Thursday, June 30, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Flame of the Rockies by Angela Breidenbach

Book: Flame of the Rockies

Author: Angela Breidenbach

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release date: February 1, 2022

The fiery pain at her new husband’s murder might equal the disaster blazing across the Pacific Northwest. Stranded in the treacherous railroad camp, baking bread for survival to avoid the life of a bordello canary, Juliana Hayes has no desire to marry a railroad ruffian like Lukas Filips, or anyone else. Her scrimping and saving will pay off soon. She’ll be free of the camps, the rails, and the men who destroyed her life. But she can’t earn her living constantly besieged by desperate bachelors where few women cause chaos in the male ranks.

Juliana reluctantly accepts his protection, but when Lukas reveals the secret of his Montenegrin nobility, the old fears flare as hot as the fire storm eating up the forest at their heels. Can she release her prejudice to love again? Or will either one of them survive The Big Blowup to find out?

Flame of the Rockies, Book 6 in the Queen of the Rockies series, is based on true history when three million acres burned out of control on the border of Montana and Idaho darkening the skies all the way to the East Coast during August of 1910. It’s a wonder anyone survived! Read this heart-pounding romance full of adventure, honoring true history and the heroes that made it. Be sure to follow this 6-book historical romance adventure series, Queen of the Rockies, set in the Gilded Age through the turn-of-the-century. Written by bestselling author and professional genealogist, Angela Breidenbach.

Click here to get your copy!

I really enjoy Historical Fiction and I also enjoy reading books from a Series. I have read this series from Book 1 and this is now Book 6 in this series, Queen of the Rockies. Bride of the Rockies by Angela Breidenbach is the newest book in the series and I had the honor of reading it.

We are taken back to 1910 in Montana/Idaho. Julianna Hayes is a recent widow after her husband was murdered. She is a Bread Baker and it trying to save up enough money to leave the Idaho town she lives in. She is excited to be able to free herself from the Railroad Camps where she is and also all the Bachelors who are constantly trying to get in a relationship with her. She is not in a hurry to marry again. Lukas Filips, a foreman on the Railway, wants to help protect her from the barrage of men after her. She reluctantly agrees to his protection. Lukas and Julianna are finding they are falling in love as they spend more time with each other. The Community is battling a HUGE fire and Lukas wants nothing more then for them to survive the Blaze. Lukas reveals to Julianna his real Heritage and Julianna begins to wonder if she can really love him. Will the Community survive the Fire? Will there be a romance between Julianna and Lukas?

I LOVE Historical ficton because I always learn so much. I learned so much about the Big Blow Up of 1910. I had no clue that this event happened in History. Julianna had been through so much and I really LOVE her determination to make a better life for herself. Lukas is a great protector and a gentleman, unlike so many of the Bachelors who were hounding Julianna. Each book in this series is AMAZING! I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction. I have never been so excited of a Book Series than I am with this Series! One of the BEST I have ever read! FANTASTIC BOOK!

Angela Breidenbach is a professional genealogist, the director and president of The National Institute for Genealogical Studies (GenealogicalStudies.com), conference speaker, bestselling author of eighteen books. Angela lives in Montana with her hubby and Muse, a trained fe-lion, who shakes hands, rolls over, and jumps through a hoop. Surprisingly, Angela can also. Catch her show and podcast, Genealogy Publishing Coach!

https://AngelaBreidenbach.com

More from Angela

Research is both a joy and a nemesis for an author and/or genealogist. We’re easily distracted with one more fascinating discovery! The entire series, Queen of the Rockies, came from research rabbit trails when I thought there’d be one book. Now there are six ending with Flame of the Rockies!

Flame of the Rockies happens on the factual Trail of the Hiawatha. At first, this trail was a mining area deep in the mountains on the Idaho-Montana border. So deep that fourteen feet of snow blocking the railroad was common during the winter. Quite the contrast to the hot, dry summers with countless lightning strikes and regular forest fires.

After the Big BlowUp that occurred in August of 1910 burning over 3,000,000 acres, the area gradually became a gorgeous upscale train ride through the mountains. People rode the Hiawatha for leisure, upscale dining, and tourism. Then rails died out. The Trail of the Hiawatha rose from the ashes of forgotten history to become the incredible 16.5 mile bike path it is today. The trail winds down the valley from on top of the Continental Divide with incredible views for miles as you ride and experience the awe of God’s creative grandeur.

