ARC, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, Launch Team, Purchase, Wild Heart Books

Shoot at the Sunset by Kathleen Denly Review and Giveaway

May 10, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Shoot at the Sunset

Author: Kathleen Denly

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: April 9, 2024

Will love survive when truth takes aim at their secrets?

Sharpshooter Preston Baker has spent a lifetime confronting danger head-on. So when a heartfelt letter arrives from his big sister asking for help, he doesn’t hesitate to put his traveling show career on hold and journey to her remote desert ranch, determined to make amends for past failures. What he doesn’t expect is to discover his long-lost little sister and her best friend, Lucy, are both hard at work on the ranch.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Lucy Arlidge’s decision to travel to a remote desert ranch was born as much from desperation as friendship. Fleeing San Francisco may have saved Lucy’s life, but the decision left others in danger. To thwart the evil plans of those who pursue her and her family, Lucy must keep her new gem-mining operation concealed and her secrets safe.

Preston is drawn to the mysterious woman, despite her plans to marry the neighboring rancher. Lucy’s quiet strength and undeniable beauty beckon him like a campfire in the wilderness, offering light amidst the dark memories and deepest fears resurrected by the presence of his sisters. But as danger closes in, Preston and Lucy must confront their pasts to save not only their own futures, but the lives of everyone they love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kathleen Denlylives in sunny California with her loving husband, four young children, two dogs, and ten cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

More from Kathleen

One of the primary themes of Shoot at the Sunset is secrets and the fears that sometimes drive us to keep them. Did I mention there’s even a secret signal used in the book? So today I thought it would be fun to play with a secret code. Using the key provided below, see if you can reveal the hidden message.

My Impressions

“Keeping secrets only led to haunting regrets.”

Kathleen Denly pens yet another exciting historical romance novel, Shoot at the Sunset, that is part of her Chaparral Hearts Series. If you enjoy Westerns, action, romance, and Biblical truths woven into an engrossing story, you won’t want to miss this one!

I loved that the author gives a trigger warning for various situations( carefully discussed in the book) including abuse, addiction, rape, and PTSD. I also loved that the backstory was smoothly and interestingly related, at no point feeling like an information dump. With several years between stories, it can be easy to forget who’s who without extra help to jog your memory.

Just as there is a strong attraction between Lucy Arlidge and Preston Baker, I was definitely drawn to this couple and the story Denly deftly weaves as well. We discover Lucy, a good friend and travel companion to Biddie Davidson, agrees to travel to Ginny Baker’s ranch partly out of desperation and fear. “Though of no blood relation, Henry and Cecilia Davidson had long treated Lucy as though she were their daughter. But could such a love withstand so much loss? Or would the only family she had left reject her as Mama had?” With these motivating thoughts in mind, and a desire to keep the people she loves safe, Lucy makes some choices that I just wanted to say, “Get some wise advice.” Or, “Talk to the other person(s) involved. But Lucy is determined that secrets revealed could mean loved ones hurt or killed.

Preston, a sharpshooter at a traveling show, has responded to his big sister Ginny’s letter for help on the ranch. Memories, guilt, and a family sin pattern plague him, keeping him from being the man he wants to be. What will it take for Preston and Lucy to stop depending on theirvoen wisdom and seeking that of the Lord’s, instead?

Forgiveness, trust, second chances, and God’s ability to change a person are all themes of this memorable book.

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

Notable Quotables:

“You are your own person, and you get to decide who you want to be.”

“God’s timing, though occasionally mysterious and frustrating, is always best in the end.”

“Truth’s truth no matter how you dress it up.”

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Magnificent!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 11

For Him and My Family, May 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 12

Texas Book-aholic, May 13

The Lofty Pages, May 13

Lakesidelivingsite, May 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 15

Blossoms and Blessings, May 15

Alena Mentink, May 16

Devoted To Hope, May 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 17

Karen Baney Reviews, May 18

Melissa’s Bookshelf, May 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 19

Connie’s History Classroom, May 19

Bizwings Book Blog, May 20

Book Looks by Lisa, May 21

Holly’s Book Corner, May 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 22

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 23 (Author Interview)

Books You Can Feel Good About, May 23

Pause for Tales, May 24

Cover Lover Book Review, May 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package 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/2b594/shoot-at-the-sunset-celebration-tour-giveaway

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

A Spring at the Greenbrier by Sandra Merville Hart Review and Giveaway

April 30, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: A Spring at the Greenbrier

Author: Sandra Merville Hart

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: April 30, 2024

Marilla will sacrifice anything for her family. So when her sister’s doctor suggests daily sulphur spring baths, an amenity her family could never afford, Marilla takes a job at The Greenbrier resort bathhouse in order to give her sister the care she needs. When her sister befriends another girl staying at the resort with a similar health condition, Marilla finds herself crossing paths with the girl’s handsome, charming, older brother. And despite their growing attraction to each other, courting Wes must remain a dream. After all, resort staff cannot court guests and Marilla will not risk her sister’s health for her own happiness.

Wealthy resort guest, Wes Bakersfield, has dreams for a future and plans to make his family’s business his own. And while he finds himself drawn to Marilla, despite their differing social classes, he can’t help but wonder if she is really interested in him, or in his wealth.

Can the couple find the trust to help their love succeed, or will their differences pull them apart?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Sandra Merville Hart, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of inspirational historical romances, loves to discover little-known yet fascinating facts from American history to include in her stories. Her desire is to transport her readers back in time. She is also a blogger, speaker, and conference teacher.

More from Sandra

In A Spring at The Greenbrier, Book 7 in Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts Series, Marilla, our heroine, is as desperate as her mother to find healing for her younger sister’s polio. When the doctor recommends daily bathing in the sulphur springs, her family cannot afford the cost. Marilla transfers to the bath wing at The Greenbrier where her new boss allows her to bring her sister at the end of each day after the guests have finished their bathing sessions. It makes for a long day yet the sacrifice is worth her exhaustion if the springs can help her ten-year-old sister.

The Greenbrier, a beautiful and elegant resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, first received its fame from healthy benefits of drinking the sulphur springs and bathing in its waters.

Both the hero and heroine in A Spring at The Greenbrier have younger sisters who can benefit from heated spring baths.

The bulk of my research for this story was for the springs and what illnesses benefit from them. I had to discover the illnesses for which doctors recommended the baths historically.

