About the Book

Book: The Amish Mother’s Secret

Author: Diane Craver

Genre: Amish Romance

Release Date: December 22, 2022

Sometimes a beautiful miracle comes to you at exactly the wrong time… Lindsay Prescott is 40 and single when tragedy strikes. Diagnosed with stage 4, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer, her instinct is to right the wrongs in her life. Her unfortunate childhood with an alcoholic, verbally abusive mother drove her to break free in desperation at the age of 17. While working at a hotel along the beach on the East Coast, she met Harris Manning. He took her breath away and she gave herself to him in love. Harris’ life was already planned out for him by his wealthy parents. Falling for Lindsay had been a dream. However, compelled to wed the woman his parents chose for him, he’d left her to endure a shaky marriage. Though Harris never knew it, Lindsay found herself pregnant when he left her with no way to care for identical triplets on her own.  When the triplets were five months old, she reconnected with an Amish couple—Katie and Roman Yoder—who were unable to have children. The Yoders adopted Amy and Jenna while Lindsay kept Phoebe. She couldn’t bear to give all three babies away. In the years that followed, Katie worked hard to keep her away from her adopted daughters. When you let go of a miracle, can you ever capture it again? After Harris learns his ex-wife intercepted Lindsay’s calls years ago to tell him she was pregnant, he rushes to her side, thrilled to discover he’s a father. But life rarely gives fairytale endings. Revealing the truth may prove more devastating than the hurdles that came before…and all that will surely come after for a woman fighting for her life.   Click here to get your copy!  

About the Author

Diane Craver is the author of The Amish Mother’s Secret, Book 1 in The Amish Adoption Series and two popular Amish series, Dreams of PlainDaughters and TheBishop’s Daughters. Diane also writes romantic suspense, inspirational contemporary romance, historical Christian fiction and women’s fiction. Her emotional reads receive great reviews. Although she started her career writing non-fiction, she switched to writing fiction. She wanted to keep her sanity in the midst of having a large family. Writing fiction with quirky and memorable characters gave her the escape she needed from her noisy household. Diane met her husband Tom while teaching at an orphanage. They enjoy their life in southwestern Ohio, and have been blessed with six children and several grandchildren. Two adult daughters with Down syndrome live with Tom and Diane. Her family is supportive of her writing career, and her favorite vacation is going to the beach with them. She gives thanks daily to God for her wonderful blessings, including being in remission from Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  

More from Diane

When I started writing The Amish Mother’s Secret, a friend had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I decided to have my main character, Lindsay, to have the same type of cancer. I used many of the details of his illness for my character’s cancer. Then an unbelievable thing happened to me. I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I never expected to have cancer with none in my family history. It was hard telling our children I was diagnosed with stage four cancer. It was stage four because it was found in many of my lymph nodes throughout my body. I rewrote the details in my manuscript so that my character reflected the type of lymphoma I had. Also, after the six months of chemo, I started two years of maintenance therapy. My oncologist said doing this therapy treatment during remission could reduce the risk of recurrence and improve the cure rate for me. While doing my months of chemo treatments, I received thoughtful gifts, devotional books, two prayer blankets and cards with wonderful Bible verses from friends and relatives. Feeling God’s love through them helped me to get through a difficult time in my life. I appreciated all the prayers said for me to recover from cancer. I have been blessed with an awesome support group of readers. During this stressful time, I heard from agent Lesley Sabga of The Seymour Agency.  She wanted to represent me and told me how much she loved my voice. I hadn’t been looking for an agent so it was a wonderful blessing to sign with Lesley. I had planned on The Amish Mother’s Secret to be a standalone novel, but Lesley acquired a three-book contract for me with Vinspire Publishing. I enjoyed writing about the two mothers, Lindsay and Katie, in Book One, The Amish Mother’s Secret. Both mothers were from two different worlds, but their love never wavered for their children. The second book in my Amish Adoption series, An Unexpected Gift, continues the adoption theme and is also available for purchase. Book three will release next year.  

My Review of The Amish Mother’s Secret

This was a new author to me and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I liked the premise (which is why I chose to read it) but I liked the characters to. The only thing that bothered me was how the author repeated things throughout the book, as though the reader needed to be reminded often of the characters feelings. Maybe a little more showing instead of telling would have fixed that issue. Otherwise, the story was delightful. I especially enjoyed Roman. He was a man who reminded me a lot of my husband: patient, loving, kind, with a lot of grace for those he loved. He was a great father to daughters and all their myriad of emotions (husband to his emotional wife too, I might add). I also loved how the author spoke about the incident between Harris and Lindsay, making it so that the reader could feel sympathy and grow to love Harris, something I wasn’t sure I could do at the beginning. Overall, great book and I can’t wait to read the next in the series. 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 connecting today.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing “JESUS in the EVERYDAY?”

Would you like to be a part of a membership where everyday you are pointed back to God and seeing Him in your everyday life?

