My Review

Unforgiven, by Shelley Shepard Gray, is a heartwarming story. I enjoyed how well written and easy to imagine this story is. As Tabitha is basically hidden away in her home after her divorce, Seth is there helping her with providing wood and food. I enjoyed their characters a lot, they are both strong and caring people. I like how Tabitha uses her crafts to make a living and helps others out as well.

I enjoyed this story. It is interesting to read of how people thought of Tabitha after her divorce and Seth after his prison sentence. Both were formally Amish and just the act of trying to stay alive was looked down on. I enjoyed how Seth’s sister still looked up to him and how she struggled gaining her parent’s approval of her boyfriend. The story shows how Tabitha and Seth pay the price for what has been done to them. It is interesting to see how Tabitha’s brother in law has limited the time her sister can spend with her. This story does touch on physical abuse in a relationship.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

About the Book

Ex-con Seth Zimmerman has spent the last three years making amends by helping the vulnerable in his former Amish community. Lately, this mission includes calling on Tabitha Yoder, whose divorce from her abusive husband has isolated her from the community. Even though she never comes out of her house to talk to him, Seth knows she watches him from the window while he chops wood, clears her driveway, and drops off food.   An uneasy friendship is just starting to take hold between them when small gifts begin to appear at Tabitha’s home–gifts that can only be from her ex-husband. Seth might be Tabitha’s only hope at maintaining her hard-won freedom from the man whose violent outbursts had almost cost her life. But coming to her rescue might mean he ends up behind bars once again.   Get swept up in this emotional story of two outcasts who may be each other’s only hope for happiness and redemption from New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray.

About the Author

“Igrew up in Houston, Texas, went to Colorado for college, and after living in Arizona, Dallas, and Denver, we moved to southern Ohio about ten years ago.

I’ve always thought of myself as a very hard worker, but not ‘great’ at anything. I’ve obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree…but I never was a gifted student. I took years of ballet and dance, but I never was anywhere near the star of any recital. I love to cook, but I’m certainly not close to being gourmet…and finally I love to write books, but I’ve certainly read far better authors.

Maybe you are a little bit like me. I’ve been married for almost twenty years and have raised two kids. I try to exercise but really should put on my tennis shoes a whole lot more. I’m not a great housekeeper, I hate to drive in the snow, and I don’t think I’ve ever won a Monopoly game. However, I am the best wife and mother I know how to be.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that in God’s eyes that is okay? That from His point of view, we are all exceptional? I treasure that knowledge and am always so thankful for my faith. His faith in me makes me stand a little straighter, smile a little bit more, and be so very grateful for every gift He’s given me.

I started writing about the Amish because their way of life appealed to me. I wanted to write stories about regular. likeable people in extraordinary situations-and who just happened to be Amish.

Getting the opportunity to write Inspirational novels is truly gratifying. With every book, I feel my faith grows stronger. And that makes me feel very special indeed. “

Learn more about the author and check out the book trailer at https://shelleyshepardgray.com/

Where to Purchase

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unforgiven-shelley-shepard-gray/1144111644

https://www.christianbook.com/unforgiven/9780800745790/pd/745794

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Chain of Mercy by Brenda S. Anderson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

My Review

Chain of Mercy, by Brenda S. Anderson is the first book in the Coming Home series. This story focuses on Richard as he finds himself in a situation of changing occupations and moving back to his home state. After having a extremely successful job in Manhattan, he moves to Minneapolis and works as a janitor. Having lived a life focused on alcohol and women, he is now focusing on turning his life around. With no plans for a real relationship Richard and Sheila spend time together away from work. Their friends ship builds to the point he takes her home to visit his family.

This book is filled so so much meaning and has such a powerful message. We see two different successful people who have pasts they are running from. I enjoyed the parts in the story when Richard goes home to visit his family. The strong bond he has for his nieces and nephews is so heartwarming. It’s easy to see the love the family has for each other with how they take time to see each other and be there for each other. I enjoyed this story immensely and appreciated how the author wrote such an inspirational story of overcoming the past and moving forward in Christ. This story does contain topics of pre-marital sex and abortion.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

About the Book

Title: Chain of Mercy
Series: Coming Home
Author: Brenda Anderson
Publisher: Independently published through The Mosaic Collection (2nd ed.)
Release Date: April 22, 2014 (1st ed.)
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Christian)

A devastating argument
One reckless decision
An unforgivable sin

Successful Manhattan businessman Richard Brooks is living the dream, drunk with success and all its trappings, until one reckless decision turns his dream life into a living nightmare.

