Category: Celebrate Lit Tour

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In Tempest Winds by Kendy Pearson Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: In Tempest Winds (West Virginia: Born of Rebellion’s Storm #3)

Author: Kendy Pearson

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: May 7, 2025

Not all heroes are born of battle.

Some heroes are born of loss.

War has a way of changing a man, taking more than he has to give. When Zander Dabney joins in the fight, army life is not what he expected, and it seems impossible to escape his hero-brother’s shadow. When Zander finally gets the chance to test his mettle, the horrors of battle shatter his faith and leave him questioning everything—even what he thought he knew about his brother.

Lola Wade has her hands full with the mercantile, rising prices, family, and a cunning thief. Despite her chaotic life, Zander has captured her heart. But the war has taken much from him. And he needs more than her love to confront his inner demons and fractured faith.

In a whirlwind of deception, the enemy attacks the town and garrison, leaving death and destruction in its wake. But this was no ordinary attack, and the evidence Zander has just falls on deaf ears.

He is determined to unearth the truth. She has lost everything and must make a heart-wrenching decision.

Betrayal plunges Zander into a nightmare of injustice and a perilous ordeal of sacrifice and endurance few can survive. He needs a miracle. A lot of them.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kendy Pearsonis a worship leader, Bluegrass fiddler, and Civil War reenactment enthusiast. As a veteran high school teacher, she loves to discover a pocket of American history missing from the schoolbooks and turn that pocket inside out. Her novels lead fictitious characters through historical events and settings, engaging with period personalities. And she always includes a romantic thread to warm the heart. Every story is a journey through tragedy, secrets, regrets, and God’s undeniable grace.

She has received multiple lit awards and enjoys public speaking and teaching writing workshops. When she’s not clicking away on the computer or scaling mountains of research, she relishes ice cream, snowy days, fireplaces, and maple trees. Kendy is the mother of four grown children and lives with her sweet hubby and two amusing miniature dachshunds.

More from Kendy

As always, writing from the Heart of Historyrequires I choose little-known events in history and weave a fictionalized story through them. In Tempest Winds is Zander’s story, the middle son of the five Dabney siblings of the “West Virginia: Born of Rebellion’s Storm” series. I promise, you will still laugh, cry, and maybe even swoon—and you will definitely learn a few things you didn’t know before.

I’d like to share a secret with you. When I wrote In Tempest Winds, I was thinking of two of my sons. Only a year and a half apart in age, they both joined the military around the same time. They each served one-year deployments. The first son deployed to Iraq and the second to Afghanistan a year later. They each left an infant child and wife behind. I held my breath for two years (barely hyperbole!).

As I researched the last desperate year of the Civil War, I somehow knew what events Zander must experience in this book. Like my sons, Zander is witty, athletic, handsome, and sensitive. And as a mother of veterans and the daughter of a two-war veteran, I know this to be a truth: “…War has a way of changing a man, taking more than he has to give.”

Zander’s journey in this story is a little like Peter’s experience on the Sea of Galilee. Peter learned a valuable, frightening lesson when he took his eyes off Jesus and started sinking. (But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid… Matt. 14:30). Peter lost his faith for a time, forgetting who made that sea in the first place.

So, you are wondering about the leading lady by now. Lola is adorable, with her fly-away blond hair and spectacles that won’t stay where she puts them. And boy, is she smart, feisty, and falling hard for Zander! When the fireworks spark, she gives our boy much to think about. Lola’s got faith and pluck. She’s determined to trust God, no matter what the tempest threatens to destroy.

If you’ve read the other books in this series, please shoot me an email (kendy@kendypearson.com) and tell me your ideas for a grown-up Will and Bertie! What will they be like? I am excited to write their stories next.

Blessings from the Heart of History, my friends!

Kendy

My Impressions

“Only a fool decides the sun just up and disappears just because he doesn’t see it. And only a fool chooses to ignore a hand that has the answers.”

Yet, Zander Dabney may be that fool. Surely the God he thought he knew wouldn’t have allowed the unspeakable acts of war Dabney experiences. 

In Tempest Winds- What an appropriate title for this third and final book of West Virginia: Born of Rebellion’s Storm by Kendy Pearson! I just finished reading this amazing Civil War novel and my emotions have run the gamut, from witnessing excitement, family love, suspicion, despair, faith, bravery, acceptance, sorrow, and romance. Each emotion comes and goes like the swell of ocean waves, some returning like the tides. Thankfully, ultimately, hope and faith rise to the surface, but -fair warning- the ending makes me wonder if a new series is on the horizon. 

Reading the other two books in order before this one is an absolute must. I felt by reading this series in order, I got the most from this story that is rich in history and truth nuggets. Zander Dabney is the main focus of In Tempest Winds. A lover of horses more than people, sensitive Zander has mustered up with the Union army. Yet, he frequently is compared to his older brother Fin, who had made a name for himself as a brave and intrepid scout. Resentment ensues. Zander’s army life becomes one of racing his beloved horse and saving money for his future as he waits for action. When it finally comes, Zander is appalled by war’s atrocities. Pearson doesn’t shy from showing the horrible reality of the war. “Had God been here, Zander would’ve prayed for a merciful deliverance. But the God he had called Lord was nowhere on this field of blood.” Zander’s brother and a few faithful friends try to direct Zander back to God, but Zander has his own plans. 

Just when Zander finally meets the girl of his dreams and believes their love serious, his sudden sullen moods and aloofness towards God cause disaster. 

Will Zander ever be able to return to the peace he possessed before the War?

I loved the many family relationships within the Dabney family that we are privy to. Coming from a large family, I could identify with the need to stand out.   It is fun to see the characters that we came to know in previous books. It is interesting to see how family members are weathering the storm of the war, and how they pull together. 

I loved how the person Zander holds the most resentment towards, is the one who works the hardest to see him return home. And the emphasis on prayer is so encouraging, even in the face of feeling helpless. “She may feel helpless, but she refused to be hopeless.” This can be us, if we, too, cling to our faith in impossible times. 

Most fun character probs goes to Lola’s ten-year-old brother, Felix. He’s excited to learn, gregarious, has a wide-eyed-wonder about him, is full of life, curious, and still innocent in so many ways. 

My fave secondary adult character is D.R. Leach. His faith is contagious and unending. He wants everyone to share it, especially Zander. “down here, I may not understand. But I’ll be doggoned if I’m gonna let go of . . . of that unseen hand that does hold the answers.” That’s the kind of faith I want to imitate! 

I read as fast as I could, because there is so much action and suspense! If you like Civil War era novels, this series is one that will be memorable! 

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

Notable Quotables:

“He remembered Fin telling him once that a man had cause real often to take his thoughts captive. Until now, he figured his brother was talking about women, but what if he meant to take them captive about other things? Like unpleasant sort of things.”

“There’s nothing more important to God than taking care of His children.”-Leach

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Loved this Series!! Hoping to see more of the Dabney family in the future!

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, May 30

Stories By Gina, May 31 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, May 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 1

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 2 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 4

A Reader’s Brain , June 5 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 6

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 7 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, June 8 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, June 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 9

For Him and My Family, June 10

For the Love of Literature, June 11 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, June 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kendy is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54232

BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, New-to-Me Author, Purchase, Wild Heart Books

Arranged with the Earl by Jackie Killelea Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Arranged with the Earl

Author: Jackie Killelea

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: May 13, 2025

A spinster with a tarnished reputation. An earl scarred from war. Can their convenient marriage withstand those aiming to steal everything they have?

Catherine Blynn resigned herself to a life without romantic love after a disastrous broken engagement. Although she’s always hoped to marry for affection, her father arranges for her to wed Loftus Cromwell, the broken Earl of Hardwicke. If she defies her parents, she risks her family’s ruin.

