Tell Tale Book Reviews

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - A Promise Forged by Cara Putman + Review & Guest Post & Giveaway

8/17/2018

Kat transformed in front of him. Her chin came up, her fingers stopped twitching with the fabric of her gown, and a real sparkle bubbled in her eyes. It was like watching Snow White come to life when the prince kissed her.

A heartwarming WWII historical from award-winning author Cara Putman:

Kat Miller has dreamed of playing baseball her entire life. When she earns a spot on a team in the All-American Girls Professional Softball League, she finds that things aren’t as glamorous as she imagined. She struggles with long road trips, grueling practices, and older teammates who are jealous of her success. And to top it all off, an irritating reporter is constantly getting under Kat’s skin.

Events in Jack Raymond’s career have left him cynical and distanced from God. He never wanted to write at a small paper, and he certainly didn’t want to be assigned to something as inconsequential as a women’s softball team. Then Kat walks into his life. The fiery, young softball player somehow climbs the walls around his heart and makes him want to hope again.

When lies fly and the league appears to fail, will Kat and Jack’s new love survive?

Genre: World War 2 Romance
Release date: Originally released in 2010, Re-released in 2017

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Review

So, sports have never been my thing, not even a drop of interest. But...the reason that I really wanted to read this novella is that I've been fascinated for quite awhile by the girls softball/baseball leagues that sprang while the boys were away during WWII.

The negativity that Kat, and the real women, faced because of their gender is shocking by today's standards but through the adversity they helped pave the way for today's girls and women to follow their dreams toward whatever career they wish.

Surprisingly, I enjoyed the baseball details and scenes, but, it was Kat and Jack that really stole my heart. I just loved them both! She's a bit naive, he's a bit jaded, but they are perfect for each other. Whether you are a sports fan or not this novella is a fun read and a great start to the series. Batter up!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Promise Forged by Cara Putman a 4 Bark rating.

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

Guest Post

from Cara Putman

Each of my books starts with a hook that engages my interest, and then as I play with it, I think it will engage readers. A Promise Forged was no different. For this book I was writing a series of three World War II novels for Barbour. I already had two historical hooks that fascinated me: children evacuated from London to Ohio, a top secret project to break Engima in Dayton, but I needed one more. I knew the lead characters were going to be siblings, but I wasn’t sure what to do with the kid sister. Then I remembered the All-American Girls Professional Softball/Baseball League.

And I started thinking.

What would it have been like to desperately want a chance to play a sport you loved professionally?

And to be part of the nascent league when no one was sure whether it was a good or bad idea?

I decided that was the perfect place for Kat. She was the kid sister with fire and passion. She wanted a chance to prove herself, and this would be the perfect place. Then she needed a hero worthy of her. One who could go toe-to-toe with her and still see who she could be.

He came in the form of Jack, a cynical reporter who is disappointed to be assigned to cover girls’ baseball. But then he gets to know Kat and some of the others. And he sees something in her that she doesn’t see in herself. It’s the beginning of fireworks that he doesn’t think can go anywhere because she has to go home to her senior year of high school.

As I began researching the history of the league, I learned that the AAGPS/BL archives were kept at a small museum in South Bend, a couple hours from where I live.

I spent a day there talking with the curator and exploring all the records. Because the league wasn’t expected to last there weren’t many records from the first year. That meant I had to guess about some things like schedules based on what happened in the years after.

A Promise Forged became a book I loved writing. Kat was feisty, Jack was cynical, and baseball provided a great setting. I can’t believe this football loving woman can admit that!

Cara Putman

Since the time she could read Nancy Drew, Cara has wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 she attended a book signing at her local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, was history. There she met a fellow Indiana writer Colleen Coble. With prompting from her husband, Cara shared her dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, Cara’s been writing award-winning books. She is currently working on book 30 and 31.

Cara Putman is an active member of ACFW, and currently serves on its Executive Board. She has also been the Indiana ACFW chapter president and served as the Area Coordinator for Indiana.

Cara is also an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women’s ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, her husband and her kids that is. She graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!) and George Mason Law School, and Krannert School of Management. You can learn more about Cara at www.caraputman.com

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away a grand prize that includes the movie
League of Their Own, a box of cracker jacks, M&Ms and a $20 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/d2ac/a-promise-forged-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Book Review - Flaw Abiding Citizen by Christy Barritt

8/11/2018

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Genre:
Mystery

Flaw Abiding Citizen
The Worst Detective Ever Mystery Series book 6
by Christy Barritt

-From Amazon-

Where’s the director when you need him to call “cut”?

Just when Joey thinks she’s closer to answers about her father’s mysterious disappearance, more questions surface. The starlet is determined to find her dad and to put an end to the crazy stalker fan club trying to manipulate her decisions. But life has plot twists she can’t see coming.

