Monday, February 21, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Avenue of Betrayal by Sandra Merville Hart

Book: Avenue of Betrayal

Author: Sandra Merville Hart

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: February 8, 2022

Betrayed by her brother and the man she loves…whom can she trust when tragedy strikes?

Soldiers are pouring into Washington City every day and have begun drilling in preparation for a battle with the Confederacy. Annie Swanson worries for her brother, whom she’s just discovered is a Confederate officer in his new home state of North Carolina. Even as Annie battles feelings of betrayal toward the big brother she’s always adored, her wealthy banker father swears her and her sister to secrecy about their brother’s actions. How could he forsake their mother’s abolitionist teachings?

Sergeant-Major John Finn camps within a mile of the Swansons’ mansion where his West Point pal once lived. Sweet Annie captured his heart at Will’s wedding last year and he looks forward to reestablishing their relationship—until he’s asked to spy on her father.

To prove her father’s loyalty to the Union, John agrees to spy on the Swanson family, though Annie must never know. Then the war strikes a blow that threatens to destroy them all—including the love that’s grown between them against all odds.

Click here to get your copy!

I am a fan of Historical Fiction and the Civil War Era is especially intriguing to me. Avenue of Betrayal by Sandra Merville Hart is the latest book in this genre that I have read. Sandra Merville Hart is a "new to me author" and I was excited to read from a new author.

I can honestly say this was one the BEST Civil War Era, Christian Historical Fiction books that I have read in awhile. I really enjoyed the fact that the author based the book on happenings in Washington DC and not so much on the entire Civil War. The Swanson family is the main characters of the book, mainly Annie Swanson. John Finn is part of the Union Army and is tasked to spy on the Swanson family, without Annie Swanson knowing he is spying. I really liked watching the relationship between Annie and John grow, even through challenges they faced because of the spying and the War. I really enjoyed this book so much that I read it straight through within a couple of hours. WONDERFUL Story and book!

Sandra Merville Hart, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of inspirational historical romances, loves to discover little-known yet fascinating facts from American history to include in her stories. Her desire is to transport her readers back in time. She is also a blogger, speaker, and conference teacher. Connect with Sandra on her blog, https://sandramervillehart.wordpress.com/.

More from Sandra

I’m often asked where ideas for my stories originate. That answer varies because inspiration comes from unexpected sources. Searching for inspiration seems to make it more elusive. Story ideas usually happen when I’m doing something unrelated to my books, like visiting a museum or historical home while on vacation.

Ideas for this series stemmed from research for a “Civil War Women” series of articles I wrote for my blog. There are many women from the North and South featured in that series—and many more that deserve recognition. What surprised me was the number of known female spies from both sides. It’s likely that many others either didn’t seek praise after the war or feared retribution and never revealed their activities.

Rose Greenhow, a Confederate spy living in Washington DC (Washington City, as it was called at that time) in 1861, created an impressive spy network. Coded messages were sent on a “Secret Line.” Several couriers in a chain passed on messages in common places such as docks, taverns, and farmhouses.

Rose’s spy network from Boston to New Orleans was the largest in the war—48 women and 2 men.

Allan Pinkerton, head of Lincoln’s Intelligence Service, was given the task to find Confederate spies and he placed Greenhow under surveillance.

She was arrested in August of 1861.

Though the series is about a fictional family, there are actual historical spies who touch the stories. Rose is one of them.

Avenue of Betrayal is set in Washington City (Washington DC) in 1861, where a surprising number of Confederate sympathizers and spies lived.

Through both real and fictional characters, this series will highlight activities spies were involved in and some of the motives behind their decisions.

I invite you to read Avenue of Betrayal and the rest of the series that will soon follow. I’d love to know what you think!

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 8
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 9 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, February 9
Genesis 5020, February 10
For Him and My Family, February 11
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 12
Inklings and notions, February 13
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 14
Connie’s History Classroom, February 15
Betti Mace, February 16
deb’s Book Review, February 16
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 18
Blossoms and Blessings, February 19
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 20 (Spotlight)
Reflections From My Bookshelves, February 20
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 21

To celebrate her tour, Sandra 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/19bc7/avenue-of-betrayal-celebration-tour-giveaway

Pin It

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Solomon's Porch by Janet Morris Grimes

Book: Solomon’s Porch

Author: Janet Morris Grimes

Genre: Christian Mystery/Suspense

Release date: August 10, 2021

Time.

