BLOG, Favorite, PB, Revell

What Momma Left Behind by Cindy K Sproles

June 20, 2020June 20, 2020 Babbling Becky L

53154863

About the Book

Title: What Momma Left Behind

Author: Cindy K Sproles

Publisher: Revell

Released: June 2020

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Worie Dressar is seventeen years old when influenza and dysentery ravage her Appalachian Mountain community in 1898, leaving behind a growing number of orphaned children with no way to care for themselves. Worie’s mother has been secretly feeding a number of these little ones on Sourwood Mountain. But when she dies suddenly, Worie is left to figure out why and how she was caring for them.

Plagued with two good-for-nothing brothers–one greedy and the other a drunkard–Worie fights to save her home and the orphaned children now in her begrudging care. Along the way, she will discover the beauty of unconditional love and the power of forgiveness as she cares for all of Momma’s children.

Storyteller and popular speaker Cindy K. Sproles pens a tender novel full of sacrifice, heartache, and courage in the face of overwhelming obstacles.

My Review

I want this over with. I want things back to the way they was. We didn’t ask for this mess.

And every minute that passes just pours more manure on top of us.” No, this is not

someone present-day talking about the Corona virus. This is 17-year-old Worie Dressar,

who in 1877 has watched both the flu and typhoid decimate her part of Appalachia. Now,

Worie’s mother is gone, and Worie’s faith is put to a fearsome test as 1877 proves to be

the hardest year of her young life.

Why should you pick up this book, what Momma Left Behind, by Cindy K Sproles? First,

it’s amazing to think sometimes that there was another time and place as arduous as this

year (2020) has seemed. There can be something comforting to see someone go through

something- a pandemic and separation from society, no less, and realize it’s possible to

come out alive and more mature on the other side. Oh, but the process!

Then there’s that quaintness about the speech patterns of the mountain people that pulls

you into the story faster than you can say “moonshine.” One example:

“Anger crawled up from the deepest part of me, hurt seeped outta my heart, and fear eat

at me like a hungry buzzard. Momma had left me in more ways than one.”

This novel is very reminiscent of Christy by Catherine Marshall. There’s even a young,

interested preacher. Pastor Jess is such a good complement to Worie. He has such a great

soothing way with people when Worie tends to fly off the handle.

I loved all, no, most, of the secondary characters. But all were well-drawn, even Calvin,

Justice, and deceased Momma.

Ely is a voice to be reckoned with. One part comfort, one part Scripture, one part reproof,

one part encouragement.

The children. They were my undoing.

I never knew what to expect around the bend, be it literal or figurative.

Sproles deftly diffuses more than one molasses-like sticky situation with humor and I

found myself laughing out loud. Sometimes the tears came. But then, I’d think how

strong the mountain women were.

As Momma would say, “Take a day to mourn your lot, then shovel it over your shoulder

and move ahead.”

The values of family, hope, and forgiveness shine above judgment and false self-

perception. You may move beyond this novel, but a piece of Sourwood Mountain will

forever rest in your soul.

Notable Quotables:

“I’d heard folks talk about lightnin striking twice in one place. I reckon it had done struck me twice and then some.”

“Them mountains, they’s like the hills and valleys in our souls. We can’t have one without the other, but we can figure the best way to
climb.”

“I thought trust was something you could find, but I’m seein it ain’t found- it’s gived.”

“…truth ain’t promised to be easy, but it is promised to always be right.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. This in no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own.

My Rating

5 Stars – Superior – Hits My Reading Sweet Spot

About the Author

Cindy Sproles is an author and speaker. She has cofounded ChristianDevotions.us and serves as managing editor for SonRise Books and Straight Street Books, imprints of 214Fl3syn+L._CR0,0,160,160_UX160 Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas/Iron Stream Media. Cindy teaches at Christian Writers Conferences and ladies retreats and ladies conferences across the country. Her devotions are heartfelt and honest. Edgy and inviting. Cindy serves as the executive editor of ChristianDevotions.us, a writing mentor, and life-coach.She shares mentoring with best-selling author, Yvonne Lehman at Write Right. Author of four non-fiction books, Cindy’s Fiction debut novel, Mercy’s Rain(Kregel Publishing), was book of the year and her second novel, Liar’s Winter won numerous awards. Cindy’s 3rd Appalachian Novel, Revell Publishing, What Momma Left Behind, releases June 2,2020 She is a contributing author to CBN.com and InspireaFire.com and serves as the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Visit her at http://www.cindysproles.com or contact her at cindyksproles@gmail.com

Cindy is available for speaking events by contacting her at cindyksproles@gmail.com.

BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, YA

Victoria Grace, the Jerkface by SE Clancy with Giveaway

June 16, 2020June 16, 2020 Babbling Becky L

Victoria-grace-the-jerk-face

About the Book

Book: Victoria Grace: The Jerkface

Author: S.E. Clancy

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Release Date: June 15, 2020

51480082 Ever since Tori Weston and MamaBear were abandoned by her dad, finances have been tighter than a new pair of skinny jeans. As if keeping her grades up for scholarships and working every spare moment weren’t enough, Tori gets suckered into visiting a retirement home and paired with ancient resident Marigold Williams. After learning she’s the only one to visit Marigold in decades, Tori becomes a regular at Willow Springs. Besides, someone has to help with her history homework.