Secrets abound—secrets from the most unlikely of people—and Joey’s had enough. She’s tired of flawed theories and abiding by other people’s rules. Doing what any good citizen would, she seeks resolution, knowing the stakes are higher than just herself.

Dangerous encounters meet the wannabe detective at every turn. As the end of one mystery draws close, it’s clear that Joey will either end up with the answers she seeks or find herself in the closing credits . . . for one final time.

ISBN-13: 978-1979951340

Answers...or just more questions...?

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Christy Barritt

Author Website

In Flaw Abiding Citizen Joey, and readers, finally get many of the answers they've waited so long to find out. But, sometimes those answers bring up even more questions...

I've enjoyed The Worst Detective Ever Mystery Series since the very first book. Every mystery, every quirky character, and every crazy situation that wonderfully flawed Joey finds herself stumbling into. I've ridden the highs and lows with her as she has searched for her dad, tried to straighten her life out, and has had two very different men in the wings, oh, and we can't forget that she has also stumbled over bodies at nearly every turn.

Flaw Abiding Citizen felt much like a satisfying conclusion to the series but I loved how author Christy Barritt, who is one of my favorites by the way, wove little threads of possibility toward more Joey Darling mysteries...or will she still be Joey DARLING?? You'll just have to find out for yourself....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Flaw Abiding Citizen by Christy Barritt a 4.5 Bark rating.

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E-Book Review - Captivated by Alana Terry

8/10/2018

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Genre:
Suspense

Captivated
A Kennedy Stern Christian Suspense Novel book 9
by Alana Terry

-From Amazon-

When a summer mission trip turns horribly wrong ...

The gritty, fast-paced finale to the popular Kennedy Stern Christian suspense series. Kennedy learns what it means to suffer for the gospel and vows to persevere under persecution.

This time, however, faith alone might not save her ... or the ones she cares about most.

ASIN: B0798MV9M8

Sometimes the waiting is the hardest part...

I must confess that I started Captivated with some trepidation. I've had it on my Kindle for awhile but was a bit reluctant to tap that little cover thumbnail. Why, you ask? It's very simple, I've loved this series, and Kennedy, since the beginning and I haven't wanted to say goodbye to her. I just wasn't ready. Well, I finally decided I could do it, and, as with pretty much every other Alana Terry book ,I read the entire thing in a single afternoon.

As with the rest of the books in the series Alana Terry delves down into the sometimes dark thoughts and emotions that we as Christians try so hard to cover with a sparkly and happy facade – those doubts and fears that we sometimes won't even admit to ourselves might exist.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Alana Terry

Author Website

In the end I'm glad that I read Captivated, and the rest of the Kennedy Stern Christian Suspense series. Author Alana Terry has taken Kennedy, and readers, on a bumpy and sometimes heart-wrenching journey through some of today's most hot-button issues. She has handled those issues with grace and dignity, helping readers to ask the questions that count and to discover what they themselves believe. To borrow from, and slightly misquote, the title of this book, she has kept her fans truly Captivated by Kennedy and her adventures.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Captivated by Alana Terry a 4 Bark rating.

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Book Review - Holding The Fort by Regina Jennings

8/10/2018

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Genre:
Historical Romance

Holding The Fort
Fort Reno book 1
by Regina Jennings

-From Amazon-

Jennings Winningly Combines
Humor, History, and Romance

Louisa Bell never wanted to be a dance-hall singer, but dire circumstances force her hand. With a little help from her brother in the cavalry, she's able to make ends meet, but lately he's run afoul of his commanding officer, so she undertakes a visit to straighten him out.

Major Daniel Adams has his hands full at Fort Reno. He can barely control his rowdy troops, much less his two adolescent daughters. If Daniel doesn't find someone respectable to guide his children, his mother-in-law insists she'll take them.

When Louisa arrives with some reading materials, she's mistaken for the governess who never appeared. Major Adams is skeptical. She bears little resemblance to his idea of a governess--they're not supposed to be so blamed pretty--but he's left without recourse. His mother-in-law must be satisfied, which leaves him turning a blind eye to his unconventional governess's methods. Louisa's never faced so important a performance. Can she keep her act together long enough?

ISBN-13: 978-0764218934

Has she made the biggest mistake of her life? Has he?

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Regina Jennings

Author Website

I've been a fan of Regina Jennings since I first read Caught In The Middle several years ago. I've enjoyed her brand of historical romance with a splash of humor and a dash of danger since then. She has a real knack for quirky, flawed, characters and making the reader like them, while ruefully admitting that maybe some of those quirks and flaws are a little bit on the familiar side...

