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The Women of Wynton’s by Donna Mumma Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: The Women of Wynton’s

Author: Donna Mumma

Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction

Release date:July, 2024

Mid-Century Glam Meets Murder Mayhem

Get swept away to the glamor of a 1950’s department store where four women’s loyalties, vanity, friendship, and detective skills are put to the test.

Audrey Penault once led a glamorous life as a model but now works as devoted secretary to Mr. Wynton. To her fellow employees, she is too vain and uppity.

Mary Jo Johnson, a wife and mother, longs to find her worth in the cosmetics department, but it may take a while for the shy housewife to discover her voice.

Vivian Sheffield owns and runs the bridal salon within Wynton’s. She is proud of her accomplishments and won’t let anyone take them away.

Gigi Woodard dislikes her job as waitress in the store’s lunchroom, but she is determined not to let her secret shortcomings cause her to lose the position.

These four women have much to dislike about each other, but they unanimously agree that Mr. Wynton is the best of employers and must be protected at all costs from someone who seems determined to see him gone for good. When other employee deaths occur, can the women band together to solve the murders, or will they discover it is one of their own bent on destroying Wynton’s from within?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Donna Mummaperfected storytelling in her first grade classroom, spinning tales exciting enough to settle a roomful of antsy six-year-olds. She is an award winning author who loves to blend history, mystery, and a dash of hope in stories that explore ordinary people who learn extraordinary life lessons. Donna is an active member of Word Weavers International, serving as president for the Tampa chapter as well as a mentor for chapters around the country. She was recognized as the Word Weavers traditional groups president and mentor of the year in 2022. She also serves as a line editor and contributor for Inskpirationsonline.com, a site featuring devotions written for writers by writers. An avid believer in education, Donna earned her M. Ed in elementary education and writes educational blogs and articles to assist teachers overseas for the International School Project. A native Floridian, she loves sharing life with her husband and her energetic collie, Duke.

More from Donna

Two models posed in red, flowy iconic 50’s dresses, white gloves, and classy hats. Perfect makeup and hair. Years ago, this picture hung in the dressing rooms of my favorite clothing store.

I was hooked.

Every time I entered the store, I’d walk to the dressing rooms to stare at the picture whether I had something to try on or not. There was something about that image that drew me in.

A few years later, I happened upon the same picture from the store on a social media page I’d joined featuring fashions from the 1950’s. I discovered my beloved photo came from a cover of Vogue magazine issued in 1955.

Then my imagination started churning. Every movie I’d watched with Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Kim Novak came to mind. I pictured four women, wearing the classy, tailored suits, full-skirted dresses, and the beautiful gowns from the 50’s. They were going to work in a department store because I grew up on a dairy farm, way out in the country of central Florida, and the big department stores like Burdines, Maas Brothers, and Robinsons were the most glamourous, luxurious places I’d ever seen.

These women were going to have to deal with a few murders. And the fact they don’t care much for each other.

As I researched, departments stores, history, fashion, and life in Florida in the 1950’s these characters came alive. First was Audrey, a former fashion model and the personal secretary to the owner of Wynton’s Department Store who may be the most hated woman around town. Miss Vivien, the owner and designer for Wynton’s bridal salon, who fights being set aside because she’s growing older. Mary Jo, a young wife and mother who longs to be at home but must take a job at Wynton’s to save her family. Lastly, Gigi, a girl who’s tired of the tough breaks in her life and hopes a new job at Wynton’s will bring her better fortune.

I wanted their experiences in the story to be true-to-life for that period and drew from stories and memories my own mother shared with me when I was growing up. I had so much fun writing about The Women of Wynton’s as they worked their way through mayhem, murders, and a Christmas parade, but also learned much about the women in this period of history. It is my hope my readers will too.

My Impressions

“But when my life fell apart, Mirette helped me pick up the pieces and glue them back together. Because that is what we southern women do for one another. We pull up our stockings, forgive one another, and hold our friends close no matter what. Understood?”

Welcome back to the 1950s. It is a time of huge department stores, and women are starting to work outside the home. Still, a majority of women are housewives. Segregation is still in effect. The Women of Wynton’s by Donna Mumma brings all these things into sharp focus.

Four very different women are brought together through Wynton’s department store. Audrey is the secretary to Mr. Wynton, the store owner. Having been away from Levy City, FL for many years in NYC, Audrey is back, in a place of authority, and few of the store employees like her. Gigi is rough around the edges, works in the cafeteria, and feels that she doesn’t measure up to those around her. Mary Jo is a housewife and mother who must work because of her husband’s disabling accident. Her dearest wish would be to stay home with her daughters. And lastly, Vivien is an older woman who has a successful wedding salon inside of Wynton’s. Yet, Vivien is feeling like some may want her replaced with a more youthful salon owner.

When we meet Audrey, she is rich, educated, and traveled, but unliked. However, the interactions we see her have with others like Nelson, Mr. Wynton, and Mary Jo do not match the vicious rumors concerning her that fly faster than super sonic jets around the store. All the gossip going around makes me sick. One can see that there are two diametrically opposed sides in this battle- yet some of the workers can’t seem to decide which side of the fence to land on. I wondered why the women aren’t better judges of character- and then realized that real life is so often like that! Sometimes the truth is hard to ferret out. “People aren’t always what they seem when you’re standing too close.”

Some of the characters I just downright despised. Will poetic justice have its way, and the guilty be caught, or will the schemers be successful? One character surprised me! Plot twist! It was a good one!

I appreciated the look at segregation, though it was painful. To realize that some people couldn’t have the same rights as others based on skin color. Yet, others knew that was wrong, but were afraid to make their voice heard and buck the system.

Mumma does a good job of keeping the mystery going until very near the end. While you may figure out who the culprit is, the question quickly becomes one of suspense, will they be caught in time? I was on pins and needles, trying not to bite my fingernails as we closed out the novel.

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

Notable Quotables:

“Sure you made some mistakes in your life, but who cares? God forgives all of us, rich or poor.”

“It’s 1955. Things shouldn’t be that archaic.” “Lotta things not the way they should be right now.”

