Two centuries earlier, wounded Civil War veteran Franklin Davidson lost everything—his house, his wife, his standing in society. In his darkest moment, he’s awarded a position with the newly formed Secret Service to combat the spread of counterfeit U.S. currency. His life and new home in Gramercy Park are the envy of his peers, but nothing is as it seems. Secrets are meant to be kept, and Franklin will take his to his grave. Genre:Christian / Historical / Romance Release date: April, 2023 Click here to get your copy!  My Review Will the past make them or break them? I have been following the Doors To The Past series since the very first book, now, 12 books later the series has come to a startling conclusion of betrayal, intrigue, murder, and counterfeiting in a century and a half year old mystery... The Keys To Gramercy Park really was quite a story. It had all of the the things that I've come to anticipate in this series of independent dual timeline stories, but Candice Sue Patterson threw in enough surprises that I was kept off kilter quite often. I was never sure quite what to expect but I also knew that I couldn't put the book down until I had the answers to the mystery that touched lives in three different centuries from the 19th to the 21st. And I did get answers to The Keys To Gramercy Park, even if they weren't always the ones that I wanted. If I were to pick a single word for this novel from Candice Sue Patterson it would be 'bittersweet'. But, that was also what made the final Doors To The Past book more interesting. I also found the locations in this story, from The Players (Club) to the 2 acre private Gramercy Park to the streets of Washington DC, to be quite fascinating. If you haven't read the Doors To The Past series of standalone dual timeline books where past and present have surprising threads connecting them, well, you are missing out. Whether you read them in order or only as you get your hands on them, they are all worth the time spent reading. So, start with Candice Sue Patterson's sometimes chilling The Keys To Gramercy Park or a different one as you can't go wrong with any of them... Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Keys To Gramercy Park by Candice Sue Patterson a 4 Bark rating. (I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)  More from CandiceA locked secret garden in Manhattan with historical significance and the only ones privileged to step inside are the wealthy residents who purchase a key—count me in! The plot for The Keys to Gramercy Park was born at our dining room table when my husband looked up from the book he was reading and asked if I knew about Gramercy Park. I hadn’t, so we started Googling and discovered it was a real garden in Manhattan built in 1841 for the cream of society. The fact that it’s been off-limits to the public for one hundred and eight-two years instantly brought all kinds of story ideas to my mind. Not long after, I discovered that Barbour Publishing Inc. was looking for dual-time stories to fill their Doors to the Past series. I love reading dual-time novels but I’d never written one. I love a good challenge, so I began plotting and before I knew it, I had another first—creating a villain. I’ve only ever seen the New York City skyline from the New Jersey ferry that travels to and from the Statue of Liberty, so after the story was contracted, I spent several weeks researching Manhattan and Gramercy Park. New York is full of rich history and it was so fun to stumble across the historical details of The Player’s, Edwin Booth, and the stories behind each home along Gramercy Square. One of my favorite things about writing this story was the juxtaposition of the timelines. We don’t have the present without the past, and what happens in the past affects the future, but the future can also determine how we view, feel, and learn about the past. That’s essentially what The Keys to Gramercy Park is about—the butterfly effect of past events reaching ahead two centuries with dire consequences. I love how in one scene the characters are sending telegraphs and in the next scene, they’re sending text messages. What’s your favorite thing about dual-time novels? Make sure to check out the other books in the Doors to the Past series! 
 It's Time For A Giveaway! To celebrate her tour, Candice is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a copy of the book!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! Blog StopsBook Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 26 lakesidelivingsite, May 26 Melissa’s Bookshelf, May 27 Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 27 Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 28 Blogging With Carol, May 28 Book Looks by Lisa, May 29 Connie’s History Classroom, May 29 Texas Book-aholic, May 30 For Him and My Family, May 30 Cover Lover Book Review, May 31 Where Faith and Books Meet, May 31 Locks, Hooks and Books, June 1 Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 2 Blossoms and Blessings, June 2 Remembrancy, June 3 Holly’s Book Corner, June 3 Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 4 Pause for Tales, June 4 Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 5 (Author Interview) Mary Hake, June 5 Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 6 Inklings and Notions, June 6 Simple Harvest Reads, June 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline) Labor Not in Vain, June 7 She Lives To Read, June 8 Books I’ve Read, June 8 
Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Counterfeit Faith by Crystal Caudill,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
"Page-turning action combines with depth and richness to create a full-bodied, rewarding read."
--Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of The Metropolitan Affair "Readers who love romance, suspense, and a graceful amount of faith won't want to miss this story." --Toni Shiloh, Christy Award-winning author "With a host of sympathetic and likable characters (and a few not so likable), a riveting plot that clips along at the perfect pace, and a relatable faith thread, this book [is a] completely enjoyable read." --Kimberly Duffy, Carol Award finalist and author of A Tapestry of Light
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: May 16, 2023 Genre: Christian Historical Romance More Books in this Series 
My Review
Can they find the answers before it's too late?