Holding The Fort was a little different than most of her previous books, the hero and heroine are a little more mature, there were a few more serious moments, and most noticeably the location, a military fort, is quite different. But those differences really were Holding The Fort's strengths. Regina Jennings isn't letting herself get caught in a rut.

As much as I liked all of the characters with their quirks and faults I have to admit that I did have a favorite, Daniel's youngest daughter Daisy. That girl is a real firecracker!

Bethany House has outdone itself with the lovely cover and Holding The Fort is another great historical romance from the talented pen of Regina Jennings. If you are a fan of the don't miss this one!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Holding The Fort by Regina Jennings a 4 Bark rating.

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Book Review - A Love For Leah by Amy Lillard

8/6/2018

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Genre:
Amish

A Love For Leah
The Pontotoc Mississippi Series book 2
by Amy Lillard

-From Amazon-

For the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi,
faith can open minds—and hearts—to
create surprising bonds for a lifetime . . .

Independent-minded Leah Gingerich has always been outspoken. And even though she is now a progressive Mennonite, she's rediscovering the joys of family traditions back in her Amish hometown. Yet she can't help but clash with her handsome new Amish neighbor, Jamie Stoltzfus. He's too hard-headed and old-line to see that his traumatized young nephew, Peter, needs faith and help—or that a woman who stands up to him may be what he needs to heal . . .

After a devastating tragedy, Jamie moved to Pontotoc with his nephew for a fresh start. Holding fast to his beliefs is the only way he feels he can aid Peter—and himself. But somehow, Leah's freethinking ways and feisty challenges are sparking a happiness he's never felt before. Soon, Jamie can't imagine his life without her. But are their differences ultimately too great to overcome—or can love bridge their way to a future together?

ISBN-13: 978-1420145687

Falling in love isn't always easy...

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Amy Lillard

Author Website

Another great story from one of my favorite Amish fiction authors! I've been looking forward to A Love For Leah since I read the first book in the Pontotoc Mississippi Series earlier this year. And as anticipated author Amy Lillard delivered a thought-provoking story of faith, family, and love.

Each of Amy Lillard's novels takes on everyday topics, and life choices that, face the Amish, and frequently the Englishers alike. A Love For Leah takes on more than one, including the old-as-time question of whether love really does conquer all or if the differences, especially in matters of faith, are insurmountable.

I really enjoyed A Love For Leah and and read it in pretty short order. Even though Amish fiction has not been a go-to genre in awhile I find myself unable to put an Amy Lillard book down. And when I DO have to put it aside I find myself wondering about the characters and pondering what I would do if I were in similar shoes. And, of course, now that I've finished I find myself not so patiently waiting to find out if and when their might be some more Pontotoc Mississippi stories.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Love For Leah by Amy Lillard a 4 Bark rating.

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E-Book Review - Local Artist by Paul Trembling

7/30/2018

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Genre:
Suspense

Local Artist
by Paul Trembling

-From Amazon-

The police call came at 4:00 am. A possible burglary that turns out to be a particularly nasty murder. Sandra Deeson, the Librarian who finds the bloodied body, is deeply shaken. Then the nightmares begin… because what the police don’t know is that this is not the first time she has found a corpse. One of Sandra’s colleagues is missing. The Police investigation starts and then stalls. There may be a clue in the painting someone left for Sandra – but the picture brings back memories she’s tried to keep buried. Two unidentified bodies, thirty years apart, and the only connection is Sandra herself. Last time, it cost her dearly. This time the price may be even steeper.

ASIN: B077B6SPBL

Can a simple librarian finally solve 2 strange deaths?

I read the previous book, Local Poet, awhile back not realizing that there would be a second one featuring some secondary characters from the first book. I was quite pleased when I started reading Local Artist and discovered some familiar characters.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Paul Trembling

It's rare that I like a second, or later, book more than the first but I have to say that this was the case with Local Artist. The type of mystery, the location of the murder (a library), the heightened danger, a thrilling final showdown, and Paul Trembling's easy to read writing style made this book a quick, and fun, read. Also, as an American reader, I enjoyed a short escape into the authentic life of a country both so similar and different from my own.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Local Artist by Paul Trembling a 4 Bark rating.

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Book Review - Cowboy Bodyguard by Dana Mentink

7/28/2018

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Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Cowboy Bodyguard
Gold Country Cowboys book 3
(Love Inspired Suspense)
by Dana Mentink

-From Goodreads-

She must protect a baby...
With her secret husband's help

In this Gold Country Cowboys novel, Jack Thorn gets a surprise call from the woman he married in secret years ago. Shannon Livingston needs his protection for herself and the baby she's hiding from a biker gang targeting the mother. Now Jack must help Shannon, even if shielding her means pretending to be a true husband to the only woman he's ever loved...