Solomon is running out of it.

A broken and forgotten man fighting the demons of dementia, he longs for the past when both he and his beloved military town of Ginger Ridge once thrived.

When his stooped body collides with the hardened realities of the present, Solomon lies in a coma as an unidentifiable victim of a hit-and-run accident in a faraway city.

With nothing to keep him going but flashbacks of relationships from his past, Solomon has no idea what a difference he will make on the future …

Click here to get your copy!

WOW, this book is a definite Page Turner and "have your kleenex" ready story. Solomon's Porch by Janet Morris Grimes is a book that really tugs at your heart strings. I really like how the Author tells many stories through Solomon, an elderly gentleman with dementia. During this time of his life, one would think that his "story telling" days would be over, but he had a lot to say about life even at this point in his life. His "stories" are from Flashbacks from past relationships, but they seem as they are being told in present day. The author has a WONDERFUL Writing style that connects the characters of the book together so seamlessly. The book is a roller coaster of emotions and is filled with some resounding messages. A book of Forgiveness and Hope! GREAT BOOK!

Janet may not have realized she was a writer at the time, but her earliest childhood memories were spent creating fairy-tale stories of the father she never knew. That desire to connect with the mysterious man in a treasured photograph gave her a deep love for the endless possibilities of a healing and everlasting story.

A wife of one, mother of three, and Tootsie to four, she currently writes from her quiet two-acre corner near Louisville, Kentucky. She’s spent the last few years preparing to introduce her novels and children’s stories to the world.

More from Janet

– I’d have to say my inspiration for the character of Solomon Thomas came from my precious father-in-law. When we lost him almost ten years ago, we were inundated with countless stories of simple, behind-the-scenes acts of kindness he offered over many decades. I’m not sure he realized what a difference he made in the lives of others.

The same is true for my main character, Solomon Thomas. He comes from such a place of deep tragedy. Once he lost everything, he had nothing left to offer but himself. So he did.

There are many themes running throughout this story. A lost sense of home. Running out of time. Redemption and second chances. But more than this, connection and community. Sometimes, we are so trapped by our own brokenness, we don’t know how to let others in. But what if we did?

Solomon learned to do just that. Show up for people, and let them into his world as well. And over time, it was enough to breathe new life into his beloved town of Ginger Ridge.

What happens next? Solomon deserves a sequel, so I’ll be working on that very soon.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 10
Rebecca Tews, February 11
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 12
A Reader’s Brain, February 13
Texas Book-aholic, February 14
The Author Reads, February 14
Inklings and notions, February 15
For Him and My Family, February 16
Blogging With Carol, February 17
deb’s Book Review, February 17
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 18
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 19
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 20
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 21 (Spotlight)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 21
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 22
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 23

To celebrate her tour, Janet is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, a Solomon newsboy cap, 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/1a454/solomon-s-porch-celebration-tour-giveaway

Pin It

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Momentum Influencers Book Review: The Flirtation Experiment by Lisa Jacobson and Phylicia Masonheimer

From popular Christian voices Lisa Jacobson and Phylicia Masonheimer, The Flirtation Experiment inspires you to strengthen your marriage with a fun, unexpected approach that leads to the depth, richness, and closeness you desire. 

• After reading The Flirtation Experiment, wives will…

• be filled with hope and encouragement for how they can make a powerful, positive change in their marriages
• become empowered to pursue their husbands romantically,
• understand the Bible invites women to be proactive in their marriages,
• be motivated to consistently love in creative ways, and
• forge closeness and intimacy in their marriages. 

• Download the first two chapters FREE here: Sneak Peek

Ever feel like you are needing to find ways to put "SPARK" in your marriage? Whether you have been married a few years or MANY years, it seems like the busyness of life can take over and the SPARK fades a bit. The Flirtation Experiment by Lisa Jacobson and Phylicia Masonheimer is a wonderful book that helps encourage you to do just that.