Richard flees to Minneapolis where he repairs ancient boilers instead of solving corporate problems, and he’s determined to live the solitary life he now deserves.

Executive Sheila Peterson has other plans for the handsome custodian. Richard appears to be the perfect match for the no-strings-attached romance she’s after, but she soon discovers that he’s hiding more than the designer clothes in his closet.

Richard can’t deny the allure of a relationship with Sheila. The closer they get, though, the greater the risk that she will discover not only who he used to be but also the unforgivable sin he committed that reckless night.

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

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About the Author

Brenda S. Anderson writes authentic and gritty life-affirming fiction that shows God at work in people’s messy lives. She enjoys live sports and theater, walking along the shores of Lake Superior, and sharing hot cocoa with friends and family. She lives near Minneapolis with her newly retired husband and their mischievous twin kitties.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a book box which includes a paperback copy of Chain of Mercy and locally crafted, book-related items like a Booktrovert glass tumbler, bath balls, a bookish tote, bookmarks, and much more!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 28, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 4, 2024. Winners 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 book box. Winner outside the US will receive a $30 Amazon gift card and ebook. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

My Review

Mayhem and Moonlight, by Jennifer Sienes, is the third book in the Bedford County series. This is a well written, easy to read and imagine story. It has wonderful characters who each have issues they are struggling with. This story is a reminder that God works in wonderful ways at just the right time. Lillian’s roommate is getting married soon and Lillian cannot afford to live alone. At the same time a single dad, Luca, arrives in town with his three sons and realizes he needs someone to help with the boys and home.

This is such an enjoyable story. I found it hard to put the book down. I enjoyed how Lillian and Luca were introduced at just the right time. It was easy to see that the two lives would connect from the beginning as Lillian cares for and loves his boys. This is a wonderful contemporary story that deals with real life situations.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

About the Book

Book: Mayhem and Moonlight

Author: Jennifer Sienes

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction, and Southern Fiction

Release date: April 16, 2024

Left at the altar holding the bill, a boatload of college debt, and piddly librarian salary has her praying for a miracle.

Lillian Murphy takes her life verse from a book title—A Series of Unfortunate Events. Could be it was on account of her jumping into things without first dipping a toe in to test the waters that landed her in such a position. A cozy, cardboard box would suit her just fine if she could find a way to heat it, but she’s hoping the good Lord will do some better. She’s done dreaming of happily-ever-after – She’d settle for just debt- and drama-free.

Luca Giordano knows the minute he lands in Shelbyville, Tennessee with his three young boys that he’s in over his head. Leaving the pain of his past behind, he’d also left his parents—and they’d done the heavy lifting. All his charts, graphs, and scheduling expertise isn’t enough. What kind of a productivity expert is he if he can’t be…productive? What he needs is a part-time Mary Poppins to swoop in and fill in for his gargantuan gaps—and Librarian Lillian seems the perfect solution.

But when Luca’s past converges with the present—and Lillian’s the catalyst—everything he loves most is at risk. How will a free spirit and fusspot find a way to happy ending?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Award-winning author Jennifer Sienes holds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in education but discovered life-experience is the best teacher. She loves Jesus, romance, and writing—and puts it altogether in inspirational women’s fiction. Two of the three novels in her Apple Hill Series (set in Northern California) were inspired by actual events. Her Southern fiction Bedford County Series is set in Tennessee where she now resides with her real-life hero (and husband).

More from Jennifer

I’m often asked where I draw inspiration for my stories. It was easy when I was writing the Apple Hill Series, because the Lord took me through a long season of loss ripe with emotional angst and faith building. So, two of the three novels in that series were inspired by actual events I lived through—my daughter’s traumatic brain injury and my brother’s suicide. Not exactly the stuff of happily-ever-afters. But being a romantic, I’m a sucker for a happy ending. It took quite a bit of spiritual growth and creative ingenuity (she says tongue-in-cheek) to be able to move past the pain and find the blessings for my characters. Proof that God uses every tear for our good and His glory.

