Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions

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The Escape Game by Marilyn Turk Review and Giveaway

March 29, 2023 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: The Escape Game

Author: Marilyn Turk

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release date: March, 2023

A Board Game Holds Keys to Prisoners’ Escape

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

After the Nazis started the bombing blitz of England, Beryl Clarke puts her college on hold to return to Leeds, care for her mother, and work as a secretary at the Waddington game company. While she endures the war at home, her brother James fights the enemy in the air. When he is shot down, injured, and captured, James meets American POW Kenneth Anderson, and they plan to escape the Nazi prison camp. Beryl knows there is a board game with escape plans being delivered to POWs by the Red Cross. But how will the men discover the game’s secret?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Award-winning author Marilyn Turkwrites historical fiction flavored with suspense and romance. Marilyn also writes devotions for Daily Guideposts. She and her husband are lighthouse enthusiasts, have visited over one hundred lighthouses, and also served as volunteer lighthouse caretakers at Little River Light off the coast of Maine.

When not writing or visiting lighthouses, Marilyn enjoys boating, fishing, gardening, tennis, playing with grandkids, and her golden retriever Dolly.

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers; Faith, Hope and Love; Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; and Word Weavers International.

More from Marilyn

The Story behind The Escape Game

In the process of writing my books, I’ve become fascinated by the real stories that happened during World War II. I’ve discovered information I didn’t know before and am finding out that many people I know, even those older than myself, didn’t know either. Every time I come across an interesting tidbit, I want to write about it. Since my husband knows I look for such things, when he came across a story about how the Monopoly game was used during the war, he shared it with me.

The true story was kept top-secret for over fifty years after the war, so few had heard about it, especially outside the United Kingdom. Of course, my writer’s mind set off asking “What If?” So the story developed about a woman who works for the company that makes the game and what happened after she found out about the secret. What if she had a close relative who had been captured before the British informed their soldiers about the game and he needed to know the information? How could she convey that to him?

I wish I could have gone to the UK for research, but that was not a possibility. Maybe someday. However, the people I contacted there were very helpful, and I was thrilled to make contact with the great granddaughter of the president of Waddintons, the company which manufactured the game. She was able to fill in a few details about the company, although when she was a child, her grandfather ran the company.

One thing many people find hard to believe, based on the horrible treatment the Nazi army inflicted on people they thought inferior, is that the treatment of POW’s was somewhat better, especially for pilots. Thanks to the rules of the Geneva Convention after WWI, the Germans abided by them for the most part. That involved treatment of prisoners who escaped. Most of them were caught and returned to the camp from which they escaped. And normally, the punishment was solitary confinement. The biggest hardship of the POWs besides lack of freedom was the meager food they were given, especially as the war continued, since the Germans themselves were facing food shortages.

The challenge for me as a writer was to accurately describe life in both England and the POW camp. The other big challenge was writing a love story when the two characters were apart for so long. But it’s true that many soldiers fell in love with women they corresponded with back home. That fact is verified in the many letters on record, including the ones my father-in-law wrote to a fellow soldier’s fiancé after the soldier was killed in action. Their relationship grew into love, and after the war, the two met in person at the train station for the first time and married the same day.

My Impressions

“…as members of the Royal Air Force, it is our duty to try to escape.”

Bravo for Marilyn Turk, who, in The Escape Game, has penned a very different kind of WWII book than I have yet read. Part of the Heroines of WWII series from Barbour, each novel stands alone. This is a slightly dual-timeline novel, where we meet Grandmother Beryl at nearly 100, then go back and learn of her life in war-torn England.

So many themes are presented, while the storyline is so engaging, you won’t want to stop reading until you find out what happens to the POW’s. Of course, you’ll want to discover whether the relationship between Beryl and American Kenneth can grow by heavily edited correspondence.

A bereaved widow, young women helping the war effort in ways that take bravery I can only imagine, an elderly lady with no family, and men desperate to escape the POW camp. What wonderfully diverse characters, each with their particular strengths and weaknesses. The thought that impressed me, was from the King of England down to the average Britisher, so many gave so much in the way of self-sacrifice. And many understood the value and hope provided by trusting in God at such a horrific time. Plus, the need to pull together to be successful. Kenneth may have some room to grow in all of these areas! Thankfully, people around him blaze the way spiritually as he attempts to blaze the way physically.

My fave secondary character? It would have to be a tie between Beryl’s mother (what a journey she makes in this book), and Mrs. Dowd (she both complicates and enriches others’ lives).

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“The greatness of any nation is in the spirit of its people.”- King George during WWII

“As far as Kenneth was concerned, if he wanted a miracle, he’d have to create it himself. And if God wanted to help, He was welcome. He could start with a hot dish of jambalaya.”

“He pitied those who didn’t have that hope, because it was hope that kept them going.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent!! I love the way Turk works all the elements together so beautifully!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 30

Texas Book-aholic, March 31

Pause for Tales, March 31

Sylvan Musings, April 1

deb’s Book Review, April 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 2

Labor Not in Vain, April 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 3

Cover Lover Book Review, April 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 4

Connie’s History Classroom, April 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 5

Stories By Gina, April 6 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 6

Betti Mace, April 7

For Him and My Family, April 7

She Lives To Read, April 8

Remembrancy, April 8

SodbusterLiving, April 9

Holly’s Book Corner, April 9

Lily’s Book Reviews, April 10

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, April 10

lakesidelivingsite, April 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, April 11

Lights in a Dark World, April 12

Blossoms and Blessings, April 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marilyn is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon eGift 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/25256/the-escape-game-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, BLOG, Favorite, Kindle, Purchase

Confessions to a Stranger by Danielle Grandinetti Review

March 26, 2023 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Title: Confessions to a Stranger

Series: Harbored in Crow’s Nest

Author: Danielle Grandinetti

Publisher: Hearth Spot Press

Released: March, 2023

Genre:Christian Historical Romantic Suspense

She’s lost her future. He’s sacrificed his. Now they have a chance to reclaim it—together.
Wisconsin, 1930—While fleeing for her life, Adaleigh Sirland’s rescue of a child introduces her to a family who provides her safe harbor. When her identity comes under threat of exposure, she must choose between running once more or helping the man who teaches her to hope again.
First mate David Martins is intrigued by the mysterious woman taken in by his grandmother, but she wrestles with a troubled past. When his estranged father is arrested for murder, can David put aside his own struggles in time to discern which secret threatens Adaleigh before it kills them both?
Welcome to Crow’s Nest, where danger and romance meet at the water’s edge.

