Now that’s it officially “Christmas season,” what are some of your favorite Christmas carols?

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About the Book

Book:  To Steal a Heart

Author: Jen Turano

Genre: Comedic Historical Romance

Release Date: November 2020

After spending her childhood as a street thief, Gabriella Goodhue thought she’d put her past behind her until a fellow resident at her boardinghouse is unjustly accused of theft. Using her old skills to prove her friend’s innocence, Gabriella unexpectedly encounters Nicholas Quinn, the man she once considered her best friend–until he abandoned her.

After being taken under the wing of a professor who introduced him into society and named him as heir, Nicholas is living far removed from his childhood life of crime. As a favor to a friend, Nicholas agrees to help clear the name of an innocent woman, never imagining he’d be reunited with the girl he thought lost to him forever.

As Gabriella and Nicholas are thrown together into one intrigue after another, their childhood affection grows into more, but their newfound feelings are tested when truths about their past are revealed and danger follows their every step.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado.

My Review of To Steal a Heart:

This is the first book by this author that I’ve read. My daughter loves her and I wanted to check her out myself. I was not disappointed. Her writing is so funny and it’s perfect for those busy times of the year when you want something lighthearted but yet with a message. I’m glad this is the first in the series and I can’t wait to read more from this author. She does a great job with both the storyline and her character development.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.

More from Jen

“To Steal a Heart” is the first book in a new series. How did you come up with the idea for this series?

Oddly enough, this series was inspired by a lot of different things. I keep this idea box, and whenever I stumble on something interesting, I throw the idea into the box. When I was getting ready to assemble a proposal for a new series, I took out the box and began rifling through it. Unfortunately, nothing struck my fancy. What did strike my fancy though, was the movie “My Fair Lady.” I’d recently watched it for the millionth time, and I thought…hmmm…what could I do with that? Well, I didn’t want to do a recreation of “My Fair Lady” and that’s when it hit me – what if I used a gentleman instead of a lady and improved his circumstances in life with the help of a professor? That wasn’t really enough, though, for me to formulate an entire series, but then I went to New York City for a research trip. While there, I roamed around Bleecker Street for hours. It was the perfect place to set a series, and then I saw this older building that my tour guide thought might have once been a boardinghouse. That was what really started me thinking, and before I knew it, I’d created an inquiry agency run by women that came about when a resident of a boardinghouse was unjustly accused of theft. When the police would not investigate further, believing they had the true culprit behind bars, the ladies who lived in the boardinghouse felt compelled to step up and clear their fellow boardinghouse resident of the charges brought against her. The series took off from there, the first book centering around one of the lady inquiry agents, Miss Gabriella Goodhue, who used to live on the mean streets of the Lower East Side and, at one point in her life, was best friends with Nicholas Quinn, the man who has now found his circumstances vastly improved from the time he knew Gabriella. Throwing the two of them back together made for an interesting storyline, especially since Gabriella believes Nicholas abandoned her all those years ago, which makes it next to impossible for her to trust him.

Are there other interesting characters in this series?

Of course. All of the lady inquiry agents come with their own secrets. Miss Daphne Beekman is a reclusive author who lives in the attic of the boardinghouse. She has the propensity to faint at the drop of a hat, which makes for a few amusing scenes in the first book. She’ll get her own story in “To Write a Wrong,” coming out later in 2021. Then there’s Eunice Holbrooke. She’s the owner of the boardinghouse, and she only wears full mourning garb, covering her face with numerous veils and refusing to speak to anyone about her past. Clearly, there’s a mystery just waiting to be solved there, one that will be solved in book three, which I’m just now beginning to work on. The other residents of the boardinghouse provide a lot of color to the story, from the two sisters who work as paid companions by day to gossip collectors and carriage drivers by night, to the resident artist, Miss Judith, who has recently decided to dip her toe into the portrait market even though she’s really not proficient with painting people. There’s also a one-eyed, patch-wearing dog by the name of Winston, a parrot that likes to nick sparkly items named Pretty Girl, and a neurotic poodle that falls for Winston that goes by the name of Precious.

Did the pandemic affect the writing process at all for “To Steal a Heart?”