Soothing soaks in hot springs are recommended even today. They can boost blood circulation, reduce pain, improve skin conditions, reduce stress, decrease inflammation in joints, and detoxify the body.

Most resort guests in the early days drank tumblers of the water before each meal. A resort doctor in the 1800s cautioned taking a maximum of 12 glasses daily. Health benefits for the bowels, liver, kidneys, and skin most often appeared between three to six weeks. The resort began to sell it in bottles at drug stores. It was labelled as A Natural Laxative.

Major renovations were done by new owners for a grand reopening in September of 1913. Marilla, our heroine, begins working at the Women’s Department of the new bath wing. Female guests enjoyed heated sulphur spring baths in bathing rooms. Doctors sent their wealthy patients to the springs with a recommended regimen of bathing that might also include drinking the spring water. The temperature of the water, the frequency, and the length of the baths were set by their doctor.

Folks suffering from a variety of ailments sought benefits from the spring waters, including gout, rheumatism, arthritis, neuritis, dyspepsia, jaundice, scurvy, hay fever, malaria, bronchitis, asthma, and chronic diseases of the skin, stomach, bowels, and liver.

Mineral waters can harm people with aneurisms in the heart and large arteries, cancer, tubercular consumption, and some brain complaints.

The springs were of great benefit for folks suffering from chronic complaints. These benefits happened so gradually that patients started to feel better “without being able to account for it.”

So there were a lot of conditions to choose from for my two ailing girls in my story.

A Spring at The Greenbrier is a nostalgic story set in 1914. I invite you to read the whole series!

My Impressions

“Everyone knew there was no place for her in Wes’s life. She’d best remember it.”

Sandra Merville Hart is one of those historical fiction authors that teaches you a slice of history as you are entertained. In A Spring at the Greenbrier, we are treated to the story of Marilla, who works in the women’s bathing rooms of the sulphur springs resort in 1914. Her job allows her younger sister, Katie, free access to the baths that the doctor hopes will promote healing. Marilla is willing to sacrifice almost anything if it will benefit her family.

Katie meets another little girl, Ina, at the springs. Ina has rheumatoid arthritis and also hopes to benefit from the baths. As the young girls and their mothers meet, Marilla meets Ina’s older brother, Wes. Wes Bakersfield’s family owns several carriage shops and one that is potentially turning into a car manufacturer. Unfortunately, at the this time in history, staff and guests of the Greenbrier (and many other resorts for the wealthy) are not to mingle. However, the families continue to get together, ostensibly for the young girls’ sake, but two young adults are slowly losing their hearts in what is considered an “inappropriate” match.

I felt for Marilla as she is torn between putting the needs of her sister first, and realizing that Wes might have feelings for her. Yet, to act on those feelings would cause her to lose her job and Katie’s access to the baths.

I enjoyed learning a little about how managing a business might look, how Wes wanted to work with his father as a partner, and how important it is to have loyal workers and a good, fair manager!

The word “crippled” is often used. While offensive to many today, that was the term used back in the day to refer to people who were unable to walk.

The other thought that caught me up short was the fact that because of being wheelchair-bound, Katie is unable to attend school. In today’s society, special accommodations are made, and I had forgotten how isolated having polio would have caused Katie to be. “Katie dreamed of simply going to school the way other children might dream of winning a baseball tournament or taking top prize at a spelling bee or winning a three-legged race at a school picnic.” Hart draws both Katie and Ina in a way that makes you fond of them and wish you could help them.

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

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great!! I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Greenbrier, the sulphur springs, and the culture of that time.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 1

Book Looks by Lisa, May 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 2

Devoted To Hope, May 3

Texas Book-aholic, May 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 5

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 6 (Author Interview)

She Lives To Read, May 7

Books You Can Feel Good About, May 7

Blogging With Carol, May 8

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

For him and My Family, May 9

Blossoms and Blessings, May 10

The Lofty Pages, May 11

Bizwings Book Blog, May 11

Connie’s History Classroom, May 12

Holly’s Book Corner, May 13

Pause for Tales, May 13

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 14

Cover Lover Book Review, May 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sandra 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/2b35d/a-spring-at-the-greenbrier-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, Barbour, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, Launch Team, NetGalley, PB, Purchase

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep Review and Giveaway

April 25, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release Date: April, 2024

Namely, her husband.

But Jackson barely notices. He’s too busy putting out his own fires. As the new chief inspector of a busy London station, he must salvage the disaster left behind by the former police chief—an obstacle made all the harder when the superintendent breathes an ultimatum down his neck.

Against her father’s advice, Kit takes on a case involving a missing child, one in which she and Jackson become a little too emotionally involved. . .and end up endangering their own little girl in the process.

Can Kit and Jackson learn that just because they can say yes doesn’t mean they should?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan.

More from Michelle

Oh Inspiration…Wherefore Art Thou?

There are several questions I am asked frequently as an author.

“Hey, how much money do you make?”

“Can you help me get my book published?”

“How come it takes you so long to finish a story?”

But probably the most common query is this: what sorts of things inspire you? Now that is a question I can go on and on about! Don’t panic, though. I’ll be brief.

Story ideas come from every place imaginable. I’ve had plot thoughts from watching kids’ movies or even from eavesdropping at a coffee shop (note: beware what you say in public). TV series are also a favorite of mine, so much so that my latest release, The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane, is loosely based on one of my all-time favorite PBS series.

Have you seen this show? If not, do yourself a favor and ride that pony. If you have, then you know what I’m talking about. Either way, you should know that, the main character, is a detective in Victorian London—a very sassy yet classy lady. And that’s what struck me light a lightning bolt.

This woman is Kit, the heroine in my Blackfriars series, like right there on the big screen.

So, for book III, I decided I’d let ol’ Kit open her own private investigation agency with the help of her father, a recently retired police sergeant. Of course much intrigue and chaos ensues, just like in my all-time favorite PBS series, bringing the Blackfriars series to a satisfying end.

Inspiration honestly comes from anywhere, so next time you’re rubbing elbows with an author, beware. You just might end up as a character in their next book.

My Impressions

“What a fine bucket of fish guts this was turning out to be. She’d hoped for an intriguing first case to solve— Not an impossible one.”

