Saturday, July 2, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: In Honors Defense by Karen Witemeyer

Book: In Honor’s Defense

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: June 7, 2022

Luke Davenport has been fighting all his life–for respect, for country, and for those unable to fight for themselves. But now that his Horsemen brothers are domesticated, he’s left alone to battle the wildness within. When an opportunity arises to take a job on his own, tracking down a group of rustlers, he jumps at the chance.

Damaris Baxter has mastered the art of invisibility. Plain and quiet, she hides in books and needlework, content to be overlooked. Until her brother dies suddenly, leaving her custody of her nephew. She moves to Texas to care for Nathaniel, determined to create the family for herself that she never thought she’d have and to give him the family he desperately needs.

When Nate finds himself knee-deep in trouble, Luke’s attempt to protect him leaves Damaris feeling indebted to the Horseman. But suspicions grow regarding the mysterious death of Damaris’s brother. And the more questions they ask, the more danger appears, threatening the family Luke may be unable to live without.

Click here to get your copy!

I have enjoyed a few of Karen Witemeyer books in the past as she writes Historical Romance books, one of my favorite Genres. In Honors Defense by Karen Witemeyer is Book 3 in the Hanger's Horseman Series. I have not read the first 2 in this series yet. I can honestly say I had no trouble jumping into this book, the flow of the book was good.

Luke Davenport feels alone now that his brothers are married and off on their own. He is excited when offered a job to reel in a group of Hustlers and he takes the job. Damaris Baxter enjoys the quiet life with reading and needlwork hobby. Her life is quickly changed when her brother dies suddenly and she moves to Texas to care for her young nephew. She never thought she would have a family to love, but she is happy to care for her nephew Nathaniel. Luke takes Nate under his wings when he starts having troubles. Damaris is growing suscipous of her brothers sudden death and as she begins to ask questions, she finds herself, Nate and Luke in danger. Luke and Damaris are beginning to have feelings for one another. Will Damaris discover the real cause of death for her brother? Will Luke, Damaris and Nate become a family?

WOW, this story was a BEAUTIFL storyline and I could not stop reading once I started. Damaris is so caring and loving for her nephew and wants the best for him and sacrifices her cozy life for him. Luke is searching for his place in the world when Damaris and Nate become a part of his life. The connection between Luke and Nate was so precious. The author writes with a style that captivates the reader. I truly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. FANTASTIC BOOK!

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Romance Author in 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and gospel hymn singer who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she’s on deadline.

More from Karen

Meet Luke and Damaris

As the Hanger’s Horsemen series comes to a close, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Luke Davenport and Damaris Baxter. If you haven’t read the other books in this series, don’t worry. This one stands on its own just fine.

Luke

Luke Davenport is a former cavalry officer who is part of an elite squad of men known as Hanger’s Horsemen. Haunted by the horrors of war, this group of Texas legends has spent the last few years fighting for justice on behalf of those who cannot fight for themselves. Luke is Matthew Hanger’s right-hand man, but when Matt retires the Horsemen in favor of a more settled life with his new wife, Luke is left feeling adrift. So when a solo job comes his way to track down rustled cattle, he jumps at the opportunity.

Known for his strength, his size, and his skill with his fists, I modeled Luke after a pair of football players, Howie Long and JJ Watt. He’s a man of action with a bit of wildness inside, yet his ability to memorize Scripture earned him the nickname Preach. He’s a godly man with scars, seeking to find his place as his Horsemen brothers move on to new phases of life.

Damaris

Damaris Baxter has been invisible her entire life. Plain of face and quiet of manner, she it’s the epitome of unremarkable. While she dares heroic feats and grand adventures between the covers of her favorite books, life outside the pages consists of little more than needlework and dull conversation with her great aunt. Until her brother dies under suspicious circumstances and she travels to Texas to care for her nephew. Determined that the “Texas Damaris” will be bolder and braver than her former self, she sets out to win the heart of a grieving boy and ends up mixed up in a dangerous murder plot with a handsome cowboy who actually sees her.

When creating Damaris’s character, I gave her two of my favorite hobbies—reading and cross-stitching. She shares other similarities with me as well. She’s a quiet person who dislikes making waves, but when family needs her, there’s nothing she won’t do to help. Her questionable baking skills might also have found some inspiration in my personal experience. Just ask my husband about my famous transparent chocolate chip cookies.

Opposites Attract?

I love to explore what brings people together, and while it’s a common idea that opposites attract, I’ve always believed that there must be some core commonalities beneath the differences to bind a couple together for a lifetime. So, while Luke and Damaris seem to be stark opposites—he an adventure-seeking soldier used to solving problems with guns and fists; she a quiet, proper lady used to escaping problems with books and needlework—they actually have several core commonalities. They both crave belonging and family, they both value God’s Word, and they both have a strong, protective instinct toward those they care about. This core common ground is what serves as the foundation for their relationship.

