My Thoughts - Shoot at the Sunset by Kathleen Denly

 

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 Thoughts 

Shoot at the Sunset is book five in the Chaparral Hearts series that is written by Kathleen Denly. I’ve read the whole series but they can be read as stand alones.  One of the things that I really love about this author is her attention to historic detail. She clearly knows the error that she’s writing in and always seems to bring history to life. Her writing allows you to close your eyes and you can see the scenes unfolding in your mind. 

I really loved Preston and Lucy. Preston is a traveling sharp shooter. He returns home when his older sister writes a heartfelt letter requesting he come home. Lucy has not had an easy life. She comes from San Francisco where leaving helped to save her. She’s got hurt and secrets she’s holding in. Lucy’s mother has had a terrible problem with addiction. 

The story shifts between Lucy, Preston and Lucy’s mom.  The author has woven the stories together seamlessly. She’s done a wonderful job showing God’s redeeming Grace. 

The story is well written. The characters are well developed. I’ve really been enjoying getting to know all of the characters of this series. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. 

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

My Thoughts Scandals and Mercies by Kathleen Rouser -

 

About the Book

Book: Scandals and Mercies

Author: Kathleen Rouser

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: April 23, 2024

He’s a reporter determined to uncover the truth, but the secrets he finds could crush her family—and their second chance at love.

Taken from her family’s farm to be raised by her wealthy aunt and uncle, Nora Armstrong has accepted that not only will she never realize her dream of becoming a teacher, she’d also rather be a spinster than submit to her cruel aunt’s society selection of a suitable husband. The one man who caught her eye betrayed her best friend. And she’s got enough on her hands, hiding her sister’s shameful secret from her aunt.

When the local home for unwed mothers burns down, the arson investigation brings big-city reporter James Cooper back to Stone Creek—and back into Nora’s life. James also has a meddling aunt who raises more questions than she answers about his past. Not to mention, he can’t figure out why Nora constantly rebuffs him. When his reporting casts aspersions on the local church and lays the blame for the fire and a series of robberies at the wrong feet, he risks losing his new position at the paper.

As they seek to unravel the town’s mystery, rescue endangered mothers and children, and navigate their own family secrets forced to light, James and Nora increasingly turn to each other for help. But can they overcome James’s lack of faith and the disapproval of Nora’s guardians to find a second chance at love?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Kathleen Rouser is a multi-published, award-winning author of historical and contemporary Christian romance. She is a longtime member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writers. She resides in southeast Michigan, a location which she often uses in her novels, with her hero and husband of forty-some years and two sweet cats who found a home in their empty nest.

 

 

 

More from Kathleen

Writing Scandals and Mercies: A Personal Spiritual Journey

By Kathleen Rouser

Scandals and Mercies has been my hardest story to write thus far. It seems that as I work through issues in my life it may come out in my characters. And I can relate to Nora Armstrong, my heroine. I can understand some of her struggles, her tender heart toward the Coping children, and figuring out who she is in Jesus. The challenges I had in writing this book are reflected in the theme which came through as I wrote it—identity in Christ. Then I became more purposeful in exploring the theme. Nora felt alone and had doubts at the beginning, but then she learned what it meant for her to trust in God despite her difficulties.

Though I’d been a believer for nearly forty years when I began writing Scandals and Mercies, I was—and still am—going through some difficult trials that forced me to really think about what my identity in Christ is. Who am I in Him? Will I depend on Jesus through one of the worst trials of my life? Or will I become bitter? I think of when Jesus said some hard things and many of His disciples deserted Him. He said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” And Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

Jesus is truly the only One who has the answers, the words of eternal life. Where else would I turn? And when He doesn’t directly answer, especially the way I want, it’s for me to trust in Him.

And it’s also about sharing in the fellowship of His sufferings, not that we can add anything to our salvation, but that trials and suffering are a part of the Christian life, meant to mold us and grow us in our faith. And if we allow it, to be changed more closely into the someone who projects the image of Christ to others. My husband likes to say we are “Jesus with skin on” for each other.

