Saturday, July 30, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Heart of the Mountains by Pepper Basham

Book: The Heart of the Mountains

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance

Release date: July 1, 2022

Can their hearts overcome the darkness of the mountains?

To escape a forced marriage, Cora Taylor travels from England to the Blue Ridge Mountains in search of her brother, who is working as a teacher in a mission school. She hopes to find a place where her nursing skills and independent ideas will be accepted and appreciated, but nothing prepares her for the wild mixture of isolation, community, brokenness, and hope within these mountains…or in the person of Jeb McAdams.

Returning from the devastation of World War 1 emotionally damaged, Jeb McAdams struggles against the rampant mountain alcoholism to soothe his nightmares. It’s easy to hide within the mountains, or it was, before Cora Taylor arrived. Now, she seems to show up at every turn, bringing her modern ideas, curiosity, and beautiful eyes with her.

Bound by their shared war history, the pair develop an unlikely friendship, which unexpectedly hints to something more. But when Cora’s desire to help the women of the mountains crosses an unspoken line, will Jeb be able to protect this feisty flatlander from the wrath of the mountain men or will he end up losing much more than his heart?

Click here to get your copy!

I have enjoyed many books by Pepper Basham, she has become one of my favorite authors. I was excited to be able to read The Heart of the Mountains by Pepper Basham recently. It is Book 2 in the My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge series. I have not read Book 1 yet, but this book reads great as a Stand Alone.

Cora Taylor has come to the Blue Ridge Mountains from England. She does not want to the be in an arranged marriage that her father is insisting on, so she has come to be with her Uncle and Brother. Cora is excited to get settled in to Mountain life and find a nursing job, as she was a nurse in England during WWI. Jeb McAdams is a resident of Blue Ridge Mountains, served during WWI and now struggles with life in the Mountains and has turned to alcohol. Jeb begins seeing Cora around town and he notices quite often. The pair begin a friendship with the common interest being their experiences in Wartime. Jeb is really smitten by Cora's beautiful eyes and her curiousity of the Mountain people. Jeb has to come to Cora's rescue when she crosses a line in helping the Mountain women and the Mountain Men are not so happy. Will Cora be able to make her place in Mountain Life? Will there be a Romance between Jeb and Cora?

WOW, WOW, WOW! I am glad I began reading this book on a day where I had nothing else to do. I literally could not put this book down once I began reading it. The theme of the book, the characters and the storyline all flow together so nicely. Cora is a determined woman who wants for herself and not what others think she should do. I appreciate that in a character. Jeb has some struggles, but he is also determined to overcome them, although the effects of war are difficult to overcome many times. The Historical parts of the book are very well researched. I LOVE how Cora and Jeb meet, form a friendship, which turns into a romantic relationship. The entire book is filled with excitement, struggles and achievements in life. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance. FANTASTIC BOOK!

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

You can learn more about Pepper at her website http://www.pepperdbasham.com or connect with her on FB, IG, or Twitter.

More from Pepper

It’s so interesting how one idea can influence an entire series, or…how one person’s story can.

The idea for The Heart of the Mountains started in Laurel’s Dream with a hint of a family history story about a girl named Kizzie. (Someday, I hope to bring Kizzie’s story to the pages of a book). From there, the idea began to grow out of a love for my Appalachian culture into a series of books which highlighted (and fictionalized) stories from my family history.

The main story in The Heart of the Mountains is about Jeb and Cora, two different people with similar servant hearts, but the secondary story that touched me so much was the one based on my great grandfather’s life. I write about it in the Author’s Note at the end of the novel, so I won’t go into detail about it. However, what I loved getting to do is bring the truth of God’s redemption in my great grandfather’s life…to life again.

I never knew “Papa Rat”. I only knew the stories handed down to me by my granny and my mama, but in writing this story, I feel as though I had a tiny opportunity to “meet” him in these pages. He was a gruff mountain man with a broken past which led him to make a whole lot of broken choices, but his story is incredibly encouraging, because it points to the God of broken people. My great grandpa wasn’t left in his brokenness, but, after years of running away from God, he would later recount that God pursued him. The beauty of Sam McAdams’ journey in The Heart of the Mountains is only a little glimpse into what I imagine my great grandpa’s redemption story looked like.

Because my great grandpa was forever changed when Jesus saved him (as any of us should be).

I think that’s what my granny and her siblings (and even “Papa Rat” himself) would want most -that his story would point to Jesus. I hope that’s what you see when you read about Sam McAdams in The Heart of the Mountains.