If that sounds like something you’re interested in, I invite you to come check it out!  

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 9

Texas Book-aholic, September 10

Mary Hake, September 10

Lighthouse Academy Blog, September 11 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 12

Connie’s History Classroom, September 13

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 14

Splashes of Joy, September 14

Bizwings Book Blog, September 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 16

The Book Club Network, September 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 18

Vicky Sluiter, September 18

For Him and My Family, September 19

Cover Lover Book Review, September 20

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, September 21

Books I’ve Read, September 22

Giveaway

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

About the Book

Book: Bold and Brave

Author: K.A. Cummins

Genre: Picture Book

Release Date: August 31, 2023

Sometimes courage is loud like an elephant, and sometimes it’s quiet like a llama.

Lily, a young autistic girl with a vivid imagination, wants to sing the solo in the school’s choir show. However, the thought of standing at center stage turns her heart a gloomy grey. School is overwhelming enough when no one is watching. Now all eyes will be on her. Will she overcome her fear and be bold and brave?

Bold and Brave is a whimsical picture book showcasing the heartwarming bond of family while visually drawing readers into Lily’s experience and inspiring them to be bold and brave. It’s aimed at readers aged 3 to 8.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

K.A. Cummins is an author and an artist. She explores storytelling in a variety of mediums, blending the wonders of science with the possibilities of what if. When not crafting stories, Cummins loves spending time with her family, collecting fun socks, and venturing outside her comfort zone to try new things—at least once!

Connect with her through her website at https://authorkacummins.com, where you can sign up for emails about upcoming releases.

More from K.A. Cummins

“Bold and Brave” is about a young autistic girl who wants to sing a solo in the school’s choir show. While a colorful pair of socks initially inspired the fiction story, it was my personal experiences as a woman and as a mother that most influenced it.

Stories often use words to draw readers into what a character experiences, but I wanted to do something different for this story. I wanted the illustrations to show readers the parts of the young girl’s experience that are often harder to explain.

For some, the smallest actions can take effort and courage, and their boldness and bravery doesn’t always show on the outside.

I hope “Bold and Brave” inspires readers, and provides an accessible insight into one autistic experience.

My Review of Bold and Brave:

This was a wonderful book for children of all ages and also their parents as well. The illustrations are beautiful, the story inspirational and overall it’s highly entertaining. This is one I will be recommending to infants who are read to by their parents, school age children learning how to read and even older children reading to their siblings. This message is one that all ages can learn from.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.

Thanks for connecting today.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing

“JESUS in the EVERYDAY?”

Would you like to be a part of a membership where everyday you are pointed back to God and seeing Him in your everyday life?

If that sounds like something you’re interested in, I invite you to come check it out!

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 19

Texas Book-aholic, August 20

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 22

The Book Club Network, August 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 24

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 25

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 26

A Reader’s Brain, August 27 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 27

For Him and My Family, August 28

Vicky Sluiter, August 29 (Author Interview)

Raining Butterfly Kisses, August 29

Pause for Tales, August 30

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, August 31

Cover Lover Book Review, September 1

Giveaway

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

About the Book

Book: A Mountain Too Steep

Author: Robin Patchen

Genre: Women’s Fiction/Suspense

Release Date: July 18, 2023

A car accident that might not be an accident at all. A murderer bent on revenge. And a woman desperate to keep her family together. 

She’s already lost her soul mate. She’ll do anything to protect her children.

For the sake of her kids, Camilla Wright managed to survive after her husband’s murder. When she’s awakened in the night with the news that her teenage son and nephew have been in a horrific car accident, she rushes to the hospital in a haze of shock and panic.

The boys were supposed to be skiing in the mountains east of Salt Lake City. What were they doing so far west? More alarming, the wreck might not have been an accident at all.

While Jeremy fights for his life, Camilla is running out of time to discover who lured her son and her nephew into the desert. With each new clue, the terrifying truth becomes clearer.

Her husband’s killers are closing in…

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Robin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Nutfield Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. After college, working in marketing and public relations, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball and chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while she homeschooled her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving that most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet. Visit robinpatchen.com/subscribe to receive a free book and stay informed about Robin’s latest projects.

More from Robin

It was Monday, July 16, 2018, at about nine-thirty at night.

I was home with my husband and daughter, watching TV, when my sister called. Since my son was visiting her family in Utah, I rushed to pick up.

“Robin,” my sister said. “The boys have been in a terrible accident. They’re being life-flighted to Salt Lake City. They’re both alive. That’s all I know.”

My knees hit the floor. Then I was lying prone on my kitchen tile. Ninety-nine percent of me was thinking, Oh, God. Please, please…

Nine-tenths of one percent was thinking, Why am I on the floor?

And I’ll be honest. About one-tenth of a percent was thinking, When was the last time I mopped?

Such are the inner workings of a human mind in the midst of tragedy.

The next twelve hours were chaos. We needed to get from our Oklahoma home to Salt Lake as soon as possible. We found a flight that left at eight a.m. and booked it.

