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Saturday, February 23, 2019

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour and Giveaway: Ladies of Intrigue by Michelle Griep


About the Book



Title: Ladies of Intrigue  
Author: Michelle Griep  
Genre: Christian Historical 
Release date: February 2019  
Publisher: Barbour  

3 Page-Turners Under One Cover from Reader Favorite Michelle Griep! Can truth and love prevail when no one is as they appear? The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady Cornish Coast, 1815 When a prim and proper governess returns to England from abroad, she expects to comfort her dying father—not fall in love with a smuggler. Will Helen Fletcher keep Isaac Seaton’s unusual secret? The Doctor’s Woman (A Carol Award Winner!) Dakota Territory, 1862 Emmy Nelson, daughter of a missionary doctor, and Dr. James Clark, city doctor aspiring to teach, find themselves working side by side at Fort Snelling during the Dakota Uprising. That is when the real clash of ideals begins. A House of Secrets St. Paul, Minnesota, 1890 Ladies Aide Chairman, Amanda Carston resolves to clean up St. Paul’s ramshackle housing, starting with the worst of the worst: a “haunted” house that’s secretly owned by her beau—a home that’s his only means of helping brothel girls escape from the hands of the city’s most infamous madam.

Click here to purchase your copy!



I really enjoy Historcial Fiction and having 3 Novels contained in one 
book was a real treat. Each story is set in the 1800's and there is 
also a mix of Mystery included in each story. 

I really enjoyed that each story was short, but really captured the 
reader. Another great aspect of reading that the book started in the 
early 1800's and flowed through to the late 1800's, made for the 
Historcial factor easy to follow. 

I am not one who usually enjoys Mystery novels, but Author Michelle 
Griep has such an excellent writing style that the Historical and 
Mystery mixed wonderfully together in Ladies of Intrigue. 

Michelle Griep is a "new to me Author", but I am very interested 
in reading many more of her books! Ladies of Intrigue is a Short, 
Easy book to read, and WONDERFULLY written! GREAT BOOK! 


About the Author



Michelle Griep has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild). Keep up with her adventures at her blog “Writer off the Leash” or visit michellegriep.com.

Guest post from Michelle

3 Reasons to Read Historical Fiction Guest post by Michelle Griep Believe it or not, some readers snub historical fiction, preferring instead to stick to contemporary reads. Several have good reason to, simply preferring one genre over another. But others have never given historical fiction a try. If you fall into that camp, here are some reasons you should consider reading a tale from the past

Historical fiction books are not as boring as your high school history class.
Does the thought of endless names and dates make you break out into hives? Good news! Historical fiction is a painless way to glean some historic facts without mindless memorization. You can experience a different era and culture vicariously through heroes and heroines that live on the pages of yesteryear.

Makes for great conversation.
In a world that prides itself on keeping up with the Kardashians, dare to add a little cultural zest to your next dinner conversation. Reading historical fiction arms you with interesting tidbits of things that’ve happened in years gone by.

Because truth is timeless.
Some people yearn to go back to a simpler time. The truth is, though, that the grass isn’t necessarily greener on the historic side of the fence. People have had tough issues to deal with no matter the era. . .but therein lies a great reason to read historical fiction: truth is timeless. Be it ancient, biblical, medieval, Victorian, or anything in between, truth never changes.

 In my new release, Ladies of Intrigue, you’ll experience all these things and more. Find out about the smuggling trade in Cornwall in The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady. Learn about the rough and dangerous life on a military fort during the 1860’s in The Doctor’s Woman. Find out why the gilded age wasn’t as glittery as we often think in A House of Secrets. Don’t be doomed to repeat history. Grab a cup of tea and master it with a great read!

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, February 23
The Power of Words, February 23
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 23
Blogging With Carol, February 24
Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 24
Mary Hake, February 24
Kathleen Denly, February 25
Genesis 5020, February 25
Splashes of Joy, February 25
Faery Tales Are Real, February 26
Inspired by fiction, February 27
All-of-a-kind Mom, February 27
Back Porch ReadsFebruary 27
Andy Carmichael, February 28
Stories By Gina, February 28
Emily Yager, March 1
Multifarious, March 1
Baker kella, March 1
Remembrancy, March 2
BigreadersiteMarch 3
Vicky Sluiter, March 4
Book by Book, March 4
Pause for Tales, March 6
Simple Harvest Reads, March 6 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Carpe Diem, March 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a free copy of Ladies of Intrigue!!
Be sure to comment on blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/da8c/ladies-of-intrigue-celebration-tour-giveaway





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Tuesday, February 19, 2019

JustRead Tours: Her Hope Discovered by Cynthia Herron, Blog Tour, Excerpt and Giveaway

her hope discovered blog tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Her Hope Discovered by Cynthia Herron, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

HerHopeDiscovered Title: Her Hope Discovered  
Series: Welcome to Ruby #1  
Author: Cynthia Herron  
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink  
Genre: Contemporary Romance  
Release Date: December 31, 2018

Is the sure thing worth risking for the possibility of maybe?