Get your book here!

https://amz.run/6L9d

(Signed pb). https://bit.ly/CtaS_pp

Inspirational romance author, Danielle Grandinetti, writes both historical romantic suspense and contemporary sweet romance. An avid reader, she became a book blogger in 2016 and has been reviewing books since. She also won the University of Northwestern Distinguished Faith in Writing Award.

Danielle’s educational background includes an M.A. in Communication and Culture from Trinity International University, a B.A. in Communication from Louisiana Baptist University, and an A.A. in Biblical Studies from New Tribes Bible Institute, as well the Apprentice, Journeyman, and Craftsman Level certifications from the Christian Writers Guild. She has taught college courses on intercultural communication and group dynamics at Trinity International University and worked for twelve years as a virtual middle school writing coach.

Originally from the Chicagoland area, she now lives along the Wisconsin shoreline of Lake Michigan with her husband, their two young sons, and Labrador puppy. Find her online at daniellegrandinetti.com.

My Impressions

Wow! This great historical, romantic suspense novel by Danielle Grandinetti had me reading very, very slowly.

Let me tell you why I read Confessions to a Stranger so carefully. I just didn’t want it to end, and am in awe at Grandinetti’s writing style. This amazing feeling gradually overtook me after we have met both Adeleigh Sirland and David Martins. Grandinetti slowly reveals the character of each, but includes great humor. “Mustache stuck out a bony hand to help her up as Handsome leapt to his feet in one lithe movement. “( How can you not laugh at the nicknames Adaleigh gives to strangers?!) Not a humor book, Grandinetti inserts her trademark wit at precisely the right points to ease a little tension. “Detective O’Connor’s eyebrow twitched like an electrocuted cornstalk.” And how could I not stop to admire the poetic beauty of lines like this: “an evolution of emotion charged across her countenance”?

By this point in the mystery, I am dying to know who-dunnit, whether Adaleigh will be safe, if there will be a relationship between Adaleigh and David, etc.

However, I still had to read slowly because their are so many good quotes and so many wise words. Mrs. Martins is a wonderful, wise, and gentle, secondary character who knows trouble, yet knows Who to turn to. “…there are a lot of frightful things in the world.” Grandma sipped her tea. “We cannot live in constant fear. We put up reasonable safeguards and trust the good Lord with the rest.”

I appreciated Grandinetti’s knowledge of and the Big Lake and its dangers as well. Many do not give Lake Michigan her due respect and carefulness, but Adaleigh and David do. Also, Grandinetti has done her research and is quite knowledgeable about fishing on the lake.

And the whirlwind of an ending, wow! A lot of authors use up most of the suspense either early in the book, or space it evenly. Let me be clear: Grandinetti paces the suspense well throughout, but when she gets close to the climax, she creates a perfect storm of super-intense suspense that reminds me of a racer. At the end of a tight race, a sudden burst of energy (suspense in this case) appears, and the observer or reader is left wondering how it was possible for that much energy to be available!!

Now I cannot wait for the sequel, Refuge for the Archaeologist, coming out this summer, which will be Silas Ward’s story!!

I received a copy of the book from the author, plus I bought an ebook. No positive review was required, and all options are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“If only she could trust that hiding in God would physically keep her safe.”

“To go from all the bright hope in the world to running for her life … it was a hard pill to swallow.”

“You give me hope, and in the midst of pain, I must hope.” – Mrs. Martins

“We’re more willing to reveal hidden parts about ourselves to someone we think won’t see us again because the risk of judgment is lessened.”

“Sometimes a signpost would be easier than trying to figure out what God wanted.”

“we cannot worry about what we cannot control or we’ll go mad, surrounded only by our self-made fortresses.”- Mrs. Martins

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If only I could give more than 5 stars! I only count a handful of authors whose writing is so captivating and beautiful that I want to savor each word, every turn of the phrase, even as I’m dying to know the story’s resolution!

BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, NetGalley, Purchase

Finding Miss Fairfield by Grace Hitchcock Review and Giveaway

March 19, 2023 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: The Finding of Miss Fairfield

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: August 29, 2022

When an engagement of convenience becomes anything but convenient . . .

Forced into a betrothal with a widower twice her age, Charleston socialite, Sophia Fairfield is desperate for an escape. But, while her fiancé is away on business, he assigns his handsome stepson, Carver, the task of looking after his bride-to-be. Much to her dismay, Sophia finds herself falling in love with the wrong gentleman—a man society would never allow her to marry, given Sophia was supposed to be his new stepmother. The only way to save Carver from scandal and financial ruin is to run away, leaving him and all else behind to become a Harvey Girl waitress at the Castañeda Hotel in New Mexico.

Carver Ashton has had his life planned out for him since birth, but when he encounters Sophia Fairfield, he glimpses a new life—apart from his overbearing stepfather’s business. But, when the woman he loves disappears before he can express his devotion, Carver abandons all to find her. However, his stepfather has other intentions for Sophia and will stop at nothing until she is his bride . . . even if it is against her will.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in the New Orleans area with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.

More from Grace

Q: What type of fiction do you write? What is it about this type that appeals to you?

Grace Hitchcock: I write historical romance with a dash of suspense, unless it was for my true crime books which have a bit more than a dash of suspense  For my American setting novels, The Gilded Age speaks to me as it was a time of change for women. While still having that epic romance feel with balls and dancing and courtships with a sweet romance, women were breaking ground and making history and pairing that with the fact that it was a time of emerging inventions, it is an all-around exciting era to research, read, and write.

Q: Who were the Harvey Girls?