And then we waited.

While the minutes ticked past in slow motion, we got occasional updates on the boys’ condition. Joshua, my nephew, had a head injury and trauma to his gut.

Jacob, my son, had severe lung damage. Severe enough that, as soon as he arrived at the ER, they intubated him.

Both boys were transferred to the ICU and pronounced stable.

When my husband and I arrived the following morning, we saw Jacob. A tube down his throat. Tape across his face. Scrapes and cuts and bruises all over his upper body. One arm in a plaster cast from his biceps to his fingertips. Unconscious.

And then the hard part began.

The boys’ accident was such a unique and life-altering event in our lives. Watching a cherished child battle for his life, not knowing if he’ll win or lose, is like nothing you can imagine.

Or maybe you can. Maybe you’ve experienced something similar. People are in car accidents every single day. And motorcycle accidents. And other accidents.

And there are illness and addictions and mental health struggles. The list goes on and on.

If you’ve dealt with any of those, then your trauma was probably very different from ours. And yet, you and I could probably find a lot in common. The fear. The surreal moments. The pendulum swinging between hope and helplessness.

The constant litany of prayers.

We were fortunate. Our son and our nephew both survived and recovered. When we were on the other side, I knew I’d write about the experience someday.

And so…I did.

A Mountain Too Steep tells the story of two boys in a car accident in the middle of the Utah desert. The physical trauma the boys experienced is almost exactly what our boys endured.

The rest of the story is purely fictional, thank God. I like a little danger in my life—safe danger. Let’s leave the vengeful gang members in the realm of fiction, shall we?

I cried throughout the writing. And the editing. And the rereading. Even though five years have passed, the memories are still fresh.

Tears aside, I love this story. It’s about a woman whose husband was murdered, a widow who’s endured her own nightmare and who’ll do anything, anything, to protect her children.

I think you’re going to like it.

My Review of A Mountain Too Steep:

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the Coventry Saga Series, and this book ranks up there as one of my favorites. Camilla was someone I didn’t want to relate to. I don’t like thinking about being a widow, but yet, I could feel all the feelings she did about not wanting to her husband was no longer alive. The feelings she had toward Paul are similar to what I would think I would experience if in the same situation. This book is more than just a mystery/suspense. It takes the reader on an adventure and then sets us up for a whole new series with people we have grown to love. Bachir was probably my favorite character in the book and I loved the wisdom he shared with Camilla. I truly was wondering if he was an angel instead of a real person. I also loved how Patchen drew us into the minds of the killers. This book is definitely one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.

Thanks for connecting today.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing

“JESUS in the EVERYDAY?”

Would you like to be a part of a membership where everyday you are pointed back to God and seeing Him in your everyday life?

If that sounds like something you’re interested in, I invite you to come check it out!

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 25

Betti Mace, July 26

Texas Book-aholic, July 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 28

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 29

Blossoms and Blessings, July 29

The Book Club Network, July 30

Christina’s Corner, July 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 31

The Lit Lady, August 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 2

Lily’s Book Reviews, August 3

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, August 4

For Him and My Family, August 5

Books Less Travelled, August 5

Holly’s Book Corner, August 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of Vengeance in the Mist and a $75 Amazon gift card!!

About the Book

Book: Runaround Sue

Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary

Genre: Sweet and Wholesome Romance

Release Date: May 30, 2023

She gave away something precious…

…He lost a part of himself.

Can they find a way to help each other heal?

Sue is hiding out until she is sure her former reputation won’t destroy what she’s trying to rebuild. Unfortunately, that means this brilliant wordsmith turned semi-hermit is working beneath her potential and dealing with stress every time her office door opens.

The last thing she needs to do is greet some biker guy who sets her nerves to jumping just by being in the same room.

And if his hairy face isn’t enough to put her off, the mere fact that he’s male is.

So why does she keep ending up in his presence?

Mac is home from Viet Nam and if he never thinks about that place again, it will be too soon. Instead, he’s returned to his music that got him through his teen years, his exotic senior trip overseas (thanks to his Uncle Sam), and the deep wound that he brought home with him. Using his GI bill to further his music understanding has pushed him outside his comfort zone, but the leggy secretary at his professor’s office is tempting him with other ideas he thought he’d shelved for good.

Even if she gets flustered every time he runs into her.

What will it take for her to give him a chance? Or is she more wounded than he is?

Return to 1972 Kokomo, Indiana for the third installment of The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue series—Runaround Sue—and what see happens when people discover who God has called them to be.

You will love Runaround Sue, inspired by Dion and the Belmonts’ 1960s hit song, because everyone understands about facing fears with a do-over.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Historical Christian Romance author, Jennifer Lynn Cary, likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty years enjoy time with family where she shares tales of her small-town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren. She is the author of The Crockett Chronicles series, The Relentless series, and The Weather Girls trilogy as well as the stand-alone novel, Cheryl’s Going Home, her novella Tales of the Hob Nob Annex Café, and her split-time novels The Traveling Prayer Shawl and The Forgotten Gratitude Journal. Judy in Disguise is the first book of her spin-off series The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue.