Corbin Dallas barges into Tori’s life with a prosthetic leg and a dimple, working his way into her hectic schedule. Though she tries to deny it, there’s something beyond his Texan drawl that gets Tori hoping she’s more than his sidekick. Together, they race to find Marigold’s missing family before she fades away. Tori ditches her soul-sucking job, along with her dreams of having a paint-peeled clunker to call her own, in order to help her friend one last time.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

A multi-generational story that will appeal to both young adults and adults as it pulls on your heartstrings and leaves you a bit undone. My emotions are so raw as I finish this novel of an unlikely friendship between an awkward seventeen-year-old and a ninety-six-year-old lady. SE Clancy has a clear winner in Victoria Grace, the Jerkface.
“My delicate stick of dynamite.” This is how a friend of Victoria Grace (or Tori, as she’s known to everybody but Marigold), describes our socially awkward and misfit book nerd heroine. Tori has no father present in the home, a mom (“MamaBear”) who is a cop, and a bike for transportation. She wants out of Redding, where they have recently moved…NOW.
In reluctant response to a youth group challenge, Tori ends up at Willow Springs Retirement Home where she meets and slowly befriends prim and proper Marigold.
I love the paradox that is Tori. Unpopular, she is a friend to Madison, who seems like she should be on the inside track. She’s part of the self-joined group of Grammar Police. “Fingernails down a chalkboard. No matter how many times I teased or corrected her, Madison’s text messages looked like an illiterate goat typed them, one hoof at a time.” Oh, do I love Tori! And her sarcasm is cute and ever-present, as is her quick wit. Who else would call a bus a “rolling metal zoo”?

Victoria Grace, the Jerkface 1
Marigold, of Willow Springs, is sweet, feisty, secretive, and regal, all at once. I love the way Tori and Marigold develop a symbiotic relationship and become stronger as two than they are as individuals.
Ah, Corbin. Not quite perfect, but close. In the right spot at the right time, he grows on you. He complements Tori well.

Victoria Grace, the Jerkface 2
This book somehow conjures up the same feelings as A Walk to Remember. So be warned and ready. Open the book prepared for laughs, memories, love, and tears. Don’t forget the Kleenex.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher via Celebrate Lit. This in no way influenced my opinions, which are solely my own.

My Rating

5 Stars– Superior- Hit My Reading Sweet Spot

About the Author

SE-Clancy-260-214x300

S.E. Clancy (aka Sarah) is a bit of a sci-fi nerd, geek, and self-proclaimed dork. There isn’t much she won’t try at least once…unless it involves mayonnaise, because that stuff is just gross. You can learn more about her at seclancy.com.

More from S.E.

Victoria Grace the Jerkface started as a short story after I’d listened to my favorite song by Nat King Cole: The Christmas Song. I’d overheard a teenager say, “I don’t even know what a chestnut is.” I typed that into a note on my phone because it struck a chord. Within days, a photographer named Tom Hussey issued a series called “Reflections” that featured elderly people gazing into mirrors and seeing their younger selves. That same night, one of my children asked for a project to earn school credits. Like flint to tinder, the idea of this teenager who didn’t know what a chestnut was having to visit an older person left in a care home began to grow.

To add in a bit of my mom and myself to the story, I had my main character Tori (Victoria Grace) love her mom’s meatloaf. It’s a recipe that my mom used from her grandma, an amazing woman we called Grandma Ted.

Ted’s Meatloaf

1 pound thawed ground beef or turkey
1 packet of dry onion soup mix
1 – 2 heels of bread torn into dime-sized pieces (1 for turkey, 2 for beef)
1 egg

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients in a single bowl. Works best if you use your hands, but mix really well if you use a spoon to incorporate all of the ingredients.

Spray a loaf pan with non-stick spray. Do not use parchment paper—no one wants a soggy bottom. Plop the entire mixture into the pan and place into the middle of the oven. Cook for an hour.

This recipe doubles easily, just change the cooking time to 1 ½ – 1 ¾ hours and check the internal temp with a thermostat.

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 15

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 16

Books, Life, and Christ, June 16

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 18

Texas Book-aholic, June 19

Inklings and notions, June 20

Robin’s Nest, June 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 21

Nancy E Wood , June 21

For Him and My Family, June 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 23

deb’s Book Review, June 24

Batya’s Bits, June 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 26

CarpeDiem, June 26

Pause for Tales, June 27

Artistic Nobody, June 28 (Guest Review from Kelsey Barela)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, S.E. is giving away the grand prize package of signed book, origami bookmark, marigold seeds, & $10 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/fc81/victoria-grace-the-jerkface-celebration-tour-giveaway

BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, NetGalley

This Wandering Heart, #1 Madison River Romance by Janine Rosche with Giveaway

June 13, 2020June 14, 2020 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: This Wandering Heart

Author: Janine Rosche

Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Romance

Release Date: May 5, 2020

In the first entry in the Madison River Romance series, Keira Knudsen gets the traveling opportunity of a lifetime, but when she reunites with her first love, Robbie, she learns that even a wandering heart needs a home….

