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Monday, February 24, 2025

My Thoughts-Prairie Cinderella: Vinnie Ream and the Gilded Age (Forgotten Women) Book 3 of 3 by Joan Koster

 


Prairie Cinderella: Vinnie Ream and the Gilded Age (Forgotten Women) Book 3 of 3 by Joan Koster 

‎Tidal Waters Press (February 10, 2025)

Biological Historical Fiction 

Book is available on Amazon, B&N, KOBO, and Apple in, print and Kindle. 

Book overview from Amazon ~
SHE IS GOING TO BE THE GREATEST SCULPTRESS Of THE GILDED AGE

Spirited Vinnie Ream might have been driven from her prairie home to the political hotbed of Washington City by the outbreak of the Civil War. But despite her plainspoken ways and western twang, she’s a survivor, and nothing will stop her from pursuing her art in a world dominated by men.

UNTIL DISASTER STRIKES

But on the cusp of success, all her dreams come tumbling down. With her family destitute and her sister threatened, she does the unthinkable. Can she claw her way back to the top or will she go down in history as a failure?

A biographical historical novel about the power of family ties, the pursuit of fame, and the pain of unrequited love, based on the life of 19th century American sculptor, Vinnie Ream Hoxie.

**All proceeds donated to the Freedom to Read Foundation**




About the author ~



Joan Koster is an award-winning author of both fiction and non-fiction who loves mentoring writers. Fascinated by history, human nature, and romance, Joan blends those passions into eye-opening historical novels about forgotten women, romantic thrillers where finding love is always an adventure, and guides to writing better in the Write for Success series.

Joan blogs about women who should be remembered at JoanKoster.com, about everyday life during the Civil War at American Civil War Voice, about romance at Zara West Romance, about writing at Zara West’s Journal and teaches numerous online writing courses.

For the bloggers and author spotlights, much more info here: 

Book Trailer ~

Joan's Instagram ~

Joan's Website ~

Joan's FB page ~ 

Get the first chapter for free www.joankoster.com

My Thoughts 


Prairie Cinderella: Vinnie Ream and the Gilded Age (Forgotten Women) is Book 3 of 3 of the series that is written by Joan Koster. This is a new to me author and I enjoyed this book very much. I love Vinnie Ream. She’s spunky, has very progressive views, and definitely shook things up. 


The story is written in first person which is some of my favorite ways. I love getting to see/read the inner thoughts. She finds herself in the political hotbed of Washington City. We’re in the outbreak of the Civil War. 


Vinnie is a sculptress. Which I found so interesting. I wasn’t familiar with all the terms and I felt the author did a great job in bringing us into this realm. She’s getting a bit of a culture shock coming from the Midwest to Washington. I love that she interacted with several historical figures. 



The author has also created a detailed explanation and descriptions of our backdrop that you can close your eyes and watch it all unfold. 


Thank you to the author, publisher and Book and Wine Lovers Marketing for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. 


Tuesday, February 4, 2025

BOOK REVIEW - Beautiful Evil Winter By: Kelly K. Lavender


About the Book

Armed only with a homespun plan, a desperate American couple travels to corrupt crime-infested Russia to adopt a baby boy. What can wrong? Honestly, what won't go wrong?
"...It took the readers breath away due to the truth of the story, and humans being treated as fodder for violence and money. We are so used to freedom that the reader kept behind Sophia, pushing her to get up and fight for that freedom and Zack. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book, and gladly give it five stars and recommend it for reading by everyone. Opens the eyes." Top 500 Amazon Reviewer Robin Hansen
After the USSR collapses, a time reminiscent of the unforgiving gun-slinging days of the frontier west, mild-mannered Ethan and fiery Sophia board a plane bound for Russia. They hope to prevail with their homespun plan to secure their son's safe passage to America. 
What can go wrong? Maybe, an innocent ill-fated encounter with the Mafia or maybe, being marked as a target for mob revenge. Perhaps, having to rely on a first-time adoption coordinator to complete the process and shelter them from harm. Honestly, what won't go wrong?
Inspired by a true storyBeautiful Evil Winter resonates as epic Historic Fiction about the human capacity for hope, the traumas that shape our lives and the hardships we'll endure for love. Beautiful Evil Winter has earned a list of accolades including an Eric Hoffer Award for "...writing of significant merit" and a Readers' Favorite International Book Award. Beautiful Evil Winter holds special appeal for resilient, smart, resourceful women who rescue themselves and the proud, grateful, unburdened men who love them.


About the Author

Kelly K. Lavender profile image


My fascination with fiction began in middle school when I entered a book-reading contest and won. As an ardent fan of the resonating narrative and the cliffhanger, I decided to dedicate myself to becoming a skilled writer. When college professors spotlighted my writing in the classroom, it anchored my interest in becoming a novelist. I continued to pursue my education at UCLA, via the UCLA Writers' Extension Program, where my writing earned praise from a professor, also an Award-Winning Author. As a lifelong bibliophile, that event prompted me to dream bigger dreams.

