Tell Tale Book Reviews

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Texas Baby Pursuit by Margaret Daley a 4 Bark rating.

0 Comments

Book Review - A Wells Landing Christmas by Amy Lillard

9/24/2018

Genre:
Amish / Holiday

A Wells Landing Christmas
A Wells Landing Romance book 8
by Amy Lillard

-From Amazon-

As the most joyous of seasons comes to the
Amish community of Wells Landing, Oklahoma,
one young woman gets a chance to start
again—and rediscover the gift of true love . . .

Families rejoicing together, caroling parties full of cheer, and church get-togethers brimming with delicious cooking and warm fellowship. Ivy Weaver would give anything to be a part of Christmas in Wells Landing. But one reckless mistake made her an outsider, and it's all she can do now to tend to her ailing grandfather and make a living. She sure doesn't need Zeb Brenneman returning to help after he abandoned her for no reason. He's working hard to make amends, but Ivy isn't sure there's enough faith—or still-sparking love between them—to stir her forgiveness...

Zeb knows leaving Ivy was the biggest mistake he's ever made. Even though she won't hear him out, he's determined to prove he's become the trustworthy, steadfast man she truly deserves. But bright new chances and surprising revelations will give him and Ivy choices they never imagined. And finding their way back to each other will be the most challenging—and precious—Christmas gift of all...

ISBN-13: 978-1420145724

Will she give them a second chance at love...?

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Amy Lillard

Christmas was, and is, a few months away as I read A Wells Landing Christmas. Where I live the trees are in the process of turning color and the nights are getting downright crisp but Amy Lillard transported me to the depths of an Oklahoma winter in just a matter of pages.

As with the rest of her books I found A Wells Landing Christmas to be a moving story, sometimes a little bittersweet, filled with many poignant moments and even a few chuckle-out-loud spots. I will confess that I don't read a lot of Christmas books but this one captured me from the start and I finished it in very short order.

Over the course of several books the characters of Wells Landing have become like old friends and it is so much fun to to return to that community, especially at Christmastime. And, of course, Zeb, Ivy, and Yonnie quickly became new friends.

A Wells Landing Christmas is a wonderful holiday read, whether it is the holiday season or a hot Christmas in July day. You'll be glad you read Amy Lillard's latest emotionally moving Amish story, I know I am...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Wells Landing Christmas by Amy Lillard a 4.5 Bark rating.

0 Comments

Book Review - The Amish Quilter by Mindy Starns Clark & Leslie Gould

9/21/2018

Genre:
Amish

The Amish Quilter
The Women of Lancaster County book 5
by Mindy Starns Clark & Leslie Gould

-From Amazon-

A gifted young quilter... a successful
artist... the life-changing revelation
that threatens to tear them apart...

Linda Mueller lives an orderly, uneventful existence, content to divide her time between creating the beautiful quilts for which she is known and working at an Englisch fabric shop.
Idealistic to a fault, Linda has never found a man worth marrying—until she meets Isaac Mast, a newcomer to Lancaster County and a talented painter. As they bond over their respective crafts, Linda is drawn to Isaac's kind ways, humble spirit, and intriguing personality, and soon the seams of her carefully-constructed world begin to loosen.
With Isaac's help, she explores the story of her late grandmother, also a gifted artist. But when an astonishing truth comes to light, Linda faces a grave decision, one that could destroy any hope of a future with Isaac. Will their dreams of a life together completely unravel? Or can she find some way to stitch them back together again?

ISBN-13: 978-0736962940

Will her idealism mean a broken heart...?

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

MIndy Starns Clark

Website

Leslie Gould

Website

A few years ago I stumbled onto The Women Of Lancaster series in the library, it introduced me to two talented authors that I would enjoy in their collaborative as well as individual works. Needless to say, I was quite excited when I found out that Mindy Starns Clark & Leslie Gould would be adding to that series I had enjoyed so much. Since I come from a line of quilters I was even more thrilled to find that this book would feature a quilter.

Even better than I anticipated, The Amish Quilter was such a great read. I really identified with the heroine, Linda, which is actually pretty odd for me. I started out by keeping this book on my bedside table and read it for a few minutes when going to bed at night and waking up in the morning. It really didn't take long before the other book I was reading during the daytime got laid aside in favor of The Amish Quilter.

In this book Mindy Starns Clark & Leslie Gould bring a dash of realism that isn't always found in the Amish genre. Not every character has a sugary sweet happy ending but faith and hope, despite mistakes made, are what stand the test of time and the sometimes tough reality of life. Which, is a good reminder for all of us...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Amish Quilter by Mindy Starns Clark & Leslie Gould a 4.5 Bark rating.