Loftus Cromwell had no intention to marry for love, only for the sake of his estate. But If he fails to win the love of his spirited and unconventional betrothed, he risks his conniving brother claiming everything he holds dear.

As treachery unfolds within the manor’s walls and a foe from Catherine’s past resurfaces, can Loftus and Catherine trust one another enough to unravel the truth before tragedy steals any chance of happiness?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jackie Killeleais a born and raised small-town girl from Connecticut with a degree in English and Creative Writing. She started off her writing journey with poetry, soon shifting into novels and becoming hooked. On days when she’s not busy with her nose in a book, she can be found typing away with a cup of tea at her side.

More from Jackie

In Arranged with the Earl, Loftus’ study of plants and flora is his foremost pastime, aside from his duties managing his estate and those that come along with being an earl. In his conservatory, there are a variety of different species of plants that he cares for but, would he actually have had these plants in his conservatory and would they have been able to feasibly grow there if he did?

Well, according to my research and a bit of wishful thinking…yes.

The thing is, Loftus has a few native plants in his conservatory and those certainly would have been able to grow there, given that they’ve pretty much just been brought inside from other counties in England. Loftus knows his home country and the landscape as well as how to care for those plants, already. The trickier plants to think upon are the exotics.

For instance, when showing Catherine the conservatory for the first time, he mentions Black Hellebore(Helleborus niger). How would he have come to own this? This plant is native to the mountains and woodlands of southern and central Europe, so we must assume that Loftus would’ve had it imported, or grown from seed. Still, would a woodland plant grow well enough to produce flowers in a conservatory setting?

Well, fortunately for Loftus, Black Hellebore actually grows fairly well in containers and does well in partial shade, so where he placed it in the conservatory was a prime location and it isn’t a stretch of the imagination to think that it produces blooms there.

With each plant I chose to be in the conservatory, I had to research if Loftus would reasonably have access to it and if it would grow under conservatory conditions–as well as during the season in which the book takes place. Of course you, as readers, will still need to use your imagination at some points. I’m sure Loftus would agree that ideas, like plants, need lots of water and space to grow.

I do so hope you enjoy Catherine and Loftus’ story in Arranged with the Earl!

Sincerely,

Jackie

My Impressions

“Your nightmares are caused by the war. Mine are caused by a man.”

Ah! A new-to-me author of inspirational  Regency Romance. Yes, please. Jackie Killelea has caught my notice with Arranged with the Earl, the second novel of the Saving the Spinsters series. These can definitely be standalone novels, judging from this one. 

Catherine Blynn, 24, once engaged to the well-known Earl of Balfour, is considered a poor marital match. This at a time and locale – England, 1818- when a good match was considered the most important way to secure a young lady’s future. Unfortunately, Catherine’s parents care nothing for her feelings or needs, but only for their own social status. When Catherine muddles two matches that would have benefited her parents, her father promises her to an Earl in Cumbria who advertises for a wife.

Both Catherine and the Earl, Loftus Cromwell, have extreme misgivings entering this arranged marriage. Catherine has been extremely hurt by both her former fiancé and her father, and now doesn’t trust any man. Loftus has been denigrated and despised by his family as long as he can remember. They would have been happier if he had died in the war. Returning from the war with physical scars makes Loftus undesirable to the women of the ton, so why should his new wife be different? But Cate is different from his family or high society. She tells him, “God has saved you for a reason.”

I enjoyed seeing the ability of both Catherine and Loftus to see beyond the shallow appearances and expectations of the ton. Both are very kind and compassionate, though they obviously didn’t learn that from their upbringing. 

It’s amazing the knowledge of plants that Loftus has. And he puts it to use to help others, yet he is viewed as a social misfit because of his interest. (Author Killelea obviously did a lot of research on plants for this book.) 

This book made me very sad to see how some parents and siblings can treat family members. How can people be so selfish and wicked? 

I loved the idea that despite gross wrongdoing on certain people’s parts in the novel, love and justice win. 

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:

“We all have worth in God’s eyes, even if you can’t see past your own inflated ego.”

“He wished for everything to be perfect for her, but he could never be perfect himself. “

“Imperfections had never repelled her. If only her husband knew that.”

“‘To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted.’”

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Magnificent! I will be anticipating more from this author!

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, May 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 28

She Lives To Read, May 29

Holly’s Book Corner, May 29

Betti Mace, May 30

Devoted Steps, May 30

Texas Book-aholic, May 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 1

Romances of the Cross, June 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 2

Pens Pages & Pulses, June 3

The Important Things in Life: God, books, & chocolate, June 3

Devoted To Hope, June 4

Stories By Gina, June 5 (Author Interview)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 6

Cover Lover Book Review, June 7

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, June 7

Book Looks by Lisa, June 8

Pause for Tales, June 8

Blossoms and Blessings, June 9

Blogging With Carol, June 9

Simple Harvest Reads, June 10 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jackie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54230

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Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy by Misty M. Beller Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 29, 2025

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune.

Sampson Coulter is determined to undo his disastrous mistake that is jeopardizing his family’s future. Now he’s deeply embedded in the corrupt mining empire of the ruthless Mick McPharland, and has earned the trust of Jedidiah, the brutal right-hand man. The threat reaches much farther than his own family, and he knows he must dismantle the operation from within…or die trying.

Grieving the loss of her mother, Jewel Hampton is shocked to discover a newborn baby on her doorstep. When she seeks help from her father, Jedidiah, she never imagines he’ll force her to marry Sampson Coulter, the kind man who only gave her a ride to town. Though her father has always been willing to pass her off, at least she has Sampson’s promise to protect her and the baby. It doesn’t hurt that he’s the most handsome man she’s ever seen.

Marrying Jedidiah’s daughter adds an impossible complication to Sampson’s mission. It seems he can’t have it all—redemption for himself, justice for the victims of the corruption, protection for the innocent…and a life with the woman and babe he’s coming to love.From a USA Today bestselling author comes the gripping series finale filled with high-stakes danger, a marriage of convenience, an instant family, and love that heals wounded hearts.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Misty M. Belleris a USA Todaybestselling author with over 1 million books sold. She writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

More from Misty

Hello Friends!

I’m BEYOND excited to share the finale of the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series with you! This is Sampson’s story, the black sheep of the family. I thought it might be fun to give you a taste of one of my favorite scenes in the book:

***

Sampson eyed the woman he’d been told to marry. “I’d feel better if you and Ruby weren’t at the mercy of your father. I’d rather give you my name and make sure you have a nice place to live—a safe place. I’ll make sure you want for nothing.” She studied him with furrowed brow. He let his eyes plead with her as he said this last part. “Please consider it. For Ruby’s sake, if nothing else.”

Her expression didn’t change, she simply…stared at him. What thoughts churned in that mind of hers? Did she believe him?

Or did she think he was on her father’s side, trying to manipulate her into giving him control?

Show her the truth, Lord.

At last, her mouth parted as she prepared to speak. Her voice came out hesitant. “Would you expect to…live with us? Like a real husband?”

He shook his head, fighting off the burn in his cheeks at what she really asked. “You can live wherever you like. My family has a ranch a day’s ride from here. You’re welcome to move in there. Or if you want to be on your own, near a town, we’ll find a place you like.” He forced himself to meet her gaze again. They had to be honest with each, and he couldn’t let embarrassment get in the way of anything she needed to ask. “I won’t expect anything from you. Nothing like in a usual marriage.”

Her shoulders sagged a little, as if in relief. But a small furrow remained between her brows. “Why are you doing this? Why would you willingly burden yourself with us?”

He let himself consider her question. Why didhe want her to say yes so much? He didn’t owe her anything. She was the daughter of his enemy—kin to the man who stole a year’s worth of sapphires from his family.