“Avoiding foolishness doesn’t make it stop.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Magnificent! A historical murder mystery, plus a look at friendship’s bonds

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 2

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 2

Stories By Gina, August 3 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 3

Pause for Tales, August 4

Texas Book-aholic, August 4

Inspired by fiction, August 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 7

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, August 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , August 8

Books You Can Feel Good About, August 9

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

Paperbacks and Throwbacks, August 10

Book Looks by Lisa, August 11

Cover Lover Book Review, August 12

For Him and My Family, August 13

Lights in a Dark World, August 14

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 14

Labor Not in Vain, August 15

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2d090/the-women-of-wynton-s-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, BLOG, Favorite, Kindle, Launch Team, NetGalley, PB, Purchase, Revell

Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Title: Between the Sound and Sea

Author: Amanda Cox

Publisher: Revell

Releases: August 6, 2024

Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Historical, Mystery

Every family has its secrets. Josephina Harris wouldn’t mind if her family still had a few of their own after a lawsuit tarnishes their name. When an opportunity opens to become a temporary keeper of a decommissioned lighthouse on a North Carolina island, she jumps at the chance to escape her small town to oversee its restoration.  

As the work begins, “Joey” discovers strange notes tucked deep in the crevices of the old stone walls–pages torn from a lighthouse keeper’s log signed by someone named Mae who recounts harrowing rescues at sea. Fascinated by a woman lighthouse keeper, Joey digs into the past only to discover there’s never been a record of a lighthouse keeper by that name.

When things start to go amiss on the island, locals are convinced that it is the ghost of the lighthouse keeper and his daughter who were lost at sea during World War II. As Joey sifts through decades of rumors and legends and puts together the pieces of the past, what emerges is a love story–one that’s not over yet.

Multiple Christy Award winner Amanda Cox is your guide upon the raging seas of young love, heartbreaking loss, and learning to risk it all for a chance at happiness in this timeless novel.

About the Author

Before becoming a stay-at-home parent, Amanda Cox spent her time counseling children, families, and individuals through life’s challenging moments. Now she uses those same skills to develop layered characters and stories, bringing them on a journey of hope and healing. A journey she hopes her readers experience in their own lives as they read.

A few of her favorite things are the sanctuary of the great outdoors, the feeling of pen on paper, the sound of her children’s laughter, and exploring new places with her husband of 18 years. (Oh, let’s not forget good fiction and good coffee. She’s addicted to both.) You can stay connected with her latest writing updates at http://www.amandacoxwrites.com. You can find her on social media by searching Amanda Cox Writes

To get a free short story featuring characters from The Edge of Belonging visit: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/fuj7mlfd83

My Impressions

“Regret is a strange animal, son. It makes you create alternate realities inside your head with hindsight as your guide. You long for those imaginary outcomes until it’s a sickness. But there’s also another side to regret… I knew how much it cost to get it wrong.”

Indeed, this twisty, dual-time novel of Amanda Cox, Between the Sound and the Sea, is full of regrets. Walter is desperately trying to make up for his regrets from 60 years earlier. Finn doesn’t know how to step away from his broken past into a safe life. And Joey thinks she can somehow solve her problems by proving her worth to a town who has rejected her. Can these three work together to restore an old Outer Banks lighthouse and solve the mystery of the light keeper and his daughter who disappeared years ago?

Cheers for obscure history revealed! Never would I have guessed WWII was this close to our mainland! Why weren’t we taught this in US history?!

I found myself with the characters saying in my head, “I wish this or that would happen, or wouldn’t have happened.” Or I was guilty as I read, of saying, “Why? Why did [character] do that?!” Whether in reading or real life, it’s so easy to get caught up in the “if only” rut. You can see Amanda Cox’s background as a therapist come through as she explores the characters’ actions and feelings. “It was past time to leave behind the ‘if onlys.’ ‘I’m not sure going backward is ever the answer. We learn what we can from the hard times and keep moving forward.’”

This mesmerizing novel will have you reaching for the Kleenex more than once as Cox visits themes of regret, fear, and heartache. Is there a path for these characters I now love to find peace, forgiveness, hope, and restoration?

Because I love to spotlight secondary characters, I will name Pete as my fave such character. I loved how God used him in the narrative and also how he grew!

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher via NetGalley. I also pre-ordered a pb for my keeper shelf. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“But that’s the beauty of love and grace, Cay. The real kind. We don’t have to earn it.”

“God meets us right where we’re at. And maybe things in our lives get broken down and beaten up along the way. The good news is restoration work is kind of His specialty.”

“When people are hurt and scared, they aren’t always able to reason through things well. They can’t see past the pain and fear.”

“I feel like I’ve slipped and fallen into an episode of Scooby-Doo. Send help.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! Cox proves once again why she is a multiple Christy award winner!

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

Trail of Promises by Susan F. Craft Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Trail of Promises

Author: Susan F. Craft

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 25, 2024

A marriage of convenience will protect her reputation on the long trail ahead, but he’s barely more than a stranger…

Tessa Harris is a woman without options. When she’s stranded nearly two hundred miles from her destination, her only companions are a former British Cavalry officer and his two young brothers. Society dictates they cannot travel without a chaperone, but can she trust this handsome stranger to protect her if they choose to marry? And if so, should she show her feelings or guard her heart? She’s learned the hard way how painful it is to love a man who doesn’t reciprocate.

Stephen Griffith has enough responsibility caring for his young brothers, and now he shoulders the massive responsibility of keeping his new wife safe as they cross the wilderness toward a new life. And though he tries to keep her at arm’s length, reminding himself their marriage may only be a temporary arrangement, he cannot seem to shake the feelings growing for her.

When they fall into the hands of outlaws, Tessa and Stephen must overcome their hardest obstacle yet. Only God can bring them safely to the end of the trail where enduring love awaits.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Susan F. Craftretired after a 45-year career in writing, editing, and communicating in business settings.

She authored the historical romantic suspense trilogy Women of the American Revolution—The Chamomile, Laurel, and Cassia. The Chamomile and Cassia received national Illumination Silver Awards. The Chamomile was named by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance as an Okra Pick and was nominated for a Christy Award.

She collaborated with the International Long Riders’ Guild Academic Foundation to compile An Equestrian Writer’s Guide (www.lrgaf.org), including almost everything you’d ever want to know about horses.

An admitted history nerd, she enjoys painting, singing, listening to music, and sitting on her porch watching geese eat her daylilies. She most recently took up the ukulele.

More from Susan

Tessa Harris and her father, Thomas, are portrait artists, limners, who travel from town to town seeking commissions.

Limners were among the first to record glimpses of life in colonial America. By the early 1700s, wealthy colonists hired limners to paint portraits of their families. These limners, mostly self-taught, generally unknown by name, turned out naive portraits in the Elizabethan style, the Dutch baroque style, or the English baroque court style, depending upon the European background of both artist and patron.

Rather than a true portrait, the paintings were most often idealistic and did not give a true representation of the personality of the sitter and were often two dimensional. Artists focused on the material wealth of the subject, giving much attention to their clothing and accessories. Some artists painted only the faces of their subjects, explaining that they need not bother with tedious sittings and that they would paint the bodies and clothing later. They would show their subjects English and French prints from which to choose whatever costumes and backgrounds they preferred.