Wow, that was quite a story! It was intriguing, hard to put down, and entertaining. But there was a great deal more to it than the usual surface 'good story' value that was unexpected but very welcome. I actually started Counterfeit Faith with high hopes as I had loved the first Hidden Hearts Of The Gilded Age book so much. And, I am most pleased to say that this third book, I somehow accidentally missed reading book two, turned out to be every bit as good book one. The characters were just as delightful or dastardly depending on which side they happened to fall on. The Gilded Age setting came to life quite vividly in Crystal Caudill's capable hands. And the fact that it was a romantic suspense novel cleverly wrapped up in a historical romance made it all the more enjoyable for me as I am a fan of both genres. However, as much as I liked being entertained by an excellent story it the line where the title of the book was explained really resonated with me in a way I hadn't anticipated. I really can't explain it any better than that as I wouldn't want any spoilers. You really have to read that very moving line for yourself and let yourself ponder it for awhile. So, Counterfeit Faith, it was a great read and well worth the time spent within its pages. Now that I have read two of the three Hidden Hearts Of The Gilded Age titles I am really going to have to go back and read the second book. Once you get a taste of Crystal Caudill's first-rate fiction you won't want to miss a single one... Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Counterfeit Faith by Crystall Caudill a 4.5 Bark rating.
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
It's Time For A Giveaway!
(1) winner will receive print copies of Counterfeit Love, Counterfeit Hope,
and Counterfeit Faith, a set of bookmarks, 2 stickers with quotes, and a magnet with a QR code to a "test your Secret Service knowledge" quiz! 
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule
linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 31, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 7, 2023. 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.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
Genre: Non-fiction Release date: March 14, 2023 Click here to get your copy!  Interview with Laine#1. What was the inspiration behind this book? To help other parents who are struggling with wayward children no matter how old they are, find hope to win their prodigal back home and heal their families. #2. How long did it take to finish writing this book? 9 months. #3. What part of the writing process do you like the least? Laying out the chapter sequence. #4. What new or interesting things did you learn while researching for this book? I learned parenting styles that I had never really studied. I learned more about enabling and how it can be a huge factor in changing our children or not. #5. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book. I like to say that the tears flowed down my cheeks as the words flowed from my fingers to the keyboard. The tears were so heavy that my desk would be soaked at times. As I recounted the heartbrokenness in many seasons when all three of my teens and young adults were in the dark pit of the world’s evil lure and enticements. Those were painful memories. But I was so happy to share with tears of joy the hope that they all became whole, healed, delivered, and free! #6. What drew you to take on this topic through non-fiction versus fiction? It was through my life’s tried-and-true story. #7. What people influenced you the most while writing about this topic? My three adult children that are now thriving in life! #8. How has writing about this particular topic changed your own life? This topic has shifted my whole focus now. I believe God will use me from this point on until my death helping parents and families. #9. Did you have a specific demographic in mind while writing this book? YES! Teen parents, grandparents, and any loved one that was experiencing a wayward child no matter how old they are. #10. What do you hope your readers will remember after finishing this book? That NO child. NO prodigal is TOO far gone for God! One touch from God change everything instantly! #11. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart. God was the first prodigal Father. He gave Adam and Eve a wonderful life and asked them not to do one thing. Then they disobeyed. God knows our heartache and pain when our children fall away from the faith and values we have for them. So, we must partner with God, He’s our Father, too, He has trusted us to steward His children, that are ours here on earth. Then we need to Pray with the power of the blood of Jesus Christ and trust that God will touch them, bring them home, and heal our families. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. More from LaineI would love to introduce my friend, best-selling and award-winning author, whom you may not know yet with a little of the behind the scenes insight. She’s a mom, wife, and partners with God making impossible things become possible not only in her life but for thousands of others. She has a unique perspective because she had a seventeen-year-old marriage resurrect, a financial breakthrough after almost filing bankruptcy, a daughter healed from life-threatening illnesses, and three prodigal children delivered that are now free, whole, and healed. In 2006, she realized that what she was doing as a parent was not working. It seemed that her emotional pleas, rules, and religion weren’t helping her bring her prodigal back home. So she decided and made it my mission to partner with God at a whole new level and created a new way of parenting – one that would bring peace to her life, help millions of other parents, and bring their prodigals back home too. Her newest book, The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal is a must-read book to help parent’s with wayward teens and young adults.
It's Time For A Giveaway! To celebrate her tour, Laine is giving away the grand prize of $100 Amazon gift card!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! Blog StopsDebbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 25 Vicky Sluiter, May 26 (Author Interview) Locks, Hooks and Books, May 27 Simple Harvest Reads, May 28 (Author Interview) Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 29 Guild Master, May 30 (Author Interview) Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 31 Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 1 (Author Interview) Texas Book-aholic, June 2 An Author’s Take, June 3 Artistic Nobody, June 4 (Author Interview) The Life We Build, June 4 Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 5 Vibrant Wings, June 6 By The Book, June 7 (Author Interview) Walking Fruitfully, June 7 
Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Girl with Fire in Her Veins by Dawn Ford,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
More Books in this Series 
Click below to read our review of The Girl With Stars In Her Eyes
My Review
Fire is in her veins as danger draws closer...