But this woman was different. Nothing like Jedidiah. And for some reason, he craved to keep her safe. To protect her from the evil who’d sired her. She didn’t deserve to be at that man’s mercy. Nor did the sweet child.

Sampson could help her so easily. Not only did he have money from his share of the sapphires, which he’d saved for years, he also had his pay from McPharland.

He swallowed as he tried to put all this into words. “I can help you.” His voice graveled with how much he wanted to do that. And then he let himself say the real truth. “And maybe in helping you, I can make up for my own mistakes.”

***

I pray you love Sampson and Grace’s story in Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy!

Blessings!

Misty

My Impressions

“Once they arrived, she’d be back under her father’s protection. The thought almost made him spit. Jedidiah was no protector. He was a bully. A lunatic. A man without a soul.”

I’ve been waiting for this conclusion to the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch by Misty M. Beller, for a while! Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy is Sampson Coulter ‘s story. Sampson is the Coulter brother that has gone AWOL from the family compound to work for the enemy, Mick McPharland, in his mines. None of the Coulters can understand why, nor why Sampson has refused their efforts to bring him home, out of that extremely dangerous situation. Both Mick and his foreman, Jedidiah, are known for their evil, cruel ways. 

When Sampson is out on a mission for Jedidiah, he meets a very young lady with a baby, out in the elements. She claims she is looking for her father and his protection. Only her father is Jedidiah. Having seen violent beatings and other crimes performed at the word of Jedidiah, something stirs within Sampson to provide protection for this poor, alone, young woman. Help that he is sure Jedidiah is not about to provide. 

Finding out that Sampson has rescued his daughter, Grace, and baby Ruby, Jedidiah should be grateful. Instead, he forces Sampson and Grace to marry, yet pays no attention to his newly arrived daughter. 

Knowing Jedidiah is up to no good, esp. aimed at the Coulters, Sampson walks into a bad situation.

When Sampson, determined to fix his past mistakes, finds himself in an impossible situation, he refuses to try to help Grace. He tells his brother, 

 “She needs someone better than me.”

To which his brother, wise beyond his  years, replies, “You might be right about that. But you’re her husband. Your job now is to become the man she needs.”

“None of us are ever going to be good enough. Not on our own. That’s why we need God and each other, why we’re stronger together. You can’t do this alone, so it’s a good thing you came home.”- Miles 

Grace, too, plays the independent card. If only she does this or that, she can fix the situation for Sampson and all the Coulters. After a while, I wanted to shake these two. They are surrounded by so many loving, accepting, warm, and forgiving people. Yet they insist on going it alone. It will take a lot for these two to realize Someone wants to be in on their plans, guiding their footsteps, and that He has given them lots of helpful family!

I only wished we could have had more of Miles’s story.  I really liked a totally unexpected twist as the action gets hot. I will miss the Coulters, but fortunately, Ms. Beller is starting a new series, the Lords of the Rockies. 

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:

“God loved them, from the very beginning. And He never stopped loving them, trying to reach them, even to the end. Yet He gives us free choice to accept His love or push it away.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great! I have enjoyed reading about the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch! I am sorry their stories are finished!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 31

lakesidelivingsite, May 31

Book Looks by Lisa, June 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 2

Simple Harvest Reads, June 3 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 3

Texas Book-aholic, June 4

Betti Mace, June 5

The Important Things in Life: God, books, & chocolate , June 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 7

Holly’s Book Corner , June 7

Cover Lover Book Review, June 8

Devoted To Hope, June 9

Blossoms and Blessings, June 9

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 11

Pause for Tales, June 11

Books You Can Feel Good About, June 12

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 13

Mary Hake, June 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54233

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The Angel of Second Street by Barbara Tifft Blakey

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: The Angel of Second Street

Author: Barbara Tifft Blakey

Genre: Christian Fiction/Romance/Historical Fiction

Release date: May 1, 2025

How Can Compassion be Considered Wrong?

When life is weighed down by challenges, pillars of enduring hope and love are always waiting to be discovered.

Ida Dempsey has grown up in a privileged life of luxury thanks to her aunt and uncle. Although Second Street—where women of ill repute ply their wares—is off limits to respectable citizens, her heart of compassion compels her to frequent the area, hoping to make a difference in their lives. Ida has also befriended Qui Shau, a Chinese woman who keeps house for her family, but friendships between the whites and Chinese are taboo in Eureka. Ida tries to keep secret her forbidden compassion, but someone is watching and will use it against her.

When Blaine Prescott meets Ida at a church picnic, his parents warn him away from any relationship with the young lady who has been seen on Second Street in the company of a Chinese woman. But how could such a kindhearted, lovely young woman be anything but good? But when riots break out in Chinatown and Ida disappears, Blaine will do anything to find out where and why she has gone.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Barbara Tifft Blakey lives in the Pacific Northwest on five wooded acres with Terry, her husband of forty-plus years. She is best known for her award-winning, literature-inspired, language arts program, Total Language Plus, which she created over twenty years ago, and is used by thousands of homeschoolers. Barbara teaches Sunday school and enjoys speaking on various topics to Christian women’s groups. She and her husband have four grown children and five grandchildren. She enjoys camping at the ocean and is an avid soccer fan. During the day-light challenged winter months, she reads, crochets, bakes, and plots her next novel.

More from Barbara

As the birthplace of my mother, Eureka, California holds a special charm for me intensified by my grandmother’s stories of the area. Every visit I’ve made has encouraged me to dig deeper, to learn more, to experience this small, coastal town’s magnetism.

Its history includes the Wiyot’s massacre on Indian Island which can be viewed from the harbor and the expulsion of the Chinese population from Humboldt County. Carson’s Mansion is the most photographed Victorian dwelling in California, and possibly the United States, built to keep the lumber baron’s loggers employed during a downturn in the timber industry. Because of the numerous brothels, an entire section of Second Street located in the heart of the community was deemed out of bounds for children.

Both hero and heroine in Angel of Second Street are fictional, but my cast of characters includes real-life people such as Reverend Huntington, David Kendall, and Wei Lum and real historical businesses such as Wells Drug Store and Kitty Farris’s Joy Emporium.

I first wrote a version of this story more than a decade ago, but who can argue with God’s timing? Events that happened over 150 years ago feel current in today’s political climate where fear tactics dominate debates and spur regrettable actions. I didn’t set out to make a political statement, only to tell an engaging, thought-provoking love story, but in the midst of relating historical events, a deeper truth emerged as relevant today as it was in the mid 1800s.

I pray you’ll journey with Ida and Blaine through the turmoil of their times and be enriched to face the trials of today with renewed hope.

My Impressions

“On my way to the picnic yesterday, I asked God to show me the woman He’d chosen to be my wife, someone who loves Jesus as much as I do. I saw you first.”

Wow! Barbara Tifft Blakey held me spellbound as she wove the historical story of 1884 Eureka, California, and its Chinatown. While I love to read historical romances, I am finding they are often not something I would want to live through. The Angel of Second Street tells of two young people who are immediately attracted to each other upon meeting. Rich, eligible Blaine sees beautiful Ida as a direct answer to his prayers for a godly mate. His family puts up every roadblock possible to keep the two apart, including throwing a family friend’s daughter into his path repeatedly. 

I love Ida and Blaine. Both truly want to do more than follow society’s rules and make their families happy. Ida’s biggest wish in life is to tell others about Jesus. “God had opened the eyes of her heart, and everywhere Ida looked she saw hurting people. Even Mrs. Prescott.” She has a purpose, a mission, and a passion. She doesn’t give up. But she does battle within herself, having to deceive in order to carry out her definition of doing right. “Was anything more important than telling the lost about Jesus? But also important were the scriptural directives to obey one’s parents. In her case, didn’t that mean her aunt and uncle? Never before had she been forced to choose between two equally indispensable commands.” Blaine has his own struggles with his shipping tycoon father who has no interest in anyone’s true well-being. 