Ah, this story by Michelle Griep!! First, because it is a Griep, buy now, ask later. Seriously, my motto for her books. However, I must say you will want to have read The Thief of Blackfriars Lane and The Bride of Blackfriars Lane, so you feel like Jackson and Kit are close friends you respect, even if it’s impossible to predict their actions. Common themes to Griep are forgiveness and trust, plus judging others and teamwork. Beautifully depicted.

Kit has so much spunk and impetuosity, plus a great nose for mystery solving that she has connived to get her father to open a detective agency with her. All is well and good if Kit stays where she belongs, according to her father and Jack, safe in the background, in the office. As if!

Kit finds that motherhood has changed her in so many ways. She yearns for her child, yet leaves her daily with her good friend, Martha. Can she put aside her mothering instincts long enough to be an unprejudiced part of the detective team? Can she remember she is a mother enough to be sure she avoids danger? Can we say Kate is very conflicted?!

Jackson has his own issues. He might not miss Kate’s shenanigans so much if he didn’t have a precinct to run, with multiple officers needing attention of various degrees, and a supervisor ready to shut the whole office down. Plus a nuisance vagabond hanging around. Oh, vey!

Jackson is fortunate to have a loyal friend in Charles Bagette, an officer who entered training when Jack did. But Bagette has two strikes against him. He’s charged with keeping Kit safe. And, he’s falling for Martha, a baker and soup kitchen cook. Martha just happens to be Bella’s ( Kit’s daughter)babysitter, in addition to Frankie’s mother. The same Frankie who either has a future as a thug or a detective, under Kit’s tutelage.

One thing I always love about a Griep novel is the multiple storylines woven in and out around each other. We have all the above, plus the very complicated mystery that Kit takes on against her father’s consent. So now we also have that relationship thread to follow.

Danger. Action. Twist. Repeat. Biblical truth. Short contemplation how that should affect the character’s action. Swift, short, cry-outs to God. Then start at the beginning of this paragraph with danger and repeat the scenario. My heart barely survived the action, but surviving the emotional tugs was worse!

I cannot do justice to this book. But it will be on the very short list for my fave book of the year!!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via Netgalley, plus I bought a paperback. This is a book to be shared! No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“it always comes back to trusting in God’s plan. Rest assured that no matter what you do or don’t do, you will not thwart whatever our mighty Creator is up to.The best we can accomplish is to hold tight to our faith and keep walking towards eternity a step at a time.”

“ …love covers a multitude of sins. So, pursue that. Pursue love instead of dwelling in past failure. That path can only lead to a denial of the present and a forfeiture of the future.”

“But it’s God who brings beauty from ashes. Don’t push away that gift. It is never prudent or wise to stiff-arm God.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent!!

On my very short list for fave book of 2024!!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 26

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 26

Book Looks by Lisa, April 26

Live. Love. Read., April 27

Vicky Sluiter, April 27

She Lives To Read, April 27

Texas Book-aholic, April 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 28

All-of-a-kind Mom, April 29

Where Faith and Books Meet, April 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 30

Sylvan Reads, April 30

Pause for Tales, April 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 1

Blogging With Carol, May 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 2

For Him and My Family, May 2

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 2

Betti Mace, May 3

Wishful Endings, May 3

Bizwings Book Blog, May 4

Daysong Reflections, May 4

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 5 (Author Interview)

Kristina Hall, May 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 6

The Lofty Pages, May 6

Cover Lover Book Review, May 7

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, May 7

Blossoms and Blessings, May 7

Holly’s Book Corner, May 8

Back Porch Reads, May 8

Lily’s Corner, May 9

Life of Literature, May 9

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle 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/2b146/the-sleuth-of-blackfriars-lane-celebration-tour-giveaway

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

Streams of Courage By Sandra Merville Hart Review and Giveaway

April 16, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Streams of Courage

Author: Sandra Merville Hart

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 26, 2024

In a world turned upside down by war and betrayal…will his role as a spy bring them closer…or tear their future apart?

The war that Julia Dodd prayed to avoid is now reality, and with it, her world has been turned on its head. Her fellow citizens, who stood with her in their support of the union, have crossed firmly to the side of the south. And her mother, lost in her grief over the loss of her husband and children, can think of nothing but protecting Julia’s brother’s inheritance. She insists that her daughter seek a wealthier husband than Ashburn Mitchell.

Ash knows what his fellow citizens think of him when he refuses to fight for the Confederacy. Shouldering the accusation of being a coward and refusing to hide behind his limp, Ash remains in Vicksburg to support his family as a saddler while his two best friends join the fight. Struggling to increase his business so he can marry the woman he loves, Ash becomes a spy in support of the Union. He can’t fight for the South but won’t raise a musket against them.

As tragedy instigates Ash to risk greater danger to speed the end of the war, Julia can only pray it won’t cost them everything. She’s already lost her father and two siblings. Must she lose the man she loves too?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

More from Sandra

In Streams of Courage, Book 4 in my Spies of the Civil War Series, Julia, our heroine, has suffered several significant losses in her life, including her father and two siblings. Her mother’s insistence that Julia stop courting Ash, a saddler, and find instead a rich suitor makes no sense. Surely her father had provided for her.

Then she discovers that her parents have only provided for her younger brother, whom her mother had always adored. Julia will be penniless when her mother dies. The knowledge crushes her.

Ash is already supporting his mother and siblings. As Mama points out, adding a wife and children will stretch his income to the limits. Mama will not give her blessing should Ash propose. Julia, who had been raised in comfort, must find some means of support.

As I considered how Julia could make money in a war-time economy, it was clear her mother, as the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, would never condone her working in a shop. What can she do?

Tatting lace.

Her lace patterns have received compliments in the past. With fewer ships bringing goods into the city, lace is in short supply. Granted, the demand for lace has diminished because even dress fabric isn’t as available as before the war.

I enjoyed researching this skill that was once so prevalent among young ladies in society. I watched videos on making lace with a special needle called a tatting needle.

The most basic stitch is the double-stitch. There is a special way to hold the needle and thread so that the first stitch grabs thread from under the thumb and the second stitch grabs it from over the thumb. There is a rhythm to the stitching in the hands of a skilled lacemaker.

I watched videos that demonstrated making rings with picot trim. There is a variety of stitching. The variations create beautiful patterns. The lace is then rolled for storage.

Fascinating. It’s mesmerizing to watch the different patterns emerge.

