These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas

My Review

These Tangled Threads, by Sarah Loudin Thomas, is a very interesting Christian historical story that focuses on the craft of fabric weaving and the weavers that make the fabric. I enjoyed reading this story and tried to imagine how the thread could make up the designs within the fabrics. This is a well written story with interesting characters. However, I did struggle in the beginning with how the story changed from one date to another, but quickly adjusted and enjoyed the story a lot. Not only do we read of the art of fabric weaving, the story touches on wood working.

There are points in the story that touched on sensitive topics such as child neglect, family issues, prostitution, and alcoholism. I appreciate how the author has included these topic in the story to show the strength the characters have and why they do some of the things they do. I so appreciate the way Gentry thought of her music helping the women where she played. I appreciate how the story also focuses on how Gentry and her mother were separated and how Gentry parted with the one thing she had left of her mother’s to find her. This is just a really good story to read.

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

About the Book

ISBN 9780764242014

Bethany House Publishers

Christian Historical Romance

Set in the shadow of Biltmore Estate, a poignant tale of friendship, restoration, and second chances.

Seven years ago, a hidden betrayal scattered three young friends living in the shadow of the great Vanderbilt mansion. Now, when Biltmore Industries master weaver Lorna Blankenship is commissioned to create an original design for Cornelia Vanderbilt’s 1924 wedding, she panics knowing she doesn’t have the creativity needed. But there’s an elusive artisan in the Blue Ridge Mountains who could save her–if only she knew where to begin.

To track down the mysterious weaver, Lorna sees no other way than to seek out the relationships she abandoned in shame. As she pulls at each tangled thread from her past, Lorna is forced to confront the wounds and regrets of life long ago. She’ll have to risk the job that shapes her identity, as well as the hope of friendship–and love–restored.

“The history is fascinating, but the characters and the challenges they face are what make this story one to remember.”–ANN H. GABHART, bestselling author of In the Shadow of the River

About the Author

Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her historical fiction is often set in West Virginia and celebrates the people, the land, and the heritage of Appalachia.

Sarah is the director of Jan Karon’s Mitford Museum in Hudson, NC. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Coastal Carolina University and is the author of the acclaimed novels The Right Kind of Fool–winner of the 2021 Selah Book of the Year–and Miracle in a Dry Season–winner of the 2015 Inspy Award. Sarah has also been a finalist for the Christy Award, ACFW Carol Award and the Christian Book of the Year Award. She and her husband live in western North Carolina.

Where to Purchase

http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/these-tangled-threads/416740

https://www.christianbook.com/these-tangled-threads-novel-biltmore-softcover/9780764242014/pd/242014

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/these-tangled-threads-sarah-loudin-thomas/1143717371?ean=9780764242014

Lost and Found by Jennifer Carr

My Review

The Lost and Found by Jennifer Carr is book 2 in the No Matter What series. Having not read the first book in the series, I easily read and enjoyed this story. It is well written with enjoyable characters. The story gives good back ground on the people so it is easy to follow.

Marc and Jess are former FBI agents and now live in a small town where he is the sheriff. I enjoyed how loving and caring Marc is to others and how thoughtful Jess is. When she is offered a baby show, she accepted it as a shower for other expectant mothers less fortunate than herself. This is an inspirational story in that is repeatedly shows that Gut puts us where He wants us to be in his timing. And, He tells us what we need to hear when we need to hear it.

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

About the Book

Book: The Lost and Found

Author: Jennifer Carr

Genre: Christian Suspense

Release Date: June 1, 2023

In the small quiet town of Owenston, Kentucky, former FBI agent Mark Collins has found a new purpose as the county Sheriff. Married and enjoying the prospect of becoming a father for a second time, Mark’s life seems picture-perfect. But when a series of petty thefts turns into a murder investigation, Mark’s peaceful life takes an unexpected turn.

With his steadfast resolve and unwavering faith, Mark embarks on a race against time to catch a killer, but as he digs deeper, he realizes that the case is more complex than he ever imagined, and danger hits closer to home than he could have anticipated.