Whew, it’s incredible the mental struggles both Ida and Blaine must wade through, accompanied by much prayer, to figure out the right path. Sometimes the paths they choose are funny. Sometimes the resulting paths are loaded with strife. I wondered if I’d be brave enough to choose some of the paths they did, or would I choose to please people and just make life easy? 

I loved seeing the growth of thinking in both Ida and Blaine.

Some characters are surprising. How fun it was, to discover characters acting quite differently than what I expected of them! Great twists! 

My fave character is Reverend Huntington. It took me a while to figure out how he feels about the workers from Chinatown that the town wants to expel, or the ladies of Second Street that Ida is determined to help. At first he is unwilling to encourage Ida in her endeavors. Eventually, we see him in another light. 

It is so sad to see the general attitude of the town’s affluent businessmen. While their households and sometimes businesses benefit greatly from the Chinese workers, they despise them immensely. “Less than.” That is the rich, white opinion towards the Chinese. Blaine is like Ida in his disregard for class. He understands  the prejudice he is  seeing, directed at the Chinatown residents. “The way he saw it, the problems discussed were symptoms of underlying issues. Tackle those, and the contemptible manifestations would take care of themselves.” Hmmm… makes one think about today’s atmosphere of cancelling whole groups of people for the actions of a few. 

This is long, I know. If you’re still with me, I have to comment on Blaine’s revelation to Ida of his prayer for God to show him a woman at the picnic who loved Jesus as much as he did. My husband relates a similar tale. He says God told him his future wife would be at his baptism. There were only two of us girls there that day near his age, and I was moving 5 hours away in a couple of months! We didn’t start seriously dating until 5 years later because of the distance, but, wow. I sure am glad he didn’t blurt out that declaration when he first was baptized!!😂

Notable Quotables:

 “My heavenly Father is responsible for my joy—and for yours. You cannot protect me from this world’s trials. You don’t need to, because I have His defense and refuge.”- Ida

“If a man lost integrity, what did he have left?”

“I believe God is calling me to act, and I’m willing.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! My mind is whirling with the thoughts and implications of this story. Looking forward to the next!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 29

Pens Pages & Pulses, May 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 31

Texas Book-aholic, June 1

Stories By Gina, June 2 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, June 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 4

Simple Harvest Reads, June 5 (Guest Review from Donna)

For Him and My Family, June 6

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, June 6

Holly’s Book Corner, June 7

Pause for Tales, June 8

Cover Lover Book Review, June 9

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, June 9

Devoted To Hope, June 10

Bizwings Book Blog, June 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Barabara is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a print copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54231

ARC, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, NetGalley, PB, Purchase, Revell

Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Capture the Moment

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: May 6, 2025

Kate Cunningham is facing the opportunity of a lifetime. As a zoo photographer, she’s spent years photographing animals in carefully controlled environments, but now National Geographic has dangled an irresistible prize: If Kate can snag a unique photo of a legendary bear in Grand Teton National Park, they just might publish it. It’s the kind of challenge Kate has been waiting for, and she’s eager to prove herself in the wild.

With more enthusiasm than experience, Kate soon realizes that capturing an image of this bear isn’t as simple as she hoped. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Grant Cooper, a seasonal park ranger who knows the terrain–and the bears–better than anyone. His tracking skills could be exactly what Kate needs to succeed, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes. But they’re not the only ones with an interest in the park’s most famous bear. And his motives are far from innocent.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a Christy finalist, a Carol and Selah winner, a two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, and Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of more than forty books. Her genres include contemporary and historical romances, Amish romance, and women’s fiction. She and her husband live in a small town in California. Most friends act a little nervous around Suzanne because they usually wind up in one of her novels. She has four grown children and enough grandchildren to keep her young.

More from Suzanne

A Spark that Lit a Story 

By Suzanne Woods Fisher

Capture the Moment (Revell—May 6, 2025)

Inspiration can strike in the most unexpected places—like a gift shop in Grand Teton National Park. While browsing, I struck up a conversation with a college student who had never set foot outside Alabama until her mom dropped her off for a summer job in the park. One minute, she was home in the Deep South; the next, she was surrounded by towering peaks and moose crossings. Talk about a culture shock.

That conversation lit a spark that eventually became my National Parks Summers series. I couldn’t stop thinking about the fascinating mix of people who work seasonally in national parks. You’ve got fresh-faced college kids on their first big adventure, retirees finally living their bucket-list dreams, and everyone in between. These parks aren’t just natural wonders—they’re crossroads for people from all walks of life, all chasing something unique.

In Capture the Moment, I wanted to explore what happens when people and landscapes collide. Kate Cunningham, a determined zoo photographer, swaps enclosures for the wilds of Grand Teton, chasing an elusive bear and her own sense of purpose. Along the way, Kate meets Grant Cooper, a rugged park ranger with a knack for tracking and a talent for keeping her on her toes.

National parks are more than just beautiful backdrops—they’re places where people find themselves, lose themselves, and sometimes stumble into something extraordinary.

Maybe even love.

My Impressions

“399…Queen of the Tetons…”

“‘A living, breathing legend.’ ‘Exactly. She’s a symbol of the wild, a reminder that even in the heart of nature, there are stories, personalities, and connections waiting to be discovered.’”

And…we’re off on a journey to visit some of our nation’s great national parks with Suzanne Woods Fisher, told in her gentle, heart-warming style. First stop in this new series, National Parks Summers, is Grand Tetons National Park, in Capture the Moment. 

If you are a fan of nature, underdogs, Suzanne Woods Fisher, plot twists, and gentle reminders to listen to the still, small voice of God, this is a must-read.

I adored the novice photographer, Kate, who thought she would get the original photo that no one else had. What a shock she gets when she arrives at the best viewing spots for the old grizzly, 399, only to discover a great crowd of disdainful professional photographers ahead of her. Fortunately, Kate is willing to learn from her mistakes and not wallow in her failures. ( And being a city-slicker, there are plenty!) “She reminded herself that mistakes were a natural part of the learning process. “Each one has a lesson to teach,” she said to herself.” Another verse that helps her when she is amazed at her own obtuseness( and don’t most of us have blinders on in some area of life?) is “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Do you not perceive it?” What I love about this moment is that Woods points out this is a verse God brings to Kate’s mind because she had hidden it in her heart long ago. Do we have verses like that? Second, are we, as we age, still working on memorizing, so God can bring those verses to mind?

Woods populates her novel with so many other wonderful characters! Of course, everyone will love Coop! How can you not! Handsome, knowledgeable,  expert on bears, and compassionate. He champions Kate, the underdog, plus he understands and mentors the impossibly belligerent Frankie. This is no small feat, because it is obvious he would rather not have this sidekick 24-7! And, he is unafraid to tell the truth as it is… to those that need to hear it… which his acting director, Sally, tries to silence.

Sally. She is acting director of the park, and a piece of work! I was surprised to find that I didn’t like her any more after a night of “sleeping on it” than I did when I finished the story. 

And Tim and his granddaughter, Maisie! To meet Tim is to love him, unless you are Frankie. Such a wise, thoughtful, man rooted in faith. His granddaughter, Maisie, who frequently gets dumped on him? She’s 13, loquacious, loud, and goes non-stop 24-7. Everyone seems to have a love-avoid her relationship with her. Maisie wants so hard to be accepted, loved, and seen as special. Pops finally tells her on one occasion when she takes imitation overboard, “a tulip doesn’t struggle to be different from a rose.”

Bonus note: With a great detailed map of the park at the beginning and a list of the most important characters also at the beginning, I felt well-armed to tackle the book. 

