Monday, April 15, 2024

While the City Sleeps (Women of Midtown)

While the City Sleeps

(Women of Midtown)

February 13, 2024

Amid the hushed city, two hearts must navigate danger and deception, bound by a love that outshines the stars.

Katherine Schneider's life as a dentist in 1913 New York is upended when a patient reveals details of a deadly plot while under the influence of laughing gas. As she is plunged into danger, she seeks help from the dashing Lieutenant Jonathan Birch, a police officer she has long admired from afar.

Jonathan has harbored powerful feelings toward Katherine for years but never acted on them, knowing his dark history is something she could never abide. Now, with her safety on the line, he works alongside her through the nights as they unravel the criminal conspiracy that threatens her . . . even as he keeps his deepest secrets hidden at all costs.

"History, mystery, and romance set against the backdrop of New York City at night--a must-read!"--Gabrielle Meyer, bestselling author of When the Day Comes and In This Moment

"Elizabeth Camden brings the bustling metropolis to living color like no one else. . . . A novel that will keep readers up late into the night."--Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of The Metropolitan Affair

My thoughts: WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS is the latest book by one of the few favorite historical writers I read. Based on real life events this is a page turner as the reader tries to figure out who-dun-it. I liked the idea of Katherine's career and found Jonathon both likeable and unlikeable. He tended to go off randomly with his temoer and attitute. If you like historical romance you will love this book. Recommmended. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

Sunday, April 14, 2024

The Season of Singing Has Come By Sharon Musgrove #devotional

The Season of Singing Has Come

By Sharon Musgrove

“See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.

Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come,

The cooing of doves is heard in our land.

The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.

Arise, come, darling; my beautiful one, come with me.”

Song of Solomon 2:11-13 NIV

Outside my living room window, a yew bush blocks the scene of the back yard. But just because the view is limited, Spring is still obvious. A mated pair of House finches have built their nest in the safety of this overgrown pillar. Completely unaware of putting themselves on display, these two lovebirds have established their home in full sight, framed by the wood trim around the glass. I delight in observing their daily activities and in listening to their happy chatter.

Beyond the blockade, the warmth of the sun has brought out a splash of florals, as if a painter has gone mad with his palate. Azaleas, tulips, hyacinth, and primrose dot the landscape like bridesmaids showing off their ridiculous gowns. An arch of flowering plum stages the walkway, a radiant blush of beauty.

Spring has not just arrived; the season has come singing!

Wintertime in Oregon’s Willamette Valley might be considered mild weather when compared to colder, extreme climates, but the long months of rain and gray skies stretch from October until early April. It’s the long murky days, coupled end to end, that can drain the heart of hope.

But then Spring rides in with rainbows of color, waving a scepter of golden sunlight, and singing a song that brings life! Hope restored! Light! Love! Life!

The Bible’s book of Song of Solomon captures this rescue from darkness by revealing the love of God for His bride . . . the church. This song is a love letter like no other writing in the text. Its lyrics are filled with descriptors of the passion between lovers, sharing not just a single sided fancy, but a common desire for one another. Relationship.

It can be difficult to understand God’s crazy love for us when our day-to-day functions are overshadowed by dark clouds. Our sight is limited to this day, but our hearts yearn for another, brighter, future day. And we cry for that day. We cry out for Him.

But what if, like a caged bird, or like imprisoned Paul the apostle, we sang in our dark days? What if we leaned into a season of singing even before it revealed itself? Replacing crying with worship?

This is an exercise of faith.

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as: “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

To praise God, with whatever resources He has given us, is a way of bringing His Kingdom to earth. We join Him in creating light in darkness with our voice. Speaking life where death threatens is a partnering with the Creator.

House finches have a beautiful song. The couple nesting in the yew is only a single pair of many singing this tune. Almost any time of day, their characteristic music can be heard. And I am inspired by them to raise my own voice in proclamation that winter is past. Dark times are temporary. Jesus is indeed on His way back!

We have an open invitation in this season’s song . . . Arise, come, darling; my beautiful one, come with me.

Will you join in God’s season of singing?

Author Bio:

Sharon has been writing and teaching biblically based curriculum, Bible studies, and devotionals since 2007.

She has had the unique position of writing curriculum and teaching for two private, Christ-based, residential recovery programs. Both programs primarily served women in the homeless community.

