Category: Reviews

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Ignite by Kara Swanson (Give.away)

10/6/2024

Can Mara survive in a world where the
fire in her veins is worth killing for?

In a frozen wasteland suffocating beneath a dying sun, Mara is a young phoenix raised by her father to explode at his command. He’s the only one who can help her control her fire, and Mara desperately follows his orders to protect their phoenix family from relentless human hunters.
Her sheltered existence is shattered when her family mysteriously vanishes, thrusting Mara into a perilous quest to find them. Along the way, she unravels a devastating truth: her people may not be the innocent victims she’s been taught to believe.
When she comes face-to-face with the kindhearted Eli, she begins to wonder if the humans aren’t the monsters she’s always feared. What if the greatest danger doesn’t lie in the icy world outside—but in the truth of who Mara really is?
Fire and ice collide in this thrilling tale of a phoenix girl born with the power of a dying sun.

Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: August 20, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

An icy wasteland, a fiery girl, and a search....

Wow, I was totally hooked on Kara Swanson's fantastic and fantastical fiction with her Heirs Of Neverland books but this first The Phoenix Flame novel really amps it up. Ignite is one vividly intense story that is a truly wonderful flight of imagination.

Ignite captured me right from the start. From the icy realm with a dying sun to the intricate phoenix culture Kara Swanson once again proves her skill and mastery of fantasy that appeals to teens as well as adults.

Mara's story is one that tugs at the heart and resonates even as it captivates and entertains. And this first book in The Phoenix Flame, not sure if it is a duology or series yet, is very entertaining in all of the best ways.

As you can probably surmise, I enjoyed every minute reading Ignite. I love a good fantasy escape gets my emotions just as involved as my imagination and Kara Swanson has managed that perfectly with her Phoenix Flame tale of fire and ice....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Ignite by Kara Swanson a 5 Bark rating.

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

More from Kara

This story is one that has lived a hundred lives, a little like the phoenix it’s about —dozens of iterations and nearly eight years discovering Mara’s story. In this icy world beneath a dying sun, I was able to craft a story of a young phoenix girl who was more terrified of her own fire than the dangers of the frozen wasteland outside her underground hideaway. Who has been convinced by the father she loves that her flame is only capable of pain and damage — until suddenly, he disappears. And for the first time, she ventures out of her hideaway to discover that the frozen world outside is actually dying for her flame. And that the parts of herself that she has feared and run from…that there may be beauty, even there. That she can choose to rise from the ash of a world that doesn’t understand her, and use the fire in her veins to bring warmth and healing.

I hope you enjoy the adventure!

Kara Swanson

Kara Swanson writes stories about fairy tales and fiery souls. She spent her childhood a little like a Lost Girl, running barefoot through lush green jungles which inspired her award-winning Peter Pan retellings, Dust and Shadow.
She is also the cofounder of the Author Conservatory (authorconservatory.com) where she has the honor of teaching young writers to craft sustainable author careers.

You’ll find Kara with her toes in California sand as a SoCal resident, belting Broadway show tunes on weekend drives to Disneyland with her delightfully nerdy husband, or chatting about magic and mayhem on Instagram.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Kara is giving away the grand prize of
a $50 Amazon card and a copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5450/

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 27
By the Book , September 27
Texas Book-aholic, September 28
Live.Love.Read., September 29
Inspired by Fiction, September 30
The Lofty Pages, September 30
Hannahbandanarama, October 1
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 1
Faery Tales Are Real, October 2
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 3
Min Reads and Reviews, October 3
Wishful Endings, October 4
Book Zone Reviews, October 5
Simple Harvest Reads, October 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 6
Where Faith and Books Meet, October 7
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 8
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 8
Book Butterfly in Dreamland, October 9
Blogging With Carol, October 10

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Book Review - Lightshed by Crystal D. Grant

9/15/2024

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Published: September 3, 2024 by Quill and Flame Publishers

ASIN: B0DB3BXTCD

My Review

Their choices will change everything....

