Sunday, March 19, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Forged in Love by Mary Connealy

Book: Forged in Love

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: February 28, 2023

When sparks begin to fly, can a friendship cast in iron be shaped into something more?

Mariah Stover is left for dead and with no memory when the Deadeye Gang robs the stagecoach she’s riding in, killing both her father and brother. As she takes over her father’s blacksmith shop and tries to move forward, she soon finds herself in jeopardy and wonders–does someone know she witnessed the robbery and is still alive?

Handsome and polished Clint Roberts escaped to western Wyoming, leaving his painful memories behind. Hoping for a fresh start, he opens a diner where he creates fine dishes, but is met with harsh resistance from the townsfolk, who prefer to stick to their old ways.

Clint and Mariah are drawn together by the trials they face in town, and Clint is determined to protect Mariah at all costs when danger descends upon her home. As threats pursue them from every side, will they survive to build a life forged in love?

Click here to get your copy!

I have been a fan of Mary Connealy for MANY years! I was excited that she has a new series out and I read the first book in the series recently. Forged in Love by Mary Connealy is Book 1 in the Wyoming Sunrise series.

The time is 1870 in Wyoming. Mariah Stover is trying to start life anew after her Dad and brother were murdered in a Stage Coach Robbery. She survived the Robbery and has committed to continuing her Father's Blacksmith Business. Mariah thinks she is in danger and the Stage Coach Robbers might be after her now. Clint Roberts has recently moved to Wyoming and ends up in the same town as Mariah. He is hoping to start a fresh life, leaving behind painful memories from his previous town. Clint opens a small diner in town, but the Townspeople are not too thrilled with the diner. Clint and Mariah form a friendship. Clint is aware that Mariah is in danger and wants to do all he can to protect her. Will the friendship turn into something more? Can they both survive the danger and will they stay in Wyoming?

I was intrigued by the storyline from the very first Chapter. The Historical aspect and Stage Coach Robbery storyline really made for a great read. I LOVE that Mariah isn't deterred by life happenings, yet she is determined to keep her Father's legacy alive. Clint is a really great character in the book. He made some changes in his life and he is not going to let the townspeople get him down. He is a protector and he and Mariah have a good relationship. I LOVED all the Romance and History in this book. Grab a copy of Forged in Love by Mary Connealy, and I am sure you will LOVE it just as much as I did!! FANTASTIC book! I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series when it is released!

Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than one and a half million books. She is the author of the popular series Brothers in Arms, Brides of Hope Mountain, High Sierra Sweethearts, The Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

More from Mary

The Inspiration

I started plotting this novel when I found out that Wyoming was the first state (then a territory) in the Union to grant women the right to vote. Then I discovered it wasn’t just the right to vote; all sorts of other rights were given to women as well, like the right to run for elected office or be appointed to office. In fact, the first woman justice of the peace in the U.S. was from Wyoming. This inspired me to have one of my heroines be the second justice of the peace in the country.

As I continued my research, reading about all that went on in Wyoming was fascinating. They became a territory in 1868—with women voting—and yet they weren’t allowed statehood for another thirty years. With other states being granted statehood in only a few years, why was this? Because the U.S. government refused to let Wyoming in unless they took the vote away from women.

Because Wyoming adamantly refused to strip the vote from women, year after year they were denied statehood. When they finally did get it, the state’s women maintained their right to vote because Wyoming would not budge on the issue. The whole history of this was great reading.

So I wrote a three-book series called Wyoming Sunrise in which all my heroines play against the normal, conventional female roles of the day.

Now, what job could I possibly think of that wasn’t traditionally for women? How about Mariah who happens to be a blacksmith? And while I’m writing against stereotypes, I created a man named Clint who runs a diner. That wasn’t too unusual, for lots of diners were run by men back in the day. Yet not many of them were talented chefs trained in high-class restaurants in New York City. Clint is an excellent chef. Of course, an excellent chef in a small Wyoming town is kind of wasted on folks who prefer fried chicken and beef stew.

Clint makes chicken and beef, but he calls his dishes weird names and makes them unusually delicious. Meanwhile, Mariah is working over a hot forge for long hours every day. When her father and brother are killed in a stagecoach holdup, she becomes the only blacksmith in town.

There’s some resistance to her doing such a masculine job, but even among those who disapprove, well, they’ve got a broken wagon wheel or a hole in their kettle and it’s either let Mariah fix it or go without. Mariah is allowed to be a blacksmith out of pure necessity.

My second book, The Laws of Attraction, has a female justice of the peace, while the third, Marshaling Her Heart, features a tough lady rancher. I write westerns, and honestly, writing about tough, feisty lady ranchers like Becky the Rancher comes naturally to me. Writing about a blacksmith and a judge, however, presents more of a challenge.

Mariah, who survived the stagecoach holdup, learns that the robbers believe she might know something that will reveal their identity, and she needs to be silenced. Clint tries to protect her and finds himself stepping between her and a murderous gang of outlaws.

Through it all, love finds them, and they begin to forge a life together.

Bigreadersite, March 18
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 18
Texas Book-aholic, March 19
Through the Fire Blogs, March 19
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 19
Stories By Gina, March 20 (Author Interview)
deb’s Book Review, March 20
Books You Can Feel Good About, March 20
Connie’s History Classroom, March 21
For Him and My Family, March 21
Labor Not in Vain, March 21
Cover Lover Book Review, March 22
Lighthouse Academy, March 22 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Remembrancy, March 23
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 23
Betti Mace, March 24
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 24
She Lives to Read, March 25
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 25
Pause for Tales, March 26
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 26
Holly’s Book Corner, March 26
Book Looks by Lisa, March 27
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 27
SodbusterLiving, March 28
Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 28
Splashes of Joy, March 29
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 29
Wishful Endings, March 30
HookMeInABook, March 30
lakesidelivingsite, March 31
EmpowerMoms, March 31
Mary Hake, March 31

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize package of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book Forged in Love!!