I really enjoyed this book fully. I have been married for 23yrs, almost 24yrs, and it does seem that we are looking for SPARK for our marriage. I LOVE how the 2 authors take turns writing the Chapters, first Lisa(married 30yrs) and then Phylicia(married 7yrs), and they keep alternating. The fact that the authors have each been married for different lengths of time is a wonderful perspective for this book. The chapters are filled with stories from the Authors own marriages, a Biblical View of Marriage, the suggestions of "Flirtation Experiments", and some Biblical Based Questions to ask each others as spouses. The book is a quick read, but very encouraging. I highly recommend this book for Married Couples at all stages in Marriage. GREAT BOOK!

Lisa Jacobson is an author, a podcaster, and the founder of Club31Women.com, an online community of Christian women authors who write on marriage, home, family, and faith—a powerful voice for biblical womanhood. She is the author of the bestselling 100 Ways to Love Your Husband. Lisa and her husband, Matt, are also co-hosts of the popular FAITHFUL LIFE podcast. They live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest where they have enjoyed raising their eight children.

Phylicia Masonheimer is a national bestselling author, speaker, and host of the Verity Podcast. Her blog - Every Woman a Theologian- teaches Christians how to know what they believe and live it boldly. Theology touches every area of life, so Phylicia addresses cultural questions through the lens of church history and sound biblical interpretation. She lives in northern Michigan with her husband and three children.

Check out more about the Book and Buy the Book HERE

DISCLOSURE: Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own. I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

Pin It

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Struggle for Love by Marilyn T. Parker

Book: The Struggle for Love

Author: Marilyn T. Parker

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release date: November 2, 2021

Two sisters married to the same man. A man who loves only one.

Leah didn’t want a marriage without love. A strong and capable woman, she had determined to live a life of service as a midwife, bringing other women’s children into the world, allowing her father to breach tradition and betroth her beautiful younger sister first. But that was not to be.

Forced by her father to pose as her sister, Leah goes to Jacob’s wedding bed. When Jacob awakens to find Leah instead of the beautiful Rachel, he tells Leah that he will provide for her and do what a husband must, but she will never have his love.

Rejected by her husband and her relationship with her beloved sister broken, will Leah be able to keep her faith in the God of Abraham through the tragedies to come? Will Jacob see Leah for the woman she truly is? Will these two wives of the patriarch mend their relationship before it’s too late?

Enjoy this beautiful story of a woman overlooked by history but not by God. In Genesis 29:31 the scripture says, “When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved—” God was watching over Leah. And He’s watching over you.

Click here to get your copy!

Biblical Fiction is a Genre that I don't normally read, but this book looked very interesting. The Struggle for Love: The Story of Leah by Marilyn T. Parker is a book based on the Story of Leah in the bible, with a fictional aspect.

I will admit that it took some time for me to get a grasp of the Story, even though I am familiar with the Biblical Account of Leah. I continued reading and I began to understand the Author's writing and began to enjoy the book. The author does a wonderful job at retelling the Story of Leah and the rejections and life difficulties that she went through. The Author writes that Leah stayed faithful to God and Abraham throughout all the Difficulties of life.

I now have a better appreciation for the Biblical Fiction genre through reading this book. The Author really told the Story of Leah in a way that the everyday reader understands the Biblical story and is engaging. I was hooked after the Second Chapter. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Biblical Fiction. GREAT BOOK!

Marilyn has worn many hats in her life: school teacher, pastor’s wife, mother of four God-loving children, and best of all—Grammy! She is presently the older member of a mother/daughter blogging duo with her wonderful daughter, Rebecca. They co-author Persevering Women, a blog full of inspiration to help women live above their circumstances.

Four years after becoming a widow, Marilyn married Peter Parker. Yes! She’s Mrs. Spiderman! Marilyn says she is truly married to her superhero.

When Marilyn and Peter are not traipsing around the country in their RV, they reside in Buckeye, Arizona with their monster dog, Mimi (don’t let the cute name fool you!). Marilyn’s greatest desire is that her work bring glory to God.

