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Sunday, February 16, 2020

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Lost in the Storm by Tamera Lynn Kraft








Book:  Lost in the Storm
Author: Tamera Lynn Kraft
Genre:  Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: August 1, 2019
Will war bring them love or will they be Lost in the Storm!

Lavena, a journalist during the Civil War, wants to become a war correspondent. She finally gets her chance, but there’s a catch. She has to get an interview from a war hero who has refused to tell his story to every other journalist, and she has to accomplish this impossible task in a month or she’ll lose her job.

Captain Cage, the war hero, has a secret that will destroy his military career and reputation. Now, a new journalist is trying to get him to tell what he’s been hiding. He wants to ignore her, but from the moment she came into camp, he can’t get her out of his mind.

Leading up to the turbulent Battles for the city of Chattanooga, will Lavena and Cage find the courage to love and forgive, or will they be swept away by their past mistakes that don’t want to stay buried?
Meet the Ladies of Oberlin, the causes they’re willing to fight for, and the men who capture their hearts.



Click here to get your copy.


Lost in the Storm by Tamera Lynn Kraft is a PAGE turner. I began reading it on a "hibernation day" recently and I couldn't put it down. 

The book is set in the Civil War Era and the author clearly did her research on that Era. My boys and I have been studying the Civil War recently in our Homeschool Studies, so it was a timely read for me.  

Lavena, the main character, is a Female News Reporter(which is rare during this Era) who is determined to make a name for herself. Lavena meets Captain Cage and she is determined to get him to tell his story, but telling his story could ruin his career and reputation. Her job is at risk if she doesn't get the story. Will Lavena get the story? Will there be a LOVE connection between Captain Cage and Lavena? There are a lot of twists and turns in this book between the 2 main characters and that is what the makes the book a "can't put down until finished book". 

I really like how the author bought the book to life through the 2 main characters. I felt like I was back in the Civil War Era as I was reading the story. "Lost in the Storm" is book 2 in the Ladies of Oberlin series. I did not read the first book(YET), but I had no trouble following the story. Tamera Lynn Kraft is a GREAT author and I am looking forward to reading her other books and more in this series. GREAT BOOK! 




Award winning author Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. Alice’s NotionsRed Sky Over AmericaLost in the StormResurrection of Hope, and Soldier’s Heart are among her published works.
 Tamera been married for 40 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and three grandchildren. She has been a children’s pastor for over 20 years. She is the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire for Kids where she mentors other children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist and has written children’s church curriculum. She is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.

More from Tamera

History is my Passion
I love to read all genres of Christian fiction, but when I go to write, it always ends up being a Christian historical. The reason for that is I have a passion for history. I love to read about historical events, and frequently, I begin wondering what it would be like to live through those chaotic events in history. Out of that thought process, my characters and my stories take on a life of their own.
For instance, my series, Ladies of Oberlin, came out of reading about the great Christian women who advance social and spiritual movements in the late 1800s. I found over and over that the common denominator of these women was they all had a connection with Oberlin College, the first college that allow women and black to receive degrees alongside white men before the Civil War. I gained a treasure trove of research from a college only an hour away from where I lived.
As I researched Oberlin, I found out it was in the middle of every social and spiritual movement of the time. Charles Finney, the fiery Second Great Awakening evangelist, was the president of the college. Ninety percent of missionaries sent overseas between 1860 and 1900 were graduates of the college. Many of the women’s suffrage leaders, women’s educational leaders, women doctors and scholars, abolitionists, and prohibitionist leaders were from Oberlin College. At that point, I knew I wanted to tell their stories in my novels. I decided to write three stories covering three college roommates.
My first novel in the series set shortly before the Civil War was Red Sky Over America, the story of America Leighton, a woman abolitionist who was studying to become a missionary in China. She decided she couldn’t make a stand for the Gospel in China until she confronted her father to free his slaves. To make things more interesting, her love interest has plans of his own in Kentucky. The results were explosive as you can imagine.
The second in the series, released August first, is Lost in the Storm set during the Civil War. Lavena Falcon is determined to be an independent woman who advances the causes she believes in by being a journalist. Her greatest desire is to travel to where the heroic Ohio Seventh Regiment is fighting and report about these brave men. The problem is if she doesn’t get an interview with an illusive captain who doesn’t want to talk to reporters, she’ll lose her job. It doesn’t help that she’s attracted to him.
The third novel, due to release late next year, is set shortly after the Civil War in Northeast Ohio. Betsy Teagan’s husband is back from the war, but things aren’t going according to plan. He is haunted by the war and finds solace in the local saloon drinking himself into oblivion. She tries everything to help him including protesting in front of the bar.