Like most artisans of their time who found it difficult to support themselves with paintings only, limners also worked in pewter, silver, glass, or textiles or took jobs doing ornamental paintings of clocks, furniture, signs, and carriages. Many painted miniatures—tiny watercolor portraits—on pieces of ivory, often oval-shaped and commonly worn as jewelry. Limners also painted on paper and canvas and earned, on average, $15 per portrait.

Limners Samuel McIntire and Duncan Phyfe became celebrated painters of furniture. Famous colonial portrait artists included Joseph Blackburn, Peter Pelham, John Smibert, John Singleton Copley, John Trumbull and Charles Wilson Peale. An American artist, Benjamin West, became painter to the king and president of the Royal Academy in London. American artists flocked to his studio to learn under his tutelage, including Gilbert Stuart, who painted a famous portrait of George Washington.

In 1754 in British colonial New York, an artist took out the following ad in the Gazette and the Weekly Post: Lawrence Kilburn, Limner, just arrived from London with Capt. Miller, hereby acquaints all Gentlemen and Ladies inclined to favour him in having their pictures drawn, that he don’t doubt of pleasing them in taking a true Likeness, and finishing the Drapery in a proper Manner, as also in the Choice of Attitudes, suitable to each Person’s Age and Sex, and giving agreeable Satisfaction, as he has heretofore done to Gentlemen and Ladies in London. He may at present be apply’d to at his Lodgings, at Mr. Bogart’s near the New Printing-Office in Beaver-Street. 

I pray that my Great Wagon Road series honors the Lord and the gifts He has given me and that you will love my characters as much as I do. Soli Deo Gloria.

My Impressions

“By agreeing to travel with him, she had placed herself under his protection. Her body might be petite, but the responsibility of keeping her safe would be massive. Was he up to the task?”

Trail of Promises by Susan F. Craft is the second Great Wagon Road book ( and second in the series) that I have read. Quick thoughts in this paragraph: These books are great historical standalones , not about the Oregon Trail, but about the Wagon Trail that ran through the colonies from New York usually extending to South Carolina or further. I liked the first. I was definitely hooked by the second. Author notes are very important, and I love the help finding out which events are based on history! The fourth thought- after two of these books, you couldn’t pay me enough to be a part of this exceedingly dangerous wagon trail road!! ( But I will definitely be reading the other books of the series as soon as they release!!)

In Trail of Promises, unexpected tragedy causes a woman,sketcher-portrait artist to travel unaccompanied in 1753 on the trail with an attractive, former British military man and his younger brothers. But they are unmarried without a proper chaperone. Will this do harm to their reputations once they reach any settlements?

Stephen Griffith and Tessa Harris eventually do enter a marriage of convenience, but will that be enough for each of them? ( Note: This is a clean, and faith-based book.)

The trail is arduous not just in its path, but the events that the foursome must pass through. Will they crack under the horrendous strain of their encounter with extreme evil and other difficulties, or will they come out tried and shining as gold?

For those who love pre-Revolutionary times, wagon train stories, faith-filled stories, and great evil vs good.

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

Notable Quotables:

“Even though the soap washed away the scent of death, nothing could ever erase the dark memories that must be lurking in their minds.”

“God walked with her through her valley. His love would sustain her through whatever lay ahead.”

“He made mistakes. We all do. Do not dwell on bad memories, but try to recall some of the good times you had with your father.”

“So, as a man, you feel compelled to hide your emotions?” “They were trained out of us, I’m afraid. Not the emotions themselves, but any display of them.”

“People do many things when their life or the life of someone they love is threatened.”

“Many beautiful things in the wilderness have an ugly side.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent!! Ready (with fear and trembling!) for the next Wagon Trail adventure!

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, July 9 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Pens Pages & Pulses, July 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 10

Texas Book-aholic, July 11

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 12

For Him and My Family, July 12

Lighthouse Academy Blog, July 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Karen Baney Reviews, July 13

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 15

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 16

Holly’s Book Corner, July 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 17

lakesidelivingsite, July 18

Cover Lover Book Review, July 19

Blossoms and Blessings, July 20

Pause for Tales, July 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 21

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 22

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2ca3e/trail-of-promises-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, BLOG, Favorite, Just Read Tours, Kindle, Purchase

The Baby and the Guardian by Danielle Grandinetti Just Reads Review Blitz

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

The Baby and the Guardian by Danielle Grandinetti

Series: Christmas Cabin
Author: Danielle Grandinetti
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press
Release Date:July 16, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Romance (with Suspense)

The Baby and the Guardian by Danielle Grandinetti

A baby in danger, a man in turmoil, and a woman determined to save them both.


Wisconsin, 1929—When her best friend is murdered, Eira Mae Pryce gains guardianship over her friend’s baby. A baby in danger. Charged with the child’s protection, she must outrun a snowstorm, her grief, and a killer to seek refuge with the man who saved her life last Christmas.
All ex-sheriff Casper Yarwood wants for Christmas is to be left alone. With failure ringing in his ears, he retreated to his family’s cabin in the densely wooded portion of his former jurisdiction. But when his uncle’s secretary–and the woman he believes he failed–arrives on his doorstep with an endangered child, Casper cannot turn them away.
Casper and Eira Mae face impossible odds that require facing their pasts, sacrificing their futures, and ignoring their growing feelings for one another. But they’ll do so if it means they keep their charge alive long enough to experience his first Christmas.
One cabin in the Northwoods … a decade of Christmas miracles.

Get your copy below !

https://daniellegrandinetti.com/the-baby-and-the-guardian/ #ad

About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti is an inspirational romance author fueled by tea and books, and the occasional nature walk. A 2023 Finalist in the FHLCW Reader’s Choice Award, she has also won the UNW Distinguished Faith in Writing Award and the CROW National Excellence in Story Telling Award. Originally from the Chicagoland area, she now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline with her husband and their two young sons. Find her online at daniellegrandinetti.com.

My Impressions

“God put Lewis in my charge and then he sent us to you. Yes, it is a weighty responsibility, to keep Lewis safe… But you and I have the means. Together. And in the end, each of us—me, Lewis, you—we are ultimately in God’s hands.”

I think this line pretty much sums up the gist of The Baby and the Guardian by Danielle Grandinetti. Two individuals, one ( Eira Mae Pryce), a judge’s transcriptionist, and one (Casper Yarwood), the judge’s reclusive nephew, are charged with keeping a young orphan baby safe after the baby’s parents are murdered. It takes a lot of thinking, praying, and discussion for the two to realize that God has given them what they need to keep little Lewis safe. Both Eira Mae and Casper feel unqualified for good reason, but God uses them to strengthen each other’s emotions for the job.