Luckily, I had already turned in the book before the pandemic hit. With that said, though, I then had to do some of the edits during the first few months of the pandemic. That was interesting. I have very specific conditions I need in order to write and edit and having Al (the husband person) working from home isn’t one of those conditions. It took me far longer than it normally does to complete the editing process, which threw off my schedule for the next book in the series, “To Write a Wrong.” Drastic measures were needed. That’s why I’m now the proud owner of a she-shed. Al thought I was joking when I first broached the subject of a she-shed, but after I had my millionth meltdown, he decided that might be a really good idea. Turns out sheds are in high demand at the moment, so getting a shed in a timely fashion wasn’t possible. It took 6 weeks for us to get a shed delivered and then we had to frame the inside and put up a ceiling and walls. I was not actually very involved with that process because I’m a danger to everyone surrounding me when nail guns are being used. 🙂 I did paint the outside of the shed, then painted the inside. Of course the air conditioning unit I had to order was delayed, so I painted in 100 degree heat. Lost about five pounds doing that, so…unexpected bonus there. I just recently finished decorating the inside, and I’m typing this interview from my new space. I’m thinking I’m going to call it “Jen’s Novel Nook” but that might change, so don’t quote me on that.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Just that I hope everyone is surviving these crazy days. I know there are many people out there who are suffering from many different problems this pandemic has caused. Know that you’re not alone, and that brighter days will show up again. Until that time, try to remember to smile and, perhaps, read a few books.

Wishing all of you the very best! 

Jen

Thanks for stopping and connecting here at Spoken from the Heart: If you want to subscribe to my email to receive the latest updated information or to just be encouraged, sign up here: www.cheriswalwell.com

As my way of saying thanks, you will receive a free eBook – Spoken from the Heart: Choosing Grace

Just sign up at: www.cheriswalwell.com

Don’t forget to check out the other blog spots listed below for your convenience.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 17

Soulfully Romantic, November 17

Hebrews 12 Endurance, November 17

Blessed & Bookish, November 17

Robin’s Nest, November 17

Through the Fire Blogs, November 18

The Avid Reader, November 18

Losing the Busyness, November 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 18

She Lives To Read, November 19

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 19

Wishful Endings, November 19

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 19

Artistic Nobody, November 20 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

lakesidelivingsite, November 20

21st Century Keeper at Home, November 20

Reviewingbooksplusmore, November 20

The Write Escape, November 20

Older & Smarter?, November 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 21

Christian Bookaholic, November 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 21

The Christian Fiction Girl, November 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 22

Mia Reads, November 22

Writing from the Heart Land, November 22

Betti Mace, November 23

Inklings and notions, November 23

Blogging With Carol, November 23

Life of Literature, November 23

Texas Book-aholic, November 24

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 24

Southern Gal Loves to Read, November 24

Batya’s Bits, November 24

Joanne Markey’s blog, November 24

For Him and My Family, November 25

Inside the Wong Mind, November 25

Mary Hake, November 25

Godly Book Reviews, November 25

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, November 26

EmpowerMoms, November 26

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 26

Novels Corner, November 26

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 27

Connie’s History Classroom, November 27

Captive Dreams Window, November 27

Book of Ruth Ann, November 27

deb’s Book Review, November 28

Blossoms and Blessings, November 28

Daysong Reflections, November 28

Bigreadersite, November 28

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 29

Splashes of Joy, November 29

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 29

Simple Harvest Reads, November 29 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Vicky Sluiter, November 30

Pause for Tales, November 30

Spoken from the Heart, November 30

Hallie Reads, November 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jen is giving away the grand prize package of copy of To Steal a Heart, plus all three books in the American Heiresses series and a 30 second mystery kit (Link: https://amzn.to/3nqrIpC)!!

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/103a4/to-steal-a-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Happy Thanksgiving – may your day be filled with more blessings than you can count.
Thank You, God, for all the blessings you give to each of us every day. Amen
I’m so thankful for all of you!

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A Thanksgiving to Forget (A Short story included in the paperback version of Journey Back Home when you buy a copy today on Amazon)

What happens when a four-legged friend comes to visit when Jace and Simone invite both sides of their family over for their first married Thanksgiving?

Do you have some fun Thanksgiving memories you want to share?

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Today is the last day and I’ve loved having you learn more about the Coopers. Let me introduce you to Holly. Her day job is owner of a successful party planning business, Come to the Table. After working for years to get it up and running, she now has time to volunteer at the church, and picked helping Jace with the youth ministry. Having been in that position for the past two years, she’s gotten very comfortable with the youth pastor. When tragedy happens, Jace and his family learn more about Holly’s past than they had previously realized.

Holly has the gift of hanging with the guys or spending a day at the spa. Her favorite ice cream flavor, coffee toffee fits right in with either choice!

Since integrating herself into their family life, Jace started invited her on family ice creams runs. The more the merrier, right? Or not?

(If you, the reader, want to learn about Holly’s past before Jace, read Adventure’s Invitation here.)