Mages and mermaids. Specters and dragons. Curses and prophecies. The Girl With Fire In Her Veins has all of that and plenty more where that came from... Yes, the second Firebird novel was every bit as exciting and twisty-turny as the first one in this series from Dawn Ford. And there are LOTS of twists and turns in The Girl With Fire In Her Veins. Some of them make you want to cheer and some make you want to wail a loud “noooooo!” Once again Tambrynn and Lucas are on the march and on the wing as they find both friend and foe in surprising places. Once again Dawn Ford has woven a tale that is very much a fantasy adventure but features faith at its forefront. The Firebird series is an interesting take on both of those, I guess you could call them topics. The part I found the most intriguing was Tambrynn's inner struggles with her growing power and the temptations it brings. The Girl With Fire In Her Veins was an exciting read and my only complaint about this YA aimed story that can also be enjoyed by adults, is that now I have finished I have to wait for the third Firebird novel to come out so I can find out what new dire straits Dawn Ford will put her characters through in their continuing battle against surprisingly ancient evil. And what new secrets will be brought to light... Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Girl With Fire In Her Veins by Dawn Ford a 4 Bark rating.
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
It's Time For A Giveaway!
(5) winners will receive a signed paperback copy of The Girl with Fire in Her Veins plus
a set of either star or flame themed Color Street nail strips chosen at random! (2) winners will receive a signed copy of The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes along with The Girl with Fire in Her Veins nail strips! 
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 29, 2023 and will last through
11:59 PM EST on June 5, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
 Eighteen-year-old servant girl Tambrynn is haunted by more than her unusual silver hair and the star-shaped pupils in her eyes. Her uncontrollable ability to call objects leads the wolves who savagely murdered her mother right to her door. When she’s fired and outcast during a snowstorm, her carriage wrecks and she’s forced to find refuge in an abandoned cottage. There, her life is upended when the magpie who’s stalked her for ten years transforms into a man, Lucas. He’s her Watcher and they’re from a different kingdom. His job is to keep her safe from her father, an evil mage, who wants to steal her abilities, turn her into one of his undead beasts, and become immortal himself. Can they make it to the magical passageway and get to their home kingdom in time for Tambrynn to thwart her father’s malicious plans? Or will Tambrynn’s unique magic doom them all? ASIN: B09TY713B2 Publisher: Expanse Books (April 12, 2022) Publication date: April 12, 2022  My Review She has stars in her eyes and evil at her heels... Back when I was teenager I much preferred reading romantic suspense and historicals. Now, I have a real appreciation for YA fantasy and I read as many Christian/Clean ones as I can get my hands on. The book titles for the Firebird series caught my eye right off. The Girl With Stars In Her Eyes just sounds so intriguing, especially when you read the cover blurb and find out that they mean the title quite literally instead of just being a reference to the old saying. Titles aside, Dawn Ford's magical realms are vivid and imaginative. From the magic-bereft Tenebris to Anavrin with all of its magical beings, they completely captured my attention while I was reading. Even when I sat The Girl With Stars In Her Eyes aside, I was still thinking about the characters in this first Firebird novel and wondered where Dawn Ford would take them next. And there was a good reason for that, I didn't check the page count out before diving in so just when I thought the novel was winding down there was a surprise and away we'd go again. The Girl With Stars In Her Eyes is definitely a YA book but the magic of story was so enticing that adult readers such as myself can enjoy the inaugural Firebird novel just as much. One of the things that I most appreciated was the way Dawn Ford blended faith with fantasy and did not sacrifice either one, thus making this book a pretty good read. Now, to see what adventures Tambrynn and the others will be up to as they continue to battle the evil that follows them... Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Girl With Stars In Her Eyes by Dawn Ford a 4 Bark rating. (I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.) 
Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Path To Acceptance by Lisa M. James,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: May 19, 2023 Genre: Christian Romance / Fantasy
More Books in this Series
My Review
Can they both be redeemed from their pasts?
What an interesting story. Reminiscent of a Biblical parable but with all of the bells and whistles of a fantasy tale. There's definitely a little bit of everything in A Path To Acceptance including betrayal, sacrifice, redemption, not to mention battles of the sword variety and magic both good and evil. I was caught up pretty quickly in this second book in The Prodigal Woman series and in the lives of Penelope and Ryland. Their struggles with acceptance, forgiveness, and simply letting go of the pain and regret of the past so it can be turned over to the One who heals... Good fiction should be window into real life and even though this book from Lisa M. James is very much a fantasy the emotions and reactions of the characters are not an unfair representation. The topics taken on in this story are difficult ones and it can be a bit gritty in places so this is one book that I would recommend more for adults or much older teens. The fantasy elements were another interesting part of the story. They were part ancient civilization, part regular fantasy, and almost felt like fictional introduction to spiritual warfare. That last part rather surprised me as I was reading A Path To Acceptance but I don't think it was misplaced. What better place than fiction to bring up a Biblical truth that is often forgotten. This second Prodigal Woman novel will tug at your heart, it may not always be easy to read, but it can be a thought provoking – and convicting in places – tale of redemption. I do think that, after reading this one, I will be looking for the first book in Lisa M. James' compelling series... Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Path To Acceptance by Lisa M. James a 4 Bark rating.