I loved the Christmas vibe created by the snowstorm, the Christmas decorations, and the connections the young couple made to God assigning human guardians ( parents) to protect and guide the baby Jesus.

I also loved the fact that Grandinetti quickly starts the novella out and we understand the conflict within the first minutes of the story. The suspense and tension starts up almost immediately!Bravo!!

A well-written story with a good twist, themes of two people who love God learning to work together, plus learning to give God their cares, and learning that God is in ultimate control. The Christmas-y feeling, the suspense, the cold blizzard all make it seem like I could have been a part of it. Definitely recommended!

I received a copy of this book from the author through Just Read Tours. I also bought my own ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“This is why he’d given up being a sheriff. Why he’d left any manner of civilization behind. Caring cost so much.”

“…into his self-inflicted monasticism, God brought the very thing he feared most. And with it, hope?”

“Casper had grown comfortable recognizing God’s Still Small Voice.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! I need to go back and read the pre-quel to this story, The Sheriff and the Outlaw.

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

A Conflicted Betrayal by Denise Weimer Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: A Conflicted Betrothal

Author: Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 11, 2024

A King’s Ranger, a secret patriot, and a love that calls everything into question.

As a King’s Ranger on Georgia’s frontier, Ansel Anderson loves his independent life. But he’s also a second son, which means he’ll need the favor of someone influential to secure a land grant to settle his future. What better way to win support than by marrying the daughter of a member of the Governor’s Council? Yet Ansel’s straightforward plan is complicated by Miss Scott’s aloofness and his own growing sympathy for the passionate cause of the Liberty Boys.

As drawn to the enigmatic Ansel Anderson as Temperance Scott might be, he’d be more of a match for her feisty twin sister—who is all too happy to oblige. Not only would timid, nearsighted Temperance make a poor wife for a man trained for life on the frontier, but anyone she allows close to her must share her secret patriot ideals.

When Savannah erupts into riots and intrigue following the passage of the Stamp Act, Ansel is tasked with identifying a spy passing sensitive information to the Liberty Boys and the author of anonymous letters threatening those loyal to the governor. And as suspicions focus on the Scott family, which is he prepared to sacrifice—love or loyalty?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Weimer has authored over a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

More from Denise

The American Revolution That Almost Happened a Decade Earlier: 

The Setting for A Conflicted Betrothal

Savannah, Georgia, 1765. Sedition, secret letters, spies, and Sons of Liberty. An absolutely irresistible combination for an author of historical romance! All this intrigue centered around the passage and implementation of the Stamp Act.

The crowning grievance after a series of increasingly repressive acts levying taxes for Britain, the act required an imprint on official papers or a small blue paper affixed with tin foil to a document, including bills, calendars, warrants, deeds, court documents, commercial papers, degrees, newspapers, pamphlets, ads, almanacs, indentures, appointments, and even cards and dice. Anyone breaking the Stamp Act would be tried in admiralty court in Novia Scotia. Colonists objected to not having a local trial by their peers and because English parliament, not the local upper and lower colonial houses, set the tax.

Savannah seethed with discontent while awaiting the appointment of a stamp master and the arrival of the stamps.

Then a sensational article in the Georgia Gazette revealed that four local citizens had received letters signed by “the Townsman” accusing them of being the stamp master or having stamped papers in their possession. The men were instructed to publicly advertise their innocence or risk grievous results.

When protest and riots speared by the fledgling Liberty Boys repeatedly erupted, the governor called out his Royal Rangers to quell the potential rebellion. But the rangers and the militia were riddled with secret patriots, many of whom were the sons of prominent loyalists. Imagine being in the position where you are sworn to serve and protect—only, you suspect you may be on the wrong side.

That’s what happens to my hero in A Conflicted Betrothal. Georgia Royal Ranger Ansel Anderson is summoned from his frontier post to provide intelligence to his father’s friend, a loyalist judge. To obtain the land grant he needs, he’s also to court the man’s daughter, an ardent patriot. Patience Scott has no intention of letting herself fall for a sworn King’s Man…until anonymous letters threatening those loyal to the governor corner her into agreeing to a betrothal. But will their attraction to each other survive their conflicting loyalties?

My Impressions

“…but they could not build a future on secrets and half truths.”

Denise Weimer is another author that I enjoy more with every book I read. A Conflicted Betrothal is such a great title for this novel set in the time just before the Revolutionary War. It’s a story about Star-crossed lovers, Temperence Scott, an ardent supporter of the Sons of Liberty movement in Georgia, and Lt. Ansel Anderson, a Georgia Ranger tasked with sniffing out those very Sons of Liberty. Yet these two find themselves admiring not only the looks of the other, but the true to conscience character each possesses, as well as honest faith. But Cousin Frankie and Temperance’s twin sister cause some interesting, and dangerous love triangles. How can Temperance and Ansel be true to their opposing beliefs, have the honesty that a serious relationship demands, and avoid betraying the other as words become dangerous actions?

An aside here, this strange, opposite political beliefs reminds me of a very well-known political couple of a few years back, each very outspoken in and working for opposite political goals.

Honesty. How can you keep political plans and actions separate from a spouse? How do you remain true to your convictions? This story swept me along, and I couldn’t believe some of the great twists!! Bravo!! Plus another book will follow to tell the story of a couple we met on this story. I want that one today!!

The author’s notes are important as Weimer explains the real-life characters. true events, and then which parts were poetic license. If you love reading historical fiction about the Revolutionary War and how it could tear families apart, don’t miss this book!!

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

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent!

Blog Stops

Holly’s Book Corner, July 2

Texas Book-aholic, July 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 3

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 4

lakesidelivingsite, July 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 6

Pause for Tales, July 6

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 7

Simple Harvest Reads, July 8 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 9

Inkwell Inspirations, July 10

For Him and My Family, July 11

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 12

Blossoms and Blessings , July 12

Cover Lover Book Review, July 13

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 14

Connie’s History Classroom, July 15

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2c80b/a-conflicted-betrothal-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, Bethany House, Biblical Fiction, BLOG, Favorite, Kindle, NetGalley, Purchase

The Sisters of Corinth by Angela Hunt Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: The Sisters of Corinth (The Emissaries: Book 2)

Author: Angela Hunt

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release date: May 21, 2024

“Angela Hunt takes her craft to new heights–and depths–as she fully immerses us in the lives and struggles of first-century followers of Yeshua.”–Tamera Alexander, bestselling author on The Woman from Lydia

When the new provincial governor arrives in Corinth, the esteemed Chief Magistrate Narkis Ligus, father to Mariana and Prima, is delighted. He sees a golden opportunity to propel himself to greater power and fortune by uniting his and the governor’s households through the marriage of one of his beautiful unwed daughters to the governor’s firstborn son.

