Blurb Blitz and Giveaway: Cowboy Watch by Petie McCarty

 

COWBOY WATCH

Petie McCarty

 

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GENRE:  Romantic Suspense

 

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BLURB:

 

he Watchers Series—Fallen angels cast out of heaven by the archangel Michael for coercing with Satan to gain control. Some of these conspirators—duped late in the game by Satan’s lies—doubled back to seek redemption for their unwitting betrayal. Offered parole in exchange for penance, these Watchers are given the toughest bodyguard missions with little leeway for success.

One last chance.

These are their stories . . .

 

Cowboy Watch:

 

Someone—or something—wants Kellen out of town . . .

 

Kellen Brand’s inheritance comes as a monumental shock—a rundown farm she doesn’t want and one paroled Watcher all her own. Kellen’s eccentric mother believed Watchers to be fallen angels seeking penance by guarding individuals who had lost their way. Seriously? A Watcher? Only her mother . . .

 

Since Kellen vows no sane woman would choose to live in Riverside, she’s on a mission to dump the old farm fast and to the first buyer who comes along. Unfortunately for her, the only buyer is a resort developer, spurned by a townful of objectors and one handsome cowboy—her neighbor, Luke Thornton. Luke must block Kellen’s farm sale or risk exposure of his own family’s secrets. He can ill afford his immediate and compelling attraction to his new neighbor.

 

Someone is watching Kellen, but not who she thinks. Someone deadly and intent on scaring her out of town. Or worse. Luke has a hellish choice to make—step in and rescue Kellen from her threats, or to protect his family, stand by and watch . . .

 

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EXCERPT:

“And you are on my front porch because?” he barked, while holding the skittish stallion in place. Windsor had had his head, and he wanted it again.

 

Kellen’s eyes went wide with guilt. “I was just—”

 

“Snooping?” Windsor sidestepped to the right, forcing Luke to twist around in his saddle to hold eye contact.

 

She stiffened and her brilliant green eyes flashed with temper. “I was not! You-You—” She stamped her foot.

 

“Owner?” he said, unwilling to let her off the hook for an instant. Not when he had her good and cornered. Thank God, Windsor kept him so busy he didn’t ogle her like a schoolboy.

 

“No, I was going to say—”

 

The horse reared and pawed the air, effectively cutting her off. Of course, Luke’s little heel nudge and rein tug instigated the ostentatious display. He swiftly turned the horse back around so he could face her.

 

“So, why are you here? On my front porch. Peeking in my windows.”

 

She gave him a glare fit for the devil. “I was not peeking. I was trying to see if anyone was home.”

 

He waited.

 

Her eyes narrowed. “I didn’t want anything.” She hesitated. “I wasn’t doing anything.”

 

“Well, if you didn’t want anything and you weren’t doing anything . . .” He eased the powerful horse right up next to her though she stood her ground on the bottom step. “. . .then you must need a ride home.”

 

He snatched her off the step before she could answer and counted on the little spitfire having the presence of mind to swing her leg over the horse when Windsor took off. She didn’t disappoint him. The stallion streaked for the break in the tree line, and she clung to him like a tick on a coon dog.

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Petie spent a large part of her career working at Walt Disney World—"The  Most Magical Place on Earth"—where she enjoyed working in the land of fairy tales by day and creating her own romantic fairy tales by night, including her new series, The Cinderella Romances. She eventually said good-bye to her "day" job to write her stories full-time.

These days Petie spends her time writing new Cinderella series tales, her new The Watchers series, sequels to her regency time-travel series, Lords in Time, and more contemporary romance standalones to go along with her two previous releases—Any Fin For Love and Ambush in the Everglades.

Petie shares her home on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee with her horticulturist husband and an opinionated Nanday conure named Sassy who will make a cameo appearance in the upcoming Book 2 of The Watchers, Christmas Watch.

 

Visit Petie's web site online at http://www.petiemccarty.com or her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/petie.mccarty.