My Review of Runaround Sue

This is the second book in this series that I read and I love the humor, the characters and the flashbacks to the 70s that are scattered throughout this book. A simpler time, or was it? Forgiveness. A topic that needs to be talked about much more often than it is. Wonderful book, great characters and I can’t wait to read more in this series. This is a book I will be telling many people about, who I know will enjoy it as much as myself.

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 Jennifer

One of the best parts of writing this series is that I get to relive lots of fun memories from my childhood. As my bio states, I am a direct descendant of Davy Crockett. This was a big deal to my father, and he made us memorize the generations back.

Well, my first real friend (we met when we were four but didn’t get to play together again until we were in first grade—long, funny story) had a famous last name, famous around Kokomo at least. Haynes. She mentioned she was related to this guy who was a big deal with cars and steel. That was about all my first grade mind could fathom.

I was able to connect that to a little side trip I took with my dad one day. He pulled up in front of an old white building on Apperson Way in Kokomo and led me to the front door. It was obvious the building was empty and had been for some time. But on the slab porch, in front of the entrance, he pointed out a tiled mosaic of a jack rabbit. Dad explained that this had been the factory where the Apperson brothers produced their car, the Jack Rabbit. They ran their factory for about twenty-five years producing one of the first sports cars ever made.

By fourth grade, where we learned about Indiana history, I also got a bit more information on Elwood Haynes (my friend’s ancestor) and the Apperson brothers. Aside from a converted horse cart, their Pioneer car from 1894 is considered the first automobile made in the USA and is now housed in the Smithsonian.

I don’t think I fully grasped Elwood Haynes’s contributions to science and industry, however, until I moved away and became an adult. (Getting older and learning how to surf the web helped too). I was able to use what I learned about the man and share it in Runaround Sue.

The auto industry left Kokomo in the dust when it became evident that Detroit was easier and less expensive to deliver raw products to. However, that didn’t stop Mr. Haynes from doing his experiments. One story has it that he invented stainless steel because his wife was tired of polishing the silver. And we can thank him for finding a use for that residue that was left after cleaning the oil captured from the drilling in the Kokomo area—a little thing called gasoline.

I love that I’m from Kokomo, that I had a wonderful childhood there, and that there are so many cool pieces of information about the place. (BTW, actor Strother Martin and author Norman Bridwell of Clifford the Big Red Dog series are both Kokomo famous sons).

If you’ve ever been to Kokomo, Indiana, I hope you will respond and let me know. If you haven’t, it’s a nice place to visit. I hope you will check it out.

Thanks for connecting today.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing

“JESUS in the EVERYDAY?”

Would you like to be a part of a membership where everyday you are pointed back to God and seeing Him in your everyday life?

If that sounds like something you’re interested in, I invite you to come check it out!

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

Blog Stops

By the Book, July 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 22

Texas Book-aholic, July 23

Connie’s History Classroom, July 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 25

Books I’ve Read, July 25

The Book Club Network, July 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 28

Blogging With Carol, July 29

For Him and My Family, July 30

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 31 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 31

Pause for Tales, August 1

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, August 2

Cover Lover Book Review, August 3

Giveaway

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

About the Book

Award-Winning Author Pens a Unique Southern Tale

When Minerva Jane Jenkins was just 14 years old, she married a man who moved her to the mountains. He carried with him a small box, which he told her was filled with gold. And when he died 50 years later, he made her promise to keep his secret. She is to tell no one about the box or the treasure it contains.

Now 94, Minerva is nearing the end of what has sometimes been a lonely life. But she’s kept that secret. Even so, rumors of hidden gold have a way of spreading, and Minerva is visited by a reporter, Del Rankin, who wants to know more of her story. His friend who joins him only wants to find the location of the gold. Neither of them knows quite who they’re up against when it comes to the old woman on the mountain.

As an unlikely friendship develops, Minerva is tempted to reveal her secret to Del. After all, how long is one bound by a promise? But the truth of what’s really buried in the box may be hidden even from her.

About the Author

Cindy K. Sproles is an author and speaker. Raised and living in the mountains of East Tennessee, she spins tales of life in the deep crevices of the Appalachian mountains. Cindy is proud of her mountain heritage and her desire is to see this culture live on in history. “Children aren’t taught in school about the innovation and determination of the mountain people or about the heritage that is richly embedded in them. These are the people who helped forge America and these are the people who have the brawn and guts to stand by their families, heritage, and beliefs.” Cindy’s desire is to continue to weave the stories, despite their hardships, that show the resilience of the Appalachian culture. Being raised in these mountains and having family who practiced the old ways, Cindy writes from a deep love and experience of the mountains of East Tennessee. Who better to pen the stories of the people, than someone who knows it first hand.?