Grace Hitchcock: Whenever I tell people I am writing about a Victorian Harvey Girl romance, they usually assume the Harvey Girls are associated with an old-time saloon, but nothing could be further from the truth. In the 1890s, there were not many respectable jobs for women, so when Englishman Fred Harvey created his chain of fine dining restaurants along the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroads, single women without an education, or in need of earning their own way, were given a chance to earn an honest wage without the speculation that they offered anything else but food as a service. With Mr. Harvey’s strict rules about the waitress’s code of conduct, the women were given their independence while still maintaining their good name and place in society under the protective, fatherly arm of Fred Harvey. These extraordinary, brave women became known as the Harvey Girls, the ladies who tamed the Wild West with fine china, good pie, and exceptional service with complete propriety.

While Harvey Houses were built to serve the needs of the passengers on the rail to encourage tourism in the west, the railroad workers and local townsmen also dined at the restaurant, but usually at the lunch counter. At a time when men filled towns and women were scarce, inevitably, a railroad worker or townsman would express interest in marrying a Harvey Girl. In order to marry, she would need to fulfill her work contract or risk paying a fine of a month of salary. The fine was set in place to ensure that Fred Harvey would have enough workers and that he wouldn’t simply train a girl to have her shipped to a town of bachelors and leave him without a waitress.

As you can probably tell, such a set up sends an author’s head to spinning with all the romance that could come from a woman venturing out on her own in a land filled with cowboys, bandits, ranchers, and farmers. The possibilities for romance are endless! There is so much more I could write about these fascinating ladies and their contributions to society, but I hope you enjoyed this taste of history on the Harvey Girls!

Q: What are your publications? And what are you currently working on?

Grace Hitchcock: After signing with The Steve Laube Agency in 2015, I sold three novellas to Barbour Publishing and then, in March 2019, I released my debut novel, The White City, from Barbour Publishing and signed for a second novel, The Gray Chamber.

My latest release, His Delightful Lady Delia,concludes my 3-book American Royalty series for Bethany House Publishers and hit the shelves in November 2022.

This spring, I signed with Kregel Publications for my first ever REGENCY series!!!! I am thrilled for this dream come true!

While I wait for its release, I’m keeping busy editing and writing book two in my Harvey Girls Aprons & Veils series, The Pursuit of Miss Parish.

The Pursuit of Miss Parish summary:

Love’s gentle promise becomes nothing more than a withered dream.

With dreams of love and a hope for belonging, shy Belle Parish leaves her position as a maid in Charleston to travel to New Mexico with her best friend to become mail-order brides. Colt Lawson’s letters hold great promise and while his devilishly handsome face matches his picture, something does not add up. Discovering his lie only moments before they wed, Belle flees the church and straight into the Castañeda Hotel Harvey House. Giving up the prospect on ever marrying, she dons her nun-like uniform and focuses on her role as a Harvey Girl waitress until a strong, former Texas Ranger rides into her life.

Colt Lawson didn’t want to send that letter to Belle Parish in the first place, but her first response had all but captured his heart. When he is left standing at the altar alone, he is left with two choices—either release his dream of a love marriage, or attempt to win her heart. Wooing her would be a lot easier if that Texas Ranger wasn’t back in town. Who wants a dusty rancher with a past when she could have a shining knight in a Stetson?

While you wait for The Pursuit of Miss Parish to release in Summer 2023, please be sure to check out book one in my brand-new Harvey Girl series set at the historical Hotel Castañeda, The Finding of Miss Fairfield, a tale about Charleston socialite who is on the run from an engagement of convenience.

Happy reading, friends!

My Impressions

Grace Hitchcock has once again crafted a compelling novel involving faith, romance and suspense. My heart was in my throat as I followed Sophia’s path from Charleston to New Mexico. God allowed many unsavory, threatening, and greedy people in Sophia’s life. Will she ever get a chance to see what life could be like, following only God and her own decisions?

Another great look at the Harvey Girl empire: the girls, the rules, the camaraderie and the competition.

You will be glued to your seat as you flip pages to see if Sophia and Carver can have a future together, or whether evil will overcome. The power of loyalty, friendship, and forgiveness all stood out to me in amazing detail. Bravo!!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought a copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“I long to fly, but I am caught in a cage forged by society and propriety. I am only good for singing my despondent songs of things lost and only exist to entertain all that look upon me . . . never meant to be free.”

“She was not going to be silent any longer. Sometimes actions were the best way to be heard.”

“You sound like a dying cat.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! The action and suspense never stops!

Blog Stops

Connie’s History Classroom, March 12

Christina’s Corner, March 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 13

Genesis 5020, March 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 14

deb’s Book Review, March 14

Texas Book-aholic, March 15

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 16

Splashes of Joy, March 16

Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 16

Vicky Sluiter, March 17

Cover Lover Book Review, March 17

Simple Harvest Reads, March 18 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 19

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 20

For Him and My Family, March 20

Blogging With Carol, March 21

Back Porch Reads, March 21

Artistic Nobody, March 22 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

EmpowerMoms, March 22

She Lives To Read, March 23

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 23

Pause for Tales, March 24

Holly’s Book Corner, March 24

Mary Hake, March 24

Lights in a Dark World, March 25

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away the grand prize package of $50 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of the book, a bookmark, and a book magnet!!

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/24b7a/the-finding-of-miss-fairfield-celebration-tour-giveaway

BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, NetGalley, Purchase

Finding Miss Fairfield by Grace Hitchcock Review and Giveaway

March 19, 2023 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: The Finding of Miss Fairfield

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: August 29, 2022

When an engagement of convenience becomes anything but convenient . . .

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

More from Grace

Q: What type of fiction do you write? What is it about this type that appeals to you?

Q: Who were the Harvey Girls?

Q: What are your publications? And what are you currently working on?

My latest release, His Delightful Lady Delia,concludes my 3-book American Royalty series for Bethany House Publishers and hit the shelves in November 2022.

This spring, I signed with Kregel Publications for my first ever REGENCY series!!!! I am thrilled for this dream come true!

While I wait for its release, I’m keeping busy editing and writing book two in my Harvey Girls Aprons & Veils series, The Pursuit of Miss Parish.