ISBN-13: 978-1335490483

A fake 'family' but a chance at real love...

I've been a fan of Dana Mentink's for several years now, and, with each new novel she never ceases to wow me. I think the Gold Country Cowboys may be my favorite series from this author so far and I know that I especially enjoyed Cowboy Bodyguard.

It was a quick read because I just couldn't seem to put it down. I started it yesterday and only when I couldn't keep my eyelids open any longer early this morning did I manage to lay it aside for a few hours, of course, at first opportunity I picked it right back up and finished it in short order.

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Dana Mentink

Author Website

Dana Mentink's trademark heart-stopping suspense and thrilling romance is contrasted by themes of family loyalty, keeping promises even when it hurts, stepping out of the shadow of past pain, and the most important one, knowing and believing that our Father in heaven won't let us down like our earthly fathers do.

I loved Cowboy Bodyguard, and the rest of this series, and I am definitely looking forward to the next book....do I really have to wait for it????

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Cowboy Bodyguard by Dana Mentink a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Book Review - A Rebel Heart by Beth White

7/24/2018

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Genre:
Historical Romance

A Rebel Heart
Daughtry House book 1
by Beth White

-From Amazon-

Five years after the final shot was fired in the War Between the States, Selah Daughtry can barely manage to keep herself, her two younger sisters, and their spinster cousin fed and clothed. With their family's Mississippi plantation swamped by debt and the Big House falling down around them, the only option seems to be giving up their ancestral land.

Pinkerton agent and former Union cavalryman Levi Riggins is investigating a series of robberies and sabotage linked to the impoverished Daughtry plantation. Posing as a hotel management agent for the railroad, he tells Selah he'll help her save her home, but only if it is converted into a hotel. With Selah otherwise engaged with renovations, Levi moves onto the property to "supervise" while he actually attends to his real assignment right under her nose.

Selah isn't sure she entirely trusts the handsome Yankee, but she'd do almost anything to save her home. What she never expected to encounter was his assault on her heart.

ISBN-13: 978-0800726898

An undercover job gets complicated...by love...

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Beth White

Author Website

I was sad when Beth White's series Gulf Coast Chronicles ended, however, that only made me more excited when I found out that a new series, Daughtry House, was starting. Anticipation was definitely the word that described me! I didn't even really read the blurb before trying to get my hands on a copy.

As in her previous series, this book, A Rebel Heart, again features fascinating and little known history set in locations so many readers are either familiar with or have at least heard of, all wrapped in an entertaining story that leaves you realizing at the end just how much you really did learn. Beth White's attention to historical detail is one of her strengths and one of the best parts of her stories.

A Rebel Heart was a great start to a series that I am looking forward to reading more of. Selah, Levi, and the others were some of the most lively characters and quite captured my imagination. If you liked to be equally entertained while learning something new you should really check out Beth White's new book and series.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Rebel Heart by Beth White a 4 Bark rating.

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Book Review - Lone Witness by Rachel Dylan

7/24/2018

1 Comment

Genre:
Legal Fiction / Romantic Suspense

Lone Witness
Atlanta Justice book 2
by Rachel Dylan

-From Amazon-

Prosecutor Sophie Dawson's first job in the White Collar division of the Fulton County D.A.'s office is to build a case against a local bank employee who may be cheating clients. But when circumstances beyond her control leave her as the only witness to a double homicide involving a vengeful gang, her world is turned upside down.

Former Atlanta police officer turned private security guard Cooper Knight is hired to ensure that Sophie is kept safe. But as threats escalate, they don't know who they can trust.

Sophie is determined not to back down, but her bank case gets more complicated by the day, and the gang will stop at nothing to keep her from testifying. Sophie wants to take a stand for what's right--but can Cooper, who is determined not to be distracted by their growing attraction, keep her safe so that she can finish her pursuit for justice?

ISBN-13: 978-0764219818

It seems like everything is riding on her...

I was introduced to Rachel Dylan's fiction through some of her Love Inspired Suspense titles, and I really liked them, so I was pretty excited when I discovered her full-length books, and then this series. Wow, if you like fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat legal fiction slash romantic suspense, the Atlanta Justice series is just for you!

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Rachel Dylan

Author Website

I think my favorite thing about this series, and Lone Witness in particular, in addition to the romantic suspense part, is the insider view readers get of the legal system and its processes. I know this is fiction but I love the sense of realism that the author's actual profession lends to each of her stories. Plus, unlike so many books or movies, that realism extends to our heroine having to deal with the times when she is successful and the others when she isn't so much.

I'll tell you, if you kind of get tired of perfect characters whose greatest difficulty seems to be what flavor of coffee they want to order, you really should check out Lone Witness. Both Sophie and Cooper are flawed, a bit damaged, and because of that are completely relatable to readers.

