Monday, March 29, 2021

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Harvest Moon by Jenny Knipfer

Harvest Moon JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Harvest Moon by Jenny Knipfer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Harvest Moon
Series: By the Light of the Moon #4
Author: Jenny Knipfer
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: November 23, 2020
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

A tale of finding grace and blessing amongst life's hardships

In the wilds of 19th century Ontario, Maang-ikwe, a young Ojibwe woman, falls into a forbidden love, breaks her father’s honor, and surrenders her trust to someone who betrays it. The abuse she suffers divides her from her tribe and causes her to give up what she holds most dear.

Niin-mawin must come to grips with his culture being ripped away from him. Brought up in a “white man’s” school, he suffers through an enforced “civilized” education and separation from his family. When a man he respects reveals a secret about Niin-mawin’s past, he embarks on a search for the person he hopes can mend the part of his heart that’s always been missing.

Both Maang-ikwe and Niin-mawin wonder how a harvest of pain and sorrow will impact their lives. Will they find the blessings amongst the hardships, or will they allow the results of division and abuse to taint their hearts forever?

Fans of historical fiction, Native American fiction, Christian historical fiction, clean romance, and literary fiction will be moved by this deep, heartfelt novel.

Woohoo! Harvest Moon by Jenny Knipfer, has arrived. Harvest Moon is

Book 4 in the By the Light of the Moon series. I have read the first 3

in this series and have been anxiously awaiting for Harvest Moon to

be released.

Harvest Moon takes us back to the late 1800's, even earlier then in

previous books in this series. Maang-ikwe, a young Ojibwe woman,

is in a relationship that is forbidden by her Tribe and family. Her father

is heartbroken over this. Maang-ikwe also is severely betrayed by

someone she trusted dearly. Niin-mawin is the son of Maang-

ikwe and he himself has a troubled past. His past is revealed by someone

and he goes searching for answers to the past and in search of healing.

Maang-ikwe and Niin-mawin have both been through so much heartache

and troubling pasts, they wondering if healing can actually take place and

they can move forward.

Each book in this series really brings this whole series together. I thought

Book 3 was the BEST, but I am now really LOVING Book 4. I liked that

the book was really divided into 2 sections. The first section focusing on

Maang-ikwe and her story for this book. The second section focuses on her

son Niin-mawin and his story of finding out more about his past and his

hope to heal from what was unknown until recently. The stories are filled

with emotion and really tugs at the readers heart. Have a box of Kleenex

by your side when reading. I am glad had read this on a day where I had

the time to sit and read in one sitting, it reeled me in and I couldn't put it down.

AWESOME BOOK! Highly Recommend!

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

Jenny Knipfer lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Ken, and their pet Yorkie, Ruby. She is also a mom and loves being a grandma. She enjoys many creative pursuits but finds writing the most fulfilling. Spending many years as a librarian in a local public library, Jenny recently switched to using her skills as a floral designer in a retail flower shop. She is now retired from work due to disability. Her education background stems from psychology, music, and cultural missions.

She holds membership in the: Midwest Independent Booksellers Association, Wisconsin Writers Association, Christian Indie Publishing Association, and Independent Book Publishers Association. Jenny’s favorite place to relax is by the western shore of Lake Superior, where her novel series, By The Light of the Moon, is set.

She is currently writing a new historical fiction series entitled, Sheltering Trees. The first title in that series, In a Grove of Maples,—inspired by the lives of her grandparents in the late 1890’s—is slated for summer of 2021.

CONNECT WITH JENNY: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 29, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 5, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US 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.

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Dead Man's Watch by Kay DiBianca

Book: Dead Man’s Watch

Author: Kay DiBianca

Genre: Cozy mystery

Release date: September 2020

Half-sisters Kathryn Frasier and Cece Goldman stumble into another mystery in this second book in the Watch series. When a former acquaintance of Kathryn’s is accused of murder, she and Cece go on a mission to prove his innocence by finding the real killer. But things are never what they seem in this tangled web, and Kathryn’s spunky determination to solve the mystery pushes her closer and closer to a deadly climax.

Join the adventure as these two young women commit themselves to live up to the quote from the Jerusalem Talmud: “Whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.