The Pursuit of Miss Parish summary:

Love’s gentle promise becomes nothing more than a withered dream.

Happy reading, friends!

My Impressions

Another great look at the Harvey Girl empire: the girls, the rules, the camaraderie and the competition.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought a copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“She was not going to be silent any longer. Sometimes actions were the best way to be heard.”

“You sound like a dying cat.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! The action and suspense never stops!

Blog Stops

Connie’s History Classroom, March 12

Christina’s Corner, March 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 13

Genesis 5020, March 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 14

deb’s Book Review, March 14

Texas Book-aholic, March 15

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 16

Splashes of Joy, March 16

Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 16

Vicky Sluiter, March 17

Cover Lover Book Review, March 17

Simple Harvest Reads, March 18 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 19

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 20

For Him and My Family, March 20

Blogging With Carol, March 21

Back Porch Reads, March 21

Artistic Nobody, March 22 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

EmpowerMoms, March 22

She Lives To Read, March 23

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 23

Pause for Tales, March 24

Holly’s Book Corner, March 24

Mary Hake, March 24

Lights in a Dark World, March 25

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away the grand prize package of $50 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of the book, a bookmark, and a book magnet!!

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/24b7a/the-finding-of-miss-fairfield-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, Bethany House, BLOG, Favorite, Kindle, NetGalley, Purchase, Revell

The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel

March 17, 2023 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Title: The Maid of Ballymacool

Author: Jennifer Deibel

Publisher: Revell

Released: February 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction

Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School as an infant. She has worked there since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.

Fan favorite Jennifer Deibel invites you back to the Emerald Isle in the 1930s for this fresh take on the Cinderella story, complete with a tantalizing mystery, a budding romance, and a chance at redemption.

About the Author

Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher and freelance writer. Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic Magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona.

My Impressions

Most of us Americans would say we have a decent grasp on US history. But, alas, how many of us know much about other country’s historical struggles? Jennifer Deibel returns us to Donegal County, Ireland, to learn of Irish War of Independence in 1919, and the preceding years.

What better way to learn history than through a story, complete with a beautifully recounted love tale reminiscent of Cinderella. Deibel is a wordsmith, putting the reader in the forest to smell the musty earth, see the majestic trees, and hear their whispering in the wind. This makes meeting a secondary character, Finnuala, all the more mysterious and slightly spooky.

Do you love to have an antagonist that you can take out all your negative emotions on? If so, Deibel provides the perfect scapegoat. Oh, how I enjoyed the negative emotions that that person evoked, making my anger feel righteously justified!

The occasional Irish phrases, words, and slang, never exactly interpreted, but given great contextual clues; allgive great authenticity and local color to the novel.

Perhaps what I appreciate most, though, was that Deibel shows that there are evil and righteous people on both sides of the conflict. This is a truth our own country would do well to remember.

If you read only one foreign-set novel this year, consider The Maid of Ballymacool. If you are a fan of faith that produces growth, fairy-tale-like love stories, historical fiction of foreign countries, this is a book you won’t want to miss! I highly recommend anything Jennifer Deibel pens!

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads, via NetGalley, plus I won a copy through For the Love of Books Giveaway, plus I bought my own ecopy. Keeper shelf material! No positive opinion was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“All she needed were her walks in the woods, her treasures, and the good Lord.”

“She had never really had minded the cold. It was all she had known in many ways.”

“No, he was dangerous because he awakened something far more treacherous in her. Something she couldn’t afford to cultivate. Something deadlier than any poison or illness. Hope.”

“We were not blessed with our position in the community in order to lord it over others. On the contrary. We must use our authority to stand up for those who cannot do so for themselves.”

“Yer purpose in this world has precious little to do with what job ya hold. It’s to do wi’ the way ya impact the people around ye.”

“tis only One who knows the whole truth, and it’s not our job to take that mantle upon ourselves. We’d crumble under the weight of it.”

ARC, Bethany House, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, NetGalley, Purchase

A Mark of Grace by Kimberley Woodhouse

March 14, 2023 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: A Mark of Grace

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release date: January 3, 2023

When everything crumbles, her chance for a new beginning hangs in the balance.

Ruth Anniston survived an injury that left her physically scarred, broken, and angry at God. Now, she finds herself working behind the scenes as a kitchen and dining room supervisor at the El Tovar Hotel, hidden away from curious eyes and with little hope of finding love. When money begins to disappear from the hotel, Ruth’s entire livelihood is put at risk when she lands on the list of suspects.

Frank Henderson has at last succeeded in obtaining his dream job as head chef at the El Tovar. But competition in the kitchen is fierce, and one mistake could cost him his future. As the thefts at the hotel continue, and his affection for Ruth grows, Frank’s career–and his heart–are in jeopardy.

As tensions run high, Ruth and Frank must work together to save the El Tovar. They find themselves growing closer . . . but can their combined ingenuity overcome the odds against them?

Click here to get your copy!

Kimberley Woodhouse (www.kimberleywoodhouse.com) is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 30 fiction and nonfiction books. Kim and her incredible husband of 30-plus years live in the Poconos, where they play golf together, spend time with their kids and grandbaby, and research all the history around them.

More from Kimberley

It is such a thrill to be able to bring readers A Mark of Grace, book three in my Secrets of the Canyon series. These books have been near and dear to me since 2009, right from the moment the idea of setting a Harvey Girls series at the El Tovar on the rim of the Grand Canyon first hit me.

Ever since the release of A Deep Divide, book one in the series, I’ve received tons of messages from readers who hoped Ruth would have her story. All along, the plan was for the final installment to be hers.

Ruth has been a strong character throughout the series. A mentor. A friend. A headwaitress. But when a crisis hits her life, it affects every area—emotional, physical, and spiritual—and her confidence in everything she thought she knew crumbles.

Life isn’t easy for any of us, and I love a good story that I can grow and learn through. I pray A Mark of Grace is that for you.

My Impressions

Third in her series Secrets of the Canyon, Kimberley Woodhouse creates a masterpiece for A Mark of Grace. I would suggest reading all three books in sequence.