The story behind Mayhem and Moonlight came from a friend of mine. Annie. Not long after I met her (at my release party for Night Songs) she told me about how she and her husband Peter came to be together. Annie was a school psychologist who had been left at the alter years before. Peter was a single father of three boys whose wife passed away from cancer. Annie loved children but was past her child-bearing years, so she was as enamored with Peter’s three boys as she was by the man himself. Inept in the kitchen, she shared many hysterical culinary malfunctions with me, including how she almost burned the house down on more than one occasion.

Main character Lillian was also inspired by an actual person—my daughter Nikki. Yes, this is the same daughter who suffered a near fatal car accident and went through months of rehab for traumatic brain injury. What a sweet thing to be inspired by her when she was dealing with a disability and again years later with master’s degree for library and information science—just like main character Lillian. That’s how our good God works, though, so I shouldn’t be surprised.

But of course, a romance needs a protagonist, and Lillian’s is Luca Giordano—single father to three young boys (just like Annie’s Peter) and a productivity expert in serious need of help. It wasn’t until after I started fleshing out ideas for this book that I’d even heard of a productivity expert. It was through one phone conversation with old friends who told me their son had written a book titled Winning the Week: How to Plan a Successful Week, Every Week. I could’ve never imagined purchasing this book to show support to my friends would lead to the inspiration I needed for Luca’s career.

And guess what? Using the techniques laid out by authors Demir and Carey Bentley helped me become a more productive writer, too! It was a win-win.

Once I got to know the characters, I let them loose in my imagination and had to race to keep up with them. That’s when I know my writing is in conjunction with the Lord. I literally cannot make this stuff up. I pray you will enjoy reading Mayhem and Moonlight as much as I did writing it.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 21

Stories By Gina, May 22 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, May 22

Sylvan Musings, May 23

Texas Book-aholic, May 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 25

Artistic Nobody, May 26 (Author Interview)

She Lives To Read, May 27

For Him and My Family, May 28

For the Love of Literature, May 29 (Author Interview)

Lakesidelivingsite, May 30

Beauty in the Binding, May 31 (Author Interview)

Karen Baney Reviews, May 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 1

Back Porch Reads, June 2 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card & a copy of the book!!

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/2b9d2/mayhem-and-moonlight-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

The Song of Sourwood Mountain, by Ann H. Gabhart, is a stand alone Christian historical story that takes place in the early 1900’s. Mira has lost her parents and fiance and is now a school teacher who’s job has been cancelled and apartment is being taken over by the owner’s niece. At the same time, Gordon, a boy from her past, has come to town, asked her to marry him and and move to Sourwood Kentucky to teach in his mission school. With no where else to go, and feeling God’s hand in the situation, she eventually accepts.

This is a well written, easy to read and imagine, enjoyable story to read. I enjoyed how this story points out that God is in control and knows what is best for Mira and Gordon. I enjoyed the humor within the story of the way the people in Sourwood do things and speak. I also enjoyed how loving and caring they both are toward the people, especially the young orphaned girl. It is interesting to read how the people of the community look upon the young girl and how she is treated.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

About the Book

368 pages

Published May 7, 2024

Revell Publishing

ISBN 9780800741730

While the century began with such promise, it is 1910 when Mira Dean’s hopes of being a wife and mother are dashed to pieces. Her fiancé dead from tuberculosis, Mira resigns herself to being a spinster schoolteacher–until Gordon Covington shows up. No longer the boy she knew from school, Gordon is now a preacher who is full of surprises. First, he asks Mira to come to Sourwood in eastern Kentucky to teach at his mission school. Second, he asks her to marry him. Just like that. And all at once the doors that had seemed firmly shut begin to open, just a crack. With much trepidation, Mira steps out in faith into a life she never imagined, in a place filled with its own special challenges, to serve a people who will end up becoming the family she always dreamed of. From the pen of bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart comes a heartwarming story of the unexpected blessings that can come when we dare to follow the Lord’s leading.