The Lost and Found is a Christian suspense novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, blending thrilling intrigue with heartwarming moments. Mark’s unwavering commitment to justice, his ever-expanding family, and his unwavering faith in God make for a gripping tale of redemption, hope, and love. Can Mark untangle the web of secrets and find a way to heal the wounds of the past? Discover the truth in this captivating story of courage, compassion, and the power of love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

A wife, mom, author, marriage and family counselor, a former AP Psychology teacher, and a podcaster, Jennifer draws from her life experiences and imagination to connect with her readers and listeners through the written and spoken word.
Married to her childhood best friend and the mom of a creative daughter, Jennifer enjoys a quiet life on their farm in Alabama.
When she’s not wearing one of her many hats, you’ll find her tucked away with a book and what’s likely her third coffee of the day.

More from Jennifer

The Lost and Found is the second book of the No Matter What series but can be read as a standalone. I needed to make sure my characters were happy and healthy after their adventures in the book one so the day I sent No Matter What to my editor, I started writing The Lost and Found.

I love to bake and when I was pregnant with our daughter, I craved all things sweet. One of the characters in the book has a similar craving so I created a recipe for her to enjoy. I’d love to share it with you.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZUJhegaRSkQtwlG1Rk0UU-iYxTSJIPHg/view?usp=sharing

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 17

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 18 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 18

Texas Book-aholic, April 19

Lakesidelivingsite, April 20

Artistic Nobody, April 21 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 23

Cover Lover Book Review, April 24

Beauty in the Binding, April 25 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 26

Blogging With Carol, April 27

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 28 (Author Interview)

Exploring the Written Word, April 28

For Him and My Family, April 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a Six Month Subscription to Kindle Unlimited ($60 value) and 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/2afa4/the-lost-and-found-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Songbird of Hope Hill by Kim Vogel Sawyer

My Review

The Songbird of Hope Hill, by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a wonderful story of how God forgives us for our past and offers us a new life. This is a well written story that is easy to read and to imagine. This is such an inspirational story to read. I just love the characters for their strength and love for helping others. I felt sorry for Birdie as she long for her remaining family and she worked so hard to get to them. I enjoyed the different tasks the Overly family had to help the women that chose to join their family and how they were able to help so many. 

This is a delightful story to read. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.

About the Book

A young woman sings of God’s love—even if she doesn’t believe He can forgive her—in this heartwarming novel inspired by historical events, from the bestselling author of A Tapestry of Grace.

Driven by survival to a life at a house of ill repute, Birdie Clarkson now longs only for escape. So when Reverend Isaiah Overly and his son, Ephraim, appear and offer a better life, she jumps at the chance. Ignoring the furious raging of the madam, Birdie climbs into the back of the preacher’s wagon. 

The men take her to Hope Hill, the haven the reverend and his wife, Ophelia, founded so women like Birdie can be taught skills to help them rise above their pasts. Soon a resistant Birdie finds herself singing in the choir Ephraim leads at revival meetings, even though she’s certain she’s the last person who should be representing God. 

Reverend Overly teaches that no one is irredeemable, but even as Ephraim is falling in love with her, Birdie remains convinced that she’s past saving. After all she’s been through, can she ever believe that God’s redemption wipes every soul clean? And can Ephraim convince her that God loves her more than she can grasp—and that he does, too?