Aside from her writing, Cindy co-founded ChristianDevotions.us and served as managing editor for SonRise Books and Straight Street Books, imprints of Iron Stream Media. She teaches at Christian Writers Conferences and ladies retreats and ladies conferences across the country. Her devotions are heartfelt and honest. Edgy and inviting. Cindy serves as the executive editor of ChristianDevotions.us, a writing mentor, and life coach. She shares mentoring with Lori Marett at Writing Right Author Mentoring Service. Author of four non-fiction books, Cindy’s fiction debut novel, Mercy’s Rain (Kregel Publishing), won book of the year and her second novel, Liar’s Winter has won numerous awards. Cindy’s 3rd Appalachian Novel, Revell Publishing, What Momma Left Behind, also received a gold medal in the national Illumination Awards and was named Christian Market Novel of the Year. She has contributed to CBN.com and InspireaFire.com and serves as the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Visit her at http://www.cindysproles.com or contact her at cindyksproles@gmail.com

Cindy is available for speaking events by contacting her at cindyksproles@gmail.com.

 

Review of This is Where it Ends

Cindy Sproles writes novels that hit deep in the heart. I love how she develops the characters in her stories and this one is not only no exception, but exceptional. I loved getting to know Minerva the most, but I loved the other characters and how they intertwined with Minerva’s story for the reader to get the full picture. Excellent book. One I will highly recommend.

I was given this book as a complimentary copy but was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine. This may end up being one of my favorite series of this author after all!

Thanks for connecting today.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing

“JESUS in the EVERYDAY?”

Would you like to be a part of a membership where everyday you are pointed back to God and seeing Him in your everyday life?

If that sounds like something you’re interested in, I invite you to come check it out!

About the Book

Book: Rescue in the Wilderness

Author: Andrea Byrd

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 27, 2023

William Cole cannot forget the cruel burden he carries, not with the pock marks that serve as an outward reminder. Riddled with guilt, he assumed the solitary life of a long hunter, traveling into the wilds of Kentucky each year. But his quiet existence is changed in an instant when, sitting in a tavern, he overhears a man offering his daughter—and her virtue—to the winner of the next round of cards. William’s integrity and desire for redemption will not allow him to sit idly by while such an injustice occurs.

Lucinda Gillespie has suffered from an inexplicable illness her entire life. Her father, embarrassed by her condition, has subjected her to a lonely existence of abuse and confinement. But faced with the ultimate betrayal on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Lucinda quickly realizes her trust is better placed in his hands of the mysterious man who appears at her door. Especially when he offers her the one thing she never thought would be within her grasp—freedom.

In the blink of an eye, both lives change as they begin the difficult, danger-fraught journey westward on the Wilderness Trail. But can they overcome their own perceptions of themselves to find love and the life God created them for?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Andrea Byrd is a Christian wife and mom located in rural Kentucky, who loves to spend time with her family in the great outdoors, one with nature. Often described as having been born outside her time, she has a deep affinity for an old-fashioned, natural lifestyle.

With a degree in Equine Health & Rehabilitation gathering dust and a full-time job tethering her to a desk eight hours a day, Andrea decided it was time to show both herself and her children that it is truly possible to make your dreams come true. Now with over 1,000 contemporary Christian romance novellas sold, Andrea is pursuing her passion of writing faith-filled romance woven with a thread of true history.

More form Andrea

There is so much inspiration that fed into the creation of Rescue in the Wilderness.

Not only was the Good Lord’s guiding hand ever-present, but so was the influence of those that came before me. This story was inspired by my own ancestors, as well as the countless others, that made the arduous journey through Cumberland Gap to settle in Kentucky. Those brave souls opened up a whole new world, and for some of us, established the area in which their families would preside for centuries to come.

As a lover of books that integrate history into fiction myself, I also wished to shed light on the “Hard Winter” of 1779-1780. This was a winter that came early, and with great intensity. While it caused hardships for many across the country, it made the journey through the Cumberland Gap all the more perilous.

Beyond these historical facts, I also wished to pay tribute to those who suffer from chronic pain conditions. I will never forget the day a friend of mine, whom the Lord called home all too soon, told me of her childhood rheumatoid arthritis and how there were days she was in too much pain to leave her bed. In this book, I wished to explore what pioneer life might have been for someone who suffered from such a condition.

My Review of Rescue in the Wilderness:

This book grabbed me by the description and held my attention from start to finish. The way the author depicted Lucinda and William put me right in the story as though I was living their life. This was a beautifully written love story with biblical themes woven effortlessly throughout. I highly enjoyed this book and will be recommending it to many. Cannot wait for the second in the series. I’m so glad this is a series and not simply a standalone.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.

Thanks for connecting today.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing

“JESUS in the EVERYDAY?”

Would you like to be a part of a membership where every day you are encouraged to grow your relationship with God … in a way that helps you see Him working in your everyday life?