About the Author

Ann H. Gabhart started writing at the age of 10. Her first writings were published in church perodicals. She has had over 30 novels published. She wants the readers of her books to feel good after reading her books and wish the story hadn’t ended. She wants to inspire people to “step into the sunshine of the Lord’s love” and realize the Lord is always there for us. She wants her readers to feel the joy of Christian living.

You can learn more about her and the books she has written at https://www.annhgabhart.com/

Where to Purchase

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-song-of-sourwood-mountain-ann-h-gabhart/1144111592

https://www.christianbook.com/the-song-of-sourwood-mountain/9780800741730/pd/741731

About the Book

Book Title: Scandals and Mercies

Author Name: Kathleen Rouser

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: April 23, 2024

He’s a reporter determined to uncover the truth, but the secrets he finds could crush her family—and their second chance at love. Taken from her family’s farm to be raised by her wealthy aunt and uncle, Nora Armstrong has accepted that not only will she never realize her dream of becoming a teacher, she’d also rather be a spinster than submit to her cruel aunt’s society selection of a suitable husband. The one man who caught her eye betrayed her best friend. And she’s got enough on her hands, hiding her sister’s shameful secret from her aunt.

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

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

Book Excerpt 2

When a squeak sounded under her light tread, she stopped and leaned back against the oak banister. Soft whiffling snores echoed off the high ceilings and came in concert from Aunt Gertrude’s and Uncle Edmond’s separate bedrooms. Ten more steps to the bottom of the grand staircase and she should make it without disturbing them.

“Miss?” Wrapped in a plain shawl, Eliza, the elderly maid, stood poised to defend herself on the edge of the shadows with a vase clasped tightly in her hand. Her white braid shone in the moonlight.

Nora put a finger to her lips. “I’m going for my morning walk early. Lots to do today.” She carried the sack beside her as she reached the Persian rug at the bottom of the stairs.

“With that?” The maid pointed.

“Oh, this? I thought I’d drop off some old gloves at the box outside the church. Please, don’t wake my aunt and uncle. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Her dishonesty sent a twinge of pain through her conscience.

“I suppose, miss.”

“Thank you.” Nora gave the older lady a peck on the cheek and caught Eliza’s smile in the dim light.

Missed Any Excerpts:

Excerpt One: https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com/2024/05/scandals-and-mercies.html
Excerpt Two: https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2024/05/23/scandals-and-mercies-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Three: https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/2024/05/celebrate-lit-presents-scandals-and_20.html
Excerpt Four: https://moments-of-beauty.blogspot.com/2024/05/epic-book-launch-scandals-and-mercies.html
Excerpt Five: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/scandals-and-mercies-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Six: http://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/scandals-and-mercies-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Seven: https://www.fictionbooklover.com/posts/scandals-and-mercies-epic-book-launch/
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About the Author

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

My Review

With Each Tomorrow, by Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse, is the second book in The Jewels of Kalispell series. This is a Christian historical fiction story that tales place in Montana in 1904. This is such a good story to read. It is well written and easy to read with wonderful characters. I enjoyed the father/daughter relationship and how Eleanor and her father look out for each other. I enjoyed the suspense behind the changing of the railway, how it affected the community and how they reacted to the possible change. It is interesting to see how the railroad was so important at that time in history. I appreciate the faith the characters have and how they are there to help and support each other.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

About the Book

ISBN: 9780764238994

Publisher: Bethany House

Publication Date: May 21, 2024

Even in the midst of adversity, love and faith can flourish.

As the formation of Glacier National Park takes Eleanor Briggs and her conservationist father on a journey west to advocate for public lands, her heart carries the weight of a painful past. Since the death of her mother, she has spent her life traveling the country with her father and helping him with his work, but now he’s considering settling down and writing a book–and she’s not sure what that means for her future.

Carter Brunswick faces trials of his own when the Great Northern Railway’s departure threatens his family’s livelihood and the entire town of Kalispell. In the visiting conservationist’s daughter, Ellie, he finds a spirited woman who challenges his convictions in ways he never anticipated, and his own dreams for the future begin to change.

When tensions over the railroad’s departure boil over, Ellie and Carter are drawn together on a daring journey that tests the depths of their feelings and their faith in God.