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
It's Time For A Giveaway!
(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of A Path to Acceptance
& a Vera Bradley Crossbody bag (plum pansies print)! 
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 22, 2023 and will last through
11:59 PM EST on May 29, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
Dr. Matthew Kaldenberg stays busy caring for the health of the citizens of his small town. His profession offers him daily practice in defeating death, his greatest enemy. During the twenty years since losing his own wife and baby in childbirth, Matthew has saved his money for the purchase of a flying machine. But when Matthew takes Margaret for flights on his biplane, he learns that his dreams of rising above the griefs and losses of his past come with a cost. He doesn’t want to lose the trust of the people he cares about most, or the chance at a relationship with Margaret. Both Matthew and Margaret must make difficult decisions to hold on to the love they have discovered. Will Matthew’s heart recover from sorrow? Will Margaret find her true home? Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance Release date: August 14, 2021 Click here to get your copy!  More from MichelleComing Home to Mercy is the first in a trilogy of books set in a small Iowa town during the years 1913 through 1918. This is the second series of books I have written. The Tomorrow series is the first set, and if you’ve already read it, you will recognize characters that appeared in Hope for Tomorrow, Promise for Tomorrow, and Dreaming of Tomorrow. This book is a graceful story of two people who thought faithful, committed love could only come into their lives once. But they both discover that they get another chance to experience it again. I wrote Coming Home to Mercy to show what healthy marriages and healthy families are like. I trust this story gives us a glimpse of how true love works, what faithfulness means, and what compassion can do; not only in one person’s life, but in the daily workings of an entire community. The hero in this story has a sad, broken heart at the beginning. As the story unfolds, he heals and gains a deeper understanding of God’s work in his life. Dr. Matthew Kaldenberg finds love and peace as his belief grows that God truly does work all things together for good. Thank you for joining me on this tour. I hope you enjoy the blog posts and enter the drawing for the giveaway. Follow me on social media and subscribe to my newsletter at https://michelledebruin.com/. Grace and peace, Michelle De Bruin
It's Time For A Giveaway! To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card & copy of the book!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! Blog Stopslakesidelivingsite, May 6 Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 7 Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 8 Texas Book-aholic, May 9 Locks, Hooks and Books, May 10 Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 11 Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 12 (Author Interview) Vicky Sluiter, May 12 Connie’s History Classroom, May 13 Cover Lover Book Review, May 14 Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 15 (Author Interview) Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 16 Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 17 (Author Interview) For Him and My Family, May 17 Blogging With Carol, May 18 Sylvan Musings, May 19 (Author Interview) 
Discover the majesty–and treachery–of the Rocky Mountains in this unique combination of exhilarating adventure, inspiring faith, and sweet romance from USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller. Genre: Christian Historical Romance Release date: June 6, 2023 Click here to get your copy!  My Review Four sisters take on all of the odds... Once again I've set off on a wilderness adventure with Misty M. Beller and once again it was quite a ride. Take four sisters, three men who want to help them, a wild rendezvous camp, a troublesome coyote pup, one missing woman, and a promise, mix it all up against the Wyoming wilderness backdrop and you get the exciting tale that is Rocky Mountain Rendezvous. I will say that this first Sisters Of The Rockies novel had a little larger cast of characters than I would usually expect from Misty M. Beller but I found myself enjoying it. Of course, as is my usual, my favorite character turned out to be one little four-legged troublemaker. Yes, I liked Juniper and her sisters and Riley and his friends but...I love characters of the furry persuasion, I just can't help myself. Rocky Mountain Rendezvous was another good read from this author and I find myself looking forward to the next Sisters Of The Rockies book where hopefully there will be some more clues to the mystery that the Collins sisters promised to unravel... Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Rocky Mountain Rendezvous by Misty M. Beller a Bark rating. (I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.) More from MistyWhat IS a trapper rendezvous? Rocky Mountain Rendezvous is the story of four sisters who head west to accomplish their father’s deathbed request—return a special set of beads to a Blackfoot woman who saved his life during his travels west two decades earlier. The sisters head west with the supply wagons bound for the 1837 trapper rendezvous to find the native woman. But the sight that greeted them in the Green River Valley (in modern-day Wyoming) was nothing like they expected! Men EVERYWHERE! Supply wagons would come from the east every summer, and mountain men and natives would come from all throughout the Rockies to trade furs for the supplies they’d need in the coming year. This was usually the only opportunity for trading each year, so EVERYONE came and the camp stretched for miles. This was a great time for friends to catch up, and the festivities always included a great deal of drinking and horse racing. The rendezvous was a sight to behold! In Rocky Mountain Rendezvous, Riley Turner is one of the trappers at the meet-up, and he realizes immediately what kind of danger the ladies are in from unscrupulous men in the crowd. He helps them with their search, and they find so much more than they expected along the way! Each book in this series will take place during a different year, featuring a different rendezvous. Definitely fodder for fun stories. I pray you love this first book as the Collins sisters embark on the search of a lifetime. Blessings! Misty