Click here for your chance to win a copy of Journey Back Home PLUS a $5 Amazon gift card, giveaway SEVEN in the 7 days of giveaways!

Want to know more about Journey Back Home, the special eBook price, and the gift with purchase? Click Here.

Thanks for visiting with me and getting to know the Coopers for the last seven days. In case you missed meeting the rest of the family, be sure to stop by and learn about each of them and to enter their specific giveaway!

Meet Jace here

Meet Simone here

Meet Noah here

Meet Chloe here

Meet Logan here

Meet Olivia here

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Here’s Olivia, the baby of the family. When Journey Back Home begins, Olivia is still an infant but readers will love watching her personality blossom as they turn the pages. A beautiful child matching her beautiful name … except when it comes to sleeping through the night. She hasn’t figured that one out yet! With Jace as her dad, she begins eating ice cream sooner than Simone would like, and her favorite flavor is strawberry, maybe as a compromise to make it healthier than it is or could it be that pink is her favorite color?

Click here for your chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, giveaway SIX in the 7 days of giveaways!

Want to know more about Journey Back Home, the special eBook price, and the gift with purchase? Click Here.

You’ve now met all the Coopers, but it’s time to meet Holly … and to find out why she’s been invited to join their ice cream runs. Oh, and don’t forget – another chance at a great prize! (There might even be a bonus prize because it’s the last day!)

If you missed Day One, be sure to read about Jace and his favorite ice cream here

If you missed Day Two, be sure to read about Simone and his favorite ice cream here

If you missed Day Three, be sure to read about Noah and his favorite ice cream here

If you missed Day Four, be sure to read about Chloe and his favorite ice cream here

If you missed Day Five, be sure to read about Logan and his favorite ice cream here

Come back tomorrow for the last day of fun and a chance to enter:

November 23 –  Learn more about Holly and why she’s invited to the ice cream runs

Click here to enter … 

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Logan, the Loganator, is the youngest boy in the Cooper household. His passion for wrestling collides with his love of cuddles. At only three, he’s still developing his personality and readers alike will enjoy watching him grow and develop his interests and unique personality throughout the series. Part stubborn, part sweet, Logan’s favorite ice cream is cookies and cream.

Click here for your chance to win a copy of Adventure’s Invitation, giveaway FIVE in the 7 days of giveaways!

Want to know more about Journey Back Home, the special eBook price, and the gift with purchase? Click Here.

Tomorrow you get to meet baby Olivia! I love babies and she’s no exception! See you then for another chance to win!

If you missed Day One, be sure to read about Jace and his favorite ice cream here

If you missed Day Two, be sure to read about Simone and his favorite ice cream here

If you missed Day Three, be sure to read about Noah and his favorite ice cream here

If you missed Day Four, be sure to read about Chloe and his favorite ice cream here

Here’s a preview of the fun for the rest of the week:

November 22 – Learn more about the baby of the family, sweet Olivia

November 23 –  Learn more about Holly and why she’s invited to the ice cream runs

Click here to enter … 

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About the Book

Book: Help from Heaven

Author: Andrea Jo Rodgers

Genre: Christian Non-fiction

Release Date: September 1, 2020

Do You Believe in Miracles?

Experience the heart-pounding drama of real-life emergencies. Veteran EMT and physical therapist Andrea Jo Rodgers shares this all-new collection of accounts from her 30-plus years as a volunteer with her town’s local first aid and emergency squad.

Arrive on the scene with Andrea and encounter…

• Lou, a dedicated war veteran who is granted a new tour of duty from God.
• A fearful flock of ducklings that slip down a storm drain during a false alarm.
• Everett, a resilient older man who goes for an unexpected ride on the hood of an intoxicated driver’s car.
• Jenna, a young woman whose dangerous heart condition is both physical and emotional.
• Frank, a husband whose nasty fall down a flight of stairs earns him instant angel status from his devoted wife, Doris.

As you discover these and many more unforgettable stories, you’ll be reminded that miracles do happen, whether it be through the heroic efforts of first responders, the Lord’s divine intervention, or, often, both.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Michele Pulford trained and worked as a fashion designer and textile lecturer from 1982 to 2009. After attending evening Bible school, she was further trained at MES Aksie, an evangelical missions ministry, before doing missionary outreach and relationship building among the locals in the Maghadighadi Pans of Botswana from 1990 to 1996. A marketplace intercessor and teacher on prayer, she makes her home with her husband Charles in South Africa. Their family consists of a son Cyle-jay, his wife Natasha, and grandson, Asher Ethan; and a daughter Brontii-ann.