Understanding the history and evolution of this special trail isn’t hard. So much work in historical preservation has been done, and continues to be done, for those who come. Be sure to read the travel article in the back of this book so you can be one of those holding your breath as mountain after mountain after mountain roll outward from the trestles. You’ll see mountain tops go on for miles and miles. Those vistas truly feel as if you’re standing on the clouds with the Heavenly Hosts. Then you’ll understand why Montana is called the Big Sky Country!

I hope you enjoy Flame of the Rockies and meeting many of the real people who lived and worked in those extreme conditions. Yes, a few of the characters are fictitious. But remember you’re also going to meet a true hero whose heroism and name still rings through the Hiawatha and the world today!

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 18
Texas Book-aholic, June 19
Rebecca Tews, June 19
Inklings and notions, June 20
For Him and My Family, June 21
Blogging With Carol, June 21
deb’s Book Review, June 22
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 23
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 23
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 24
Bizwings Blog, June 25
Sylvan Musings, June 25
Pause for Tales, June 26
Betti Mace, June 27
Connie’s History Classroom, June 27
Mary Hake, June 28
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 29
Blossoms and Blessings, June 29
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 30
Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 1
Spoken from the Heart, July 1

To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the prize a free genealogy course to three winners!!

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/1eff7/flame-of-the-rockies-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Season of My Enemy by Naomi Musch

Book: Season of My Enemy

Author: Naomi Musch

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical Fiction / Romance

Release date: June 1, 2022

“Get Your Farm in the Fight” – The Realities of WWII Come to a Wisconsin Farm

Only last year, Fannie O’Brien was considered a beauty with a brain, and her future shone bright, despite the war pounding Europe. With her father’s sudden death and her brothers overseas, Fannie must now do the work of three men on their 200-acre farm—until eight German prisoners arrive and, just as Fannie feared, trouble comes too. Someone seems intent on causing “accidents,” and Fannie is certain the culprit is one of the two handsome older Germans—or possibly both. Can she manage the farm, keep the prisoners in line, and hold her family together through these turbulent times?

Click here to get your copy!

Season of My Enemy by Naomi Musch is Book 6 in the Heroines of WWII stories. The series is written by various authors and each book flows with the others as great Standalone books.

The Setting is a Wisconsin Farm in the early 1940's. Fannie O’Brien lost her father just a year ago and her brothers are overseas fighting in the War. Fannie has had to take over the responsibility of managing the Family's 200 acre Farm. Fannie's Mom has an idea to hire German POW's to work on the farm. The day 8 German POW's arrive, trouble also begins. Fannie believes that one or both of the older POWS is creating trouble on the Farm. Will Fannie be able to determine who is causing mischief and issues? Will the Family survive the chaos on the Farm and the issues?

I have come to truly enjoy this series and I learn something new in each book about WWII. Fannie is a WONDERFUL character who wants the best for her Family Farm and will do anything to get the work done. Her strength and tenacity is admirable. The book was short and the author told the story well. I truly had no idea that German POWS were in Wisconsin during the 1940's. . I enjoy Christian Historical Fiction and I LOVE how the author has the characters relying on God and I really felt the Faith Aspect in this book. WONDERFUL BOOK!

Naomi Musch is an award-winning author who writes from a deer farm in the pristine north woods of Wisconsin, where she and husband Jeff live as epically as God allows near the families of their five adult children. When not in the physical act of writing or spending time loving on her passel of grandchildren, she can be found plotting stories as she roams around the farm, snacks out of the garden, and relaxes in her vintage camper. Naomi is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Wisconsin Writers’ Association, and the Lake Superior Writers. She loves engaging with others and can be found all around social media or at her site naomimusch.com

More from Naomi

Welcome to my wilderness – that’s what it says when you pop onto my website, because so many of my books take place in rural and wilderness settings. That’s where my heart lives too. Therefore, when I decided to write a World War II story, I gravitated to the home front, to rural America, where living out the war years meant a different kind of survival.

Before this story idea came to me, I knew that prisoners of war had been held in America during part of the war years. There are a number of other wonderful WWII novels out there set in North America involving POWs, and I adore the 2005 movie Sweet Land. Yet, until looking further, I hadn’t realized that so many German soldiers were held right here in my home state of Wisconsin! In fact, thousands of prisoners were sent to work in our country’s canning factories and on our farms. How could I have grown up and never been told that there had once been a POW camp right in my home town?