Sharon has traveled multiple times to Kenya, serving on medical teams and teaching in the rural Maasai communities. She’s been privileged to speak in Leadership camps intended on encouraging and empowering the impoverished, underprivileged, and often abused young women.

Within these ministries, Sharon has witnessed the transformative power of loving words spoken to the broken-hearted. Sharing God’s love and witnessing its transformative power has become her passion.

Sharon and her husband, divide their time between Oregon and Hawaii. They have two grown children.

Currently, Sharon is encouraging others via her inspirational blog, but prefers sharing face to face. Additionally, she is working towards a degree in Ministry.

~*~

Connect with Sharon:

Website: Sharonmusgrove.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sharon-Musgrove-Untethered-102208978041060

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonmusgrove_untethered/

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Whistle Stop Cafe Mysteries: That's My Baby by Ruth Logan Herne

Whistle Stop Cafe Mysteries: That's My Baby by Ruth Logan Herne Hardcover – January 1, 2024

by Ruth Logan Herne (Author)

This is a wonderful mystery related back to WWII and acts of heroism to preserve family treasures. This Whistle Stop Cafe mystery centers around Sadie and her doll hospital. I appreciated the historical letters the author included in the tale written from Poland.

Janet and Debbie assisting Sadie were wise and clever detectives in their own ways to discover answers from the history of their town and train depot. The small town with caring residents gave way to an enjoyable and heartwarming read to discover answers to the mysterious contacts and visitors. Will Sadie finally have answers of her family ancestry?

Fans of historical Christian fiction with a mystery theme will want to read That’s My Baby by Ruth Logan Herne.

I received a complimentary book from the author without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own thoughts.

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Vanishing Legacy: An Elite Guardians Novel (Elite Guardians: Savannah Book 1)

Vanishing Legacy:

An Elite Guardians Novel (Elite Guardians: Savannah Book 1)

by Lynette Eason (Author), Kate Angelo (Author)

For this Elite Guardian, protecting her client’s daughter just got personal.

Elite Guardian Alana Flores, former LAPD underwater dive detective, just wants a fresh start in Savannah, Georgia, with her son, Rocco. Hoping to repair their broken relationship, and provide a safer, more stable life, nothing could be more disastrous to her hopes than when they find a terrified, autistic child in her shed.

Oh no.

Enter Cash Thomas, a widowed trauma surgeon struggling to raise his autistic daughter, Penny. He’s put his wife’s disappearance and presumed death behind him…until someone tries to kidnap his daughter. Terrified of losing Penny to the same cartel that supposedly killed his wife, he turns to Alana and the Elite Guardians.

But is Sonia really dead? Or is she behind the kidnapping attempts? Cash and Alana must keep their children safe, uncover the truth about Sonia, and find a way to outsmart the cartel before it's too late.

And what about the spark between them? Could this be the fresh start they both long for? Certainly not while their children are in danger. And when their worst fears happen, will they lose everything?

With heart-pounding foot chases on River Street, underwater thrills off Tybee Island, and a climactic showdown at Forsyth Fountain, Vanishing Legacy will leave you breathless.

Elite Guardians: Savannah
Book 1: Vanishing Legacy
Book 2: Hunting Justice
Book 3: Guarding Truth

Elite Guardians Collection
Book 1: Driving Force
Book2: Impending Strike
Book 3: Defending Honor
Book 4: Christmas in the Crosshairs

My thoughts: Vanishing Legacy is a spellbinding story about a emercency room doctor who needs a guardian for his little girl. Someone is trying to kidnap her and they are willing to kill for it. Why? What does she know? Even the guardians are having trouble keeping trouble from finding them. I had to keep reading to see who-dun-it. And it wasn't who I thought! If you love romantic suspense you will love Vanishing Legacy. Coming soon to book sellers near you! I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

Monday, April 8, 2024

Springtime in Surrey Kick-Off Package #GIVEAWAY

About the Book

Book: Springtime in Surrey

Authors: Faith Blum, Andrea Renee Cox, Bailey Gaines, Katja H. Labonté, Grace A. Johnson, Rachel Leitch, Erika Mathews, and Kellyn Roth

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction, Historical and Contemporary

Release Date: July 25, 2023

Springtime in Surrey, the first collection releasing with Wild Blue Wonder Press, is a Christian anthology featuring eight lovely stories. With a mix of historical and contemporary, romance and women’s fiction, a dash of mystery here and there, real-life themes presented in a loving way, and a vintage feel, this story is sure to charm lovers of Christian women’s fiction.

Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum

Elinor Chapman, an orphaned laundry woman, must fight to survive after WWI breaks out. She prays her beau doesn’t die on a foreign battlefield like her father did 14 years ago. She is forced to take on nursing, but her passion for helping other orphans distracts her from this job, leaving her little time for rest. Will she run herself into the ground … or will she learn to rest in Jesus?

The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox

During every teatime at her cottage hideaway, Moira struggles to discover hope amongst her lost ballerina dreams. Unsettled by elusive goals of his own, sheep farmer Adrian observes his uncle’s neighbor crying into her tea and wonders why… and what he can do to cheer her up. While facing their regrets, can Moira and Adrian trust that God has a good plan despite crushed dreams and far-off hopes?

If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines

With her husband off to war and two evacuee children staying in her home, Joan feels duty-bound to contribute to the war effort via her participation in the Women’s Land Army. She is thrilled to learn that her husband has leave. But when the London Blitz ruins her plans to see him, Joan must decide what is most important in her life: her contribution to the war effort or her calling as a mother?

Her Heart’s Home by Grace A. Johnson

Forced from her childhood home after her father was killed in action, Meredith Tate is forced to seek employment at the Deepdene Hotel until she discovers the next step. Which most certainly does not include the brooding Captain Trevor Seaton, a guest who always manages to catch her at her worst. Despite his gentle magnetism, Meredith is determined not to fall for a military man—but God may have other plans.

The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté

Caitrìona is determined to rescue her family from poverty by making a brilliant match. She is on the verge of success when her brother is arrested for a sensational crime. Banished to the country, she meets Ewart, a fearful recluse with a younger sister in need of aid. Ewart and Caitrìona grow together through shared goals—but as mysteries are uncovered and characters tested, what truth will be revealed?

The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch

Jessamy Aubertine is too much for her university classmates, too little for her overstressed mum, and nothing in between. Then a mysterious letter signed by Jane Austen brings her back to her family’s fading tea shop and a pair of unlikely comrades. Will they find the letter writer—and perhaps discover themselves along the way? Or will their friendship fade with The Muses?

Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews

Hardworking Margaret Enfield is thrilled with her engagement to her lifelong best friend Lester. When his brother’s sudden illness forces Lester’s prolonged and indefinite absence, every tomorrow feels bleak to Margaret as lonely drudgery overtakes the once-rosy springtime. As she throws herself into her tasks, can she learn to trust her tomorrows with Jesus—one day at a time?

Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth

Rosalind finds herself engaged to Matthias after her former fiancé, his brother, perishes in battle. Determined to forge a connection, she embarks on a risky mission. When Matthias retreats into his own turmoil on a hunting trip, Rosalind disguises herself as a man and follows him to the forest, vowing to fight for their love. Will Matthias summon the courage to stay, or will his fractured mind drive them apart forever?

Marilyn's thoughts: This anthology set in Surrey, England is filled with the novellas in a variety of genres. Each tale was filled with a theme that readers could connect with plus some had more faith included to uplift readers no matter the situation.

There were struggles during war time, a loss career, mysterious letters, a recluse, family bonding, characters giving hope to others and new beginnings despite the trauma of the past or present.

There were moments of tears, victories, hopefulness, and humor while I read this collection. A couple of my favorites were Fear Not Tomorrow and If I Knew You Were Coming.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher as part of the Celebrate Lit Bloggers book tour. I have expressed my own opinion.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Wild Blue Wonder Press was established in January 2016 by Kellyn Roth for the purpose of independently publishing her historical women’s fiction series, The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy. Based on a special location on her family’s property and a childhood stumbling over phrases, Kellyn chose the name to evoke feelings of wonder in a world full of dark valleys. After all, where there is snow and ice, there will be chickadees, and in the midst of the darkest woods, you can often find a cozy cabin. Wild Blue Wonder Press is now working with other creatives to expand its outreach and help other independent writers achieve their dreams in a professional manner.

More from Kellyn

Hey everyone! I’m Kellyn Roth, owner of Wild Blue Wonder Press and one of the authors on the Springtime in Surrey collection. I just wanted to come on here today and talk briefly about Surrey—and specifically answer the question I’m sure many of you had in your minds when you learned that the novella collection was set in this English county: “Why Surrey?!”

