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“I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.”- Psalm 138:2

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Every Flower of the Field ~ Sara Davison

This is book 2 of the Two Sparrows for a Penny series, Christian Mystery Suspense read.  This is the story of Rose, a young girl being held against her will in a trafficking situation.  When Laken a detective finds her being captive, he needs to save her, but also keep her safe.  Both are praying to God for the answers.  Rose wants freedom, safety and out of the control of the man holding her.  Laken wants to find Rose, bring her to a safe place, and stop the people that dislike others.  Will he find Rose?  Will Rose go with him to safety? What does the future of their faith hold? 

I would recommend to anyone that wants a suspenseful read that will keep you up at night to finish reading.  This story is a deep read about trafficking and loving God no matter what.  It may be too much for those sensitive to the issue of trafficking.  It can be a stand alone read, however, read book one to really get the whole story of Rose and her sisters.  This is a great page turning book.

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: Every Flower of the Field

Author: Sara Davison

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: February 15, 2023

Safe is the most dangerous feeling of all.

For as long as she can remember, Rose Galway has been a captive, controlled by one man or another. To her, though, God is the one holding the keys, refusing to set her free despite the desperate pleas she has sent heavenward.

Detective Laken Jones has known hardship too, including the daily trauma of racism. Still, nothing he has gone through compares to what Rose has endured. He wants nothing more than for her to experience hope and healing and maybe even happiness in her life.

But first he has to find her.

Laken is willing to risk everything to set Rose free. And to help her find her way to God. Even if that means letting go of her—and the future he envisions for the two of them—forever.

 Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Sara Davison is the author of four romantic suspense series—The Seven Trilogy, The Night Guardians, The Rose Tattoo Trilogy, and two sparrows for a penny, as well as the standalone, The Watcher. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, she is a Word, Cascade, and two-time Carol Award winner. She currently resides in Ontario with her husband, Michael, and their three mostly grown kids. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason. Get to know Sara better at www.saradavison.org and @sarajdavison.

 More from Sara

Neil Gaiman once said, “Fiction gives us empathy. It puts us inside the minds of other people, gives us the gift of seeing the world through their eyes…” To me, that is one of the primary reasons to read and to write fiction. Every time I write a scene with a character, it’s my job as the author to put myself inside that character, to think what they are thinking and feel what they are feeling, and to draw readers inside that character too.

When what that character is experiencing is deeply painful or traumatic, that job can be extremely difficult. In my series, two sparrows for a penny, the main characters of the first two books, Every Star in the Sky and Every Flower of the Field, have has been caught up in sex trafficking for several years. What they experienced wasn’t easy to write about, especially since, although Tala’s and Rose’s stories are fictional, I am painfully aware that so many women have been or are currently in the same horrific situation.

It may be difficult to read about too, although the stories also contain humor and love and family and, ultimately, hope. Still, it is so important that stories like these are told. If Neil Gaiman is right, reading about what others are going through increases our empathy, our compassion, for their plight. And empathy and compassion are catalysts for action. If we turn away from suffering, pretend it doesn’t exist, we do nothing to help alleviate it. But if we face it, acknowledge it, we might find in ourselves the courage to take a stand against it, to do what we can to help, to let these women know that they are not alone. That they are precious to God and they are precious to us.

The title of this series is two sparrows for a penny, which comes from Matthew 10:29: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” Every human being caught up in the unspeakably heinous world of trafficking is loved by God. He sees them and knows what they are going through and, one day, he will mete out perfect justice to all who perpetuate this evil. My hope and prayer for these stories is that readers will be compelled to pray for the women and some men who are victims of this practice and maybe even become involved, through a reputable agency, in working to help free those in captivity.

And I also hope and pray readers will be reminded that, whatever they are going through in life, they are never alone either. As God knows the name of every star and takes care even of the flowers of the field, He knows every one of our names and watches over us as well. Tala and Rose finally come to realize that, even in the midst of horrific circumstances, they were never alone. God saw them, remembered them, brought them out of captivity, and will continue to walk alongside them as they begin their long journeys of healing and hope.

And He promises over and over in His Word that He will do the same for every one of us.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sara is giving away the grand prize package of a book-related stained glass window hanging and a paperback copy of Every Flower of the Field!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!