Working through all of that while writing how Nora grew in her faith took a lot of emotional energy, but God strengthened me and I finished her story, while He is still writing mine!

My Thoughts 

Scandals and Mercies is written by Kathleen Rouser. This is book 3, and the Stone Creek bride series, even if you’ve not read the whole series you will not have a problem following along. One of the things I love about this author is her ability to transport you back in time. She always does such care research to bring her story to life.

Nora Armstrong has been raised by her wealthy aunt and uncle. They want her to find a suitable husband and not her dreams of becoming a teacher. However there’s the weight of family secrets that’s holding Nora down. 

James Cooper  is a big city reporter. When the Stonecreek local home for unwed mothers burns down he’s there to catch a scoop. he suddenly finds out that there’s more to the story and in surprising places.

James and Nora have a clear attraction to each other. They have a past and have to get past some hurt from the past. I love that they both have meddling aunts. They need to team up and try and unravel the mystery. The town becomes divided to if they should continue to help the young unwed mothers. 

Family secrets. Town secrets. Endangered mothers in need of protection. The author has done wonderful job with this story.  The characters are flawed. They have baggage, hurt and lots of secrets. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.  

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 7

Texas Book-aholic, May 8

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 9

Lighthouse Academy Blog, May 9 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Betti Mace, May 10

Devoted To Hope, May 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 13

lakesidelivingsite, May 14

For Him and My Family, May 15

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

The Lofty Pages, May 16

Book Looks by Lisa, May 17

Connie’s History Classroom, May 18

Holly’s Book Corner, May 19

Pause for Tales, May 20

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/2b58d/scandals-and-mercies-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts - Darkness Calls the Tiger: A Novel of World War II Burma Author: Janyre Tromp

 Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Darkness Calls the Tiger by Janyre Tromp, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Darkness Calls the Tiger: A Novel of World War II Burma
Author: Janyre Tromp
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: May 14, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Imperial Japan devours the southern portion of Burma, intent on taking over mainland Asia. Unaware of the coming darkness, Kailyn Moran drifts in her role as the only daughter of a widowed missionary.

As whispers of war snake through the Kachin mountains, Kai's father is convinced God will protect the mission. He entrusts the village to her and the kind yet inexperienced new missionary, Ryan McDonough, while he makes routine visits to neighboring villages.

War descends like a tempest upon the mountain peaks, and an unbreakable bond forms between Kailyn and Ryan as they unite to provide solace to both villagers and the flood of refugees. Despite their tireless efforts, a brutal enemy shatters almost everything they love, pushing Kailyn to embark on a path of unrestrained vengeance.

Afraid he's losing the woman he loves, Ryan fights to protect Kai from the deadly consequences of her choices. But in the face of destruction, can he convince her of the power and freedom of forgiveness?

"Evocative and transportive, filled with nuance and spiked with the violence of war, Darkness Calls the Tiger is a story of redemption in the midst of hopelessness." --Tosca Lee, New York Times best-selling author

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author

Janyre Tromp is a developmental book editor who has worked in the publishing industry for more than twenty years, spending time in both marketing and editorial. She's the author of Shadows in the Mind's Eye and contributor to It's a Wonderful Christmas, a Christmas novella collection with other award-winning authors, including Julie Cantrell and Lynne Gentry. When she isn’t writing, she’s a Bible study leader, writers conference speaker, ACFW member, wife, and mom of two kids and their menagerie of slightly eccentric pets.

Connect with Janyre at janyretromp.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

MY THOUGHTS

I have heard so many good things about this author that I was excited to see that she had a new release that was set in WWII era. The fact that she chose a location I was not familiar with made me even more excited to read her story. Darkness Calls the Tiger: A Novel of World War II Burma is written by Janyre Tromp. Her writing drew me in within the first few pages.

Kailyn Moran and Ryan James are missionaries. Kailyn is charged with keeping their village safe while her widowed father calls on neighboring towns. However, this is post Pearl Harbor attack, and the Japanese are determined to overtake anything in their path. No matter how hard Kailyn has tried, her village is burnt to the ground. 

