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Thursday, May 25, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Murmur in the Mudcaves by Kathleen Denly

 



Book: Murmur in the Mudcaves

Author: Kathleen Denly

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: May 16, 2023

He came to cook for ranch hands, not three single women.

Gideon Swift, a visually impaired Civil War Veteran, responds to an ad for a ranch cook in the Southern California desert mountains. He wants nothing more than to forget his past and stay in the kitchen where he can do no harm. But when he arrives to find his employer murdered, the ranch turned to ashes, and three young women struggling to survive in the unforgiving Borrego Desert, he must decide whether his presence protects them or places them in greater danger.

Bridget “Biddie” Davidson finally receives word from her older sister who disappeared with their brother and pa eighteen years prior, but the news is not good. Determined to help her family, Biddie sets out for a remote desert ranch with her adopted father and best friend. Nothing she finds there is as she expected, including the man who came to cook for the shambles of a ranch.

When tragedy strikes, the danger threatens not only her plans to help her sister but her own dreams for the future—with the man who’s stolen her heart.

 

Click here to get your copy!


Historical Fiction is a favorite genre of mine. Murmur in the Mudcaves by Kathleen Denly is Book 3 in the Chaparral Hearts series. I have read the series from the beginning and was excited to read Book 4. 

We are taken back to 1873 in Southern California. Gideon Swift has accepted a job to be a Cook at a Ranch and he is excited about the future. He is a Civil War Veteran and he wants to move forward and forget his past. He arrives at the Ranch to begin his new job only to find things in chaos. His employer is dead, and the Ranch had been burned by an arsonist. He also encounters 3 women: Bridget “Biddie” Davidson, her friend Lucy and also Biddie's long-lost sister Ginny. Biddie and Lucy had come to the Ranch after hearing that tragedy had struck at the Ranch to help Ginny get the Ranch back together. Ginny and Birdie haven't seen each other in about 17yrs, so they are trying to rebuild their relationship along with rebuilding the Ranch. Danger still lurks on the Ranch and Gideon is determined to protect the Women. He also is quite smitten by Biddie. Biddie also realizes the danger is lurking and that she is falling for Gideon. Will Gideon stay and help the Women and protect them? Will the Ranch survive and be rebuilt? Will there be a Romance between Gideon and Biddie? 

WOW, I was captivated by the Storyline from the very first page.  I really like the Historical Era of this book. The Author does a great job of keeping to the details of that Era accurate. Biddie and Gideon both have great story. Biddie is happy to renew her relationship with her sister and supports her long-lost sister during the rebuild. Gideon is a wonderful man whose focus changed from work to protecting the woman.   Book 4 is the end of this series and I am sad to see this series end. I TRULY enjoyed the entire series and I HIGHLY recommend this series. Although the books can be read as Stand Alone books, I recommend reading the series in order! FANTASTIC BOOK!




Kathleen Denly lives in sunny Southern California with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

 

More from Kathleen

The Making of a Hero

 

Picture in your mind the typical male rancher or cowboy. Can you see him? If we’re going for the full stereotype, you’re looking at a tall, handsome man who is, above all, strong. Particularly in the nineteenth century, it takes strength to build a house, install fencing, chop wood, haul water, heft hay bales, and most of all manage cattle. Not to mention the 101 other things it takes to start and keep a ranch running. 

 

Now consider the aftermath of the American Civil War. Many men never returned from the battlefields, and those who did often returned with injuries that would remain with them the rest of their lives. Some would suffer chronic pain until the day they died. 

 

In considering whose story I wanted to tell next, I wondered about that last group of men in the context of running a ranch. How could a seriously injured man, suffering chronic pain, keep his ranch going in an era where able-bodied men were more difficult to find? And what about those whose ranches were too new and small to support the cost of hiring help? 

 

This was the beginning of my inspiration for Gideon Swift–a Civil War Veteran still struggling daily with the consequences of having gone to war, ten years after his injuries sent him home. 

 

Raised to believe true men were strong and weak men were next-to useless, Gideon’s identity is shattered when an explosion leaves him with brain damage that causes recurring migraines with aura and the loss of periphery vision in one eye. For those unfamiliar, a migraine with aura is a severe headache preceded or accompanied by sensory disturbances called aura. Examples of such disturbances include flashes of light, blind spots, general blurry vision, and blurry or shimmery lines in vision. There can also be speech or language difficulty, muscle weakness, and/or numbness or tingling in one side of a person’s face, one hand, or one limb. Gideon experiences most of these at different times, but his most common sensory disturbance is a curled shimmery line that appears in his vision.