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

Notable Quotables:

“she realized that seeing things differently was a gift, not a burden.”

“But holding on to anger isn’t doing you any favors.”…“It’s like a poison.”…“Forgiveness is the antidote.”

“what you’re looking for can’t be found within. Only outside ourselves. Only in God.” 

“…he didn’t have to hang on to that hurt anymore.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Superior! National parks story told in Fisher’s heart-warming, feels-like-a-hug-style, complete with a grizzly, romance, humor, faith, and a bit of mystery.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 22

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 22

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 22

By the Book, May 23

Carla’s Book Crush, May 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 24

Devoted To Hope, May 24

Book Looks by Lisa, May 25

Texas Book-aholic, May 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 26

lakesidelivingsite, May 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 27

The Avid Reader, May 28

Blossoms and Blessings, May 28

Southern Gal Loves to Read, May 28

Stories By Gina, May 29 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 29

Blogging With Carol, May 30

For Him and My Family, May 30

Cover Lover Book Review, May 31

Karen Baney Reviews, May 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 1

Holly’s Book Corner, June 1

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 2

Books Less Travelled, June 2

She Lives To Read, June 3

Pause for Tales, June 3

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 3

Lily’s Corner, June 4

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, June 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and an eBook copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54226

BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, Purchase

When Heaven Thunders Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: When Heaven Thunders (West Virginia: Born of Rebellion’s Storm #2)

Author: Kendy Pearson

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: October 1, 2024

When the devil wears Blue and Gray,

doing the right thing can be a thorny matter.

His family is missing. Bushwhackers are sleeping in his bed. This war just got a heap more personal for Union Sergeant Fin Dabney.

Fighting guerillas in your own neck of the woods comes at a high price. Neighbors, kin, and even Fin’s best friend are on the wrong end of a rifle. But not all battles are fought amid smoke and blood. When Fin faces a murderer from his past, flesh and spirit collide, but only one can prevail.

Melinda Jane has waited a lifetime for Fin to declare his intentions. But now she has moved on to other interests—with disastrous results. Her choices have cost her Fin’s love and possibly her life.

Why was it he could draw down on the enemy and look death in the eye, but he could not bring himself to deal plainly with Melinda Jane?

He never told her how he feels. Now he may never get the chance.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kendy Pearson is a worship leader, Bluegrass fiddler, and Civil War reenactment enthusiast. As a veteran high school teacher, she loves to discover a pocket of American history missing from the schoolbooks and turn that pocket inside out. Her novels lead fictitious characters through historical events and settings, engaging with period personalities. And she always includes a romantic thread to warm the heart. Every story is a journey through tragedy, secrets, regrets, and God’s undeniable grace.

She has received multiple lit awards and enjoys public speaking and teaching writing workshops. When she’s not clicking away on the computer or scaling mountains of research, she relishes ice cream, snowy days, fireplaces, and maple trees. Kendy is the mother of four grown children and lives with her sweet hubby and two amusing miniature dachshunds.

More from Kendy

Research and writing are so much fun! I always have some kind of theme in mind for every book I write. In keeping with my brand, Heart of History, I am turning two history pockets inside out with this second story of the “West Virginia: Born of Rebellion’s Storm” series. When Heaven Thunders is the eldest Dabney sibling’s story and brings two factors to light that are not commonly known about the Civil War.

First, Fin, the hero, faces various moral dilemmas just trying to carry out orders. He witnesses historically accurate atrocities and unfair tactics perpetrated by both Union and Confederate commanders and soldiers. Fin is in the thick of rooting out bushwhackers and guerillas who bring the battle to not just the soldiers, but to civilian homes and families, including his own.

Fin is a moralist, working desperately to find a way to do the right thing even when all his choices seem so very wrong. Can you imagine meeting your best friend on the battlefield and he’s the enemy? I tried to wrap my mind around the idea of neighbor against neighbor and lawless vigilantes molesting plain folks in the name of a cause. “We are in a war, yes, but it needn’t strip a man of his humanity or God’s favor.” (Col. Joseph Lightburn, Fin’s commander)

Secondly, Melinda Jane, the feisty family friend (who definitely wants to be more than Fin’s friend) represents another little-known pocket from history. I took a bit of my own heritage to heart for her background. For most of my life, I definitely resembled my kin of Irish ancestry. However, like Melinda Jane, I have Native American and African American genes also. We don’t think much about mixed race nowadays—it’s the fabric of our wonderful country! Unfortunately, many folks were not as accepting during the Civil War period. At that time, a variety of ethnicities were actually enslaved, which we seldom see represented in Civil War movies and stories.

My second main character’s “secret” lends to her heart of gold and a compassionate nature that shines through everything she does. “Izzy taught me we’re all born into bondage. It matters not a whit what color a man’s skin is or the color of his horse or house—we’re all in shackles and only Master Jesus holds the key.”(Melinda Jane)

Oh boy, did I enjoy working with Fin and Melinda Jane—and watching sparks fly! I hope they’ll make you smile as well.

Blessings from the Heart of History, my friends!

Kendy

My Impressions

“He was wrong,” Fin rasped…“My pap.” He lifted his eyes. “He said this isn’t our war to fight. It is. My family. My home. My war.”

I’ve always loved historical fiction. I have found Civil War times are somehow so interesting to read about. Yet, Kendy Pearson forces you to do more than read *about* the Civil War in her well-researched and beautifully expressed book, When Heaven Thunders ( book 2 of West Virginia: Born of Rebellion’s Storm). No, Pearson forces you to *live* the horrifying times of the war. So many scenarios are tied together to make one tight narrative. We see that young Fin Dabney has joined up with the Federals. He leaves behind several siblings and his secret love, Melinda Jane. She has lived with the family since she was young- yet Fin wishes Melinda Jane viewed him as more than a brother. We watch the difficulties the Dabney family faces in an area that holds both Reb and Union sympathies, but where letting one’s true colors show can mean shunning, jail, or death. 

We see Fin and his army friend, Noah, as they participate in scouting out land and bushwhackers. We see examples of family pitted against family, friend against friend. Pearson makes this divide both very real and very painful. 

We get a healthy dose of history lessons on the birth of the state of West Virginia. Plus the Civil War battles that hotly contested who would control this area of the country. Pearson doesn’t shy away from some of the atrocities that were committed by greedy, cruel humans towards their brothers and sisters in the name of war. Will Fin see the war as an excuse to vengefully purge the earth of those who so spitefully misuse power, or will he follow his superior’s opinion of him: “You have a keen sense of justice, but you don’t count yourself the judge.”

Will Fin and Melinda Jane ever both be able to admit their love for each other before it’s too late- one way or another?

I loved how Melinda gives so unselfishly of herself to everyone around her. She gives until it hurt, then gives some more. Only her understanding of who she and others truly are, could cause her to care so much for others. many less fortunate than herself. “Did they not share the same Father? Doesn’t that same Father hurt for us and love us the same?”  I had to ask myself, in this situation, would I have gotten this involved, knowing it could be so dangerous to my own person? 

A fave secondary character is probs Col. Joe. He is so spot-on with his faith and refusal to become mercenary as a soldier or vengeful. He encourages the troops to belief. He fights to win- yet he is fighting a best friend and close relatives. 

Do read the prologue and author’s notes for the best understanding of this insightful novel. Definitely read these three novels in order!

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:

“He gave me a second chance. A chance to live the life He wants me to live—one tethered to His grace instead of my own bitterness.” -Doc James

“The cannon blasts had increased, pecking a hole in her peace like a woodpecker on a tree trunk. “

“Izzy taught me we’re all born into bondage. It matters not a whit what color a man’s skin is or the color of his horse or house—we’re all in shackles and only Master Jesus holds the key.”– Melinda Jane 

“We are in a war, yes, but it needn’t strip a man of his humanity or God’s favor.”- Col. Joe

“God is bigger than all our problems rolled into one big riled mess. He’ll make a way…”

“There’s wicked men on both sides, brother. We got ’em, you got ’em.”

