Friday, January 31, 2020

Celebrate Lit Review Promo Blast: With You Here by Sarah Monzon

Holy Roman Empire, 1527 In the wake of Martin Luther’s religious reforms, Princess Christyne von Heidelbraum is compelled by her sense of duty to help ease the burden of her people. When she stumbles upon a dying man in the woods, she vows to aid him—even when she discovers the arrow shot in his leg was put there by a heretic hunter. With both her physical and spiritual well-being in danger, she must choose between conscience or adhering to the laws of the Empire.

Present Day
Doubting her calling to become a hospital chaplain, Amber Carrington takes time off from her theology studies to volunteer with refugees in Germany. Working with children, making a difference, reconnecting with the conviction that once drove her—these were her expectations. An instant attraction to a professional soccer player wasn’t a part of the plan…and she can’t let him distract her from her purpose.

As a new Christian, Seth Marshall is determined to put his popularity as a world-renowned footballer to good use. Unfortunately, old habits and public opinions are hard to overcome. When he falls hard and fast for Amber Carrington, his former life—and her no-dating policy—may block his perfect shot for the woman he loves.

Sarah Monzon is a new to me author. With You Here is Book #4 in the Carrington Family Series.

With You Here is Amber Carrington story. I began reading the book and admittedly it took me quite a few chapters to begin to understand the book. I think it took me awhile as I haven't read the previous books in the series.

Do you ever doubt God's plan for your life? Amber did and she decided to explore other things. Amber Carrington was a Hospital Chaplin, but she was feeling that wasn't the job for her. She decides to take a trip to Germany and as she is volunteering with Refugees, she meets Seth Marshall. Seth is a new Christian and Amber has some hesitations about that also. Seth and Amber begin a friendship, but Seth is wanting more then a friendship. Will Amber be led back to her Chaplin Ministry? Does she hear God's calling for her and follow? Will Seth be part of God's plan for Amber? GRAB a copy of the book and find out!

GREAT BOOK!! Though it took me a while to get into it, I finally did and enjoyed it!

A Carol award finalist and Selah award winner, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain's wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.

Social Media:
www.facebook.com/sarahmonzonwrites www.instagram.com/sarahmonzonwrites
www.twitter.com/monzonwrites

Link to purchase: https://amzn.to/2PpFf28

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Sunday, January 26, 2020

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Above the Fold by Rachel Scott McDaniel

Book: Above the Fold
Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: December 3, 2019

Confined behind a secretarial desk at her father’s struggling newspaper, Elissa Tillman longs for her father and the world to take her seriously—not just as a suffragette, but also as a full-fledged journalist.

Cole Parker regrets the day he’d abandoned Pittsburgh to chase a high-profile journalism job in New York, but now he’s returned to the steel city to amend his mistakes and win back the woman he once spurned.

The murder of a millionaire offers the perfect chance for Elissa to nab the headline and prove her skills. But there’s a catch. To get her story above the fold, she must compete for it. Her rival is none other than Cole Parker, the very man who shattered her heart.

Click here to get your copy.

WOW, this book is VERY Well written! The book brings you back to the 1920's and if you really like Historical Romance, you will definitely enjoy this book.

The main characters of the book, Elissa and Cole, had a romantic relationship that ended when Cole moved away for a job in Journalism. He comes back home after that job ends and really wants a second chance with Elissa. A murder of a Town Millionaire puts Cole and Elissa into a competition for a top Journalism job in town. Elissa wants to prove to her Dad that she really wants this job and that she has serious career goals. Will the job competition bring Cole and Elissa back together or will it destroy their friendship? You will need to grab a copy of the book and you will NOT be disappointed in the outcome!

Rachel Scott McDaniel really has a WONDERFUL writing style and really shines in her Debut Novel. I am looking forward to more books from Rachel Scott McDaniel. FANTASTIC BOOK!!

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. She currently enjoys life in Ohio with her husband and two kids. Rachel can be found online at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms.