0 Comments

Book Review - The Spirit Of God Illustrated Bible + Giveaway

9/19/2018

3 Comments

Genre:
Children's Non-Fiction / Bible

The Spirit Of God Illustrated Bible
Over 40 Stories of God's Power and Presence

The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible brings to life more than 40 Bible stories that help readers understand that God’s Spirit has been with us since the beginning of time and continues to be with us today. From the glory of creation through the powerful letters of Paul, God’s Spirit is living in his people. Old and New Testament stories such as Adam and Eve, Abraham, Joseph, the Baptism of Jesus, and Pentecost come alive with dramatic illustrations by Fernando Juarez and moving text by Doris Rikkers. This is a special storybook Bible that will appeal to both children and parents alike.

ISBN-13: 978-0310749738

A Bible storybook for the whole family...

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Visit The Website

What a lovely Bible story book! I would have seriously loved this book as a child. The stories come in a simple, easy to read format and the illustrations are bright and eye-catching. I read it straight through and I found myself enjoying the familiar Bible stories and even some I didn't remember.

While it doesn't replace a real Bible, my parents gave me my first full Bible when I was about 5, The Spirit Of God Illustrated Bible would be perfect for devotions or bedtime reading with young kids or grandkids. It would also be a great one to have around when those kids start reading on their own.

A quality hardcover book with nice glossy pages The Spirit Of God Illustrated Bible would make a good addition to any family's book collection. Even as an adult I enjoyed the simple stories with the accompanying direct quote Bible verses and the lovely illustrations. And the overarching theme of God's power and presence is a good lesson for children to learn young as well as a good reminder for any adult.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Spirit Of God Illustrated Bible by Doris Wynbeek Rikkers a 4.5 Bark rating.

Author Bio:
Doris Rikkers is a freelance writer and editor who has written many bestselling children’s books and Bibles. Although she loves the ocean, she lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by her books, her flower gardens, and her family and friends.

Illustrator Bio:
Spanish artist Fernando Juarez illustrates children’s books and works as an art supervisor at the Madrid studio Ilion Animation. The company produces 3D feature films for children. Fernando has three kids himself, and if he has any time left after work and family, you might catch him playing guitar in a rock band.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

USA ONLY

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

#SpiritofGodBible #FlyBy

3 Comments

E-Book Review - Kill Shot By Susan Sleeman

9/18/2018

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Kill Shot
White Knights book 2
by Susan Sleeman

-From Amazon-

Suspense and romance combine in Susan Sleeman's thrilling new novel about an FBI agent who must team up with a beautiful therapist to stop a killer with a deadly new weapon.

Some fears haunt you forever....

As the ballistics and weapon's expert for the FBI's special task force nicknamed the White Knights, Rick Cannon has known the Department of Defense was developing self-steering bullets. Rick feared these smart bullets--which have one hundred percent accuracy that can turn even a novice into a lethal sniper--would eventually end up in the hands of the wrong people. But since the ammunition was still in the development stage, he figured they had plenty of time before that happened. He was wrong. Dead wrong.

Until they become reality.

When a homeless vet is killed with a smart bullet, it's clear that the ammunition has been stolen, and the Knights are called in to find the thief and stop the killings. But they aren't the only ones desperate to find the killer. Therapist Olivia Dobbs is well known for her success in counseling military veterans with PTSD. When she discovers one of her clients moments after he is murdered, she becomes both the FBI's prime witness, and suspect.

Despite the mutual attraction that immediately sparks between them, Rick can't--no he won't--let Olivia interfere with his investigation. But when the sniper trains his rifle on her, Rick must recall all the skills he learned as a Marine sniper to make sure the next bullet fired isn't a kill shot that takes Olivia out.

ASIN: B071JLNVKD

Every clue seems to lead to a dead end...literally

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Susan Sleeman

Another nail-biting novel from master of romantic suspense, Susan Sleeman! In Kill Shot the stakes are higher than ever as readers are taken on a wild ride of danger, betrayal, and romance.

While I have to confess that I did like book 1 a little better, I did enjoy every chilling minute trying to puzzle things out alongside Rick and Olivia in Kill Shot. And I was definitely in for a few surprises along the way!

Susan Sleeman really is one of my favorite authors and I'm seriously looking forward to more spine-tingling adventures of the White Knights. Not to mention, it's always fun getting to 'visit' with characters that have become old friends.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Kill Shot by Susan Sleeman a 4 Bark rating.

0 Comments

Interview with Dana R. Lynn + Giveaway

9/18/2018

8 Comments

Amish Country Ambush
Amish Country Justice book 4
(Love Inspired Suspense)
by Dana R. Lynn

Hidden in Plain Sight

An Amish Country Justice story

After police dispatcher Elise St. Clair’s home is invaded by her murderous brother-in-law, her nephew is hidden in Amish Country by her cleaning lady. Now relying on police officer Ryan Parker is Elise’s only hope of reuniting with the child…and evading the killer. And Elise and Ryan quickly discover their temporary partnership has long-term potential—if they can stay alive.