About the Authors

Tracie Peterson is an award-winning, best-selling author of over 100 books. After giving her heart to Jesus at the young age of six, Tracie has felt called to some form of ministry, especially writing. She has speaks at writer’s conferences, and teaches at women’s conferences sharing her testimony and insight for Christian living. Her books have won numerous awards. You can learn more about her and the books she has written at https://traciepetersonbooks.com/.

Kimberley Woodhouse (www.kimberleywoodhouse.com) is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 30 fiction and nonfiction books. Kim and her incredible husband of 30-plus years live in the Poconos, where they play golf together, spend time with their kids and grandbaby, and research all the history around them.

Where to Purchase

https://www.christianbook.com/with-each-tomorrow-softcover-2/9780764238994/pd/238994

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/with-each-tomorrow-tracie-peterson/1144111587?ean=9780764238994

https://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Jewels-of-Kalispell-With-Each-Tomorrow-Paperback-9780764238994/5071562454?from=/search

My Review

Hunting Justice, by Lynette Eason and Sami A. Abrams is a well written, action packed Christian suspenseful read. The story is fast paced with several twists and turns. I especially enjoyed the characters Noelle and Jonah and how they cared for each other. I found it enjoyable to read as their relationship grew and they realized what their true relationship was. The story grabbed my attention right from the start and kept it to the very end. I found it hard to put this book down as it kept me guessing to the end. I admire Noelle’s character and the strength she has to move forward with her job as it brings back memories from her past. I found the faith aspect of the story to be mild yet inspirational.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

About the Book

Series: Elite Guardians: Savannah #2
Release Date: May 21, 2024
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

A dark secret puts them in the crosshairs of a relentless killer…

Ex-detective and current Elite Guardian Noelle Burton survived a horrifying attack by a serial killer as a child. Now, determined to put the scars of her past behind her, she’s intent on helping the Elite Guardians set up shop in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. More, she’s wondering if her friendship with Dr. Jonah Harris, an ex-ER doctor turned medical examiner, might be more. But he has his own demons to fight—namely guilt over the death of his wife.

So, maybe not.

Meanwhile, Jonah can’t ignore the growing desire he feels for Noelle. If only he knew he wasn’t going to destroy their friendship…

And then, tragedy strikes—the sudden death of a colleague rocks his world, and Jonah knows that there’s more to the incident than meets the eye. In fact, he may have been the intended target. Now he needs Noelle…not just as a friend, but as a protector.

Noelle will have to protect Jonah, while not letting their friendship spark into something more, and Jonah will have to unravel the threat that stalks him. Clues lead them down a dark path, revealing unsettling connections to a series of unsolved crimes. And when they stumble upon the chilling possibility of a serial killer lurking in the shadows, all Noelle’s nightmares come back to life.

Then the unthinkable occurs—the killer strikes again, targeting someone close to them. Noelle and Jonah race against time to expose the truth and capture the killer…and when their friendship becomes something deeper, it’s clear they have everything to lose.

Don’t miss this gripping story of resilience, trust, and the power of love in the exhilarating second book of the Elite Guardians: Savannah.

Purchase via @justreadtours profile link

About the Authors

Lynette Eason is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books including the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, the Hidden Identity series, the Elite Guardians series, the Blue Justice series, and the currently releasing, Danger Never Sleeps series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. Her Elite Guardians series, featuring strong, successful female bodyguards, has captured readers’ hearts and minds. Visit her at www.lynetteeason.com.

Award-winning, Bestselling author Sami A. Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn’t until her 30’s that she found authors that captured her attention. Now, most evenings, you can find her engrossed in a Romantic Suspense. In her opinion, a crime with a little romance is the recipe for a great story. Sami lives in Northern California, but she will always be a Kansas girl at heart. She has a love of sports, family, and travel. However, a cabin at Lake Tahoe writing her next story is definitely at the top of her list. Visit her at http://www.samiaabrams.com.