Taking place in 1907 at the El Tovar, a Harvey House hotel and restaurant at the brink of the Grand Canyon, this is head waitress Ruth Anniston’s story. A tragic accident has changed the trajectory of Ruth’s life and causes her to retreat from everyone close to her. At the same time, nefarious plans are afoot at the El Tovar. Will Ruth and her friends wait on God and His timing, or lean upon only themselves?

I cannot say how much I love this novel. Woodhouse hits home on several fronts. How often do we say we trust God… until the going gets rough?

How often do we look for our value in something tangible? We often say we find our value in Christ, but when something valuable is taken away, we often feel worthless and “less-than.”

I love that several of Ruth’s relationships are highlighted:her special friendship with Frank, her love for her parents, her friends like Emma Grace, Julia, Charlotte, and Tessa. These relational elements realistically presented against the backdrop of the beautiful canyon weave together with a strong faith component to create a truly memorable and inspirational novel. Being able to relate to one of the tragic issues in the novel, I loved how Woodhouse’s character finds the strength to deal well with it. That was such an encouragement to me.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit through NetGalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Lord, give me strength to handle whatever comes. The prayer grew frailer with each repeat.”

“When would she see how valuable and cherished she was?”

“She’d been pouring out her heart to the Lord for so long. Time was always the word that came to her. Time and wait.”

“Grace. Plus. Nothing.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent!! Woodhouse has a masterpiece!!

Blog Stops

Bigreadersite, March 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 11

Texas Book-aholic, March 12

Karen Baney Reviews, March 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 13

deb’s Book Review, March 13

Cover Lover Book Review, March 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 14

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 15

Where Faith and Books Meet, March 15

Blogging With Carol, March 16

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 16

Betti Mace, March 17

Connie’s History Classroom, March 17

She Lives to Read, March 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 18

Stories By Gina, March 19 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 19

Batya’s Bits, March 20

Splashes of Joy, March 20

Pause for Tales, March 21

EmpowerMoms, March 21

Through the Fire Blogs, March 22

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 22

For Him and My Family, March 23

Holly’s Book Corner, March 23

lakesidelivingsite, March 24

Book Looks by Lisa, March 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kimberley is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback set of the full SECRETS OF THE CANYON series!!

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/24b79/a-mark-of-grace-celebration-tour-giveaway

BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Kindle, New-to-Me Author, Purchase

Promise of Purity by Marguerite Martin Gray Review and Giveaway

March 10, 2023March 10, 2023 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Promise of Purity

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: February 14, 2023

Is true purity found in the laws of religion or in the hearts of the faithful?

East Molesey, England, 1661—

With the return of the exiled king to his rightful throne, Kate Sinclair’s world of black and white now offers the hope of color. But where does color-loving Kate fit? In the bakery as the daughter of a Puritan or in the palace garden among God’s myriad hues? Certainly not within the palace walls of an immoral court with new friends.

Exiled with King Charles II on the continent, Peter Reresby claims unwavering support of his friend’s regained crown. While fighting for the monarchy against his family’s wishes, his sister disappears, and Peter is determined to find her.

When their opposing beliefs collide, Kate and Peter witness a true test of faith in the ability of mankind to shed the past in order to preserve the future… and perhaps learn that the “greatest of these” truly is love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, and Bring Me Near– Revolutionary Faith Books One, Two and Three. Besides researching her historical novels, she enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Marguerite is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Abilene Writers Guild, Daughters of the American Revolution, South Carolina Historical Society, and Preservation Society of Charleston. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and Cleo, her cat. Her two adult children keep her up to date and young. Follow Marguerite at http://margueritemartingray.com.

More from Marguerite

Hello from north Louisiana. I am so happy to be here with you. When I am not writing, you will most likely find me outside in my garden, reading on the deck or front porch, or hiking/walking in the woods and parks. I love the outdoors, although I am not the athletic sports type, more like a nature lover. That is one reason I have enjoyed writing the novels for Gardens in Time.

When I was a preteen, I had the awesome privilege of residing in England outside of Liverpool while my father pursued an advanced degree in architecture. For a few years, I had the gardens of Britain and Europe as my playground. My sisters and I made up games on the lawns and in the gardens of the estates—supervised, of course. Hide-and-seek in castle ruins or tag in rose gardens or getting lost in mazes proved great entertainment. Hampton Court Palace Gardens was one of those majestic places.

Promise of Purity is set at Hampton Court Palace in 1661 during the return of Charles II from exile. Kate is a Puritan waiting for color to fill her life after a dismal rule under Cromwell. I visited Hampton Court again in June 2022. I wandered in the rose gardens and marveled at the herb plots. Wildflowers existed between the manicured plots of lilies. I strolled through the Privy Garden that my character Kate brings back to life. Walking in my characters’ footsteps energizes me as I present them to you, the reader.

Enjoy the journey through Hampton Court Gardens.

My Impressions

“On the bridge Kate faced Hampton Court. The red-brick walls held secret stories.”

Promise of Purity takes place in the early days of the reign of Charles II, which followed the English Civil Wars and the brief reign of Cromwell. Can the country come together again? More specifically, Marguerite Martin Gray takes us into the lives of two individuals, Kate Sinclair and Peter Reresby and their families. Peter and Kate are at odds, ideologically. She wants desperately to see the court and a little of the glamorous life that transpires there; he has lived it, and knows the seamy side -and wants to protect her from it. Can a Puritan and a Courtier find common ground, or are their differences too great to allow for grace, reasonable compromise, and forgiveness?

I certainly could relate to Kate and her strict upbringing. How close can one get to those who do wrong without being compromised? Must one stay far away, or is there room for prayerful involvement that may shine a light in a dark place? Kate is quite frustrated. “How do I follow what I think God is calling me to do when Father sets the rules?”

Thankfully, Gray includes enough indication of the kind of morality of Charles II’s court that we get a good feel for its debauchery. Yet we are not needlessly exposed to sordid details.

I really loved Kate and Betsy and their friendship, but, wow, I could see how Peter charmed Kate! He is a rare gem.

