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Sunday, February 23, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Miss Blaire in Blackwell's Island by Grace Hitchcock





Book: Miss Blaire in Blackwell’s Island (Heiresses of Adventure Book One)

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance True Crime

Release date: July 31, 2024

Will Edyth prove her sanity before it is too late?

On Blackwell’s Island, New York, a hospital was built to keep its patients from ever leaving.

With her late parents’ fortune under her uncle’s care until her twenty-fifth birthday in the year 1887, Edyth Blaire does not feel pressured to marry or to bow to society’s demands. She freely indulges in eccentric hobbies like fencing and riding her velocipede in her cycling costume about the city for all to see. Finding a loophole in the will, though, her uncle whisks Edyth off to the women’s lunatic asylum just weeks before her birthday. And Edyth fears she will never be found.

At the asylum she meets another inmate, who upon discovering Edyth’s plight, confesses that she is Nellie Bly, an undercover journalist for The World. Will either woman find a way to leave the terrifying island and reclaim her true self?

 

Click here to get your copy!


I really enjoy Historical Fiction genre. I also enjoy Romance and Crime books. Miss Blaire in Blackwell's Island by Grace Hitchcock has all those genres in this book. It is Book 1 of the Heiresses of Adventure Series. 

WOW, this storyline drew me in from the very first few pages of Chapter 1.  The setting is in New York in 1887. The main characters in this book are Edyth Blaire and Bane Banebridge. Edyth is looking forward to her 25th Birthday, as then will be able to claim her inheritance. Her parents died many years before and  her uncle is to hand over the inheritance at her 25th Birthday. Her Uncle is a MEAN and GREEDY man and has Edyth sent to an Asylum claiming she is not in the right mind. Edyth fears she will never return to the outside world and she really needs to prove that she is indeed a sane woman. Edyth meets Bane and he gives her hope and prayers. Edyth has always been a believer and I LOVE the way she leans on God and her faith throughout the trials of being "locked up". Edyth also meets Nellie Bly within the Asylum. Nellie confesses to Edyth that she is an undercover journalist. I was so intrigued by the many twists and turns in this story. I also truly LOVED how Edyth and Bane's relationship grew and they both leaned on God. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance with Mystery.  I am very much looking forward to reading all the books in this series! WONDERFUL BOOK!


 



Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple his­torical novels and novellas, including the American Royalty, Best Laid Plans, and Aprons & Veils series. She holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives on the Northshore of New Orleans, with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter in a cottage that is always filled with the sounds of sweet little footsteps running at full speed. When not writing, or chasing babies, she’s baking something delightful and can usually be found with a book clutched in her fist.­­­­

 

 

More from Grace

I am thrilled to share with you my FIRST novel in the HEIRESSES OF ADVENTURE series, MISS BLAIRE IN BLACKWELL’S ISLAND, which is set in New York City in 1887. I loved writing about Edyth Blaire, our cat-rescuing, spunky heroine who spends her days painting, fencing with her dreamy instructor, and avoiding society at all costs, which as you can imagine, comes back to haunt her before the end. I’ve never written about a character who despised reading, so that was a new one for me. Edyth just doesn’t like to sit still long enough to finish a book, but you’ll find out why later.

While writing this book, I am pretty certain the librarians at my local branch were wondering what in the world my hobbies are, judging from the stacks of fencing books for beginners, histories of New York crime in the 19th century, and Nellie Bly’s Ten Days in a Mad-House, and more.

The inspiration for this book came from Nellie Bly’s scandalous exposé for Joseph Pulitzer’s newspaper, The World. In reading Nellie’s articles, I was shocked at the grounds by which the asylum would commit women and that’s when I discovered a tiny mention about an heiress with family members who had her tucked away so they could have her fortune. . . and Edyth Blaire was born.

I hope you will enjoy reading about our eccentric leading lady and her fencing master hero, Raoul “Bane” Banebridge in this friends-to-lovers romance. If you are interested in seeing pictures of the asylum and to see what I pictured the characters looking like, check out my Pinterest board here.

Are you part of a book club? I have discussion questions here!