CLICK HERE

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

The Finding of Miss Fairfield ~ Grace Hitchcock

This is book one of the Aprons and Veils Series, Christian Historical Read.  When Sophia finds herself being watched by her stepson Carver while her husband is away.  She starts to have feelings for Carver and knows this is wrong, she decides to run off the Mexico and becomes a waitress.  Carver is devistated that she is missing and also has feelings for her.  He sets out to find her and protect her.  Can he find her?  Will they have a future together?  Where do they end up?

I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys a historical, mysterious read.  It is a book that keeps you wondering how it is going to end.  Will they be together?  Fun read that will keep you turning the pages. 

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: The Finding of Miss Fairfield

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: August 29, 2022

When an engagement of convenience becomes anything but convenient . . .

Forced into a betrothal with a widower twice her age, Charleston socialite, Sophia Fairfield is desperate for an escape. But, while her fiancé is away on business, he assigns his handsome stepson, Carver, the task of looking after his bride-to-be. Much to her dismay, Sophia finds herself falling in love with the wrong gentleman—a man society would never allow her to marry, given Sophia was supposed to be his new stepmother. The only way to save Carver from scandal and financial ruin is to run away, leaving him and all else behind to become a Harvey Girl waitress at the Castañeda Hotel in New Mexico.

Carver Ashton has had his life planned out for him since birth, but when he encounters Sophia Fairfield, he glimpses a new life—apart from his overbearing stepfather’s business. But, when the woman he loves disappears before he can express his devotion, Carver abandons all to find her. However, his stepfather has other intentions for Sophia and will stop at nothing until she is his bride . . . even if it is against her will.

 Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in the New Orleans area with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.

 More from Grace

Q: What type of fiction do you write? What is it about this type that appeals to you? 

Grace Hitchcock: I write historical romance with a dash of suspense, unless it was for my true crime books which have a bit more than a dash of suspense  For my American setting novels, The Gilded Age speaks to me as it was a time of change for women. While still having that epic romance feel with balls and dancing and courtships with a sweet romance, women were breaking ground and making history and pairing that with the fact that it was a time of emerging inventions, it is an all-around exciting era to research, read, and write.

Q: Who were the Harvey Girls?

Grace Hitchcock: Whenever I tell people I am writing about a Victorian Harvey Girl romance, they usually assume the Harvey Girls are associated with an old-time saloon, but nothing could be further from the truth. In the 1890s, there were not many respectable jobs for women, so when Englishman Fred Harvey created his chain of fine dining restaurants along the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroads, single women without an education, or in need of earning their own way, were given a chance to earn an honest wage without the speculation that they offered anything else but food as a service. With Mr. Harvey’s strict rules about the waitress’s code of conduct, the women were given their independence while still maintaining their good name and place in society under the protective, fatherly arm of Fred Harvey. These extraordinary, brave women became known as the Harvey Girls, the ladies who tamed the Wild West with fine china, good pie, and exceptional service with complete propriety.

While Harvey Houses were built to serve the needs of the passengers on the rail to encourage tourism in the west, the railroad workers and local townsmen also dined at the restaurant, but usually at the lunch counter. At a time when men filled towns and women were scarce, inevitably, a railroad worker or townsman would express interest in marrying a Harvey Girl. In order to marry, she would need to fulfill her work contract or risk paying a fine of a month of salary. The fine was set in place to ensure that Fred Harvey would have enough workers and that he wouldn’t simply train a girl to have her shipped to a town of bachelors and leave him without a waitress.

As you can probably tell, such a set up sends an author’s head to spinning with all the romance that could come from a woman venturing out on her own in a land filled with cowboys, bandits, ranchers, and farmers. The possibilities for romance are endless! There is so much more I could write about these fascinating ladies and their contributions to society, but I hope you enjoyed this taste of history on the Harvey Girls!

Q: What are your publications? And what are you currently working on? 

Grace Hitchcock: After signing with The Steve Laube Agency in 2015, I sold three novellas to Barbour Publishing and then, in March 2019, I released my debut novel, The White City, from Barbour Publishing and signed for a second novel, The Gray Chamber.