Tatting is a small yet interesting aspect in the adventurous story. Ash has become a Union spy. For her and her family’s safety, he keeps his dangerous activities a secret from Julia.

Part of my research for this novel and the next two novels included a trip to Vicksburg, Mississippi. I toured the museums and walked the streets of the historic city. Though I wasn’t certain of my story at the time of my visit, I was inspired by the history.

Avenue of Betrayal, Book 1, is set in the Union capital of Washington City (Washington DC) in 1861, where a surprising number of Confederate sympathizers and spies lived. Boulevard of Confusion and Byway to Danger are set in Richmond, the Confederate capital in 1862. Actual historical spies touch the lives of our fictional family.

Through both real and fictional characters, this series highlights activities spies were involved in and some of the motives behind their decisions.

I invite you to read the whole “Spies of the Civil War” series!

My Impressions

“Friends on opposite side of the conflict. It wasn’t supposed to happen this way.”

“It will be the adventure of a lifetime.”

The best thing about Streams of Courage by Sandra Merville Hart is that I feel like I am more familiar with some aspects of the Civil War, especially but not limited to the Battle of Vicksburg. Hart has written her story in such an engaging way that the you as the reader will feel like you are in the midst of the conflict… be it between friends, family members, neighbors, fellow Mississippians, or Northerners vs. Southerners.

One thing I loved is how Hart shows that the division, while it creates hatred and contempt in some hearts, creates great pain and soul-searching for those like Ash. Ash, who lives in Vicksburg, Mississippi , but remains loyal to the Northern cause, is forced to watch years of friendship, neighborliness, and business turn sour as his loyalties are questioned. One question Hart brings to the forefront for all of us, is embodied by Ash’s question: “Shall I only support the Union in principle but not in action?” How many of us believe in something, whether our faith or some venture that will be a blessing to people, but fail to take action?

Ash certainly takes action as he begins to spy for the North. He quickly discovers he has to be very secretive about his activities to protect his family and eventually Julia and her family. Unfortunately, as Ash and Julia begin to court and become close, Julia can sense he’s shutting her out of part of his life. How long can Julia trust him with her heart if he is holding back some of his?

“You’re keeping something from me.” He turned to face her. His hazel eyes smoldered. “We’re at war.” “Not with each other!”

After you have read this book, you may feel like I do, like I almost understand better both sides of the conflict. Sometimes we like to paint one side of this ( or any conflict) as totally wrong vs right, but Hart does well to remind us there can be honorable people holding opposing positions.

There is plenty of suspense with all the spying that Ash takes on. Also, we catch some shelling in the Battle of Vicksburg, and again, feel like we could be the ones trembling with the cannnonballs’ hits, wandering whether we should run away from the city or try to shelter and hope for the best. I did love the solution Julia’s family came up with, but it came with its own health risks.

Julia through all this, has to learn to be strong. She is more mother to her brother, Eddy, than her mother has been since being widowed. She has to care for the house as well. Plus she has to be strong, as time goes on, for her mother and Eddy, when she is wild with fear. Only God could help her.

Which brings me to one of the best quotes Mrs. Dodd, Julia’s mother makes, as she starts to resume her rightful place in the family. Young Eddy is confused by the conflict, and Julia and her mother have tried to keep him safe by sheltering him from their true beliefs.

Finally, Mrs. Dodd declares, “Eddie is like a rudderless vessel.” Mama spoke with conviction. “Searching for answers. He needs to know our views. If we don’t teach him what we believe, he will find someone else willing to speak. Who knows what lies people will pour into his tender ears?” THIS! Why do we think our kids will have any chance of choosing our faith if we let them wait until they’re old enough to decide? Someone else WILL step in and teach them values, often not ours, if we stand back and wait.

So much historical fact, raw emotion, truth, and a bit of romance mixed together to make a very enjoyable few hours.

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.

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great!!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 17

Alena Mentink, April 18

Connie’s History Classroom, April 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 19

Bizwings Book Blog, April 20

Holly’s Book Corner, April 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 21

Texas Book-aholic, April 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 23

Betti Mace, April 24

Pause for Tales, April 24

Cover Lover Book Review, April 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 26

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 27

Lights in a Dark World, April 27

For Him and My Family, April 28

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 29 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, April 29

Blossoms and Blessings, April 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sandra 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/2afa6/streams-of-courage-celebration-tour-giveaway

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

Love’s Winding Road by Susan F. Craft Review and Giveaway

April 7, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Love’s Winding Road

Author: Susan F. Craft

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 27, 2024

They were forced into this marriage of convenience, but there’s more at stake than their hearts on this wagon train through the mountain wilderness.

When Rose Jackson and her Irish immigrant family join a wagon train headed for a new life in South Carolina, the last thing she expects is to fall for the half-Cherokee wagon scout along the way. But their journey takes a life-changing turn when Rose is kidnapped by Indians. Daniel comes to her rescue, but the effects mean their lives will be forever intertwined.

Daniel prides himself on his self-control—inner and outer—but can’t seem to get a handle on either when Rose is near. Now his life is bound to hers when the consequences of her rescue force them to marry. Now it’s even more critical he maintain that self-control to keep her safe.

When tragedy strikes at the heart of their strained marriage, they leave for Daniel’s home in the Blue Ridge Mountains. As they face the perils of the journey, Rose can’t help but wonder why her new husband guards his heart so strongly. Why does he resist his obvious attraction for her? And what life awaits them at the end of love’s winding road?

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

Colonial American medicine fascinates me. The shortage of doctors made it critical for women to maintain medicine kits that included remedies brought with them from Europe as well as those shared with them by Native Americans.

In Love’s Winding Road, my character Rose falls into river rapids and suffers serious scrapes and bruises. Daniel, the half-Cherokee scout of her wagon train, rescues her and makes witch hazel flowers into a paste.

With gentle movements, he spread the ointment on her arms, legs, and neck. When he dabbed some on several raw places on her scalp where her hair had been ripped out, Rose clenched her teeth until her face hurt. With her hand trembling, she reached up to touch her hair.

“Don’t worry. It will grow back. Just thank the good Lord, for though it may be distressing and painful to have lost some of your hair, the strands helped me keep track of you.”

Rose’s father suffers from arthritis in his hands, so he chews on the twigs of black willow trees (not weeping willows) and drinks the tea his wife prepares from the bark also used to treat back pain, headaches, and inflammatory conditions.