I have been looking forward to Lightshed ever since I turned the last page of the first book in The Gateway Trilogy. Crystal D. Grant's characters and worldbuilding caught my attention and I was ready for more...

As hoped, Lightshed proved to be just as good as its predecessor. The worldbuilding was as vivid as ever and I felt like I could almost see it. The magic system is fleshed out even more in this second Gateway Trilogy book as Crystal D. Grant blends it pretty much seamlessly with a Christian perspective.

Lightshed has all of the things that you want to see in a good older-YA fantasy novel. From sword fights to betrayal to sacrifice to budding romance. The characters are also quite good as one can't help but love Seria Gayle and root for Mason to finally discover the truth before it's too late. Key themes of learning to trust God no matter what, doing the right thing even when it is beyond hard, and forgiveness as both good guys and bad guys make mistakes are central to the story.

I sincerely enjoyed reading the middle Gateway Trilogy novel and, just like the last time, I am champing at the bit to dive back into Crystal D. Grant's exciting fictional realm and find out what happens next to Seria, Mason, and the others...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Lightshed by Crystal D. Grant a 4 Bark rating.

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

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson (Give.away)

9/14/2024

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Who Stole Tilly from the Auction Block?
Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red
truck in book one of a new cozy mystery series.

The Hadley family ranch is struggling, so RaeLyn, her parents, and brothers decide to turn the old barn into an antique store. The only thing missing to go with the marketing of the store is Grandpa’s old red truck, Tilly, that was sold several years ago. Now coming back up on the auction block, Tilly would need a lot of work, but RaeLyn is sure it will be worth it—if only she can beat out other bidders and find out who stole Tilly after the auction ends. Hadley finds herself in the role of amateur sleuth, and the outcome could make or break the new family venture.

Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction
Release Date: August 2024

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Just how much trouble can one old truck be...?

I am always up for a good cozy mystery from Janice Thompson. They make me laugh and it's fun to try and figure out who did it. That meant I was pretty excited to find out about Tracking Tilly and I had to get my hands on this first Little Red Truck Mystery.

Tracking Tilly was every bit as good as I had hoped and maybe even a little better. The imaginative heroine and her quirky family kept me chuckling all the way through and I loved the smalltown Texas setting. I also loved the antique vehicle thread that made up some important and fun scenes.

The mystery aspect of this first book in The Little Red Truck Mysteries series was exactly what you like to see in a Christian cozy mystery. Janice Thompson did a great job layering the clues and revelations within the story as our heroine learns a thing or two about letting go of past hurts in order to see the possibilities and new beginnings right in front of her.

Tracking Tilly is an entertaining, fun, and enjoyable read from Janice Thompson. I finished it much faster than even I expected and now I am really looking forward to reading more Little Red Truck Mysteries whenever they release....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson a 4 Bark rating.

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

More from Janice

Welcome to Mabank, Y’all!

Some stories are written out of a passion for the characters. Others are written out of an idea for a unique and engaging plot. And some—like my new book, Tracking Tilly—are written out of pure love and devotion for a location.

We writers love to set our books in unique places. And because I’m a Texas gal, I usually set my stories in South Texas, often along the Gulf Coast. This time, however, I wanted to take a trek a little farther north, to the town of Mabank Texas.
Don’t know where Mabank is? No worries! It’s right next to Gunbarrel City, which is nestled next to Cedar Creek Reservoir, a gorgeous body of water that provides excellent fishing, boating, and camping. This neck of the woods is known as East Texas territory, and it’s unique from where I live in the Houston area—both in terrain and culture.

My familiarity with this region goes back to the early 1980s, when my mother remarried and moved to a 63-acre ranch with my step-dad. Though I hailed from Texas, I’d never been to this particular region. Turns out, I’d been missing out on a lot! Picture beautiful ranch-lands, perfect for raising horses, cows, goats, and chickens. Now imagine small-town churches, restaurants, and specialty shops. Add to that the beauty of a fabulous lake, one dotted with fishing boats, kayaks, and swimmer. Talk about beautiful. . .and perfect for a book series filled with the unexpected twists and turns found in most cozy mysteries.