I loved the natural infusion of prayers into the novel. Also the very real sense of listening to God’s voice as one prayed. I also loved the growth of many individuals, some towards God, some towards people. We have to show real love to people or our love for God falls flat.

#2 in Gardens in Time series, Promise of Purity stands alone well.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought a copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Dreams are fine as long as you can still live in reality.”

“Fear stopped her from divulging too much. Fear of disapproval, of her imagination, of loneliness.”

“No, I am invited, simply dressed and humble, into the courtyards by His Majesty himself.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! Gray excels in showing how believers can associate with those involved obvious debauchery, without being judgmental nor joining in said behavior.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 4

Texas Book-aholic, March 5

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, March 6 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, March 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 8

For Him and My Family, March 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 9

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 10 (Author Interview)

Babbles Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 11

Artistic Nobody, March 12 (Author Interview)

Connie’s History Classroom, March 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 14

Guild Master, March 15 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 16

Through the Fire Blogs, March 17 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marguerite is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 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/2494b/promise-of-purity-celebration-tour-giveaway

BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, Purchase

Love’s New Beginnings by Penny Zeller Review and Giveaway

March 8, 2023 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Love’s New Beginnings

Author: Penny Zeller

Genre:Christian Historical Romance

Release date: December 13, 2022

Where it all began…

Lydie Beauchamp recently moved with her aunts—sisters Myrtle and Fern—to the untamed Wyoming Territory. When a teaching position in nearby Willow Falls captures her attention, can she leave her aunts, one of whom just suffered a broken heart, and embark on this new adventure? Will she find the courage to persevere in the midst of challenges, one being a handsome challenge named Solomon Eliason?

Reverend Solomon Eliason has the goal of making a difference. Hired as the pastor of Willow Falls, he must convince the congregation that he is able to undertake the role of a reverend. When he’s nominated to be the adult in charge of the annual prank tradition at the school, he embraces the idea, thinking the new teacher will be an elderly crotchety woman like his former teacher. What he doesn’t realize until it’s too late is that the teacher is far from crotchety and elderly.

When Lydie’s and Solomon’s paths cross in an unexpected way during the prank tradition at the Willow Falls school, can Solomon redeem himself in the eyes of the lovely new teacher?

Take a glimpse into where it all began with Lydie and Solomon’s story in this tender tale that reminds us that God can and does use willing hearts for His purposes.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today Penny is the author of over a dozen books. She is also a homeschool mom and a group fitness instructor. Her desire is to assist and nurture women into a closer relationship with Christ.

When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and camping, hiking, canoeing, bicycling/cycling, reading, running, gardening, and playing volleyball.

She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website, blog, and on Facebook.

More from Penny

Stagecoach etiquette, a casket for sale in the mercantile, and mock turtle soup were just a few of the items included in Love’s New Beginnings. Research is always fun for historical novels, and I even discovered that some people ate skunks back in the “olden days.” Not a regular delicatessen, but they did eat them on occasion. After reading about the ingredients for mock turtle soup and discovering about skunks for dinner (aka supper), I’m even more grateful for enchiladas and regular plain ol’ hamburgers. Historical romance novels are a delight to read, but is Love’s New Beginnings the book for you?

If you love…

To read love stories

Stories set in the late 1800s

Settings in the Wild West in small western towns

Sweet romance and tender love stories

Plentiful humor

Character-driven plots

Faith element organically interwoven into the story

Scenes that tug at the heartstrings

Hilarious antidotes tucked within the pages of a novel

To curl up and escape into the lives of book characters

Realistic plot lines

Close-knit families

Clean and wholesome reads

Memorable characters who stay with you long after the last page

Then Love’s New Beginnings is indeed the book for you!

My Impressions

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

What a beautiful, western, Christian historical romance by Penny Zeller. I’ve been longing lately to read a novella like Love’s New Beginnings. Zeller’s Christmas- themed story features Lydie Beauchamp, a young first-time teacher in a small Wyoming Territory town, and Solomon Eliason, a young, untested preacher in the same town. Both want to desperately to succeed where God has called them, but when circumstances seem adverse, question that calling.

I love returning to the days of the Old West in uncomplicated storylines, full of faith well-interwoven into the narrative, with humor and clean romance. Aunt Fern and Aunt Myrtle are great counterpoints and comic relief. They help the story shine brightly. I also love the value of mentors as seen in this novel. Lydie and Solomon are enabled to reach towards their full potential because of godly people in their lives.

Be sure and check out the stagecoach riding rules. I loved the “no snoring if you fall asleep.” I found myself laughing aloud several times. What blessed medicine at this time in my life!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“You might be worrying when you start to pray, but there’s no way you can pray and keep worrying at the same time.”

“I just hope I’m suitable for the position.” …“You’re suitable for whatever it is God calls you to.”

“Even if Solomon wanted to forget his mistakes, there was one man who would never allow him to do so.”

“…that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

“You don’t have to be someone special to come to Him. As a matter of fact, I think He prefers those who are broken and know they need a Savior. ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent!! Such a blessing to read this historical Christian romance at this point in my life! God’s timing is perfect for the book’s characters, and for me.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 3

Vicky Sluiter, March 3

Texas Book-aholic, March 4

deb’s Book Review, March 5

Cover Lover Book Review, March 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 7

EmpowerMoms, March 7

Connie’s History Classroom, March 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 10

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 11

Splashes of Joy, March 12

For Him and My Family, March 12

Holly’s Book Corner, March 13

lakesidelivingsite, March 14

Vibrant Wings by Valerie, March 14

Pause for Tales, March 15

Giveaway

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

To celebrate her tour, Penny is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

https://promosimple.com/ps/24949/love-s-new-beginnings-celebration-tour-giveaway

BLOG, Celebrate Lit Publishers, Celebrate Lit Tour, Kindle, Purchase

A Ransomed Grete by Chautona Havig Review and Giveaway

March 6, 2023 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: A Ransomed Grete

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Historical Mystery, Fairytale

Release date: December 28, 2022

October 1939—What happens when you run from danger… and into a trap?