Rachel Dylan has a real winner in this book, and series. I really enjoyed every twist and turn, and, boy, was I in for some surprises!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Lone Witness by Rachel Dylan a 4 Bark rating.

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Prism Book Tour - The Truth Between Us by Tammy L. Gray + Excerpt & Giveaway

7/19/2018

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Truth Between Us
(Bentwood #2)
by Tammy L. Gray

Nine years to win her. Three years to love her. And one decision that destroyed it all.

April Duncan was raised with three clear truths: the family name is absolute, ambition and success rule over every emotion, and love always comes with strings attached. Image was everything in her carefully crafted world... until the mirror cracked.

Sean Taylor was April's best friend, the one man who taught her it was okay to let her guard down and to rely on someone. She trusted him. She loved him. Which made his deception the darkest kind of cruelty.

Now, nearly a year later, she’s ready to leave her failed engagement in the past and get back her life and her estranged family, even if it means dating a man solely for his connections. She’ll never again choose love over loyalty.

Sean has spent his entire life breaking barriers, facing challenges, and never giving up. Until one impossible choice destroyed his future and left him no option but to flee from the woman who annihilated his heart.

Now he’s back in Bentwood and determined to make her hear the truth and rebuild the trust he shattered. But April has become a mere shell of the woman who claimed his heart long ago.

Winning her back is more than just seizing a victory, because if he fails… the girl he’s loved for a lifetime will disappear forever.

The Truth Between Us is the second book in the Bentwood series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but it is recommended that you begin with book one to get the full experience among this tight group of family and friends.

Inspirational Contemporary Romance, ebook, 252 Pages
July 12th 2018

Goodreads│Amazon

Other Books in the Series

Goodreads│Amazon

Excerpt

Chapter 4

– Sean
Sean wasn’t sure about anything anymore except that in three days he’d be face to face with the two people who’d trampled his heart. “Surprising her is the only way I’ll know if we still have a chance.” She was too good at hiding her feelings. Too good at shutting out every single emotion she didn’t want to feel.
“Okay. But know this. If a blow up occurs, I will take her side.” Andrew had abandoned the Duncan kingdom and had admitted more than once that he didn’t understand his sister’s choices. Still, his loyalty was unwavering.
“I wouldn’t expect anything less, but it won’t come from me.” Sean had no plans on causing a scene; he only wanted her to listen. To look into his eyes and take responsibility for the trauma she’d put him through.
“Okay. I’ll see you Sunday, then.” Andrew’s nod was apologetic, as if he could see the way this conversation was breaking Sean down, ripping at his defenses faster than he could fortify them.
A handshake and backslap later, Sean finally got the escape he needed. Fresh air rushed through his lungs as soon as he made it past the building doors, his chest constricting with the onslaught of memories he needed to outrun. There’d been no blow up when things had ended with April.
No words at all, just an envelope and his best friend.
Sprinting across the parking lot, Sean ignored the honking car that was forced to slam on its brakes. He ran two more blocks before that horrible night caught up with him, before his chest burned and the ground under his feet grew shaky. Stumbling over a root, he caught himself against the bark of a wide oak tree just in time to feel the first dry heave rise in his chest.
A lifetime together, erased without ever saying goodbye.

Tammy L. Gray

Tammy L. Gray lives in the Dallas area with her family, and they love all things Texas, even the erratic weather patterns. She writes modern Christian romance with true-to-life characters and culturally-relevant plot lines. She believes hope and healing can be found through high quality fiction that inspires and provokes change.

Her characters are real, relatable and deep, earning her a 2017 RITA award in the Romance with Religious and Spiritual Elements category.

When not chasing after her three amazing kids, Tammy can be spotted with her head in a book. Writing has given her a platform to combine her passion with her ministry.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter
Instagram│Pinterest│Amazon│Newsletter

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive a Kindle ebook of
UNTIL I NEW MYSELF, book one in The Brentwood Series,
and a $10 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally

Ends July 25th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule

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Prism Book Blitz Tour - The Celery Patch by Samantha Bayarr + Spotlight & Excerpt & Giveaway

7/17/2018

2 Comments

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to the Book Blitz for

The Celery Patch

By Samantha Bayarr

Learn more about the start of this new Amish romance series with
a touch of mystery, read an excerpt, and enter the giveaway below...

The Celery Patch

(Amish Acres #1)
By Samantha Bayarr
Amish, Christian Romance

Paperback & ebook, 265 Pages
June 21st 2018

When a celery patch mysteriously crops up overnight in the Yoder's field, it attracts some unwanted suitors competing for Naomi's hand.