Tracking Tilly is the first in a three-book series from Barbour called The Little Red Truck series. I used the ranch as the setting for my main character (RaeLyn Hadley) to live. And boy, does the story ever explore those beautiful Texas backdrops, all through her eyes! Tracking Tilly is set in the springtime, when bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrushes are in full bloom. I didn’t even have to research to know what those look like!

I loved setting this fun cozy mystery in mama’s hometown, and not just for nostalgic reasons. Sure, a quaint small town and a rustic 63-acre ranch provide the perfect backdrop for a mystery, but even more than that, I loved getting to know RaeLyn and her family. Plunking them down in my mama’s house allowed me to re-visit the location in my own imagination and to envision how RaeLyn would see it.

My mom passed away in 2017 and I rarely get back to Mabank and Gunbarrel City these days. But once I decided to set Tracking Tilly in this area I knew I had to make one more trip. So, I asked a close friend to join me and we made a day trip out of it. Over the river and through the woods, to my mama’s old house we went.

And while we were there, we drove by her church (First Baptist, Mabank). Oh, and we had to stop off at one of her favorite restaurants. Mostly, though, I wanted to see the lake. As I got out of my car at the water’s edge I was flooded with memories of driving over that lake on my way to visit mom when my kids were little. We spent nearly every holiday on that beautiful property.

As you read Tracking Tilly, I hope you find yourself captivated by the setting, but I also hope you see a little of yourself in RaeLyn. She’s an adventurous, inquisitive gal, loaded with zeal for life and a passion for her family. More than anything, I hope you discover a renewed sense of purpose in your own family’s story.

Thanks for reading, y’all!

Janice Thompson

Janice Thompson hails from south Texas. She is a Christian author and mother of four grown daughters. Janice has written over forty books.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Janice is giving away the grand prize package of
a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5433

Blog Stops

Lighthouse Academy, September 6
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 7
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 8
Pause for Tales, September 9
Texas Book-aholic, September 9
The Avid Reader, September 10
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , September 11
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 12
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 13
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 14
Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 14
Lily’s Corner, September 15
She Lives To Read, September 15
Devoted To Hope, September 16
Lights in a Dark World, September 16
Book Looks by Lisa, September 17
Labor Not in Vain, September 18
Stories By Gina, September 19 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, September 19

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Movie Review - God's Not Dead: In God We Trust (Give.away)

9/12/2024

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‘God's Not Dead' is the Most
Successful Faith Franchise of All Time

God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust is in theaters
September 12th in association with Great American Pure Flix and Fathom

In a time of profound political, civil, and spiritual turmoil, Reverend David Hill grapples with a crucial question: Does God still have a place in politics? Following the unexpected death of a favored congressional incumbent, David feels compelled to enter the race, challenging the increasing efforts to remove religious influence from public policy. Facing off against state senator Peter Kane, a formidable opponent determined to create greater division by pushing religion out of the public square, David must navigate the treacherous waters of modern politics, where his faith, optimism, and principles are put to the ultimate test. As he confronts adversaries from his past and faces relentless scrutiny, David’s campaign becomes a beacon of hope for many who yearn for spiritual and moral leadership in a divided nation. God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust explores the enduring relevance of faith in public life and the fight to keep religious values at the heart of governance.

This film is more crucial than ever, especially during this election year. Be part of the conversation that’s igniting hearts and minds everywhere. This is more than a movie; it's a movement!

Get your tickets starting September 12th

WEBSITE

TICKETS

My Review

As the tides change it is time to stand up for America....

