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The Song of Sourwood Mountain by Ann H. Gabhart Review

August 6, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Title: The Song of Sourwood Mountain

Author: Ann H. Gabhart

Publisher: Revell

Genre: Southern Historical Romance

Released: May, 2024

While the century began with such promise, it is 1910 when Mira Dean’s hopes of being a wife and mother are dashed to pieces. Her fiancé dead from tuberculosis, Mira resigns herself to being a spinster schoolteacher–until Gordon Covington shows up.

No longer the boy she knew from school, Gordon is now a preacher who is full of surprises. First, he asks Mira to come to Sourwood in eastern Kentucky to teach at his mission school. Second, he asks her to marry him. Just like that. And all at once the doors that had seemed firmly shut begin to open, just a crack.

With much trepidation, Mira steps out in faith into a life she never imagined, in a place filled with its own special challenges, to serve a people who will end up becoming the family she always dreamed of.

From the pen of bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart comes a heartwarming story of the unexpected blessings that can come when we dare to follow the Lord’s leading.

About the Author

Ann H. Gabhart caught the writing bug at the age of ten and has been writing ever since. An award winning author, she’s published many books for both adults and young adults. Her books cover several genres from historical to small town family stories to cozy mysteries (mysteries published with author name A.H. Gabhart). Her ideas are sparked by events in Kentucky history and by experiences in her own family. Her first Shaker novel, The Outsider, was a finalist for the ECPA Christian Fiction Book of the Year. Love Comes Home won the Selah Book of the Year award, and These Healing Hills was the Faith, Hope & Love Readers’ Choice Women’s Fiction Book of the Year.

Ann lives on a Kentucky farm not far from where she was born. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. Ann enjoys hiking on her farm with her grandkids and her dogs, Frankie and Marley. See more about her books at http://www.annhgabhart.com or join the conversation on her Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/anngabhart.

My Impressions

“‘Would you consider marriage, Miss Dean? To me’…He not only had said the words, he was implying the Lord wanted him to do so.”

*Sigh.* There is something so romantic about the turn of the century (early 1900s) and the people who lived in the hollers and mountains of Kentucky.

Ann H. Gabhart spins her tale, The Song of Sourwood Mountain, and soon you are caught up in its melodic web. The heart and soul of the people of that era rise hauntingly to the forefront of a hard life. The people are hard-working, fiercely independent, and suspicious of strangers who are “ brought in” from the outside. They rally around their own and protect secrets that shouldn’t escape the hills and hollers.

It is into this world that Mira Dean, a young teacher, enters, very reluctantly, as part of a marriage of convenience. Gordon Covington has started a church and a school. He is the pastor, but he desperately needs a teacher. And he thinks God is telling him Mira, a former acquaintance, is the one.

Mira tries to run away from the idea, but boy, does she resemble Jonah of the Bible as God places roadblock after roadblock in her path, until finally, as Mira consults her erstwhile landlady, Miss Ophelia, Mira tells the woman Gordon’s approach to the issue and faith in general: “He claims that sometimes the Lord expects a man to step onto a path that is thick with the fog of the unknown. A path where he has to simply take the next step without knowing if there is a firm path there.”

I enjoyed the stern, no-nonsense- approach to life of Miss Ophelia. Surprisingly, she provides several laughs!

What a not so propitious start to a marriage! Can Mira and Gordon make a go of this marriage, as Gordon believes?

“I can’t marry you. I don’t love you.” She looked directly into his eyes. “You don’t love me.” “But I love the Lord. You love the Lord. I believe he will honor that love, and with a common mission in both our hearts, the Lord will grow love between us as he did so many of those he brought together in the Bible.”

Ada June broke my heart and captured it at the same time. I wondered if I would have had the wisdom to deal with her many fears and her difficult past?

Don’t miss Joseph, Elsinore, and Bo! And the connections within the community were amazing! People are very complex in this novel, just as in real life, and a couple threw me for a loop!

Song… can be reminiscent of Catherine Marshall’s Christy, yet it is different. Making one’s heart desires those that please God is one of the main themes. God, in turn, gives us happiness in those desires. This beautiful novel is covered by a fantasticly colorful and appealing scene that begs you to read the book.

I received a copy of the book from Revell and Library Thing Early Readers via NetGalley. I also bought a pb copy for myself and one to give away. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Ours would be a mission school with our own rules for the position of teacher. A teacher chosen by the Lord.”

“When I see a bluebird, I can’t help but think of the love with which the Lord surely formed that first bird. Through that love, the Lord gifted us with joy and hope whenever our eyes delight in its sight. May this little bird help you remember not only my love but the Lord’s as well. A bluebird of happiness.”

