Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Girls of Summer by C.E. Hilbert

Book: Girls of Summer

Author: C.E. Hilbert

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: March 19, 2021

When Charlotte receives the news that her estranged father has passed away, she finds herself in small-town South Carolina, forced to partner with her half-sister in running the baseball team and family business. If she can make it through 365 long days of running her daddy’s business, she’ll inherit half his multi-million dollar fortune—money she desperately needs to rectify the sins of her mother.

But can a big city girl overcome small-town sass and the unwelcome guidance of too-handsome-for-his-own-good general counsel Mac Taylor, or will this uptown girl discover she is truly a southern girl of summer at heart?

Click here to get your copy!

Romance and Suspense novels are always a good read. The combo of genre's are a fun read because they seem almost mysterious for romance to happen to happen in the midst of Suspense. Girls of Summer by C.E. Hilbert is just that type of novel and I was excited to read it. Also, C.E. Hilbert is a new to me author, I LOVE new authors.

Charlotte Dixon runs a Gallery in Manhattan and she loves her life. She is furious to learn her mother has been stealing money for her Gallery and now has a HUGE debt. Charlotte's father was not an active part of her life, so she was surprised when she learned of his recent passing. She heads to South Carolina and finds herself in an interesting situation. Her father's will has stated she must live and work with her 1/2 sister for 365 in order to claim her inheritance. The sisters need to manage a Baseball Team and run the Family Business in order to claim her portion of Mutl-Million windfall. Mac Taylor is the Family Attorney and he is trying to help Charlotte with all the information contained in the will. Charlotte is on edge because the FBI thinks she has something to do with her Mom's stealing. Mac finds himself helping Charlotte, but also his feelings for her are growing. Charlotte is not sure she will make it to the 365th day, because she really misses Big City life. Can Charlotte grow to enjoy the Small town Living and reach the 365 Day mark? Does Mac have a chance at romance with Charlotte?

WOW, talk about Suspense and Mystery. I was hooked on this book from the very first chapter. The Storyline flows great and keeps the reader focused. Charlotte is a strong individual and is smashed that her mom would steal from her. She gets a reprieve from her Mom when she moves to South Carolina. The Mystery that follows her to South Carolina has her on edge, but she handles it all well. The connection with her half sister and their journey to survive the 365 days is a good part of the Storyline. The potential romance with Mac Taylor was a good twist to the story! The Twists and Turns in this book are amazing and kept me on the edge of my chair! I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who likes Christian Suspense and Romance! GREAT BOOK!

C.E. Hilbert lives in sleepy town outside Columbus, OH in a 120-year-old fixer-upper with her Golden Retriever, Georgie. She believes that life goes best with Jesus, cookies made with real butter, summers watching baseball and winters filled with hockey.

More from C.E. Hilbert

Did you ever have a fascination with an organization or an event? Maybe you are a World War II buff like my friend Nick or you have a deep appreciation (or obsession) for all things Star Wars like my nephew Alex? Maybe you were entranced with a book series or a television series? For me, I had a deep curiosity about organized crime in high school and college. I know, odd choice of interest, but my fascination was so deep I spent a semester being advised and mentored by a sitting federal judge and the head of our local FBI office on a school project about the impact of the Cosa Nostra in Ohio.

I, like so many people who have read Mario Puzo’s “The Godfather” or seen the movie adaptation, was infatuated with the romance the family drama told. I hadn’t really considered the destruction or lack of care for human life that actually existed within the American Mafia until I studied the organization. Although my curiosity continued, no longer did I see Michael Corleone’s story as a well-crafted work of fiction, but rather an overly romanticized view of a world of corruption and depravity. What I learned from those two mentors was simple – cut off the head of one organization and two more will rise in its place. The Cosa Nostra’s influence on America has waned in recent years, but organized crime is unfortunately alive and well.

In Girls of Summer, we see a glimpse of the impact of organized crime in America through the lens of one family so enmeshed in its web we are unsure if they will be able to survive to find freedom. Through telling this story, I not only wanted to share how the love of God can redeem even the most lost soul, but also give a window into the destruction that follows in the wake of those who do not value human life. Instead of romanticizing organized crime as books and movies have done for decades, my goal with integrating the Russian mafia into the fabric of Girls of Summer was to shine a light on the lack of decency and morality.

Girls of Summer is a suspenseful romance filled with the hope of redemption and reconciliation, but the story also gives a peek into a world most of us would prefer to believe lives only in fiction. Thankfully, we have dedicated men and women who are quietly fighting for justice with the hope of one day saying, organized crime is truly a thing of make believe.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 11
HappyWhenReading, August 11
For Him and My Family, August 12
Daysong Reflections, August 13
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 14
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 15
Simple Harvest Reads, August 15 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 16
deb’s Book Review, August 17
Texas Book-aholic, August 18
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 19 (Author Interview)
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 19
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 20
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 21
Inklings and notions, August 22
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 23
Reviewingbooksplusmore, August 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 24

To celebrate her tour, C.E. is giving away the grand prize package of a tote that contains four books (Girls of Summer, From Scratch, Life on the Porcelain Edge & The Wooing of Jane Grey) and some “surprise items”!!