Charla Winthrop, a savvy business woman seeking a permanent lifestyle change in small-town Ruby, learns that things aren’t always what they appear when she takes up residence in a house steeped in charm and a hint of mystery. Rumor has it that Sam Packard the town carpenter is her go-to guy for home remodeling, but can Charla convince him to help her—with no strings attached, of course?

Alone far too long, Sam’s prayed that God would send him a wife and a mother for his daughters. However, the new Ruby resident is hardly what he imagined. A new place to call “home,” the possibility of what might be, and the answer to someone’s prayers unite this unlikely pair with the help of the town’s residents.

Nestled in the Ozarks’ hills and hollows is Ruby, Missouri, a quaint, cozy town where “neighbor” is merely another word for “friend.” Ruby will charm and delight as will her quirky, lovable characters who will steal your heart, but hand it right back—with whipped cream and a cherry on top. Savor your new friends’ sorrows and successes in the community where offbeat is perfect and mishaps and mayhem never tasted so good.

Excerpt:
August in the Missouri Ozarks...where humidity-laden air hangs heavy over these majestic hills and hollows, and time idles by easily, yet, with ordained precision of the Master’s hand. 

“This isn’t a home I’d normally show you, Miss Winthrop.” Jerry Marshall removed his sunglasses and motioned toward the two-and-a-half story treasure. “The Ramsey place is a real beaut, of course, but five-thousand square feet is certainly more room than you’ll ever need. Still, you did ask to take a look.” 

Charla cupped a palm above her eyes and blinked against the mid-afternoon sun. “Yes, I did.” Except the print-out didn’t do the house justice. It didn’t fully capture the charm. The nostalgia. The magnetic appeal that drew goosebumps. It didn’t convey the feeling the Ramsey home evoked—one of overwhelming love and longing. She stepped closer and gazed upward at the towering structure. “Details, Mr. Marshall?”

“Well,” her real estate agent paused. “Do you think—I mean, would it be...presumptuous of me to suggest we be on a first name basis? After all, we’ve known each other for a month now. Around here, formalities don’t hold water. In Ruby, we’re all friends.”

Charla shifted her gaze for a moment and smiled. “You’re right. Firstnames, it is.”

“Great. Now about those details—this is a solid-built home, circa 1944. Excellent condition. Original woodwork, cedar closets. Newheating and air, new roof, plumbing, and additional updates while preserving the home’s integrity. There’s anin-ground storm cellar out back, as well as a garden shed and a small garage. As the fact sheet indicates, it comes with a homeowner’s warranty. There’s a nice rolling meadow and fifteen wooded acres.” Jerry cleared his throat then and presented the asking price. “Now, there are some dandy places we haven’t even seen yet. Why don’t I show you a few of those, Charla? A number that are better suited to your...uh...needs, and more modestly priced?”

It should have irked her that he thought her both incapable and out of touch, but he was so sincere and likeable, Charla couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m single, Jerry, not incapacitated. And with a price tag like that, I bet the owner is willing to negotiate, right?”

“Well, a bit, I imagine. But still—we’re talking a whole lot of money here. Are you sure you still want to see the place?”

“I appreciate your concern, but what part of fat commission do you find distasteful?” 

It was her agent’s turn to laugh. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to patronize.” He extended an arm with a grand flourish. “Shall we, then?”

“Absolutely.” She moved past him, excitement drumming in her veins. Drawn by an invisible force that mystified her, Charla hurried up the painted steps and waited for Jerry on the massive front porch. She needn’t look any further. This was it. This was the house. Even the imaginary scent of chocolate chip cookies confirmed it. “I can’t believe this home is still on the market.”

“Yes, well, Edwin’s waited a while for the right buyer.” Jerry met her at the door and inserted a key inthe lockbox. “Said the good Lord would send that person when the time was right.” 