Now that you’ve been introduced to Luke and Damaris, I hope you’ll join them on the adventure that leads them to love.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 25
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 25
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 26
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 26
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 27
Book Looks by Lisa, June 27
Where Faith and Books Meet, June 27
Bliss, Books & Jewels, June 28
Daysong Reflections, June 28
For Him and My Family, June 29
Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 29
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 30
Pause for Tales, June 30
lakesidelivingsite, June 30
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, July 1
Sylvan Musings, July 1
deb’s Book Review, July 2
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, July 2
Babbling BeckyL’s Book Impressions, July 3
Bizwings Blog, July 3
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 4 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, July 4
Inklings and notions, July 5
Simple Harvest Reads, July 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Connie’s History Classroom, July 6
SodbusterLiving, July 6
Texas Book-aholic, July 7
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 7
Through the Fire Blogs, July 7
Splashes of Joy, July 8
Melissa’s Bookshelf, July 8

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away a Hanger’s Horsemen prize bundle consisting of autographed copies of all three books in the series, a custom mug, and Horsemen swag!! (U.S. Only)

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/1f45c/in-honor-s-defense-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Legacy of Love by Renae Brumbaugh Green

Book: Legacy of Love

Author: Renae Brumbaugh Green

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: June 14, 2022

She’s struggled her entire life to overcome her parentage.

Skye Stratton is nearly perfect. Or at least, she tries to be. She carries the Stratton name, but everyone knows her true half-breed heritage. When she completes her education and is hired as a teacher at the local school, she hopes to finally find acceptance in the town. But when most of her class elects to stay home rather than be taught by an Indian, she knows things will never change.

Alan McNaughten went to Washington, D.C. to make a difference. Instead, he finds himself entrenched in political lies, manipulation, and deceit. When he finds a way to return home to Texas as an Indian Agent, he leaps at the chance. Even if he must hurt an innocent woman to secure his position.

But when the lovely Miss Stratton agrees to teach for the Alabama-Coushatta Reservation, Alan knows he’s gone too far. He’ll do anything to protect her from further heartache and harm. But what will happen when she learns the truth about her position…and the truth about him?

Click here to get your copy!

Historical Fiction is one of my favorite Genres. I was really intrigued by the synopsis of this book and had the honor of reading it. Legacy of Love by Renae Brumbaugh Green is Book 2 in The Stratton Legacy Series. I have not read Book 1 yet, but I had no trouble following along in this book.

Skye Stratton has just finished her Education and is hired to Teach at the Local School. Skye strives for perfection in all she does but has struggled for years to be accepted. The townspeople know of her Indian Heritage and have not been too kind to her. She is really disappointed when the students stay home from school rather than allow her to be their teacher due to her Indian Heritage. Alan McNaughten has just returned home to Texas, leaving Washington D.C. behind. He was tired of the Lies and Deceit in Washington D.C. He comes home and is vying for a job as an Indian Agent. He convinces Skye to teach at Alabama-Coushatta Reservation. Alan and Skye are falling for one another as Alan feels the need to protect Skye. He is hiding a secret and worries about how that would affect the future relationship between them. Will Skye ever be able to be accepted and find her place where she belongs? Will there be a relationship between Alan and Skye?

A WONDERFUL storyline and book! I was captivated by the book as soon as I started reading. Skye knows what she enjoys in life and is just striving to be accepted by others. The community she lives in is predominantly White and she is half Indian Heritage. It broke my heart to see her being rejected as the Teacher for the Local School. Alan is a great character in the book also. He really wants to be moral in his job and leaves Washington D.C to come home. He realizes he doesn't want to truly hurt Skye, yet is not ready to tell Skye the truth about who he is until he has his job secured. The Song "Place in this World" by Michael W. Smith kept coming to mind as I was reading this book. I HIGHLY Recommend this book to anyone who loves Historical Fiction Romance. GREAT BOOK!

Renae Brumbaugh Green is an ECPA Bestselling Author, award-winning humor columnist, and wannabe superhero. She lives in Texas with her handsome, country-boy husband, four nearly-perfect children and one nearly-perfect son-in-law, and far too many animals. When she’s not writing, Renae teaches online classes and tries to be rugged without chipping her nail polish.

More from Renae

Enough

All my life, since I can remember, I’ve been told I’m part Native American. My great-great grandmother on my mother’s side, they said, was full-blooded Comanche. So even though I am blonde and fair (I have glow-in-the-dark skin) I believed them. I told people, and laughed at their sideways looks. I was proud of my heritage.

Then I took one of those Ancestry DNA tests. Nope. Not one drop of Native American in me. According to the test, I’m English, Scottish, Irish, and Swedish. And yes, I am the biological child of my father (very blonde and fair) and my mother (brunette, with high cheekbones). So I guess it’s just the way the genetic dominoes fell. When I got my mom’s half, I apparently didn’t get the Native American part.

I’m not sure how the science of DNA works, but I will tell you I feel extremely connected to Skye, the heroine of Legacy of Love. She’s a perfectionist. I’m a perfectionist. She thinks she has to perform to be accepted. I do, too. Though she’s always been loved, she struggles to fit in, to feel like she’s really a part of things. Ditto.