Have you ever read a book based on family history? One of my favorites is Catherine Marshall’s Christy.

Bizwings Blog, July 28
Rachael’s Inkwell, July 28
Bigreadersite, July 28
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 29
Texas Book-aholic, July 29
Inklings and notions, July 30
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 30
Boondock Ramblings, July 30
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 31
Reading With Emily, July 31
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 31 (Author Interview)
lakesidelivingsite, August 1
Where Crisis & Christ Collide, August 1
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 1
Daysong Reflections, August 2
deb’s Book Review, August 2
Live. Love. Read., August 2
Betti Mace, August 3
Book Looks by Lisa, August 3
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 3
Remembrancy, August 4
For Him and My Family, August 4
Blossoms and Blessings, August 4
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, August 5
By the Book, August 5
Wishful Endings, August 5
For the Love of Literature, August 6
Books, Books and More Books, August 6
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 6
Connie’s History Classroom, August 7
SodbusterLiving, August 7
Splashes of Joy, August 7
Where Faith and Books Meet, August 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 8
Back Porch Reads, August 9
Through the Fire Blogs, August 9
Pause for Tales, August 9
Labor Not in Vain, August 10
Miriam Jacob, August 10
To Everything There Is A Season, August 10

To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e- gift card and a paperback 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/20389/the-heart-of-the-mountains-celebration-tour-giveaway

Pin It

Friday, July 29, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Lineage of Corruption by Robin Patchen

Book: Lineage of Corruption

Author: Robin Patchen

Genre: Christian romantic suspense

Release date: July 19, 2022

In the world of big money and big politics, nobody walks away unscathed.

The people of Coventry never suspect that Josie Smith, owner of the local coffee shop, is the daughter of a powerful senator. She went to Washington to serve constituents, but her desire to do good morphed into a desire to win at all costs. When one of those costs grew too heavy to bear, she changed her name and left DC, vowing to never get involved in politics again. But when her father becomes his party’s lone voice standing against corrupt policies, his enemies will do whatever it takes to get his vote, and Josie finds herself caught in a familiar web of dirty tricks.

Thomas Windham never planned to run for office, but when Coventry’s disgraced mayor is replaced by a dishonest appointee, he feels he has no choice but to throw his hat in the ring. He doesn’t have a chance against the well-known politician, that is until he meets Josie, who knows more about running for office than a typical café owner would.

When Josie finds herself in danger, they form an alliance—his protection for her wisdom. The election becomes secondary as Josie’s adversaries close in. But can Josie and Thomas come out victorious against enemies determined to get what they want at any cost?

Don’t miss this pulse-pounding Christian romantic suspense that’ll keep you reading late into the night.

Click here to get your copy!

I really enjoy Christian Romance Suspense and I also LOVE reading books by "new to me" authors. Lineage of Corruption by Robin Patchen fits both of those for me and the Synopsis was intriguing, therefore I decided to read it!

Josie Smith is the owner of a Coffee Shop in small town Coventry. Josie used to be in Politics but moved from Washington DC, changing her name, as she was tired of the corruption in Politics and felt she wasn't serving her constituents as well as she should. Josie is in danger when people figure out that she is the Daughter of a Powerful Senator. Thomas Windham is a local Insurance Rep in Coventry. Thomas and Josie have met previously, but they really didn't get to know each other, until the night Thomas helps rescue Josie from 2 masked men who have approached her. Thomas is one who is into politics but he decides to run for Mayor of Coventry when the current mayor is replaced with someone who has ties to the Scandal plagued Mayor. Josie agrees to help Thomas with his political Aspirations in hopes that her political background will help him become Mayor of Coventry. Josie and Thomas continue to be in danger from the enemies who have been harassing her. Will Thomas win his election and become Mayor of Coventry? Will they escape the dangers of the enemies? Will there be a Romance between Thomas and Josie?

WOW, this book is VERY Suspenseful, a definite page-turner. I was hooked by the first few pages and didn't put it down until I finished. The 2 main characters, Josie and Thomas, are great characters, I LOVE how Josie is determined to make herself a new life in a small town, going as far as changing her name. I was sad for her when the "enemies" found her and started harassing her. Thomas is an outstanding man and character. I love how he sees the corruption and wants to do the right thing and run for Mayor to get rid of corruption. Thomas also is a praying man and prays with Josie as he protects her from the enemies. The book is filled with Christian references and faith, much more than I anticipated and I LOVE that. If you like lots of Suspense. Romance in a Christian book, I HIGHLY recommend this book. Lineage of Corruption is Book 7 in the Coventry series, but it reads great as a Stand Alone! GREAT BOOK!