My latest release, His Delightful Lady Delia, concludes my 3-book American Royalty series for Bethany House Publishers and hit the shelves in November 2022.

This spring, I signed with Kregel Publications for my first ever REGENCY series!!!! I am thrilled for this dream come true!

While I wait for its release, I’m keeping busy editing and writing book two in my Harvey Girls Aprons & Veils series, The Pursuit of Miss Parish.

The Pursuit of Miss Parish summary:

Love’s gentle promise becomes nothing more than a withered dream.

With dreams of love and a hope for belonging, shy Belle Parish leaves her position as a maid in Charleston to travel to New Mexico with her best friend to become mail-order brides. Colt Lawson’s letters hold great promise and while his devilishly handsome face matches his picture, something does not add up. Discovering his lie only moments before they wed, Belle flees the church and straight into the Castañeda Hotel Harvey House. Giving up the prospect on ever marrying, she dons her nun-like uniform and focuses on her role as a Harvey Girl waitress until a strong, former Texas Ranger rides into her life.

Colt Lawson didn’t want to send that letter to Belle Parish in the first place, but her first response had all but captured his heart. When he is left standing at the altar alone, he is left with two choices—either release his dream of a love marriage, or attempt to win her heart. Wooing her would be a lot easier if that Texas Ranger wasn’t back in town. Who wants a dusty rancher with a past when she could have a shining knight in a Stetson?

While you wait for The Pursuit of Miss Parish to release in Summer 2023, please be sure to check out book one in my brand-new Harvey Girl series set at the historical Hotel Castañeda, The Finding of Miss Fairfield, a tale about Charleston socialite who is on the run from an engagement of convenience.

Happy reading, friends!

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away the grand prize package of $50 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of the book, a bookmark, and a book magnet!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!

CLICK HERE 

A Mark of Grace ~ Kimberley Woodhouse

 

This book 3 of the Secrets of the Canyon series,  a Christian Historical Read.  This takes place in the Grand Canyon days of 1900 era.  When Ruth is hidden away to work at the El Tovar Hotel kitchen, she is fine with it.  Frank is excited to be doing his dream job, chef at the El Tovar Hotel.  When a mysterious happening of money missing, both are suspects.  They both fear about their jobs and wonder where is the money going.  When the decide to join together and try to solve who is taking the money, could this be a future relationship?  Do they find who is doing this?  Can they prove they are not part of this?

I would recommend this book to those that enjoy reading a drama, mystery, history read.  It is book 3 in the series, but can be read as a stand alone.  

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: A Mark of Grace

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release date: January 3, 2023

When everything crumbles, her chance for a new beginning hangs in the balance.

Ruth Anniston survived an injury that left her physically scarred, broken, and angry at God. Now, she finds herself working behind the scenes as a kitchen and dining room supervisor at the El Tovar Hotel, hidden away from curious eyes and with little hope of finding love. When money begins to disappear from the hotel, Ruth’s entire livelihood is put at risk when she lands on the list of suspects.

Frank Henderson has at last succeeded in obtaining his dream job as head chef at the El Tovar. But competition in the kitchen is fierce, and one mistake could cost him his future. As the thefts at the hotel continue, and his affection for Ruth grows, Frank’s career–and his heart–are in jeopardy.

As tensions run high, Ruth and Frank must work together to save the El Tovar. They find themselves growing closer . . . but can their combined ingenuity overcome the odds against them?

 Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Kimberley Woodhouse (www.kimberleywoodhouse.com) is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 30 fiction and nonfiction books. Kim and her incredible husband of 30-plus years live in the Poconos, where they play golf together, spend time with their kids and grandbaby, and research all the history around them.

 More from Kimberley

It is such a thrill to be able to bring readers A Mark of Grace, book three in my Secrets of the Canyon series. These books have been near and dear to me since 2009, right from the moment the idea of setting a Harvey Girls series at the El Tovar on the rim of the Grand Canyon first hit me.

Ever since the release of A Deep Divide, book one in the series, I’ve received tons of messages from readers who hoped Ruth would have her story. All along, the plan was for the final installment to be hers.