About the Author

Kim Vogel Sawyer is best-selling, award-winning author and is highly acclaimed for her “gentle stories of hope.” Readers and reviewers alike are drawn to her books and the life lessons contained within the pages. Kim dreamed of being a writer from her earliest memories, and her little-girl dream came true in 2006 with the release of Waiting for Summer’s Return. Now with over 1.5 million books in print in six different languages, she praises God for blessing her far beyond her imaginings. When Kim isn’t writing, she enjoys traveling with her retired military hubby, quilting, performing in community theater, and spoiling her quiverful of granddarlings. You can learn more about her and the books she has written at https://kimvogelsawyer.com/

Where to Purchase

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-songbird-of-hope-hill-kim-vogel-sawyer/1143764199?ean=9780593600818

https://www.christianbook.com/the-songbird-of-hope-hill-novel/9780593600818/pd/3600818?event=ERRPDPRV

https://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Songbird-of-Hope-Hill-A-Novel-Paperback-9780593600818/2344347393?from=/search

The Opposite of Depression by David M. Carreon, MD

My Review

The Opposite of Depression, by David M. Carreon, MD, is an interesting and helpful book to read. I appreciate that he describes the difference between depression and being weary. I found a lot of his suggestions to be very simple things to try. I like that his suggestions were down to earth. A couple that stand out most to me are to do positive things that will help with lifting emotions and beginning to exercise. I appreciate that that he comments about starting slow. I found this book to be very interesting and informative about the difference between the emotions we feel. I like that he also gives information on different treatments available.

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

About the Book

There’s hope for greater satisfaction, purpose and joy in your life, even if circumstances have you down….

Stanford-trained psychiatrist David Carreon, MD, reveals what it takes to move from nagging disappointment, dissatisfaction, or depression to a life of thriving. One of the pioneers of the use of an intense form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in severely depressed patients, Dr. Carreon was astonished by how quickly and dramatically most of them recovered. But he also saw very clearly that just eliminating the symptoms of depression wasn’t enough. To live a truly fulfilling life, his patients needed to leave old habits behind and embrace the patterns of flourishing. In The Opposite of Depression, he draws on insights from his clinical experience, the latest research, and his Christian faith to point readers to principles and practices that promote thriving in mind, body and soul. Each chapter offers practical steps readers can take to start moving in the direction of greater satisfaction, fulfillment and purpose.

About the Author

Dr. David M. Carreon is a psychiatrist and cofounder of Acacia Mental Health, a clinic in Silicon Valley working to transform mental health care. He studied and served at Stanford, where he earned his MD, completed a psychiatry residency, and worked as a professor. He is a leading clinician in the treatment of major depressive disorder, achieving success in some of the most challenging cases using an approach that combines the latest technologies and the oldest truths. His research has focused on human agency and on new ways to restore freedom through treating depression. He loves teaching; going on dates with his wife, Abigail; and excessively long brunch conversations.

Where to Purchase

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-opposite-of-depression-david-m-carreon-md/1143991431?ean=9781496455369

The Vanished by Cara Putman – Review & Giveaway

The Vanished JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Vanished by Cara Putman hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

My Review

The Vanished, by Cara Putman, is the first book in Secrets to Keep series. This story is well written and easy to imagine. It contains suspense, mystery and touches of romance. I found this book to be an very enjoyable story with well developed characters. I especially enjoyed the parts of Janae, her mother and grandmother as they cleanout the carriage house and found items Janae’s father has tucked away and not spoken about. I found the topic of art stolen during WWII to be very interesting. I enjoyed the closeness of the three women and how they worked together.

I enjoyed the mystery and suspense of the surrounding the painting at the gallery that were under question. It gives a look into what it might be like for the families that lost items as well as to how the stolen items were dealt with. This is such an enjoyable story, I look for to the rest of the series.

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

About the BookThe Vanished

Title: The Vanished
Series: Secrets to Keep #1
Author: Cara Putman
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: April 16, 2024
Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

Janae Simmons left the small town of Kedgewick, Virginia, ten years ago to pursue her legal career and never looked back–until a professional mistake leads her to her grandmother’s historic carriage house and to the town where her past threatens to find her. The quiet streets echo with her grandfather’s sterling reputation, one that conflicts with fresh questions that claw at Janae, launching her on a reluctant journey to unearth his secrets. When her new job at a local law firm doesn’t live up to expectations, she wonders if coming home was the right decision.