Texas Book-aholic, February 10
deb’s Book Review, February 11
Betti Mace, February 12
Inklings and notions, February 13
Artistic Nobody, February 14 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, February 16 (Author Interview)
A Baker’s Perspective, February 19 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, February 20
By The Book, February 21 (Author Interview)



To celebrate her tour, Tamera is giving away the grand prize package of a a $25 gift certificate and 3 paperbacks: Red Sky Over America, Lost in the Storm, and Forks in the Road!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

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Saturday, February 8, 2020

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Waltz in the Wilderness by Kathleen Denly





Book:  Waltz in the Wilderness
Author: Kathleen Denly
Genre:  Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: February 4, 2020

She’s desperate to find her missing father. His conscience demands he risk all to help.

Eliza Brooks is haunted by her role in her mother’s death, so she’ll do anything to find her missing pa—even if it means sneaking aboard a southbound ship. When those meant to protect her abandon and betray her instead, a family friend’s unexpected assistance is a blessing she can’t refuse.

Daniel Clarke came to California to make his fortune, and a stable job as a San Francisco carpenter has earned him more than most have scraped from the local goldfields. But it’s been four years since he left Massachusetts and his fiancé is impatient for his return. Bound for home at last, Daniel Clarke finds his heart and plans challenged by a tenacious young woman with haunted eyes. Though every word he utters seems to offend her, he is determined to see her safely returned to her father. Even if that means risking his fragile engagement.

When disaster befalls them in the remote wilderness of the Southern California mountains, true feelings are revealed, and both must face heart-rending decisions. But how to decide when every choice before them leads to someone getting hurt?


Click here for your copy! 


Historical Fiction is a favorite genre of mine and in Waltz into Wilderness, Kathleen Denly takes us back to 1854. 

Eliza is the main character in the book. She has a stubbornness about her, but I LOVE that character trait, as being stubborn can get results. Eliza is also courageous and has dealt with a lot in her life. She is on a mission to find her Dad and figure out why he stopped communicating with her many years back. She truly wants a relationship with him, but needs to find him first. Eliza meets Daniel. Daniel is the perfect example of a Gentleman, something that was common back in 1854. Daniel wants to help Eliza find her Dad and sets out to help her. Along the way, a strong relationship begins to build between Daniel and Eliza. Daniel has a strong faith and he shows Eliza that it is good to trust God and give your burdens to him. Will the "chemistry" between Daniel and Eliza lead to something more? Will they locate Eliza's Dad? 

I really enjoyed this book. It is the first time I read a book from Kathleen Denly. Waltz into the Wilderness is Book 1 of the Chaparral Hearts series. I am VERY much looking forward to reading more books in this series and also looking forward to reading other books by Kathleen Denly! 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