Click here to get your copy!

A "Cozy Mystery" is always a fun book to read. Dead Man's Watch by

Kay DiBianca is Book 2 in the Watch Series. I have not read Book 1

YET, although after reading this book, I am ready to read Book 1.

Half-sisters Kathryn Frasier and Cece Goldman are back in Book 2

to help solve a Murder Mystery. A former acquaintance of Kathryn's

is accused of murder. The pair are adamant on proving his innocence.

Their sleuthing skills are really challenged but they are determined to

not only prove his innocence, but find the real killer. Kathryn has

some close situations that could put her in danger. Will Kathryn and

Cece solve this mystery of who is the real killer? Will they stay safe

throughout their adventures?

I must admit, I did get "cozy" when ready this book. We have had

a lingering winter, so I grabbed a cup of Tea and sat back in my

new recliner and my Tablet to sit down and read this book. All the

twists and turns in this book were super exciting. I thought I had

solved the mystery, but in the end I was WAY off. I was engrossed

in the book and the author really keep the mystery intriguing!

FANTASTIC BOOK!

Kay DiBianca is a bestselling author who loves to create literary puzzles for her readers to solve. Her characters come to life as they struggle to solve mysteries and create relationships amidst the ongoing themes of faith and family. Her first novel, The Watch on the Fencepost, won an Illumination Award for General Fiction and an Eric Hoffer Award for Mystery. The second book in the Watch series, Dead Man’s Watch, was released in September 2020.

Kay is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and Sisters in Crime. An avid runner, she can often be found at a nearby track, on the treadmill, or at a large park near her home. Her background in software development fuels her fascination with puzzles and mysteries, and her dedication to running helps supply the endurance and energy she needs to write about them!

Kay and her husband, Frank, live, run, and write in Memphis, Tennessee.

You can connect with Kay through her website at https://kaydibianca.com.

More from Kay

RUNNING AND WRITING

I’m a runner. Over the years I’ve discovered so many benefits from running, including improved health, good outlook, sense of well-being, and even a spark to creativity. That’s a lot to get from an investment in a pair of running shoes!

Of course, running is also a great metaphor for life. This one sport exemplifies so much that we experience in our lives: success, failure, injury, joy, and pain. So, it’s not surprising that although my books are not specifically about running, they contain running scenes.

I got the idea for my first mystery novel, The Watch on the Fencepost, while I was out running. The first chapter of that book introduces the main character, Kathryn Frasier, as she runs a five-miler while training for a marathon. Kathryn deals with the sorrow of her parents’ recent deaths by putting in hard miles on the trails around the fictional town of Bellevue. As I wrote that narrative, I could almost feel Kathryn’s effort, her struggle to maintain pace, the pain in the final sprint, and the satisfaction of finishing well.

The second book in the series, Dead Man’s Watch, takes place just a month or so after the first one. Kathryn continues her training by running a half-marathon race. Once more I run with her as she experiences the elation of being in the lead pack (I’ve never been there!), the exhaustion as the miles build up (I do know about this), and a dramatic event as she nears the finish.

I hope readers will see the analogy between the Kathryn’s experiences on the trails and her efforts to try to solve the mysteries in each story. I’m working on the third book in the series now. I haven’t written any running scenes yet, but I’m sure Kathryn’s going to insist on putting one in.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 18
Blogging With Carol, March 18
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 19
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 20
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 21
Reviewingbooksplusmore, March 21
deb’s Book Review, March 22
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 23
Texas Book-aholic, March 24
Mary Hake, March 24
Inklings and notions, March 25
Older & Smarter?, March 26
The Write Escape, March 26
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 27
For Him and My Family, March 28
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 29
Pause for Tales, March 29
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 30
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 31
Bizwings Blog, March 31

To celebrate her tour, Kay is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon 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/10987/dead-man-s-watch-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Sunday, March 28, 2021

Read With Audra Blog Tour: The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch

Can Captain Wyvern keep his new marriage of convenience all

business--or will it turn into something more?

Captain Charles Wyvern owes a great debt to the man who saved

his life--especially since Major Richardson lost his own life in the process.