If that sounds like something you’re interested in, I invite you to come check it out!

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

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 28

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 29 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 29

Connie’s History Classroom, June 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 1

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2

Texas Book-aholic, July 3

Lighthouse Academy Blog, July 3 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

lakesidelivingsite, July 4

Betti Mace, July 5

Pause for Tales, July 5

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 6

For Him and My Family, July 7

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, July 7

Karen Baney Reviews, July 8

Cover Lover Book Review, July 8

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 9

Splashes of Joy, July 10

To Everything There Is A Season , July 10

Holly’s Book Corner, July 11

Giveaway

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

About the Book

Return to Pinecraft, Florida, for a Sweet Amish Romance

Sheltered yet adventurous, Betsy Detweiler is on a mission to get out of Kentucky and experience new things in life. She’s got a list–a life list. What better place to start than with her friends in beautiful Pinecraft, Florida?

From the moment Betsy walks into the Snow Bird Golf Course to sign up for lessons, August Troyer is mesmerized. Betsy is a mass of contradictions–beautiful yet awkward, outgoing yet unsure, joyful yet hesitant. She’s like no one he’s ever met before, and as the only child of missionary parents, he’s met a lot of people.

As Betsy and August embark on a month of enjoying life to the fullest, they’ll encounter several reasons to back off and play it safe. But playing it safe has its own consequences. This tender romance reminds us that life–and love–requires a fair amount of risk.

About the Author

Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She’s published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.

Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. Shelley can also be found on FaceBook, Instagram @shelley.s.gray, or on Twitter @ShelleySGray.

 

Review of Her Only Wish

I loved the first book in this series so much I couldn’t wait to read the second one, Her Only Wish. I’m so glad I did. I’m back with characters I met and fell in love with from the first book and it’s like a family reunion. This book is wonderful for those who enjoy fun summer reads mixed with some real-life relationship issues and coming of age issues.

I was given this book as a complimentary copy but was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine. This may end up being one of my favorite series of this author after all!

Thanks for connecting today.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing

“JESUS in the EVERYDAY?”

Would you like to be a part of a membership where everyday you are pointed back to God and seeing Him in your everyday life?

If that sounds like something you’re interested in, I invite you to come check it out!

About the Book

Is the Life She Can’t Remember One She’d Rather Forget?

One year after her family was in a tragic car accident that killed her teenage son, Lori Mendenhall returns home with a traumatic brain injury that has stolen the last eight years of memories from her. She is shocked to find that the life she was leading before the accident is unrecognizable. Her once-loving husband, Michael, is a distant workaholic she isn’t sure she can trust and her once-bubbly daughter, Avery, has spent the last year hidden away in her room.

For Avery, life stopped when she lost her twin. Now, if she wants to graduate high school, she’ll have to accept help from Xander Dixon, her brother’s best friend and the boy who relentlessly teased her for years. And if Lori wants to reconnect with her husband, she’ll have to grapple with information her brain is trying to keep secret. With every memory that returns, she can’t help but wonder if the life she can’t remember is one she’d rather forget.

About the Author

Prone to wander, Janine Rosche finds as much comfort on the open road as she does at home. This longing to chase adventure, behold splendor, and experience redemption is woven into each of her rustic romance novels in the Whisper Canyon Romance series and the Madison River Romance series. When she isn’t writing or traveling, she teaches family life education courses to college students, takes too many pictures of her sleeping dogs, and embarrasses her four children and husband with boy band serenades.

 

Review of With Every Memory

With Every Memory was a book I had been eagerly waiting to read ever since I saw the back cover blurb. I knew this was a book I would love. When it came, I devoured it in less than a week, savoring the storyline and still thinking about it weeks after having read “the end.” It’s one of the those books that speaks to your soul. I loved the dual point of view (both mother and daughter). I loved how the author kept me guessing about what to think about the father/husband. Was he the enemy or truly devoted to his family? There were so many twists and turns in this book, yet done so seamlessly because real life is messy with many twists and turns, barely getting over one shock before another needs to be dealt with. Xander was too good to be true, yet not because my husband has the same qualities as Xander, someone you can depend on, with a sense of humor and knowing just how to comfort those he loves. When he loves, he loves with his whole heart, despite the imperfections of the one he loves. I cannot wait for the next book this author writes because these are books to be treasured and passed on, not read and quickly forgotten about. This is one book I will not be forgetting about.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book to read and all opinions were my own.

Thanks for connecting today.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing

“JESUS in the EVERYDAY?”

Would you like to be a part of a membership where everyday you are pointed back to God and seeing Him in your everyday life?

If that sounds like something you’re interested in, I invite you to come check it out!

About the Book

Book: A Cry in the Dark

Author: Jessica R. Patch

Genre: Inspirational Psychological Thriller

Release date: February 28, 2023

Deep in the Kentucky hills, three women have been found brutalized and murdered.

But the folks in Night Holler have their own ways and their own laws.