It's Time For A Giveaway! To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! Blog StopsA Baker’s Perspective, May 3 Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 3 Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 4 Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 4 Texas Book-aholic, May 5 By the Book, May 5 Locks, Hooks and Books, May 6 Connie’s History Classroom, May 7 The Book Club Network, May 7 Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 8 (Author Interview) Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 8 Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 9 Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 9 Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 10 Karen Baney Reviews, May 10 Daysong Reflections, May 11 Books You Can Feel Good About, May 11 Betti Mace, May 12 For the Love of Literature, May 12 Blossoms and Blessings, May 13 Life, Love, Writing, May 13 Tell Tale Book Reviews , May 14 Mary Hake, May 14 For Him and My Family, May 15 Holly’s Book Corner, May 15 Pause for Tales, May 16 To Everything There Is A Season , May 16 
 Interview with Linda#1. What drew you to write in this particular genre? I primarily write historical romance, and my two favorite time periods are WWII, and the 1800s, mostly post-Civil War. As a human resources professional, I am fascinated by the history of women in the workforce, especially about women who step outside the “normal” boundaries of society. I’m drawn to strong, confident women who prove themselves against all odds, and history is littered with examples. Gold Rush Bride Tegan is part of a multi-author series that I started because I stumbled on the fact that there were female prospectors who participated in the various American gold rushes. (There may be those who were involved in rushes that occurred in other countries, but I didn’t research that.) I wanted to tell their story. #2. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book? The theme in Tegan (and most of my books) is that God is all about second chances. We human beings are sure we’re in control and can handle everything on our own. Sometimes by the time we realize we need God we’ve messed up pretty badly. As a result, some of us don’t think we “deserve” God’s mercy, but the great thing is that He accepts us just as we are (warts and all!). We’re all sinners saved by grace, and He continues to give us “second chances” through our entire lives. #3. How did you name your characters? I use a variety of techniques to name my characters. For my WWII books, I have a handful of high school and college yearbooks. I’ll take the first name of one person and the surname of another. I’ve also used names from cemetery headstones, and the characters in Dinah’s Dilemma are all named for my ancestors. For books where I have characters with a particular cultural background (Norwegian, Irish, etc.), I use country-specific websites that list names and their meanings. Tegan’s family heritage is Welsh through her grandfather. Her name means fair, darling, loved one or favorite. She’s the youngest of four daughters, and is treated a bit like the favorite, but rather than being spoiled, she wants to break out and prove she can make it on her own. #4. If you could change one thing in your life, past or present, what would it be? I would have gotten back into writing sooner than I did. I wrote stories through junior high, then it fell by the wayside during high school, college, and my career. It was not until the early 2000’s when I had a chance to do some magazine freelance work that I realized how much I missed writing. It would be another handful of years before I left non-fiction to write fiction. #5. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers? Read outside your comfort zone, and by that I mean try different authors and genres. If you always read books set in one particular era, try another time period. If you’ve only read books written by women, try some written by men. If you only read traditionally published books, try indie books. My mom introduced me to a book called “Honey for a Woman’s Heart” written in 2002 that recommends over 500 books, from classic to contemporary) for various reasons. There are other books, websites, and blogs that offer lists of their own. You may find books you abhor, but hopefully you’ll discover authors you adore, and learn a lot along the journey.  More from LindaDear Reader, I am constantly amazed at the extraordinary things women did over the course of history (mostly done in dresses and skirts until about eighty years ago!). When I stumbled on the fact that women were involved during the gold and silver rushes that occurred in the US and its territories, I knew I had to tell their story. A significant number of women followed husbands, brothers, or fathers, but an intrepid few set out on their own to find their fortune for as many reasons as there were women. Some went to escape difficult (or abusive) situations at home and others because they felt they had no choice. But there was a small percentage who made their way across thousands of miles for the sheer adventure. The Nome Gold Rush started 175 years ago in 1898, and was different than previous rushes in that much of the gold was on the beach and could be plucked from the sand without any need for a claim. Later, claims were required to mine gold from the Snake River, and this is when things got dirty. Initially, the courts upheld original claims, but after some of the “claim jumpers” offered to share proceeds from their invalid claims, a few crooked judges and politicians decided this was a great opportunity to line their pockets. Already guilty of stealing votes and voter intimidation, Alexander McKenzie, National Committeeman for North Dakota headed the pack and created an elaborate scheme with the help of Judge Arthur Noyes. It would take nearly two years for the men to be arrested and brought to trial. I included a fictionalized version of this situation in Gold Rush Bride Tegan. I visited Alaska before writing Tegan and was overwhelmed by its majestic beauty. The photos I’d seen before the trip didn’t do justice to the reality of the state’s glaciers, mountains, rivers, and forests. Wildlife is so abundant that it literally walked or flew through town giving us “up close and personal” experiences with moose, wild sheep, eagles, and more. Because of the inaccessibility of much of the state, one in fifty Alaskans hold a pilot’s license as compared to the national average which is one in seven hundred. However, in 1898, prospectors didn’t have that luxury, instead making their way to San Francisco by rail and then either going overland with wagons and mules or up the coast on schooners, either choice a difficult and arduous journey. It is my hope that Gold Rush Bride Tegan honors the stalwart women who left all they knew for the chance of a lifetime. Blessings, Linda Shenton Matchett