As authors, we often find inspiration in the places we call home … but sometimes it’s more fun to find inspiration far afield!

The landscapes, the people, and the unique atmosphere of a location can and should shape the stories we tell. Though none of our authors are actually natives of Surrey, our stories are set there! So why?

Well, I’ll tell you.

Reason #1: There’s a Lot of History in Surrey

Surrey is a place steeped in history, with tales that date back centuries. It has links to the Magna Carta and played a heavy role in the English Civil War. A lot of historical figures came from Surrey or spent significant amounts of time there.

Quite a few of our stories are set in history, and the ones that aren’t bear some vintage link that ties them back to the “olden days.” There’s such beauty in history, and as a historical author, I love featuring stories that delve back into the past!

Reason #2: It’s Gorgeous There!

Surrey’s landscapes provide an idyllic backdrop for storytelling—our Pinterest board will tell you that much! From the rolling hills of the North Downs to the tranquil beauty of the “Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” (what a mouthful!), this county offers an abundance of scenic vistas that captivate both locals and visitors alike.

We hoped to transport our readers to a place of natural wonder and evoke a sense of serenity through the quaint settings. Some of our stories take place in the countryside—and some in villages or towns. But all of them are so atmospheric and fun!

Reason #3: All the Quaint Villages and Towns

One of the defining characteristics of Surrey is its charming villages and towns, each with its own distinct character and charm. From the cobblestone streets of Guildford to the historic market town of Farnham, these locales are brimming with personality and provide a sense of community that is often lost in larger cities.

By setting some of our stories in these close-knit communities, we hope to capture the essence of Surrey’s rural charm and the warmth of its residents. I mean, who doesn’t love a village? (I’m a fan!)

Reason #4: It’s Close to London

While Surrey is known for its rural beauty, its proximity to London makes everything a little easier for us authors. The county acts as a gateway to the capital, allowing for the infusion of city life and providing opportunities for our characters to embark on exciting adventures beyond the county’s borders … or to have them be “running away” from something, as is the case in some stories.

Though alliteration did play a role, as you may have guessed, Surrey’s draws spoke for themselves—and I’m so glad we chose this dynamic county!

Join us as we embark on this literary exploration of Surrey, England!

Blog Stops

Alena Mentink, April 5

Devoted To Hope, April 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 6

Texas Book-aholic, April 7

Lighthouse Academy Blog, April 8 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

She Lives To Read, April 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 11

Pause for Tales, April 11

Cover Lover Book Review, April 12

Batya’s Bits, April 13

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 14 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 15

For Him and My Family, April 16

Blossoms and Blessings, April 17

Holly’s Book Corner , April 18

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kellyn is giving away the grand prize package of a $100 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of Springtime in Surrey!!

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/2ac77/springtime-in-surrey-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, April 7, 2024

Praying for Strangers #devotional by B J Bassett

Praying for Strangers

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 2:2 NIV

Have you found that something good you used to do you no longer do? I have.

When I heard a siren, I always prayed for the person. Those prayers are no longer spoken, and I’m unsure why I stopped praying. The strangers I prayed for may not have had anyone else to pray for them.

There’s a story about a woman who prayed whenever she heard a siren. When she bought a home in a different location, her heart sank when she realized that her new home was nowhere near a hospital. It wasn’t until after she’d moved that she discovered she lived on a freeway over which many emergency vehicles sped to four different hospitals. The move had increased her ministry on behalf of accident victims.

Writing about her has reminded me of the ministry of praying for strangers in harm’s way, which I had so quickly forgotten to do.

Is there a ministry unique to you that God is nudging you to start or return to?

Father, keep me vigilant in praying for strangers in harm’s way. Don’t let me slip back into forgetting to pray for them. Amen.

Reprinted from

The King’s Daughters—A Women’s Devotional

By BJ Bassett

B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story; and coauthor of a children’s devotional My Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000 copies sold.

As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 - February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.

Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper publishers include Focus on the Family, Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace, WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published book.

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea.

Saturday, April 6, 2024

welcome for the Love's Winding Road Celebration Tour #giveaway! #historical

About the Book

Book: Love’s Winding Road

Author: Susan F. Craft

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 27, 2024

They were forced into this marriage of convenience, but there’s more at stake than their hearts on this wagon train through the mountain wilderness.