He swung open the door and Charla’s world tilted. The time was definitely right. She hoped Edwin Ramsey was free to meet soon.


PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CH-7888 copy
Cynthia writes Heartfelt, Homespun Fiction from the beautiful Ozark Mountains. A hopeless romantic at heart, she enjoys penning stories about ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. Her Hope Discovered, her début novel and the first in a three-book series, released December 2018 with Mountain Brook Ink.

“Cindy” has a degree in psychology and a background in social work. She is a member of ACFW, ACFW MozArks, and RWA.

She is a 2017 ACFW Genesis Finalist, a 2016 ACFW Genesis (Double) Finalist, and a 2015 ACFW First Impressions Winner. Her short story Words from the Heart appears in The Story Anthology (Karen Kingsbury/Family Fiction) via Salem Publications, 2014. Her work is represented by Sarah Freese at WordServe Literary.

Besides writing, Cindy enjoys spending time with family and friends. She has a fondness for gingerbread men, miniature teapots, and all things apple. She also adores a great cup of coffee and she never met a sticky note she didn’t like.

Cindy loves to connect with friends at her online home. She also hangs out on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.  

For love, fun, and encouragement ~ Sign up for Cindy’s monthly e-NEWSLETTERS

Her Hope Discovered giveaway

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card from the author (US only)  

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight February 18, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm February 25, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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Sunday, February 17, 2019

Read With Audra Blog Tour: Grit and Grace Devotions for Warrior Moms By Gretta Kennedy & Suzanne Hadley Gosselin





 About the Book: 

Hang in There, Mama!

For those moments when you think you’ll never live up to the Supermoms around you—when you’re elbow deep in the grind of diapers and laundry and peanut butter sandwiches—you need a good dose of Grit and Grace.

This refreshing collection of 90 daily devotions comes from two moms who’ve found themselves face-to-the-floor in need of encouragement and now offer it to you. Through humor and vulnerability, these short messages of truth remove the filters of perfection clouding your vision and bring clarity to your purpose as a mom. As you read the Scripture and prayer that accompany each day’s message, you’ll discover more fully who you are in Christ and how to raise your children to reflect His love to the world.

In giving yourself grace, you will find you have even more grace to give from the One who is present in your life right now and in every moment.


Motherhood is long journey that really needs God Grace at times. I received this devotional at a perfect time for me. I am a mom to 3 Teen boys, which can be a difficult time for parenting. 
My oldest is going through some major anxiety issues and at times I am not the strong "Warrior Mom" I need to be. 

I began reading the devotional and was immediately inspired and encouraged. The real stories of being a mom and to know that many moms experience the same chaos and confusion that the days can bring. I was encouraged by the Scripture that lead me to pray and know that I am not alone in need Grace in the Motherhood Journey. 

Grit and Grace is a devotional for all Moms. The devotional will carry you through 90 days of encouragement and inspiration. I personally know that I will go through it again a few months. Motherhood is a wonderful journey and you will be encouraged through this devotional. 


Buy The book: Harvest House Publishers     Amazon  


About the Authors: 

Suzanne Hadley Gosselin and Gretta Kennedy first met as roommates at Multnomah University. They are quick to admit they did not like each other when they first met due to opposite personalities. However, they worked out their differences and became best friends who roomed together for all four years of college. Two decades later, during a phone conversation, they realized God was laying on their hearts the desire to write a devotional for moms of young children to encourage and strengthen them in their role as mothers. It was then the idea for Grit & Grace: Devotions for Warrior Moms was born. 



Suzanne Hadley Gosselin is a regular writer and editor for Focus on the Family and David C Cook and previously served as an editor for Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. Gosselin has written books for Zondervan, Harvest House and Tyndale and is the author of Expectant Parents: Preparing Together for the Journey of Parenthood. 

Gosselin lives in Bakersfield, CA with her husband, Kevin, and four children. The family enjoys escaping to the ocean.

Learn more about Gosselin at www.suzannegosselin.com. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram



Gretta Kennedy is a speaker, mentor and writer with a degree in women’s ministry from Multnomah University and over 20 years of ministry experience. She passionately supports her husband, Jay, and his fulltime camp ministry. They are raising their three children on Vancouver Island and report their adventures on the travel blog Traveling Islanders.  

Grit & Grace is her first book. 