More from Marilyn

When I was seven or eight years old, I entered a writing contest for elementary students sponsored by the local newspaper. I won! Actually, I won two years in a row. I still remember some things about those stories. I remember that one was about a little girl who was so poor, she had to use fall leaves to make Christmas cards. Uh, kind of got my seasons mixed up there—but the storyline must have been good! That was the beginning of my writing career!

So why do I write biblical fiction?

Can’t people just read their Bibles? Yes. Of course. But years ago, when I was reading through the book of Genesis, studying the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, one of Jacob’s wives caught my attention.

Genesis 29:31 When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved—

God was watching Leah. Can you imagine it? The God of the Universe leaning over the portal of heaven to get a better view of an unloved woman! I was hooked on the story right then. The scriptures were scant, but the story was hiding there in subtle hints. As I fleshed out Leah’s life from the Word, I fell more in love with the God who originally wrote her story. The Great Storyteller who knew both Leah and me before He laid the foundation of the earth, and who wrote our stories with love, promising us the best of all happy endings with Him.

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 15
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 15
Girls in White Dresses, February 16
Texas Book-aholic, February 17
Blogging With Carol, February 17
Inklings and notions, February 18
For Him and My Family, February 19
Breny and Books, February 19
deb’s Book Review, February 20
Batya’s Bits, February 20
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 21
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 22
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 23
Pause for Tales, February 23
Connie’s History Classroom, February 24
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 25
Mary Hake, February 25
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 26
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 27 (Spotlight)
Spoken from the Heart, February 27
Lights in a Dark World, February 28
Genesis 5020, February 28

To celebrate her tour, Marilyn is giving away the grand prize package of a $100 Amazon gift card and a 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/1a45f/the-struggle-for-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

Pin It

Sunday, February 13, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Victory Over Anxiety by Dr. Andrea Ganahl

Book: Victory Over Anxiety

Author: Dr. Andrea Ganahl

Genre: Self-Help

Release date: June 17, 2021

Victory over Anxiety: Take your Anxious Thoughts Captive provides a realistic blend of relaxation exercises and clinically proven cognitive techniques to help reduce anxiety. Victory over Anxiety also integrates information on nutrition, exercise, and restful sleep, as it pertains to mental health.

Click here to get your copy!

I really enjoy Self Help Books, as I am the type of person who "learns" through reading and visual, rather then one on one talking. Victory Over Anxiety by Dr. Andrea Ganahl is the latest Self Help book I have read.

I come from a family where Anxiety is something many of us suffer from. My Aunts, My cousins, my siblings, my son and nephew, it is very prevalent in our Family History. I have read many books on how to deal with Anxiety, but none of them stuck with me. Well, I can honestly say, this book is SPOT ON and an EASY to read format. The book contains Seventeen Chapters, with 3 Sections. I like how at the end of each chapter are suggestions to apply the information in that chapter and Questions to further ask yourself to help you cope with the Anxiety. I LOVE how the author explains Anxiety in simple terms, rather then in "Medical Terms". The book is also Faith Based and the author points the reader to Scripture. The Exercises to help you hold your thoughts captive are amazing. I really LOVE how the author doesn't tell you "Ohh, just pray the anxiety away". Pray helps, but Anxiety is something that will always be with those who have Anxiety issues.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who experiences Anxiety or knows someone who does and needs some Encouragement!

Dr. Andrea Ganahl is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety. She teaches classes on how to reduce anxiety at churches, women’s groups, and college campuses. Andrea is the author of Victory over Anxiety: Take your Anxious Thoughts Captive and has written articles for Focus on the Family Magazines.

More from Dr. Andrea

I wrote Victory over Anxiety: Take your Anxious Thoughts Captive, as a path to my own healing. I have struggled with anxiety much of my life. As I researched the most effective techniques to combat my anxiety, and found how beneficial they were, I decided to write this book to help others learn practical tools, so they may also experience victory over anxiety. All the exercises I share are research based and filtered through a biblical perspective.

Not only will you learn everyday exercises to reduce your anxiety, but you will also begin to understand how and why your anxieties developed and how to rid yourself of those anxieties at their core. In addition, you can apply these principles to any emotional struggles, not just anxiety.