After the Anschluss, Austria becomes a place its citizens don’t recognize—especially its Jewish citizens. Whispers ripple through Jewish communities—whispers about a chalet where a woman protects Jewish children from discovery. She’ll keep them safe, fed, and far away from Nazis.

Parents are forced to make horrific decisions. Send their children away to safety, possibly never seeing them again, or keep their families together and risk their children’s lives?

Hans Hartmann arrives at the chalet with a chip on his shoulder and a little girl in tow. He found Grete waiting at the train station. Alone. But life at Chalet Versteck feels more ominous than the streets of Vienna. Children sometimes vanish, and before Hans can figure out what’s happening, a high-ranking officer appears—and is killed.

It’s a race to find out who killed the man and get himself (and probably that pesky Grete) out!

A Ransomed Grete is the bridge book between the 1920s and 1940s Ever After Mysteries, combining fairy tales with mysteries.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author of Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

Picture it. Ventura, California,1982. Why I went to the lock-in, I still don’t know. It wasn’t my church, I didn’t actually like the girl I went with, and I knew no one else. In hindsight, I think God put me there, because that was the night I was introduced to Corrie Ten Boom.

Yes, they showed The Hiding Place, and a near obsession with all things Holocaust followed.

I don’t remember when my brain connected The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to that same war and helped me realize that the people bombing London and making the need to protect those children were the same ones ripping fathers, mothers, and children from homes in other countries and sending them “out into the country” too. But it happened. A sickening, nauseating understanding that still infuriates me today.

I railed against the evil soldiers. How could they do such a thing? My ever-patient father said, “Like our airmen should have refused to drop the bombs that ensured we’d end the war with Japan? When do soldiers get to decide which orders they will obey and which they will not?”

In my self-righteous, ever-black-and-white mind, I remember saying something to the effect of, “If they’d all refused, then the generals would have to listen. You can’t kill all your soldiers for insubordination.”

Dad’s quiet voice (it wasn’t always, but it was when he was deadly serious) answered that with a… “Considering the millions of Jews they slaughtered, I think they might have. Live soldiers can make a small difference.”

Look, Dad wasn’t defending the Nazi regime. He wasn’t defending sending innocent people to their deaths because some madman said they must. He did, however, point out that sometimes what seems to be acquiescence is really a front for helping people under the radar. Without proof of someone’s guilt, we could hope there was more to it than fear for self.

And that taught me another lesson—to assume the best of people until they gave me a reason to know otherwise. It also sparked ideas. How many men, women, and children pretended to be in league with the Nazis when they weren’t? How many people cowed to Nazi ideals out of self-preservation? How many others didn’t really see the evil until it was shoved down their throats?

It took forty years to do it, but those questions became the basis for A Ransomed Grete (pronounced Gret-uh, if it matters to you). What happens when the horrific occurs and self-preservation becomes a means of evil? I hope I offered enough hope amid the horror of Jewish genocide.

My Impressions

“Centuries ago, one of Austria’s most noble families built a small fortress in the forests south of Salzburg and east of Kuchl. There, hidden among the tall, stately trees and with woodland creatures as their neighbors, the family lived in peace and harmony for a century.”

Who can resist a beautiful fairytale? Chautona Havig begins A Ransomed Grete with the old-timey, flowery language of those beloved tales, but one can soon sense this will be one that has a darker side.

“A gray pallor hovered over Château Versteck. The sky, the trees, even the golden stucco all looked as if dusted with ash.” While Havig wields the pen majestically, world events were anything but beautiful and majestic.

Indeed, when we first meet Mina and Albert Gangl, it is in war-threatened Austria, 1938. Albert has been summoned to join the SS… or else…

When we next visit the Gangl home, Château Versteck, in 1939, Mina is a bitter woman, who has two faithful servants, Heddy, who sees children coming to be cared for as nuisances, and the cook, Frau Bauer, who though stern, has a softer side.

Havig has peopled her tale with multiple characters with varying degrees of kindness or will to survive the horrible days of occupation. What path will each choose as they look to escape the grim darkness of this time? I was so thankful Havig included the author’s note at the end. It helped me understand the story a little better. I was disappointed that the ray of Hope presented wasn’t brighter. I wanted the ending to be more solid, not so much left undetermined. That is just my preference, though. My first impressions were that the ending was truncated given all the suspense and terror to get there. Ruminating on the style further, I wonder if in fact, Havig didn’t just prove her brilliance as a storyteller, after all.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Children are often their parents’ puppets. See what a child does or hear what he says, and you will know his parents.”

“Don’t scold him for inconvenient obedience.”

Look for other quotes that define the story!

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great! Grim, but some fairytales are! I really wanted a firm ending. Just my two cents.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 24

deb’s Book Review, February 25

Texas Book-aholic, February 26

Blogging With Carol, February 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 28

Lots of Helpers, March 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 2

An Author’s Take, March 3

Denise L. Barela, Author, March 4 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 4

Connie’s History Classroom, March 5

For Him and My Family, March 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 7

Betti Mace, March 8

Inklings and notions, March 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 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/24704/a-ransomed-grete-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, Barbour, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, NetGalley, PB

The Cairo Curse by Pepper Basham Review and Giveaway

February 22, 2023 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: The Cairo Curse

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical Fiction / Romance / Adventure / Mystery

Release date: February 1, 2023

Clue meets Indiana Jones with a fiction-loving twist only Grace Percy can provide.

Newlyweds Lord and Lady Astley have already experienced their fair-share of suspense, but when a honeymoon trip takes a detour to the mystical land of Egypt, not even Grace with her fiction-loving mind is prepared for the dangers in store. From an assortment of untrustworthy adventure-seekers to a newly discovered tomb with a murderous secret, Frederick and Grace must lean on each other to navigate their dangerous surroundings. As the suspects mount in an antiquities’ heist of ancient proportions, will Frederick and Grace’s attempts to solve the mystery lead to another death among the sands?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

You can learn more about Pepper at her website http://www.pepperdbasham.com or connect with her on FB, IG, or Twitter

Read an Excerpt from the Book!