“Seems this entire war has brought with it a waterfall of misery.”– Fin 

“But regret was a lone hawk, forever circling above.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Superior! This is a Civil War saga not to be missed!!

Blog Stops

Book Looks by Lisa, May 14

Stories By Gina, May 15 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 16

Simple Harvest Reads, May 17 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, May 18 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 18

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 19

Devoted Steps, May 20

Guild Master, May 21 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 23

Fiction Book Lover, May 24 (Author Interview)

Inklings and Notions, May 24

For Him and My Family, May 25

Blossoms and Blessings, May 26 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, May 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kendy is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54234

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

Unexpected Hope by Pam Green Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Unexpected Hope (Sully Parkway Comfort Dogs Book One)

Author: Pam Green

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: October 15, 2024

When Jack Shelton hightails it out of Lexington, Virginia, for the suburbs of Washington, DC, he just wants out. Now. First on the agenda: put mountains and miles between him and his hometown memories. Second: find a job as a reporter. Fast.

Those two things—no other expectations. If he gets that far, maybe he’ll make room for God in his life again.

Then Jack wanders into the Church on the Parkway, and a case of mistaken identity entangles him in ministry with a team of broken people and a golden retriever puppy.

Can Jack get back on track with his new career plans, or will he find something unexpected as he travels Sully Parkway with Team Hope?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Pam Green made her writing début in fifth grade when drafted to write the class play, Ghosts! Ghosts! Ghosts! At twelve, she fell in love with the French language. After a satisfying teaching career, she still peeks in the windows of empty schools while traveling and lingers in school supply aisles in August. Her stories show that God is always working in the lives of His children and seeking new members of His family.

More from Pam

“Sully Parkway? Where’s that? I’ve never heard of the Church on the Parkway either. This area is changing so fast nobody can keep up!”

Life in the Virginia suburbs outside Washington, DC reflects the fast pace of our nation’s capital, and I know I’ve fooled some residents by sticking Sully Parkway and its non-denominational megachurch somewhere—and everywhere—in the area.

Welcome to my world! Sully Parkway is anywhere I want it to be!

You’ll have no difficulty recognizing the Church on the Parkway, or COP. Maybe it’s your church, with all its shortcomings, victories, quirky characters, inspiring leaders—and comfort dogs?!

Yes, COP takes its outreach responsibilities seriously, and they started a comfort dog ministry!

What Christian hasn’t struggled in situations where words fail to soothe a hurting soul? Real life comfort dogs, such as the 100-plus golden retrievers deployed by the Lutheran Church Charities, are ambassadors of Christ’s love in a range of challenging situations, from the minor anxiety of learning to read aloud to the unthinkable tragedy of a school shooting, and everything in between.

I fell in love with these sweet creatures of God who know intuitively how to reach out to hurting humans. Find out how Hope, COP’s golden retriever puppy, grows into her mission.

You’ll discover that some of the hope she brings is completely unexpected!

My Impressions

“Hi, everybody! It’s Hope! I’m a working dog—comforting people is my job. My handlers call me Jesus’ face and paws. I listen to people and let them pet me when they’re sad or anxious.”

Unexpected Hope by Pam Green was a delight for me to read on a couple of levels. I enjoyed seeing Jack move from his “Nobody wanted Jack Shelton these days, ” to a full- circle faith in the God he’d once served. What a journey! And God uses a special therapy dog, Hope, whose mission is, as stated above, “ to be the hands and feet of Jesus.” To bring hope to those in trauma and emotional need. 

Classified as contemporary Christian  fiction, this is not a fast- moving story, but it is character-driven. Dog- character and people-character. Jack, with nothing better to do, camera around his neck, follows a crowd into a church parking lot. Mistaken for the tardy photographer for their new “Team Hope” group which will use a young golden to comfort people in crisis, Jack plays along. 

Against his will, but certainly not outside of God’s knowledge, Jack is slowly drawn into this warm group of believers who are training and using dogs to provide comfort or even just emotional support during hard times. Jack has his reservations, though, because his goal is a full-time newspaper photo-journalism job. Plus, he and God aren’t exactly on speaking terms after a tragedy shook his faith’s moorings. 

I loved seeing how God gently and slowly works out every step in Jack’s life until he knows which path God is calling him to. It is fun to get to know all the characters of Team Hope. I am quite sure we will be focusing on others of the group in future books. Also, having gone to puppy trainging classes, plus watched my daughters train dogs for 4-H, then seeing these same leaders bring dogs into our school as therapy dogs, this whole idea is very dear to me. Ms. Green certainly seems to know her dog training! But, to circle back around, she also knows the love of God and how He keeps after those who are His, until they are ready to return back to Him! Very inspirational! 

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

Notable Quotables:

“God knows more than we do. He has a master plan, and our lives fit into that plan, whether we understand what He’s doing or not. But He loves us, wants what’s best for us, and He doesn’t waste any of our experiences.”

“There are no shoulds in grieving.”

“Maybe if the trauma groups had a comfort dog, more people would want to talk.”

“While you are busy comforting other people, you’ve gotta watch out for yourselves. You never know when something might lead to a blowout—even on the team.”

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” 

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After further consideration, I realized I liked the concept of this book enough to upgrade the rating I originally gave it. I hope more churches actually flesh out this comfort dog concept!!

Blog Stops

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 15

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 16

Vicky Sluiter, May 17

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 18

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 19

Stories By Gina, May 20 (Author Interview)

Roads to Everywhere, May 20

For Him and My Family, May 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 22

Simple Harvest Reads, May 23 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, May 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 25

Holly’s Book Corner, May 26

Texas Book-aholic, May 27

Artistic Nobody, May 28 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, May 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pam is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a copy of the book, and a surprise!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54223

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

Shadowed Secret by S.F. Baumgartner Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Shadowed Secret (Mirror Estate Series Book 5)

Author: S.F. Baumgartner

Genre: Christian Suspense Thriller

Release date: May 13, 2025

In a world of secrets and shadows, a priest, two accountants, and an elite task force must protect what’s hidden or risk it all.

Fr. Phil, a former Navy SEAL turned priest, finds his quiet life at Mirror Estate shattered when a priest from the Vatican pays him a visit. Asked to retrieve a secret book before it’s auctioned on the dark web, Fr. Phil must face lethal adversaries and race against time, knowing his life is on the line.

Tommy Rivers’s date with Mia Granger turns deadly when they’re attacked upon discovering a colleague murdered at the office. Assuming they have the book, ruthless operatives have Tommy and Mia in their sights.

With the exposure of the secret book threatening the lives of countless operatives, Fr. Phil, Tommy, Mia, and an elite FBI task force must prevent a catastrophic intelligence leak before time runs out.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

S.F. Baumgartner crafts fast-paced Christian suspense thrillers, weaving tales of complex characters, secretive operatives, and relentless agents. Her gripping storytelling has earned acclaim, with Living Secrets—Book 1 of her Mirror Estate series—named a Top Pick in the thriller category at Killer Nashville, 2024. When she’s not plotting her next twist, she’s binge-watching crime TV shows, like NCIS or playing with her cats. Fans of James Patterson’s style, especially those who appreciate short, punchy chapters, will find much to love in her work.

More from S.F.

Unraveling Secrets: The Journey of Writing This Book

Some books come together effortlessly. Others take their time, demanding patience, persistence, and more rewrites than I care to admit. This latest installment falls firmly into the latter category. The story simply didn’t gel the first couple of times I attempted to write it. I knew where it needed to go, but the journey to get there felt off. Characters resisted the paths I initially set for them, subplots unraveled at the seams, and the pacing never quite clicked the way I wanted it to.