In fact, there were 38 such “branch camps” just in Wisconsin alone—camps that housed workers specifically for contracting work on farms and in canneries. Workers were contracted by farmers with the army and sent to labor in the cranberry bogs, cherry orchards, apple orchards; to farms picking beans, peas, corn, and to tend the other crops. By international treaty, prisoners had to be paid for their work, so they were allowed to earn scrip in the equivalent of 80 cents per day which they could spend in camp canteens on personal items.

Bingo! There was the seed that burst through the soil of my imagination for my novel Season of My Enemy.

My heroine Fanny O’Brien is a Wisconsin farm girl who left state teacher’s college to manage her family’s farm during the war. She never imagined herself coordinating the work of eight German prisoners in the process—or what the outcome of that task would be.

I believe a great story has to reveal strong yet subtle themes in order for the characters and their plight to feel real. In Season of My Enemy, Fannie uncovers a lot of prejudice both in her own heart and as her eyes are opened to the broader sphere around her. There are all kinds of prejudice in the world, and some of it revealed in this story may surprise you. In fact, my editor and several other authors of WWII fiction who read the book all said, “I didn’t know that!” (I won’t tell you what they were referring to, because you know…spoilers.)

Season of My Enemy isn’t all about history of course. It’s a heartfelt story of a man and woman who slowly yield their hearts to love amidst unpredictable times and unusual circumstances. They begin as enemies who finally look beyond their prejudices to find they have more in common than they first thought. To overcome terrific odds, they must depend upon their faith and rest in a powerful hope that touches their own lives as well as the lives of others surrounding them.

I hope you’ll read Season of My Enemy, and be sure and pop me a note to tell me what you think!

Texas Book-aholic, June 28
Blossoms and Blessings, June 28
Inklings and notions, June 29
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 30
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 30
For Him and My Family, July 1
Remembrancy, July 2
Pause for Tales, July 2
deb’s Book Review, July 3
Book Looks by Lisa, July 4
Mary Hake, July 4
Betti Mace, July 5
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 6
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 6
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 7
Connie’s History Classroom, July 8
Books, Books, and More Books, July 8
Bizwings Blog, July 9
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 10
Labor Not in Vain, July 10
lakesidelivingsite, July 11

To celebrate her tour, Naomi is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon 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/1f45e/season-of-my-enemy-celebration-tour-giveaway

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JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Vanished Without a Trace by Sarah Hamaker

Vanished Without a Trace JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Vanished Without a Trace by Sarah Hamaker, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Vanished Without a Trace
Author: Sarah Hamaker
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: June 28, 2022
Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense

A missing person case. A new clue.

And a fight for survival.

After nine years searching for his missing sister, attorney Henderson Parker uncovers a clue that leads him to Twin Oaks, Virginia—and podcaster Elle Updike investigating the case. Partnering with the journalist is the last thing Henderson wants, until mysterious thugs make multiple attacks on both their lives. Now they’ll have to trust each other…before the suspected kidnappers make them disappear for good.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

I really enjoy Love Inspired Suspense novels. They are a short read and very interesting reads. Vanished without a Trace by Sarah Hamaker is the latest book in this Genre/Series that I have read.

Henderson Parker has been searching for his sister for 9yrs. He sees a picture in a newspaper that looks like it could be her, so he heads to Twin Oaks, Virginia to follow this lead. Arriving in Twin Oaks, Virginia he meets Journalist and Podcaster, Elle Updike. Elle Updike is interested in helping Henderson find his sister. Her main reason is she also wants to do a Podcast about his Sister's story and her being missing. Henderson reluctantly agrees to working along side Elle to find his sister. Henderson and Elle are being stalked and they fear the kidnappers might be after them. Will Henderson and Elle find his sister in time? Will the unlikely pair have a chance at romance?

WOW, this book is filled with suspense and is a definite page turner. I really like how the author introduced Henderson and Elle and that the pair decided they would work together to find his sister. Henderson and Elle learning to trust one another once it became apparent their lives were at risk also. The faith aspect was shown throughout the book especially with the trusting one another. The book had me on the edge of my seat at many parts and chapters! I am looking forward to reading more of Sarah Hamaker books in the future! FANTASTIC BOOK!

Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s written romantic suspense novels and nonfiction books, as well as stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes. As a writers coach, her heart is encouraging writers. She’s a member of ACFW; ACFW Virginia Chapter; and Faith, Hope and Love, as well as the president of Capital Christian Writers Fellowship. Her podcast, “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four teenagers, a preschool foster child and three cats. Visit her online at sarahhamakerfiction.com.

CONNECT WITH SARAH: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

(1) winner will receive a Vanished Without a Trace canvas tote bag, a Vanished Without a Trace notebook, an autographed copy of Vanished Without a Trace, a Vanished Without a Trace button, and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 27, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 4, 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 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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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

JustRead Tours Blog Blitz: Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch

Her Darkest Secret JustRead Blog Blitz

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Her Darkest Secret
Author: Jessica R. Patch
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired TRADE
Release Date: June 28, 2022
Genre: Christian, Psychological Thriller with a romance thread

When a cold-case serial killer returns, FBI special agent Fiona Kelly has one last chance to stop him before he claims the prize he’s always wanted—her.

The sight of a goose feather at a murder scene modeled after a children’s poem is enough to make FBI special agent Fiona Kelly’s blood turn to ice. Almost two decades ago, a feather was left with her sister’s body—and with every subsequent victim of the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Now he’s back. Only this time, his latest gruesome murder is a message to the only one who ever got away: Fiona. Finding “Rhyme” is an obsession that’s fueled Fiona’s career—and destroyed her marriage to fellow FBI agent Asa Kodiak. Now Fiona and Asa have to put their past tensions aside and work together one last time. But Rhyme is watching, and catching this killer may force Fiona to reveal her biggest, darkest secret…the one only he knows.

Rhyme easily blended in with the rest of the onlooking crowd.

Asa Kodiak.

The name alone gave him a sour taste on his tongue, but things couldn’t have panned out any

better. Kodiak’s new girlfriend was in charge of the crime scene. Not that it would have mattered

who had been lead—Kodiak would have been called in once they saw Jenny’s body. Saw the feather.

Asa was right now seeing it. A million thoughts flying through his thick skull—one in particular.

Before the day was out, Kodiak would call for Fiona. Tell her he needed her back in Memphis to

work the case, but she’d know that it was Rhyme who had actually beckoned her.

It was time to come home.

To him.

Jessica R. Patch is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her dry wit, signatures twists, and complex characters. She loves reading true crime books, discussing cold cases over chips and salsa with her girlfriends, and hunting down serial killers in her romantic suspense novels and psychological thrillers.

Jessica loves to encourage and inspire people to forward living through her Patch of Hope devotions in her monthly email newsletter. You can join the Patched In community at her website: www.jessicarpatch.com. She resides in the Memphis area with her husband, two young adult children, and her spoiled tri-color Shetland Sheepdog. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent at Books & Such Literary Management.

CONNECT WITH JESSICA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of Her Darkest Secret, Brain Games WHODUNIT: Solve Crime Scene Puzzles Book, & a Shine cross necklace!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 28, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 5, 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 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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Thursday, June 23, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Finding Love in San Antonio by & Kimberly Rose Johnson

Book: Finding Love in San Antonio

Authors: Miralee Ferrell & Kimberly Rose Johnson

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: June 1, 2022

For TV chef Adela Romero, the lights of LA have lost their luster. The grief of her husband’s death three years ago still hangs heavy over her and her daughter, Fabi.

When Adela hears her mother-in-law’s Mexican diner is struggling, she decides to return to San Antonio and try to make a fresh start—though she can’t leave the media attention entirely behind.

Local food critic David Agraponte has a history with Adela. A history he’d like to rekindle. When he interviews Adela, sparks fly—both good and bad. In Adela’s struggle to put her past behind her, she’s tentative about a new relationship, but David hopes she’ll stay at Romero’s long enough to give him a chance.S

Sandra always dreamed of managing Romero’s one day, but her chances of proving herself to her aunt are slim with her famous TV-chef cousin taking all the attention. Can’t her aunt see that Adela’s just passing through on her way to her next big gig? Still, as much as she resents it, Sandra may need Adela’s help if there is going to be a Romero’s left for her to manage.