It's in this moment Kailyn makes some poor choices. She wants revenge. She wants the Japanese to suffer. Ryan, who is a newer missionary reminds Kailyn about forgiveness. However, the Japanese have now put a target on Kailyn. 

The author has done a brilliant job in writing in rich historical details. War is a messy, messy time and it can bring out the worst in humanity. God's love and grace is always there for us. The book is well written, and the storyline is engaging. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead Publicity Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a signed copy of Darkness Calls the Tiger, a bookmark, and other book-themed goodies!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 13, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 20, 2024. Winner 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

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

My Thoughts - Healing of the Heart by Heidi Gray McGill

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Healing of the Heart by Heidi Gray McGill, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Healing of the Heart
Series: Discerning God's Best #4
Author: Heidi Gray McGill
Publisher: Heidi Gray McGill Books LLC
Release Date: May 10, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Post-Civil War, Inspirational Fiction

He’s sworn to heal others, but at what cost to himself?

Step into the bustling streets of post-Civil War Philadelphia, where cultural injustice and class disparity run rampant. Amidst this chaos, Thomas, an aspiring doctor from the wilds of Missouri, struggles to find his place in a society to which he is unaccustomed. But when he meets debutante Emmaline Whitaker, she teaches him more than the social graces - she holds the key to his future. Only it is the independent, fun-loving Theodora Morse who holds his attention.

As Thomas navigates the complexities of high society, he must also confront his inner turmoil. When devastating news comes from home, Thomas is forced to use his waning faith to determine the desire of his heart. Will Thomas stand by his convictions and fight against the malaise of those around him, or will he choose the safety and comfort of his new life?

In this powerful Christian historical fiction, award-winning author Heidi Gray McGill weaves a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption in the City of Brotherly Love.

For Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford fans, this standalone novel in the Discerning God’s Best series will capture your heart and leave you breathless. You’ll love this book if you enjoy gripping historical drama and compelling characters. Binge-read the entire series on Kindle Unlimited.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More Books in This Series

     

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About the Author

Heidi Gray McGill is a distinguished author acclaimed for her impactful Christian fiction works. Her Discerning God’s Best series has earned numerous awards. Despite facing challenges, such as blindness, Heidi has authored eight compelling books, showcasing her versatility as both a traditionally and independently published author of both historical and contemporary fiction. Heidi’s writing is purposeful, skillfully interweaving God’s love and wisdom into relatable characters and captivating narratives. Based in a charming town near Charlotte, NC, Heidi shares her life with her devoted husband of over three decades. Beyond her literary pursuits, she finds joy in cherished moments with family and immersive adventures through the pages of books.

Connect with Heidi at heidigraymcgill.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

My Thoughts

Healing of the Heart is written by Heidi Gray McGill. This is book 4 in the Discerning God's Best series. I have not read the whole series, and I did not have any issues following along. In this story we are transported back to post Civil War Philadelphia. The author has written a captivating story

Theodora aka Teddy works two jobs to make ends meet. She is a server/waitress in a higher class establishment and a nurse at the hospital. While at the higher class establishment, she sees how catty and petty the higher class can be. She hears all sorts of gossip from society's most eligible ladies. Her work as a nurse is looked down upon. She has no desire to get married and wants to be able to survive on her own.

Thomas has come to Philadelphia from Missouri to finish studying to be a doctor. Some have questioned Thomas's decision to go so far from home, but he feels that God has brought him here for a reason. His benefactor, the local judge, helps bring esteem to his reputation. He befriends the judge's assistant who really helps him realize things about his faith.

The book is well written. The storyline draws you in within the first few pages. The author has done careful research and brought to light some post Civil War struggles that our characters may have faced. I love that the characters had to work through some things.

Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead PublicityTours. All thoughts are my own.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $20 Amazon Gift Card and a signed copy of Healing of the Heart!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 14, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 21, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for print. If winner is outside the US, an ebook will be provided instead. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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