ISBN-13: 978-1335490544

Buy

with author
Dana R. Lynn

1. What was your inspiration for this book? My inspiration for Amish Country Ambush had several levels.
First, when I was writing Plain Retribution, I introduced the character of Ryan Parker. He got injured in that story. He almost died, but something about him tugged at my heart. He got more time on the page in Amish Christmas Abduction. I knew then that he had to have his own book. He made me smile. I got a sense that his character had something else going on so I decided to develop it and see what played out. I went to visit the Amish community in New Wilmington, and that’s when his story really started to play out in my head. I especially was inspired when I visited the Banks Covered Bridge. I could literally hear him talking with a woman, then unknown, in my head. From there, I plotted the story around that scene. It’s one of my favorite scenes in the book.

2. How long did it take you to finish writing the book?
This book took me about three months to write. It was written during a fairly stressful time of the school year, so it was my escape.

3. Do you have a favorite character in this book?
Oh, wow. This is a hard question. I really love Ryan and Elise of course. And then there’s Gavin Jackson, who I have always loved. But I think the award would have to go to Mikey, Elise’s four year-old nephew. He doesn’t get as much time on the page as the others, but when he’s there, he steals the show. He is adorable.

4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I hope that they will take away the thought that God is bigger than any situation, and that he is in control, even when the situation seems hopeless. Elise has some baggage she needs to deal with, but God is with her and He has a plan for her life.

5. What made you choose some of the specific locations in this book?
Well, I knew that part of the book would take place in LaMar Pond, which is the fictional town the series takes place in. I also wanted to include New Wilmington, PA, and specifically the Banks covered bridge, which was the inspiration for much of the book. I also needed to make finding Mikey challenging, and that required my characters to leave LaMar Pond.

Banks Covered Bridge *

6. How did you name your characters?
I always new that I wanted to have a character named Ryan, it’s one of my favorite male names. As for some of the other names, I like trying to honor family and friends by using their names in books. I have a brother, Mike, so I chose to name Mikey after him. Elise is a variation of my daughter’s middle name, Elizabeth.

7. Tell us something sad, funny, embarrassing or whatever that happened during this book.
Okay, I’m not going to go into specifics, but when I was writing this book, I misspelled a very common word into something that was not an appropriate word, although it wasn’t horrible. I didn’t notice it until I was doing my final read through before sending it to my editor. I almost rushed through the read through. I am so glad I didn’t! I cringe thinking about my lovely editor reading that!

Bonus:
Every Love Inspired Suspense book has a scripture verse at the beginning. For Amish Country Ambush, the verse I chose was:

I have been considering this verse. Sometimes I worry and get anxious over things that I have no control over. I have been working on trusting God and letting go of all the worries. It’s knot always easy, but I am working on it. We are all works in progress.

- Dana -

Dana R. Lynn

Dana R. Lynn grew up in Illinois. She met her husband at a wedding and told her parents she’d met the man she was going to marry. Nineteen months later, they were married. Today, they live in rural northwestern Pennsylvania with enough animals to start a petting zoo. In addition to writing, she works as a teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing and works in several ministries in her church.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

Dana R. Lynn is generously giving away
a Print copy of Amish Country Ambush
USA ONLY

https://promosimple.com/ps/d2ad/hidden-among-the-stars-celebration-tour-giveaway

* By Doug Kerr - [1], CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12346681

8 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Hidden Among The Stars by Melanie Dobson + Review & Guest Post & Giveaway

9/15/2018

5 Comments

From the award-winning author of Catching the Wind, which Publishers Weekly called “unforgettable” and a “must-read,” comes another gripping time-slip novel about hidden treasure, a castle, and ordinary people who resisted evil in their own extraordinary way.
The year is 1938, and as Hitler’s troops sweep into Vienna, Austrian Max Dornbach promises to help his Jewish friends hide their most valuable possessions from the Nazis, smuggling them to his family’s summer estate near the picturesque village of Hallstatt. He enlists the help of Annika Knopf, his childhood friend and the caretaker’s daughter, who is eager to help the man she’s loved her entire life. But when Max also brings Luzia Weiss, a young Jewish woman, to hide at the castle, it complicates Annika’s feelings and puts their entire plan—even their very lives—in jeopardy. Especially when the Nazis come to scour the estate and find both Luzia and the treasure gone.
Eighty years later, Callie Randall is mostly content with her quiet life, running a bookstore with her sister and reaching out into the world through her blog. Then she finds a cryptic list in an old edition of Bambi that connects her to Annika’s story . . . and maybe to the long-buried story of a dear friend. As she digs into the past, Callie must risk venturing outside the safe world she’s built for a chance at answers, adventure, and maybe even new love.