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/24dc0/forged-in-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Where Treasure Lies by Amanda Tru

Book: Where Treasure Lies

Author: Amanda Tru

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: February 28, 2023

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

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

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

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

But what if it did?

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

Click here to get your copy!

I LOVE Christian Contemporary Romance books and I also enjoy "new to me" Authors. Where Treasure Lies by Amanda Tru fits both of those and is the latest book I have read and be able to share with you all! This book is Book 1 in the new series, Suamalie Islands which is written by 9 different authors.

The book begins 30 yrs in the past. Scott Connelly has come to Suamalie Island to settle his father's estate. He wants to get everything cleared up and return home as soon as possible. The townspeople give him a very "UNWARM" welcome. Well in town a lot happens including a legend of a Sunken Spanish Ship and a local Waitress who helps rescue him. He knows he is at risk of danger but the waitress helps him. We come 30 years to the present and Scott's Daughter, Tavia, has come to Suamalie Island to take care of her father's Estate. Tavia isn't welcomed very well by the Island people and she wants to settle the Estate and go back home where she is in charge of the Family Company. The caveat is that her Dad left her instructions that she is to solve the mystery from 30 yrs ago, what happened when he was last on the Island. Tavia has very few clues and not a lot of information about the Treasure from long ago, but she is determined to honor her father's wishes. Will Tavia be able to fulfill Scott's wishes for his Estate? Will she be in any danger in doing so?

WOW, just WOW! I LOVED this Dual Time Line book from the very beginning to the end of the book. I LOVE how both Scott and Tavia were on the Island to settle the Estates of their Dad's, even though 30 yrs apart. The fact that they came to the Island knowing the residents didn't take too kindly to them. The story was filled with excitement, drama, and Family. The ending took a surprising turn, but a wonderful ending. This was my first time reading a book by Amanda Tru and I LOVE her writing style. I am looking forward to more books in this series! I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Chrsitian Romance books! FANTASTIC BOOK!

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

More from Amanda

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

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

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

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

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

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

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 9
Texas Book-aholic, March 10
Sara Beth Williams, March 10
deb’s Book Review, March 11
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 12
Stories By Gina, March 13 (Author Interview
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 13
Sylvan Musings, March 14
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 14
Aryn the Libraryan, March 15
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 16
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 17
She Lives To Read, March 18
For Him and My Family, March 18
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 19
Blogging With Carol, March 20
lakesidelivingsite, March 21
Mary Hake, March 21
Simple Harvest Reads, March 22 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/24b77/where-treasure-lies-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Friday, March 17, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: A Life Set Free by Rena Groot

Book: A Life Set Free

Author: Rena Groot

Genre: Non-Fiction

Release date: 2019

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

Click here to get your copy!

I really enjoy reading Memoirs and this one was no exception. A Life Set Free by Rena Groot is the latest Memoir that I have read.

Rena Groot really has an AMAZING Life story. Her childhood was very rough and she was abused as a child. She never felt loved until her Aunt took her in and raised her. Her account of giving her heart and life to Jesus was heartwarming. She has lived her life traveling the world sharing her faith with so many and she is grateful that God has taken her on so many journeys. Some journeys were harder than others, but Rena knows God was always with her.

I truly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Rena Groot is VERY open and honest about her life throughout the book. I think my favorite part of the book was watching Rena transform her life so drastically after she become a Christian. The book is one about trusting God and knowing that God's timing is always perfect. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys memoirs and inspirational stories. FANTASTIC BOOK!

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

More from Rena

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

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 5
Texas Book-aholic, March 6
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 7
deb’s Book Review, March 8
An Author’s Take, March 9
Lots of Helpers, March 9
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 10
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 11
Cover Lover Book Review, March 12
Lily’s Book Reviews, March 13
For Him and My Family, March 14
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 15
Lights in a Dark World, March 16
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 17
Vibrant Wings by Valerie, March 18
Mary Hake, March 18

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2494c/a-life-set-free-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Thursday, March 16, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Promise of Purity by Marguerite Martin Gray

Book: Promise of Purity

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: February 14, 2023

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

East Molesey, England, 1661—

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

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

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

Click here to get your copy!

Promise of Purity by Marguerite Martin Gray is a Christian Historical Fiction. It is book 2 in the Gardens in Time series. I have not read Book 1 yet, but I plan on reading it soon.

The year is 1661 in East Mosley, England. Kate Sinclair, part of the Puritan Faith, has hope for the future, especially since King Charles II has been reinstated to the Throne. Kate is also trying to find her place to belong. She wants to be a part of the Family Bakery but wonders if she has a place in the Palace working there. Kate's dad is worried that she will lose her Puritan faith if she works at the Palace. Peter Reresby is very happy that his friend has regained his crown, although his family is against it. Peter discovers his sister has gone missing and turns his focus to finding her. Kate and Peter have religious differences, with Peter not trusting God in his life. Will Kate choose the Baker or the Palace? Can Kate and Peter put their differences aside and work together to find his sister?

WOW, this book captivated me from the very first chapter. I really learned so much about the Puritan life while reading this book. Kate Sinclair is a wonderful character and I really LOVE that she stays true to her faith, even while working at the Palace. Peter is also an interesting character. He is very concerned about his sister and I LOVE how Kate helps him with his faith. The book is one of Trust, Faith, and Friendship. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction! WONDERFUL BOOK!

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

More from Marguerite

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

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

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

Enjoy the journey through Hampton Court Gardens.