When a mountain lion attacks Daniel, Rose stitches the laceration. She cleans the area with whiskey and offers it to him as a painkiller.

She threaded her needle with her finest flax fiber, and holding her breath, she began the first tiny stitches. Think of it as cloth. Think of it as cloth. She repeated the words over and over in her head.

Sometimes doing research can be amusing.

The night before I was to see my doctor, I’d read a resource book, Indian Doctor – Nature’s method of curing and preventing disease according to the Indians. I showed my doctor the Indian cure for my problem.

What a hoot! We had such fun looking through the book. Seems as if every cure involved mixing something with wine, ale, beer, or liquor. We came to the conclusion that with enough alcohol, even if you still had the problem, you wouldn’t care anymore.

Two weeks later, I saw my doctor for an earache. Of course, we looked up the Indian cure. It involved lily onions, marsh mallows, oil of violet—all taken with wine. And then, bleeding.

I’ll stick with antibiotics.

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

“it’s not your reflection in a mirror that’s important. The only mirror you will ever need is the light in the eyes of the woman you love and who loves you.”

Location, Time period, Cross-cultural. Love’s Winding Road by Susan F. Craft has it all. Plus exciting action, faith, and a marriage of convenience story with a closed-door romance. I am thrilled to discover this new-to-me author as she embarks on a new series, Great Wagon Road!

The year is 1753, the location is The Great Wagon Trail, starting in Pennsylvania and traveling South through Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia. We follow the wagon train’s adventures and tragedies as we learn what a great price these settlers paid to get away from England and the church and prejudices there.

Unfortunately, as Rose and her Irish-Scots family discover, America is full of prejudice, too, especially against the Native Americans. No distinction is made between peaceful and warring tribes, but a person is judged on the basis of their skin, speech, and customs. Since wagon train scout Daniel Fordham is 1/2 Cherokee, he often is ill-treated. Daniel learned an important skill from his Cherokee mother…”she taught me a great deal about people, too—how to judge them by their actions, not their words.” How I wish I could say we have made great strides in our country to see each person like that, but sometimes it seems our relationships are worse than ever, as we see skin first, not the heart.

Just as Rose and the other train members were often tense, warily watching for the next danger, you may find yourself biting your nails and enduring a rapid heartbeat with the constant perils. Be warned.

But you will also fall in love with Daniel and Rose, and cheer them on as a relationship develops. But can such a cross-cultural love survive in this tenuous world? What of Rebekah, the native American woman who believes that Daniel is in love with her?

Rose’s grieving sister has traveled with the family. Will the hardships to come deepen her depression, or can she begin to make a way in the wilderness alongside her sister?

While I love Aunt Sarah, the unsung hero of the novel has got to be Tsiyi. I can’t pronounce his name ( because looking at the spelling wipes the given pronunciation from my mind every time)! He is Daniel’s amazing companion. You’ll have to read the novel to discover just how valuable Tsiyi is.

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

Notable Quotables:

“Would she allow her memories to rob her of hope?”

“My heart is heavy with yours.”

“beauty and evil often made up the two sides of the same coin.”

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Magnificent! I have already pre-ordered book 2!!

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 3

Simple Harvest Reads, April 3 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

lakesidelivingsite, April 4

Pause for Tales, April 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 5

For Him and My Family, April 5

Lighthouse Academy Blog, April 6 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 7

The Lofty Pages, April 7

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 8

Bizwings Book Blog, April 9

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 9

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 10

Texas Book-aholic, April 11

Connie’s History Classroom , April 11

Cover Lover Book Review, April 12

Batya’s Bits, April 13

Holly’s Book Corner, April 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 14

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 15

Blossoms and Blessings, April 15

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 16 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 16

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/2ac74/love-s-winding-road-celebration-tour-giveaway

Barbour, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, NetGalley, New Author, Purchase

When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir Review and Giveaway

April 1, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: When the Flames Ravaged

Author: Rhonda Dragomir

Genre: Christian / Historical / Romance

Release Date: March, 2024

Will Faith Perish in the Big Top’s Flames?

Introducing a new series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.

Evelyn Benson’s husband perished in the Bataan Death March but not her faith. The World War II Gold Star widow is taken in by her brother and soothed by the love of his wife and children. Evelyn refuses to cower to grief. She may not understand God’s mysterious ways, but she has never questioned Him—until the circus fire.

The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus train chugs into Hartford, Connecticut, on a sweltering day one month after the Allies invaded Normandy. Among the roustabouts is a reluctant clown, Hank Webb. He may hide from his murky past behind grease paint as Fraidy Freddie, but God wants to offer Hank a chance to be found. Though first, what little Hank believes about God will endure a fiery trial.

On Thursday, July 6, 1944, a devasting blaze of unknown origins consumes the circus tent along with Evelyn’s hopes and Hank’s anonymity.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Rhonda Dragomir is a multimedia creative who treasures her fairy tale life in Central Kentucky, insisting her home is her castle even if her prince refuses to dig a moat. She has multiple published works in anthologies and periodicals, along with numerous Bible studies studied weekly by more than 10,000 women around the world. Rhonda has garnered numerous writing awards for both fiction and nonfiction, including her selection as 2019 Writer of the Year by Serious Writer, Inc. In 2020 she was also a finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest for her first novel, a 16th century historical romance.

More from Rhonda

The heroine’s last living family members are struck down in a tragic fire. Will she crumble? Will she tumble into bitterness? Will she forsake her faith? We view life through her eyes and wonder, “What would I do?”

The best fiction sails the vast sea of human experiences and explores how we survive when storms roil the waters. Triumph, tragedy, victories, valleys—though we have not lived through the exact events as the characters, we feel the same elation on the crests and despair in the troughs of the waves.

This is why I love to write historical fiction, especially romance. I interweave my own thoughts and feelings with those of my characters. My words become theirs, and their responses mirror my own as I fight to keep my head above water.

I spent dozens of hours researching When the Flames Ravaged, the story of a horrific circus fire in Hartford, Connecticut on July 6, 1944. I gasped, I wept, and I marveled at the courage of rescuers who sacrificed their own lives to save others. True, live-or-die battles fueled my imagination, and composite characters leaped to life.

At one point, my hero dives into dark water, grasping with frail human understanding to comprehend the scope of the disaster. He decides good and evil are locked in an everlasting struggle, and humans are mere pawns stuck in the middle. Then he asks, “What is the use of serving God if He won’t protect you?”