And they’re not talking…

Led to an isolated Appalachian Mountain town by a trail of disturbing murders, FBI special agent Violet Rainwater’s determined to catch a serial killer with a twisted agenda. With locals refusing to reveal their secrets, Violet’s only ally is Detective John Orlando. But even John has an ulterior motive—he’s convinced this case is connected to his wife’s murder.

As they dig deeper, Violet uncovers a link to her own unresolved past. For years she’s worked the cold case of her mother’s abduction, which had led to her birth. The need to look into the eyes of the sinful man who fathered her consumes Violet. Until she can, she’ll never have peace. Because she’s terrified she might be exactly like him.

In this chilling novel, when the present collides with Violet’s mysterious past and John’s tragic loss, they must unravel the warped, sinuous connections before the killer strikes again. But solving the case might not be nearly as terrifying as the possibility that Violet’s finally found her roots…

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jessica R. Patch is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her dry wit, signatures twists, and complex characters. She loves reading true crime books, discussing cold cases over chips and salsa with her girlfriends, and hunting down serial killers in her romantic suspense novels and psychological thrillers.

Jessica loves to encourage and inspire people to forward living through her Forward Friday Blog posts and through her monthly email newsletter. You can join the Patched In community at her website: http://www.jessicarpatch.com.

She resides in the Memphis area with her husband, two young adult children, and her spoiled tri-color Shetland Sheepdog. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

More from Jessica

A Cry in the Dark can’t be compared to Scooby Doo, but I can thank Scooby Doo for being my first introduction into the world of mystery and all matter of things that go bump in the night. But, in the end, the masks of darkness are always revealed in the light and are exposed. Justice served. This is why I write gritty crime fiction/psychological thrillers outside of my Love Inspired Suspense books.

In Luke 22:53 NLT, they come to arrest Jesus and crucify Him. “Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there every day. But this is your moment, the time when the power of darkness reigns.”

Darkness gets one moment. Just one. When they crucify and kill Him. But we know what happens next! Light bursts out of that dark tomb and victory is ours. We’re rescued in darkness from darkness into marvelous light.

In a thriller, darkness gets its moment. I don’t shy away from those tough things. The Bible didn’t shy away from it! We read about a Levite who gave cruel men his concubine which they abused all night until she died, and then he cut her up into parts and sent her to the tribes! God never approves of darkness, nor does He edit it out or sanitize the people. We see the depravity of humans when walking apart from God all through the Bible. And honestly, I’m glad He doesn’t edit out things I’d rather not see or read about. God works in broken people’s lives and through brokenness to accomplish His redemptive purposes. I’m broken. You’re broken. He can use the righteous as well as the wicked. I need to be reminded that without Him, I could fall into those same traps (not cutting up women but… you know) and I need to know that despite my weakness and brokenness, God can and will still use me!

A Cry in the Dark has some violence and darker subject matter (though it is not graphic in real time) because darkness gets a moment…and then hope reaches in, hears the cries in the dark of broken people, and rescues them. And in the end, that’s what this book is about. A great and powerful rescue mission out of darkness and into light!

My Review of A Cry in the Dark:

I have heard so many great things about this author, and I am so glad I read this book. This is a new favorite author of mine. She has the best mix of psychological thriller, suspense, romance and multiple storylines. From the first page, I was hooked. I totally thought I had figured out the killer but nope. Then I thought, “I know it now,” and nope! I never figured out the killer and that is the mark of a great book. It was realistic, there were so many surprises and twists and turns, so much godly, biblical truths woven effortlessly and naturally throughout the story. I loved also how the very way she started the book, the mystery that began the entire story, is the way she ended. I cannot wait to read another book by this author and I will definitely be telling my friends about it. It was realistic, but not too scary despite the brutal storyline.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.

Thanks for connecting today.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing

“JESUS in the EVERYDAY?”

Would you like to be a part of a membership where every day you are encouraged to grow your relationship with God … in a way that helps you see Him working in your everyday life?

If that sounds like something you’re interested in, I invite you to come check it out!

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

Blog Stops

The Sacred Line, May 23

Genesis 5020, May 23

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 24

Walking Fruitfully, May 24

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 25

Betti Mace, May 26

Cover Lover Book Review, May 26

Pause for Tales, May 27

Texas Book-aholic, May 28

For Him and My Family, May 28

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

Blogging With Carol, May 30

Blossoms and Blessings, May 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 31

Splashes of Joy, May 31

Godly Book Reviews, June 1

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, June 1

Holly’s Book Corner, June 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 3

amandainpa, June 3

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 4

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, June 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jessica is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed paperback of Her Darkest Secret!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

About the Book

Book: Shadow Dancing

Author: Jennifer Sienes

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction/Southern fiction

Release Date: April 18, 2023

Wading through grief is like dancing with shadows.

Bekah Casey’s been on a tear for near a year, and the anger clings to her like cheap perfume. If only the Lord would wash it away like He did with her sins, she might could find her way out of the mire. Instead, she escapes from the one person to blame for all her ills—her husband Mitch.