Along my journey, negative feedback has become kerosene that fuels my creative fire to be more skillful, to prove the critics wrong, to be more stubborn essentially - to persist anyway.

Trusting my gut has led me to Best-Selling, Multi-Awarding-Winning, Debut Author status. My second novel also has earned Award-Winning status. Polishing my third novel now. My fourth book will write itself as my second book did. My fifth book - another one that'll write itself.

Of equal and enduring importance, in my life, is a passion for horses. As an avid, lifelong equestrian and horse owner, I live on a ranch with my family in Texas which we share with a menagerie of four-legged friends.

For more information, see my website: https://kellyklavenderauthor.com


MY THOUGHTS 


Beautiful Evil Winter is written by Kelly K Lavender. This is a new to me author and I am glad that I got a chance to read this book. This was a fairly quick read at 245 pages, and I found myself drawn into the story as soon as I started reading. I had no idea it was based off a true story. I also know that reading this story cements not wanting to EVER visit Russia.

An American couple goes to Russia to adopt a little boy. They have wanted to become parents for so long. However, things do not go as they want them too. The amount of action and suspense that is packed into this story will keep you reading late until the night.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Goddess Fish Promotions for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

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

 

Please use the following Rafflecopter code on your 

 

"http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f5044


Monday, February 3, 2025

My Thoughts - When the Avalanche Roared (A Day to Remember Book Five) Author: Lauralee Bliss

 


About the Book

Book: When the Avalanche Roared (A Day to Remember Book Five)

Author: Lauralee Bliss

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release date: January, 2025

The Day Hope Seemed Swept Away

Enjoy a series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.

Lillian Hartwick has been in the small railroad town of Wellington, Washington, caring for her cousin and assisting the postmaster when February snows bring all train traffic to a halt. Slow-witted but kind Griffin Jones, who works odd jobs for the railway while enduring taunts from other workers, has tried his best to gain Lillian’s interest, but she is engaged and waiting her fiancé’s arrival from California. Predawn thunderstorms on Tuesday, March 1, 1910, trigger a devasting avalanche, sweeping two trains down Stevens Pass. Lillian and Griffin work together to help survivors, including Griffin’s tormentors. In the midst of the catastrophe their feelings for each other grow. But is it enough when Lillian’s fiancé finally arrives in the spring, ready to claim her as his own?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Lauralee Bliss has always liked to dream big dreams. Part of that dream was writing, and after several years of hard work, her dream of publishing was realized in 1997 with the publication of her first romance novel, Mountaintop, through Barbour Publishing. Since then, she’s had twenty books published, both historical and contemporary. Lauralee is also an avid hiker, completing the entire length of the Appalachian Trail both north and south. Lauralee makes her home in Virginia in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with her family.

 

 

More from Lauralee

Pure Joy

Lauralee Bliss, Author of “When the Avalanche Roared”

 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…  James 1:2 NIV

How does one equate a scripture like this with the death and destruction inherent in natural disasters? It seems an oxymoron to expect joy when faced with twisted metal and broken lives, such as in the deadliest avalanche in American history depicted in When the Avalanche Roared. Even now I think of the natural disaster of the hurricane that just recently destroyed mountain communities in western North Carolina, with homes and lives swept away in an avalanche of water and mud. So it was back in March, 1910 when a mile wide bank of snow detached from Windy Top in the northern Cascades of Washington State, slamming into three parked trains near Wellington, sending cars and sleeping passengers tumbling into the ravine. Over ninety lives were lost.

This could be considered a trial of supreme magnitude. Yet scripture commands we consider joy in the midst of it. The word joy evokes smiles and laughter, peace and satisfaction. It brings to mind Jesus resting in the boat in the midst of a raging storm, tossed about on high waves while the disciples huddle together in abject fear. After He calms the seas He asks them, “Where is your faith?” It demands the human mind look away from apparent destruction to something higher. To look beyond what one sees to the unseen. To trust God even when nothing appears trustworthy.

When the Avalanche Roared delves into the flames that spark, not from smoldering locomotives in a ravine, but within a small rail town that banded together in the wee hours of a frigid morning to rescue others. The destruction is evident. But the grit and determination of those who dug out people from heavy snow solidified by rain and cared for the suffering while their town remained isolated from the world speaks of a picture far greater than the picture of destruction. So it is today with communities swallowed by mud and trees and splintered fragments of homes as reminders of a destructive hurricane. Beyond the visual are the outpouring of help and compassion and holding the hands of those weakened by disaster in gestures of hope and resolve. And in this, a new birth of joy is realized.

God created us to find joy in struggle, to develop perseverance to achieve a goal despite what is thrown our way, to realize that when we do, we truly lack nothing. And therein we find lasting peace even in the midst of catastrophe.

Strangers unite to help the hurting.

A friend flew from Florida to North Carolina and arranged with this store owner for a free truckload of water for communities devastated by the hurricane.