When Adela gets a TV offer that’s sure to shoot her career to the stars, her choice may hold more than just her future in the balance. Can David and Adela find a way to save Romero’s and hold onto their own dreams, or will Adela’s opportunity push them apart?

Click here to get your copy!

I really like Romance books and Finding Love in San Antonio by Miralee Ferrell and Kimberly Rose Johnson is the lastest book from that genre that I have read. I am familiar with author Miralee Ferrell, but I was not familiar with author Kimberly Rose Johnson. I was very interested in reading this book as the synopsis is intriguing and the dual authors.

Adela Romero is a TV Chef who lost her husband 3 years ago. She is happy doing the TV life in LA anymore. She and her daughter Fabi pack it up and return to San Antonio to help her Mother in Law with her struggling Mexican Diner. David Agraponte is a local Food Critic and he is excited that Adela is back in town. David and Adela had a relationship in the past and he is hoping to get a second chance at love with Adela. Sandra, Adela's cousin, has always wanted to be the one to manage her Aunt's restaurant once her Aunt Retired. Sandra wants her Aunt to see that Adela is only here temporarily and Sandra realizes she needs Adela's help to save the Restaurant. Adela is offered a TV job that would really take her career to new levels and now must make a life-changing decision. Will Adela take on the opportunity of a lifetime? Will she stay in San Antonio and help save her Aunt's Restaurant with the help of David? Will there be a Second Chance Romance between David and Adela?

I will admit it took me a bit to really understand the Storyline. I really did enjoy the book once I got through the first chapter of the book, which was a little slow going. Adela is grieving her husband and is very career-focused. She decides to help her Aunt out, but her cousin Sandra is not happy for Adela is taking over. Adela's daughter Fabi just wants her mom to give her some time instead of being focused on her career. David takes on the task of helping Adela save the Restaurant, as it also allows him to spend time with Adela. I really like how the pair took things slow and guarded their hearts. This book is one about Second Chances, Family Conflict and Resolution, finding opportunities in life and so much more. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Romance books! GREAT BOOK!

Miralee Ferrell is an award-winning, best-selling author of 27 books. Her novel, Runaway Romance, released in January 2018 on UP TV, and subsequently on Hallmark on Demand, and From the Heart, aired in 2020 on Hallmark. Finding Love in Bridal Veil, Oregon, aired September of 2021, and Finding Love in San Antonio will air sometime in 2022.

Miralee is the owner and founder of Mountain Brook Ink, a traditional publisher with over 100 titles, a large number them being award-winners. She lives in the Pacific N.W. with her husband, two cats, sixteen chickens, and one very spoiled little dog. Miralee loves horseback riding and hiking with her married daughter.

While Miralee has spoken in a number of venues, she doesn’t see herself as a speaker as much as an encourager. She loves helping writers find ways to succeed, improve, and learn to believe in themselves, whether by teaching a class, leaving positive comments in an edit or critique, or speaking to groups about her writing journey and how the Lord might minister to them.

Website: http://www.miraleeferrell.com

Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and spent most of her life in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance and romantic mystery and suspense with a heart.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

You can sign up for Kimberly’s newsletter via her website at: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

More from Kimberly

Kimberly Rose Johnson here. I’m excited to share my story behind the writing of Finding Love In San Antonio. Last year Miralee Ferrell approached me about a project she was working on. She wanted me to write the story of a secondary character into a book she was adapting from a movie, and bonus, I was given license to choose the character. She sent me the script and my imagination took off. What fun!

I knew right away which character’s story I wanted to write. So many ideas of who this woman was behind the scenes filled my mind. I chose Sandra, the heroin’s cousin by marriage. Sandra was sassy in the script and somewhat negative toward Adela. As a positive person who tries to see the bright side in every situation, this bothered me about her, so I had to create a strong reason why she would be this way. In the final cut of the movie, I don’t think Sandra came across nearly as negative as she did in the version of the screenplay I originally saw, so I think along with the backstory I gave her and the fact that I toned Sandra down worked well.

Before this book neither Miralee or I had never co-written a book before,, but I must say, I enjoyed it! I had written a story within a story for one of my own books in the past, so I basically did the same thing for this one. We are both so pleased with the outcome that we are going to do it again.

We hope you enjoy seeing the fleshed out version of the movie in our book!