As Valentine’s Day nears, stories of how couples met seem to be everywhere. Many of those stories share a common element: “The second I saw him/her, I just knew I would marry him/her.” Every time I read or hear these stories, I chuckle. Not because I don’t believe them but because it reminds me of my own meet-cute. “Not my type.” These were the first words to enter my mind when I met the man who would later become my husband. In hindsight, they are hilarious because I know that God worked things out for our good. After more than eighteen years of marriage, I can honestly say that I am more in love with my husband than ever. However, just a few months prior to meeting my husband, I’d suffered a terrible breakup with another man whom I thought had been considering proposing to me. I had no idea the breakup was coming and that left me devastated and confused. The truths we learn in hindsight don’t help much when we’re in the midst of such circumstances. When we think we know the future before us and something happens to upend those plans it can feel as though our world has turned upside down. This is what happens to Eliza Brooks in the first chapter of my novel, Waltz in the Wilderness. Though not romantic in nature, a major shift occurs in her world that leaves her feeling betrayed and disoriented. She’s still struggling to right her world when Daniel Clarke enters her life in the worst way possible. Misunderstanding leads to a humiliating confrontation that sets these two at odds with one another before they have a chance to truly get to know each other. Fortunately for Eliza and Daniel, God works their foolishness for good just as He did in my own true love story. This Valentine’s Day, whatever your romantic relationship status, remember that you are not alone. You are loved. And the God of all the universe loves you and has a plan for you—plans to prosper you and bring you hope. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6


Pause for Tales, February 5
Texas Book-aholic, February 6
Older & Smarter?, February 7
deb’s Book Review, February 7
Betti Mace, February 10
Inklings and notions, February 11
Robin’s Nest, February 11
Remembrancy, February 12
For Him and My Family, February 12
Maureen’s Musings, February 13
Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 14
Bigreadersite, February 15
Emily Yager, February 16
Blogging With Carol, February 16
Mia Reads, February 16
Janicesbookreviews, February 17
SPLASHES of Joy, February 18
Hallie Reads, February 18

              

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a NEW Kindle Fire HD8, Proverbs 3:5 Paperback Lined Journal, Romans 8:28 Leather Bookmark, Proverbs 3:5 mug, and an Antique Silverplated Spoon made by 1847 Rogers Bros!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

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Wednesday, February 5, 2020

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Three Little Things by Patti Stockdale

Three Little Things JustRead Blog Tour 
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for Three Little Things by Patti Stockdale, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!


Three Little Things by Patti Stockdale Title: Three Little Things
Author: Patti Stockdale
Publisher: Smitten Historical Romance
Release Date: February 4, 2020
Genre: Historical Romance

One forbidden love. Two broken hearts. Three Little Things.

Hattie Waltz should forget the troubled neighbor leaving for boot camp in 1917. He forgot about her ages ago. It had always been the Waltzes verses the Kregers, his family pitted against hers. When she hands him a farewell gift, a chemistry lesson unfolds. The good kind.

Arno Kreger can't leave Iowa or his old man fast enough. He's eager to prove his worth on the battlefield and stop blaming himself for his brother's death. Before entering the train, he bumps into Hattie. He's loved her forever, always from the sidelines, because nobody crosses Hattie's pa.

One innocent letter soon morphs into many. Arno and Hattie share three little secrets in each letter and grow closer together. But he's on his way to war across the ocean, and she's still in her father's house. Their newfound love will need to survive dangers on both fronts.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository


Historical Fiction is a favorite genre of mine. Add in Romance for Historical Romance book and WOW!! Historical Romance books really take you back in time where LOVE was on a different level and felt more authentic then LOVE does nowadays. 

Three Little Things is the debut Novel by Patti Stockdale and I am very impressed with the book! The story is set in WWI times. Hattie and Arno are childhood friends and their relationship grows even stronger when Arno is away at War. The write letters back and forth and the LOVE blossoms through those letters and miles apart from each other. The letters were filled with so many great thoughts that they never really expressed to each other face to face. I really got into the book from the beginning and then as it deepened, I couldn't put it down. I continued reading because the author did a great job at keeping it interesting and very suspenseful as to what will happen next in the LOVE story! Did the LOVE story of Hattie and Arno survive the distance and months apart? Grab a copy of the book and find out! 

I truly enjoyed this book! Very authentic and a beautiful storyline!! FANTASTIC book! I hope to see more books from the author Patti Stockdale!




Patti Stockdale

Patti Stockdale loves hope, history, and a good happily ever after. She can’t remember numbers, so she married a statistician. Thanks to him, she’s lived all sorts of places and worked all sorts of jobs. While employed by an NFL team, she once answered the phone by the wrong team name. She doesn’t work there anymore. For 11 years, she directed the programming at a nonprofit senior center and hosted an annual talent show, rocking a Dolly Parton wig, Annie Oakley boots, and a sweet—although snug—Batman costume. She no longer works there either. These days, Patti writes books and occasionally educational assessments and magazine articles.