“One doesn’t have to know everything about one’s destination when one begins a journey.”

“What were the desires of her heart? She had a ready answer. To teach them. To let her light shine. Sometimes she would quote the next verse to them. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. That was her way of letting them know that the Lord would, as her mother always said, provide. He would plant the proper desires in their hearts and show them the way to reach those goals in life. Had she taught that and never truly believed it?”

“He isn’t my young man, and I haven’t received a call to be a missionary.” “Are you sure? I think that is why you ran away this morning. You are afraid of the call you are feeling. Fear has a way of paralyzing us, coloring our thoughts, making us want to believe we know more than God.”

“Do you want me to live out your dream?” “No.” Miss Ophelia shook her head. “I want you to live out your dream. One the Lord appears to be pushing you toward.”

“Don’t we all have choices?” “We do, but sometimes until we walk the same paths as others, we can’t understand the choices they make. It’s a hard life.”

“Pain on the outside helped her not feel the pain on the inside that never went away.”

“Do more than hope. Pray.”

“The Lord doesn’t limit our prayers. He’s ready to answer abundantly if it is in his will.”

“I’m not in the reforming business. Just the spreading the gospel business. I let the Lord do what reforming he thinks needs doing.”

“Sometimes niceness was just a coating like moss on a wet rock that was slippery if a body depended on stepping full on it.”

“We often think we know the best way and have a sure idea of what should happen, without considering if those ways we want to choose will delight the Lord. What we should do, what I feel the Lord wants us to do, is let him plant those desires in our hearts.”

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

August 1, 2024August 3, 2024 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

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A Summer at the Niagara of the South by Denise Weimer Review and Giveaway

July 29, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: A Summer at The Niagara of the South

Author: Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 28, 2024

She came to the resort to heal her voice, only to discover her heart needed healing more.

Breaking under the stress of being a rising star, opera singer Grace Galveston travels to Tallulah Falls in search of reprieve. With its multiple waterfalls, spectacular gorge and mountain scenery, and lavish resorts, “The Niagara of the South,” seems the perfect place to do just that. Even amid the crowds and excitement of an aerialist’s attempt to cross the gorge, Grace hopes to find peace.

Daniel Monroe basks in that peace as minister of a local church. He’s the perfect tour guide for Grace during her visit—until his heart gets entangled with the red-haired beauty with an angel’s voice. The trip sheds light on the secret pain in Grace’s heart. And does she even share the faith that’s so vital to his ministry? Can the blessing of friendship and the possibility of love guide her toward healing, or will the call of her life back in New York mean even greater heartbreak?

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

A Vanished Gilded Age Resort on the Edge of a Gorge

I first discovered Tallulah Gorge in Northeast Georgia when I was a student at Toccoa Falls College, only a couple years before the area was designated a state park. It was considered a perfect place for a day out hiking, tracing whatever faint trail one could find to an overlook into the thousand-foot-deep canyon or down to the series of waterfalls below. The more daring (or crazy) would jump off the rock cliffs into the pools—without a clue that the dangerous currents feeding the rapids had whisked many an adventurer to their death.

As a young mom, I moved to Habersham County and learned that over twenty lavish resorts had clung to the rim of the gorge during Gilded Age and Edwardian times. In fact, Tallulah Gorge with its series of six spectacular falls had drawn people from all over the nation and been dubbed “The Niagara of the South.” To power the city of Atlanta, Georgia Power Company dammed the river and constructed a large hydroelectric facility at the site in 1912, greatly reducing the amount of water flowing through the gorge. In 1921, a fire destroyed most of the hotels and brought an end to the glamorous tourist era.

The idea of recreating on the page something lost to history has inspired many a story idea for me. I had set aside my quest for publication with the birth of my daughters, but Tallulah Falls called to me. I soon penned my first published novella, Redeeming Grace, set during the summer of 1886 when tightrope walker Professor Leon crossed the gorge before a crowd of around six thousand. (The stunt was repeated in 1970 by Karl Wallenda.) That little book was a tiny initial stepping stone on my journey to becoming a multi-published author and editor.

Another more recent novella of mine, A Winter at the White Queen, set at Hotel Belleview in Florida kicked off Wild Heart Books’ Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts Series in January 2023. It took quite a while for it to dawn on me that after being released from its original contract, Redeeming Grace was pretty much gathering digital dust—and with a light edit and new cover and title, it could perfectly bookend the series. So we give you A Summer at the Niagara of the South, the story of a New York opera singer breaking under the stress of newfound stardom, and the Tallulah Falls minister who doesn’t dare to dream she could fit into his humble world.