February 1914, Havensbrook

Gunfire erupted from outside, sending Frederick Percy, Earl of Astley, leaping from his chair. The seat crashed against the floor behind him in time with another shot. What on earth! He grabbed the first weapon-like item he could find—his grandfather’s cane—and dashed toward the sound, nearly colliding with his butler moving in the same direction.

“Did you hear the gunfire, Brandon?”

The older gentleman’s brows rose as high as they could go without becoming part of his snowy hairline. “Indeed, my lord. From the south garden, if I guess correctly, sir.”

“My thoughts exactly.” Frederick tapped the cane against the floor and took a step in the direction of the garden door. Then stopped, a sudden sense of dread forming a lump in his stomach. His butler’s response was much too cavalier for an emergency. “Have you seen Lady Astley of late, Brandon?”

“Not since after breakfast, sir.”

“Well, then.” Frederick returned to his office for his own pistol and prayed whatever inspired a gunshot near his home would prove more benign than dangerous. After surviving several near-death experiences over the past Christmas season, Frederick was quite finished with drama for a while. Though drama seemed to follow his new bride in spades.

He met the butler back in the hallway.

“Might I offer an insight, sir?”

Frederick pivoted in his approach to the door and turned back to Brandon. “Insight?”

“Yes, sir.” The man released a deep sigh which pulled his pristine posture into a slight slump. He then sent Frederick a look which somehow inspired a grimace before Frederick even heard the man’s words. “Her ladyship was speaking with Mr. Blake after breakfast, sir.”

“Mr. Blake?” Frederick rolled his gaze heavenward, the tension in his jaw uncoiling into a slight annoyance that manifested in an ache over his right eyebrow. He loved his cousin. There was no man Frederick trusted more. But for some reason, the idea of Blake and Grace together followed by the sound of gunfire did not bode well.

For anyone.

“About pistols, my lord.”

And the answers emerged, along with an increased throbbing in Frederick’s head. “Thank you, Brandon.”

Setting a slower pace, he moved toward the south side of his manor house, another shot reverberating nearer. Within a month since Christmas, his American wife had learned how to drive the car and throw knives, two skills she appeared to excel in more than knowing the fashion of the season or how to address the complicated hierarchy of the aristocracy. His lips almost split into a grin as he recalled her stumbling over addressing the Duke of Westonbridge two weeks ago by calling him “Your Honorable Lord” and then in quick correction, “Your Grace, or at least I hope you are since I fumbled your title so atrociously.”

Of course the duke had fallen under Grace’s spell within five minutes, as everyone else who met her seemed to do since she’d moved to his crumbling Derbyshire estate two months earlier. Well, everyone except the villainess who’d tried to kill them just before Christmas. But that was hopefully a distant story, and their next chapter would be a lovely, peaceful belated honeymoon—he increased his steps at the idea—with a little surprise tagged on for his lovely Lady Astley.

Frederick nodded a good afternoon to the police officer inconspicuously posted near the house so that Frederick’s mother could work out her sentence of house arrest in connection with his father and brother’s deaths. He released a sigh. No, she was no murderess, unless glares and harsh words counted, but she’d harbored information that could have protected others. The law had been gracious with her due to her age and status, merely revoking her freedoms from leaving Havensbrook, so his mother’s life stayed very much as it had since Frederick’s father’s death; however, the added blemish of “criminal” to her reputation ensured she spent her days away from the public eye.

And if the police officer appeared in no great distress over the gunfire, Frederick knew all too well what must be happening.

Just around the edge of the house, a large garden opened to the south, its walls still well intact, though ivy-grown and tangled. Another shot reverberated through the damp air, followed quickly by laughter and his wife’s exuberant exclamation of “I hit it.”

Frederick’s lips pinched into a frown. Why he ever expected his cousin Blake to mind Frederick’s subtle requests was beyond him! The garden gate stood open, welcoming him forward into an even more tangled array of vines and twined greenery, the winter roses, a remnant of the garden’s healthier days, sleeping until spring.

He hadn’t had the means to make things right with Havensbrook before but, with Grace’s wealth and her generous heart, he could now. Another way to make amends for the past, he hoped, though

God had already bestowed on him much more than he deserved.

His cousin stood to the right, hands on the hips of his gray suit jacket, but Frederick’s gaze followed Blake’s focus to the woman in the center of the garden. Her bright auburn hair was twisted up beneath a deep purple hat that matched her coat, both in contrast to her pale skin. Her laughter echoed toward him, so filled with joy and hope. Two things he’d thought lost forever before he’d met her.

Yes, God had given him much more than he deserved, and sometimes, he wondered if God had given him more than he could manage.

My Impressions

Thank you, Pepper Basham! How else can I start a review of The Cairo Curse, a book that flew to the top of my faves for 2023?

What surprised me about this is, that I was not a super fan of the Mistletoe Countess, the first book of the series. But The Cairo Curse? It blew me away, like the sandstorms that would sweep across the desert, covering ancient tombs.

Speaking of ancient tombs, Basham’s book sees plenty of malfeasance and disaster at the Egyptian pyramids, where Grace and Frederick have gone to visit his cousin, Georgia, whose husband is financing a dig. One of the guests of Georgia and her husband is a tipsy fortune teller, who predicts that the group will incur the wrath of the gods for interfering with the pharaoh’s burial grounds.

I loved Grace. She loves her husband with all her heart, she loves God and puts her faith in Him when times are bad. Grace is adventurous (which lands her in trouble- some hilarious and some not!) and always ready to sleuth. She is no wall flower. “Lady of Fire.” “Lady of Fire?” “Yes, Sitt.” Akeem patted his head. “You have fire hair and fire spirit.” Grace is also very optimistic. As Zahra says, “She paints sunshine with her words.”

My fave secondary characters are Zahra, the street urchin that Grace rescues and Frederick’s butler, Elliot. Both are testimony to the fact that God and love can change anyone, and everyone deserves a second chance.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and Net Galley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“The wrong marriage can make all the difference in the world to a person’s life and demeanor.”

“…it all reminded Grace how people carried darkness with them. They rarely needed to go in search of it.”

“Everyone needs a second chance. You are no exception.”

“Bitterness has a tendency to speak in a loud voice.”