 

He is further humbled by a series of tragic losses partially triggered by his medical condition. These are the events that send him to California, determined never to work with cattle again, and never to marry.

 

I am often asked how much of myself I put into my characters. In Gideon’s case, I modeled his pain partially after my own. While I have no peripheral vision loss, nor brain damage, I do have recurring migraines. In my case, these are brought about by my menstrual cycle and only occasionally involve aura symptoms. Still, these severe headaches have lasted from a mere hour, up to nearly a week, and are frequently beyond anything my medications can alleviate. Too often, this pain leaves me unable to function. If I’m lucky I can sleep through it. If not, I lay awake in a darkened room for hours with pain preventing me from drifting into blissful unconsciousness. Nauseousness, foggy thinking, dizziness, and exhaustion are frequently parts of my experience. I have also experienced one-sided tingling numbness and the same curly, shimmering line that Gideon experiences. Yet, I know others who have far worse migraines. So, in describing Gideon’s episodes, I combined my own experiences with those of family and friends whom I have witnessed suffering. 

 

Through Murmur in the Mud Caves, we see how God works in Gideon’s life and heart to remind him of where his true value and strength come from. It is my hope that his journey will touch the hearts of readers and encourage them in whatever trials they may be facing. We are never alone. Whatever God brings us to, He will bring us through. He loves us and has a good purpose for everything we endure in this life, even when we cannot understand His reasons.


lakesidelivingsite, May 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 18

Books You Can Feel Good About, May 18

Texas Book-aholic, May 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 20

For Him and My Family, May 20

Melissa’s Bookshelf, May 21

Connie’s History Classroom, May 21

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 22

Betti Mace, May 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 23

Madi’s Musings, May 23

Pause for Tales, May 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 25

Kristina Hall, May 25

Vicky Sluiter, May 26

Blossoms and Blessings, May 26

Blogging With Carol, May 27

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

Mary Hake, May 28

Cover Lover Book Review, May 29

Holly’s Book Corner, May 30

Karen Baney Reviews, May 30



To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of 1 set of beautifully engraved, metal measuring spoons, 1 pouch of “Baking Day” potpourri, 1 Cat and Mouse kitchen timer, 1 vintage wooden sign with Christian encouragement message, 1 Cowboy Hat cookie cutter with recipe for Cowboy Sugar Cookies, 1 Kitchen towel that reads, “This Home is our Happily Ever After”, and 1 Kathleen Denly engraved pen!!

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/2606f/murmur-in-the-mudcaves-celebration-tour-giveaway





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Wednesday, May 24, 2023

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Loving the Rancher's Children by Mindy Obenhaus

Loving the Rancher's Children JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Loving the Rancher's Children by Mindy Obenhaus, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!



Loving the Rancher's Children Title: Loving the Rancher's Children 
Series: Hope Crossing #3 
Author: Mindy Obenhaus 
Publisher: Love Inspired Books 
Release Date: May 23, 2023 
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

A short-term solution

Could lead to long-term love

When Alli Krenek returns to her hometown, she’s surprised to find herself agreeing to become a nanny to Jake Walker’s children. Seventeen years ago, Jake betrayed Alli’s trust, and she’s avoided him ever since. But the more time she spends with Jake, the more his two little ones melt her heart and Alli begins to see the man Jake has become. Is this their chance to finally heal old wounds?






I really enjoy LOVE Inspired books. The books are short, easy to read, and quick to read. Author Mindy Obenhaus is a favorite of mine. Loving the Rancher's Children by Mindy Obenhaus is Book 3 in the Hope Crossing Series. I have read the first 2 books in this series and have anxiously awaited the release of Book 3.  

Alli Krenek has returned to Hope Crossing, the town she grew up in, after being away for 17yrs. She has worked for CPS for many years but has decided on a career change and will become a Teacher. She is looking for a job to do now and has the opportunity to be a Nanny. Jake Walker is a widower and Single Dad to 2 kids and is currently in need of a Nanny. Alli and Jake were best friends growing up and they were on the brink of beginning a relationship. The relationship never happened as Jake broke Alli's heart right before she moved away and she hasn't really spoken to him since. Alli decides to accept the Nanny position and she truly enjoys spending time with Jake's kids. Alli also notices that Jake has changed over the years. Can Jake and Alli begin to heal from the past? Will there be a chance for a Second Chance Romance? 