 

BIO Social Media:

http://www.petiemccarty.com

https://www.facebook.com/petie.mccarty

https://x.com/authorpetie

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6094579.Petie_McCarty

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/petie-mccarty

http://www.amazon.com/author/petiemccarty

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GIVEAWAY:

Petie McCarty will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

Audiobook Tour and Giveaway: The Girl of Many Crowns by D H Morris

 

Book Details:

​Book Title:  The Girl of Many Crowns by D.H. Morris
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  305 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction 
Publisher:  New Classics Publishing
Release date:  October 4, 2024
Content Rating: PG due to some mature subject matters, but no graphic violence, language, or sexual content.

"The Girl of Many Crowns offers a riveting glimpse into the tumultuous life of Judith, the first princess of France, against the richly detailed backdrop of medieval Europe. D.H. Morris masterfully blends history and human drama, making Judith’s struggles both personal and profoundly symbolic of the era’s precarious politics." - review by Gina Rae Mitchell

"D H Morris' talent shines through in this debut. She no doubt did extensive research to bring this story to life. I loved how they were able to portray Judith. The historical details were so vivid, I felt as though I was transported back in time and living in the medieval times." - review by Amy Campbell, Locks Hooks and Books.

"The book sent me down the rabbit hole of reading more about Baldwin Iron Arm, which itself was a super exciting bonus activity (and yes, a bonus – the author is a descendant of Baldwin Iron Arm and Judith – can you even imagine finding your ancestors back to… years 837 – 879?)." - review by @this.human.reads

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Book Description:

The true story of a powerful Knight and a runaway Queen who unite to defy an empire.

The Kingdom of Francia  – 856 

Thrust into the political intrigue surrounding the throne of Francia, young Princess Judith loyally supports her father, King Charles.  She strengthens his kingdom by marrying twice for political alliance.   

But, when Judith refuses to marry a third time at her father’s command, King Charles imprisons her in one of his palaces.

Baldwin “Iron Arm” is a trusted knight and companion to Princess Judith’s brother, Prince Louis. Baldwin helps protect Francia and the king’s family from Vikings, rebel Lords, wars, and assassinations plots. 

When Judith and Baldwin fall in love without the blessing of the king, will they be able to hold on to their faith and each other after unleashing the fury of an empire?

Buy the Book:
Bookbaby
Amazon ~ B&N 
Audible
​(coming soon!)
​add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

​A native of San Diego, California, D. H. Morris has lived on four continents and traveled through many countries. She has four children and eleven grandchildren and currently lives in Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Choral Music education and pursued graduate work in English at USU and law at the University of Utah. She is also a published playwright.

As a descendant of Judith and Baldwin, the author discovered their intriguing story while doing a genealogical project. This journey inspired her to research everything about the 9th Century – including food, politics, travel, war, education, clothing, jewelry, religion, holidays, marriage customs, and medicine. She loves talking about this remarkable time in history when the European countries we know today were being formed and fighting for their very existence.​

connect with the author:  website ~ pinterest~ goodreads

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Enter the Giveaway:

My  Review: 

I am a huge fan of history and genealogy. After years of researching, I found that I was a descendant of Judith of Flanders. I was so fascinated with her, her life, and wanted to read as much about her. I was excited to find there was a new historical fiction based on Judith called The Girl of Many Crowns. D H Morris' talent shines through in this debut. She no doubt did extensive research to bring this story to life. I loved how they were able to portray Judith. The historical details were so vivid, I felt as though I was transported back in time and living in the medieval times. She was such a strong, brave woman to fight for what she believed in and live the life she wanted. I admired her determination and courage all throughout the book.

I had the pleasure of listening to the audio version of The Girl of Many Crowns. I thought the narrator did a wonderful job of bringing Judith to life. Their performance was a great addition to the story.

I am going to give a The Girl of Many Crowns a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for history lovers and for those who enjoy historical fiction based on a true story. I would love to read more like this one from D H Morris in the future. They have earned themselves a new fan with me. 

I received a paperback copy of D H Morris' The Girl of Many Crowns from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Book Blast and Giveaway: Love Letters To Me, Myself and Him: A Collection of Poems by Rayan Khamis

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Rayan Khamis will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

"No two souls meet by accident"

Have you ever felt like you've missed someone you've never met? Like your soul is yearning to meet another soul that fate has destined for you to meet? As I tackle the challenges of everyday life I come to realization that there's a higher power guiding me to my soulmate. These love letters have become my anchor and devotion towards my soulmate though we've never locked eyes. Come on a journey of self- discovery, self- reflection, faith, destiny and hope. Unwind to my truth of what love, guidance and faithfulness means to me.