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. 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 https://robinpatchen.com/subscribe to receive a free book and stay informed about Robin’s latest projects.

More from Robin

Boston’s Logan Airport was about an hour from the little town in southern New Hampshire where I grew up. I remember pre-dawn drives, sitting in the backseat of our station wagon with my big sister and my little brother on our way to catch a flight. My dad was an airline pilot, so we traveled a lot in those days.

My parents always had a news station playing in the background. The anchor would read the news, and then Mom and Dad would discuss it at length while we tried to doze in the backseat.

They didn’t agree on everything, but they always saw eye-to-eye on politics.

My parents separated when I was a teenager and ultimately divorced. Even today, when they’re in a room together—they get along very well well—their conversations often drift to what’s going on in Washington.

Maybe that’s why I’ve always been interested in national politics.

My kids hate it when I talk about this policy or that vote. My husband would much prefer to discuss sports or work or…pretty much anything else. But I’ve always loved politics—the wrangling, the power plays, the backroom deals we can only guess at.

Talk about high-stakes drama on a worldwide stage. Hmm, I’m a suspense writer. Maybe it’s not that shocking that I love politics.

Lineage of Corruption doesn’t take place in the hallowed halls of Washington DC, nor are most of the characters in the story big players in the political scene. No, my story takes place in central New Hampshire, and its main characters are a coffee shop owner and a mayoral candidate. But that coffee shop owner’s father is a senator, a senator who’s being pressured to vote yes on a bill he vehemently disagrees with.

His enemies are willing to do whatever it takes to secure his vote, even if it means threatening his daughter.

So, it’s not exactly a political thriller. But it is all about big money and big names grappling for position in the world’s most powerful nation.

Which I personally think is super fun. To write about, anyway. In reality, politics has gotten way too rancorous and destructive for my tastes. Don’t worry—I won’t be lecturing you about what you should believe. I don’t honor one party or one president while throwing the other under the bus. In fact, I don’t mention either party or any actual politicians by name in the entire book.

This story isn’t about pushing my personal beliefs. It is about examining the lengths to which some people are willing to go to secure their own personal agendas.

(And it’s about man and a woman who fall in love, which is also super fun.)

I sure hope you’ll check it out.

Oh, and Josie, the coffee shop owner, loves to cook. Here’s a recipe she makes for the hero. It’s a great summertime meal and happens to be a staple at the Patchen household.

Linguine Caprese

4 ripe large tomatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes

1 lb. mozzarella cheese (I use the small mozzarella balls (also called pearls), but any whole-milk mozzarella, cut into chunks, will do)

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 Tbsp. dried basil (or 1 cup cleaned, fresh basil, cut into strips)

Enough olive oil to coat all of the above—about ¾ cup

Salt and pepper to taste

1 lb. linguine

Freshly grated parmesan

Combine tomatoes, cheese, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cover and let sit at least two hours at room temperature.

Cook linguine according to package directions.

Drain pasta and immediately toss with the tomato mixture. Serve at once with grated parmesan cheese. (Goes great with crusty white bread on the side.)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 18
Genesis 5020, July 18
An Author’s Take, July 19
Inklings and notions, July 20
Betti Mace, July 21
For Him and My Family, July 22
Blossoms and Blessings, July 22
Texas Book-aholic, July 23
deb’s Book Review, July 24
lalkesidelivingsite, July 25
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 26
Blogging With Carol, July 26
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 27
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 28
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 29
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 30
Spoken from the Heart, July 30
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 31

To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, copy of Inheritance of Secrets, and a previous book in the series!!

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/1f7f4/lineage-of-corruption-celebration-tour-giveaway

Pin It

Thursday, July 21, 2022

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: An Unlikely Alliance by Toni Shiloh

Welcome to the Blog Tour for An Unlikely Alliance by Toni Shiloh, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: An Unlikely Alliance
Series: K-9 Companions
Author: Toni Shiloh
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
Release Date: June 28, 2022
Genre: Christian contemporary romance

To save her animal shelter,

She’ll have to work with her biggest foe…

With her emotional support dog at her side, Jalissa Tucker will do whatever it takes to ensure the survival of the local animal rescue—even ally herself with her nemesis, firefighter Jeremy Rider. As working together dredges up old hurts, putting the past aside could be the key to their future joy. But can Jalissa resist falling for the man she’s always considered the enemy?