It's Time For A Giveaway! To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Visa Gift Card and signed copy of the book!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! Blog StopsSylvan Musings, May 10 (Author Interview) Lily’s Book Reviews, May 11 Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 12 Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 13 (Author Interview) Texas Book-aholic, May 14 Locks, Hooks and Books, May 15 Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 16 (Author Interview) Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 16 Connie’s History Classroom, May 17 Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 18 By The Book, May 19 (Author Interview) Mary Hake, May 19 Books Less Travelled, May 20 For Him and My Family, May 21 For the Love of Literature, May 22 (Author Interview) Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 23   Danger lurks in the shadows… and a police dog is keeping watch... Officer Jasper Holt never thought he’d see his high school girlfriend, Kinsley Miller, again—much less become her protector. But when the wildlife biologist returns home for her aunt’s funeral, she’s attacked twice in a matter of hours. With his K-9 partner at his side, the single father will protect Kinsley with his life. But can they uncover the reason behind the assaults…before the next strike becomes the last?  My Review Are the past and present intertwined? Betrayal is the name of the game in Tunnel Creek Ambush. No one and nothing are as they first appear and even our hero and heroine hold some secrets. This is my second Love Inspired Suspense read from Kerry Johnson and I must say that it was every bit as good as the first. The danger and intrigue keep the story moving forward lickety-split with never a dull moment. And, most importantly, there is a DOG! You just can't beat story with a working K-9 as an important, and quickly a favorite, character. Other than one unfortunate statement, I really enjoyed Tunnel Creek Ambush. It had all of the mystery and mayhem and romantic sparks that a good Love Inspired Suspense novel should have. Author Kerry Johnson never gives her wonderful characters more than just a second or two to stop and breathe and, of course, that keeps the reader hurriedly turning those pages to find out who and why. So, yes, Tunnel Creek Ambush was a good read. The 220+ pages of Love Inspired Suspense fun provided a few hours of entertainment and escape on a cold rainy day and I really appreciated it. I'm just hoping there will be more from Kerry Johnson coming soon because I am now impatiently waiting... Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Tunnel Creek Ambush by Kerry Johnson a 4 Bark rating. (I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.) 
But not all have turned their backs. After a bitter year of pain and loss, Kersei Dragoumis navigates a new heritage, ever intent on defending her people. Like her, light-years away from the Quadrants and even farther from the girl she thought she was, Eija Zacdari must come to terms with a new role. Or, rather, with an ancient one. And her success or failure may determine back in the Quadrants who lives and who dies. In the end, Marco will have vengeance for the torment brought by this war. No matter the price. Not even if the price is his soul. Genre: Space Opera, Science Fiction Release date: April 11, 2023 Click here to get your copy!  My Review The odds just became impossible to win... Well, as soon as I found out that the Droseran Saga trilogy was going to have a fourth book I knew the ending was going to have to be a humdinger. I was not wrong. War Of Torment takes all of the myriad threads and draws them together in one final explosive (literally) showdown. Ronie Kendig's conclusion to her sci-fi series is intense and is best read at light-years – forget miles – per minute. I've been anticipating this final Droseran Saga novel just as much as I have been dreading it. I've known all along that there would be some sad farewells to characters that I have come to like – turns out it was even more bittersweet than even I expected. War Of Torment finally answered the questions that I have had all through this epic series – and trust me, clocking in at an impressive 1,700+ total pages according to one book site, epic is the correct word – and with it came some surprises along with even more betrayal and unexpected sacrifice. One thing I would like to note for readers of this series from Ronie Kendig, whether you read them together or at intervals, they MUST be read in order. I've been reading the Droseran Saga since the first book released in 2019, I've invested many hours of reading into the characters and it hardly seems real that War Of Torment really is the end. How can my time in Ronie Kendig's vivid space world be over? Well, I guess the old saying holds true that all good things, and this series certainly has been, must come to an end... Tell Tale Book Reviews gives War Of Torment by Ronie Kendig a 4 Bark rating. (I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.) Read an ExcerptAnticipation tremored in his veins—it had come. The Progenitor’s War had finally arrived. “Admiral on the bridge!” “What’s going on? What was that swarm of ships?” Amid grating claxons and pulsing orange lights running around the bulkheads of the Command deck, Fleet Admiral Domitas Deken strode past the offices and conference rooms to the central Command hub of the newly christened Cronus, the flagship of the Symmachian armada. He glared up at the array hovering in the air between him and his handpicked officers, who had been transferred from other ships in the fleet. “A fleet, sir.” Grim-faced, Captain Lasson Pount stood with the executive officer. “What fleet?” Domitas demanded. “We have the only fleet in the Quadrants!” “Unknown, sir.” Commander Wellsey Dimar, onetime XO of the Macedon, recorded the images and waved them to Command. “None we have record of, and the ships are . . .” He frowned at what he saw. “They’re entirely foreign. Fast. Advanced—incredibly so.” Domitas compared radar to the moments before the arrival of the new ships. “Where’d they come from?” “As far as we can tell,” Pount said with a shake of his head, “the