Genre: Historical Fiction
(However, this is a time-slip novel, so there is also a contemporary component to the story)
Release date: September 4, 2018

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Review

The past and present come full circle...

I honestly don't remember which Melanie Dobson book was my first. I just know that I've read every one I could get my hands on and I've become especially fond of her time-slip novels involving WWII. Hidden Among The Stars is a trademark Melanie Dobson tale, bittersweet, fascinating, and thought provoking.

Whether you call this type of fiction time-slip or dual timeline, there is no denying that this author is a master at blending the poignant and sometimes painful events of the past and the effects of those events on the characters of the present. I absolutely loved the historical part as I've read and heard very little about Austria during WWII, but, it was the modern-era Callie and her tentative steps outside of her comfort zone that I identified a little more with.

Hidden Among The Stars is a book to take your time with, to ponder, possibly shed a tear or two, and to simply enjoy. I did so and it was well worth spending the extra time to truly appreciate the depth of this story and the inspiring characters within...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Hidden Among The Stars by Melanie Dobson a 4.5 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Guest Post

from Melanie Dobson

Hallstatt’s Hiding Places

Backpacking across Europe—that’s how my husband Jon and I decided to celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary. We savored the old world culture and charm as we hiked along Italy’s coast, toured medieval castles in Germany, and cruised the canals in Belgium; we both left a bit of our hearts in an ancient lakeside town called Hallstatt.

The moment we stepped off the ferryboat and into this storybook village, we crossed through a portal of sorts, traveling back several centuries in time. The rugged, snow-capped mountains around us and alpine lake, the quaint village with its church steeples and cobblestone lanes and waterfall that spilled into town—all of it captivated us.

Along the shore, hidden partially by trees, we could see spires of an abandoned castle, and I wanted to know its story. No one in Hallstatt could tell us who’d lived in the castle—at least, not in English—so my husband agreed to a new adventure. With a swan as our escort, we glided across the lake in an electric boat so I could study the rusty turrets, boarded windows, and wooden boathouse resting in the water like a felled log.

Instead of quelling my curiosity, the match of inspiration ignited my mind. Who had lived in this castle, and what happened there? I began writing in my journal that night, trying to capture my rogue thoughts on paper, hoping that one day a novel would emerge from the ashes of this castle’s story.

When we returned home, I began researching more of Hallstatt’s history and discovered that this region, in all of its beauty and mystique, had been infiltrated by an enemy in 1938. This town and the surrounding Salzkammergut became a mountain retreat for Nazi officials who built mansions on the shores of its many lakes and used salt mines to hide “ownerless treasure”—the gold bullion and artwork they’d stolen from the Jewish people.

The Nazis intended to build a Fourth Reich in this alpine fortress, but the Allies had other plans. Near the end of the war, these lakes became a dustbin of sorts, collecting whatever the enemy dumped into its waters—weapons, counterfeit banknotes, concentration camp lists—as they fled south from the Allied troops. The Devil’s Dustbin, locals call it.

Lake Hallstatt plunges more than four hundred feet between the fortress of mountains. Because of its depth and the many hiding places in the underwater forests, caves, and shifting sands, divers continue finding World War II artifacts today. Some still believe there’s a treasure trove buried on the bottom, but no one has reported finding any gold.

After our trip, a story about this castle and what happened to the heirlooms of the Austrian Jewish people continued to burn inside me until I finally put it on paper. So I built Schloss Schwansee—Castle of Swan Lake—in my mind, inspired by the castle along Lake Hallstatt, and created a cast of historical and contemporary characters who are searching for lost treasure.

Hidden Among the Stars is a time-slip novel about a castle and treasure and fairytales, but most of all, it’s a story about God using ordinary people across Austria to resist evil in their own extraordinary way.

- Melanie Dobson -

Melanie Dobson

Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of nearly twenty historical romance, suspense, and time-slip novels including Catching the Wind and Chateau of Secrets . Three of her novels have won Carol Awards; Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana in 2010; and The Black Cloister won the Foreword Magazine Religious Fiction Book of the Year.

Melanie is the former corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family and owner of the publicity firm Dobson Media Group. When she isn’t writing, Melanie enjoys teaching both writing and public relations classes at George Fox University.

Melanie and her husband, Jon, have two daughters. After moving numerous times with work, the Dobson family has settled near Portland, Oregon, and they love to hike and camp in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest and along the Pacific Coast. Melanie also enjoys exploring ghost towns and abandoned homes, helping care for kids in her community, and reading stories with her girls.