More from Rachel

What does the classic movie His Girl Friday, famous mystery writer Agatha Christie, and my husband’s grandfather all have in common? They were all used as inspiration for my debut novel Above the Fold. His Girl Friday is one of my favorite stories. This movie captures the thrill of the newspaper world—that drive within the reporter’s heart to get the scoop, that hum of activity from the newsroom to the firing of the presses, and that inescapable pursuit to beat out the opposing paper. But what I loved most about this movie was the chemistry between the two main characters. They share a romantic history. In turn, there is major tension, but man oh man is there spark! So this triggered my creative mind. What would happen if I switched the roles and had the heroine be the one that gets jilted? What if I set this story in the 1920s when the profession of journalism was male-dominated? What if I add some more mystery? Cue Agatha Christie. [Insert Guest Post Picture Here] My husband and I love Christie’s Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple series. Did you know that she wrote over 74 books? That’s staggering to me. My mind reels at how intricate and varied all her plots are. My husband and I would try to guess who the murderer was at the beginning of a story and more often than not, we were wrong! On one particular night we were watching a PBS version of Miss Marple and an idea struck me. What if I changed my story to go this route? What if I made this person the villain instead of that one? The idea that came to me had nothing to do with the story we’d been watching, but one thing that’d been said flickered a light in me. I love it when that happens! And I also love it when I can incorporate pieces of my personal life into the book. This brings me to the biggest inspiration of the story—my husband’s grandpa. Grandpa Jay Lewis had two loves in his life—his wife and the newspaper press. He’d started working for the local newspaper during his early teens and made his way up the ranks until he became the press foreman. Here’s a picture of Jay when he was in his early 20s. The hat shown was made of folded newsprint paper and worn to keep the ink from dripping on his head. But the expression in this picture says it all—the press was his happy place. He’d worked with the presses for over five decades, until he no longer had the strength. In 2004, he passed away, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of many. So in tribute to Jay and his great passion for the newspaper world, I included him in the cast of characters. I only hope I was able to capture his zeal. So there you have it. Inspiration came to me in a myriad of ways, but they all worked together to bring you a story that I pray delights your heart.

April Hayman, Author , January 14

Robin’s Nest, January 14

Godly Book Reviews, January 15

Where Faith and Books Meet, January 15

Just the Write Escape, January 16

Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections, January 16

Through the Fire Blogs, January 17

mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 17

Betti Mace, January 18

All-of-a-kind Mom, January 18

Texas Book-aholic, January 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 19

janicesbookreviews, January 20

Emily Yager, January 20

She Lives to Read, January 21

For the Love of Literature, January 21

Inklings and notions, January 22

Life of Literature, January 22

Daysong Reflections, January 23

For Him and My Family, January 23

Stories By Gina, January 24

Jacquelyn Lynn, January 24

Hallie Reads, January 25

Beauty in the Binding, January 25

Back Porch Reads, January 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 27

Batya’s Bits, January 27

To celebrate her giveaway, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of an Autographed Paperback copy of Above the Fold, A Custom Newspaper-Themed Book Cozy, An Above the Fold vintage-style bookmark!!

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/f46d/above-the-fold-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Sunday, January 19, 2020

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: A Promise Child by Kathryn Spurgeon

Book: A Promise Child
Author: Kathryn Spurgeon
Genre: Inspirational historic fiction
Release Date: September 10, 2017

She can’t survive the ‘30s alone…

Sibyl Trimble does everything she can to keep her family together. Before falling in love with a handsome, penniless hobo, she lived a life of new cars, speakeasies dances, and fancy cloche hats.

Then the Great Depression hits Oklahoma. The wind blows topsoil away, hundreds of jobless men hang around town, and the economy falls apart. Even Fremont, her strong, stable husband, grows discouraged and considers leaving as they struggle to put food on the table.

When disaster strikes again, will Sibyl and Fremont move on to California or try to survive in Oklahoma? Neither option sounds promising.

Click here to get your copy

We have all read books and heard stories about the Great Depression. The Great Depression was a time where banks were going under, money was scarce, it was a time of learning how to be SUPER Frugal. I have heard personal stories of the Great Depression from my Great Grandparents when I was younger.

A Promise Child is a book that is a true story and Kathryn Spurgeon has told the story of her Grandmother very well. Sibyl Trimble Pope and her family had a ROUGH time, as did so many during the years of the Great Depression. Ms. Sibyl wasn't sure she would make it out the Great Depression, but very gladly she did. She was able to rely the true stories of that Era in American History to her Grandkids and now Kathryn Spurgeon has shared it with the world. I really enjoyed reading about the Family History that the author writes about. True stories, especially those that tell of a time in History, are a favorite of mine.

