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Sunday, May 12, 2024

My Thoughts A Spring at the Greenbrier Author: Sandra Merville Hart

 


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 THOUGHTS

A Spring at the Greenbrier is written  Sandra Merville Hart. This is book 7 in the Romance in the Gilded Age Resort series  the series is written by multiple authors and they center around resorts that existed during the Gilded Ages  

Marilla always wants to help her family  her sister has health condition and when the doctor prescribes a treatment that the family can’t afford, Marilla gets a job at the Greenbriar resort. Her sister is able to get the daily sulpher springs baths. When Marilla meets another young woman with a similar condition shes taken back by her older brother  


However their social classes are entirely different. Marilla also doesn’t want to risk her job.  It’s a big no no to date guests. However Wes is drawn to Marilla.  Can they find a way. 


One of the things that I love  from this author is her ability to transport you back in history. Her attention to detail and writing in true events. I liked that this one showed how bad polio used to be.  She even writes President Wilson into the resort story. 


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 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

Friday, May 3, 2024

My Thoughts - Walking on Hidden Wings by Rachel Scott McDaniel

 Walking on Hidden Wings JustRead Takeover + Review BlitzWelcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Walking on Hidden Wings by Rachel Scott McDaniel hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book



Title: Walking on Hidden Wings: A Novel of the Roaring Twenties
Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: April 23, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Geneva Ashcroft Hayes's marriage to a newspaper mogul might have been arranged, but the New York socialite is devastated when her husband's plane crashes a few short months after their nuptials. When the authorities suspect murder, Geneva sets out on a wild mission to find his killer--and to prove it wasn't her!

When mysterious notes surface pointing to Geneva's guilt in his death, they only strengthen her resolve. She has little to go on except for a detective friend's cryptic list of locations connected to her dead spouse. When the friend also disappears, she trades her sparkling gowns for coveralls and pilot goggles.

Armed with a new name and career as a wingwalker and barnstormer, she travels from town to town in hopes of unearthing clues and locating her missing friend. But Geneva discovers that her past may not belong to her . . . what she once believed as truth may be nothing more than lies and deception.

"A tangled web, a sleuthing adventure, a rekindled romance . . . Walking on Hidden Wings has it all."

--Rachel Fordham, author of The Letter Tree

"Fans of intelligent mysteries, butterfly-inducing romance, and the Roaring Twenties, prepare yourselves--Walking on Hidden Wings will sweep you away to the skies! McDaniel's lyrical prose is a delight, and readers will be fascinated by the daring beginnings of aviation. A true gem."

--Joanna Barker, author of A Heart Worth Stealing

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


About the Author

Rachel Scott McDaniel

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. She currently enjoys life in Ohio with her husband and two kids.

Connect with Rachel by visiting rachelmcdaniel.net to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

My Thoughts

Walking on Hidden Wings: A Novel of the Roaring Twenties is written by one of my favorite historical authors, Rachel Scott McDaniel. Her writing always transports you back in time and you find yourself in a world that you did not know you needed. In this story we meet Geneva Ashcroft Hayes. Her father is controlling and he is very intimidating. Her marriage was arranged to a newspaper mogul, Warren. However, his plane crashes a few months after they said I do.

Suddenly she finds herself the suspect in his murder. They find his plane tampered with. However, Geneva knows she is innocent and wished she would have shared the threatening messages that she had received. She knows she needs to clear her name. She has a list of clues from a private investigator and she knows she needs to find out who is behind all of this and why.

Geneva decides to change her appearance and leave town. She buys herself a Jenny plane. Which there were so many left over from the war, you just needed cash, not a license. She starts to travel and performing wing walking stunts. The descriptions to these scenes is truly captivating.


This book has the perfect blend of history, romance and mystery. I absolutely loved it.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of the book plus book-related extras!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 1, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 8, 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 the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours


Wednesday, May 1, 2024

My Thoughts - The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano

 The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple: (Detective and Actress Whimsical Edwardian English Historical Romance)\\


ABOUT THE BOOK

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano

Peter Driscoll, an underground investigator to the wealthy, has never met anyone like Lily Temple. The beautiful silent-film actress spins fairy tales and plays frivolous roles in front of the cine-camera, but beneath the costumes and stage makeup is a woman with a quick wit--and a murky past. 

Peter has been tasked with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire, which Lily wears beneath her gown. In order to stay close to her and hopefully unravel the mystery of her story--and the sapphire--Peter employs Lily's help on a case, which leads to a useful partnership. But as they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. The closer he gets to the truth, the more danger they face. And the closer he gets to Lily, the clearer it is that he needs her even more than she needs him.

Award-winning author Joanna Davidson Politano whisks you away to Edwardian England in 1903 for a whimsical and layered tale that treads the crooked line between real and make-believe.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Joanna Davidson Politano profile image

Joanna Davidson Politano freelances for a small nonfiction publisher but spends much of her time spinning tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives. Her debut novel, Lady Jayne Disappears, releases October 3 from Revell. She lives with her husband and their two babies in a house in the woods and shares stories that move her at www.jdpstories.com.