Keep up with the Kennedy family’s adventures at www.travelingislanders.com and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Fellow Grit & Grace Warrior Moms can connect on 


a Rafflecopter giveaway





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Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour and Giveaway: Kate Middleton Duchess of Cambridge by Susan Barnett Braun


About the Book



Title: Katie Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge  
Author: Susan Barnett Braun  
Genre: Children’s Non-Fiction  
Release date: July 25, 2013, and updated with chapters on each of William and Kate’s children

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, is known to most of the world as Kate Middleton. She was an ordinary girl on her way to an ordinary life until she met her Prince Charming. Now, she appears on television and in magazines. She wears beautiful, expensive clothing and travels all over the world. One day, she will be Queen of England. But along the way, she was bullied as a schoolgirl and she waited nearly ten years before marrying Prince William. Learn more about Kate’s road to royalty in this book! Written at Lexile level 930 (same as the Little House on the Prairie books), this book will appeal to girls eager to learn more about the most popular royal since Princess Diana. Full-color photos; timeline that places Kate’s life events into context next to world historical events

Click here to purchase your copy.

My  Thoughts and Review:

America has always been intrigued by the Royal Family. I remember as a little girl watching the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana with my Grandma. I also vividly remember the Funeral of Princess Diana. Americian's then became intrigued with watching Prince William and Prince Harry grow up into Fine Young Men.

Kate Middleton was well liked by American's from the beginning of her relationship with Prince William. How much did we all really know about Kate Middleton? Little girls especially are intrigued with Duchess Kate and are looking forward to the day she becomes Queen. I really enjoyed learning about Kate Middleton in this short, but wonderfully written book.
Kate grew up as an "Ordinary Girl", not of royalty. She endured bullying in her school years. Kate eventually met her "Prince Charming", things that little girls dream of. The book entails the love story of Prince William and Duchess Kate and goes through the birth of the 3rd child.

WONDERFUL book and it really hit the mark for its target audience of girls 5-11. The book is a valuable resource for doing school projects or just reading about Duchess Kate. I really enjoyed it as an adult! GREAT BOOK!!


About the Author



Susan Barnett Braun earned a BS in retail management from Indiana University and an MA in education from the University of Alabama. She taught for eight years in northeast Indiana, earning a Lilly Endowment Teacher Creativity Fellowship and a National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Study Scholarship. Susan has had work published in Parents, Children’s Ministry, and The Secret Place. She also writes online for Fort Wayne Visitor’s Bureau and blogs at Girls in White Dresses. She is married with three wonderful young adult daughters. Susan enjoys reading, playing piano and organ, and spending her time with her family and pets (currently three rabbits and a chinchilla). She has loved the British Royal Family since Diana came onto the scene back in the 1980s.

Guest Post from Susan

Back in 1981, as a teenager, I woke early to watch Prince Charles marry Lady Diana Spencer. My fascination with the British royal family began with Diana. As a high school senior, I submitted my senior paper topic: Charles and Diana and the royal romance. My teacher was not amused — but once he read the paper, he did enjoy it and asked to keep a copy. Over the years, I’ve continued following and enjoying the British royals. When I worked as an elementary teacher, and the next generation of royals came along, I felt that there should be books about Prince William’s wife, Kate. I fondly remembered reading books about Diana when I was younger and felt that today’s girls might be fascinated by Kate in a similar way. I didn’t find many books about Kate, so I decided to write one myself. I learned much while researching Kate (or Catherine, as she prefers to be called). She’s a wonderful role model for girls today in many ways. To name just a few examples: she overcame being bullied by other girls at one of the schools she attended. And, she developed lots of patience during her nine-year courtship with Prince William. I hope you and the young people in your life will enjoy this biography of the Duchess.


Blog Stops

The Power of Words, February 7
Multifarious, February 8
Moments, February 9
Texas Book-aholic, February 10
A Reader’s BrainFebruary 11
All-of-a-kind Mom, February 12
Bibliophile Reviews, February 16
Carpe Diem, February 17
BigreadersiteFebruary 20

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away a grand prize of a paperback copy of the book and a stuffed Beefeater bear!!
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/d9a7/kate-middleton-the-duchess-of-cambridge-celebration-tour-giveaway





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Saturday, February 9, 2019

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Amish Candymaker by Laura V. Hilton


About the Book



Title: The Amish Candy Maker  
Author: Laura V. Hilton  
Genre: Amish Christian Fiction  
Release date: February 5, 2019  
Publisher: WhitakerHouse