Read an Excerpt

A poem to the girl who keeps thinking about love 24/7

She’s a powerful lover
Her emotions go very deep
She falls in love fast
She fell in love through prayer
She puts her full trust in God
She thinks far into the future
She wears her heart on her sleeve
She hates giving up
There’s a certain love she’s looking for
She’s so good at being in love
It’s never too much
She’s welcoming and sweet when it comes to her space
She wants to spread a lot of love
That might be her purpose
She’s good at other things but love?
No questions about it

About the Author: Rayan, a talented 27-year-old author, hails from Sudan, North Africa. She moved to Canada at the tender age of four, where she has cultivated a unique voice in the literary world. Though she discovered her passion for writing later in life, it was in 2019 that she first picked up a pen to craft love letters, a genre that has since become her signature.

Known for her wit and quiet demeanor around most people, Rayan's true personality shines brightly when she is among her loved ones, where her loud and vibrant nature comes to life. Her writing reflects this duality, blending sharp humour with heartfelt emotion to create deeply resonant works that captivate her readers.

Rayan's journey from Sudan to Canada and her experiences growing up between two cultures provide a rich backdrop for her writing, infusing her love letters with a depth and authenticity that set her apart in the literary scene. As she continues to write and share her stories, Rayan remains a dynamic and compelling voice, one that speaks to the complexities of love, identity, and connection.

Instagram : http://www.instagram.com/rayanroseay
TikTok : http://www.tiktok.com/@aboutusletters

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Lizzie's Little Mouse (The Heart of the Amish Series Book Eight) by Anne Blackburne

About the Book

Book: Lizzie’s Little Mouse (The Heart of the Amish Series Book Eight)

Author: Anne Blackburne

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Release date: April, 2025

Lizzie Has Dreams That Won’t Be Deterred

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

Ever since attending a wedding in Louisiana, Lizzie Miller has been fascinated by French baked goods. With permission of her parents and bishop, she did a two-year internship in a French bakery in New Orleans. When a local Amish bakery became available, she bought it and opened her own French inspired bakery.

But now someone wants her out of business. During her grand opening, a strange man accosts her, then a brick is tossed through her window wrapped in a note telling her to leave. Someone breaks into her apartment above the bakery, and her cat chases the intruder out.

With the help of her friends, Lizzie will get to the bottom of why someone wishes her to fail. And at the same time, she’ll realize that sometimes dreams can be fulfilled with what—or who—was always close at hand, just waiting to be noticed.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Anne Blackburne lives and works in Southeast Ohio as a newspaper editor and writer. She is the mother of five grown children, has one wonderful grandchild, and a spoiled poodle named Millie. For fun, when she isn’t working on Amish romance or sweet mysteries, Anne directs and acts in community theater productions and writes and directs original plays. She also enjoys reading, kayaking, swimming, searching for beach glass, and just sitting with a cup of coffee looking at large bodies of water. Her idea of the perfect vacation is cruising and seeing amazing new places with people she loves.

 

 

More from Anne

I’m so excited that once again, the amazing bloggers who work with Celebrate Lit are going to do a blog tour for my brand new book in Barbour’s “Heart of the Amish” series, “Lizzie’s Little Mouse”!

Lizzie’s story is available now to readers in print and online wherever fine books are sold, and I feel so blessed to have the help of the Celebrate Lit folks in launching this wonderful story.

If you read either of my previous two books in the series, “Ruth’s Gingersnap Surprise” and “Mary’s Calico Hope”, you’ll remember Elizabeth Miller, their sassy friend with the darling Haflinger pony named Goldie who gave Mary a ride one morning before church services. Elizabeth, or Lizzie, was also mentioned in Ruth’s story as one of the lucky recipients of a kitten from their elderly friend, Lydia’s, cat’s final litter.

Lizzie’s cat is a gray kitty she named Petit Souris, which is French for Little Mouse. Why Little Mouse? Because as a tiny kitten, the darling reminded Lizzie of a mouse!