Yet complications quickly arise in Narkis’s own family. Mariana, his stepdaughter, holds steadfast faith in Yeshua, rendering her hesitant to marry a man devoted to the Roman gods, despite Narkis’s urging. On the other hand, Prima, his daughter by birth, yearns for a life of wealth and status and is willing to go to great lengths to secure a marriage that fulfills her desires–even if it means betraying Mariana to do so.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Angela Hunt is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 160 books, with nearly 6 million copies sold worldwide. Angela’s novels have won or been nominated for the RWA RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Christian Book Award, and the HOLT Medallion. Four of her novels have received ForeWord Magazine‘s Book of the Year Award, and Angela is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from both the Romantic Times Book Club and ACFW. Angela holds doctorates in biblical studies and theology. She and her husband make their home in Florida with mastiffs and chickens.

More from Angela

Hello!

Thank you for helping me kick off the book tour for THE SISTERS OF CORINTH. This book is the second in my Emissaries series, but don’t worry—it reads like a stand alone.

The series features Gentiles who became believers in Christ through the ministry of Paul. The first book was about the woman called Lydia who lived in Philippi, and this book is about two step-sisters who lived in Corinth, the “Vegas” of the Roman Empire. What happened in Corinth stayed in Corinth, if you get my meaning, and there was a LOT going on in that pagan city.

I couldn’t help but think of Cinderella’s story as I wrote the opening of this book. The novel begins when the two sisters hear about the new governor coming to Corinth. He has a handsome and eligible son, and Narkis, the head of their family, is determined that one of his daughters should marry him. Prima is like her father, power-hungry and pretentious, while quiet Mariana is a believer in Yeshua. There’s a great deal of primping and preparing, scheming and scowling as the banquet draws near, and you’ll never guess which daughter the young man chooses—or maybe you will.

I hope you enjoy THE SISTERS OF CORINTH and thank you so much for taking part in this book tour. I am so grateful!

Always,

Angela Hunt

My Impressions

“Hester and Mariana could have their strange new god, but Father and I would remain true to the deities of Rome. They had made us part of an empire that brought its citizens power, slaves, and unimaginable luxuries.”

In The Sisters of Corinth, Angela Hunt spins a Biblical fiction tale so real, so suspenseful, and so engrossing that you want to put it down until you can finish it.

It is the story of the Roman world in the Apostle Paul’s time, during the reign of Nero. It is the story of a divided house. In a second marriage for both Corinthian statesman Narkis and his wife Hester, both bring daughters into the marriage. Prima and her father follow the Roman gods; Hester and her daughter, Mariana, have learned from Paulos and Acquilla & Priscilla to follow Yeshua.

Hunt’s novel is consists of two basic conflicts. As we read alternating chapters narrated by the sisters, we see sister pitted against sister for the love of the son of the new governor of Corinth. The other conflict pits all the gods of Rome against the God Who created the Universe. “How could the gods disappoint me? Mariana’s God could not be stronger than Aphrodite, Jupiter, and Asclepius. She had one God; I had dozens. Impossible that one foreign God could have prevailed against the gods of Rome.”

Power, lust, and greed are very real and driving forces in Corinth ( and Roman) politics. How far will Narkis and his daughter, Prima, go to ensure they climb the social and political ladder leading to Rome?

I was amazed by the attitudes toward slaves of the day. Yet, I think that Hunt probably went light on her description of the depravity there.

I loved how a daily witness of love and kindness in their homes influenced people around Jeshua’s followers. I also loved discovering that this is a second book in a series of three. So I must find the first book and prepare for the way Hunt will wrap up things in the third. My little experience with Hunt and this time period says it may not be as pretty as I’d like!

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

Notable Quotables:

“Freedom was found in truth, and truth was found only in Adonai and His Son.”

“Your Adonai,” she said, her voice firm, “He must be the true God…Because He is the only God who asks His followers to do what they cannot do without His help.”

“Even the small mistakes of rulers loom large in history, and that thought is what terrifies me.”

“Perhaps it is the same with your God—if you know He is good, you can trust Him to be kind.”

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Magnificent! Ready for the third in the series!

Blog Stops

Inspired by Fiction, June 19

Lots of Helpers, June 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 21

Devoted To Hope, June 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 22

Texas Book-aholic, June 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 23

Batya’s Bits, June 24

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 25

She Lives To Read, June 25

Stories By Gina, June 26 (Author Interview)

Dee S White, June 26

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 27

Lily’s Corner, June 27

Bigreadersite, June 28

Cover Lover Book Review, June 29

The Lit Lady, June 30

Holly’s Book Corner, July 1

Pause for Tales, July 1

Labor Not in Vain, July 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of The Woman from Lydia and The Sisters of Corinth and a $15 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/2c069/the-sisters-of-corinth-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, BLOG, Favorite, Kindle, Launch Team, Purchase

Dreams on the Horizon by Penny Zeller Review

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Title: Dreams on the Horizon

Series: Horizon Series, Book 2

Author: Penny Zeller

Publisher: Maplebrook Publishing

Released: June 25, 2024

Can love overcome all obstacles?

Mae Shepherdson’s dream of a school for the deaf has finally come to fruition. All is going well until she receives devastating news: the railroad wants to build a spur through the property where the Horizon School for the Deaf is located. What will become of the children who attend the school and the employees who so tirelessly commit their time and resources? Mae questions why God would allow the closing of a school that has been the lifeline for so many young pupils. And what of her dream that no child should endure being ostracized as she once was?

Landon Bennick is accustomed to obeying his father’s orders. He’s observed and even assisted with the building of many railroad spurs, and the newest in Horizon should be no exception. However, things grow complicated when he begins to fall in love with Mae, a soft-spoken teacher at the Horizon School for the Deaf—the same school blocking the railroad’s progress. Will Landon heed his father’s strict demands or is there another way to build the spur and save the school?

About the Author

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

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

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

Penny is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website, http://www.pennyzeller.com, her blog, http://www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks. To sign up for her monthly newsletter with book news and other fun morsels, go to https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/262119/74964679867237940/share

My Impressions

“Mae knew what it was like to be turned away. To be unloved. But she also knew the power of God’s abounding grace and His mercy in bringing her a forever family.”