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/112dd/girls-of-summer-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Celebrate Lit Spotlight Tour and Giveaway: Summer Plans and Other Disasters

Book: Summer Plans and Other Disasters

Author: Karin Beery

Genre: Women’s Romantic Fiction

Release date: April 2021

Elementary school music teacher Callie Stevens thinks she’s finally figured out God ’s plan for her life—she even made a list to keep her on track. Moving in with her brother and reconnecting with her ex-boyfriend are at the top of the list. What ’s not on the list is running into her childhood crush, Ryan. God wanted her to connect with Kyle, right? Trying to figure out God ’s plan is hard enough. But a dating-averse older brother, the young blonde who adores him, a pregnant best friend, and Callie ’s continual mishaps make her wonder whether her best-laid plans were truly God-inspired.

Click here to get your copy!

Karin Beery grew up in a small, rural Michigan town where she wrote her first novel in high school. She’s still writing today, telling contemporary stories with a healthy dose of romance. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s editing or teaching it. And when she’s not doing that, she enjoys time at home with her husband and fur babies, once again living in a small, rural Michigan town.

More from Karin

I discovered audiobooks two years ago, and they have changed my life! Now I look forward to long car rides and endless hours cleaning and cooking. Well, I don’t really look forward to the cleaning and cooking, but at least the chores are tolerable because I just turn on a new book and listen to a story while I work! I know I’m not the only one who multitasks with audiobooks. I had a few friends ask me when my books would be available in audio form so they could listen—with long commutes and families at home, they prefer listening to their books in the quiet of the car.

That’s why I’m so excited to bring Summer Plans and Other Disasters to audiobook, and I’m just as excited about my narrator, Jasmine Zhwalen. Summer Plans was my first published book, and now it will be Jasmine’s first too. As soon as I heard her audition, I knew I wanted her to give Callie, Jack, Stacey, and Ryan their voices. Considering it’s the first go-round for both of us, I think it turned out pretty well!

Thanks for listening!

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 19

Texas Book-aholic, August 20

Cats in the cradle blog, August 20

Inklings and notions, August 21

For Him and My Family, August 22

deb’s Book Review, August 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 24

By The Book, August 25

The Sacred Line, August 26

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 27

CarpeDiem, August 28

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 29

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 30

To celebrate her tour, Karin is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Audible 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/112e5/summer-plans-and-other-disasters-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Saturday, August 21, 2021

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Justice at Dawn by Valerie Massey Goree

Book: Justice at Dawn

Author: Valerie Massey Goree

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: July 3, 2021

Cooper Callahan has been an International Retrieval Organization operative for fifteen years. In all that time he has never worked with a trainee like Kitty Claire Briggs. Overflowing with energy, KC isn’t quiet long enough for Cooper to think. But when the boss assigns them a training mission, KC’s serious side emerges.

Former stunt double, KC Briggs wants to be an agent, but she also has an ulterior motive to be accepted by IRO—she wants access to their superior technology. Can she locate her quarry without Cooper finding out?

As Cooper shares the finer points of surveillance with KC, his waning faith is strengthened by her enthusiasm for the Lord and for the job. When the training exercise turns into a real abduction, will KC’s naivete lead to death or to a successful conclusion to the case?

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Fiction with Suspense and Romance is what you will find in Justice at Dawn by Valerie Massey Goree. It is Book 3 in the Stolen Lives series. I have not read the first 2 books in the series, but I don't feel it takes away from this book.

Cooper Callahan is an International Retrieval Organization Agent for over 15yrs. He has had many trainees come under his wing, and now he has Kitty Claire Briggs. He thinks KC is an interesting trainee, certainly nothing like he has ever seen. She is full of energy and talks non-stop, until the boss assigns them a training mission, KC seems to calm down a bit. KC wants so much to be an agent, although her intention is more so because she want to see the IRO Agent technology. Cooper discovers KC has a strong faith, and at first that turns him off. The longer they spend time together on their mission and in training, Cooper feels himself encouraged by KC's faith. Their Training Mission then becomes dangerous when there is a real life kidnapping. Will KC and Cooper complete their mission safely? Will there be a connection between the 2 that leads to a relationship?

I am not one who usually likes Suspense novels, but this book was really interesting. It was a definite page turner, on the edge of your seat throughout the book. KC is quite a character and has a great personality. Cooper seems to be focused and a strong personality. The 2 of them make a great team. I really like the strong Christian Faith in this book. It is rare for a Suspense novel to be Faith Focused as this one is, but I like that. I HIGHLY recommend this book for those who enjoy Suspense and Faith! FANTASTIC BOOK!

American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award winner Valerie Massey Goree resides with her husband on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula of Washington State.

After serving as missionaries in her home country of Zimbabwe and raising two children, Glenn and Valerie moved to Texas. She worked in the public school system for many years, focusing on students with special needs. Now retired, Valerie spends her time writing, and spoiling her grandchildren.