It took several drafts and a fair amount of frustration before things finally started falling into place. Looking back, I realize that part of the struggle was that this book needed to do more than just continue the story—it had to weave together past threads while setting the stage for what’s to come. That’s a delicate balance, and it wasn’t something I could rush.

Why I Wrote This Book

The simplest answer? It’s the next chapter in the story. After everything that has happened in previous installments, there were lingering questions that needed answers, loose ends that needed to be tied up—or, in some cases, unraveled even further.

This story is about Fr. Phil. He’s no longer just the priest of Mirror Estate’s chapel; he’s once again being pulled into the shadows of his past. Old alliances resurface, and new threats emerge. At the same time, Olivia and Simon’s upcoming wedding adds a deeply personal layer to the story. In many ways, this book is about past decisions catching up with the present—whether in matters of faith, espionage, or personal relationships.

And then there’s the Ghost. Marge Beaumont remains as enigmatic as ever, and while she’s playing by the rules—for now—it’s clear she’s still ten steps ahead of everyone. The question isn’t just whether she can be trusted, but whether anyone can truly outmaneuver her.

The Challenge of Getting It Right

What made this book particularly challenging was the complexity of the narrative threads. There’s a missing book that may or may not contain dangerous secrets. There’s an auction on the dark web that threatens national security. There’s a decades-old mystery involving hidden treasure. And, of course, there’s the ever-present undercurrent of trust and betrayal—who’s telling the truth, who’s working an angle, and who’s about to make their next move?

Balancing these elements while keeping the pacing tight and the stakes high took longer than expected. Some subplots had to be reworked entirely, others had to be trimmed down, and a few surprises emerged that even I didn’t see coming in the early drafts.

What’s Next?

Now that this book is finally complete, I can say with confidence that the struggle was worth it. The twists, the revelations, and the character moments that emerged from this process have made it stronger than I initially imagined.

For readers who have been following this series, I hope you enjoy the ride. Expect high stakes, hidden agendas, and a few moments that might just leave you breathless. And as always, thank you for sticking with me on this journey—because the story is far from over.

My Impressions

“It was about discernment. About seeing beneath surfaces. About understanding that even the holiest façades could conceal the darkest intentions.”

Just how often can you come in on a thrilling psychological series in the middle or end, yet not feel totally befuddled? Kudos to author S.F. Baumgartner, author of Shadowed Secret, Book 5 of Mirror Estate Series!! I was fit to be tied when I discovered I was reading a new-to-me author, a psychological mystery that definitely builds book to book, and I was coming in fresh on book 5 , a 500 page book at that. Plus, the list of characters is enough to make your head spin!!

But Baumgartner is a writing wizard!! She starts out Shadowed Secret with a recap of each of the previous books! Not only that, but the books are a tangle of relationship connections- and at the FRONT of the book are several pages of relationship maps. Often, if there is such a thing, it is relegated to the back, and what help is that then?! Plus, a map of the estate. Now, I’m only left with two objections to reading the book: a massive 500 pages and how on earth am I going to keep so many different people’s story threads clear in my head?!

Again, Baumgartner has done her due diligence in editing her book, pulling making sure all threads tie together. And she does so in such a thrilling, compelling way, I couldn’t put the book down until 1:30 am. Because of clear, concise wording, and short sentences and chapters, one can speed through the book. And you will be so anxious to follow the thrills and chills you will need to! 

As I mentioned, I put down the book at 1:30 am. I thought I left my new friends, Dylan, Lily, Olivia, Fr.Phil, and others in a relatively safe place after progressing through more incredible twists than I thought possible. WRONG! I’m left wondering if this is truly the final book!! I will be picking up the books I missed ASAP and already picked up the first of the spin-off series, Mirror Estate Psychological Thrillers!

I am blown away by this book! If you like psychological thrillers. S.F. Baumgartner is a master! 

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

Notable Quotables:

(Please note: these are not all life- inspiring!!)

“It’s not about faith. It’s about power, and power comes with wealth.”

“You know what will help?” “What?” “Pray. Let’s pray. You can just say what you want from the heart. Don’t worry about any prayers.”

“Don’t assume you’re safe just because you don’t see the threat.”

“Remember it’s not the medal itself, but the power comes from God.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Superior- My version of six stars!!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 10

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 11

Stories By Gina, May 12 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 13

Texas Book-aholic, May 14

Simple Harvest Reads, May 15 (Author Interview)

Betti Mace, May 16

Artistic Nobody, May 17 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 18

Blogging With Carol, May 19

Guild Master, May 20 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 21

For Him and My Family, May 22

Fiction Book Lover, May 23 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, S.F. is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and an eBook copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54216

BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Kindle, Purchase, Wild Heart Books

Catherine’s Pursuit by Lena Nelson Dooley Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Catherine’s Pursuit

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 22, 2025

A secret family, a dangerous journey, and a reluctant protector who might save her heart.

Catherine Lenora McKenna has never lacked for anything. She has a loving father and is surrounded by people who care for her every need. Even so, she senses an odd hole. When she learns on her eighteenth birthday that she is not an only child, but one of three identical triplets, she finally understands what’s been missing. Setting out with a single clue, Catherine embarks on a desperate quest to find her missing family.

Colin Elliott is recovering from the violent storm that cost him his ship and left him with crippling injuries. The last thing he needs is to deal with the pampered daughter of his business associate, Angus McKenna. But McKenna is desperate and Colin indebted. As Colin follows and protects Catherine, he finds himself drawn to her kindness and strength, and drawn into her desire for family.

As love blossoms between Catherine and Collin, the journey takes a dangerous turn and each is forced to hold on to their newfound love and trust God to guide them.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Multi-published, award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley has had more than 1,000,000 copies of her 50+ books sold. Her books have appeared on the CBA, Publisher’s Weekly, and ECPA bestseller lists, as well as Amazon bestseller lists. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the local chapter, ACFW – DFW. She’s a member of Christian Authors’ Network. She likes to create characters and stories that grip her readers hearts.

More from Lena

I’ve spent a lot of time with these triplets. They almost feel like part of my extended family. I hope my readers feel that way, too.

I have walked with the Lord for most of my 82 years. He has been with me through hard times and wonderfully blessed times. We learn and grow in Him more in the valleys than on the mountaintops. That’s why I write books that show how much He loves. We can’t understand the depths of His love for us unless we need Him desperately. I write these stories to share that love and hope to my readers.

While I am writing a book, I often pray for God to give me the words that will touch readers who need to know Him more. I also want to write a story that will entertain them as well.

If you want to bless me, please leave a review somewhere about the stories you love. I do try to read reviews and learn from them.

I’m only 15 months from losing the love of my life after spending 59 years with him. If the Lord puts me on your heart, please whisper a prayer for me. Prayer changes things.

My Impressions

“All my life, I’ve felt as if something essential was missing from my heart and life. Now I know it was my sisters. I have to find them.”

The third book of the McKenna Sisters, Catherine’s Pursuit by Lena Nelson Dooley, starts with spoiled San Francisco heiress Catherine McKenna discovering that she is not an only child, but rather a triplet. Her identical sisters were adopted out shortly after birth. When Catherine’s father refuses to help in her search for her sisters, she hatches her own plan to rediscover her family. 

Meanwhile, Catherine’s father sends a trusted employee, Colin Elliot, after his daughter and her maid, to keep them safe. Colin wants nothing to do with the woman he has dubbed the “Ice Princess,” but due to a sense of great debt to his employer, consents to the assignment. 