I have always known of Author Toni Shiloh, but in all honestly, I have never read any of her solo books. I have read books that have her as a co-author, but I had never read one of her books. Well, I recently had the opportunity to read An Unlikely Alliance by Toni Shiloh and I was excited to read it.

Jalissa Tucker loves animals and especially loves her Emotional Support Dog. She has a connection to a local Animal Rescue center due to her love of animals and her Support Dog. Firefighter, Jeremy Rider, volunteers for a local agency that helps at-risk teens. Jalissa and Jeremy are not exactly on friendly terms, matter of fact they are enemies. They both learn that both the Animal Rescue and the agency Jeremy volunteers at will be losing the funding that is very needed to run the facilities. Jalissa and Jeremy decide to work together to raise funds for the agencies. Working together means putting the past behind and looking deep down at how the hurts from the past affected them. Jalissa finds herself actually falling for Jeremy as they spend time together. Will the pair be able to help their organizations? Will there be a Romantic Connection between Jalissa and Jeremy?

WOW, why have I not read any books by Toni Shiloh before?!?!?! I was captivated by the book from the very first chapter and did not put it down until I was finished. I really like how Jalissa and Jeremy began as Enemies but ended up working on a project together. I love how their passion for Non-Profit agencies and the pending loss of funding really bought them together. Healing took place and it made for a magical relationship. This book is Book 7 in the K9 Companions series, but I felt it was a GREAT Standalone. I have not read any other books in the series, YET, and the book flowed well. The book is about allowing God to heal hurts, helping others and so much more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes Christian Romance. FANTASTIC BOOK!

Now I need to hunt down and Read many more books by Toni Shiloh!

ALSO AVAILABLE

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring God glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novels, Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist, Risking Love a 2020 Selah Award finalist, The Truth About Fame a 2021 Holt Medallion finalist, and The Price of Dreams a 2021 Maggie Award finalist. Learn more at http://tonishiloh.com.

CONNECT WITH TONI: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

(1) winner will receive a print copy of An Unlikely Proposal & An Unlikely Alliance, a $25 Amazon gift card, and a Golden Retriever key chain!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 18, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 25, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Pin It

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Momentum Influencers Blog Tour: The Case for Heaven by Lee Strobel on PureFlix

THE CASE FOR HEAVEN is based on the new book by best-selling author Lee Strobel, who wrote The Case For Christ. Featuring interviews with best-selling author John Burke, world-renowned pastor Francis Chan, the late Evangelist Luis Palau and more.

We all want to know what happens after we die. In THE CASE FOR HEAVEN, best-selling author and investigative journalist Lee Strobel explores the evidence for the afterlife in order to address man’s biggest fear: death. Inspired by his own brush with death, Strobel searches for answers to the most profound questions we all have, about heaven, hell, and Near-Death Experiences. Featuring interviews with experts and skeptics, THE CASE FOR HEAVEN will challenge, encourage and inspire as Strobel dares to probe the most important question. If there is a heaven, can we prove it?

We are curious by nature. Taking on the big questions about heaven, hell and the afterlife, The Case For Heaven—a documentary based on the best-selling book by Lee Strobel—invites you to carefully investigate the knowable and respond with faith to the unknowable.

I have always had an interest in what happens when we get to heaven. Lee Strobel has a book and now a Documentary about those who have had Near Death Experiences and have lived to tell of their experiences. Lee Strobel was prompted to produce this documentary after his own Near Death Experience.

I can actually say I liked the Documentary better than the book. I am a Visual person and seeing the wonderful Interviews and actually hearing their voices, makes everything real and more comprehendible. I really enjoyed hearing the stories of Near Death Experiences, especially from those who were skeptical about Heaven before having their experience. One of the most memorable interviews was that of Professional Skateboarder Steve Caballero who was a non-believer before and is now a Christian, dedicating his life to Christ in 2005. I also LOVE that Lee Strobel was able to interview Luis Palau before he passed away from Stage 4 Cancer.

The Case for Heaven Documentary is a well-produced film that I highly recommend to anyone who wants to hear about what happens in After Life. I know I am looking forward to the day when I am before my Lord Savior and reunited with those who have gone before me.

FANTASTIC Documentary!