My Impressions

“Don’t you go lookin’ for no ghosts, Miss Gracie. Not here. You get on with your own life an’ don’t spend it pokin’ about in the rubble of the past like Miss Martha.”

Denise Weimer gives us a beautiful setting of Tallulah Falls, Georgia in the Gilded Age, in this case 1886. It is the time of fancy hotels and resorts attracting the wealthy way from the heat of their regular mansions. I loved the descriptions of the gorge, the waterfalls, the gorge, the mists, and the hiking trails. They made me want to visit the area as it had been back then!

And to see the spectacle of a tightrope walker. Not so sure I would enjoy that, but I’m sure it would add to the crowds, just as it did in the novel.

Against this backdrop, we meet Grace Galveston, a poor, rich girl who must rest her operatic voice if she is to be the next Met Opera diva. Accompanied by her matronly and snobbish Aunt Martha, Grace finds new friends as they stay at the Cliff House resort. Amelia and Daniel become wonderful friends to Grace.

While Grace doesn’t look at the same past for answers as her aunt, she finds she has a huge hole in her heart. Living up the her rich father’s expectations is nearly impossible, and a longing for belonging compels her to dig into her parents’ past.

Weimer uses Daniel’s sermon to show Grace and the reader that without God, everybody has an empty space in their heart. “No possessions, no experiences, no talents, can fill the void created by the Lord. Nothing can but Himself.” Yet, Grace starts to find success with her singing and in her relationships and begins to dream of the future.

I liked Daniel a lot, but I was disappointed in his failure to keep alert. But sometimes we do that, too. We make our plans and close our eyes to anything that may hint that we may not be in God’s will.

This is one of those books that I could readily identify with the hurts of several of the characters. Would each one rise above those hurts and find a way to forgiveness, or would each stay bitter at those who had wronged them? If you love historical fiction based on real geographical locations, and faith-filled romances, this would be a great choice!

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

Notable Quotables:

“Grace couldn’t imagine having a human father that involved in the details of one’s life, much less a heavenly one.”

“Or do you think God is as distant as your own father?”

“He had let himself drift along, satisfied by surface comments, drawn into a relationship without having a clear sense of her faith when differences between them in this area could prove a far greater obstacle than mere geography.”

“There’s only one Person who will never let you down.”

“It will give you answers…It will show you God loves you and longs to heal your hurts and fill the hole in your heart.”

“my faith is not important to me because I’m a minister. My ministry is important to me because my faith is the core of who I am. It affects everything about my life.”

“They all expected her to show herself worthy. And what didn’t she have to justify? Her father’s money, her mother’s life, Aunt Martha’s wasted years, even her own existence. Yes, all those things she held inside her, and their raw edges scraped when they stirred.”

“…He allows humans a choice. Because of that, there is evil in the world. But difficulties can produce character, if we allow.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! I love this series. I had never heard of Tallullah Falls, but what a wonderful faith-filled romance to teach us this bit of history!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 30

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 30

Book Looks by Lisa, July 31

Texas Book-aholic, August 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 5

Simple Harvest Reads, August 6 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Pause for Tales, August 7

Devote To Hope, August 7

Blossoms and Blessings, August 8

Connie’s History Classroom, August 9

Holly’s Book Corner, August 10

For Him and My Family, August 11

Bizwings Book Blog, August 12

Cover Lover Book Review, August 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/2d08d/a-summer-at-the-niagara-of-the-south-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, BLOG, Just Read Tours, Kindle, Purchase

July 26, 2024 Babbling Becky L

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Ambush in the Mountains by Mary Alford, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Ambush in the Mountains
Author: Mary Alford
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: July 23, 2024
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Innocent lives at stake…

Can a former soldier and his canine save them?

Helping a pregnant woman he comes across in a mountain storm puts Axel Sterling right into the path of ruthless human traffickers. Now it’s up to the ex-soldier and his dog to keep Summer and her unborn baby safe from the abductors she’s finally escaped. But between the icy wilderness and the armed gunmen following them at every turn, one wrong move could cost Axel and Summer their lives.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

About the Author

Mary Alford is a USA Today bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can’t put down. Her titles have been finalists for several awards, including the Daphne Du Maurier, the Beverly, the Maggie, and the Selah. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two cats and one dog.

Connect with Mary at maryalford.net to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

My Impressions

“Summer …wished she could erase the things that were forever imprinted in her heart, keeping her from experiencing anything close to a human emotion again. But she couldn’t. She was damaged beyond repair. “

Mary Alford. To me, a name synonymous with fast-moving, heart-thumping romantic suspense, generally involving Amish and Englischers. Ambush in the Mountains lives up to Alford’s reputation, but in this novel, Alford is also tackling a very tough social injustice: human trafficking. I loved that there is a trigger warning at the beginning.