Ruth has been a strong character throughout the series. A mentor. A friend. A headwaitress. But when a crisis hits her life, it affects every area—emotional, physical, and spiritual—and her confidence in everything she thought she knew crumbles.

Life isn’t easy for any of us, and I love a good story that I can grow and learn through. I pray A Mark of Grace is that for you.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kimberley is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback set of the full SECRETS OF THE CANYON series!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!

CLICK HERE

Were Treasure Lies ~ Amanda Tru

This is book one of the Suamalie Island series,  a Contemporary Christian read. It takes place on Suamalie Island and is the story of Scott and Tavia.  Both have different reason for being on the Island, but soon find that they may have something in common.  Tavia is on the Island to settle her father's affairs and return home.  Scott has the plan to buy land on the island and leave.  When a mystery is of the past comes to the surface, both are determined to find what is going on.  Will they both solve the mystery?  Will they find something in common?  What brings them both together? 

If you want a  to read on an afternoon with a little romance, mystery and fun, this is the one to read.  It is a good book to relax with and takes on a journey to island living. 

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: Where Treasure Lies

Author: Amanda Tru

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: February 28, 2023

Two stories…thirty years apart. Will solving the mystery of the past provide the key to the present?

Scott Connelly arrives in the Suamalie Islands determined to acquire property for his father and leave as soon as possible. But he doesn’t count on the animosity of the residents, the fascinating local legend of a sunken Spanish treasure ship, or the highly unavailable waitress who comes to his rescue. The fabled treasure promises to buy his freedom, but even seeking it may be a dangerous risk.

News of her father’s death precedes Tavia Connelly’s arrival in the Suamalie Islands. Despite the hatred of the island residents, Tavia’s determined to settle her father’s affairs and return immediately to assume her role as head of the family company. But her father’s wishes require her to find out what happened long ago, given only Scott’s mumbled clues, crazy rumors, and a centuries-old fable.

Tavia should be safe after all those years, but her presence attracts a lot of resentment, and the ghosts of Scott’s enemies may still lie in wait for someone to come searching for a treasure that may have never existed.

But what if it did?

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

 Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Amanda Tru is a best-selling author of over thirty Christian fiction books. She writes page-turning fiction to inspire real-life stories. In her own real story, she sheds her super-hero writing cape to be mommy to four kids in a small Idaho town.

 More from Amanda

I love to mix truth with fiction. Sometimes I use my own experiences as inspiration for my stories, sometimes I use actual events, and sometimes I do both! When I started writing Where Treasure Lies, I wanted to anchor my fiction in truth. We’ve all read stories that featured a rather cheesy treasure hunt, and I wanted more than that. Besides the subject, the format of a dual time story made it even more difficult. However, a book isn’t worth writing if it isn’t a challenge.

What I found in my research thrilled me, driving my imagination to create a story even better than I thought possible. We’re all familiar with the fantastic tales of treasure ships in the Caribbean. But the story I wanted to tell was set on the fictional Suamalie Islands located a bit farther away—the Pacific. Was it even possible that a Spanish treasure ship could be in that area?

My initial research was discouraging. After all, the main age when Spanish galleons sailed the seas was from 1565 to 1815. The Suamalie Islands were supposedly not discovered until the early 1800s. And they were discovered by a French explorer, which didn’t quite fit my Spanish treasure ship idea. But the more research I did, the more it fascinated me. Starting in the late 1500s, Spain did run treasure ships to the Caribbean, but they also ran them the other direction, seeking the treasures of the New World from the western coast of the continents. Typically, they would set out from Manila in the Philippines, transporting spices, porcelain, and silk to Acapulco where they would trade them for New World silve, gold, gems, and other treasures. They would often make land in Oregon or California before following the coast south. Then they would turn around with their new load and take the treasure back to Manilla and then mainland Spain.

The exact trade route was kept secret. After all, if it were known, the treasure ships would be prime targets for pirates. To this day, the route of the Manilla galleons isn’t known. However, it is estimated that at least 30 Manilla galleons were wrecked, and not all of them have been found. There are even rumors that one of them was shipwrecked off the coast of Oregon!