WOW, this just might be the Sweetest Second Chance Romance book that I have read. I REALLY LOVE how Alli knew what she wanted in life and was on the road to achieving that. She allowed herself to put past hurts aside to approach Jake with a way to help them both. Jake is a wonderful character. I LOVE how he is in control of his Family Ranch while raising 2 young kids and recognizes that he needs help as he can't do it all by himself. I really LOVE how the author brings the 2 Childhood Friends together to help one another and they are able to mend their hearts from the past. I truly enjoyed Alli and Jake's story and their rekindling romance! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Romance. FANTASTIC BOOK!




PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | Christianbook | BookBub

More Books in this Series

The Cowgirl's Redemption A Christmas Bargain




Mindy Obenhaus

Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching the Hallmark Channel.

Connect with Mindy by visiting MindyObenhaus.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.



(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Loving the Rancher's Children and $20 Amazon gift card!

Loving the Rancher's Children JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 24, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 31, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours




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Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Gold Rush Bride Tegan by Linda Shenton Matchett





Book: Gold Rush Bride Tegan

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: February 25, 2022

Tegan Llewellyn has always been different than her adopted family, except for Grandmother Hannah, a prospector during the 1829 Georgia gold rush. Now, seventy years later there are reports of gold in Nome, and the opportunity is too good to pass up. But Tegan doesn’t count on the dangers that strike from the moment she steps off the steamer, including the threat of losing her heart.

Elijah Hunter has prospected for gold all over the US and Canada and likes being on the move. The last thing he expects to find on his latest search is a lady miner who proves to be nothing but trouble. Can he convince her that leaving is for her own good before it’s too late…for both of them?

 

Click here to get your copy!


Linda Shenton Matchett has become one of my favorite authors. I have read many of her books over the last few years.  Gold Rush Bride Tegan by Linda Shenton Matchett is Book 3 in the Gold Rush Brides series. I have read Book 2 in this series and was excited to Read Book 3. 

Tegan Llewellyn was adopted as a young child and she feels like she never "fit in" with her family. She did feel close to her Grandmother Hannah, who in 1829 was a Gold Miner in the Georgia Gold Rush. Tegan hears of a Gold Rush in Nome, Alaska seventy years later and decides to head to Alaska for an opportunity to follow in her Grandmother's footsteps. Tegan is not prepared for the dangers that lie ahead for her. Elijah Hunter is a very experienced Gold Miner and when he meets Tegan in Alaska, he doesn't think she will make it as a Miner. He also discovers that she can be a troublemaker. Elijah is determined to get her to leave the Gold Mine and town before danger really happens. Elijah also recognizes that he has been drawn to Tegan because of her Fiesty personality. Will Tegan survive the Alaska Gold Mines and strike Gold? Will there be a romance or chemistry between Elijah and Tegan?

WOW,  the storyline was captivating from the very first chapter.  The Era of the Gold Rush has always been intriguing to me. I LOVE how Tegan jumps at the opportunity to follow in her Grandmother's footsteps and goes to Alaska for the Gold Rush in 1899. She is an independent woman and embraces that. Elijah is my favorite character in this book. He is a wonderful man who sees the dangers and wants to protect Tegan whenever needed. Coming to her rescue when she is attacked was a tear-jerking moment.  I LOVE how the author really connects Elijah and Tegan and the romance slowly grows. I also loved how Tegan grew in her Faith throughout this book. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance! FANTASTIC BOOK!





 



Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historic places all her life. Linda is a volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of World War II and a former trustee for her local public library. She now resides in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities are exploring the state’s historical sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

 

More from Linda

Dear Reader,

 

I am constantly amazed at the extraordinary things women did over the course of history (mostly done in dresses and skirts until about eighty years ago!). When I stumbled on the fact that women were involved during the gold and silver rushes that occurred in the US and its territories, I knew I had to tell their story.

 

A significant number of women followed husbands, brothers, or fathers, but an intrepid few set out on their own to find their fortune for as many reasons as there were women. Some went to escape difficult (or abusive) situations at home and others because they felt they had no choice. But there was a small percentage who made their way across thousands of miles for the sheer adventure.

 

The Nome Gold Rush started 175 years ago in 1898, and was different than previous rushes in that much of the gold was on the beach and could be plucked from the sand without any need for a claim. Later, claims were required to mine gold from the Snake River, and this is when things got dirty.

 

Initially, the courts upheld original claims, but after some of the “claim jumpers” offered to share proceeds from their invalid claims, a few crooked judges and politicians decided this was a great opportunity to line their pockets. Already guilty of stealing votes and voter intimidation, Alexander McKenzie, National Committeeman for North Dakota headed the pack and created an elaborate scheme with the help of Judge Arthur Noyes. It would take nearly two years for the men to be arrested and brought to trial. I included a fictionalized version of this situation in Gold Rush Bride Tegan.