I could not imagine! I have lived through a few blizzards in my lifetime, but never have I been in Summer’s position! Running out into a superstorm, 8 months pregnant, knowing that getting caught means certain death. I could imagine every bump and jar as Summer and Axel traversed the blizzard-swept countryside, though! How can Summer and Axel keep looking for alternate ways of escape as each one gets thwarted? How do they have the energy, courage, stamina, and ability to think clearly in those situations? And, because of a very real fear, they have no one else to turn to. “Was Summer right about not trusting the cops? If that was true, who could they go to for help… No one. They were on their own.”

Axel is the perfect foil for Summer. As a former soldier, he, too, knows what it means to be hunted, where one slip-up could cost him his life. Now he is responsible for at least three. Yet, he is so kind and thoughtful, never putting himself first.

Don’t forget the former K-9 soldier! While the Malinois seems very dangerous and dedicated to keeping his master safe at all cost, Camo trusts Summer immediately. God gives animals a sixth sense and it is great to see how this bears out in Alford’s book. I am pretty sure I love Camo just as much as Summer and Axel.

I loved that Axel realizes that one of Summer’s deep needs is to be seen as not only worth, but free from fault in the horrible events that had happened to her. I also loved that Summer isn’t willing to stay a victim. “I hate that word.” She scraped her hair back from her face. “Even though I am a victim, I don’t want to feel like one.” She touched her belly. “This little one needs me not to be a victim.” Such courage! And Alford shows many times where Summer and Axel’s courage comes from. There are many desperate prayers to a God they know and love.

Get your copy of Ambush in the Mountains today! Maybe you’ll be as shocked as I was by one of the twists!

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

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! Tough topic, handled very well. High Suspense, great twist I never anticipated!

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $50 Amazon gift card and a print copy of Ambush in the Mountains!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 22, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 29, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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

Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox

July 19, 2024 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

July 12, 2024July 11, 2024 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

BLOG, Just Read Tours, New-to-Me Author, Purchase

A Small Town Fourth of July by Janice Carter Review

July 11, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Title: A Small Town Fourth of July

Series: Home to Maple Glen, Bk 1

Author: Janice Carter

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Genre: Contemporary Clean Romance

Released: June 25, 2024

A Small Town Fourth of July by Janice Carter

His return sets off fireworks…

But will it blow up her dreams?

When Theo Danby returns to Maple Glen to sell his inherited land, Maura Stuart panics. Selling the land could endanger Maura’s beloved donkey therapy business…and expose her secrets. Her only hope is to rope Theo into helping with the Fourth of July festival and make Theo fall in love with their small town. But if she trusts him with the truth, will he stay…or will she lose everything?

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

Home to Maple Glen

Book 1: A Small Town Fourth of July
Book 2: Rescued at Christmas

About the Author

Janice Carter has been writing romance novels, in particular Harlequin romances, for a very long time. What began as a hobby when she was working full-time and helping to raise two daughters continues in retirement as a wonderfully satisfying hobby! When she isn’t writing, she is playing with her granddaughter, enjoying cottage life, traveling and always reading!

My Impressions

“One day at a time and no analyzing or predicting as we go along.” “I see you already know things about me,” she quipped. “Some things, but my goal is everything.”

A Small Town Fourth of July by Janice Carter has so much to recommend it. Grown-ups Maura, her twin, Maddie, and Theo have all individually moved back to the small town of their youth, at least temporarily. Plus more of the old gang seems to keep popping up. And there are some really interesting supporting characters like Walter. After all, Walter takes Luke under his wing and introduces the donkey farm to Roger and Shep. Priceless!

Therapy animals? Yes, please! And donkeys?! Double yes! Tweens and teens with an attitude who discover the value of hard work, neighbors, and animal love? Perfection.

Plus, we are fed bits of the Theo’s past and his relationship with Maddie and Maura until it all makes sense. And a bit of a mystery and a secret.

The one thing I didn’t care for, was the inclusion of a palm reader and tarot card reader. She presents what she does as perfectly innocent, and the characters never disagree. Most people won’t be bothered by this, but it goes against what I prefer to include in my reads. A clean read, but be aware if this is a trigger point for you.

A very feel-good story of former friends and neighbors coming together to re-commit to the town they once loved, then hated, and now are falling in love with again. Also includes a few romances.

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

Notable Quotables:

“Not much we can do about the past, but we don’t have to make the same mistakes again.”

“It didn’t seem fair that his return here should raise so many conflicting emotions, the strongest being a desire to stay.”