No one in the quaint town of West Yellowstone, Montana, knows that unassuming geography teacher Keira Knudsen moonlights as sensational travel blogger Kat Wanderfull. No one, that is, except for her first love, Robbie Matthews, who has just discovered the woman he is falling for online is the same one that broke his heart five years ago.

But Robbie has another problem: the mother of his daughter, Anabelle, has resurfaced after a three-year absence determined to rip Anabelle away from him. Robbie needs a steady paycheck for a chance at custody, and now, on the eve of a grand adventure that could give Keira a chance to flee her old, troubled life once and for all, she is in need of assistance.

With so much broken trust between them, Keira and Robbie must keep an arms-length away to make this partnership work. But the more time they spend together, exploring majestic places and sharing new experiences, the closer they get–until their secrets and dreams threaten to cost them everything.

My Review

Can Keira, a history teacher by day and a travel social media presence by weekend; and Robbie, an expert builder but non-intellectual; get honest enough with each other to explain their past issues and build a new future?

This Wandering Heart, #1 Madison River Romance by Janine Rosche was a Hallmark-type Christian romance. I wasn’t sure what to think of Keira. I really liked her, but she didn’t seem to know her own mind. She had a rough past, but when things got tough, it was hard to predict which way the wind would blow. She does show tremendous growth when she finally stands up to her father and tells her mother, “…courage isn’t something we’re born with. It’s a choice.” Kiera does find the bravery needed to make some other changes in her life that create great life choices for her.

I immediately liked Robbie for his great, tender care of his daughter by himself. He was totally dedicated to Annabelle. Robbie has several issues to sort out, all coming to a head at once. He was wise enough to lean on God and his family to help him produce the resources he needed to weather some very tough storms.

Annabelle was another show stopper. How could anyone not fall in love with this sweetheart?

I even loved how Vivian was drawn as more than 2- dimensional. Sometimes the villian only seems to have one side- bad. But I could actually identify with Vivian as Ms. Rosche wrote her.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. This in no way affected my opinions, which are solely my own.

My Rating

4 Stars – Excellent- Will be Glad to Recommend

About the Author

Prone to wander, Janine Rosche finds as much comfort on the open road as she does at home. This longing to chase adventure, behold splendor, and experience redemption is woven into her Madison River Romance series. When she isn’t writing or traveling, she teaches family life education courses to college students, takes too many pictures of her sleeping dogs, and embarrasses her four children and husband with boy band serenades.

More from Janine

Do you remember that weird kid who would sit at their desk in elementary school and stare into space for minutes at a time? If you don’t, then chances are, you were that weird kid. Welcome to the club—you know, the club for people who believe that what could be is worth imagining.

“If you imagine it, then it will never happen,” my junior high friends said.

“You’re setting yourself up for disappointment,” my high school mentor advised.

“Close your mouth, or you’ll catch a fly,” my second grade teacher warned.

While that last one scared me into buttoning my lips while staring blankly at the chalkboard, those early naysayers didn’t keep me from daydreaming. I couldn’t help it. I loved imagining a world far more exciting, awe-inspiring, and romantic than my own. Even when I’d finish books or movies, I would happily dream myself into the story where courage abounds and heroes are truly larger-than-life.

Of course, through the years, disappointment did come, and so did reality. In love, my heart was broken. In my career aspirations, my confidence was shattered. My daydreams almost stopped entirely.

People often ask me if it was a lifelong dream of mine to publish a book. The answer to that is yes…and no. It had been once, but holding on too tightly to that while also believing it was too far out of reach for someone like me created such an overwhelming ache in my heart. And so, I buried it. However, that dream, along with the storylines and characters in my mind weren’t content to stay buried. For eight years they awakened me at night and distracted me by day, until finally, I chose to spit out the words in a blank spiral notebook. I’d hoped that by writing down the story that had festered, I’d finally have peace, but then the next story came, and the next.

“I’ve learned that courage isn’t something we’re born with. It’s a choice.” That line of dialogue comes from a key moment in my debut novel, This Wandering Heart. In the story, my heroine, Keira, rises above an awful childhood to live a life of adventure. The line was quite autobiographical. I could have chosen to keep believing the naysayers. That would have been easy. It took no courage–no risk at all—to believe the lies, the criticism, and the discouragingly low probability statistics of publication.

Pursuing your dream, though, requires a lot of courage. Courage to be laughed at, to fail, to be rejected. Courage to be terrible at this new thing you’re trying. Certainly more courage than I carried in my spirit. So I prayed. I climbed onto that metaphorical rope dangling from the hand of God, and swung.

It was a choice. To be completely honest, it still is a choice to believe these daydreams of mine. Each day, it takes faith to chase this dream of writing novels and to imagine what could be. I guess you could say that I’ve found my way into the story after all. And it truly is exciting, awe-inspiring, and—dare I say?—romantic.