Who has never asked the same thing when tragedy strikes? Pat answers and platitudes won’t suffice. Only a personal quest to discover an acceptable answer to this age-old question will help us find peace in the midst of the churning sea of doubt.

I hope my novel will toss a live preserver to everyone treading water.

My Impressions

“Was God with her? Faith chimed, Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. But doubt quoted Jesus in His darkest hour. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

This second book in the Barbour series, A Day to Remember, brings us the horrific story of When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir. Each book in the series highlights a lesser-known American tragedy. As with the first, this was a difficult read because of the intense emotions stirred by the recounting of the Hartford, Connecticut circus tragedy. I had to be careful to recognize why I was in a very despondent mood as I occasionally came up for air as I read.

Both Evelyn, whose close relatives attend the circus that fateful day in 1944, and Hank “Fraidy Freddy,” have some big questions for God after the fire. “How could a loving God…” reiterated over and over as two young people who were once believers in His care, consider that they may not need a God Who wouldn’t prevent such an atrocity. No easy answers are given, but Scripture and wise words are combined at precisely the right time to stir thoughts in a seeking soul.

Slowly, painstakingly so, we follow Evelyn and Hank as they search for Evelyn’s missing family. While the tragedy brings them close, the two teeter between more than friends and persona non-gratis as secrets, guilt, and efforts to be independent take center stage.

I loved so many secondary characters. Bill, Evelyn’s brother. Mrs. Riegle, with her gentle ways, yet determined to be a help to Evelyn. The Preacher. “I’m not really a preacher. I’m simply a man who wants to tell others about how God helps us through our troubles.” Connecticut State Police Sergeant Amato. As one of my favorite people often says, he is the kind of person “who makes your problem, his problem.”

I can’t believe this is Dragomir’s debut novel. It is so well-written. I loved the inclusion of Emmett Kelly (excuse me while I go off to research him a little more, I used to collect clown figurines based on his art). I also had to research the Bataan Death March a bit. I learned so much from this book!

I also loved some twists and the humor. Unfortunately, the tragedy was so severe, there was no humor at that point in the book. But that is real life. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and will also be looking forward to reading more from Rhonda Dragomir.

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:

“the costume also hid a man wanted for murder. His parents would be spared the shame of watching their son die in the electric chair.”

“A blood moon was expected tonight, and the superstitious circus folk had grumbled all day about the alleged ‘omen of death.’”

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

“The deadliest enemy at this moment wasn’t the fire, still too far away to be a threat. But panic could kill.”

“The speed with which tragedy stripped a person bare was nothing less than terrifying.”

“It was his fault. Murder. By neglect. Almost two hundred times over.”

“I hope someday you’ll see yourself as God does.”

“We accept blessings from God’s hands every day, but when bad things happen, we blame Him.”

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Magnificent! There won’t be a dry eye as you learn about this horrific fire and one lady’s efforts to find her surviving family.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 30

Pause for Tales, March 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 2

Texas Book-aholic, April 3

Simple Harvest Reads, April 3 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 4

Betti Mace, April 5

For HIm and My Family, April 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 6

Blossoms and Blessings, April 7

The Lofty Pages, April 7

Connie’s History Clasroom, April 8

Labor Not in Vain, April 9

Holly’s Book Corner, April 9

Cover Lover Book Review, April 10

Inkwell Inspirations, April 10

To Everything There Is A Season , April 11

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 12 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rhonda is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card & a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2aa75/when-the-flames-ravaged-celebration-tour-giveaway

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

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep Review

March 30, 2024 Babbling Becky L

(Graphic from Michelle Griep)

About the Book

Title: The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane

Series: Blackfriars Lane (#3)

Author: Michelle Griep

Publisher: Barbour

Released: April 1, 2024

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Wife. Mother. Homemaker. Detective. Kit Forge wears many hats, and if that’s not enough, she’s partnered with her father to open a new detective agency. It’s hard to be all things to all people, but Kit never shies away from the impossible. Despite her hard work and good intentions, some things fall through the cracks.

Namely, her husband.

But Jackson barely notices. He’s too busy putting out his own fires. As the new chief inspector of a busy London station, he must salvage the disaster left behind by the former police chief—an obstacle made all the harder when the superintendent breathes an ultimatum down his neck.

About the Author

I hear voices. Loud. Incessant. And very real. Which basically gives me two options: choke back massive amounts of Prozac or write fiction. I’ve been writing since I discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. I seek to glorify God in all that I write–except for that graffiti phase I went through as teenager.

My Impressions

“What a fine bucket of fish guts this was turning out to be. She’d hoped for an intriguing first case to solve— Not an impossible one.”

Ah, this story by Michelle Griep!! First, because it is a Griep, buy now, ask later. Seriously, my motto for her books. However, I must say you will want to have read The Thief of Blackfriars Lane and The Bride of Blackfriars Lane, so you feel like Jackson and Kit are close friends you respect, even if it’s impossible to predict their actions. Common themes to Griep are forgiveness and trust, teamwork, and judging others. Beautifully depicted.

Jackson has his own issues. He’d might not miss Kate’s shenanigans so much if he didn’t have a precinct to run, with multiple officers needing attention of various degrees, and a supervisor ready to shut the whole office down. Plus a nuisance vagabond hanging around. Oh, vey!

I cannot do justice to this book. But it will be on the very short list for my fave book of the year!!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via Netgalley, plus I bought my own ecopy and 2 paperbacks. This is a book to be shared! No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“…it always comes back to trusting in God’s plan. Rest assured that no matter what you do or don’t do, you will not thwart whatever our mighty Creator is up to.The best we can accomplish is to hold tight to our faith and keep walking towards eternity a step at a time.”

“ …love covers a multitude of sins. So, pursue that. Pursue love instead of dwelling in past failure. That path can only lead to a denial of the present and a forfeiture of the future.”

“But it’s God who brings beauty from ashes. Don’t push away that gift. It is never prudent or wise to stiff-arm God.”

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Magnificent! I foresee a rare re-read in my future!!

ARC, Bethany House, BLOG, Favorite, Kindle, Launch Team, NetGalley, PB, Purchase

Set in Stone by Kimberley Woodhouse Review

March 12, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Title: Set in Stone

Series: Treasures in the Earth

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Released: March 12, 2024

A dangerous scheme could bury their long-held dreams forever. . . .