MY THOUGHTS

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple is written  by Joanna Davidson Politano. This is a beautifully written story that transports readers back to the silent film era. You will be drawn into the story as soon as you start reading. The author has done careful research to bring this era to life. 

Lily Temple is a brilliant silent film actress. She is a master of her craft, however she hides so much underneath. Peter Driscoll, an underground investigator to the wealthy. He has been tasked with with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire, which Lily wears beneath her gown. The more time he spends with Lily the more intrigued with her. 

This story has a little bit of everything. History, mystery, romance and so much more. I loved the character development and seeing Lily and Peter grow throughout the story. The book is well written. 

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


Sunday, April 21, 2024

My Thoughts - The Lost Ones --- written by Dana Perry

 

THE LOST ONES


THE LOST ONES by Dana Perry

 















Book Links

Book 3 in the Detective Nikki Cassidy series

As dawn breaks over a small gas station on the outskirts of Groveton, Ohio, the body of a teenage girl lies totally still. Long blonde hair covers her face, and a length of frayed rope hangs loosely around her neck. It’s only a matter of time before someone finds her, just like her killer intended…

When FBI agent Nikki Cassidy receives a call from Groveton’s Chief of Police, her heart pounds. A young girl just knocked on the door of Nikki’s old family home, claiming to be Nikki’s kid sister, Caitlin. But Caitlin was murdered fifteen years ago. Who is the girl and what does she want?

Nikki thinks the impersonator could finally lead her to her sister’s twisted killer. But her hope is shattered when the girl’s lifeless body is found strangled at a local service stop. If the girl knew about Caitlin, could she have known the identity of the killer? Was she murdered before she could unmask them?

Going against her boss’s orders to stay away, Nikki traces the girl’s last known steps to her best friend, Shirley. Nikki learns that the girl was last seen meeting with a stranger at the mall. Could it have been her killer?

Closer than ever to uncovering the truth, Nikki can’t give up now. But when Shirley’s body is found at another service station, a length of rope wound around her neck, her heart shatters. Another young life has been lost. Nikki vows that this will be the last.

When an intruder breaks into her old home, Nikki knows it’s the killer sending her a sign. As she walks into the familiar old house in the dead of night, will she finally get justice and catch her sister’s killer, or did she just walk into a deadly trap?


Series Details:

Genre: Crime Thriller
Published by: Bookouture
Publication Date: April 2, 2024
Number of Pages: 341
ISBN: 9781803147932 (ISBN10: 1803147938)
Series: Detective Nikki Cassidy

Author Bio:

Dana Perry

I am a New York City author who writes mystery thrillers under the pen name of Dana Perry - and also as R.G. Belsky. 

Catch Up With Dana Perry:
www.RGBelsky.com/dana-perry-books
Goodreads
BookBub
Twitter/X - @DanaPerryAuthor 
Facebook - @DanaPerryAuthor
Instagram - @dickbelsky


My Thoughts 

We are back with book three in the Nikki Cassidy series. The Lost Ones is the finale written by Dana Perry. I have really enjoyed this series. Nikki has been trying to sort out her sister, Caitlin's unsolved murder. However, there is a young girl that shows up at Nikki's old family home and says that she is Caitlin. Nikki is immediately alarmed.  


However, she thinks that the girl can help try and finally identify Caitlin's kiler. However before Nikki can get any information, the girl is found dead. Nikki digs into the girls friends and past desperate to find Caitlin's killer. However, someone will continue to kill to stay hidden. Nikki finds herself in a cat and mouse game -- with the killer calling her out into her old family home. 


Oh this series is packed full of suspense. I love Nikki Cassidy - I really hope to see more from this author. The book is well written. The storyline is packed full of suspense. Thank you to the author, publisher and Partners in Crime Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.  


Giveaway:

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Dana Perry & R.G. Belsky. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

 ENTER HERE:

https://kingsumo.com/g/se3zsf/the-nowhere-girls-by-dana-perry

Thursday, April 18, 2024

My Thoughts - Streams of Courage Author: Sandra Merville Hart

 


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

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 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 Thoughts


 Streams of Courage is book four in the Spies of the Civil War series that is written by  Sandra Merville Hart. I have read the other books on the series and was really excited to see a new release. I also love that this did set in Vicksburg. Vicksburg has been a bucket list wish to visit. 


Julia Dodd lost her brothers and dad in the Civil War. She has been staunch on her stand and has watched as friends, family and other townspeople drift slowly to support the Confederacy. Her mother doesn’t want her to marry Ash. She thinks her daughter can do better. 


Ash is used to people thinking he’s a coward for not wanting to side with the Confederacy. However he wants to be able to support his family. He soon decides he’s going to spy for the North. He has to be careful since he’s already being considered an outsider. 


He suddenly has to be selective to what he tells Julia. He’s not sure who he can trust and who may be spying for the confederate army. While Julia and her family may say they are pro-Union you don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. I love reading all things espionage especially during the Civil War. 


Our characters are well written. I felt that we got to know Julia and Ash deeply during this story. 


The author has captured this time period beautifully. She has done great and careful research. No matter what side you were on the cost was large. 


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, 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