Someone has grown an oversized patch of celery in Naomi's family field and now she's being accused of trying to "catch" a husband. Will rumors spread by a jealous friend damage her reputation and threaten her chances of marrying the man she loves?

Goodreads│Amazon

Excerpt

“I’m getting married this wedding season, too!” Naomi Yoder blurted out before she could stop the words from pouring from her lips.

Her sister, Ruthie, sucked in her breath and covered her mouth, then quickly recovered from the shock.

Her best friend, Katie Troyer, squealed and pulled Naomi into a hug. “So he asked you, then?” Katie gushed, a giggle exploding from deep within her.

Not exactly!

Ruthie sat across from them. “Who asked you? Jeremiah?”

Naomi nodded, enjoying the attention she was getting over her fake announcement.

Annie Lapp, who’d walked over to their house to discuss a community quilt project, sank into the wicker chair nearest the swing where Naomi and Katie sat. “I don’t believe you, Naomi; you’re a liar!”

Naomi felt her blood run cold despite the heat of the morning sun beaming across the covered porch; her heart drummed against her ribs like a team of horses galloping at full speed. Of course, it was a lie, but she didn’t have much experience with lying the way Annie did; was it possible the girl’s bad habits were rubbing off on her? She hadn’t meant to say it, especially in front of Annie, who was the biggest gossip in the community. If only Katie hadn’t made her jealous with her own wedding news to Benjamin Mast. Not only had it made her worry that she was the last to make such an announcement from her age group, but Naomi just couldn’t take another minute of Annie’s or her sister’s teasing.

Hearing the word spinster coming from her own sister’s mouth had caused her to overreact, and now it was too late to take it back. Not only would Annie tell the entire community about her lie, but she would also add her own lies to make the situation worse. Annie annoyed her with her constant invasive prying, just so she’d have something to gossip about. Well, this time, Naomi had gone and given her plenty to wag her tongue about.

About the Author

Samantha Bayarr, a former Paralegal, became the first Independent Author of Amish Fiction when she published Little Wild Flower in paperback in 2005. Since then, she has written over 130 Christian Fiction Books in Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Western & Cowboy Romance, Amish Romance, and Amish Suspense.

She lives in an historic home in a small town in Florida with her husband, John Foster, who writes children's books. Samantha illustrates her husband's books, the first in the series entitled: Walla Walla and the Great Pirate Adventure. Check out these wonderful stories with a Christian message and over 50 full-color illustrations in each book.

Samantha Bayarr founded Livingston Hall Publishers in 2002. Named after her great, great grandfather, Edward Livingston Hall, who owned a publishing house in the late 1800's, until his passing; Samantha resurrected this legacy as a way of honoring him for passing onto her his love for the written word.

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Minding The Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher + Review & Guest Post & Giveaway

7/13/2018

4 Comments

Six long years ago, Captain Reynolds Macy sailed away from his bride, looking forward to the day when he would return to Nantucket Island with a ship’s hold full of whale oil. But when that momentous day finally arrives, Ren soon discovers that everything has changed in his absence. Everything. “Is nothing on this island as it appears to be?” he whispers in despair.

Unlike most islanders, bold and spirited Daphne Coffin doesn’t defer to Ren as an authoritative whalemaster, but sees through his aloofness to the aching heart beneath. She encourages him to return to his Quaker roots and “mind the Light,” finding solace in God and community. As Ren becomes the man she believes him to be–honorable, wise, faithful–she finds herself falling in love with him.

But how can she, when her heart is spoken for? Tristram Macy is Ren’s business partner, cousin, and best friend–and Daphne’s fiancé. Love always comes at a cost, but when is the price too high?

Suzanne Woods Fisher welcomes readers back to the Quaker community on Nantucket Island for this riveting love story, full of unexpected moments.

Genre: Historical Romance
Release date: July 3, 2018

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Review

From loss and betrayal springs faith and love...

It's a rare thing indeed when I actually like the second book in a series better than the first. But, such is the case with Minding The Light, book 2 in the Nantucket Legacy series. I was originally intrigued by this series because of Suzanne Woods Fisher's slight departure from usual Amish fare to historical Quakers.

I loved how the characters are so flawed, making them more realistic. They make mistakes, even lash out, but love and faith are their redemption.
The dual timeline thing is actually really good. Great Mary's diary entries often parallel what is happening in the lives of the more 'modern' characters, and, her experience and wisdom are invaluable.

More than just an entertaining read, Minding The Light also has some important themes. Things that popped out at me were; the value of ALL people, doing the right thing even when it isn't popular and could be dangerous, and just how easy it is for the Faithful to slip into self-righteous hypocrisy that can really damage a person's witness.

I enjoyed reading Suzanne Woods Fisher's latest addition to her Nantucket Legacy series and I find myself looking forward to what she might have in store for her readers, and characters, next.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Minding The Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher a 4 Bark rating.