I've been voting since I turned 18. But I can honestly say that in the nearly 2 decades since then the ever worsening political climate rife with corruption has gotten me discouraged and wondering if there is any hope left for our country. Like pretty much everyone I am well aware of the growing animosity towards faith and Christianity in particular. We are told to put our beliefs in our back pockets and not let it influence how we conduct our business, ourselves, and how we vote. But, not only did this God's Not Dead movie turn that lie right on its head – and a lie it surely is – it also was a good reminder as to why I DO choose to vote.

I found it quite ironic that I watched God's Not Dead: In God We Trust literally right before some of the very tricks used by the 'bad guy' in this film played out in real life right in front of me in the news. As I watched the movie and then real life events unfold I found myself thinking about how important it is to stand up for the truth, for life, for morality, and for our beliefs no matter how strong the opposition is nor how much power they think they have. The title of the film is also a good reminder; He isn't dead and in Him we do trust.

A fun FYI; “In God We Trust” first appeared on the 2¢ coin in 1864 during one of America's darkest times – The Civil War. I have my own 2¢ piece from that year because of just how important that short phrase really is.

For those who wish to know: the film is very well made and is probably one of the best in the franchise. I found myself caught up in the story from start to finish.

Anyway, definitely go out and see God's Not Dead: In God We Trust in theaters. Take your entire family to see it as the message of courage and faith is so important. And, when the time comes in a couple of months do not pass your God given and blood earned right away . Go out and vote. And when you step into that booth pray for God to guide your choices as you prove that God's Not Dead: In God We Trust....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives God's Not Dead: In God We Trust a 5 Bark rating.

(Disclosure: Many thanks to Pinnacle Peak Pictures for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.)

It's Time For A Giveaway!

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon giftcard!

(USA ONLY)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#InGodWeTrustMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Winter's Maiden by Morgan L. Busse (Give.away)

8/22/2024

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Warrior. Survivor. Daughter of the North.

From the moment she is born, Brighid fights to survive in the wastelands of Nordica as a clanless one. But when a new power arrives offering a trial to join the Nordic warriors, Brighid enters, hoping to rise above her station. Soon she becomes one of their fiercest fighters and joins the war against the south.

Kaeden carries the blood of the ancient Eldaran race in his veins but turns away from his heritage after the death of his parents. Years later, he is called back to his homeland and invited to be a healer for the southern forces. With the help of an old mentor, the power inside of him starts to awaken. However, his life is turned upside down when a mighty warrior of the Nordic forces is captured.

As Kaeden interacts with the enemy, he discovers there is a darkness behind the Nordic Wars, one that is manipulating the people of the north. But who will believe him? And is there a power strong enough to break the hold of this hidden adversary? Or will the world burn in the flames of war?

Genre: Adult Viking Fantasy
Release date: August 6, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Her story will be epic....

Morgan L. Busse is one of those authors that, regardless of genre, I will pick up and read as soon as I see her name on the cover. Honestly, I didn't even read the back cover blurb for Winter's Maiden, I just got my hands on a copy as soon as I could. When I discovered that it is the start of a new series, The Nordic Wars, I was even more excited than before.

Winter's Maiden proved to be another spellbinding tale from the ever talented pen of Morgan L. Busse. The harsh and dramatic landscapes, the Nordic culture that felt both familiar and fantastical, and the well written characters made this story every bit as delightful to read as I had anticipated.

Over the years I've really come to expect a lot from Morgan L. Busse and her vivid storytelling. No matter the genre, from fantasy to steampunk with a touch of dystopian, she always delivers a story that fully immerses the reader within that particular world and totally invests them in the characters' lives.

There is absolutely nothing to dislike about Winter's Maiden except having to wait what feels like practically forever for the next Nordic Wars book to release....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Winter's Maiden by Morgan L. Busse a 5 Bark rating.

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

More from Morgan

A long time ago when I wrote Daughter of Light (the first book in my Follower of the Word series), I mentioned the Nordic Wars and how it changed people’s perspective on beings with power. It was a side comment to answer my main character’s question, but I was intrigued with the idea and knew someday I wanted to write about it.

Now almost twenty years later, here is that story.