I liked seeing the changes evolve in Catherine and Colin as they make their journey. Catherine slowly begins to start viewing life through the lens of caring for others and their comfort. She begins to realize how much she needs and wants to mature. Colin struggles with feeling alone as Catherine does, but he doesn’t have the family experiences she had, nor does he feel included in her new family. He also feels inferior because of an unsuccessful venture which leaves him with a physical disformity. 

I loved seeing how the faith of Catherine and her father and Daniel and Mary and their family attracts him and draws him to want what they have. Indeed, as Mrs. Winthrop states, “Love opens the door to learning of one’s need of a Saviour and forgiveness.” Mrs. Winthrop with her mothering ways is my fave secondary character, as well as Daniel for the way he befriends Colin. 

While this book could be read alone, I felt I had more background having read about the beginning of the family story in book 1, Maggie’s Journey. I missed reading book 2, Mary’s Redemption, and would have had a better background for this story, had I read book 2. I will def be returning for it. 

Colin has to face his nightmares from the past and his fears in order to return Catherine and Julie home from visiting Seattle. Will he be able to face his fears? Daniel gives wise counsel: “Fear is an ugly companion.” And then he issues a challenge: “So what are you going to do? Run away, or go in the strength of the Lord?”

Employing tropes of enemies to lovers, found family, and forgiveness, Catherine’s Pursuit is a book I would recommend for historical romance fans. 

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 7

Pause for Tales, May 7

Texas Book-aholic, May 8

Sylvan Musings, May 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 11

Devoted To Hope, May 12

Holly’s Book Corner, May 12

lakesidelivingsite, May 13

Books You Can Feel Good About, May 14

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 14

Simple Harvest Reads, May 15 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Book Looks by Lisa, May 16

Cover Lover Book Review, May 17

For Him and My Family, May 18

Mary Hake, May 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lena is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54213

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

Embers of Truth by Avrie Swan Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Embers of Truth

Author: Avrie Swan

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 15, 2025

A fiery heroine teams up with a gruff detective to catch a thief, but the real danger may be trusting each other.

With her family nearing destitution and her home on the brink of foreclosure, Carina Clarke has little left to lose. Yet in one fateful evening, the 1871 Peshtigo Fire destroys the last of all she holds dear and separates her from her sister and friend. Carina vows to find them—even if it means moving to a different city and taking up work at a textile mill while she searches.

Oliver Ramhurst is determined to make his father proud of his work as a Pinkerton detective. His assignment to capture a thief at a textile mill in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, could be the opportunity he needs—if the feisty Miss Clarke will stay out of his way. When the clever woman offers to help him ferret out the culprit, Oliver reluctantly agrees. But does she want more from him than she’s saying?

As the danger grows and they draw closer to discovering the true identity of the thief, Carina and Oliver realize that nobody is who they seem. Carina must decide who can be trusted and who may be a villain in disguise—for when the hour grows dark, trust may be the only thing that can save her.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Avrie Swan is a Christian author and avid reader with a love for all things historical. Having grown up exploring antique stores and museums, she eventually decided to combine her interest in history with her love for writing and began working on her first full-length novel at the age of fourteen. She especially enjoys writing stories that focus on themes of family, faith, and growth through difficult times.

When Avrie is not writing, she is watching old movies, collecting antique books, and hunting for agates. A native Wisconsinite, she enjoys spending the cold winters indoors with her cat on her lap and a good book in her hand.

More from Avrie

Hello, folks!

What do you do when you run out of your favorite type of book at the local library? Well, in the case of sixteen-year-old me, you sit down and try to write one yourself. Thus was born the first iteration of Embers of Truth, followed shortly thereafter by the second and third. After countless revisions and many cups of coffee, I finally achieved what I wanted—a book filled with mystery and action, with a main character tenacious enough to weather the storms I tossed her way. Carina’s story was a joy to write, and I know sixteen-year-old me would be happy to read it if she could.

In this first book of The Peshtigo Fire Chronicles, I decided to explore the theme of trust and learning to accept help. Carina has difficulty trusting others, an issue born out of past experiences. However, as she comes to learn, we cannot let bad experiences affect the way we see others. Have you ever unjustly judged someone because of something that happened to you, even if it was unintentional? I have. It’s easy to do!

In addition to exploring themes of trust, Embers of Truth also examines what it means to put our goals before helping others. Oliver is determined to impress his father, and while he takes the mill case to help the workers there, he also secretly hopes it will finally make his father approve of his occupation. Putting our needs above others is a part of human nature, but that doesn’t mean we can’t change. Watching Oliver realize this is one of my favorite parts of the story.

Much like Oliver, I also realized several things while writing Embers of Truth. The first was that I would never handwrite a novel again, a decision my right wrist thanked me for. The second was that God is incredibly, incredibly gracious. The third and final thing I realized was that I would have made a terrible Pinkerton detective. I’m much more suited to sitting bundled up under warm blankets with a book than going undercover to find a criminal!

I encourage you, dear reader, to follow along with Oliver and Carina as they traverse snowy Milwaukee and decide whether you could be a detective. Make sure to curl up with a nice cup of coffee or tea and a blanket as you enjoy this intriguing, romance-filled story. God bless you!

Sincerely,

Avrie Swan

My Impressions

“…you are not nothing. You are a child of God, and if you keep that fact at the front of your heart and mind, there will be no circumstance you cannot face.”

Avrie Swan has produced a historical romance set around the Peshtigo fire, with two socially mismatched main characters. What makes the story work well for me is the fact that although society doesn’t claim the same divisions today, people always have a way of dividing themselves into groups they believe superior to others. Oliver, son of a prominent Chicago judge,  is  a Pinkerton detective tasked with discovering the thief at a textile mill in Milwaukee.  He meets spunky, alert, loom girl Carina there. Carina is working at the mill to earn money as she searches for her sister following the Peshtigo fire. Somehow, Carina twists Oliver’s arm into allowing her to assist in his factory investigation. 

I enjoyed this constant action, tense story.  Swan provides a good feel of the dangers and hopelessness of the common laborer in a mill job. She also brings forth elements of humor in Mrs. Fields ( I can just see her twinkling eyes) and contrasts the love of family that Carina once enjoyed and Oliver never knew. I appreciated the faith emphasis, whether it was about forgiveness (“There’s always a chance for forgiveness. You simply have to ask for it.”) or about giving every aspect of our lives over to God. (“Every once in a while, I find myself trying too hard to control the circumstances of my life. It’s then that I have to stand back and let God take over.”- Mrs. Fields) Relationships between characters are a crucial part and driving force of this novel. 

The romance between Carina and Oliver surely begins on a very rocky note. Definitely enemies to lovers trope. And there were times I cringed at the duo as a detective partnership! When the guilty party is discovered, I realized I would have made a horrible agent. No, I would not have put up with the cost that Carina and Oliver must pay to ferret out the truth. 

While the Peshtigo fire does play an important part in the story, most of the story takes place in Milwaukee. 

Loose ends at the story’s finish beg for more books in the series, which are expected. I’ll be waiting! 

Notable Quotables:

“In the end, we are all the same, regardless of money or status. What defines us isn’t the clothing we wear or the manner in which we speak. It’s the way we treat others that truly shows who we are inside.” – Pastor Lane

“did Jesus judge all men based on the actions of one? Did He not forgive even the ones who wronged Him?”- Mrs. Fields

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great! I’m looking forward to book 2 of The Peshtigo Fire Chronicles!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 1

Holly’s Book Corner, May 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 2

Texas Book-aholic, May 3

Blogging With Carol, May 4

Simple Harvest Reads, May 5 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 6

Blossoms and Blessings, May 6

Book Looks by Lisa, May 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 8

Betti Mace, May 9

Stories By Gina, May 10 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 10

Cover Lover Book Review, May 11

Pause for Tales, May 12

Devoted To Hope, May 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 13

For Him and My Family, May 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Avrie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54210