Penny Zeller writes funny, historical romances that I find refreshing like a cool breeze on a hot summer’s day! Dreams on the Horizon involves a school for deaf children in 1890 Idaho, a railroad construction plan that stops for no one, and two hurting individuals on opposites sides of the tracks.

Mae Shepherdson loves her job as teacher at the school for deaf children. But even more, she loves the children themselves, feeling great compassion for them as she recalls her own traumatic childhood.

Landon Bennick, young heir to the Bennick Railways, comes to Horizon to prepare for expansion of his father’s company’s system. Little does he expect to become so enamored with the town, the Sheperdson family, or Mae, specifically. Suddenly, his integrity is called into question as his ruthless businessman father decides that Mae’s beloved school stands in the way of progress.

So much to love about this story. The opening sentence was a keeper for me. “Sometimes the Lord answered multiple prayers all at once.” Instantly, curiosity is piqued!

The writing style Zeller employs reminds me of Prairie Western,( think Janette Oke or Kim Vogle Sawyer)- not fancy(except for Ruby’s pretentious big words ), but flowing nice and easy. Don’t forget the humor that is a Zeller trademark! Loud outbursts generally occur when I’m reading her books!

I loved that while the gospel is presented clearly in response to a character’s questions, the responder is warm and friendly in his answer. It feels very natural, which then opens the way for more questions later.

Besides the obvious main characters, I would say I loved Albert and the Lieutenant and Miss Greta. You’ll have to read the book to see why I loved the last two. But Albert is so wise, so thoughtful, and so prayerful, too. (A person is blessed if they have an Albert in their lives.) I absolutely loved his answer to an insurmountable problem. “This calls for fervent prayer.” Not that we can’t do what we can to fix a problem, but before we do, the best thing is hard prayer!

And I love when the wealth discussion comes into play. Mae has her head screwed on right. “I just firmly believe that wealth is not based on money and possessions. Wealth is having the joy of knowing you belong to the Lord and that nothing and no one can ever take that from you. Of having a loving family who cares about you and is there for you always. Of being richly blessed with loyal friends.”

While I classified this as a “prairie western,” Zeller sensitively tackles many hard subjects. Human fathers affecting our image of God, child abuse, lack of love, need for acceptance, “special needs,” social castes in America, etc. God’s love, mercy, and faithfulness is shown as the Light in the dark times.

I received a copy of this 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:

“You are worthy. He loves you more than you can ever comprehend.” “As is evidenced by Jesus’ sacrifice?” “Indeed.”

“I had to learn that we can hang on to those regrets and blame ourselves for circumstances that, in your case, were beyond your control. Or we can release those remorses to our Heavenly Father. He doesn’t wish for us to live lives filled with compunctions and shame.”

BLOG, Favorite, Kindle, NetGalley, New-to-Me Author, Purchase, Revell

The Road Before Us by Janine Rosche Review

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Title: The Road Before Us

Author: Janine Rosche

Publisher: Revell

Released: May 2024

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Romance

From the Back Cover

How far would you go to fix the mistakes you’ve made?
For Jade Jessup, the answer is 2,448 miles. 

Once one of Chicago’s significant financial advisors, Jade lost her credibility when her fiancé (and coworker) stole millions of dollars from their clients in a Ponzi scheme. Now she’s agreed to help one of them–an aging 1960s Hollywood starlet named Berenice “Benny” Alderidge–seek financial restoration.

Jade sets off along Route 66 with Benny and her handsome adult foster son, Bridger, who is filming a documentary retracing the 1956 trip that started the love story between Benny and her recently deceased husband, Paul. Listening to Benny recount her story draws Jade into memories of her own darker association with Route 66, when she was kidnapped as a child by a man the media labeled a monster–but she remembers only as her dad.

Together, these three travelers will learn about family, forgiveness, and what it means to live free of the past. But not before Jade faces a second staggering betrayal that changes everything.


“This dual-time journey along the Mother Road is not to be missed.”–Amanda Cox, Christy Award-winning author

“An unforgettable ride.”–Christina Suzann Nelson, Christy Award-winning author

“Janine Rosche gets to the heart of family, friendship, and love.”–Toni Shiloh, Christy Award-winning author

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 each of her women’s fiction and romance novels including With Every Memory and the 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.

My Impressions

“people travel Route 66 for all kinds of reasons, but it isn’t just travelers on that specific road who are running. In our own way, we’re all running from or running to something. The lucky ones get to do that with someone they love at their side.”

What a great summation of this book. Janine Rosche’s The Road Before Us is a mixture of women’s fiction and romance, but it is so much more, my mind is reeling. It is going to take me a long time to process it. Rosche deals (well) with so many topics: dementia, child kidnapping, parent-child (or lack thereof) relationships, adoption, betrayal, PTSD, racism, and the list goes on.

The book takes Jade, former financial advisor-turned-traveling companion to her former Hollywood starlet client, Benny Alderidge, on a trip down Route 66 in a 55 Chevy as they relive Benny’s romance with her husband over 70 years before. Accompanying them is Benny’s grown foster son, Bridger. Bridger is a happy-go-lucky videographer who is making a documentary about the trip.

I really loved the characters and their growth. So many characters exhibited growth in different relationships, it was a joy to see. Maybe I was relieved to see a few characters hang onto their anger and bitterness! Real life, without Jesus!

The dementia aspect caught me by surprise. Not that the character had it. But that her episodes were so severe when she would have them, yet she would be so very alert and totally cognizant other times. Having witnessed a parent descend into dementia, that has been a far cry from our experience. I know every experience is different, but I would expect severe episodes to have been preceded by more general, slow memory loss across the board. So I am still pondering how Benny can impart great, deep truths one minute, share memories on command, and (at first) only have the rare episode that is so severe it is a safety concern.

I love the fact that we readers get two romances for the price of one, insights into several parent-child relationships, and sibling relationships.

If you are a woman reading this book and not half in love with Bridger by the end, you may want to check in with the coroner’s office. Swoon, indeed!

The Road Before Us by Janine Rosche may be the heavy-hitter grand-slam of the year! Don’t get caught without having read this book!

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads via Netgalley. I also bought my own ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“You know the best part about being my age? I can speak my mind and if people agree with me, they pat themselves on the back for being on the same side as wisdom.” …

“And if they disagree with me, they pat me on the head and think, What a sweet lady with a few screws loose. Either way, I get to speak my mind.”

“People get to choose who they want to be and how they act. We aren’t responsible for adults’ choices.”

“In Korea, we all bled red no matter what color our skin was.”

“This body I can control. What I can’t control is . . . everything else. God help me.”