From the time she was little, Martha Jankowski has been digging in the dirt, much to the dismay of her mother. Now she dreams of being a paleontologist and is determined to make her parents proud by uncovering the next big discovery. When Martha finds what she hopes to be a fully intact dinosaur skeleton–one that could win her an acclaimed exhibit–she learns another team is competing against her and could steal her chance at being recognized for this momentous discovery.

Paleontology student Jacob Duncan has fulfilled his dream of digging for dinosaur bones at last. In a race against time, he and his team are bent on unearthing a complete skeleton to claim a museum exhibit with their names on it. But when Jacob meets their charming competitor Martha and uncovers foul play within his team, love and danger grow hand in hand until a menacing ruse threatens to destroy it all.

About the Author

Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than twenty-five books. A lover of history and research, she often gets sucked into the past and then her husband has to lure her out with chocolate and the promise of eighteen holes on the golf course. She loves music, kayaking, and her family. Her books have been awarded the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Reader’s Choice Award, Selah Award, Spur Award, and others. A popular speaker/teacher, she’s shared with over 1,000,000 people at more than twenty-five hundred venues across the country. Married to the love of her life for three decades, she lives and writes in the Poconos where she’s traded in her hat of “craziest mom” for “coolest grandma.” Connect with Kim at

http://www.kimberleywoodhouse.com http://www.facebook.com/

KimberleyWoodhouseAu… http://www.instagram.com/ kimberleywoodhouse http://www.twitter.com/ kimwoodhouse

My Impressions

“But what good is it having dreams if they aren’t big?”

Woo-Hoo, Set in Stone, book two of Treasures in the Earth, by Kimberley Woodhouse, releases March 12! I absolutely love this series by Kimberley Woodhouse!

Set in Stone is just as exciting and suspenseful as its predecessor, The Secrets Beneath. Both involve a woman archaeologist, history, romance, and mystery. Set in Stone, as Secrets Beneath, can be a stand-alone.

This is a heart-wrenching story, at least for any daddy’s girl, of which I was one. Young Martha Jankowski is also one, idolizing her father, loving any time at home with him, and ecstatic when her archaeologist father lets her start “working”with him on a dig at age 6. But shortly after that, her parents return home from a trip, with her father maimed, unable to work any more, and greatly changed.

Unable to get her social-rule-conscious mother to show any love or approval, Martha hopes as an adult, by working her own dig, to gain her parents’ approval.

We meet Jacob Duncan working on an opposing dig, as the powers that be have pitted two digs against each other for dinosaur bones and speed. This is part of the Bone Wars that took place during that time, leading to sloppy practices, carelessness, and greed in a field demanding meticulous care. It is interesting to see how Woodhouse introduces Jacob and Martha to each other and how their lives become entangled both in matters of work and the heart.

If that were the only storyline present, Set in Stone would be interesting. But Woodhouse takes her novel a step above to “ominously mysterious” with the mystery over Martha’s father’s personality change and the invisible, ruthless owner of the other mine.

I loved the growth in the two main characters. The spiritual insights are as relevant for the reader as they are for the protagonists.

Don’t miss this exciting, mysterious second book in the Treasures of the Earth series.

Notable Quotables:

“…it doesn’t matter where God places you, it only matters that you use what you have to shine His light.”

“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.”

Proverbs 17:9 ESV

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

Reverence in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd Review and Giveaway

March 10, 2024March 10, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Reverence in the Wilderness

Author: Andrea Byrd

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 5, 2024

She’s desperate to save the homestead she’s poured her life into…but is a marriage of convenience with him the answer?

Alone in the Kentucky wilderness, Keturah Elliot finds herself bereft of family and facing the looming threat of losing all she has left. After toiling alongside her demeaning father for two years, she cannot bear losing the homestead they built with their own hands. Keturah has no choice but to trust the Lord’s urging—she must marry to protect all she holds dear. But when a candidate presents himself in the form of a wealthy dandy from back East, can she find enough redeeming qualities to accept him?

Haunted by his mother’s death and a lifetime of failure and isolation, Daniel Scott sees little hope of a better situation when he’s sent to a remote Kentucky station. But when he meets a captivating Scottish woman in need of a husband such as he, he’s determined to break the cycle and prove himself once and for all.

Brought together by circumstances beyond their control, can these two opposites overcome their challenges to build the future they both crave?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Andrea Byrd is a Christian wife and mom located in rural Kentucky, who loves to spend time with her family in the great outdoors, one with nature. Often described as having been born outside her time, she has a deep affinity for an old-fashioned, natural lifestyle.

With a degree in Equine Health & Rehabilitation gathering dust and a full-time job tethering her to a desk eight hours a day, Andrea decided it was time to show both herself and her children that it is truly possible to make your dreams come true. Now with over 1,000 contemporary Christian romance novellas sold, Andrea is pursuing her passion of writing faith-filled romance woven with a thread of true history.

More from Andrea

In many ways, Reverence in the Wilderness is deeply personal for me.

To read about Daniel Scott is to receive a glimpse at my own husband. Dark hair and a golden-brown gaze…and my complete opposite in nearly every way. He is also talkative, entertaining, and gentlemanly. He definitely shares Daniel’s fun-loving and caring nature. Just as God blessed Keturah with Daniel, God blessed me with a man who perfectly complements me while keeping life interesting.

And, not to provider spoilers, but the miscarriage was drawn from one of my own experiences. During my most recent pregnancy, I experienced a threatened miscarriage. I just knew without a shadow of a doubt that I had lost my baby, and in that moment, I glimpsed the hopelessness one would face during a miscarriage. Thanks to the prayers of others and the good Lord above, I was blessed with a healthy pregnancy from then on out and now have a beautiful, healthy baby boy. However, there are so many women who must face that grief and loss in full force. And for always, my heart will break for them. As soon as I returned home from the hospital that night, I knew I had to represent their plight within these pages.

This book is dedicated to every woman who has ever experienced a miscarriage or threatened miscarriage.

My Impressions

“Ye need land, an’ I need a husband. But only if ye can pull yer weight.”