jumpgate at the Chryzanthe.” “Can’t be. Baric reported it damaged by that spherical ship.” Never would Domitas forget watching that alien ship explode from the jumpgate and come around, firing. The relay vids of the incident had taken nearly a day to reach the Cronus on its route to Drosero. “Maybe they slipped through in time?” The captain quirked a blond eyebrow. “Baric said it was damaged beyond repair,” Dimar noted. “Perhaps the ship came through one of the other Sentinels.” “They’re not operational yet. With Baric’s flair for the dramatic, it’s possible the Chryzanthe isn’t as damaged as he reported.” Probably wanted a way to keep anyone from nosing into whatever he and that alien were doing. Domitas indicated to the array, then flicked the screen, rolling back the time. “Those ships are moving fast.” “Like we were standing still,” Dimar noted. “Any idea where they’re headed?” “I’ll calculate,” Pount said, tapping on a console, then nodding at the results that splashed through the air between them. “Course and speed suggest a trajectory for Drosero.” “In fact”—his fingers flew over the console—“the exact same course the first craft took.” “We think,” Dimar added with a look to Domitas. “The engine signature of the first craft is so slight that, while we can confirm that fleet followed its course, we cannot say if they ended up at the same place.” Not comforting. “Do we have a lock on the sphere’s final destination?” “Speculation only, sir.” Domitas waited for said speculation, and when neither officer expounded, he lifted his brows. “Is there a problem?” “Pount and Dimar exchanged glances before the XO sighed. “Long-range scans suggest it entered Droseran orbit, but since we have yet to hear from the Damocles, we don’t know if those projections are accurate.” Drosero. This war sure was waking up the ’verse, wasn’t it?
It's Time For A Giveaway! To celebrate her tour, Ronie is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of War of Torment in Hardcover and $20 Barnes & Noble gift card!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! Blog StopsLocks, Hooks and Books, April 30 Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 1 (Author Interview) Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 1 Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 2 Where Faith and Books Meet, May 3 Texas Book-aholic, May 4 Wishful Endings, May 5 Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 6 Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 7 Mary Hake, May 7 Simple Harvest Reads, May 8 (Guest Review from Mindy) Inklings and Notions, May 9 Blogging With Carol, May 10 Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 11 For Him and My Family, May 12 Rachael’s Inkwell, May 13 
Welcome to the Buzz Blitz celebrating 5 years of buzzing about books
with JustRead Publicity Tours! 5 book bee perks
Blog tours, bookstagram tours, reviewer tours, etc. are different varieties of book campaigns.
Readers who participate in JustRead campaigns are called hosts or book bees.
Exclusive giveaways
Book bees are eligible for exclusive giveaways through the host newsletter and the monthly host giveaway in addition to tour-wide and occasional host exclusive campaign giveaways. Access to sweet titles Last but not least, the honey of the book bee life is sweet reads! JustRead promotes titles within Christian, wholesome, or clean reads genres with content notes tailored to conservative values when sensitive issues are present. 
Five Favorite Fantastical Fiction Finds
that I've read via Just Read Tours
These books feature fantasy, sci-fi, time travel, and spiritual warfare....
It's Time For A Giveaway!
(1) winner will receive a $25 gift card
(winner's choice of Amazon, Baker Book House, Christianbook, or Walmart)! (5) additional winners will receive one print book from the JustRead stash and a JustRead bookmark! 
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule
linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 8, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 15, 2023. 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.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
Join forces with Alice, Hatter, old friends and new, and be prepared to discover that trust and risk are often two sides of the same coin in this next Beyond Wonderland novel. Genre: Fantasy, Steampunk, Christian Release date: March 14, 2023 Click here to get your copy!  My Review Wonderland as it should be... As I have said before, this is what Wonderland was meant to be. The old familiar elements are there in Lost In Wonderland – in addition to some from the ever classic Little Red Riding Hood – but Tabitha Bouldin has given them a shiny new coat of gears and gadgets and flying machines. Those things and more kept this second Beyond Wonderland book moving at a fast clip and me turning those pages even faster... I read late into the night, or rather into the early morning hours, only putting the book down when I couldn't stay awake any longer and as soon as I woke up I was back into it. The story was captivating and excited the imagination in all of its fantastical Steampunk glory. Every minute with Alice, Hatter, Scarlett, Faolin, and a remarkable cat that I simply fell in love with, was an adventure that I thoroughly enjoyed. There wasn't a single thing to not like about Lost In Wonderland – except that despite the 300+ pages it ended all too soon. How am I supposed to wait for Tabitha Bouldin's next Beyond Wonderland novel? I just know that it won't be easy... Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Lost In Wonderland by Tabitha Bouldin a 4.5 Bark rating. (I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.) More from TabithaWriting Lost in Wonderland was such a wonderful creative outlet for my imagination. After writing Madness in Wonderland, I knew I wasn’t ready to let these characters go. They were anxious for new challenges and new adventures that allowed them to explore more of the world they’d just freed. Of course, new characters were a must, and Scarlett stepped right up to have her story told. While Madness in Wonderland is an Alice in Wonderland and Frankenstein mashup, for Lost in Wonderland, I went with a Through the Looking Glass and Red Riding Hood mashup that gave a deeper well of storytelling for Wonderland and brought all sorts of new creatures into the mix. Alice and Hatter face new obstacles in their journey, and Scarlett is not one to be left behind. Especially when he has her loyal guard Faolan by her side. Prepare to set sail across a new Wonderland.