The best way to honor that hero's dying wish is for Wyvern to escort the

man's grieving fiance and mother safely to a new cottage home by the sea. But along the way, he learns of another obligation that has fallen on his

shoulders: his uncle has died and the captain is now the Earl of Rothwell.

When he and the ladies arrive at his new manor house in Devon, they

discover an estate in need of a leader and a gaggle of girls, all wards of the former earl. War the new earl knows; young ladies and properties he does not. Still wishing to provide for the bereaved Lady Sophia Haverly, Charles proposes a marriage of convenience.

Sophie is surprised to find she isn't opposed to the idea. It will help her care for her betrothed's elderly mother, and she's already fallen in love with the wayward girls on the Rothwell estate. This alliance is a chance to repay the captain who has done so much for her care, as well as divert her attention from her grief. When Wyvern returns to his sea commission, she'll stay behind to oversee his property and wards.

It sounds so simple. Until the stalwart captain is arrested on suspicion of smuggling, and Sophie realizes how much he's come to mean to her. Now she'll have to learn to fight, not only for his freedom but also for his love.

Read an Excerpt HERE

Regency Romance is a GREAT Genre to read, so I was excited to

read The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch. This is the 3rd book and

final book in the Serendipity & Secrets series.

We are taken back to 1814 in England. Captain Charles Wyvern loves

serving in the Navy. He feels compelled to take the belongings of his friend, Major Richardson, to his fiance. Major Richardson died while saving the

life of Captain Wyvern. Captain Wyvern is escorting Lady Sophia Haverly

and her mother to a new home when things change up a bit. He is told his

uncle has passed and he has now an Earl and inherited Rothwell estate.

Captain Wyvern doesn't know how to handle the direction life is taking him,

especially since the Estate also has 3 young girls he is now in charge of.

He devises a plan to ask Lady Sophia to marry him. He really feels that

would be the ultimate way to honor Major Richardson by caring for his

lady for life. Lady Sophia actually doesn't object to the idea as she feels

it would put her in a better position to care for her mom and she really

has grown to like the girls of the Estate. Will a marriage of Convenience

turn into True Love? Will the "instant family" become a Solid Family?

Will they allow God to direct their paths during these surprising and

difficult changes of life?

I truly LOVED this book. The Historical setting was well researched

and true to the time period. The Christian aspect, even through a

Marriage of Convenience, is encouraging. I really liked how Captain

Charles Wyvern wanted to comfort Lady Sophia during a most

difficult time of her life. Captain Wyvern is a very honoring man and

Lady Sophia a very wonderful and strong woman. I really enjoyed

reading how their relationship endured and grew and the love they

both had for the girls. I feel that even though this is book 3 in the

series, it is great as a Standalone book! FANTASTIC BOOK!

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.

Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.

A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.

Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Instagram (@EricaVetsch)

and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).

Enter the Giveaway :

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Hosea's Heart by Linda Rondeau

Book: Hosea’s Heart

Author: Linda Wood Rondeau

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction

Release date: 2018

How much should a wronged husband forgive?

Aubrey Beaumont has spent the last fifteen years in search of his runaway, drug-addicted wife. Now a respected Silver Spring pastor and chaplain, ready to give up and move on, his life takes unexpected turns when she suddenly contacts him. Terminally ill and having found faith, she begs Aubrey’s forgiveness. How can he overlook her past prostitution and liaison with one of Washington’s most vicious drug lords?

Grateful for a chance at reconciliation, Joanna Beaumont prays that her seemingly wasted life might serve some purpose in her final days. Perhaps her testimony against her former lover’s cartel will bring her the peace she craves.

Joanna and Aubrey’s paths will crisscross the Capital District’s underworld where they discover how God weaves threads of failure into tapestries of hope.

Click here to get your copy!

A Romance and Mystery filled novel, is how I would describe Hosea's

Heart by Linda Wood Rondeau. I really enjoy Romance Novels, and

I also have enjoyed Linda's novel before, so I was intrigued to read

this book.

Aubrey Beaumont is happily married or so he thought. His wife

Joanna Beaumont leaves for good one day. He doesn't fully give

up and is searching for her 15yrs. He also during those 15yrs

is a Single Dad raising 3 Children. He also become a Pastor

and Chaplin during those 15 yrs and is now living in Silver Spring.