Some questions I’m asked when people realize Winter’s Maiden ties in with Daughter of Light is do they need to read my first series? The answer is no. Winter’s Maiden takes place 400 years before the events in Daughter of Light. It involves a country and culture I never explored in my previous series, not to mention the world looked different back then. However, fans of my first fantasy series will appreciate seeing familiar places, races, and what happened back then to create the world in Daughter of Light.

So, what do new readers have to look forward to? Here are a few: a Viking-Inspired culture with my own twist, a female character who is strong but doesn’t need to prove that, a healer who is built like a berserker but is actually a pacifist, a power that allows a person to see inside the soul of another, battles that don’t read like a historical textbook, and deep questions I’m known to explore in my novels.

In the end, I love that I was able to revisit a world I created over twenty years ago and write a story that’s been on my heart for almost as long. I consider it one of my best books yet and cannot wait for readers to finally get to read Brighid’s story.

Morgan L. Busse

Morgan L. Busse is a writer by day and a mother by night. She is the author of multiple series including The Ravenwood Saga and Skyworld series. She is a three-time Christy Award finalist and won the INSPY, Selah, and Carol Award for best in Christian speculative fiction. During her spare time she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Morgan is giving away the grand prize package of
a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2d973/winter-s-maiden-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, August 15
Madi’s Musings, August 15
By the Book, August 16
Texas Book-aholic, August 17
Inklings and notions , August 18
Where Faith and Books Meet, August 19
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 20
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 21
Simple Harvest Reads, August 22 (Guest Review from Mindy)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 22
Blossoms and Blessings , August 23
Stories By Gina, August 24 (Author Interview)
Romances of the Cross, August 24
Labor Not in Vain, August 25
Hannahbandanarama, August 26
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, August 26
Wishful Endings, August 27
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 28

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Book Review - Meeting Her Match by Jen Turano

8/15/2024

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Miss Camilla Pierpont, a renowned matchmaker and influential member of the New York Four Hundred, has vowed never to marry after suffering a devastating heartbreak during her debut years ago. However, when she is nearly abducted along the Hudson River, she finds herself rescued by an annoyingly outspoken, albeit fascinating, gentleman who challenges her in a manner she wasn't expecting.After learning that Camilla Pierpont has enjoyed success with taking wayward young ladies in hand, Mr. Owen Chesterfield travels to the Hudson River Valley determined to convince Camilla to sponsor his sister, who is in desperate need of social rehabilitation.Knowing her life is in danger, Camilla agrees to Owen's proposition and travels with him to West Virginia, finding herself charmed by the less-than-formal attitude of his small hometown, as well as by Owen himself. But danger waits in the shadows, disrupting what she knows would be the most spectacular match she's ever made--her own.

ISBN-13: 9780764240225

My Review

West Virginia isn't quite ready for her....

I always need to carve out a block of time whenever I read a Jen Turano book. I know that I am in for a real treat and some very delightful reading, which, in turn means that I won't be able to put it down. I've enjoyed The Matchmakers series from the start so I definitely had to block out some time for just me and Meeting Her Match...

As most eagerly anticipated, Meeting Her Match was everything that I had hoped for and everything that I've come to expect from The Matchmakers series and Jen Turano. I loved every minute of the tale and found myself by turns laughing out loud, shaking my head, and falling in love with the characters – though there were certain ones that I wished to give a well deserved sock in the nose. Once again, the four-legged and furry characters captured my heart – and my funny bone.

There is absolutely nothing that you can't love about Meeting Her Match and I highly recommend it, the rest of The Matchmakers series, and any book by Jen Turano. They always make you laugh, leave you feeling good about having read them, and knowing that you can't wait until the next one. So, dive into the best blend of historical romance and romantic comedy that you can find....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Meeting Her Match by Jen Turano a 4.5 Bark rating.