More from Andrea

I’ve been blessed to volunteer as an emergency medical technician for more than thirty years and to work as a physical therapist for more than twenty-five. Help from Heaven: True Stories of Miracles, Rescues, and Answered Prayers from a First Responder  relates inspirational and memorable first aid and emergency calls from my years on the rescue squad. First responders have a unique opportunity to assist people in moments of crisis when they walk along a tightrope between heaven and earth. Over the years, I have witnessed miracles in which people have been saved  from danger with what I believe to be divine intervention. By sharing my experiences, I hope to comfort or inspire others. 

Have you ever been absolutely scared out of your wits? It happened to me several years ago, when my son and I survived a life-threatening elevator accident. When we escaped death, I decided  we were saved with help from our guardian angels and the Lord. The accident marked the first time that rather than responding to an emergency call, I was the 911 call. After working through the pain and fear, I realized something good came out of the accident, for it inspired me to start writing. As a result, my first book, At Heaven’s Edge: True Stories of Faith and Rescue,  was born. 

I live in a small town. Without a doubt, I can say that some of the most precious moments in my life have occurred precisely when I was volunteering to help others. Participating in the rescue and  resuscitation of fellow community member is an incredible blessing. Seeing people I’ve helped biking, shopping, or receiving a text from them makes all the nights of broken sleep and  interrupted family gatherings worthwhile. 

I’m currently the Lieutenant and training officer on my squad. Facing the COVID-19 crisis  has catapulted us into unprecedented times. The outpouring of love and support from our community helped my fellow squad members and I to hang in there, face our fears, and do what we need to do to help those in need of assistance. As a first responder, all I can say is thank you! I hope you enjoy reading Help from Heaven. Maybe it will inspire you to find a way to volunteer in some capacity.

My Review of Help From Heaven:

My father is a police chaplain and I have many friends who are EMTs, firefighters, and police officers. I have a great respect for their line of work and what they experience on a daily basis. And I truly believe that God is working in their midst. These stories were full of hope, encouragement and reminded me how personal the God we serve is. I loved this book, would read any other books by this author and if you want to be uplifted and encouraged, this is a great book to read.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.

Thanks for stopping and connecting here at Spoken from the Heart: If you want to subscribe to my email to receive the latest updated information or to just be encouraged, sign up here: www.cheriswalwell.com

As my way of saying thanks, you will receive a free eBook – Spoken from the Heart: Choosing Grace

Just sign up at: www.cheriswalwell.com

Don’t forget to check out the other blog spots listed below for your convenience.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 7

Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 7

Texas Book-aholic, November 8

Inklings and notions, November 9

For Him and My Family, November 10

deb’s Book Review, November 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 12

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 13

Artistic Nobody, November 14 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Mary Hake, November 14

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 15

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 16

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 18

Splashes of Joy, November 19

Spoken from the Heart, November 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea is giving away the grand prize package of signed copies of At Heaven’s Edge: True Stories of Faith and Rescue and Help from Heaven: True Stories of Rescues, Miracles, and Answered Prayers from a First Responder as well as a $25 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/10357/help-from-heaven-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Anyone been called a “sassy second child?” Meet Chloe, oldest daughter but second child of Jace and Simone: Chloe. As beautiful as her name, she’s part sweet and part spice with a mind of her own. She has a habit of speaking before she thinks! Two years younger than Noah, she thinks she should have more freedom than she does. She has always wanted to grow up faster than her biological age. She shares her dad’s zest for life which creates a challenge for her mom to keep her reined in. Always up for an adventure, Chloe’s favorite ice cream is birthday cake, with plenty of sprinkles! Every day, in Chloe’s mind, should include a party!

Click here for your chance to win a copy of Journey Back Home, gift FOUR in the 7 days of giveaways!

Want to know more about Journey Back Home, the special eBook price, and the gift with purchase? Click Here.

Below you’ll see the rest of the Coopers you haven’t met yet, and if you missed a few days, you can catch up at the links provided! See you tomorrow for another chance to win a great prize!

If you missed Day One, be sure to read about Jace and his favorite ice cream here

If you missed Day Two, be sure to read about Simone and his favorite ice cream here

If you missed Day Three, be sure to read about Noah and his favorite ice cream here

Here’s a preview of the fun for the rest of the week:

November 21 – Learn more about Logan, otherwise known as the Loganator

November 22 – Learn more about the baby of the family, sweet Olivia

November 23 –  Learn more about Holly and why she’s invited to the ice cream runs

Click here to enter … 

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What is one way God blessed you in 2020?

Please share with me.

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