Now she’s living with her mama and daddy, working two jobs, and facing a future that looks bleak as a middle-Tennessee winter. Her mama’s all the time telling her that the good Lord works in ways too confounding to comprehend, and if she’d learn to trust in Him, her life will look a might brighter. Easy for her to say.

When things go from dark to disastrous, Bekah figures she’s got two choices—sink in her sin or dig her way out.

Mitch Casey never did put a whole lot of stock in faith. Didn’t appear it helped Bekah any either since hers went sideways the minute things got hard. Still, he’s willing to take whatever abuse she throws his way if it helps her muddle through the grief. Then one poor decision, a night in jail, and a divine assignment with a local pastor puts Mitch on an unexpected path.

When you’re dancing with shadows, who gets to lead? Find out in the next book in the Bedford County series.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jennifer Sienes holds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in education but discovered life-experience is the best teacher. She loves Jesus, romance and writing–and puts it altogether in inspirational contemporary fiction. Her daughter’s TBI and brother’s suicide inspired two of her three novels. Although fiction writing is her real love, she’s had several non-fiction pieces published in anthologies–two in Chicken Soup for the Soul. She has two grown children and one very spoiled Maltese. California born and raised, she recently took a step of faith with her real-life hero and relocated to Tennessee.

More from Jennifer

Last year I was interviewed on a Christian podcast, and the host asked me, “How do you come up with your story ideas?” There are as many answers to this question as there are authors, but he wasn’t satisfied with mine. I told him they truly come from the Lord. I think he wanted tips to encourage would-be writers. I’m sorry to disappoint, but although I might have a story sketch in my mind, it never matches the completed project. Why? Because I’m not in control.

Over the last several years, I’ve discovered that my writing journey is as much spiritual as it is creative. Shadow Dancing is a perfect example. It started with my intention to fictionalize the past marital difficulties of a young couple in my church. But before I finished the first chapter, it became clear the Lord had other ideas. The initial plot I’d fixed in my head doesn’t resemble the finished novel in any way—unless you consider the main characters are separated. The theme of my novels always reflects what I’m wrestling with in my heart at the time I’m writing it.

The major theme in Shadow Dancing is God’s sovereignty. Most of us have no problem accepting His will as long as our lives are going well. It’s when something difficult happens we begin to doubt His goodness. How often have you seen a tragedy pull a fellow Christian away from the Lord? The question, “Why would a loving God allow bad things to happen to good people?” has been a stumbling block for many people—both Christians and non-Christians alike.

But sometimes it’s the tragedies in life that draw people closer to God as they realize He’s the only hope they can cling to. This was the case for me. I believed in God, but I didn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, when my ex-husband of 23 years abandoned me. This was on the tail-end of my daughter’s near-fatal car accident that left us with months of rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury. It’s when I realized that believing I was in control of my life and that of my children was a lie from the enemy. We cannot protect those we love by hovering over them or keep a marriage intact by sheer will.

I wanted these truths to play out in the lives of Rebekah and Mitch Casey. In the light of heartache, Rebekah’s spiritual walk goes in one direction while Mitch’s goes another. But through it all, they are left with hope. That’s what I desire every word I ever write to point to. The hope we have in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And isn’t it the greatest gift to know our loving and merciful God has us in the palm of His righteous right hand—forgiven and free? So much better than relying on our own flawed and sinful selves.

I pray Shadow Dancing reminds you of everything we have and will continue to have as adopted sons and daughters through Jesus Christ. Hope of eternal life in a world where heartache and sin will be a thing of the past.

My Review of Shadow Dancing:

I am a huge fan of Jennifer Sienes and her style of writing to begin with, and this book was no exception. The places that this book and these characters took me will always be remembered. Maybe it’s because of the grief I’m walking through in my own life currently or because I have wrestled in the past with hurt (and anger) over why God allows certain things, this book shows me how much I’ve grown and who I used to be versus who I am today. My faith is much stronger in the God who can be trusted, but it took many trials (like Bekah and Mitch) to build and grow that faith. Wonderful book and definitely one that keeps me thinking long after the last page is read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.

Thanks for connecting today.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing

“JESUS in the EVERYDAY?”

Would you like to be a part of a membership where every day you are encouraged to grow your relationship with God … in a way that helps you see Him working in your everyday life?

If that sounds like something you’re interested in, I invite you to come check it out!

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

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 28 (Author Interview)

Holly’s book corner, May 28

Splashes of Joy, May 29

An Author’s Take, May 30

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 1

By the Book, June 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 2

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, June 3

For Him and My Family, June 4

Older & Smarter?, June 5

The Lit Lady, June 5

Sylvan Musings, June 6

lakesidelivingsite, June 7

Back Porch Reads, June 7

Texas Book-aholic, June 8

She Lives to Read, June 9

Books I’ve Read, June 9

Giveaway

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