And why the French name? Well, our heroine is not your typical Amish miss. After attending a wedding in New Orleans as a teen and tasting the amazing baked goods for which the city is renowned, Lizzie began dreaming of opening her very own New Orleans style French bakery – in Ohio’s Amish country!

She loves everything to do with New Orleans, and learned to speak their dialect of French while doing an internship in a bakery there when she was 18. Upon returning home she went to work at the local bakery to learn more about the business, and to save up for her dreams.

As the story opens, we find that Lizzie’s dream has come true! It’s opening day of The Plain Beignet, Lizzie’s bakery in Willow Creek, Ohio. Everyone comes out to wish her well, including friends you’ll recognize from my first two books!

But when something unexpected and frightening happens during the grand opening, it becomes apparent that not everyone is as happy as Lizzie and her friends about her success.

Along with some help from her pals, and her best friend Jane’s handsome big brother, John, Lizzie will get to the bottom of the mystery of who wants to put her out of business, and why!

They discover, among other things, that Lizzie’s bakery was the site of a murder a hundred years before! What could this historic crime have to do with Lizzie’s current problems?

As she, John and their friends search for clues, Lizzie will discover that there’s more baking than her latest batch of beignets!

Could it be romance?

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Lizzie’s story! This book is my third in Barbour Publishing’s series, “The Heart of the Amish”. Look for other great reads in the series from authors Mindy Steele and Lisa Jones Baker.

I’m currently writing my fourth book in the series, which will feature a young woman you’ve met in all my other stories, Jane Bontrager.

Just like her friends, Jane received a kitten from their friend, Lydia; a little brown tabby. Her story, “Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer”, is due out in early winter 2026. .

I hope you’re having as much fun reading about these remarkable young women – and their kitties! – as I’m having writing about them. Thanks for being part of our journey!

As for me and mine, we are all well and enjoying spring in southeast Ohio. In other words, enjoying the sunshine, but carrying a sweater and an umbrella, just in case!

God bless you and yours!

Joyfully,

Anne Blackburne

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, April 30

lakesidelivingsite, April 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 1

Carla’s Book Crush, May 1

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 2

Vicky Sluiter, May 2

Simple Harvest Reads, May 3 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Texas Book-aholic, May 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 5

Holly’s Book Corner, May 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 6

Stories By Gina, May 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 9

For Him and My Family, May 10

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 10

Bizwings Book Blog, May 11

Lily’s Corner, May 12

Little Homeschool on the prairie, May 12

She Lives to Read, May 13

Cover Lover Book Review, May 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Anne is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon eGift 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.

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54209/

My Review

Lizzie's Little Mouse is the eighth installment and Anne Blackburne's contribution to the multi author series, Heart of the Amish. I enjoyed this delightful tale of love and hope with the element of faith within the pages. I loved getting to know Lizzie. I liked the addition of a little mystery and trying to figure out how it would all unfold for her. I thought it was an overall sweet and good read 

I am going to give Lizzie's Little Mouse four and a half stars. I believe fans and lovers of clean Amish Fiction will not want to miss out on it. I would be interested in reading more from author, Anne Blackburne in the future.

I received a paperback copy of Anne Blackburne's Lizzie's Little Mouse from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Illuminary (The Sceptre and the Stylus Book One) by Chawna Schroeder

 

About the Book

Book: Illuminary (The Sceptre & the Stylus Book One)

Author: Chawna Schroeder

Genre: YA Fantasy inspired by A Little Princess

Release date: April 8, 2025

Glimpse the past, illuminate the future.

Yosarai Patican dreams of becoming an illuminator in a country that values art above all else. A lofty goal that finally seems within reach when she earns a position at the prestigious Academy of the Seven

Arts. Although Yosarai loathes to leave behind her quiet country life, she travels to the capital, determined to live up to her mother’s fame asone of Indel’s greatest artists.

Prince Xander never planned to become king. Indeed, he never wanted to become king. But when his father dies suddenly, he is thrust into the middle of coronation preparations—and assassination attempts. With everyone around him in increasing danger, Xander decides to hide in neighboring Indel until the time for him to be crowned king arrives.