A Promise Child is Book 2 in the Promise series, but it is a GREAT standalone book. A Promise Child is a book that I couldn't put down as it was really interesting and well written. A heart warming book and feel good book! I am looking forward to the next book in this series!

Kathryn Spurgeon, an award-winning author and recipient of a 2018 Illumination Book Award, has published over a hundred stories, articles, and poems. She grew up on an Oklahoma farm before moving to South Korea, where she adopted two children. She and her husband, Bill, hold weekly studies in their home for international college students. They have six children and twelve grandchildren.

More from Kathryn

Researching and writing about the 1930s has been a blast, and although it was the economically worst decade of the last century, faith, love, and life went on. It has been fun to glimpse into that historical time and find amazing and uplifting stories. Sibyl Trimble, my grandmother and the ever up-and-down, emotional but brilliant lady, did her best to create a great family environment. Seeking God, she also studied, taught, and shared about Christ in the midst of heartaches. Based on a true story, I hope this tale will inspire, uplift, and bring a touch of nostalgia to your day. The strength and courage Sibyl revealed can encourage us all and I am honored to share her tale with you.

Texas Book-aholic, January 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 16

For Him and My Family, January 17

Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 18

Inklings and notions, January 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 19

A Reader’s Brain, January 20

Christian Bookaholic, January 21

Betti Mace, January 22

For The Love of Books, January 22

Life of Literature, January 23

deb’s Book Review, January 23

Older & Smarter?, January 24

For the Love of Literature, January 25

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 26

Bigreadersite, January 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 28

Emily Yager, January 28

Pause for Tales, January 29

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Saturday, January 18, 2020

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd

Book: The Thief of Lanwyn Manor
Author: Sarah E. Ladd
Genre: Regency Romance
Release Date: January 7, 2020

In this sweet Regency romance, Julia knows Matthew Blake, copper mine owner and very eligible bachelor, is the gentleman she should set her eyes upon. But why can’t she steal her gaze away from his younger brother, Isaac?

Cornwall, England 1818—Julia Twethewey needs a diversion to mend her broken heart, so when her cousin invites her to Lanwyn Manor, Julia eagerly accepts. Lanwyn Manor is at the heart of Cornwall’s mining industry, and as a guest Julia is swept into its intricate world. It’s not long, though, before she realizes something dark lurks in the home’s ancient halls.

As a respected mine owner’s younger son, Isaac Blake is determined to keep his late father’s legacy alive through the family business, despite his brother’s careless attitude. In order to save their livelihood—and the livelihood of those around them—the brothers approach the master of Lanwyn Manor with plans to bolster the floundering local industry. Isaac can’t deny his attraction to the man’s charming niece, but his brother has made his intentions to court the lovely guest clear. And Isaac knows his place.

When tragedy strikes, mysteries arise, and items go missing, Julia and Isaac find they are pulled together in a swirl of strange circumstances, but despite their own best efforts to bow to social expectations, their hearts aren’t so keen to surrender.

Click here to buy your copy.

I am a BIG Fan of Regency Era books and was very excited to read this book by Sarah E. Ladd.

Julia Twethewey needs time away to mend a broken heart. She travels to Lanwyn Manor to help her cousin who is pregnant and bedridden. Julia doesn't expect to get involved in a relationship, but instantly takes a liking to townman, Isaac Blake after he helps her out of an iffy situation. Julia's Aunt tries to presuade her to go after the more Influential brother, Matthew Blake. Matthew and Isaac Blake are both miners. Julia's Uncle closed the town Mine, but Matthew owns the mine in the next town over. Julia finds herself falling in love more and more with Isaac, especially after she finds Matthew very suspicious in his behaviors. Who will Julia choose? Will she choose either of the brothers? Grab a copy of the book and you will not be disappointed!

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is Book 2 in the Cornwall Series, but it is a GREAT as a Standalone book. I am looking forward to more in this series in the future! Sarah E. Ladd really has a GREAT way of writing and I was completely zoned in for a couple of hours reading this book. FANTASTIC BOOK!

Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing family and spunky golden retriever. Visit her online at SarahLadd.com; Facebook: SarahLaddAuthor; Twitter: @SarahLaddAuthor.