Whoo, boy, you know exactly what to expect out of Andrea Byrd’s historical romance, Reverence in the Wilderness, when you read Keturah’s words to Daniel. Well, at least you know two people are hurtling head-long for adventure, compromise, hurt, and possibly love. When Keturah’s mean-spirited father is killed suddenly, she realizes the only way to keep her land is to find a man to marry who can help her homestead it. So off she heads husband-hunting at the nearest trading post.

Daniel has been injured and left behind by his westward traveling party at the post to recuperate. But, Daniel knows it goes beyond that. Failure could be his first and last name, with rejection being his middle name. Can he ever prove his mettle before God and others, or did God make a mistake when He made Daniel, as his father believes?

Keturah believes God has answered her prayer for a husband quite quickly, and decisions are made that must be lived with. I will give credit to both Keturah and Daniel for seeking out advice. Says James Skaggs, the trading post owner,

“Marriage itself is an adventure, one that must be learned along the way…You cannot allow the fear of failure to cause you to turn from something that could be the best choice you ever make.”

Both Daniel and Keturah had fathers who greatly influenced them in a negative way. Although the fathers are not present in the novel, their attitudes towards their children have caused severe scars. In at least Keturah’s case, when things begin to go south, she sees the Heavenly Father through the lens her earthly father provided. “Had she somehow lost favor with her Heavenly Father as she had long ago done so with her earthly father?”

As difficulties multiply and walls build and become insurmountable, will the newly established family crumble in the dust or find its firm footing in faith and forgiveness?

A heart-rending story of two deeply damaged hearts searching for the ultimate love of the Father and the deep, abiding love of a faithful, caring spouse.

Trigger warning: miscarriage

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

Notable Quotable:

( What Characters Need to Learn)

“It is sometimes difficult to remember the truths of reality when you are being fed a lie.”

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Magnificent! I want to read more by this author!

Blog Stops

Madi’s Musings, March 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 6

Texas Book-aholic, March 7

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 8

She Lives to Read, March 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 10

For Him and My Family, March 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 11

Lighthouse Academy Blog, March 12 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Betti Mace, March 13

lakesidelivingsite, March 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 14

Cover Lover Book Review, March 15

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 15

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 16 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 16

Holly’s Book Corner, March 17

The Lofty Pages, March 17

Pause for Tales, March 18

Life on Chickadee Lane, March 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea 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/2a550/reverence-in-the-wilderness-celebration-tour-giveaway

BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Kindle, Misty M Beller Books, Purchase

Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure by Misty Beller Review and Giveaway

March 8, 2024 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 6, 2024

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

Jude Coulter is far more comfortable in his family’s sapphire mine tucked in the Montana mountains than the bustling streets of New York City where he’s been sent to deliver a shipment of gems. His relief at boarding the train for the first leg of his journey home is short-lived when an accident renders him unconscious.

Angela Larkin worked hard to earn this assignment for the Treasury—an undercover mission to determine the source of the sapphires brought each year for auction in the city. When an accident causes her target to lose his recent memory, Angela jumps at the opportunity to create the ideal ruse. Jude seems surprised to learn the two of them had married and were returning from a glorious wedding trip, but he doesn’t question too strongly.

Yet when an unexpected threat arises, they find themselves dependent on the other to navigate the treacherous journey home. As the danger mounts, so too does an attraction neither of them anticipated. But can this love withstand the revelation of their tangled beginnings?

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain family saga filled with a pretend marriage, amnesia, undercover agents, and a love worth treasuring far more than riches.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Misty M. Belleris a USA Todaybestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

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

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

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

More from Misty

In my latest release, the hero and heroine travel up the Missouri River in a steamboat, and I loved the research for that portion of the story!

Traveling on a steamboat in 1869 was an experience like no other, and took about two months to travel from St. Louis, Missouri to Fort Benton in the Montana Territory. Passengers would step aboard these floating palaces to find ornate decorations, plush accommodations, and the promise of new scenery at every bend in the river. Despite the occasional discomforts of travel—such as noisy engines and the ever-present risk of boiler explosions—passengers reveled in the novelty and the relative speed of steamboat travel.

The Missouri was notorious for its shifting channels, snags, and sandbars, which could easily ensnare even the most experienced pilot’s vessel. Navigating this river required an intimate knowledge of its capricious nature, and the river pilots were worth their weight in gold.

River towns along the Missouri thrived thanks to the steamboats. These towns became hotbeds of economic activity, where goods were loaded and unloaded, and stories from faraway places were exchanged. The arrival of a steamboat was an event, often met with fanfare and excitement by the local populace.

I pray you love the peek at steamboat life in Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure!

Blessings!

Misty

My Impressions

“You, Lord, are a healer of hearts. The only One mighty enough to redeem us when it seems impossible.”

If you are a fan of clean, historical westerns with dollops of romance and faith, Misty Beller is an excellent author to follow. Ms. Beller has quite a few books out, and since I can’t quite keep up with her prolific output, Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure is the first book of this series I’ve read. It’s actually the third in the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series but could be a stand-alone. I believe it’s probably better read in order of publication, though.

Desperate for a reason to follow Jude Coulter back to his home and source of his sapphire shipments, Angela Larkin, a treasury agent, uses Jude’s amnesia on the train to her advantage. How long can she claim to be his wife before Jude’s memory returns and he finds out her deception? Angela doesn’t like lying, but surely this is a case of doing something for the greater good.

As Angela and Jude travel first on the train and then on the steamboat together, they each find the other very intriguing and appealing. But Jude has made a solemn promise and Angela is out to catch a tax evader and worse.

How does God fit into this story? His hand is actually working throughout, though Angela wants nothing to do with God at first. I love that Jude and God had a lot of conversations about her!

“I’m continually amazed at how God brings things together in ways that only He could manage.”

I enjoyed meeting some of the Coulter brothers and other family friends whose stories are probably told in the first two books. I definitely want to go back and find out Two Stones’s story!

My one reservation about this book is it seems to have been hurriedly written and needs more editing. The number of grammar mistakes, missing words, and misuse of homonyms was quite unusual for a Misty Beller book and lowered the enjoyment.

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

Notable Quotables:

(Made me think.)

“…truth wasn’t only in the words she spoke, but in the meaning the other person understood.”

(Made me laugh.)

“…it sure would be nice if God wouldn’t have given people so much free will.”

(Made me cry.)

“She knew rejection well. It had been her friend every time she stepped foot out the door of their flat when she was a kid. No one looked past the races of her parents to see her. To decide if she was worth knowing.”