Joanna Beaumont has spent much of the past 15 yrs in a life of

drug addiction and prostitution. She felt the life of prostitution when

she was saved and become a Christian.She is now terminally ill and in

the hospital. The hospital calls Aubrey Beaumont to come and

pray for a terminally ill patient. Aubrey is quite surprised when that

patient turns out to be his wife that he had been searching for.

Joanna is wanting to testify against her former Drug-Lord and she

is also wanting a reunion with Aubrey. She was also surprised to

see that he is the Chaplin at the hospital. Will Joanna be able

to testify before she passes? Will Aubrey forgive her for her past

and be able to make that reunion possible?

WOW, such a LOT of excitement and mystery in such a short book.

I literally could not put this book down once I started reading it. The

author really has so many twists and turns in this book, as a reader

it is difficult to stop reading. A GREAT book about devotion to vows,

forgiveness, second chances, and redemption. A MUST read for those

who like Romantic Mysteries!

A veteran social worker, Linda Wood Rondeau has earned critical acclaim for her heart-warming stories of deliverance and forgiveness. The author now resides in Hagerstown, MD with her husband of forty years. Active in her local church, she enjoys playing the occasional round of golf, a common feature in many of her books. Readers may contact the author through Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Instagram or visit her website: www.lindarondeau.com.

More from Linda

Folks ask me why I kept searching for Joanna.

I don’t really see myself as a martyr, self-sacrificing, or even like the prophet Hosea as some have compared me to.

Perhaps I searched so long because Joanna was the only woman I ever truly loved. We met at the Top Notch Lounge when I had stopped in to buy a getaway package for my parents’ twenty-fifth anniversary.

I turned to my friend, Gregg, a private detective, and said, “See that girl over there? I’m going to marry her.

Gregg shook his head “You’re crazy. That broad is nothing but trouble.”

“And you know this, how?”

“Instinct, buddy.”

I left Gregg standing at the reservation desk and walked confidently toward a future that I could only guess. She smiled at me as I approached her table and glanced at her beverage. “Cinnamon tea?” I asked.

I sniffed the scent. Then, it was like an aphrodisiac. Now the aroma makes me nauseous. If I had known then what I know now? Moot question because life rarely offers a mulligan.

Gregg gave me a sign that he’d wait for me at the restaurant.

I sat down next to her. “Aubrey Beaumont.”

“Joanna Curtis.”

We talked, though not about anything of importance. I knew no more about her after an hour than her name and that she’d been deserted by her boyfriend. Yet, I knew I loved her.

“Have you had dinner yet?”

“No. Actually, I haven’t eaten all day. I should keep up my strength. I’m eating for two.”

I suppose most men would be scared away at that point. But something tugged at me. I sensed she didn’t need me—but I needed her, as intoxicating as any drug.

“Why not join me and my friend at the restaurant downstairs.”

Despite Gregg’s loud protests, Joanna and I married two days later. I adopted her unborn daughter, though not of my flesh, a child of my heart. I didn’t know about Joanna’s addiction until the first time she left us. Though she had been to rehab numerous times, she relapsed again and again. The last time she left, I held her note in my hand, my heart sliced by the knowledge she’d not be back.

The intelligent thing would be to let her disappear … what she wanted. I always led with my heart, not common sense. Perhaps why God called me into the ministry after Joanna’s first relapse.

My fruitless search took me into the Capital District where I pastored a church in Silver Spring. Hope waned … and I even thought I might find love again with a woman named Cynthia. Until Joanna found me and called me to her side.

Fifteen years have passed since she left me the last time. Now, here I stand … face-to-face with reality. Cancer will take Joanna away forever. What does God require of me now? I can forgive her addiction. But sometimes a wife’s betrayal goes beyond the forgivable –her liaison with Joey Juarez, the worst drug czar in the Washington, D.C. area.

I have every right, scripturally and logically, to divorce her and move on. Yet, that same voice that called me to her so many years ago calls to me now. “Till death part us.”

READER: What would you do if you were Aubrey? How would you advise him?