I’m honored to have you all join me on this incredible journey! But it’s not all about me. What daydream are you tempted to believe in your life?

Everyone is eligible to receive a free subscription to the Love Wander Read Journal, a quarterly digital magazine from Janine Rosche that aims to provide inspiration for a life well-lived. Link: http://janinerosche.com/the-love-wander-read-journal/

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, June 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 8

Texas Book-aholic, June 9

Read Review Rejoice, June 9

My Devotional Thoughts, June 10

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, June 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 12

Get Cozy Book Nook, June 12

Batya’s Bits, June 13

deb’s Book Review, June 13

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 14

The Becca Files, June 14

Older & Smarter ?, June 15

Through the Fire Blogs, June 15

For Him and My Family, June 16

Vicky Sluiter, June 17

Pause for Tales, June 18

All-of-a-kind Mom, June 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 19

Britt Reads Fiction, June 19

Life of Literature, June 20

Hallie Reads, June 21

Livin’ Lit, June 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Janine is giving away the grand prize package of a set of GelConnie leather bracelets, a 2020 National Geographic Road Atlas, and a $50 Visa 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/fc1c/this-wandering-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite

Secrets Resurfaced, #4 Roughwater Ranch Cowboys by Dana Mentink with Giveaway

June 11, 2020June 8, 2020 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Secrets Resurfaced

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: June 2, 2020

When new evidence surfaces about a tragic boating accident that put her ex-boyfriend’s 48829641

father in prison, private investigator Dory Winslow’s determined to look into it. But now someone’s dead set on silencing her. And working with Chad Jaggert—the father of her secret child—may be the only way to survive the treacherous truth about the tragedy that once tore them apart.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Secrets that rise to the surface are indeed deep. Some are delightful, some are painful, and others are like a hidden branch that will catch you, hold you, and cause you to drown. When all the secrets are out, who survives, and who drowns figuratively, if not bodily?
I loved this book on many levels. Dana Mentink is a new-to-me author, but one I’ve been wanting to squeeze in for quite a while. Water catches my eye, so the cover caught my attention first. Then I discovered Dory Winslow. Although trained by her father to be a PI, she is very down-to-earth and relatable. So is Chad, her ex-boyfriend, who works for a ranch. I loved the way he “adopted” the family where he works, with the goal of starting up a rescue horse operation as therapy for veterans.

Secrets Resurfaced 1
Chad’s biological father had been driving a boat drunk 5 years ago, and two people were killed. Now one of those, Blaze, shows up alive and shooting. Dory and Chad teeter back and forth between trying to rekindle their former relationship and totally antagonizing each other, yet they need each other to solve this mystery.
For a person trying to make amends, Dory sure seems to sink back into the hate and snark pretty quickly. I found Chad much easier to like, as Dory’s thought processes just didn’t seem too sound sometimes.

Secrets Resurfaced 2
Secondary characters can make or break a book for me, and Mentink threw in some great ones. I loved Aunt Ginny and her husband, and the way they loved on friends of Chad who needed help. I loved the camaraderie and brotherhood forged by Chad and his two adopted brothers. I was quite surprised by the wonderfully humble personality of one person, and who wouldn’t love Ivy and Meatball? Meatball steals the show! Steel Magnolias has nothing on Sarah, Dory’s mom, either!!
I highly recommend this novel, and I will be on the lookout for others by Dana Mentink. I hope animals are included.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. This in no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own.

My Rating

5 Stars – Superior- Hit My Reading Sweet Spot!

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a dana-mentink-223x300

Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Sourcebooks. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

More from Dana

Well, it’s been a wild ride through the Roughwater Cowboy series! Here we are at the end, with youngest brother Chad’s story. Fortunately, the rest of the clan (Mitch, Liam and Helen) are here to lend a hand when the man Chad’s father was jailed for killing comes back to life. Helping out also is Jingles the hapless dog, and a new member of the canine family, three legged Meatball. Throw in a killer on the loose and a secret child, and we’ll have a ‘hold onto your hat’ finish to this series. Thanks for coming along with me! God bless you!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 5

Texas Book-aholic, June 5

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 6

deb’s Book Review, June 6

Pause for Tales, June 6

Inklings and notions, June 7

Just Your Average reviews, June 7

Genesis 5020, June 8

Through the Fire Blogs, June 8

Hallie Reads, June 8

She Lives To Read, June 9

For the Love of Literature, June 9

Betti Mace, June 10

Quiet quilter, June 10

Older & Smarter?, June 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 11

Blogging With Carol, June 11

For Him and My Family, June 12

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, June 12

Bigreadersite, June 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 13

reviewingbookplusemore, June 13

Reading Is My SuperPower, June 14

KarenSueHadley, June 14

Moments, June 14

Simple Harvest Reads, June 15 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 15

Remembrancy, June 16

Bizwings Blog, June 16

To Everything There is A Season, June 16

Splashes of Joy, June 17

Blossoms and Blessings, June 17

Just the Write Escape, June 18

Daysong Reflections, June 18

Artistic Nobody, June 18 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of the book and 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/fc1a/secrets-resurfaced-celebration-tour-giveaway

BLOG, Favorite

Miss Tavistock’s Mistake, #1 The Brides of Mayfair by Linore Rose Burkhard

June 9, 2020 Babbling Becky L

53303839._SY475_

About the Book

Title: Miss Tavistock’s Mistake

Series: #1 The Brides of Mayfair

Author: Linore Rose Burkhard

Publisher: Lilliput Press

Releases: June, 2020

Genre: Clean Regency Romance

Regency Romance in the vein of Georgette Heyer will delight the romance fan!