“I know what the word community means, but I don’t really know how it feels.”

“surely painful emotions were long gone…Was there an expiry date on a broken heart?”

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

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

July 10, 2024July 10, 2024 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)

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

July 4, 2024 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

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

BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Kindle, New Author, Purchase

Tangled Promises by Lynn U Watson Review and Giveaway

July 1, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Tangled Promises

Author: Lynn U. Watson

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: May 21, 2024

Thunderous applause extinguishes her dream and ignites her worst nightmare.

Clara Reinhold’s father publicly pledges her hand to Georg Wolff. His character and arrogance match the stench of his odious cigars, but his lineage offers a suitable alliance for the station of a baron’s daughter.

A charades clue years earlier turned friendship into a promise of forbidden marriage between Clara and family carriage driver, Daniel Becker.

If she refuses Georg and follows her heart, her father disowns her and she loses everything—her loving family, dear friends, and the only home she’s known.

As a tangled web of scandal and deceit unwinds, hidden motives and illicit activities emerge among an unsuspecting ring of players changing everything but nobility’s rules.

How will justice be served?

How will Clara and Daniel overcome obstacles to claim a future beyond that of a charade?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lynn Watson is a devotional writer, occasional quilter, reflexologist, and great-great-grand-daughter of a baron from Southwest Germany. Lynn combines her passions and her heritage Stepping Through Time Stitching Stories of Faith Snippets of her family story inspire her fiction writing. She and husband, Steve, make their home in Bartlett, TN, where Jasmine the resident feline considers herself Princess of the Palace.

More from Lynn

My daughter gifted me a tee shirt for Christmas with an image of a typewriter and the slogan: I make things up. That’s a novelist job!

Where we and our family came from and how we arrived where we are today, there’s a story in each of us. I find myself often pondering people’s back stories. I regret knowing only the tiniest bits of my own family’s backstory. When I had the opportunity to ask the questions, I was too naive to know what to ask. Decades later I made it up. Tangled Promises was born.

A recurring theme as I wrote Tangled Promises focuses on this verse: The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all. ~Proverbs 22:2

Clara and Daniel lived in the same world. She the daughter of the Baron and he the family’s humble carriage driver. Very much in love with one another, but their social status dictated rules created to forbid their union.

In a world so shattered by differences, God calls us to see we’re all the same in His eyes. From the unborn baby to kings in the land, we’re all cherished by Him. He calls us to forgiveness and love.

While I’ve published a few devotional books, Tangled Promises is my debut novel and the first book in the Promised Destiny series. Thank you for reading. I pray you love it and are blessed.

My Impressions

“Thunderous applause extinguished her dream and ignited Clara Reinhold’s worst nightmare.”

This debut novel by Lynn U Watson about a daughter struggling to honor her father in an unwanted betrothal was difficult to read. Tangled Promises is much like a fairy tale that seems to promise a nightmare ending instead of a happily-ever-after. It brings to mind the saying , “Who’s afraid of the big bad Wolff?!”

What makes the novel difficult is the logic behind the characters’s actions, specifically that of honoring God and one’s parents, even in such a decision. It seems apparent to Clara, the daughter, and her twin Curt, that Georg, the man Clara is betrothed to by her father’s agreement, is arrogant, mean, and downright dangerous. Yet, Clara’s mother feels she cannot counter her husband’s decision, as a wife should honor her husband. As Clara is reminded of verses to honor her father, she reluctantly goes along with this very unhealthy relationship, which her father can’t seem to see, nor will he explain.

Thankfully, a lot of praying goes on in the book as different incidents happen. Much godly advice is sought, which is good. But I still wonder if an adult child ( at that age) is required to honor a parent ( who is turning a blind eye to true character of the proposed spouse) to that degree.

Watson brings in a lot of different Bible verses in different situations. No long sermons. Just characters quoting applicable Scriptures at the appropriate times.

So much desperation in this book! Clara and Curt and others wonder when God is going to answer. “You know I’m praying, and we must accept God’s answer whatever it is. God sees far beyond what we discern, but I’m struggling with my faith. Does God even see us, Curt?”

If you enjoy justice served, don’t stop reading! Watson uses her characters to come together and ferret out the truth in amazing ways! Also, much distinction is made between those who think they are better than others and those who treat all equally. This is another underpinning of this historical fiction story that will have you favoring some characters and wishing others would see themselves through the eyes of those around them..

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:

“A man’s free to choose his entertainment, Mutter.” “Ja, but the entertainment he chooses defines him.”

“I know Who waits to help His children. He’s not a folktale or an imaginary spirit. God’s plan is better than any man’s or a gnome’s map.”