Carter Montgomery starts his art preservation career with the only job he can get–director at the Elliott Museum of Art. At least Kedgewick is a nice enough town to provide him and his nephew with a safe place to grieve the loss of Carter’s sister. But Carter’s calm days disappear when an elderly woman claims two paintings in the museum’s collection were stolen from her family during World War II.

Carter enlists Janae’s help to unravel the legal labyrinth of art ownership, and the peaceful facade of Kedgewick morphs into a hot bed of secrets. When an attorney turns up dead and Janae uncovers another painting, what began as a simple legal issue spirals into a race against time. As the web of intrigue tightens, the duo must confront a looming question: What dark truths lie beneath the surface, waiting to be exposed?

“Putman’s legal expertise shines in this compelling and intricately plotted romantic suspense. Highly recommended!”

Colleen Coble, USA Today best-selling author

“Cara Putman has once again created an exciting cast of characters. I was immediately drawn in by Janae and Carter’s unique chemistry. This is one story you don’t want to miss.”

Rebecca Hemlock, award-winning author of Fury in the Shadows

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

More Books in Series

We Three Kings

About the Author

Cara Putman

Cara Putman is the award-winning, best-selling author of more than thirty-five novels, including the Cornhusker Dreams series and the Hidden Justice series.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of the book, art-themed notebooks, and stickers that inspired the art stolen in the book!

The Vanished JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 17, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 24, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway


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

The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels

My Review

The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels is a dual timeline Christian fiction story. It is well written, easy to read and imagine. I just love the character of Viviana and enjoyed reading of her struggles, travels and different painting situations. I also enjoyed the interaction between Esther and her mother. I especially enjoyed the parts of her mother as she shows her independence.

This is a great story that follows a family of women artists. I appreciate as it unfolded how the reader gets a look into Viviana’s past and the reason for her name changes. I enjoyed the mystery behind the signature on the paintings. I also enjoyed how hard Esther worked to keep the museum going and taking care of her mother. If there was one thing I would change, it would be to have more information at the end as to how the women were all connected.

This is a great story to read that I received a complimentary copy of. This is my honest review.

About the Book

Toulouse, France—1879
Catalan orphan-turned-fugitive Viviana Torrens has found sanctuary serving in the home of an aging artist in Southern France. It is in his studio that she meets Francisco Vella, a Gibraltarian merchant who sells artists’ pigments. When her past catches up to her, she is compelled to pose as Vella’s sister and join him on his travels or be deported back to Spain to stand trial. Along the way she will discover that the many parts she has been playing in order to hide her identity have far-reaching implications she never could have foreseen.

East Lansing, Michigan—Present Day
Esther Markstrom and her artist mother have always been proud of their ancestor, painter Francisco Vella. They even run a small museum and gallery dedicated to raising awareness of his scandalously underappreciated work. But when Esther reconnects with her former art history professor, she finds her once-solid family history on shaky ground as questions arise about Vella’s greatest work—a portrait entitled The Lady with the Dark Hair.

This dual-timeline story takes you on a captivating journey across time and continents, where past and present converge in a relentless search for truth, identity, and the freedom to follow one’s dreams.

To read the first chapter, click here.

About the Author

Erin Bartels is the award-winning author of We Hope for Better ThingsThe Words between UsAll That We Carried, and The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water. A two-time Christy finalist and winner of two 2020 WFWA Star Awards and the 2020 Michigan Notable Book Award, Erin has been a publishing professional for twenty years. She lives in Lansing, Michigan, with her husband, Zachary, and their son. Find her online at www.erinbartels.com.

Where to Purchase

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lady-with-the-dark-hair-erin-bartels/1143717389

https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/542756

https://www.christianbook.com/lady-with-the-dark-hair-softcover/9780800741662/pd/0741662?

Lethal Danger by Jerusha Agen Book launch

My Review

Lethal Danger, by Jerusha Agen is the fourth book in the Guardians Unleashed series. This series is about a K-9 team made up of women and their dogs that provide security in the Twin Cities, Minnesota area. This story focuses on Jazz, her family, her past and her feelings of not fitting in.