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

Guest Post

from Suzanne Woods Fisher

8 Curious Facts you Probably Didn’t Know about Nantucket Island

This beautiful island, thirty miles off Cape Cod, is steeped in history. Here are just a few interesting reasons to add a visit to Nantucket to your bucket list.

1) During the first half of the nineteenth century, Nantucket was considered to be the wealthiest port in the world…all because of whale oil.

2) Petticoat Row is a 19th century nickname for a portion of Centre Street between Main Street and Broad Street. Many shops on Nantucket were run by women while the men were off to sea in whaling ships for years at a time. Quakerism, with its emphasis on equality, provided working women with community respect, value and esteem. The next time you’re visiting Nantucket, be sure to stop by the Petticoat Row Bakery for a morning glory muffin.

3) The use of laudanum (opium) was described by a visiting French as prevalent among the women of Nantucket. Loyal Nantucketers vehemently denied his claim. However, in the 1980s, construction workers digging to Nantucket’s sewer lines found heaps of opium bottles buried in the ground.
For centuries, laudanum was considered to be not only harmless but beneficial. Its very name in Latin is landare, which means to praise. Other names for it: Mother’s Helper (to sedate children), Sea Calm (for seasickness). It was used for all kinds of ailments, from sleeplessness to menstrual cramps to treatment of chronic pain, and available without prescription up until the twentieth century, when it was found to be highly addictive.

4) Nantucket Cent Schools were a carryover from England and the cost was exactly what the name implied. In New England they were kept by refined, thrifty women who often taught their own or their neighbors’ children until they were old enough to enter schools of a higher grade. I came across a story of a boy whose mother stuck a penny in his mouth each day so that he would remember to pay the teacher.

5) Moby Dick, written by Herman Melville in 1851, was based on a true-life event that occurred in 1820 to the Nantucket whaleship Essex and her crew. You can find out more about this ill-fated voyage if you visit Nantucket’s awesome whaling museum.

6) Speaking of…the whaling museum on Nantucket Island is called the Peter Foulger Whaling Museum. Peter Foulger was one of the early settlers to the island, and could be considered a Renaissance Man: inventor, surveyor, teacher, missionary to the Wampanoag Indians. And his grandson was none other than Benjamin Franklin.

7) Nantucketers were, for the most part, related to each other in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. The prosperous island was settled by a small group of families, with less than a dozen surnames: Coffin, Macy, Starbuck, Bunker, Hussey, Gardner, Mayhew, Swain, Barnard, Coleman, Worth, Mitchell. Those names are still common on the island.

8) There’s a good reason those surnames sound familiar to you—many of those early settlers had descendants who started business empires. Recognize these? Macy (retailer) and Folger (coffee).

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Carol-award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes untold stories about inspiring people. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction, ranging from Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World to the historical novel Anna’s Crossing.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a $10 Starbucks gift card to five winners!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/d1c4/minding-the-light-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Images of Nantucket from Pixabay.com

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Book Review - The Fashion Designer by Nancy Moser

7/13/2018

0 Comments

Genre:
Historical Romance

The Fashion Designer
by Nancy Moser

-From Amazon-

The American Dream thrives in 1912 New York City

Annie Wood, the housemaid-turned-pattern designer in The Pattern Artist, jumps at the chance to design her own clothing line when a wealthy New York couple offers to finance her endeavor. Joining the project is Annie’s new husband, Sean Culver, her best friend at Butterick, Maude Nascato, and a mother figure, Edna Holmquist.

Annie and her colleagues give up their careers, risking everything to follow a shared passion: clothes that are both fashionable and functional for modern, busy women in 1912.

Personal and financial setbacks test old relationships and new romances while threatening to keep the business from ever selling a single dress. No one said it would be easy. But the promise of the American Dream holds a deep hope for those who work hard, trust God, and never give up.

ISBN-13: 978-1683226017

Will their hard work succeed or fall apart?

I wanted to read The Pattern Artist because it featured characters working for the pattern company, Butterick. I wanted to read The Fashion Designer because I had really liked the first book and I really wanted to know if the little group of friends had succeeded in their new business.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Nancy Moser

Author Website

I have to admit that I did have a bit of a hard time at first. There were several points of view and they sometimes changed so rapidly that it was a little difficult to follow at times. Once I got into the rhythm of things it was a lot easier and I enjoyed the story.

It was kind of fun watching the characters, who have quickly become like friends, as they struggle to get their fledgling business off the ground. They face a lot of ups and downs, and unexpected romance, but through it each of them learn to rely even more the only One who will see them through everything that life can throw their way.

