based on true history. The Gray Chamber was a fascinating and chilling read. Edyth’s story had me glued to the pages. But as I journeyed with the heiress and her eccentricities, the greed of her family which saw her locked up in an asylum against her will made me grateful for the freedoms I have today. And made me pray that my voice would never be silenced. The nightmare was brought to life so vividly that I found myself holding my breath and then cheering on Bane as he never gave up on Edyth. This is a story that will stick with me for a long time…”   ~Kimberley Woodhouse – Carol-Award winning and Best-Selling Author of more than twenty books, including: MissTaken Identity, The Express Bride, The Golden Bride, The Patriot Bride, and The Mayflower Bride.

Giveaway: To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a free copy of The Gray Chamber!!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/f4a2/the-gray-chamber-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Duke's Refuge ~ Lorri Dudley

When Georgia Lennox of England, gets a letter saying her father, living in the States is gravely ill, she sets on a journey with her Aunt to go and take care of him.  After a long boat trip across the sea, she realizes how different the weather, attitude and people are.  She meets Harrison Wells the care taker for her dad's estate and realizes how different they are... but are they really that different?  After many events and learning that they both have some things in common.... do they really have feelings for each other and is Georgia's dad able to survive his medical issues?  The story keeps you intrigued, laughing, crying and just plain feeling good.

I would recommend this to anyone that wants to read a relaxing good story.  This would make a great Hallmark movie, even with the few surprises it holds.  This is for all ages and is very easy to read and enjoy.  I think it would be a great book club read as it touches your heart and soul in many ways.  Great gift for the reader on your list, you won't go wrong with buy this book for friends and family.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

Book:  The Duke’s Refuge   Author: Lorri Dudley Genre:  Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: January 7, 2020

About the Book:When love comes in a tempest, who knew it would wear pink?

Georgia Lennox has traded in her boyish ways for pink gowns and a coy smile to capture the eye of the Earl of Claremont. However, on the day she’s convinced the earl will propose, Georgia is shipped off to the Leeward Islands to care for her ailing father. But when she arrives on Nevis, the last thing she expects is to learn that her abrupt departure was not at her father’s bidding but that of the infuriating, yet captivating, island schoolmaster. And now her plans may well be shipwrecked.

Harrison Wells is haunted by the memories of his deceased wife and hunted by the subsequent women who aspire to be the next Duchess of Linton. Desiring anonymity, he finds sanctuary in the Leeward island of Nevis. He’s willing to sacrifice his ducal title for a schoolmaster’s life and the solace the island provides. That is until unrest finds its way to Nevis in a storm of pink chiffon—Miss Georgia Lennox.

As Georgia and Harrison’s aspirations break apart like a ship cast upon the rocks, a new love surfaces, but secrets and circumstances drag them into rough waters. Can they surrender their hearts to a love that defies their expectations?          Click here to get your copy!

About the Author:  Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household. Find her online at www.lorridudley.com.
More from Lorri:  After being buried under the largest snowfall in Massachusetts history, I wrote The Duke’s Refuge as an escape to warmer tropical climates, and what better respite than a romantic Caribbean isle with a mysteriously missing Duke? In the process I fell in love with the beauty of Nevis, it’s rich culture, and history.

My heroine Georgia lured me in the moment I realized she only wore pink. My psychology background had me digging deeper. I needed to know why. Why the obsession? What was the root behind the hurt? Why pink? How did she go from being a Tomboy to a dignified, Regency socialite? And how did she wind up in the Leeward Islands? Enter her beloved, sick father who always saw Georgia’s potential even when it was hidden under boy’s clothing and often smelled of marsh. Although, he held the best of intentions, his relocating to Nevis left Georgia with deep abandonment issues.

Harrison was a completely different beast. After reading about Mudlarks who trolled the Thames River searching for treasure and even picking the pockets of dead people washed up on the shores, I knew Harrison’s would wind up caked in the Thames’s thick mud and devastated at the loss of his wife. The Leeward island became not only a reprieve from his grief but also from the women who snuck into his carriage or cornered him at parties clamoring to become the next Duchess.

Oddly enough, part of the story formed when a friend of mine spoke of their family trip to visit his mother. She happened to own a parrot, and after a week of the kids yelling each other’s names, the parrot imitated their shrieking. Even long after they returned to the U.S. the bird still screeched out their names. I couldn’t resist adding a mimicking parrot to add a comical element and harass my main characters.

The Duke’s Refuge is meant to be a fish-out-of-water, case-of-mistaken-identity, love triangle romance with a happily-ever-after. It demonstrates how God’s love fervently pursues us, no matter how far we run, and that sometimes, something we would never have chosen can bless us in a way we would never have expected.