Visit Melanie online at www.melaniedobson.com

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Melanie is giving away a grand prize package that includes a $25 Amazon gift card, Catching the Wind paperback, and Hidden Among the Stars paperback!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

Blog Stops

September 6
Reading Is My SuperPower
Fiction Aficionado
Back Porch Reads
Among the Reads
September 7
The Power of Words
Multifarious
lady ansel book vibes
The Becca Files
September 8
God’s Little Bookworm
Christian Chick’s Thoughts
Painting with Words
Lis Loves Reading
September 9
cherylbbookblog
Living LIfe Free in Christ
Madeline Clark
Mary Hake
September 10
Reflections From My Bookshelves
Genesis 5020
Faithfully Bookish
Simple Harvest Reads (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
September 11
Margaret Kazmierczak
All-of-a-kind Mom
Daysong Reflections
Caffeinated Christian Raves – N – Reviews
Seasons of Opportunities
September 12
Inklings and notions
amandainpa
September 13
Maureen’s Musing
Locks, Hooks and Books
Just Commonly
Book by Book
September 14
Connect in Fiction
Pause for Tales
Have A Wonderful Day
Splashes of Joy
September 15
The Christian Fiction Girl
Tell Tale Book Reviews
To Everything A Season
A Baker’s Perspective
September 16
proud to be an autism mom
Bibliophile Reviews
Bigreadersite
Aryn The Libraryan
September 17
By The Book
Christian author, J.E. Grace
Janices book reviews
September 18
Texas Book-aholic
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
Carpe Diem
September 19
Godly Book Reviews
For The Love of Books
Live. Love. Read.
Reader’s Cozy Corner

5 Comments

Prism Book Tour - The Kingdom To Come by Jennifer Ball + Guest Post & Giveaway

9/14/2018

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Love and war are often the same thing.

Prince Karhiad is a humble king-in-waiting. His father, King Vilsig, rules the Kingdom of Merrhius with an iron fist. While the king dreams of endless conquests, his son only wants to conquer the hearts of his subjects through love instead of fear.

Meanwhile, a dark and sinister force threatens every kingdom around. And if King Vilsig and Prince Karhiad can't put aside their differences, an ancient sinister beast and his supernatural army will lay waste to the Kingdom of Merrhius.

On the night of Prince Karhiad’s 17th birthday, he is mesmerized by a radiant light and makes a decision to learn of its origin. That choice will force him towards answers he wasn't seeking, a woman he wasn't planning to fall in love with, and a destiny that will bring him great suffering yet an even greater reward. But in this gripping tale of good vs. evil, the power of love isn't just a shield to ward off the darkness -- it's also the strongest weapon of all.

Young Adult Christian Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 298 Pages
June 28th 2018 by Revelation Publishing Company

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N

Guest Post with
Jennifer Ball

Prince Karhiad’s Survival Checklist

√ Don’t fear anything… ever

√ Loyal friends in my circle who value me unconditionally

√ Physically train harder than what is expected of me as the prince

√ Carry two weapons into battle — bow and arrow and sword

√ Practice using different bows to shoot with to
ensure my aim is perfect no matter the bow

√ Do not drink wine or beer

√ Love my father and mother

√ Seek answers, never confirm to the majority view

√ Interact daily with those outside my palace

√ Never lose focus of the task, and this will
always keep me focused on the target

Jennifer Ball

I am a friend of Jesus who at times fails at making this is my most important relationship. I am a wife who forgets at times this is my primary job. I am a mom who at times didn't get it right. I take lots of pictures that annoy everyone in my family except for my dog. She loves it.

I began writing short stories when I was a child. I would sit in my room for hours writing as fast as I could to keep up with my thoughts. We didn't have a

typewriter and certainly no computer. Too often my writing would turn to scribble. I ended up with lots of loose paper with many short stories written on them in half scribble that made it too difficult for others to read. Thanks to technology, I went back to my childhood passion and wrote a story that I turned into a readable book.

That's me, to make a long story short.

Website│Goodreads│Amazon

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive a $20 Amazon eGift Card

Open internationally
Ends September 19th

Tour Schedule

September 10th
Launch
My Devotional Thoughts
My Life Loves and Passion
Stacking My Book Shelves!
September 11th
Remembrancy
Rockin' Book Reviews
Hearts & Scribbles
September 12th
Wishful Endings
The Barefoot Reader
September 13th
Declarations of a Fangirl
Among the Reads
Reading On The Edge
September 14th
Tell Tale Book Reviews
Locks, Hooks and Books
Colorimetry
SilverWoodSketches
September 15th
Grand Finale

0 Comments

Singing Librarian Books Blog Hop - Chasing The Hunter by Emily Yager + Interview & Giveaway

9/14/2018

1 Comment

In 1788, Aria Stonewood is chased from her home in the New England colonies after being accused of murder and abducting twin baby girls.

Hiding a secret, Aria travels west deep into the north-woods of the Minnesota territory. She seeks shelter at a French trading post that is run by a former priest and meets Francois Marcks; both of whom distrust her and do not want her staying there. But with the dangers of winter coming they have no choice but to reluctantly let her stay unaware of what the coming winter will bring to their door.