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

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Rocky Mountain Journey by Misty M. Beller (Give.away)

6/27/2024

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Masquerading as a man, Faith Collins embarks on a perilous journey through the untamed wilderness of the Rocky Mountains in search of the Peigan Blackfoot woman who once saved her father’s life. She joins a group of trappers who may be able to lead her to the place the woman is hiding, but keeping Faith’s identity a secret proves more difficult than she imagined.
Grant Allen is searching for his younger brother, who was separated from him when their parents died many years ago. After receiving word that his brother went west to the Rockies, he unites with a group of trappers, hoping they can lead him to his brother’s location. Soon Grant realizes there’s a woman hiding among the men, and he’s determined to find out who she is, what she’s hiding, and how he can keep her safe in this country of wild animals and even wilder men.
In this rousing conclusion to her Sisters of the Rockies series, Misty M. Beller embarks on an adventurous journey where loyalty, love, and sacrifice intertwine amid the unforgiving frontier.

Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: June 18, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

She'll take the search into her own hands...

I have really gotten into the Sisters Of The Rockies series as it has progressed across the three books. I've enjoyed the differences between each sister's story and the familiar similarities that come with a good Misty M. Beller book. And Rocky Mountain Journey IS a good book.

Rocky Mountain Journey has everything that I've come to like about Misty M. Beller's fiction. From a simple cast of characters to a dramatic landscape setting to a good dash of mystery and intrigue to balance out the romance.

And speaking of mystery, the search for Steps Right has intrigued me from the start. I've been greatly anticipating finally getting those answers and finding out more about her story in general. In this final Sisters Of The Rockies novel I did get those answers, well, most of them anyway, and I felt satisfied with the way that search turned out.

The one and only downside to Rocky Mountain Journey is that now that the Sisters Of The Rockies series has concluded, I have to say goodbye to the characters. The upside is that it leaves me looking forward to more from Misty M. Beller...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Rocky Mountain Journey by Misty M. Beller a 4 Bark rating.

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

More from Misty

A HEROINE DISGUISED AS A MAN

I love a heroine in disguise! It’s one of my favorite tropes, but I don’t often get to write stories with that plot. It adds so many fun and funny moments to the storyline.

In Rocky Mountain Journey our heroine goes undercover as a “man” to travel with a group of trappers so she can reach her destination safely. Numbers meant a better chance of survival back in those days. I love that Grant, our hero, was the only man in the trapper group who looked close enough at the young “man” riding with them to realize things weren’t what they seemed at first glance.

One challenge that definitely arises in a story where the heroine is pretending to be a man is the development of the romance between her and the hero. In this case, Faith was pretending to be her (fictitious) brother Frank. Grant had met Faith in an earlier chapter before she took on the disguise, and he immediately noticed the resemblance between “Frank” and the woman whose memory still lingered with him, even days later. Every time he looks at “Frank” while they’re traveling with the trappers, he recalls the memory of Faith by the waterfall…and the attraction to that woman grows a little more every time. What a shocking surprise when he discovered she’s riding just ahead of him on the trail the entire time!

I pray you love Faith’s stint “in disguise” in Rocky Mountain Journey!

Blessings!
Misty

Misty M. Beller

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.
Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2c068/rocky-mountain-journey-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 18
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 18
Life, Love, Writing, June 19
Book Looks by Lisa, June 19
Wishful Endings, June 20
Lighthouse Academy Blog, June 20 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Texas Book-aholic, June 21
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 22
Devoted To Hope, June 22
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 23
Happily Managing a Houeshold of Boys, June 23
Betti Mace, June 24
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 24
lakesidelivingsite, June 25
Books You Can Feel Good About, June 26
Mornings at Character Cafe, June 26
Life on Chickadee Lane, June 27
Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 27
Cover Lover Book Review, June 28
For Him and My Family, June 29
Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 29
Holly’s Book Corner, June 30
Blossoms and Blessings, June 30
Lily’s Corner, July 1
Pause for Tales, July 1

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - The Girl From The Hidden Forest by Hannah Linder (Give.away)

6/9/2024

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The nightmares may free her…but destroy the man she loves.