Posing as an inventor struggling with aesthetics, Xander enlists Yosarai’s aid as part of his cover, but soon he suspects she knows more than she should. But when danger threatens and secrets are exposed, entering a competition reputed as cutthroat may be the only way for them to protect everything they hold dear.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Chawna Schroeder loves exploring the wonder of God through the intersection of imagination and faith. When she isn’t reading or writing, she may be found practicing piano, reading biblical Greek or Hebrew, preparing for the Bible study she teaches, or working onone of her handwork projects while enjoying a movie.

 

 

 

 

More from Chawna

Why I Love “A Little Princess”

Illuminary begins a fantasy trilogy loosely inspired by A Little Princess. This classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a book I’ve read almost annually since I was a preteen, with some years containing two or more readings. It is a story that never fails to enchant me no matter how often I read it, and it carries for me the same magic that Anne of Green Gables has for many other girls.

Yet unlike Anne, who endears herself to almost all who meet her, the young heroine of A Little Princess, Sara Crewe, is known to be a somewhat divisive character—the kind you either adore or hate the moment you meet her, much like the characters within the story itself. So, what draws me back to this young protagonist again and again?

The reasons are many. I love her imagination, her intelligence, her ability for the perfect comeback, her courage in the face of horrifying circumstances, her uniqueness—all characteristics that I’ve tried to endow upon the heroine of Illuminary to some extent.

But I think the thing I hope my heroine in Illuminary emulates most is Sara’s unshakeable character. For Sara is a principled young lady, and no matter what is thrown at her, she holds onto those principles without wavering.

Often in literature, it seems like the good, principled characters, when they are faced with great difficulty, end up struggling with their principles, debating whether they are good or worthwhile. In some stories, those characters even outright reject those principles for a time.

While these are good and needed stories to tell, sometimes they are portrayed as the only accurate arcs for such characters—as if characters holding onto their principles and maintaining their integrity is somehow unrealistic. A charge originating, I suppose, from those too sweet, too perfect characters found in morality tales.

Yet while such characters of integrity and principle might be rare, Scripture shows us that hard times don’t have to shake one’s principles or undermine one’s integrity. Both Joseph in the book of Genesis and Daniel in the book bearing his name exemplify this kind of life. And we see this same principled integrity in Sara Crewe.

It is not that she is some perfectly sweet heroine. Sara has a temper, struggles with some uncharitable thoughts toward others, and even misjudges another character terribly. Nor does she fail to grow. The Sara at the end of the story is definitely a more mature, thoughtful, and understanding girl than the one who began the tale.

But the core essence of her character—her politeness, generosity, and compassion as summarized by her wish to act like a princess—does not change in the story. The core characteristics that make Sara Crewe, Sara Crewe, are unshaken. They may grow and expand with the character, but these essential attributes characterize her throughout the entire story. Even in her darkest moments she holds fast to them.

That is both hopeful and encouraging. For we all will face hard and difficult times. A Little Princess doesn’t deny that reality. Rather, it says that those hard times don’t have to destroy us and that holding onto one’s integrity, one’s faith, is possible.

For me, that is what makes Sara Crewe and A Little Princess truly magical—and what I hope will make Illuminary magical for its readers.

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 29

Artistic Nobody, April 30 (Author Interview)

CeCe Reads and Sings, April 30

The Lofty Pages, May 1

Wishful Endings, May 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 3 (Spotlight)

Simple Harvest Reads, May 3 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 4

Guild Master, May 5 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 7

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 8

Inklings and Notions, May 9

Fiction Book Lover, May 10 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, May 11

Labor Not in Vain, May 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chawna is giving away the grand prize of a 2.5” x 9.5” poster of Psalm 46:5 and 10-11 illuminated by artist and calligrapher Timothy Botts, a signed copy of the book, a $25 Amazon gift card, a glass stylus, and 5 bookish stickers!!

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

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54208/

My Review

I found Illuminary to be a good introduction to Chawna Schroeder's books. This start to her The Sceptre and the Stylus series. I enjoyed taking this journey with Yosarai and Prince Xander. I not a huge fantasy fan but I found myself enjoying this story and wanting to find out how it would end. It was full of adventure and action that held my attention all the way through. A great example as to why I should go outside my comfort zone in my reading and try something new.