It's Time For A Giveaway! To celebrate her tour, Tabitha is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! Blog StopsBabbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 29 Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 30 Holly’s Book Corner, May 1 Library Lady, May 2 Back Porch Reads, May 2 Texas Book-aholic, May 3 Locks, Hooks and Books, May 4 By the Book , May 5 Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 6 Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 7 Sylvan Musings, May 7 Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 8 Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 8 Simple Harvest Reads, May 9 (Guest Review from Donna Cline) Where Faith and Books Meet, May 10 For Him and My Family, May 11 Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 12  Katherine Bruno is the shrew of Sweetheart, Texas. Her passionate, unfiltered temper clashes with the gentle pace of her tiny hometown. When she’s drafted to help the mayor’s wife who wants to run in the local election against her own husband, she meets big city political consultant Ryan Park, and cue the fireworks! The handsome campaign manager gets under her skin in a big way, but fraternizing with the enemy is off-limits. Katherine must battle her lack of experience, campaign sabotage, and her growing feelings for Ryan as she strives to succeed. His unprejudiced acceptance of her strong-willed character beckons her heart, but his rejection of God is an insurmountable barrier. Will Ryan return to his faith and stay with her in Sweetheart or leave when the election ends? Genre: Inspirational Rom-com Release date: May 23, 2023  Excerpt from Lone Star SweetheartIts heat seeped through the thin paper cup and warmed her fingers as she tried to ignore them. “The mayor's wife has gone loco!” another outraged male proclaimed. Katherine sighed. She needed a sugar fix. There wasn't even a pink packet of artificial sweetener to take the edge off the dark, pungent brew in her hand. The incensed male chorus behind her grew louder. “What makes Lanette Johnson think she can run the town of Sweetheart?” Ah, the surprise second candidate in the mayoral race. She should have guessed. Katherine glared over her shoulder, but they didn't notice. The men were too busy casting judgmental looks at the mayor's wife as she walked past wearing a matching leopard print ensemble. “Lanette was always bossing poor Harry around anyway. Does she have to try and take his job away on top of it?” Their tongues clicked in unison. Katherine gagged, and not because of the over-roasted coffee. “Gracious words,” she muttered under her breath. “Remember. Gracious words, girl.” Easier said than done. She'd been a straight shooter all her life. Ready to tell it like it was. Until an unexpected conviction hit her one morning when she was reading the book of Proverbs. Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
We’re all such a fabulous mix of flaws and greatness, and everyone is the hero or heroine in their own life story. She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Regent University and has published three romances under the pen name Shannon Kent. You can connect with her at www.shannonsuedunlap.com, and if you sign up for her newsletter, you’ll receive a free copy of her romcom novella Flower Boy Tour Guide. Blog StopsExcerpt One: https://guildmaster97.wordpress.com/2023/05/07/lone-star-sweetheart-epic-book-launch-excerpt/ Excerpt Two: http://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews/epic-book-launch-lone-star-sweetheart-by-shannon-sue-dunlap Excerpt Three: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/lone-star-sweetheart-book-excerpt/ Excerpt Four: https://wp.me/p7qp1R-pYg Excerpt Five: https://moments-of-beauty.blogspot.com/2023/04/epic-book-launch-lone-star-sweetheart.html Excerpt Six: https://splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/2023/04/14/lone-star-sweetheart-epic-book-launch/ Excerpt Seven: http://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/lone-star-sweetheart-book-excerpt/ |
 11th Blogoversary 
Tell & Jasmine
He does the talking She does the reading Author
Reading and history have been my passion since early childhood when my parents encouraged both. I was introduced to Christian fiction around age 4-5 while listening to radio drama adaptations of books by great authors including Janette Oke. I have been a voracious reader and avid library patron ever since. I started Tell Tale Book Reviews in December 2012. I am also an active volunteer in the areas I hold most dear, library, museum, and pets. Hobbies include a small bead jewelry business, watching classic movies/ TV, listening to Irish/Celtic music, and autograph collecting. 
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