My Thoughts

When the Avalanche Roared  is the fifth book in the A Day to Remember series. The series is based off historical events. This story is written by Lauralee Bliss. I have really enjoyed this series. Some of the events I have read about, but some, like this one is new to me. I always love when I can learn. 

Lillian Hartwick is engaged. She is waiting for her fiancé to come from California. She has been in the small railroad town of Wellington, Washington, caring for her cousin and assisting the postmaster. However they experience a lot of snow and everything comes grinding to a halt. Griffin Jones, who works odd jobs for the railway has been trying to catch Lillian's eye. Griffin is made fun of because he is not the brightest crayon in the box. 

On March 1, 1910, a  devasting avalanche happens. Griffin and Lillian rush to help those affected. What I love is despite how bad Griffin has been made fun of, he jumps right in to assist even those who hurt him. I love how the author not only wrote about a literal avalanche, but life that was changing for those in the story. They have real struggles. I thought the author captured the time period beautifully.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit or allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 30

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 30

Stories By Gina, January 31 (Author Interview)

Pens Pages & Pulses, January 31

Texas Book-aholic, February 1

Blossoms and Blessings, February 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 2

Simple Harvest Reads, February 3 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 4

Connie’s history classroom, February 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 6

Betti Mace, February 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 8

Cover Lover Book Review, February 9

Holly’s Book Corner, February 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 10

For Him and My Family, February 11

Pause for Tales, February 12

Leslie’s Library Escape, February 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lauralee is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon eGift Card and a print copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54145

Tour Reminders


    Friday, January 24, 2025

    My Thoughts The Train That Took You Away is written by Catherine Hokin.

     Book Description:





    Berlin, 1938. I wipe the tears streaming down my darling son’s face, my heart shattering into a million pieces. “I promise I will find you, my love. No matter what…”

    Ever since the Nazis came to power, violence has spread through the city 
    Esther Spielmann once called home. Each night she prays her family will be spared. But when her husband and father are murdered alongside fellow Jews during Kristallnacht, she has no choice but to send her beloved son, Sascha, to safety.

    Esther’s heart breaks as she watches his thin legs trembling in the cold as he is ushered with the other crying children towards the Kindertransport. As the train leaves in a cloud of smoke, she thinks of the painting of the two of them hanging in their house. In it, they are tightly embracing and laughing, everything just as it should be. She vows that she will hold him like this once again. But has Esther made a promise she can’t possibly keep?

    Each day the hope of finding Sascha burns like a flame in Esther’s chest. The war has taken everything from her, including the painting of her and her beloved son. 
    Then one day the guards come. This time it is Esther who must get on a train. But unlike Sascha, Esther is not being carried to safety. She has heard whispers of the horrors of the concentration camps. But knows she must do everything in her power to survive…

    When Esther hears word that her painting might have been found, hope of finding Sascha blooms once more in her chest. In the ashes of war, can she make her way back to her beloved son? And if they do meet again, will either of them be prepared for what they find?

    An absolutely devastating, heartbreaking page-turning story of a family torn apart by war – and the hope that can sustain us in the darkest of places. Perfect for fans of The Book of Lost Names and The Nightingale.

    Author Bio:




    I seem to have followed a rather meandering career, including marketing and teaching and politics (don't try and join the dots), to get where I have always wanted to be, which is writing historical fiction. I am a story lover as well as a story writer and nothing fascinates me more than a strong female protagonist and a quest. Hopefully those are what you will encounter when you pick up my books.

    I am from the North of England but now live very happily in Glasgow with my American husband. Both my children have left home (one to London and one to Berlin) which may explain why I am finally writing. If I'm not at my desk you'll most probably find me in the cinema, or just follow the sound of very loud music.

    I'd love to hear from you and there are lots of ways you can find me, so jump in via my website https://www.catherinehokin.com/ or on my Cat Hokin FB page or on twitter @catherineh66267.

    Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Catherine Hokin here: https://www.bookouture.com/catherine-hokin


    You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

    My Thoughts 



    The Train That Took You Away is written by Catherine Hokin. This is a new to me author and I enjoyed being transported back to World War II era in this heartbreaking story. 


    Esther has been saddened to see the destruction that has been caused since the Nazis came to power. She’s hoping that everything will return to normal and then her husband and father are murdered she realizes that she needs to protect her young son. I can’t even imagine the heartache that she must have felt when she had to make a difficult decision. 



    She decides to sent Sascha on the Kindertransport  to England. She knows that his chances of surviving are better this way. The author wrote Esther’s emotions so well you could feel them coming off the pages. 


    There’s a parallel story in here. We meet Amalie. She’s a British Art Conservator and has come to Berlin to protect the art. Esther’s had her gallery looted with precious things stolen. However it becomes apparent that Amalie can’t stay put with the worsening environment around her. This is a part of the war that you don’t think about. The loss of historical pieces. 


    The author has done a wonderful job in transporting readers back in time. The characters are well written. The storyline is packed full of rich historical details. 


    Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.