This is a great story to get lost in. The well developed character are strong, caring people who are there for each other. It’s a fast paced story that is filled with action, suspense, mystery and growing relationship. I really like that the story is so well written, I was able to imagine what was happening and where. I enjoyed reading of the other characters in the K-9 team and how their lives have changed during this series. I appreciate the faith they have and how comfortable they are with sharing with others. I especially enjoy the closeness Jazz has with Navaeh and how supportive Navaeh is towards Jazz. This story kept me reading and guess to the very end as to who was doing damage to the fair and after Jazz and why.

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

About the Book

THIS K-9 TEAM IS TRAINED TO ELIMINATE THREATS. THIS THREAT COULD ELIMINATE THEM.

Being a loner is getting old. Jazz Lamont still can’t fit in at the Phoenix K-9 Agency, and she’s losing her best friend. At least providing security with her K-9 partner at the Tri-City Fair will mean revisiting the only place where she once belonged. But a series of accidents threatens her beloved fair and puts lives at risk.

Thriller author Hawthorne Emerson suspects foul play after the first “accident.” Moonlighting as fair security to investigate the death of his sister’s boyfriend, he’s eager to find the truth. He doesn’t expect the task to lead him to the cult he escaped.

Finding the culprit behind the sabotage is personal for Jazz and Hawthorne. But someone else has a personal stake, too. Someone who wants Jazz dead. When everything she thought was true is dismantled, can Jazz risk trusting others—including God—to survive?

About the Author

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies. Find more of Jerusha’s thrilling, fear-fighting stories at JerushaAgen.com.

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

Other Books in the Series

Where to Purchase

https://payhip.com/b/sk3GW – soft cover

https://payhip.com/b/JcBgP – hard cover

https://payhip.com/b/xp6W7 – large print

https://payhip.com/b/ajP1y – ebook

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lethal-danger-jerusha-agen/1144253336?ean=9781956683325

Sandcastle Inn by Irene Hannon – Review & Giveaway

My Review

Sandcastle Inn is the 10th book in the Hope Harbor series by Irene Hannon. While this is part of a series, this is also a great stand alone story with old and new characters. In this story we meet the new owner of the inn, her brother, Matt, and the people who come to help him with the renovation and reopening of the inn. I have enjoyed the entire series, but this is my favorite book so far. I enjoyed how so many needs are met with the renovation of the inn. We meet a carpenter who was forced to close his business and was living in a tent along with his wife, with no income. We meet Vienna, who was affected by company downsizing who has come home to visit her mother and finds there really is no room at her mother’s place. With limited fund to do the reno, Matt comes up with a unique way to help other and get the job done for his sister.

This story is such an inspirational reminder of how God works in so many ways to help us meet our needs. It’s a reminder that He has a much greater understanding of what is best for us and answers our prayers in the way that works best for us. I totally enjoyed this story and hope there are many more like it to come.

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

About the Book

Book: Sandcastle Inn

Author: Irene Hannon

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: April 2, 2024

Vienna Price never intended to return for more than a passing visit to Oregon and all the bad memories she’d left behind. But when your career tanks, home is where you go to nurse your wounds and chart a new course. Only temporarily, of course—because as much as she loves her quirky mom, anything more than a short stay would drive them both crazy.

A trip to Oregon isn’t in Matt Quinn’s plans, either, until a perfectly timed appeal for help arrives from his sister. What better place to decompress after a shattering loss than a quiet, seaside town named Hope Harbor? But R&R isn’t on the agenda when he arrives to find his sister’s new enterprise on life support.

Vienna, however, may have just the skills needed to resuscitate the foundering B&B—if Matt can convince her to hang around long enough to mend an inn . . . and his heart.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 60 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA’s elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work.

More from Irene

In my world, the approach of April signals not only tulips, dogwoods, and daffodils, but a return to my little seaside town of Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast. And this year marks a milestone. Sandcastle Inn is the tenth book set in this charming locale.