CONNECT WITH PATTI: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram


(1) winner will receive a prize package including a signed book with a bookmark, a pair of socks with a proverb tucked inside, a $10 Amazon gift card, and a vintage bookmark!

Three Little Things JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight February 3, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on February 10, 2020. 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 mailing addresses only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.



Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.



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Monday, February 3, 2020

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Divine Intentions by Doug K. Reed




Book: Divine Intentions

Author: Doug K. Reed
Genre: RELIGION / Christian Living/Personal Growth
Release Date: January 7, 2020

Divine Intentions takes readers on a journey of self-discovery through four key concepts: rescued, restored, relabeled, and redirected. Most people, even Christ-followers, are wounded at their core, with soul-level injuries that affect their identity. They may be hurting from past circumstances or feel trapped in their current ones. Basic discipleship sends believers on a journey…but it’s tough to take those steps while you’re hurting. Doug K. Reed offers healing for those who are searching for answers to their identities in Christ while struggling with wounds from the past or present. He shares his own personal story of restoration from pornography, pride, and other issues, helping to lead readers into the light of God’s love.


Click here to get your copy.   


God has a plan for all of us, individualized plans. Many times Christians fall away from God for various reasons which may include: addictions, life struggles, hurt from others, etc. Even when we fall far away, we can be redirected back to God. God is here to rescue us if we seek him thoroughly. 

The author, Doug K. Reed, does a GREAT job at showing the reader how to come back to God and allow him to lead us to the life that he has intended us to lead.  The book takes us through four key concepts: rescued, restored, relabeled, and redirected. Each chapter touches on a different topic and each chapter had "Discovery Questions" at the end of each chapter. The questions are very thought provoking and really makes you look deep inside for answers. 

Divine Intentions is for anyone who needs some encouragement in their Christian Walk, especially for those who need help coming back to God and following God's plan for their life. I was very encouraged by the book and plan on reading it again in the near future! GREAT BOOK! 







Doug K. Reed is a full-time writer and speaker who travels to conferences and churches both in the U.S. and internationally. He is the president of Partnership International, a non-profit organization dedicated to completing meaningful projects in some of the world’s poorest environments. Partnership International has hosted thousands of people on short-term mission trips with a goal of sharing the love of God with the neediest among us. In his over thirty years of ministry experience, Doug has also served as a senior pastor and on staff at large churches.  

More from Doug

DESIGNED FOR A PURPOSE
Woodworking has been a hobby of mine since childhood. When my wife, Jeanne, and I were engaged, I created a wooden jewelry box for her that she still treasures and uses to this day, thirty years later. Every time she uses it, she’s reminded of how much I love her.
That jewelry box was designed with a specific purpose in mind. If, God forbid, I ever got mad at her, removed her jewelry, and put my fishing lures in there, the gift that once brought joy would now cause pain. And that jewelry box would make a lousy tackle box because it was not designed for that purpose. My creation would fail to fulfill my original intention.
In a similar way, we have been lovingly designed by God for a specific purpose. We can fill our life with lesser things, but He lovingly designed us to hold the treasure of destiny. He created us with the capacity to fulfill all He has planned for us.
Far too many books are written to advanced leaders without considering where the majority of people find themselves.  The goal of the book is to meet people where they are.  The book dives into their pain and to honestly and authentically address it.  My own story is the constant backdrop in the book which adds greatly to its relatability.  The combination of storytelling and deep content make this book unique.

Texas Book-aholic, February 1
Artistic Nobody, February 3 (Author Interview)
janicesbookreviews, February 5
Discipling4Life, February 6
Andrea Christenson, February 8 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, February 10
Christian Bookshelf Reviews, February 11 (Author Interview)
CarpeDiem, February 12
Mary Hake, February 13


To celebrate his tour, Doug is giving away the grand prize of a $20 Starbucks gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

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