Friday, May 17, 2024

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

About the Author

Janyre Tromp

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.

Tour Giveaway

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

Darkness Calls the Tiger JustRead blog tour giveaway

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

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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

My Thoughts - Healing of the Heart by Heidi Gray McGill

Healing of the Heart JustRead Blog + Review Tour 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

About the Author

Heidi Gray McGill

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.

Tour Giveaway

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

Healing of the Heart JustRead Blog Tour giveaway

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

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

JustRead Publicity Tours

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 .