When Rose Jackson and her Irish immigrant family join a wagon train headed for a new life in South Carolina, the last thing she expects is to fall for the half-Cherokee wagon scout along the way. But their journey takes a life-changing turn when Rose is kidnapped by Indians. Daniel comes to her rescue, but the effects mean their lives will be forever intertwined.

Daniel prides himself on his self-control—inner and outer—but can’t seem to get a handle on either when Rose is near. Now his life is bound to hers when the consequences of her rescue force them to marry. Now it’s even more critical he maintain that self-control to keep her safe.

When tragedy strikes at the heart of their strained marriage, they leave for Daniel’s home in the Blue Ridge Mountains. As they face the perils of the journey, Rose can’t help but wonder why her new husband guards his heart so strongly. Why does he resist his obvious attraction for her? And what life awaits them at the end of love’s winding road?

Marilyn's thoughts: I've been a fan of books encompassing the era of wagon trains, thus I had to read Love's Winding Road and this new to me author. What a fantastic read that made it hard to pause while reading this well penned story. I am look forward to the next book in Great Wagon Road series by Susan F. Craft

This historical read set in 1753 where the wagon train is headed to South Carolina not out west with families looking for a new start on their lives in America. They encounter multiple obstacles and heartache along the way. Susan F. Craft characters were brought to life with their dialogue, struggles, faith and finding strength to endue the hardships. The romance and an unexpected wedding between Rose and Daniel gave way to moments of joy and sorrow. The wide range of events happening are true to history in ways that I was in the moment of each. The faith message among the different ethnic groups brought tears and smiles as they forged on to letting God take care of them.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and the publisher without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own thoughts.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Susan F. Craft retired after a 45-year career in writing, editing, and communicating in business settings.

She authored the historical romantic suspense trilogy Women of the American Revolution—The Chamomile, Laurel, and Cassia. The Chamomile and Cassia received national Illumination Silver Awards. The Chamomile was named by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance as an Okra Pick and was nominated for a Christy Award.

She collaborated with the International Long Riders’ Guild Academic Foundation to compile An Equestrian Writer’s Guide (www.lrgaf.org), including almost everything you’d ever want to know about horses.

An admitted history nerd, she enjoys painting, singing, listening to music, and sitting on her porch watching geese eat her daylilies. She most recently took up the ukulele.

More from Susan

Colonial American medicine fascinates me. The shortage of doctors made it critical for women to maintain medicine kits that included remedies brought with them from Europe as well as those shared with them by Native Americans.

In Love’s Winding Road, my character Rose falls into river rapids and suffers serious scrapes and bruises. Daniel, the half-Cherokee scout of her wagon train, rescues her and makes witch hazel flowers into a paste.

With gentle movements, he spread the ointment on her arms, legs, and neck. When he dabbed some on several raw places on her scalp where her hair had been ripped out, Rose clenched her teeth until her face hurt. With her hand trembling, she reached up to touch her hair.

“Don’t worry. It will grow back. Just thank the good Lord, for though it may be distressing and painful to have lost some of your hair, the strands helped me keep track of you.”

Rose’s father suffers from arthritis in his hands, so he chews on the twigs of black willow trees (not weeping willows) and drinks the tea his wife prepares from the bark also used to treat back pain, headaches, and inflammatory conditions.

When a mountain lion attacks Daniel, Rose stitches the laceration. She cleans the area with whiskey and offers it to him as a painkiller.

She threaded her needle with her finest flax fiber, and holding her breath, she began the first tiny stitches. Think of it as cloth. Think of it as cloth. She repeated the words over and over in her head.

Sometimes doing research can be amusing.

The night before I was to see my doctor, I’d read a resource book, Indian Doctor – Nature’s method of curing and preventing disease according to the Indians. I showed my doctor the Indian cure for my problem.

What a hoot! We had such fun looking through the book. Seems as if every cure involved mixing something with wine, ale, beer, or liquor. We came to the conclusion that with enough alcohol, even if you still had the problem, you wouldn’t care anymore.

Two weeks later, I saw my doctor for an earache. Of course, we looked up the Indian cure. It involved lily onions, marsh mallows, oil of violet—all taken with wine. And then, bleeding.

I’ll stick with antibiotics.

I pray that my Great Wagon Road series honors the Lord and the gifts He has given me and that you will love my characters as much as I do. Soli Deo Gloria.