Where to Purchase

Books Elite Guardians: Savannah Hunting Justice

https://amzn.to/3wyxXkw #ad

My Review

Abounding Hope, by Cindy Kay Stewart, is the first book in the Circle of Hope series. This story is a WWII story that begins in Poland and follows Irena and the children she is caring for as they travel to safety. This story is very well written and gives a look into what it might have been for the people of Poland as they fled to safety. Even though it is easy to imagine the story, I appreciate that Irena points out that there is no way for anyone to understand what she and the children lived through if they hadn’t lived through it as well. The author does a wonderful job of pointing out how dangerous it was for the people, especially leader, educators, and pastors. The story also shows how many people went out of their way, and risked danger for themselves, to help others. I really enjoyed reading this story and found it hard to put down. I enjoyed most of the characters very much. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

About the Book

Book: Abounding Hope

Author: Cindy Kay Stewart

Genre: Historical Christian Romance (WWII)

Release date: October, 2023

Poland’s looming defeat forces an American teacher to escape with children wanted by the Nazis.

It’s late August, 1939, and the world is on the brink of war. The Nazis are threatening Poland, but American teacher Irena Simmons refuses to flee to safety. She’s dedicated her life to serving in her church and school, and she’s watching over the little German boys she whisked to safety the year before. When her former classmate, Jonathan, surprises her in Lvov and insists she leave with him before the war starts, Irena balks. Nothing will interfere with her work—especially a man making demands.

American shipping magnate Jonathan Huntwell had a crush on Irena in school. When their former classmates select him to travel to Poland and escort her out before it’s too late, he doesn’t expect the inner turmoil she ignites in him. Although honor-bound to aid any friend in trouble, Jonathan acknowledges that Irena is more than an obligation to him. However, he must keep his feelings hidden, or he’ll jeopardize their friendship.

Irena soon discovers that the Gestapo agent she successfully evaded in Germany has found her in Poland, and he’s after her young charges. When the Germans invade, Jonathan is in Denmark on business, too far away to help. As the rising danger threatens everything Irena holds dear, she must find a way to protect those she loves.

Based on true events and backed by extensive research, Abounding Hope is sure to delight fans of WWII adventure cloaked in sweet romance. Come to the place where the war began and discover hope in the darkest places.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Cindy Kay Stewart, a retired high school social studies teacher and current church pianist, writes stories of hope, steeped in love, and anchored in faith. Her manuscripts have won the Touched by Love Award, the First Impressions contest, and the Sandra Robbins Inspirational Writing Award. They’ve also finaled in the Maggie Award of Excellence and the Cascade Awards, and semi-finaled in the Genesis contest. Cindy is passionate about revealing God’s handiwork in history. She resides in North Georgia with her college sweetheart and husband of forty-two years. Her daughter, son-in-law, and four adorable grandchildren live nearby. Cindy’s currently writing the Circle of Hope series set in WWII Europe.

More from Cindy

WWII is a fascinating time period—so many miracles took place in the midst of great tragedy. There has never been an era of history when so many people sacrificed so much to save the world from evil.

During my research for Abounding Hope, I uncovered many interesting and nearly unbelievable stories from the beginning of the war. Within the context of historical fiction, I had the opportunity to recast these true events through the lives of my fictional characters. I endeavored to remain true to history throughout the book, even with dates and places. None of the historical events and places in Abounding Hope are fictional.

Abounding Hope is set in Poland and Hungary at the beginning of WWII. The main characters, Jonathan and Irena, are Americans who have lived in Europe most of their lives. They’re also civilians who learn to surrender their expectations and trust the Lord through their harrowing experiences. In the end, they also find love. Their romance adds soft and intriguing elements to a story set during such a difficult time in history.

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, May 14

Alena Mentink, May 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 15

DevotedToHope, May 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 18

Lights in a Dark World, May 18

Texas Book-aholic, May 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 20

lakesidelivingsite, May 21

For Him and My Family, May 22

Stories By Gina, May 23 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 23

Betti Mace, May 24

The Lofty Pages, May 25

Cover Lover Book Review, May 26

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cindy is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

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/2b7ca/abounding-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

The Good Little Mermaid’s Guide to Bedtime, by Eija Sumner is an interesting children’s book. The story focuses on a little mermaid that does anything and everything to avoid going to bed. This is a cute story written for children with nice pictures that fit the story very well. I requested this story thinking it would be fun to read to a grandchild at bedtime. However, since it is a child that already avoids going to bed, I would keep this for a story to read just for the fun of it. It’s a cute story but in my case, I suspect it will give my grandchild more excuses to not go to bed. For that reason I will give this book a four star rating.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

About the Book

This little mermaid is too FIERCE and SCARY and FEROCIOUS to follow The Good Little Mermaid’s Guide to Bedtime . . . well, except the part about snuggling her shark stuffie. A hilarious picture book for kids ages 3 to 7 who are experts at resisting sleep.