Check Valerie’s website to learn more about her books: www.valeriegoreeauthor.com

Valerie loves to hear from her readers.

More from Valerie

Justice at Dawn is the third novel in the Stolen Lives Trilogy. I knew I wanted to tell Cooper Callahan’s story after his brief appearance in Day of Reckoning, the second novel. How did he get his scar? Why was he one-track minded in his work? Why was he single?

It is always exciting to invent a backstory for a character. To uncover his fears, his shattered dreams, his greatest desire for the future, and discover how those events shaped his personality and his present life. Cooper takes his role as the chief training officer for the San Diego branch of the International Retrieval Organization very seriously. He tells the newest recruit, “It’s my job to ascertain your skills, and to determine whether or not you’ll make an effective agent.”

Of course I had to create a heroine worthy of Cooper’s attention. No petite, helpless, always concerned about her perfect makeup partner for Coop. My heroine in Justice at Dawn is anything but petite or helpless. In Kitty Claire Briggs’s own words, she is not a run-of-the-mill gal, and after describing her unique backstory, she says, “That’s why I grab life by it’s pointy little ears, and I intend to make the most of every opportunity.”

Indeed. How will Cooper react if he discovers the real reason KC wants to become an IRO agent? Will the skills she used in her former job as a stunt double and the fact she is a sharp-shooter play a part in her training?

Now, don’t get me wrong, KC is vulnerable and has issues from her past she has to conquer, but she is the perfect foil for Cooper. She absorbs his advice, but also uses her initiative and even challenges Cooper at times. He might be teaching her the finer points of becoming a successful agent, but she teaches him how to overcome his past baggage and to live life to its fullest.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 12
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 13
Texas Book-aholic, August 14
Inklings and notions, August 15
deb’s Book Review, August 16
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 17
For Him and My Family, August 18
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 19
The Sacred Line, August 19
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 20
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 21
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 22
Batya’s Bits, August 23
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 24
Mary Hake, August 24
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 25

To celebrate her tour, Valerie is giving away the grand prize package of a Paperback or e-book copy of the book, adult coloring book and crayons, silver hoop earrings, and teal, rhinestone-studded cap!!

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/112df/justice-at-dawn-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Fremont's Promise by Kathryn Spurgeon

Book: Fremont’s Promise

Author: Kathryn Spurgeon

Genre: Historical

Release date: March 16, 2021

Every time Sibyl visits her mother, she’s criticized, shamed, and leaves in tears. The only thing that can calm her is Fremont’s assurance to move them to a place they can share their faith more freely. While her emotions bounce from frustration to despair, she holds on to the belief that God can help her family.

Fremont, a former hobo, promises to find a better paying job and spirit his wife away from this unstable family. But only God can work that miracle.

If you love family sagas and drama based on true stories, you will love this book. The 1930s and 40s were a time of difficulty but hope carried them through.

Click here to get your copy!

Kathryn Spurgeon is a great author. I have read a couple of her books. Fremont's Promise is her latest novel and I had the opportunity to read it recently. It is Book 3 in The Promise series. I have read Book 2 in this series and I have been looking forward to Book 3.

Sibyl does not like visiting her mother as they have never had a good relationship. Her mother is very critical, shames Sibyl and makes Sibyl cry at each visit. Fremont, Sibyl's husband, has promised that he will move the Family far from her mother. Fremont is a former Hobo and he has struggled with finding a good job to help his family. Sibyl and Fremont want to move to an area where they can freely share their faith, as well as be far from Sibyl's mom. They have a strong faith and realize that a Miracle from God is going to be needed for them to accomplish their goals. Will Fremont be able to find a job that provides for his family? Will they move far from Sibyl's mother and away from the criticism? Will they get their Miracle from God?

WOW, I can so relate to Sibyl and the situation with her mother. I was drawn in because of that storyline. I have the same type of relationship with my Mother and a couple years ago I was able to move further away from my Mom and she has other Caregivers now. I felt so sad for Sibyl as I have been there before. Fremont is a man who wants the BEST for his family, but the times of 1930's and 40's were times of struggles for many. I LOVE how they rely on their faith and keep praying that God will provide above and beyond! I did not put this book down until I was done and I finished within 3 hours because I was so focused! FABULOUS BOOK!!

Kathryn Spurgeon writes FAITH STORIES FROM THE PAST or Christian historical novels with a focus on 1930s America using true events and actual locations. Award winning author, she won Illumination Award, She studied creative writing at the University of Central Oklahoma and has spoken at many women’s conferences around the world. She grew up on a farm in Oklahoma before moving to South Korea and adopting two daughters. Kathryn and her husband, Bill, have six children and thirteen grandchildren.

More from Kathryn

The tumultuous times of the 1930s and 40s are amazingly similar to the difficulties we face today. Read how God guided this prominent family toward greater strength and dependence on him. Based on a true story, this compelling novel is taken from handwritten biographies, personal interviews, and family research.