“Even though I try to keep the emotions in that back pocket of mine, it doesn’t stop trauma from working its way into who I am.”

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Look for The Road Before Us to be a Christy contender! Your emotions won’t know what hit you!! Thankfully, our lives are based on the Truth of the Rock, evident in some of these characters.

Biblical Fiction, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, New Author, Purchase

Secrets of the Wildflowers by Sarah Talbert Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Secrets of the Wildflowers

Author: Sarah Talbert

Genre: Historical Fiction/Biblical Fiction

Release date: April 30, 2024

In the heart of ancient Ur, where the gods cast shadows and tradition weaves the fabric of life, Secrets of the Wildflowersunfolds the captivating tale of Miu, a spirited young woman determined to bloom amid the constraints of her culture, family, and the ancient deities that hold sway.

When tragedy strikes, and her beloved brother becomes a sacrifice to the gods, Miu embarks on a courageous journey to break free from the shackles of societal expectations and unearth her true purpose. Inspired by the resilient wildflowers that thrive against all odds, Miu is driven to forge her own path and create a name for herself.

As Miu navigates running her own tavern, friendship with an unlikely courier, and supporting an abandoned child, she finds herself crossing paths with Abram, a figure of significance from the Bible. In their encounters, Abram imparts profound wisdom, revealing that, like the wildflowers, Miu is created to be unique. Yet, he guides her to embrace the very boundaries that enable her to flourish.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Sarah Talbert, a devoted storyteller and explorer of faith, employs her creative writing to inspire spiritual growth. Through historical fiction and other writings, she shares compelling narratives aimed at deepening readers’ connections with Jesus. Sarah cultivates community through discipleship, hospitality, and storytelling, alongside managing a copywriting business that amplifies the voices of other enterprises.

More from Sarah

Secrets of the Wildflowers: Comparing the Ancient Near Eastern Gods with Yahweh

In the ancient civilizations of the Near East, people had a fascinating relationship with their gods. They earnestly sought the blessings of the gods, such as prosperity, reputation, and fertility, but the interactions were often unpredictable. Prayers and offerings were done with a sense of expectation, but people were always aware of the capricious whims of the gods.

When examining the relationship between humans, the gods of the Ancient Near East, and Yahweh, there are two key points to consider:

-Fragile Relationships with the Gods:

Did you know that in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, people believed that the gods held power over every aspect of their lives? They turned to their gods for blessings and protection, whether it was for a great harvest or a happy family.

The main reason behind writing “Secrets of the Wildflowers” was to compare and contrast the gods of Miu’s time (the main character) with Yahweh. Miu faces difficulty dealing with the unpredictable nature of the gods while also desiring to pursue her own path, but also needing the blessings of the gods.

-Yahweh’s Guidance and Certainty:

Enter Yahweh, the God of Abram, who presented an unmistakable difference from the uncertain association between humans and the gods in the Ancient Near East. Instead of leaving humanity to figure out the fickle nature of the gods’ goodwill on their own, Yahweh intervened in a significant manner.

Miu eventually discovers that Yahweh wants a relationship with her. He has pursued her from the beginning of the story. She just needs to learn if she wants to bloom free like a wildflower, or if she wants to follow him.

By following Yahweh’s laws, Abram and his people found peace, prosperity, and a divine relationship with God. Obeying His commands blessed them with divine favor and the assurance of His presence.

In conclusion, Miu and everyone she encounters must come face to face with a god who is unlike anything they’ve ever heard of. After losing and redefining freedom, Miu discovers that true freedom is found in working together with others and utilizing her God-given skills within a relationship with a loving God.

My Impressions

“The secret of the wildflowers was they grew wherever they wanted, never to be domesticated by humans. That’s what Miu wanted. Beauty and freedom uncontrolled.”

Wow! To think I almost passed on reading this book! Sarah Talbert’s Secrets of the Wildflowers excites me for several different reasons. There is enough intrigue and suspense to keep the reader rapidly turning the pages.

Miu, a mathematically inclined 16-year-old girl from the ancient city of Ur, hates her prosperous father, a famous jewelry maker for the temple priests. Miu does much to further Badak’s business, but he is all meanness and profit at any cost.

Miu escapes Ur after a great personal tragedy and sails across the sea to the respected city of Dilmun with two sailors, Zaidu and Taku. Both end up being an important part of her life story. Finding a job in a local tavern, Miu is quick to learn, and distrustful of other people. When she finds the tavern owner is just as ambitious as her father, she looks for a way to destroy her. She will not worship the capricious gods of Ur or Dilmun, gods who needed people to serve them, but could as easily ignore or destroy people as bless them.

Taku, so opposite Miu in personality and approach to life from his new friend Miu, helps bring a bit a peace to her otherwise busy, overstressed, overly controlled world. Yet, Taku is being led away from the gods of his childhood, too. “What would it be like to look up at those stars and truly know the god that made them? Could that same god ever care about humans?”

I loved the fact that though Miu loves a few deeply, she is finally forced to see that her controlling nature and refusal to engage a loving community causes her great personal loss. But the one true God of the Universe knows she is searching and doesn’t stop dealing with her until she is ready to forfeit her absolute need to control.

We get to meet Abram and Sarai and their “strange” god. This is the part that I loved most. Not only do Abram and Sarai explain how Yahweh is different from the gods others worship, but He chooses to have a relationship with people, as opposed to being flawed and using people.

I loved that Talbert talks about the gods with the understanding the ancient people of the Middle East had.( You can read her comments in the author’s notes. Our Bible study has been accessing some of the same sources Talbert refers to, and it is so exciting to see someone else have a grip on how important it is to view the Bible from the viewpoint of of the ancient Middle Eastern culture.) This understanding includes the picture the ancients have of the “waters of chaos” and the importance an object or person obtains when it is given a name. “A god or person had ultimate control when they were able to name and call creatures into order and to teach them how to grow a society using math and science. Order gave purpose, but it also gave control and power.”

“Sometimes Miu wished she’d never been named.” – Perhaps this sentence takes on new light in that perspective. Can the Yahweh of Abram and Sarai bring hope to Taku and Miu’s tortured souls? Perhaps they will discover the true secret of the wildflowers.

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

Notable Quotables:

“no one does things alone in Ur. I have dear friends, connections, and even some family I rely on. You cannot do business, or life, without a community. “

“if any of those so-called gods wanted something from her, she’d rather die. Anyone with a god that needed a sacrifice of a child to be happy, was not a god she would worship.”

“Thinking for yourself meant defeat. It meant losing the ones you love.”