Skye’s journey is both difficult and beautiful. It helps that there’s a dreamy beaux (or three!) along the way. But in all the hardship and heartache, she finds herself. And she finds that she’s enough, exactly as she is. Most importantly, she finds a relationship with the One who created her and loved her before time began.

I hope you enjoy Skye’s journey in book two of The Stratton Legacy series. If you haven’t read book one, I encourage you to do so—you’ll meet Skye as a child. More than anything, I hope you’ll glean some beautiful truths along the way.

You are precious.

You are loved.

You are enough.

Guild Master, June 20 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 20
Texas Book-aholic, June 21
lakesidelivingsite, June 22
Lighthouse Academy, June 23 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Betti Mace, June 24
Inklings and notions, June 25
For Him and My Family, June 26
deb’s Book Review, June 27
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 28
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 29
Connie’s History Classroom, June 30
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 1
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2
Pause for Tales, July 3
Miriam Jacob, July 3

To celebrate her tour, Renae is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/1eff8/legacy-of-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Friday, July 1, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Hunted in the Wilderness by Kellie VanHorn

Book: Hunted in the Wilderness

Author: Kellie VanHorn

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 28, 2022

Protecting the evidence
means facing down assassins and an unforgiving wilderness…

Framed for murder and corporate espionage, future aerotech company CEO Haley Whitcombe flees in her plane with a camera full of evidence that could clear her name—until she’s shot out of the sky. Now trapped in North Cascades National Park, her survival in the wilderness depends on park ranger Ezra Dalton. Yet escaping the wild will mean nothing if they can’t outrun their merciless hunters…

Click here to get your copy!

I really enjoy Love Inspired Suspense novels. They are short read and very interesting reads. Hunted in the Wilderness

by Kellie VanHorn is the latest book in this Genre/Series that I have read.

Hailey Whitcombe has just been named Future CEO of her Father's AeroTech Company. She is now on the run though after being framed for Murder and Espionage. She has a Camera full of Evidence and is on her plane when the plane is shot down. Hailey is now stranded in North Cascades National Park. She is so glad when Park Ranger Ezra Dalton discovers her lost in the Wilderness and decides to help her get to safety. Ezra finds himself not only helping her to get out of the Wilderness but protecting both of them from being killed by the ones Hailey is fleeing from. Will Hailey and Ezra be kept safe and make it out of the Wilderness? Will there be a Romance between Ezra and Hailey?

I was reeled into the storyline from the very first chapter. The Adventure and Intrigue began immediately and it didn't ever end. I admire Hailey for being wise to make sure she is proven innocent when her fellow co-worker stealing work info. Ezra is a widow, losing his wife 3yrs ago and he feels the need to protect Hailey. I really love how the author bought them together and they each help one another. The romance that sparked between the pair as they made their way through the hike out of the wilderness was heartwarming. The book is not predictable and I really like that. The twists and turns kept me reading on and finished it in a couple of hours. I had never read any books by Kellie VanHorn and I truly enjoyed this one. I will definitely be looking to read some of her other books. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Romance Suspense. FANTASTIC BOOK!

Kellie VanHorn is an award-winning author of inspirational romantic suspense. She has college degrees in biology and nautical archaeology, but she’s always found her sense of adventure most satisfied by a great story. When not writing, Kellie can be found teaching her four children, camping, baking, and gardening. She lives with her family in west Michigan.

More from Kellie

One of my favorite things about being a writer is living out wild adventures in my imagination. I get to enjoy all the action and feels without any of the unpleasant real-life problems I’d face if I were actually being chased by bad guys with guns. The more exciting and far-off the setting, the better! My family loves to travel and to camp, so we’ve spent a lot of time visiting national parks around the U.S. Our favorites include Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Devil’s Tower, and Badlands. We pile our four kids into the car, fill it to the brim with gear, and tent our way from park to park for weeks at a time in the summer.

For Hunted in the Wilderness, I wanted to explore a park we haven’t had the chance to visit yet—North Cascades National Park in Washington state. In fact, my first glimpse of the story came to me when I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and saw a picture of a lake in the Cascades. Inspiration struck, and I knew the heroine of my next book had just crash-landed her Cessna airplane in those mountains, and she needed a handsome, single park ranger to come help her escape the bad guys.

What makes this park such a perfect setting for a romantic suspense is not only the gorgeous scenery, but also the fact it’s very remote. The region is easy enough to access via road from Seattle, but most of the protected land can only be reached on foot, horseback, or float plane. Because I hadn’t been there myself, I relied on a topographic map and lots of research to help me craft the setting and make it an indispensable part of the plot.

Of course, now that I’ve studied the trail systems so extensively, I’d love to visit the Cascades in person one day. One of my teenaged sons who loves hiking has all sorts of plans for us to take a long backpacking trip out there, even though neither of us has ever backpacked before. I might have to work up my courage a bit before I’ll be ready to hit the trail without our minivan full of gear. 😉