With that information, I knew it was possible that one of these mysterious Spanish treasure ships could have passed by the fictional Suamalie Islands, even before it was officially discovered. And it would have been kept hush hush because of the secrecy of the trade route. And if one was passing by the island of Oli Oli when there happened to be a big storm… And if residents of the island of Oli Oli told a local legend about such a ship (similar to what is told today even in Oregon)… And if certain characters came to the island and heard the tale… Maybe, just maybe, they would go searching. Whether or not they found a treasure, that search could be a story. And if two different people were searching for the same treasure thirty years apart, maybe readers would want to go on the search with them!

I won’t reveal any spoilers. I won’t say if a Manilla galleon is found, or if four hundred years later such a ship would still contain treasure. However, I hope you will still find treasure as you read this book. In 2023, finding a wonderful story, filled with mystery, romance, and adventure with a few deeper truths mixed in is a wonderful treasure indeed.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Amanda is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!

CLICK HERE 

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

A Life Set Free ~ Rena Groot

This is a true story of Rena and how she put all her trust into God.  It is a women's inspirational read.  Rena tells about the heartbreak she has gone through from childhood thru adulthood.  Her story deals with pain, suffering, heartbreaking issues until she finds God.  When she finds her faith and steps out with what God wants her to do, her adventure is eye opening.  She doesn't let her unhappy childhood stop her from going on an adventure, God's adventure.  She takes us on the journey with her of her mission trips and how she shows the love of God.

I would recommend this book to any woman that wants or needs an inspirational read.  This is a great book that tells a true story of how one lady stepped out on God's word and is living for HIM.  This is a great afternoon read that will leave you happy and wanting to share this book and her story with others.  Great book to give as a gift. 

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: A Life Set Free

Author: Rena Groot

Genre: Non-Fiction

Release date: 2019

A Life Set Free was carried in my heart for years before I finally had the courage to write it. It was written under a mosquito net in China. The final editing took place at a guest house in Israel. It is filled with stories from God sparing my life to leading me on incredible adventures as an ambassador with “The Department of Eternal Affairs” to so many cool places ~ Haiti, a jungle village in Belize, the Ghetto in NYC, behind the Iron Curtain in Poland and Romania, Israel, China, Thailand, Mexico, Canada, Africa, and Greece. It is a story of God’s love and faithfulness.

  Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

My name is Rena Groot and I am honored you have chosen to take a moment of your life to read this. I am an artist, author, have a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and a Masters of Religious Education from the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary in Cochrane, Alberta. I have been a teacher in Canada and China, a tour manager from the Rockies to the Pacific, a missionary to the ends of the Earth, a mom of four ~ and best of all, a child of God.

 More from Rena

Why did I write this book? Because I had to. I wrote it for me…but God wanted me to share it with the world…with you…so you could be encouraged and know that God loves you…more than you can possibly imagine.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rena is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!

CLICK HERE 

Monday, March 6, 2023

Promise of Purity ~ Marguerite Martin Gray

 This is book 2 of the Gardens in Time series, Historical Christian Romance read.  This is the story of Kate and Peter living in England during the 1661 era.  Kate is is a baker and daughter of a Puritan, she is working in the Kings quarters with people that are not in her standards.  Peter is against the monarchy and is trying to find his missing sister.  When Kate and Peter meet, they decide to team up and fight to find Peter's sister.  Can they forget the past and stand on their faith for the future?  What does teaming up with each other mean?  

If you like a historical times read that will take you back to England in the time of the King was the ruler and faith was living for the royal family, read this book.  It is a book that takes you back into time and gives good details that makes you feel like you are in England during this time.  It is book 2 and can be read as a stand alone. 

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 of Purity

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: February 14, 2023

Is true purity found in the laws of religion or in the hearts of the faithful?

East Molesey, England, 1661—

With the return of the exiled king to his rightful throne, Kate Sinclair’s world of black and white now offers the hope of color. But where does color-loving Kate fit? In the bakery as the daughter of a Puritan or in the palace garden among God’s myriad hues? Certainly not within the palace walls of an immoral court with new friends.

Exiled with King Charles II on the continent, Peter Reresby claims unwavering support of his friend’s regained crown. While fighting for the monarchy against his family’s wishes, his sister disappears, and Peter is determined to find her.