 

I visited Alaska before writing Tegan and was overwhelmed by its majestic beauty. The photos I’d seen before the trip didn’t do justice to the reality of the state’s glaciers, mountains, rivers, and forests. Wildlife is so abundant that it literally walked or flew through town giving us “up close and personal” experiences with moose, wild sheep, eagles, and more.

 

Because of the inaccessibility of much of the state, one in fifty Alaskans hold a pilot’s license as compared to the national average which is one in seven hundred. However, in 1898, prospectors didn’t have that luxury, instead making their way to San Francisco by rail and then either going overland with wagons and mules or up the coast on schooners, either choice a difficult and arduous journey.

 

It is my hope that Gold Rush Bride Tegan honors the stalwart women who left all they knew for the chance of a lifetime.

 

Blessings,

Linda Shenton Matchett



Sylvan Musings, May 10 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Book Reviews, May 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 12

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 15

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 16 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 16

Connie’s History Classroom, May 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 18

By The Book, May 19 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 19

Books Less Travelled, May 20

For Him and My Family, May 21

For the Love of Literature, May 22 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 23



To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Visa Gift Card and signed copy of the book!!

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/25f59/gold-rush-bride-tegan-celebration-tour-giveaway





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Monday, May 22, 2023

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: A Path to Acceptance by Lisa M. James

A Path To Acceptance JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Path To Acceptance by Lisa M. James, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!



A Path to Acceptance

Title: A Path to Acceptance
Series:
The Prodigal Woman Series
Author:
Lisa M. James
Publisher:
Independently Published
Release Date:
May 19, 2023
Genre:
Christian Romance / Fantasy

Wanton. Tainted. Immoral. These were all words that could describe Penelope. After being forced into a world of harlotry to cover her parents' debts, Penny learned how to survive without feeling. When a mysterious man approaches Penny with an offer to free her from her situation, Penny soon discovers that leaving her tavern could not rid her of the reputation she gained as a harlot. Would anyone be able to see beyond her tainted past?

Abandoned by his father as a child, Ryland refuses to depend on anyone but himself. Surviving as a mercenary for wealthy landowners, he accepts an assignment to free a harlot from a life of slavery. Frustrated when he is forced to take her under his care, Ryland discovers there is more to this harlot than her beauty. Can her unshakeable faith bring him back to a Redeemer he has long since rejected?  

Discover the story of a tainted woman in A Path to Acceptance.



Christian Romance is a genre I really like. I actually like that this series also includes Fantasy in the book. A Path to Acceptance by Lisa M. James is Book 2 in the Prodigal Woman series. I read Book 1 in this series and was excited to read Book 2. 

Penelope(Penny) has lived her life as a Harlot, something she was forced into to pay for her parents' debts. Penny has never felt comfortable in this life and wants to be FREE. A man, someone Penny has never seen, offers to help her become FREE from this life. Penny soon realizes that many still recognize and know her from her life as a Harlot and she wonders if will she ever be able to have a better reputation. Ryland is a mercenary for wealthy landowners and he is the one assigned to help free Penny. Ryland grew up without a father due to abandonment and he likes for everyone to have independence, especially himself. Penny is rescued and he immediately becomes smitten by her, especially her Faith in God.  Will there be a Romance between Ryland and Penny? Will Penny lead Ryland back to Faith in God? 

WOW! I truly enjoyed this book from the first Chapter. I was able to follow along with the Theme and Storyline of Book 2 much easier than I did with Book 1. Penny and Ryland are the main characters and they both have pasts that were less than desirable and/or perfect. I LOVE that Ryland now lives a life of helping others and in this book, Penny is a GREAT example to him with her Faith in God.  This book touches on some sensitive topics(harlotry and mercenary to just name a couple) but the author does so in a wonderful manner. The book is one of Faith, Romance, Moving forward, and growing in life! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fantasy books! GREAT Book!





PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in this Series

A Path to Forgiveness




Lisa James

Lisa M. James is a Romantic Fantasy and Christian Fantasy author. Her  novels have made the Amazon Best Sellers list for numerous categories, including: Fairy Tale Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery Fantasy, Christian Fantasy, and Religious Romance. She is committed to creating fantastical worlds with clean romances and diverse female leads. When not writing, Lisa can most often be found watching Disney movies or enjoying homemade chai. 

Connect with Lisa by visiting lisamjames.com to follow her on social media and sign up for newsletter updates.




(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of A Path to Acceptance & a Vera Bradley Crossbody bag (plum pansies print)!

A Path to Acceptance JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 22, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 29, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours




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