Enjoy another Gothic Style Regency from Hannah Linder.

Eliza Ellis has stayed hidden in Balfour Forest for as long as she can remember. Perhaps her only friends are the trees, or her little dog, or her story-telling father called Captain. But at least she is safe from the cruel world outside, a world Captain has warned her against and protected her from.
That is, until a handsome stranger named Felton Northwood invades her quiet forest and steals her away. Why does he tell such lies? Why does he insist that her name is Miss Eliza Gillingham, daughter of a viscount, who disappeared fourteen years ago after the murder of her own mother? A murder Eliza is said to have witnessed.
When Felton returns Eliza to Monbury Manor and reunites her with a man who is told to be her father, all she remembers are the strange nightmares that have plagued her since childhood. Why have they suddenly grown worse? Are the answers hidden inside her own mind?

As danger mounts and lethal attempts are made on her life, Eliza and Felton must work together to uncover the identity of a killer who has stayed silent for fourteen years. When she finally uncovers the horrendous memories trapped in her mind, will divulging the truth cost her the man she loves—and both of their lives?

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Regency Romance
Release date: May, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Can she trust anyone around her...

I've been reading a lot of fantasy and romantic suspense lately so I decided it was time for me to switch up genres a little and try a new-to-me author at the same time. The Girl From The Hidden Forest is a historical Regency romance with some real Gothic vibes to it and Hannah Linder sure keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The Girl From The Hidden Forest is quite a tale from start to finish. It has everything in it from decades old secrets to contemporary kidnapping. Nothing and no one are as they first appear or have appeared for a long time. Readers get plenty of chances to guess and then second guess their earlier suppositions as new clues and revelations come to light.

I found Hannah Linder's book to be a good read. It was interesting in both storyline and characters and I really liked the English setting that really brought out those Gothic overtones. While The Girl From The Hidden Forest was my first Hannah Linder book I somehow doubt it will be me last...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Girl From The Hidden Forest by Hannah Linder a 4 Bark rating.

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

More from Hannah

Everyone has been asking me for years: “Can you see yourself in any of your characters?” I guess I’m in everything, interwoven in all of the sentences. Pieces of me are scattered in the settings. Traits and quirks and secret thoughts are dispersed into the minds and souls of my characters. But I always felt the need to say no. I don’t see myself in my characters.

Perhaps because, in the past, so many of my heroines have been so different than me. Ella Pemberton (Beneath His Silence)—outlandish and stubborn and daring, apt to speak her mind, bold in her manner and flawless in her dance. Nan Duncan (When Tomorrow Came)—injured and worrisome, voice like an angel, childishly sweet, yet too eager to please. Isabella Gresham (Garden of the Midnights)—spoiled and excitable, with raven black hair and an art for entering social circles with impeccable grace and exquisiteness.

I love them, sweet characters of mine.

But I don’t understand them. We’re too different. Like sand and sea, we meet, we touch, we sweep back and forth together but we’re of different substance.

But Eliza Ellis—rather, Eliza Gillingham—is the first character I truly resonate with. Not on purpose. In no wise did I pen her with conscious hints back to myself. But as the story progressed, I found my heart reaching out to her, settling into her.

Because she was the same.

The way she thought, the things she imagined, her forest and her pet and her stories. I comprehended what made her hurt. I understood the dream world she lived in, because I live in a dream world too.

So, if anyone asks me, “Do you see yourself in any of your characters?”, I’ll pull The Girl from the Hidden Forest from the bookshelf and hand it to them. I’ll tell them Eliza and I are like kindred spirits, that we’ve bridged a friendship between reality and fiction.

Whether you’re a reader or a writer, I hope you stumble upon a character one day that feels like you. It’s a strange and special feeling indeed.

Hannah Linder

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels filled with passion, secrets, and danger. She is a four-time Selah Award winner, a 2023 Carol Award semi-finalist, a 2023 Angel Book Award third place winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Also, Hannah is an international and multi-award-winning graphic designer who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and international bestsellers.