Agnes Zook finds herself on her own in a small Amish community in Mackinac County after a tragedy kills her family. Most of the Amish call her “off in den Kopf” (strange) since she’s starting her own business and forging her own way in the community instead of relying on the bishop to take care of her. Since she’s viewed as non-submissive and too-forward for an Amish woman, she’s not courted by young men in the area. Isaac Mast is on the verge of leaving the Amish church. He’s become a sought-after auctioneer and has a thriving business, but he feels confined by the strict rules. When his brother is severely injured in a wild fire, Isaac receives a letter from his sister-in-law, begging him to come to Mackinac County to help out while his brother is hospitalized. Isaac agrees but is unsure how to manage their young children when he has weekend auctions he’s expected to attend. Agnes may be the answer to a prayer. Sparks fly when she and Isaac meet. But could their differences help them form a deeper connection to their faith…and each other?

Click here to purchase your copy.

My Thoughts and Review: 

Amish Fiction is one of my favorite Genre's to read. I have read quite 
a few of Laura V. Hinton's book. I was "starstruck" recently when our 
local library had the front display shelf of all Amish Fiction books 
and one of Laura's books was "front and center". 

I dove right into this book, which is Book 2 in The Amish of Mackinac 
Island series. Agnes Zook is trying to start life over after losing 
her family in a House Fire. She is being independent and starting her 
own business, and is looked upon by the Amish community as 
strange. Her independent life is also leading to No suitors eyeing her. 
That is until Auctioneer, Isaac Mast, comes to town. He is in town to 
help care for his niece and nephew as his twin brother was injured in 
the house fire. Agnes and Isaac hit it off almost immediately. 

The "Romance" between Agnes and Isaac really got me holding onto the 
reading until I was done. The couple had many differences, but those 
differences were overcome and they formed a really strong 
relationship, as well as deepened their Amish faith. 

The Amish Candymaker is a book about starting over, renewed faith, 
Forgiveness, Family and a LOVE Story. I really enjoyed this book 
and cannot wait for the next in this series! WONDERFUL BOOK! 


About the Author



Laura Hilton is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews published on the web. Her first series with Whitaker was The Amish of Seymour, comprising Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (2012 Laurel Award winner, first place in the Amish Genre Clash), and Promised to Another; and her second was The Amish of Webster County, comprising Healing Love, Awakened Love, and Surrendered Love. Her next series was The Amish of Jamesport, featuring The Post Card, Snow Globe, and The Birdhouse. Her latest books include The Amish Firefighter, The Amish Wanderer, and Love By the Numbers. Laura and her husband, Steve, live in Arkansas with their five children, whom Laura homeschools.

Guest Post from Laura

RECIPE FOR FUDGE À LA AGNES ZOOK 
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Fudge 
Courtesy of Laura V. Hilton 

1 bag (12 ounces) milk chocolate chips 
1 bag (10 ounces) peanut butter chips 
2 cans sweetened condensed milk, divided 
6 tablespoons butter, divided 
20 to 30 miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or six regular-size ones broken into four or five pieces each 

For the chocolate layer: Line a greased 8-by-11.5-inch baking dish with parchment paper. 

In a double boiler or metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, combine milk chocolate chips, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, and 4 tablespoons butter. Stir until melted and smooth. 

Pour into prepared baking dish and allow to cool to room temperature, then move to the refrigerator while preparing next layer. 

For the peanut butter layer: In a double boiler or metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, combine peanut butter chips, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons butter. Stir until melted and smooth. 

Pour on to the milk chocolate fudge layer and press pieces of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the surface. If desired, group candy pieces in a grid-like fashion for easier cutting later. 

Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight or until set.

Remove from refrigerator, lift out of the pan by the edges of the parchment paper, and cut into squares, with roughly one miniature peanut butter cup or piece of a cup per square. 

Store in the refrigerator.

Blog Stops

Carla Loves To Read, February 5
Among the Reads, February 6
Britt Reads Fiction, February 6
The Avid Reader, February 7
Emily Yager, February 8
Quiet quilter, February 8
Maureen’s Musings, February 9
Bibliophile Reviews, February 10
Vicky Sluiter, February 10
Daysong Reflections, February 11
Texas Book-aholic, February 12
Janices book reviews, February 12
Carpe Diem, February 13
SusanLovesBooks, February 14
Inklings and Notions, February 16
Pause for Tales, February 16
Have A Wonderful DayFebruary 17
For the Love of Books, February 17
Bigreadersite, February 18

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Laura is giving away a grand prize of a large and small spatula set and a $10 Starbucks gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d9a6/the-amish-candy-maker-celebration-tour-giveaway





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