Once upon an evening, a good little mermaid begins to get ready for bed.
Once upon? No. Not once upon. I know what that means. And I’m NOT a good little mermaid. I am a PREDATOR!

Thus begins our story of a little mermaid who is anything but good.
Sleep? Sleep is for guppies! This little mermaid is a TERROR of the DEEP.

Cleaning up and putting toys away? This little mermaid doesn’t need TOYS. The ocean is her playground, and everything in it is afraid of HER.

Brushing her teeth and flossing? Never! Well . . . maybe a little bit so they gleam like RAZOR-SHARP BLADES.

Cleverly told through a back and forth between The Good Little Mermaid’s Guide to Bedtime and a mermaid who is resisting bedtime at every turn, this story will delight readers with its hilarious illustrations and adorable but VERY SCARY main character. Will she ever go to sleep? Read on to find out.

About the Author

Eija Sumner has an MFA from Hamline University in writing for children and young adults. Crocodile Hungry, illustrated by John Martz, is her first picture book. Her next book, The Good Little Mermaid’s Guide to Bedtime, publishes March 2024. She lives in Idaho with her husband, three children, one dog, three cats, and one red-eyed bunny.

Where to Purchase

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-good-little-mermaids-guide-to-bedtime-eija-sumner/1143604937

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/623867/the-good-little-mermaids-guide-to-bedtime-by-eija-sumner-illustrated-by-nici-gregory/9780735267893

My Review

Until Our Tome Comes, by Nicole M. Miller takes place in Poland during World War II. This is a historical romance story that tells the true history of Janów Podlaski Arabian Horses. I found this story to be enjoyable and interesting. The beginning was a little slow going but once I got into the story I really enjoyed it. The story has great, strong characters and gives a look into what it may have been like for the people in Poland during WWII. I enjoyed the character of Adia very much. She was strong and did what she had to for the horses and her people. I especially enjoyed how she cared for Ewan and the bits of trouble he would get into with taking things. I admired her character as she went to great risk to help children escape Poland, as well as how she kept faithful to her friendship with Bret for so many years. I enjoyed this story and the great detail the author put into it making it an enjoyable story to read that focused on true events.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

About the Book

American horse trainer Adia Kensington is living her dream of working at the famous Janów Podlaski stables in Poland, where they breed the best Arabian horses in the world. But her plans to bring the priceless stallion Lubor to the US are derailed when the German army storms into her adopted country in 1939. Little does she know this is just the beginning of six long years of occupation that will threaten her beloved horses at every turn.

Major Bret Conway is at Janów Podlaski under the guise of a news reporter, but his true mission is intelligence gathering for the British. That and keeping Adia safe, which is harder and harder to do as she insists they must evacuate 250 horses to save them from being stolen, sold, or eaten by the invading forces. What follows will test their physical, mental, and emotional strength, as well as their faith in God, humankind, and each other.

Drawn from true events of World War II, this epic story of escape, capture, resistance, and love from debut novelist Nicole M. Miller will thunder into your heart like a herd of beautiful horses across a raging river.

About the Author

Nicole lives in Southwest Washington state with her husband and two sons, along with two purebred Arabian horses, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, and guinea pigs. As a long-time horse owner, she’s been involved in several horse organizations throughout her life, including serving as a Clark County Fair Court Princess and Miss Teen Rodeo Washington.

When she’s not writing or tending the animals, she works in human resources. A journalism major, she received several national and regional awards for my nonfiction writing from American Horse Publications and the Society of Professional Journalists.

Check out her short stories from Revell, too!

Follow her on Instagram at @nicolemillerwriter.

Where to Purchase

https://www.target.com/p/until-our-time-comes-by-nicole-m-miller/-/A-92114849

http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/until-our-time-comes/416031

https://www.christianbook.com/until-time-comes-novel-world-poland/9780800744700/pd/744704?event=BINGORG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/until-our-time-comes-nicole-m-miller/1144111613?ean=9780800744700