ASIN: B07FHL9F8S

Print Length: 154 pages
Publication Date: July 16, 2018

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Interview with
Emily Yager

1. Who or what inspired you to become an author?
I was raised with a family of avid readers and storytellers, Momma, Mimmie (Grandma) and Pappaw (Grandpa) always seems to have a book hidden somewhere close by just in case. I followed in their footsteps. Though the person who inspired me the most is Momma. She always encouraged creative thinking and writing. After all she did name me after three of her favorite writers: Emily Bronte, Anne Bronte, and Emily Dickinson. Perhaps she knew something even back then.

2. When did you first start writing? When was your first novel published compared to when you first started writing?
According to family members I have always been able to create elaborate tales at a moment’s notice. I wrote my first story when I was in second grade in my school notebook instead of doing the assignments. My first book was not published until 2016, A Whippoorwills Song, which is still available. So, I spent quite a few years, practicing my writing with several unfinished or poorly told stories safely hidden away and reading anything I could get my hands on.

3. How do you deal with publisher rejection letters?
As an Indie author this is not something I’ve had to deal with much. I did start out wanting to be traditionally published. Even sent my first novel to several publishers and got rejected by all of them. How’s the saying go ‘when one door closes, you open a window.' That is what I did, when tradition publishing didn’t work out of me, I turned toward indie-publishing and so far it has worked out fine for me.

4. What authors would you recommend to your fellow readers?
Oh, my giddy aunt. I have SO many favorite’s that I enjoy reading that it would be a very long list. My top 10 that I would recommend in a heartbeat, since I’ve read all or at least most of their books would be (in no particular order): Jody Hedlund, Melanie Dickerson, Mary Lu Tyndall, Cathy Marie Hake, Mary Connealy, Jen Turano, Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, Tracie Peterson, and Tessa Afshar.

5. What does “a day in the life of Author Emily Yager” look like?

My day starts with a cup of coffee with butter in it, then spend the rest of the morning catching up on everything, phone calls, mail, email, social media, Family, housekeeping (sometimes), and time with my dog. Then after lunch I try and leave most of my afternoons flexible to be able to hang out with family or going places, occasionally writing or research. After supper, is my main writing time. I tend to write late into the night. It’s not uncommon that I am up until one or two (sometimes later or would it be earlier?) in the morning. That’s an overview of a typical day for me.

6. When you are not writing, what hobbies do you enjoy?
Besides reading, I enjoy cooking and/or baking, arts and crafty things like drawing, crocheting, scrapbooking, cardmaking, sewing and quilting. I love music, whether it be listening to it, singing, playing an instrument (or try to). I play several instruments including piano, banjo, ukulele, penny whistle, and bodhran. Other hobbies I enjoy are gardening, hiking, canoeing, and archery.

7. What inspired the idea for Chasing the Hunter?
As a history geek, I love learning about the history of Northern Minnesota (where I grew up and currently live) I saw this exhibit on the French Fur Traders in Minnesota and the thought hit me: I have never seen nor read a book about the fur traders that wasn’t a documentary, essay, or a dry factual history book. I even Googled the topic to prove it. So, I told myself that I would be the one to change that and since I love canoeing and drifting down the river it just made sense.

8. What did you as an author take away from writing Chasing the Hunter?

I think the biggest thing that I learned or at least relearned while writing this book was to be more forgiving and to be willing give people the benefit of doubt when something bad happens or something from their past comes up. Because we don’t always know what happen to a person in the past or what caused them to do what they did. That it is something that, as a Christian especially, we need reminded of from time to time. I know I certainly do.

9. What is your current WIP? What can you tell us about it?
I just finished book two in the Pursuing Voyageurs series “Coaxing the Clerk” which will be released in mid- October. And I am about half-way through writing book three in the series “Catching the Nor’wester” They continue to showcase the difficult life that the Fur Traders endured as they lived and working in the Northwoods. Each book is about a different ‘couple’ and their own struggles. Book two features Allis and Stefan’s story, book three is about Calliope and Etienne’s. Beyond that I can’t really say anything else yet.

- Emily Yager -

Growing up in Northwestern Minnesota, Emily spent the long winter days dreaming and creating stories. She loves the mild summers and cold, wind swept state so much that she incorporates the landscape and small towns into her stories. A life-long book dragon, Emily is fulfilling her dream by writing novels.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | WEBSITE

Blog Hop Schedule

September 3-Britt Reads Fiction
September 4-Blooming with Books
September 5-Robin’s Nest
September 6-cherylbbookblog
September 7-Among the Reads
September 8-ReadingIsMySuperPower
September 10-Remembrancy
September 11-Singing Librarian Books
September 12-Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic
September 13-Edits and Reviews by Leslie
September 14-Tell Tale Book Reviews
September 15-Life Is What It’s Called

1 Comment

E-Book Review - Snowbound With The Best Man by Allie Pleiter

9/12/2018

Genre:
Romance

Snowbound With The Best Man
Matrimony Valley book 2
(Love Inspired)
by Allie Pleiter

-From Amazon-

Do their matchmaking daughters
have the right idea?