I am going to give Illuminary four and a half stars. It would be worth reading for those who enjoy books from the clean young adult fantasy fiction. I am curious to see what what happens next from The Sceptre and the Stylus series. 

I received a digital copy of Chawna Schroeder's Illuminary from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Home Baked Bribery (Addie Masters Mysteries Book 2) by Gina Holder

About the Book

Book: Home Baked Bribery (Addie Masters Mysteries Book 2)

Author: Gina Holder

Genre: Christian Cozy Mystery

Release date: March 4, 2025

The annual Rockport bake sale and competition is underway. The stakes are higher than ever for the coveted Golden Whisk Award when a high-profile celebrity chef is brought in as a surprise guest judge.

The competition takes a deadly turn when the celebrity suffers an allergic reaction. When Addie’s nemesis, Kennedy Graves is banned from the competition for using almond extract, Addie volunteers to prove Kennedy innocent. As Addie investigates the death, she learns each of the local bakers had a motive to dislike the celebrity. But did one of them kill him?

Meanwhile, hundred-year-old twins, Poppy and Marigold, keep Addie hopping, looking for their missing dogs.

Will Addie be able to uncover the truth behind the celebrity judge’s death, or will she become the next victim of the mysterious shenanigans going on in Rockport?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Gina Holder is an indie author and stay-at-home mom. She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.

 

 

 

More from Gina

Choco-Banana Bliss Bars

-Mac Gordon

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed (light or dark) brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (all-purpose) flour
• 1 cup mashed overripe banana (about 2 large bananas)
• ¾ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Allow bananas to ripen until outside is mostly black.
2. Allow butter and egg to reach room temperature.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F.
4. Line an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper. Spray parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray.
5. In a large bowl, combine ½ cup unsalted butter and 1 cup brown sugar. Mix at a medium-high speed for 2 minutes.
6. Add in 1 large egg, 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract, and ½ tsp salt. Mix at a medium-low speed until combined.
7. Mix in 1 cup of flour. Mix on low until just combined.
8. Fold 1 cup of mashed banana into the batter until they’re fully incorporated.
9. Fold in ¾ cup chocolate chips. Save a few chocolate chips.
10. Pour the batter into the glass dish. Sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top.
11. Bake for 33-37 minutes, until the edges are golden brown, and the center is baked through.
12. Place on a wire rack to fully cool. Gently remove the bars from the pan. Cut into squares.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 25

By the Book, April 25

Vicky Sluiter, April 26

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 26

Book Looks by Lisa, April 27

She Lives To Read, April 28

Leslie’s Library Escape, April 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 30

Madi’s Musings, May 1

Hannahbandanarama, May 1

Texas Book-aholic, May 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 4

Holly’s Book Corner, May 4

Lily’s Corner, May 5

DevotedToHope, May 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 7

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, May 8

For Him and My Family, May 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Gina is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of books 1 and 2 of the series, Handmade Mayhem and Home Baked Bribery!!

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

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54204/

My Review

Home Baked Bribery is the second installment and my first introduction to Gina Holder's Addie Masters Mysteries. Since I have not read the start of the series, I believe this one can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed this little mystery with Addie and finding out how it would be solved. I was curious to find out "who done it". I thought this book was a pretty good read and loved getting to know all of the characters.

I am going to give Home Baked Bribery four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean cozy mysteries. I am looking forward to the third book from the Addie Masters Mysteries to find out what happens next. 

I received a copy of Gina Holder's Home Baked Bribery from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: When the Mountains Wept (West Virginia: Born of Rebellion’s Storm Book One) by Kendy Pearson

About the Book

Book: When the Mountains Wept (West Virginia: Born of Rebellion’s Storm Book One)

Author: Kendy Pearson

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: April 5, 2024

War brought them together, but one lie holds the power to separate them forever.

Western Virginia’s Kanawha Valley is a hotbed of rebellion tensions and mixed allegiances.

Amid talk of war, Augusta Dabney tends her younger siblings and dying father. But when hatred sparks tragedy, peace is but a shattered memory. Heartbroken and desperate, Augusta searches for a way to protect all she holds dear.

Defying family and friends, Dr. James Hill declines a prestigious commission in the Confederate Army to join the Union cause as a Regimental Surgeon. When the Dabney farm becomes a crossroads of colliding forces, Major Hill commandeers their barn for a hospital.