“Rarely does a book make me laugh so hard! I couldn’t put it down.”
MaryLu Tyndall, Award-winning Author

Young Miss Tavistock is promised in marriage to Captain Rempeare by the wish of her dearly departed papa. But the captain’s been at sea for a decade. When she finally meets him, tempestuous sparks fly, and she impulsively adopts a daring false identity. Going by “Lady X,” she vows never to marry such an infuriating man.

Captain Gabriel Rempeare is prepared to fulfill his duty and marry Miss Tavistock—if only he can clap eyes on her. One circumstance or another keeps them apart, though he cannot seem to avoid the beautiful, maddening, Lady X. When fate throws them together in London, Miss Tavistock discovers the real nature of the captain, and regrets her subterfuge. But can such a noble man forgive deceit? Or has her mistake already cost her everything?

My Review

Linore Burkhard has produced an unusual gem in Miss Tavistock’s Mistake. When the wording resembled older English, I was afraid the story would be hard to understand. Fortunately, a few of the characters were hard to fathom, but the story was a pure delight. With deception on every hand, if the book were contemporary, it would probably be titled, “Truth or Lies?”
It is 1811, and Captain Gabriel Rempeare returns to England after ten years in Her Majesty’s Navy. He seeks out the young cousin he was betrothed to years ago, but misunderstandings abound.
First, who wouldn’t love the dashing captain? Truth be told, the man is not only strikingly handsome, but tender, loyal, committed, and determined to save those around him, no matter the cost to himself.

Miss Tavistock's Mistake 1

What to think of Miss Tavistock? First, I am glad to remember she is nineteen. She has been socially deprived and wants very much to have a London season. The arrival of the captain nor lack of funds will get in her way. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. The will is ever so strong, and the way is hilariously convoluted.
What a regency folly ensues. I kept hoping for something Miss Tavistock wasn’t willing to give, but she delivers plenty of laughs. She reminds me of Anne Shirley in her dramatics. Just one example. “‘…dare say I shall be laid up the rest of my days. I will live in the ‘Slough of Despond’ forever!’ she added tragically.”

Miss Tavistock's Mistake 2

Several other characters add to the deception schemes. Roderick, with his lies, was my least favorite. But points to Burkhard for describing the Resurrectionists. Daring blokes!
I must add a word of the castle scene. It is well-researched and Burkhard describes the scene so vividly, I felt as if I were there. Whew! But I am off to check out Burkhard’s Regency Trilogy books, Before the Season Ends, Book One; The House in Grosvenor Square, Book Two; and The Country House Courtship, Book Three.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. This in no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own.

My Rating

5 Stars – Superior – Hits My Reading Sweet Spot

About the Author

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Linore Rose Burkard ( L.R.Burkard) is a serious watcher of period films, a Janeite, and hopeless romantic. An award winning author best known for Inspirational Regency Romance, her first novel (Before the Season Ends) opened the genre for the CBA. Besides historical romance, Linore writes contemporary suspense (The Pulse Effex Series, as L.R. Burkard), contemporary romance (Falling In), and romantic short stories (ie., “Three French Hens”). Linore has a magna cum laude English Lit. degree from CUNY which she earned while taking herself far too seriously. She now resides in Ohio with her husband and family, where she turns her youthful angst into character or humor-driven plots.

Sign up for Linore’s newsletter to get updates on new books, works in progress, freebies, special sales, and more. You’ll receive a free novella, Three French Hens set in the days of Robespierre but in England. Sign up at HERE

Linore is Vice President of the Dayton Christian Scribes, and a Regional Director of CAN, Christian Authors Network. Her biggest guilty pleasure aside from ice cream is cheering the NY Mets. Her husband knows how they’re doing from the other side of the house! (It’s true what they say, “You can take the girl out of New York, but…..” )

Find Linore online:

Website

http://www.linoreburkard.com

Twitter

LinoreRBurkard

URL

https://www.goodreads.com/linrose

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Miss Tavistock’s Mistake, #1 The Brides of Mayfair by Linore Rose Burkhard

June 6, 2020June 9, 2020 Babbling Becky L

53303839._SY475_

About the Book

Title: Miss Tavistock’s Mistake

Series: #1 The Brides of Mayfair

Author: Linore Rose Burkhard

Publisher: Lilliput Press

Releases: June, 2020

Genre: Clean Regency Romance

Regency Romance in the vein of Georgette Heyer will delight the romance fan!