When I conceived of this series back in 2013, neither I nor my editor had any idea how long it would run—or that Publishers Weekly would deem my small fictional town “a place of emotional restoration that readers will yearn to visit.”

But visit they have. Hundreds of thousands of copies of the books have been sold worldwide, the novels have been translated into multiple languages, and taco-making artist/town sage Charley Lopez has become an iconic figure.

It’s been an amazing journey—with more books to come.

If you’ve never visited Hope Harbor and are reluctant to dive in at this stage, no worries. Each book stands alone, with a whole new cast of main characters. Each story also begins and ends in each book, with no hanging plot threads from book to book. The town is the unifying element in the series—along with a few secondary characters like Charley, the bantering town clerics from neighboring churches, and the seagull couple Floyd and Gladys, who always seem to be around when romance is in the air.

If you’re new to the series, Sandcastle Inn is a fine jumping-off point. This story features a hero struggling to recoup from a tragic loss and a heroine still reeling from an unplanned career detour. When they join forces to save a floundering inn, challenges ensue…and sparks fly. Because if it’s Hope Harbor, there has to be romance!

The book resonates with multiple other themes too—dealing with grief, moving on, changing direction, mending past relationships, taking a leap of faith. And of course there’s a happy ending.

It’s the kind of book that will put a smile on your lips and hope in your heart.

So I invite you to find a comfy spot, pour a mug or cup of your favorite beverage, and travel with me to Hope Harbor, where hearts heal…and love blooms.

Insider’s Tip: If you ever decide to book a stay at Sandcastle Inn, ask for the seaside room upstairs at the end of the hall that leads to the right. The view is stunning!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 4

Texas Book-aholic, April 5

Blogging With Carol, April 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 6

For Him and My Family, April 6

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 7

Splashes of Joy, April 7

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 8

She Lives To Read, April 8

lakesidelivingsite, April 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 10

Southern Gal Loves to Read, April 10

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 11 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 11

Cover Lover Book Review, April 12

The Lofty Pages, April 13

Melissa’s Bookshelf, April 13

Blossoms and Blessings, April 14

Labor Not in Vain, April 14

Wishful Endings, April 15

By The Book, April 15

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 16

Pause for Tales, April 16

Batya’s Bits, April 17

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, April 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Irene is giving away the grand prize package of a full set of the Hope Harbor series (10 books) and a $50 Bookshop.org gift card!!

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/2ac75/sandcastle-inn-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tangled Secrets Epic Book Launch

About the Book

Book Title: Tangled Secrets

Author Name: S.F. Baumgartner

Genre: Christian Suspense Thriller

Release Date: April 29, 2024

Two women. One targeted by an unknown enemy. One being accused of murder. Will they

overcome their obstacles?

The twenty-five-year-old schoolteacher Grace Benson is living a quiet life until she receives a

threatening note. Her life turns upside down when the FBI becomes involved.

The middle-aged wedding planner Sheila Mitchell comes home to find her husband dead before

she’s knocked out. When she comes to, the murder weapon’s in her hand.

Will Grace survive? And will Sheila’s ex-husband, an FBI agent, clear her name? Who is

targeting these women?

Book Excerpt two

The shepherds, a group of second graders, entered from stage left, followed

by the wise men adorned in sparkling costumes. The angels, a chorus of

kindergarteners and first graders, flanked the stage, their voices joining in the

song to create a heavenly sweetness that seemed to lift the entire auditorium.

Smiling, she watched from her piano. The children were more than rising to

the occasion—they were shining. Of course, the audience was mostly family

members, guardians, and relatives. A lot of them slid their phones up to record

when their kids took the stage.

As the evening’s last notes faded and the auditorium began to empty, parents

approached her, each of them beaming. Their words washed over her, filling her

with a warm sense of accomplishment. She greeted every compliment with a

humble smile, her heart still racing from the night’s success.

Amid the departing crowd, Mrs. Montez, the mother of one of the kindergarten

angels, made her way toward her. Her face was alight as she began in Spanish,

her words tumbling out in a fluid, lyrical stream.