When their opposing beliefs collide, Kate and Peter witness a true test of faith in the ability of mankind to shed the past in order to preserve the future… and perhaps learn that the “greatest of these” truly is love.

 Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, and Bring Me Near– Revolutionary Faith Books One, Two and Three. Besides researching her historical novels, she enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Marguerite is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Abilene Writers Guild, Daughters of the American Revolution, South Carolina Historical Society, and Preservation Society of Charleston. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and Cleo, her cat. Her two adult children keep her up to date and young. Follow Marguerite at http://margueritemartingray.com.

 More from  Marguerite

Hello from north Louisiana. I am so happy to be here with you. When I am not writing, you will most likely find me outside in my garden, reading on the deck or front porch, or hiking/walking in the woods and parks. I love the outdoors, although I am not the athletic sports type, more like a nature lover. That is one reason I have enjoyed writing the novels for Gardens in Time.

When I was a preteen, I had the awesome privilege of residing in England outside of Liverpool while my father pursued an advanced degree in architecture. For a few years, I had the gardens of Britain and Europe as my playground. My sisters and I made up games on the lawns and in the gardens of the estates—supervised, of course. Hide-and-seek in castle ruins or tag in rose gardens or getting lost in mazes proved great entertainment. Hampton Court Palace Gardens was one of those majestic places.

Promise of Purity is set at Hampton Court Palace in 1661 during the return of Charles II from exile. Kate is a Puritan waiting for color to fill her life after a dismal rule under Cromwell. I visited Hampton Court again in June 2022. I wandered in the rose gardens and marveled at the herb plots. Wildflowers existed between the manicured plots of lilies. I strolled through the Privy Garden that my character Kate brings back to life. Walking in my characters’ footsteps energizes me as I present them to you, the reader.

Enjoy the journey through Hampton Court Gardens.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marguerite is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!

CLICK HERE 

Saturday, March 4, 2023

Love’s New Beginnings ~ Penny Zeller

This is a prequal to the Wyoming Sunrise series, Christian Historical Romance read.  This is the story of Lydie an Solomon, both new to the community.  When Solomon is voted to be part of the prank tradition at the school for the new teacher.  He never thought it would be a lovely young woman, Lydie.  They become friends and maybe the future is for more.  Will they both become more than friends?  What does all of this mean for the town and Solomon wanting to be the Reverend of the church congregation.  Will faith play a part in their future?

If you like a relaxing romantic afternoon read, grab this book.  It is how the characters of the Wyoming Series began.  This will be the background to the series and the town.   It is a quick read and moves along fast of a light romance book. 

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: Love’s New Beginnings

Author: Penny Zeller

Genre:Christian Historical Romance

Release date: December 13, 2022

Where it all began…

Lydie Beauchamp recently moved with her aunts—sisters Myrtle and Fern—to the untamed Wyoming Territory. When a teaching position in nearby Willow Falls captures her attention, can she leave her aunts, one of whom just suffered a broken heart, and embark on this new adventure? Will she find the courage to persevere in the midst of challenges, one being a handsome challenge named Solomon Eliason?

Reverend Solomon Eliason has the goal of making a difference. Hired as the pastor of Willow Falls, he must convince the congregation that he is able to undertake the role of a reverend. When he’s nominated to be the adult in charge of the annual prank tradition at the school, he embraces the idea, thinking the new teacher will be an elderly crotchety woman like his former teacher. What he doesn’t realize until it’s too late is that the teacher is far from crotchety and elderly.

When Lydie’s and Solomon’s paths cross in an unexpected way during the prank tradition at the Willow Falls school, can Solomon redeem himself in the eyes of the lovely new teacher?

Take a glimpse into where it all began with Lydie and Solomon’s story in this tender tale that reminds us that God can and does use willing hearts for His purposes.

 Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today Penny is the author of over a dozen books. She is also a homeschool mom and a group fitness instructor. Her desire is to assist and nurture women into a closer relationship with Christ.

When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and camping, hiking, canoeing, bicycling/cycling, reading, running, gardening, and playing volleyball.

She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website,  blog, and on Facebook.