“Rarely does a book make me laugh so hard! I couldn’t put it down.”
MaryLu Tyndall, Award-winning Author

My Review

Miss Tavistock's Mistake 1
What to think of Miss Tavistock? First, I am glad to remember she is nineteen. She has been socially deprived and wants very much to have a London season. The arrival of the captain nor lack of funds will get in her way. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. The will is ever so strong, and the way is hilariously convoluted.
What a regency folly ensues. I kept hoping for something Miss Tavistock wasn’t willing to give, but she delivers plenty of laughs. She reminds me of Anne Shirley in her dramatics. Just one example. “‘…dare say I shall be laid up the rest of my days. I will live in the ‘Slough of Despond’ forever!’ she added tragically.”

Miss Tavistock's Mistake 2
Several other characters add to the deception schemes. Roderick, with his lies, was my least favorite. But points to Burkhard for describing the Resurrectionists. Daring blokes!
I must add a word of the castle scene. It is well-researched and Burkhard describes the scene so vividly, I felt as if I were there. Whew! But I am off to check out Burkhard’s Regency Trilogy books, Before the Season Ends, Book One; The House in Grosvenor Square, Book Two; and The Country House Courtship, Book Three.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. This in no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own.

My Rating

5 Stars – Superior- Hits My Reading Sweet Spot

About the Author

1908773

Find Linore online:

Website

http://www.linoreburkard.com

Twitter

LinoreRBurkard

URL

https://www.goodreads.com/linrose

BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Chapter Book, Kiddie Lit

Tyrone the Terrible by Jan Lis with Giveaway

June 4, 2020June 4, 2020 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Tyrone the Terrible

Author: Jan Lis

Genre: Children’s Chapter Book

Release Date: March, 2020 TYRONE-COVER-FINAL-194x300

Tyrone is the skinniest chameleon in the swamp. No one wants him on their team. After going on a fitness program, Tyrone gets carried away with his new self and terrorizes his friends in Gnarly Tree Bend until he meets Sly, the meanest gator in the bayou. Looks like Tyrone is gumbo.

The moral of this story? Someone is always bigger and badder than you, so you’d best make friends along the way.

TYRONE THE TERRIBLE is a bullying tale. The feisty chameleon picks on his bayou buddies before meeting his match. In the process, he learns the value of friends and family and how actions have consequences.

This delightful story is filled with swampy animal characters with a distinctly southern voice – not quite Brer Rabbit, but a good deep-south feel.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

What a fun book for children Jan Lis has written and illustrated. Tyrone the Terrible is a book younger children will enjoy having read aloud to them, complete with its Southern dialect and charm. Older children, 9-12, will enjoy the short chapters with the black and white animal illustrations (even the possum looks cute, if that’s possible!). They will enjoy trying to emulate the different animal voices to produce the Voice of the Old South. Children that like Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox will conjure up great mental images of animals that live together and impart life lessons. Discussion questions follow. I am definitely a fan of the animals in this bayou. I wonder if more cute creatures will need swamp critter help as they grow up?

Tyrone the Terrible
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit, plus I purchased my own copy. The complimentary copy in no way affects my opinions which are solely my own.

My Rating

5 Stars – Superior – Hits My Reading Sweet Spot

About the Author

Jan Lis is a south Florida writer and artist. Living in this multicultural area, Jan utilizes Jan-Lis-199x300 these diverse cultural influences in her stories. Jan fills her children’s books with spunky characters and rich imagery, bringing to her stories and illustrations the same vivid quality found in her fine art paintings.

Jan attended the Cleveland Institute of Art, has a degree from Ohio University’s School of Fine Art, and took post-graduate writing at Case-Western Reserve. She established her writing as a journalist contributing articles to publications such as the Miami Herald, and the Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, and worked as Fine Arts Editor and Columnist for the Florida Arts Gazette.

Jan Lis is an established artist who has exhibited and won awards in many of the country’s top Annual Exhibitions including: The Butler Institute of American Art, the San Diego Watercolor Society, and the Piedmont Biennial at the Mint Museum. She is represented in corporate and private collections including: the State of Florida Art In Public Buildings Program, the Brevard County Florida Art in Public Places Program, and the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, Winston-Salem, NC.

Jan is represented by agent Cyle Young, Hartline Literary Agency, and is member of the
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

More from Jan

How I first met Tyrone was an interesting adventure in itself. One day, a curious little chameleon climbed up on a stone, and watched me as I went for my afternoon swim. Day after day his little head popped up every time I entered the pool. Then he scrambled up onto his rock to watch me swim. Over the course of the summer I saw this skinny fellow gradually mature into quite an impressive chameleon. Sometime during the summer he gained the name Tyrone, and the story was born. Much of the action in Tyrone The Terrible takes place around Gnarly Tree, located along the bayou. While the setting of the story is fiction, the tree is not. My Gnarly tree is a venerable old Banyan, located along the pathway near my home. These days I give it a nod whenever I pass by. I loved writing the Tyrone characters, and the southern feel of the dialogue. It’s a story you just have to read out loud, and have fun with.