A Matrimony Valley novel

Snowed in with the best man at a wedding weekend, florist Kelly Nelson can’t help but notice that the handsome widower seems overwhelmed raising his young daughter. So Kelly is delighted when her own daughter befriends the girl. But when the little matchmakers target Kelly and Bruce with an adorable Valentine’s Day plot, will the reluctant single parents give love a second chance?

ASIN: B079YRBGH3

Can they find love while snowflakes fall?

Not only am I new to Matrimony Valley, even though this is the second book, but I am also new to Allie Pleiter's wonderful Love Inspired books. But after reading Snowbound With The Best Man I won't stay a newbie for long. I really enjoyed this sweet heartwarming tale of family and romance.

There were a few poignant moments as well as the hero and heroine help each other, and especially their precocious daughters, deal with the losses they have faced and move into the possibility of a future together.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Allie Pleiter

I read Snowbound With The Best Man in the hottest part of summer and I have to say that it was fun taking some time out with a cool story that included some snowflakes. Check it out for yourself...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Snowbound With The Best Man by Allie Pleiter a 4 Bark ratng.

0 Comments

E-Book Review - Fawkes by Nadine Brandes

9/12/2018

Genre:
Historical / Fantasy / YA

Fawkes
by Nadine Brandes

-From Amazon-

Thomas Fawkes is turning to stone, and the only cure to the Stone Plague is to join his father's plot to assassinate the king of England.

Silent wars leave the most carnage.The wars that are never declared but are carried out in dark alleys with masks and hidden knives. Wars where color power alters the natural rhythm of 17th-century London. And when the king calls for peace, no one listens until he finally calls for death.

But what if death finds him first?

Keepers think the Igniters caused the plague. Igniters think the Keepers did it. But all Thomas knows is that the Stone Plague infecting his eye is spreading. And if he doesn't do something soon, he'll be a lifeless statue. So when his Keeper father, Guy Fawkes, invites him to join the Gunpowder Plot--claiming it will put an end to the plague--Thomas is in.

The plan: use 36 barrels of gunpowder to blow up the Igniter King.

The problem: Doing so will destroy the family of the girl Thomas loves. But backing out of the plot will send his father and the other plotters to the gallows. To save one, Thomas will lose the other.

No matter Thomas's choice, one thing is clear: once the decision is made and the color masks have been put on, there's no turning back.

ASIN: B077CXZGHB

This Book received a 5 Bark rating.

Nadine Brandes

One misstep and it could all go up in flames...

I fell in love with Nadine Brandes's fiction with her dystopian Out Of Time series so when I heard that her next book would be a historical fantasy, fantasy historical, well, whatever it is, I knew that it was going to be good. But Fawkes wasn't good.....it was great! It was wonderful! It was Amazing! Can you tell that I loved this book? With the absolute perfect blend of historical detail, Jacobean era England, and fantasy this book was exciting and so very hard to put down.

To be honest, I was so immersed in the story and what was happening to Thomas that I was quite a ways into the book before I realized that there was a lot more going on than just the obvious. The story was a fun and fantastical retelling of the Gunpowder Plot, which I actually had heard of before, and all of the religious controversy that marked the era.

Nadine Brandes may be a YA author but her books, Fawkes included, will definitely appeal to readers if all ages. Her intriguing characters, action-packed prose, and the light dusting of romance, in Fawkes made for a fun read that I found nearly impossible to put down. At nearly 450 printed pages this book is a fairly long one but it sure didn't seem that way while I was reading it, I kept turning the digital pages on my Kindle so fast my fingers were almost smoking. This is definitely a book I would recommend for any reader, boy or girl, YA age or not...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Fawkes by Nadine Brandes a 5 Bark rating.

0 Comments

Cover Reveal - The Profile Match by Jill Williamson

8/31/2018

Cover Reveal!

When Spencer Garmond’s friend is kidnapped, the young Mission League agent-in-training decides he’s had enough. Determined to stop the criminals he suspects are responsible, he petitions the Los Angeles Field Office to give him the lead on the case. Now he’s investigating his favorite actress, the movie director who pretended to be his dad, and even his own uncle. Weird much?

As he struggles to find the connections between this unlikely group of suspects, he uncovers a clue that could create a worldwide scandal. When the Field Office steps in, Spencer realizes he’s not really in control of the investigation at all. Can Spencer trust God to bring about justice, or will his need to be in control jeopardize the very people he's trying so hard to protect?

Don’t miss this final installment in the award-winning Mission League series by author Jill Williamson.