Pens Pages & Pulses, February 21

Allyson Jamison, February 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 22

Devoted To Hope, February 22

Texas Book-aholic, February 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 23

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 25

Maureen’s Musings, February 25

Melissa’s Bookshelf, February 26

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 27

Vicky Sluiter, February 27

Betti Mace, February 28

Cover Lover Book Review, February 28

Blogging With Carol, March 1

Connie’s History Classroom, March 1

lakesidelivingsite, March 2

For Him and My Family, March 3

Mary Hake, March 3

Labor Not in Vain, March 4

Holly’s Book Corner, March 4

Leslie’s Library Escape, March 5

Inspired by Fiction, March 5

Pause for Tales, March 6

Lights in a Dark World, March 6





To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away the grand prize of a $20 gift card with FREE SHIPPING to Grace’s Autographed Bookshop!!

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


http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54161







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Friday, February 21, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Covenant: Book One the Messiah Brigade by Terry Overton





Book: The Covenant: Book One the Messiah Brigade

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Middle Grade Reader

Release date: November 12, 2024

Middle schooler Zeke just wants to survive school unnoticed, but his intelligence and small stature make him the target of a gang of bullies. One afternoon, he stumbles upon a mysterious old box hidden in a pile of trash. Inside are trinkets, notes, and a Bible he’s never read, all hinting at life-changing truths if he can solve the clues. With the help of new friends in the “Messiah Brigade,” Zeke embarks on a journey of faith, courage, and discovery. Together, they hope to use what they uncover to bring positive change to their school and stop the bullies.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 


I have to come really enjoy books by Terry Overton. The books are geared towards Middle School grades and always have a STRONG message in them. The Covenant: Book One the Messiah Brigade is the most recent book by Terry that I have read. I am very excited about this new series. 

WOW, this book is a fast read, but a Powerful message. Zeke is the new kid at school and he is also the target of bullies. The kids at his school seem to not like the fact that Zeke is a smart kid and does well with Academics. A group of kids take interest in wanting to be friends with Zeke when he finds a box of Treasures and a Bible is also in the box. I really LOVE how Zeke and his new friends want to solve the mystery of the contents of the box and do so with the help of the Bible. The author really shows the LOVE of Christ with the Scripture and Faith in this story. Bullying in schools is very real and I LOVE how the author tackled the topic with GRACE and showing that even the bullies can have a change of heart through God's LOVE and Word. I HIGHLY encourage Middle Schoolers to read this book and it also could be enjoyed by Adults. GREAT BOOK!








Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children, seven grandchildren, one great granddaughter. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. Her books have won Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her books examine real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

More from Terry

My love of history, especially the WW II era, inspired me to write this book. It was an effort to combine the history of the world, specifically the cruelty of the Nazis to the Jewish people, and how bullying can result in kids taking over the culture of a school if not stopped. The three main characters decide to try to change the culture and make it a safe place from bullies. The discovery of a mysterious box of memorabilia of the WW II era sets the curious kids on their way. They find out there were three good friends who went off to fight in WW II to stop the Nazi movement in Europe. They see the parallels between their school, taken over by bullies, and Europe when Nazi forces were running over it. They soon figure out the meaning of trinkets, scribbled notes, and Scripture and use these to steer their middle school in a better direction.



Artistic Nobody, February 12 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, February 12

For Him and My Family, February 13

Guild Master, February 14 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 17

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 18

Back Porch Reads, February 19 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 21

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 22 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 22

Lights in a Dark World, February 23

Fiction Book Lover, February 24 (Author Interview)

Leslie’s Library Escape, February 25




To  celebrate her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54154







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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Love and Chocolate by Linda Shenton Matchett





Book: Love and Chocolate

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: September 13, 2024

She just needs a job. He wants a career. Is there room in their hearts for love?

Ilsa Krause and her siblings are stunned to discover their father left massive debt behind upon his death. To help pay off their creditors and save the farm, she takes a job at Beck’s Chocolates, the company her father despised and refused to supply with milk. Then she discovers her boss is Ernst Webber, her high school love who unceremoniously dumped her via letter from college. Could life get any more difficult?

A freshly-minted university diploma in his hand, Ernst Webber lands his dream job at Beck’s Chocolates. His plans to work his way up the ladder don’t include romantic entanglements, then Ilsa Krause walks back into his life resurrecting feelings he thought long dead. However, her animosity makes it clear she has no interest in giving him a second chance. Can he get her to change her mind? Does he want to?

 

Click here to get your copy!