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, June 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 2

Vicky Sluiter, June 3 (Author Interview)

Older & Smarter?, June 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 5

Texas Book-aholic, June 6

Simple Harvest Reads, June 7 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 8

deb’s Book Review, June 9

Inklings and notions, June 10

My Devotional Thoughts, June 11 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, June 12

Splashes of Joy, June 13

Artistic Nobody, June 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jan is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift Certificate and a signed copy of Tyrone The Terrible!!

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/fc14/tyrone-the-terrible-celebration-tour-giveaway

BLOG, Real Life-- Not a book, Reposted From a friend of Becky Lewis's

Congratulations Celebrate Lit on 5 Years!!

June 2, 2020June 2, 2020 Babbling Becky L

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Most of this post is not original with me, but rather is reblogged from Chautona Havig, one of the tireless leaders of our wonderful group called Celebrate Lit. You as my blog readers may notice that a vast majority of my blogs have mentioned Celebrate Lit as being the source for my books, as well as a “Celebrate Lit tour” of said books. More often than not, there are prized associated with the books on a Celebrate Lit tour. Am I excited about Celebrate Lit as a company? You bet! But let me turn you over to Chautona, who is an author herself. She will explain all about this great company even better.

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Chautona Havig:

As often happens, college classes sparked an idea—a desire. Authors needed exposure for their books. Word of mouth goes so far, but what if more “mouths” could be rallied to spread the word about great books?

Sandy Barela took all she’d learned in the marketing classes and began with one blog images tour to help a friend promote a new release. Little did she know then that five years later, she would have hundreds of bloggers helping her promote authors’ books. Little did she know then that she’d tour hundreds and hundreds of books. That first blog tour gave birth to a fledgling company that since then has featured every genre in the clean and Christian realm. From rom-com to women’s fiction, historical romance to contemporary, sci-fi to fantasy, not to mention nonfiction, they’ve done it all.

Celebrate Lit

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Congratulations to Celebrate Lit on 5 Exciting Years

In the past few years, Celebrate Lit Publicity has expanded first to include Celebrate Lit Publishing and more recently, #BecauseFiction Magazine, an online magazine also dedicated to helping authors and readers connect in one, easy to find place.

Each tour reaches thousands of potential readers who are already looking for their next read. This benefits authors and readers both. Authors know that people don’t just see a picture of their book and hope that’s enough to capture the interest of their ideal readers. Instead, those readers are exposed to other readers’ readers’ impressions of that book. All the benefits of an Amazon review (which authors receive, too) but delivered directly to potential readers.

Even more than that, Celebrate Publicity takes those reviews and advertises them where those readers congregate to ensure that even blogger/reviewers with a small following have their reviews shared beyond their little sphere of influence. The Celebrate lit team devotes dozens of hours to each tour to ensure the best success they can give it, and all for an extremely affordable price.

Christian authors love one more thing about it.

Knowing that the team prays over every book toured with the company reminds authors of Who controls not only the outcome of the tour but the company as well. Everything the Celebrate Lit Team does is through careful, prayerful consideration.

So, just what is a blog tour?

You’ve probably seen one here. It’s just information about a book, a reader’s perspective on the story or content, a post from the author to you, and a list of other readers who are featuring that book. It’s a great idea to visit at least a few of the books to get a balanced perspective on it, but it’s an even better idea to go to all of them.

Why?

Because most tours also include a giveaway. Visiting each blog gives each visitor the opportunity to gain more entries into the giveaway, especially if one leaves a comment.

You can discover all the books on tour today by visiting Celebrate Lit to see what books are on tour this week or by visiting the Celebrate Lit Community Forum on Facebook.

From all the authors and bloggers blessed by Sandy and her team at Celebrate Lit, Happy Anniversary! And may you have fifty more years to serve the Lord through this ministry.

celebrate lit

BLOG, NetGalley, Waterbrook-Multnomah

Being Known, #2 Haven Makers by Robin Jones Gunn

June 1, 2020June 1, 2020 Babbling Becky L

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About the Book

Title: Being Known

Series: #2 Haven Makers

Author: Robin Jones Gunn

Genre: Inspirational Contemporary

After her mom passed away, Jennalyn was in the midst of moving, having a baby, and helping her husband work toward his dream job. At the time, she thought she processed the shock and loss, but only now that Jennalyn has two small children, a lovely new home, a lucrative side hustle with her art, and a husband who is always working does she feel the full impact of the loss.

Enter an old boyfriend who knew Jennalyn well and who shares many fond memories of her mom. Jennalyn begins to doubt her marriage and all her other life choices ever since her mom passed away. It takes the power of truth, close friends who know her well, and a series of choices at the heart level before Jennalyn can surface from the confusion and see with clarity where her life is headed.

My Review

I’ve never read a novel like this one. The story is almost a “reality novel,” as true-to-life as possible, about the lives of five young women. Most of the ladies are married with children. This narrative centers mostly on Jennalynn and her marriage to Joel, but it also highlights the other women, especially Tess. While second in a series, the book stands alone well.
I loved how Jennalynn, Christy, and their friends have developed a very special Christian support group. As such they are not only physically present for each other, but help guard each other emotionally and spiritually.