Releases October 15, 2018

Pre-Order for only $2.99 during the month of September.

Pre-Order

Goodreads

#jillwillimson #themissionleague

0 Comments

Book Review - A Light So Lovely by Sarah Arthur (Non-Fiction)

8/30/2018

Genre:
Non-Fiction / Biography

A Light So Lovely
The Spiritual Legacy Of Madeleine L'Engle
by Sarah Arthur

-From Amazon-

Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time has captured the imagination of millions - from literary sensation to timeless classic and now a major motion picture starring Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Storm Reid, and Mindy Kaling. A Light So Lovely tells the story of the woman at the center of it all - her imagination, her faith, her pattern of defying categories, and what readers today can learn from her legacy.

Bestselling and beloved author Madeleine L'Engle, Newbery winner for A Wrinkle in Time, was known the world round for her imaginative spirit and stories. She was also known to spark controversy - too Christian for some, too unorthodox for others. Somewhere in the middle was a complex woman whose embrace of paradox has much to say to a new generation of readers today.

A Light So Lovely paints a vivid portrait of this enigmatic icon's spiritual legacy, starting with her inner world and expanding into fresh reflections of her writing for readers today. Listen in on intimate interviews with L'Engle's literary contemporaries such as Philip Yancey and Luci Shaw, L'Engle's granddaughter Charlotte Jones Voiklis, and influential fans such as Makoto Fujimura, Nikki Grimes, and Sarah Bessey, as they reveal new layers to the woman behind the stories we know and love. A vibrant, imaginative read, this book pulls back the curtain to illuminate L'Engle's creative journey, her persevering faith, and the inspiring, often unexpected ways these two forces converged.

For anyone earnestly searching the space between sacred and secular, miracle and science, faith and art, come and find a kindred spirit and trusted guide in Madeleine - the Mrs Whatsit to our Meg Murry - as she sparks our imagination anew.

ISBN-13: 978-0310353409

A light in the darkness...

This Book received a 3 Bark rating.

Sarah Arthur

I'll admit that I don't read a lot of non-fiction, and definitely not as much as I should, but when I read the blurb on this book and found that it was about the author of one of my absolute favorite characters of all time, Meg Murry, I knew that this was a book I wanted to read.

To be completely honest, my reaction to this book when I finished it was quite mixed. On the negative side, conservative Christians and believers in young earth science may find themselves fairly irritated as they are painted in a rather unflattering light by the author's personal opinion. On the positive side, I found the insight into Madeleine L'Engle's life, faith, writing, and the impact she has made on other authors, to be simply fascinating. I was first introduced to the Murry family, and Calvin O'Keefe, as a little girl when my dad read A Wrinkle In Time and A Wind In The Door aloud to my younger brother and I. I truly fell in love with plain Meg Murry who never seemed to fit in anywhere but found herself called to act in extraordinary circumstances. To find out that she wrote about so much more came as a surprise as did the magnitude of the opposition she faced from Christian and Secular circles alike. Who would have ever thought that one of childhood's best loved books had so many people clammering for it to be banned.

The look into Madeleine's faith was especially enlightening and the positive impact she has had on 3 generations of children as well as being a bit of a pioneer in fantasy/sci-fi fiction, especially in the Christian realm, not to mention to impact she has had on a wide variety of authors, the author Sarah Arthur included, proves over and over that Madeleine was indeed A Light So Lovely.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Light So Lovely by Sarah Arthur a 3 Bark rating.

0 Comments

E-Book Review - By The Waters Of Babylon by Mesu Andrews

8/24/2018

Genre:
Historical / Biblical

By The Waters Of Babylon
The Psalm Series book 2
by Mesu Andrews

-From Goodreads-

When Babylon destroys Jerusalem, as Yahweh warned through his prophets, the captives' bitterness and grief pours out in the Captives' Psalm:

"[By the rivers of Babylon] we sat as exiles, mourning our captivity, and wept with great love for Zion. Our music and mirth were no longer heard, only sadness. We hung up our harps on the willow trees." (Psalm 137:1-2, The Passion Translation)

A young Israelite woman is among them, captured by a mercenary Scythian prince. Driven toward Babylon by both hatred and hope, she endures captivity to reunite with her husband.

But will he be there when she reaches Babylon? Will the prince risk the Scythian throne--and his life--to believe in the Hebrew God? Can they both find what they seek when they meet the prophet Ezekial. . . by the rivers of Babylon?

ASIN: B07D62FD5S

Will faith transform her and those around her?

Looking for a soft watercolor view of the people and events in the Bible? Better just move on now. Looking for the vivid colors of a realistic, sometimes gritty, story of faith overcoming unimaginable circumstances? By The Waters Of Babylon will be right up your alley.

This Book received a 5 Bark rating.

Mesu Andrews