To learn more, check out my website at lorridudley.com or click here to watch The Duke’s Refuge’s book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D65yeAhswnI&feature=emb_logo

Collateral Damage ~ Lynette Eason

This is book one of the Danger Never Sleeps series.  When Brooke Adams is discharged from the Army, she has to deal with PTSD among being a target from someone trying to kill her.  The beginning of the book has many characters that seem hard to keep up with, however, they start to flow mid way through.  There is lots of drama and suspense in this book along with Asher that vows to protect her, will this be the start of a romance?

I would recommend this book to any of those that like a fast paced, suspenseful drama.  This book has many twist and turns that make it unpredictable. Make sure you don't start this at night, it is one of those books once you get into it, you can't put it down till the end.  If you are a Lynette Eason fan you won't be disappointed.  If this is the first book of Lynette's you read, you will become a fan.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

Still ~ Jenny L. Donnelly

This is a book that deals with the chaos of everyday life.  Jenny shares her own experiences and daily schedule through the book.  She talks about dealing with anxiety and fears on a day to day basis.  Each chapter teaches about the darkness in your life and how to overcome it.  The book makes you think about what it is deep down that is causing your feelings. 

I would recommend this book to those that are dealing with a busy schedule, work, family, and having to be in 3 places at one time.   This is an easy read and would help anyone that has depression, anxiety, stress and chaos in everyday life.  It may not solve all your problems but it does make you think of the little things you can change to make you feel better.... sometimes it may just to stop and be still for a few moments..............

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising. 

Growing in Holiness ~ R.C. Sproul

This book is written from the lectures of R.C. Sproul.  It is about how we live for God and it is about you.  We are not to use this book to judge others but to deal with our own relationship with God.  It helps us deal with the everyday trials and tribulations that we deal with.  R.C. Sproul gives us bible verses, explanations and teaches of how we can grow in our faith.  The subjects in this book is all about dealing with your own feelings and emotions and how you process what God wants us to know.

I would recommend this to anyone that wants to improve their faith or if they are exploring their faith.  This is an easy read and very easy to understand.  You can pick it up and read any chapters you want at anytime; depends on what you are dealing with at the time.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising. 

The Breaking Point ~ Marji Laine

This is book 2 of the Heath's Point Series and can be read as a stand alone.  This is the story of Alynne who has to go her mother's side when her dad suddenly passes away.  While dealing with funeral plans, Alynne has to deal with her sister, aunts, uncle and family friends that all seem to have their own plans and ideas.  Alynne's mom and dad runs a country inn that everyone wants to decide on what her mom will do with it.  When many incidents and accidents happen, Jason the town cop comes into the picture that helps protect Alynne and her mom.  The story has many twist and turns and doesn't stop to the end.

I would recommend this to anyone that wants a good read with many twist, turns, a little romance and all about faith and family.  I didn't read book 1 of the series and was able to pick up the book and start reading without missing anything. I now want to go back and read book 1, if you read this I am sure you will also want to read book 1.  I thought the book was all over when one incident was solved and thought, why are their 50 more pages to go..... then it was because of another twist in the book that it was not ending yet..... need I say more?   Be prepared to read, read and read to the very end.  Great book for those that like a faith filled book that is unpredictable.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

Book:  Breaking Point Author: Marji Laine  Genre: Psychological suspense, romance  Release Date: September, 2019

About the Book:  The mere rumor of treasure can change lives, destroy friendships… even kill?

Alynne’s Stone’s planned out and predictable life ended when she hurried to her mother’s side to support her during a family tragedy. So why would she now have a target on her back? Her father’s death had nothing to do with her, but suddenly she’s having these “accidents”? How can she stay and support her mom when someone is intent on eliminating her?

Police Lieutenant Jason Danvers believes her father was murdered. How, he can’t fathom, but he also can’t ignore the details that don’t add up. Attempts on Alynne’s life must be somehow connected. Still dealing with the pain of his own wife’s death, he can’t allow an innocent woman to die on his watch. Especially one as scintillating as Alynne Stone.  Even in a small town, things—and people—aren’t always what they appear to be.  

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author:  Marji Laine has completed seventeen years of homeschooling, but with her publishing business, her various volunteer activities, and her large family, she will likely never live a life of leisure. And that suits her just fine! When she does find spare time, she enjoys watching sports and Hallmark movies and mysteries, loves having game night with her family and friends, and enjoys talking “shop” with other authors. You can usually find her in her favorite recliner, plucking away at her keyboard with her rescue fur-babies at her feet or at www.MarjiLaine.com.