“Love grows in fields of grace, not in ruts of shame.”
Jennalyn finds her relationship with Joel on slippery ground as a result of his long work hours and her not being willing to confide her innermost issues.
While the book isn’t “preachy,” its goal is to teach and guide through some of the life issues that occur. It could possibly be used in counseling, and every young Christian wife should read it to gain real insight in how to make wise choices.
About the edible oils…Many will argue that NO oils should be ingested.
Notable Quotables:

“Love grows in fields of grace, not in ruts of shame.”

“...your word for the year was like
“…your word for the year was like a love note from the Lord.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Waterbrook-Multnomah. This in no way influences my opinions, which are solely my own.

My Rating

4 Stars – Excellent – I Would Recommend This Book

About the Author

41954

ROBIN JONES GUNN is the much loved author of over 100 books with more than 5.5 million copies of her titles sold worldwide. Her Father Christmas books have been made into 3 Hallmark movies. Her popular Christy Miller series now continues in Christy & Todd: The Married Years and The Baby Years. Robin’s novels and non-fiction works have received multiple awards and are a favorite with book clubs and study groups. Robin and her husband have a grown son and daughter and live in Hawaii.

BLOG, New Author

The Trouble with Tulips, #1 Hometown Holiday Heartstrings by Emily Botrous

May 29, 2020May 29, 2020 Babbling Becky L

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About the Book

Title: The Trouble with Tulips

Series: #1 Hometown Holiday Heartstrings

Author: Emily Dana Botrous

Publisher: Independently Published

Released: May 2020

He prefers plants to people. She’s a black thumb. Can love bloom?
Kim is stagnating in her hometown, like a dying flower. When her mother asks her to create a flower garden to enter into a local competition, Kim decides it’ll be her last big hurrah before skipping town for a new start. But with her wilted gardening skills, she can’t pull it off alone, especially since her mom wants tulips. The only person who might be able to help is her brother’s best friend. Trouble is, she’s liked him for years despite his prickly personality, and he never noticed.

Jake has met with a lot of loss in life. The only thing he can keep alive is a plant. Besides his friend Dusty, Jake has no use for anyone, including God. So when Dusty’s sister asks him for help, he turns her down flat—until he realizes he needs her help, too. Trading tulips and time for business advice, Jake finds there’s more to Kim than he’s ever noticed before. Too bad the only way to keep her safe is to keep her out of his heart.

When things get weedy, Kim must decide whether to dig in her roots or move on. Can Jake trust that God is enough to bridge the distance between the pain in the past and the promise of the future?

My Review

I really liked this book as the issues the protagonists had to resolve are so basic to many young people. Some people never overcome this personal baggage during a lifetime. Kim Williams and Jake Dunn are a couple that just can’t seem to get it together in order to be together. Emily Botrous has penned a very wise and insightful tale of hurt, beauty, and romance in her The Trouble with Tulips.

The Trouble with Tulips 1

Kim Williams has a very marketable MBA, but due to a years-long crush
on her brother’s best friend, Jake, she has moved home where no full-time jobs are available. Jake refuses to let go of guilt over his mother’s and brother’s death. This causes him to become surly and morose to close out any who would get close to him. I often wondered just what Kim saw in him.
Many readers will be able to identify with Kim and Jake. Kim can’t believe she is worth anything to anybody unless Jake sits up and takes notice. Kim needs to learn that God alone can fill the true void in her heart. Botrous does a great job, without preaching, of placing Kim in conversations that point her to begin listening to “The Voice of Truth.”
Jake is an even tougher nut to crack, though. Closed off from people, he is convinced anyone he cares about will meet disaster. He dumped his trust in God long ago, when beloved family members died.

The Trouble with Tulips 2

My favorite secondary character was Jason. He figures so strongly into the arc of this couple’s life. As their boss, he cares for them like a father. He is gracious, helpful, and insightful. Jason is also protective of his workers. God placed Jake and Kim in a great work environment, even though Jake is leaving to branch out on his own and Kim is only part-time.
I cried along with Kim until she finally finds her true worth. “Only God can make you understand your real value. And it’s to Him and no one else.”

Other notable quotes:

“The only thing he could take proper care of was plants.”

“Love’s worth the risk. God sure thought so.”

“But wasn’t she, by insulting herself—God’s very own creation—indirectly insulting God?”

“Stop actin’ God, son.”

“You want to be all-powerful to the ones you love, but only God can be that. Us? We have to trust those we love to His hands.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way influenced my opinions, which are solely my own.

My Rating

5 Stars – Superior – Hits My Reading Sweet Spot

About the Author

18860227 Emily Dana Botrous lives in San Diego, California with her husband and their four children. She lived in 10 states before she settled on the West Coast where she plans to stay for awhile. She started writing short stories at age 10 and studied English in college. The only thing she enjoys more than writing is motherhood. While there are a lot of things that matter to Emily, nothing is more important to her than Jesus Christ. It is her goal to point anyone who reads her writing toward Him. When Emily isn’t writing, she enjoys cooking, long walks, music, and playing with her kids. “A New Shade of Paint” is her first book.