The Fashion Designer was only the second book that I've read by author Nancy Moser and I'm both curious and kind of hoping that she might continue on into the next chapter of their endeavor.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Fashion Designer by Nancy Moser a 4 Bark rating.

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Book Review - Blooper Freak by Christy Barritt

7/6/2018

0 Comments

Genre:
Mystery

Blooper Freak
The Worst Detective Ever Mystery Series book 5
by Christy Barritt

-From Amazon-

Real life is nothing like TV.

Joey Darling, actress and detective by default, is reminded of this point daily. If only problems could be solved in sixty minutes, complete with commercial breaks, closing credits, and a catchy theme song.

Joey accompanies Detective Jackson Sullivan to a crime scene, only to discover she knows the victim. After a friend is accused of murder, Joey can’t refuse her help—however bumbling it might be. Unfortunately, she only seems to dig up more questions instead of desperately needed answers.

When a misguided fan offers clues, Joey discovers something much deeper than a single crime. But can she sort through all the various story lines to get to the truth? Or will one blooper after another put not only the investigation in jeopardy but her life as well?

ISBN-13: 978-1978345430

As answers come, Joey only has more questions...

Joey Darling really is The Worst Detective Ever, but, that is precisely why I love this series, and her, as much as I do. Her life is messy, she gets herself into the absolutely craziest situations, she's funny and frequently clueless, and she drives Jackson crazy with her stunts. But, oh, that's what makes this series so much fun to read!

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Christy Barritt

Author Website

Blooper Freak, all of the books have such fun titles, is the 5th book in the series and a delightful addition. It's a screwball comedy and murder mystery, with a dash of romance, all rolled into one.

Reading Blooper Freak only continued to solidify my growing belief that this is quickly becoming my favorite Christy Barritt series. And while Joey did manage to solve this mystery I am now even more anxious to find out more about the overarching mystery; where is Joey's dad, who is her Super Stalker Fan Club, and just what has she accidentally gotten herself into??? Only time, and more Christy Barritt books will tell...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Blooper Freak by Christy Barritt a 4.5 Bark rating.

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E-Book Review - Formula Of Deception by Carrie Stuart Parks

7/5/2018

1 Comment

Genre:
Suspense

Formula Of Deception
by Carrie Stuart Parks

-From Goodreads-

From Christy and Carol award-winning author Carrie Stuart Parks comes the thrilling tale of an artist who uncovers one of World War II’s most dangerous secrets—a secret that desperate men will do anything to keep hidden . . . or steal.

When her twin sister was murdered, Murphy Anderson changed her name and appearance and moved to Kodiak to avoid the press and publicity. But when local authorities discover she’s an artist and request her help in drawing a dying man’s memories, she unintentionally ends up in the limelight again—and may be back in the killer’s crosshairs.

The memory that Murphy was asked to draw was from an Alaskan hunter who discovered five bodies on remote Ruuwaq Island ten years ago, but has only shared the information with the police now that he’s dying of cancer. When they go to the island to investigate, no skeletons remain but there is evidence that the bodies may have been deliberately destroyed. But the big discovery is of a World War II Quonset hut.

As one by one the people who were at the hut die, Murphy knows there is something much deeper at stake. What happened there during WWII? And who is willing to kill to keep those secrets buried?

ASIN: B077CWMGHW

Breathe now, you won't be able to later...

This Book received a 5 Bark rating.

Carrie Stuart Parks

Author Website

As soon as I saw that Carrie Stuart Parks had a new book coming out I knew that it would be a must-read for me, I didn't even read the blurb to find out what it was about until I already had a copy on my Kindle. When Formula Of Deception arrived on my Kindle I couldn't resist, it was futile, despite a number of books being higher on my TBR pile, I just couldn't help myself, I HAD to read this book right NOW.

Formula Of Deception was everything I could have hope for and more, lots more. I loved it!!! Carrie Stuart Parks' no-nonsense, straightforward, rather blunt, writing style captured me from the first book of hers that I read and each succeeding title only furthers my appreciation of her talents.

Formula Of Deception was delightfully chilling, spine-tingling, and even a little eerie in places. Merging a seventy year old mystery, terrifying secrets, and some modern people that will stop at nothing to get what they want, Carrie Stuart Parks takes her readers on a wild ride they won't soon forget.

I just couldn't seem to turn the pages fast enough with this book and now I am left, waiting, desperately waiting, for the next book from this author...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Formula Of Deception by Carrie Stuart Parks a 5 Bark rating.

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6th Blogoversary

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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.

TELL
2008-2017
Born in October, he was a purebred Alaskan Malamute. His red fur and sparkling green eyes highlighted his happy and loving personality. He loved walks, hugs, sneaking human food treats, and Milk Bones.

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Here Is Where: Discovering America's Great Forgotten History

by Andrew Carroll

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