He is running from his legacy, seeking penance for his past.

She is desperate to preserve hers, at any cost.

As a wise, former slave nurtures James’s battered faith, cynicism crumbles, and James discovers grace and belonging with Augusta and her family unlike any he’s ever known.

But when James comes face to face with his past, secrets unravel until deception ends in disaster, leaving Augusta with only one option.

And it is unthinkable.

 

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About the Author

Kendy Pearson is a worship leader, Bluegrass fiddler, and Civil War reenactment enthusiast. As a veteran high school teacher, she loves to discover a pocket of American history missing from the schoolbooks and turn that pocket inside out. Her novels lead fictitious characters through historical events and settings, engaging with period personalities. And she always includes a romantic thread to warm the heart. Every story is a journey through tragedy, secrets, regrets, and God’s undeniable grace.

She is the recipient of multiple lit awards and enjoys public speaking and teaching writing workshops. When away from the computer, she relishes ice cream, snowy days, fireplaces, and maple trees. Kendy is the mother of four grown children and lives with her sweet hubby and two amusing miniature dachshunds.

More from Kendy

I was quite happy expressing my inner farm-girl and thriving at all things musical for decades. Until I found myself teaching high school history and raising three sons. I should have saved up a dollar for every war movie I watched! All the men in my family had a great interest in history. I remember watching the boys in a production of King Henry the Fifth, complete with Old English and death by sword. One year, I taught about the Civil War in three different classes, so that era became a favorite interest of mine. I read every Christian Historical novel I could find about the War of Rebellion.

Boy, did I have fun researching! For three months, I pored over the most incredible true stories of families and events, reading even soldier diaries. I created timelines and wrote note cards. I became the student again!

There is much of myself and my life in When the Mountains Wept. The female main character (Augusta Dabney) is part me and part who I long to be. She’s responsible, tough, brave, smart, farmish, doctorly—and she has red hair, freckles, and an Irish complexion that splotches and sunburns. My daughter influenced the 12-year-old sister in the story (she figured that out on her own). Will (Willamina) is a tomboy who will risk trouble for the sake of adventure. She is strong-willed and often has an attitude. (I’m pretty sure that last part was why my daughter figured it out.)

I enjoy a story that makes me laugh, so having three sons, I am pretty familiar with boyish antics. The 6-year-old brother added humor, and a saucy 12-year-old girl provided plenty of fodder, too. The romance between two very different but strong personalities provided an opportunity for a few laughs as well.

If a book makes me cry, it’s a keeper. My story contains painful truths, each rooted in my research. The characters experience the harsh reality of their circumstances. I cried while writing more than a couple of the scenes. It is just plain hard to wrap my head around living smack dab in the middle of war, where your neighbor is your enemy and your home is no longer your own.

I fell in love with the family I created in When the Mountains Wept, hence, I must not consign them to the past. They will live on in this series as each member of the Dabney family shares their own story of adventure, romance, sacrifice, and faith.

Blessings from the Heart of History, my friends!

Kendy

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 28

Simple Harvest Reads, April 29 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Texas Book-aholic, April 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 1

Stories By Gina, May 2 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 2

Devoted Steps, May 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 4

Betti Mace, May 5

Holly’s Book Corner, May 6

Pause for Tales, May 7

Guild Master, May 8 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Book Blog, May 9

Cover Lover Book Review, May 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kendy is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

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

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54206/

My Review

Kendy Pearson starts off her West Virginia: Born of Rebellion's Storm series with When the Mountains Wept. I thought it was a great Civil War era novel. My family is from the mountains of Virginia, as well as, West Virginia. I thought the author did a great job what it was like for the people during this time. The historical details were so vivid. I adored getting to know Gus and James and I wanted to keep reading their story to find out how it would end for them.

When the Mountains Wept will be getting a five stars. I would give it one hundred if I could. I highly recommend it for fans of clean historical fiction, particularly those set during the American Civil War. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment from the West Virginia: Born of Rebellion's Storm series, When Heaven Thunders, to see what Kendy Pearson has in store for her characters.

I received a paperback copy of Kendy Pearson's When the Mountains Wept from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.