More from Marji:  It Started with a Dream. You know how just before you actually wake up, you sometimes have dreams that stay with you? I’ve recently chatted with a lady who had a dream about her husband and woke up mad at the man without realizing that her discontent was from a dream. Dreams are powerful, amplified thoughts that can move us to unexpected emotions and actions.

Such was the case with me. My latest release, BREAKING POINT, actually stemmed from a dream.  I had a scene in my sleep of a woman trapped on the roof of a beautiful, three-story, Victorian house, having crept out the window of one of the second floor gables. A storm whirled around her, slapping her brunette hair across her eyes and into her mouth. She was afraid of something.  Then I saw the something… or rather the someone. A hand raised above the eave of the roof. A man’s gravelly voice, “I know you’re up here.”  Lightning flashed revealing the top of his head as he climbed onto the window sill from which she had escaped. His left hand gripped the eave of the roof, likely holding onto the gingerbread décor that laced the edging.  The woman had nowhere to go, no other place to hide. Thunder jarred the air and rumbled across the ground. The woman stiffened, but not from the explosive sound.  The man’s eyes appeared over the rooftop. “There you are.”  This was it. She had no hope of survival. After all she’d done to avoid this moment.  He leaned to his left to pull his right hand over the edge of the roof. A murderous glint filled his dark eyes as a smile stretched his lips. The barrel of a gun appeared, cresting the roof.  Then a loud crack split the night. Not thunder. The man’s smile disappeared as his mouth fell open and his eyes widened. He dropped the gun and grabbed at the surface of the shingles with both hands.  The woman had climbed up the side of the gable up to the top of it. The surface didn’t offer a finger grip anywhere. The gingerbread must have broken, giving the man no handhold.  With a prolonged yell, the man’s face and hands disappeared from view. A close lightning strike and the thunderous result covered the sound of the man hitting the ground below.

This scene, from a dream, was where the story BREAKING POINT began. It was actually the very first novel I ever completed. However, after no less than five total rewrites where I changed every aspect of the story except the hero, heroine, and the setting – the beautiful Victorian house – that scene didn’t make it to the book at all. Maybe it will find itself in a new story someday!

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor ~ Sarah E. Ladd

This is the story of Julia Twethewey leaving her broken heart behind and going to help her cousin Jane that is bedridden due to her difficult pregnancy.  The setting is 1818 in the country of Cornwall, England.  Jane's family has moved to the country from the city of London to maintain land in the mining country.  During her stay Julia meets twin brothers, Isacc and Matthew that have another mine that is employment for the town.  When Matthew has plans to get Julia to court him, things start to happen.  The story twist in turns around Julia and the brothers with tales of a haunted house, stolen goods, a robbery and family issues of romance.

I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a detailed historic read. The story is a little slow at the beginning, but once you reach the point of all characters introduced the story moves at a good intriguing pace.  I felt some parts seemed to drag, but it did keep me reading through the afternoon, the more I read, the more I became attached to Julia and wanting to know what she would choose to do in the end.  I am not a fan of historic reads, but I really enjoyed this one, it felt you were in the world of Jane Austen of romance and cheering on for the main character and her to be happy.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

Book: The Thief of Lanwyn Manor  Author: Sarah E. Ladd   Genre: Regency Romance   Release Date: January 7, 2020

About the Book:  In this sweet Regency romance, Julia knows Matthew Blake, copper mine owner and very eligible bachelor, is the gentleman she should set her eyes upon. But why can’t she steal her gaze away from his younger brother, Isaac?  

Cornwall, England 1818—Julia Twethewey needs a diversion to mend her broken heart, so when her cousin invites her to Lanwyn Manor, Julia eagerly accepts. Lanwyn Manor is at the heart of Cornwall’s mining industry, and as a guest Julia is swept into its intricate world. It’s not long, though, before she realizes something dark lurks in the home’s ancient halls.

As a respected mine owner’s younger son, Isaac Blake is determined to keep his late father’s legacy alive through the family business, despite his brother’s careless attitude. In order to save their livelihood—and the livelihood of those around them—the brothers approach the master of Lanwyn Manor with plans to bolster the floundering local industry. Isaac can’t deny his attraction to the man’s charming niece, but his brother has made his intentions to court the lovely guest clear. And Isaac knows his place.

When tragedy strikes, mysteries arise, and items go missing, Julia and Isaac find they are pulled together in a swirl of strange circumstances, but despite their own best efforts to bow to social expectations, their hearts aren’t so keen to surrender.        Click here to buy your copy.

About the Author:  Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing family and spunky golden retriever. Visit her online at SarahLadd.com; Facebook: SarahLaddAuthor; Twitter: @SarahLaddAuthor.    Click here to read an excerpt from the book.