“She’d make her heart as stone cold as the gods he worshipped until nothing could get inside…She must push forward in this new life or be swallowed by her past.

“He learned to be content with sharing others’ words, even if that meant his own needed to be silent.”

“The thing was, compliments only lingered for a moment, then they were off like a feather floating in the wind. Words were empty, and Hashur and Miu both knew it.”

“There’s always more to have, Miu. It just depends on what you’re willing to do to get there.”

“Since the day I left Ur, I have had to fight for control of my own life and freedom from my father and his life. I want freedom from the gods, freedom from my father, and freedom from the priests’ evil lifestyle.”

“Why did freedom feel so lonely?”

“He who keeps fleeing, flees their own past. One day you must face your own.”

“Yahweh doesn’t need us but has decided to dwell with us. He created the land we live on for people to function and create order so we can walk with him, as they did when the world was first created. And his invitation to dwell with him is why we are leaving. For us to dwell with him, in the land he will show us.”

“Yahweh is almighty and has the strength we need. Sometimes our greatest act of strength is seen in our biggest display of weakness.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! I love Talbert’s understanding of the ancient Middle Easterner’s view of the gods and the world. Very different from our Western understanding, but we can really comprehend Genesis the way the ancient Hebrews would have.

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 1

Inspired by fiction, June 2

Artistic Nobody, June 3 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, June 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 4

Texas Book-aholic, June 5

Guild Master, June 6 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 8

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 9

Back Porch Reads, June 10 (Author Interview)

Naked and Unashamed, June 11 (Spotlight)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 12

For the Love of Literature, June 13 (Author Interview)

Book Zone, June 13

Batya’s Bits, June 14

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2c2c2/secrets-of-the-wildflowers-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, BLOG, Favorite, Kindle, Launch Team, Purchase

Starry Nights- Out of Play- by Angela Ruth Strong Review

Babbling Becky L

(Starry Nights is an anthology of four contemporary romances. I am only reviewing one in this blog.)

About the Book

Title: Out of Play, part of Starry Nights anthology

Author: Angela Ruth Strong

Publisher: Two Dogs Publishing, LLC

Released: June, 2024

Out of Play – Angela Ruth Strong
When single mom Bex Lemaire is asked to step down as her eight-year-old daughter’s soccer coach for getting too competitive, she’s hoping the new coach will let her assist. Former child star Skylar Hayes agrees to take over the team as research for his comeback role. At first, he mistakes Bex for a raving fan but eventually realizes she’s only crazy about soccer, which gives her the skills needed to train him. She’s all work, while he likes to play, but together, they just might win.

About the Author

Angela Ruth Strong sold her first romance novel in 2009, and her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been a finalist for the Christy, won the Cascade Award, and become Amazon bestsellers. Her book Finding Love in Big Sky released as a movie in 2022. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she blogs for Inspy Romance and My Book Therapy. Get to know her even better at http://www.angelaruthstrong.com.

My Impressions

“I’ll coach Skylar so I can coach the Ladybugs back to victory. This will only benefit my dream of someday coaching Mia’s college team. Maybe even her professional team. While I’m dreaming, why not the World Cup?”

This promising anthology is kicked off by Angela Ruth Strong’s novel, “Out of Play,” the one I pre-read. While the novel is about an intense soccer mom coach( Bex Lemaire) living vicariously through her 8-year-old-daughter, Mia, there is so much hilarity it’s dangerous. For example, here are my first thoughts as I started Out of Play. (By the way. I was worried because it focuses heavily on a sport and I am not a sports fan. I needn’t have worried!!)

Oh, my goodness! I just started “Out of Play” by Angela Ruth Strong late tonight. I’ve been bursting out laughing loudly every couple seconds. Guess my honey won’t want me reading this on the car trip tomorrow!! We’d like to get to our destination safely! Someone said, can’t you laugh quietly? Not when Strong’s humor is this good!! ( Bex has nicknames for all the other girls’ moms, her exaggerations are over-the-top, and she and the other protagonist, child-actor Skylar Hayes, have no idea about the other’s notoriety.) If that doesn’t make for a barrel or two of laughs!!

There are also some very solid, faith-based messages imbedded in the story. Bex is not allowed to coach Mia’s soccer team this summer because she broke too many rules last season. So, Mia’s best friend’s uncle, Skylar, is roped into coaching the team, although he knows nothing about soccer. Bex finagles her way into becoming his assistant coach. A push-me-pull-you coaching relationship ensues, and so does a reluctant friendship and God’s refining. Slowly, but surely. “She isn’t interested in me or my autograph after all. She’s simply this excited about soccer. I’m an idiot with a huge ego.”– [ Skylar] As Bex hears Skylar’s story, she begins to understand why Skylar might have made mistakes, “Though does anyone make mistakes from a place of fulfillment?” Skylar goes on to add these important thoughts: “When I yelled, ‘Why did you make me unlovable?’ I immediately heard the words to Jesus Loves Me in my head.” Bex, on her part, has a lot of rethinking to do about her own attitudes as the story moves through practices and some intense and surprising games. How has her background shaped or misshaped her? Can she and Skylar both allow God to fill them with His love and gratitude, so they can give to others out of a place of fullness, rather than trying to give out of an empty heart? I love this, because this is something we can all check our attitudes against!

Some twists really caught me off guard. Others just made me lol! I highly recommend this book for its humor and for the character growth shown. Because we can all learn from the lessons Bex and Skylar learned.

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher. I also purchased my own ecopy. No positive review is required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“It’s a pretty face except for the bump on bridge of her nose, which, in this case, reminds me of the horn on a charging rhino.”

“Bex. She may be crazy, but that’s a sign of not caring what others think. She’s doing what she loves because she loves it. We should all be so crazy.”

“My endorphins throw a party.”

“We’re not here to win. We’re here to have fun.”

“And I realize that for us to win, he and I are going to have to continue to play the roles of good coach/bad coach. He’ll be the fun one. Meanwhile, I’ll lead the team to another victory.”

“Skylar’s eyes lift from my nose to my gaze. They lighten from a bitter espresso to delicious mocha, and I turn away before drinking them in. Somehow, my skin still buzzes with his unique brand of caffeine.”

“But if I was going to blame God, then apparently I believe in Him, right?”

“I want to give my daughter all the good things in the world, but no matter how hard I try, I’ll never be enough. She’s going to have to rely on God to fulfill her emptiness too.”

“Crazy good works. It’s how I feel when I’m around her.”

“I lied because I didn’t feel like I’d had a choice, but the truth is that I had choices, I just didn’t like them.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! Guaranteed to make you laugh as you think about how you do life!