I have become a fan of Linda Shenton Matchett and I truly love her Christian Historcial Romance books. Love and Chocolate is her most recent book that I had the opportunity to read. 

WOW this storyline starts out strong and captivated me from the first few pages. The setting is in Wisconsin in the early 20 century. Lisa Krause and Ernst Webber are the 2 main characters in this book. Lisa Krause and her siblings recently lost their Dad and Lisa must find a way to keep the family together on their farm. Lisa is hired at a loca Chocolate factory and discovers her boss is Ernst Webber, the man who broke her heart  years ago. I really LOVE that Ernst realizes that he put himself before others and especially before God for so many years. Seeing Lisa he really wants to get right with his God and his faith and explain things to Lisa on his actions years ago. I LOVED that Lisa has a forgiving heart and listened to Ernst and all that happened to him in the years since she saw him. The book is one of Faith, Forgiveness, Second Chances and Romance. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Chrsitian Historcial Romance. WONDERFUL BOOK!






 



Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a former trustee for her local public library. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state and immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

 

More from Linda

A couple of years ago while I was planning my upcoming writing projects, I knew I wanted to write a series of books about siblings but couldn’t decide where or went to set the stories. Lots of research later, I discovered the 1898 Columbian Exposition here in the United States and the various inventions associated with that event. Further study led me to Milton Hershey who attended that World’s Fair and was so enamored with the concept of chocolate production for the masses that he sold his caramel company to enter the chocolate business – a risky proposition at that time. As I read more about Milton and his wife Catherine “Kitty” Sweeney-Hershey, I knew I had the beginnings of a story.

The owner of Beck’s Chocolates in my latest release Love and Chocolate is inspired by Milton Hershey, and I enjoyed creating my own “company town,” Cocoaville in which to set the story. Taking place in 1914 prior to the beginning of World War I, the story explores the mixed feelings about German Americans that were prevalent at the time as well as themes of second chances and forgiveness.

In the early days of my career, I worked in a printed circuit board factory, but I knew nothing about chocolate or how to manufacture it. Research for Love and Chocolate included interviewing a close friend who is a chocolatier and trying various brands of chocolate to understand the difference in flavor and texture. Here are a few fun facts I learned about chocolate along the way:

  • The Aztecs and the Mayans were the first to realize the benefits of cacao beans, ground and soaked in water approximately 5,000 years ago.
  • Switzerland has the highest per capita chocolate consumption.
  • The smell of chocolate can help relax and reduce stress.
  • It takes two to four days to produce a single serving chocolate bar.
  • Cote d’Ivoire is the single largest producer of cocoa, providing roughly 40 percent of the world’s supply.
  • The world’s largest chocolate bar weighed over 12,000 pounds.
  • It takes about 400 cacao beans to make a pound of chocolate.
  • Cacao trees can live up to 100 years.


Vicky Sluiter, February 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 15

lakesidelivingsite, February 16

Book Looks by Lisa, February 16

Texas Book-aholic, February 17

She Lives To Read, February 18

Pause for Tales, February 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 19

Devoted To Hope, February 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 21

Leslie’s Library Escape, February 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 22

Sylvan Musings, February 23

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 24

Connie’s History Classroom, February 25

For Him and My Family, February 26

Holly’s Book Corner, February 27

Mary Hake, February 27



To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Visa Gift Card and a signed copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54156







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JustRead Tours Blog Tour: The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry by Susan L. Tuttle

The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry by Susan L. Tuttle hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!



The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry
Title: The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry 
Series: Treasures of Halstead Manor 
Author: Susan L. Tuttle 
Publisher: Kregel Publications 
Release Date: March 18, 2025 
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Adventure 

In pursuit of a rare book, will Natalie and Mason find each other again? 

With her twenty-plus-year marriage on the brink of collapse, bookish Natalie Daughtry immerses herself in her new bookstore job. When the mysterious Caspar gathers Natalie and her friends Everleigh and Brooke for the second time, she's ready for an adventure to disperse the turmoil clouding her marriage. Caspar enlists their help in searching for a rumored copy of Lewis Carroll's handwritten and illustrated manuscript of Alice's Adventures Under Ground. Natalie is immediately enticed--this is the perfect distraction. 