Caught off guard, Grace managed a smile. “Solo hablo un poco de español,” she

inserted, her accent betraying her lack of fluency

Missed Any Excerpts

Excerpt One: https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com/2024/04/tangled-secrets.html
Excerpt Two: https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2024/04/08/tangled-secrets-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Three: https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/2024/04/celebrate-lit-presents-tangled-secrets.html
Excerpt Four: https://moments-of-beauty.blogspot.com/2024/04/epic-book-launch-tangled-secrets-by-sf.html
Excerpt Five: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/tangled-secrets-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Six: https://www.guildmaster97.com/posts/tangled-secrets-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Seven: https://www.fictionbooklover.com/posts/tangled-secrets-epic-book-launch/

About the Author

S.F. Baumgartner is a Christian suspense thriller author. She graduated from the University of

Hawaii and the University of Cincinnati. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her

cats, staying active, and binge-watching crime TV shows. She lives in Ohio with her family

To Speak His Name Epic Book Launch

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About the Book

  • Book Title: To Speak His Name
  • Author Name: Tara Johnson
  • Genre: Historical Romance
  • Release Date: March 4, 2024

Avalina is a woman trapped in silence. Stolen from her home in Ireland and sold as a slave to a Barbados plantation owner, the trauma of her past has left her mute, wrapped in a prison of loneliness and isolation amid an island of beauty. Though she longs to be free from the cruelty of her overseer, her heart yearns for a greater freedom…something just beyond her grasp.

Josiah Holland has been born into a South Carolina slave-holding family but all it takes is one trip to the island of Barbados to open his eyes to the ugly cruelty that abounds beyond the confines of his plantation. With the aid of fiery abolitionist Benjamin McGee, Josiah forges a new future, fighting the very ideals he was once a part of. When Avalina and Josiah’s lives entwine, will their spark engulf them in destruction, or ignite a revolution?

Book Excerpt 1

Prologue

They tell me I was sold on a Thursday but being only a wee one, I have no recollection.

As I search through the dark recesses of my earliest years, I find only shards of images and snippets of color. And a melody. A sweet caressing song that haunts my dreams at night and calls to me during the waking hours. The words yet elude me but the song—the beautiful melody carried by the voice of a faceless woman—remains locked in my heart.

I recall small fragments: a woman’s blue eyes, bright as a robin’s egg, yet shadowed with a darkness I can’t understand. Dirt-stained fingers wrapping around my arm to yank me from my bed. Spitting out salty, briny sea water onto sugary sand. Digging my hands into that same strange sugar and having it cake my dress and skin. Seeing the strange, braided trunks of palms, with their plumy tops.

I wandered through thick foliage amid the buzz of bees and the odd chirping of limb-swinging furry creatures, and I called for my mother over the cacophony of a strange new world

Missed Any Excerpts,


Excerpt One: https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2024/04/04/to-speak-his-name-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Two: https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/2024/04/celebrate-lit-presents-epic-book-launch.html
Excerpt Three: https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com/2024/04/to-speak-his-name.html
Excerpt Four: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/to-speak-his-name-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Five: https://www.guildmaster97.com/posts/to-speak-his-name-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Six: https://moments-of-beauty.blogspot.com/2024/04/epic-book-launch-to-speak-his-name-by.html
Excerpt Seven: https://www.fictionbooklover.com/posts/to-speak-his-name-epic-book-launch/

About the Author

Tara Johnson is an author and speaker, and loves to write stories that help people break free from the lies they believe about themselves.

  • Tara’s debut novel Engraved on the Heart (Tyndale) earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly, and was a finalist in the Carol and Christy awards. Tara has been published by Tyndale House, Annie’s, and Guideposts. In addition to being published in a variety of digital and print magazines, she is a certified body language expert and has been on radio, television and podcasts. She is a history nerd, especially the Civil War, and adores making people laugh. She, her husband, and children live in Arkansas.