 More from Penny

Stagecoach etiquette, a casket for sale in the mercantile, and mock turtle soup were just a few of the items included in Love’s New Beginnings. Research is always fun for historical novels, and I even discovered that some people ate skunks back in the “olden days.” Not a regular delicatessen, but they did eat them on occasion. After reading about the ingredients for mock turtle soup and discovering about skunks for dinner (aka supper), I’m even more grateful for enchiladas and regular plain ol’ hamburgers. Historical romance novels are a delight to read, but is Love’s New Beginnings the book for you?

If you love…
To read love stories
Stories set in the late 1800s
Settings in the Wild West in small western towns
Sweet romance and tender love stories
Plentiful humor
Character-driven plots
Faith element organically interwoven into the story
Scenes that tug at the heartstrings
Hilarious antidotes tucked within the pages of a novel
To curl up and escape into the lives of book characters
Realistic plot lines
Close-knit families
Clean and wholesome reads
Memorable characters who stay with you long after the last page
Then Love’s New Beginnings is indeed the book for you!

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Penny is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!

CLICK HERE 

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Honor’s Mountain Promise ~ Misty M. Beller

This is a Christian Western Historical read.  This is the story of Aaron and Katie's journey across the Rocky Mountains.  Aaron is driving a wagon through the mountains when he comes across a women carrying a child, Katie.  Katie needs help and begs Aaron to take her back to a town that he is in the wrong direction from where he is traveling. Katie is stressed to get back to town before her child is born.  She is a recent widow and is trying to get a better future.  Will she be able to persuade Aaron for a ride?  Will Aaron be able to change his plans and stay within his faith values?  What does all this mean for both of them?

If you like a quick read that takes you back into history of the wagon train days, read this.  It is a book that has alot of suspense of two people coming from different worlds.  It would be a great afternoon read just sitting with a cup of tea. 

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: Honor’s Mountain Promise

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre:Christian Historical Romance

Release date: March 5, 2023

They both need a new start, but this looks nothing like either of them planned.

Aaron Long never expected his life to turn out this way—finally on the right side of the law, but with a bum leg and driving a freight wagon through the wild Rocky Mountains. The only excitement left in his days is his newfound faith. But in the midst of an urgent deliver to settlers fort, the last thing he expects is to discover a woman great with child who pleads for him to take her back to Fort Benton—the opposite direction from Settler’s Fort. He can’t leave her, but he also can’t take her where she wants to go.

Katie Barlowe rarely had a say in how her life would go, not even when she married the successful businessman her parents selected for her. Nor when he brought her all the way ut to the Montana Territory to start a ranch in these breathtaking and treacherous mountains. She’s a widow now and determined to take control of her future and that of the new life growing inside her. To do so, she must get back to civilization—before the babe is born. When she finally finds a freighter who will take her the first leg of her journey east, all seems to be finally falling into place. Until her transporter is killed and she’s faced with a stranger who will only agree to take her to a little mining town far from Fort Benton and the steamship to carry her home.

When Aaron and Katie set out through the mountain winter, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.

 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.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

 More from Misty

When the Other Brother Finally Gets His Story

Have you ever read a series that needed just one more book? A significant side character needed their story told?

That’s been the case with my Hearts of Montana series for two years now! I thought I’d wrapped up the series with book 3, Faith’s Mountain Home, which features Nate and Laura as they unravel the mystery around a cave near their Montana frontier town. Nate’s twin brother Aaron played a strong part in that story—and not always as one of the good guys. He was recovering from a gunshot wound that shattered his thighbone, and Laura (the heroine) was his nurse and chief physical therapy sergeant. In those dark days during his recovery, Aaron made some poor choices and definitely wasn’t the best version of himself.

By the end of Faith’s Mountain Home, Aaron saw the change in his twin brother Nate and how his new faith made him different—a better man. In one of the last scenes, Aaron apologizes to Laura for how he’s made her job harder when she was trying so hard to help him. We even get a ray of hope that Aaron might be opening himself up to God’s redeeming power.

Ever since that book released, readers and I have both been looking for Aaron’s story! The book where he finds his own leading lady and becomes the man God created him to be (but not without major obstacles along the way!)

Even if you haven’t read the other books in the series, I think you’ll love Aaron’s story in Honor’s Mountain Promise as much as I did.

Praying blessings for you!

Misty

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 HERE