But then Mason joins the team, and suddenly Natalie and her husband are side-by-side on the search for this elusive treasure. Being forced to work together has them tumbling deep into their past, seeking answers to old misunderstandings. When they emerge from the rabbit hole, things aren't the same. Will they rediscover the love that once held the pages of their life together?


I really enjoy Contempory Historical Romance books and I have come to enjoy Dual Timeslip books. The Novel Adventures of Natelie Daughtry by Susan L. Tuttle is Book 2 in the The Treasures of Halstead Manor series. The book has both of the genres that I have come to enjoy! 

WOW, this storyline really was intriguing and attention grabbing from the very beginning. There are many characters in this book including Natalie Daughtry, Caspar, Everleigh, Brooke and Natelie's husband Mason.  Natalie is very happy to go on another "Hunt" to find a missing manuscript from Lewis Carroll, with Casper, Everleigh and Brooke. She feels it will distract her from her marriage issues. The hunt takes them on numerous Travel Adventures to many countries. I especially love the Dual Time slip to Spain. The adventure gets interesting when Mason, Natalie's husband joins the hunt. Natalie and Mason are spending time together and it really gives them the chance to rekindle their 20yr marriage. Natalie is not sure what the future holds for her marriage, but she is excited to find out what will become of Mason and her marriage and life after this hunt. The book is one of History, Mystery and Faith! I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who likes Christian Historcial Mystery, Dual Time Slip and Romance stories! AMAZING BOOK!





PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & NobleChristianbook

More Books from this Series

The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton




Susan L. Tuttle

Susan L. Tuttle is a pastor's wife, mom, and the director of women's ministry at her church near Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her previous work includes the Along Came Love series, and the Carol Award finalist Love You, Truly.

Connect with Susan by visiting susanltuttle.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.




(1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry and a $25 Amazon gift card!

The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 19, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 26, 2025. 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.


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

JustRead Publicity Tours






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Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Momentum Influencers Blog Tour: CSB Jesus Daily Bible





The CSB Jesus Daily Bible features a 52-week guided reading plan that shows Jesus throughout all of Scripture. Day by day, you’ll be led to thematically study Scripture through a weekly introduction, helpful articles and infographics, and a weekly summary to help you understand Jesus’s central role from Genesis to Revelation.




• The NEW CSB Jesus Daily Bible includes a 52-week,
Christ-focused, guided reading plan that you can join at
any point during the year.
• Day by day, you'll thematically study Scripture through a weekly introduction, helpful articles and infographics, and a weekly summary to help you understand Jesus’s
central role from Genesis to Revelation.
• See how every page of God’s Word points to the bigger story of Jesus.
• Every page of God’s Word points to the bigger story of Jesus. And every day, the CSB
Jesus Daily Bible will help you see how.
• Read through the Bible this year—and keep Jesus at the center of each day.








Daily Bible Reading is an important and crucial part of my Day. I have only read through the entire Bible in One Year ONCE in my life. I feel some of the plans and Chronological Bibles don't have enough "substance" to help me with my Daily Bible reading. 

I can honestly say that the CSB Jesus Daily Bible is so different then the rest. There are many features that really make this stand out for me: The first being that this Bible is undated, so if I miss a day or 2 I can pick up right where I left off. I felt guilty missing a day or so with other plans as they are dated. I really like that the plan isn't "printed" to follow, it is actually incorporated within the Bible itself. I also really LOVE the Weekly Introductions and Recaps that are incorporated within. VERY encouraging info is contained in those. The look and layout, especially the charts and infographics, are OUTSTANDING! The Bible is vibrant and colorful. 

I HIGHLY recommend this Bible to anyone who is looking for a "no guilt" Bible Reading Plan and Read the Bible in a Year! WONDERFUL Bible!








Dwayne Milioni

General Editor, CSB Jesus Daily Bible
Pastor, professor, and co-founder of The Pillar Network
Dwayne Milioni is a pastor, professor, Co-Founder and Board Chairman of the Pillar Network, and the General Editor of the CSB Jesus Daily Bible. He and his wife Kay moved to the Raleigh area from Virginia, where they both received Masters Degrees. Dwayne graduated with his Ph.D. from Southeastern Seminary, where he enjoys teaching classes in counseling and preaching. Dwayne and Kay have four children: Cameron, Victoria, Derek, and Gabriel.









YOUTUBE



Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.













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