She is also a self-portrait photographer of historical fashion. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing
her instruments—piano, guitar, ukulele, and banjolele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain,
square dancing, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Hannah is giving away the grand prize package of
a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2bbf6/the-girl-from-the-hidden-forest-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Devoted To Hope, May 30
Inspired by Fiction, May 30
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 31
Sylvan Musings, May 31
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 1
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 1
Texas Book-aholic, June 2
Mornings at Character Cafe, June 2
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 3
Blogging With Carol, June 3
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 4
Betti Mace, June 5
For Him and My Family, June 5
Alena Mentink, June 6
Splashes of Joy, June 6
Stories By Gina, June 7 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, June 7
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 8
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, June 8
Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 9
Cover Lover Book Review, June 9
Book Looks by Lisa, June 10
The Lofty Pages, June 10
Holly’s Book Corner, June 11
Pause for Tales, June 11
Lily’s Corner, June 12
To Everything There Is A Season, June 12

0 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer (Give.away)

6/5/2024

3 Comments

Can Hope Resurface After Evil Tries to Drown It?

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

The Civil War has taken everything from Lily Livingston—her parents, her twin brother, her home. Now she works at her uncle’s inn and keeps her head down. Speaking up for her beliefs proved too costly in a part of Arkansas split by conflicting loyalties and overrun by spies and bushwhackers.

Emaciated in body but resilient in spirit, Lieutenant Cade Palmer is crowded onto the Sultana with other paroled Andersonville and Cahaba POWs for the journey north. But a fiery explosion on April 27, 1865, rends the steamer and empties two thousand men into the frigid Mississippi River.

Recovering from wounds that might end his career as a surgeon but clinging to his faith, Cade threatens both Lily’s defenses and her heart. How can she tell him she might’ve prevented the tragedy if only she’d reported a suspected saboteur’s claims? And when the man returns to town and encoded messages pass through the hotel, will Lily follow her convictions to prevent another tragedy?

Genre: Christian / Historical / Romance
Release date: May, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

The war is over but is forgiveness within reach....

Wow! I vaguely remember reading something about the devastation of the Sultana in my history book but Denise Weimer really brought the true horror and trauma of the disaster to life in When Hope Sank. The fact that it involved hundreds of survivors of both the Civil War itself and the unimaginable suffering of Andersonville who were finally on their way home is even more tragic.

This third novel in the standalone A Day To Remember series was a very moving story. The characters struggles to put life together after four years of hardship, fear, and loss and find some semblance of both stability and a new normal only to have it jerked out from under them really tugs on the heartstrings.

Denise Weimer's attention to historical detail is as exquisite as ever and When Hope Sank more than lived up to my expectations in that department. Without bogging the reader down in minutia one knows that those were the things that they really wore, ate, and where they lived and walked a hundred and sixty years ago. And it's those things along with her storytelling ability that keep me coming back whenever I spot the author's name on the covers of her own series and shared ones such as A Day To Remember.

When Hope Sank was a good read and very enjoyable. The mystery and romance against the backdrop of a real historical event was both interesting and entertaining. And, as I rather expected this third A Day To Remember book also sparked some internet searches to find out more about the Sultana. And now that I've finished I will definitely be looking for more from this series as well as from Denise Weimer herself...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer a 4 Bark rating.

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

More from Denise

The first novel I ever wrote was set during the Civil War, inspired by travels to historic sites of the Southeast with my parents and scribbled in my eleven-year-old hand in spiral-bound notebooks. Fresh out of college with my new degree in journalism with a minor in history on my shelf, I narrowly missed signing a contract for another Civil War series. Fast forward another decade or so. I was a young mom writing for magazines and directing a volunteer 1800s dance group when my Georgia Gold Series, literary-style historical fiction set between the Cherokee Removal and Reconstruction, found a home with Canterbury House Publishing. Since then, I’ve written everything from Hallmark-style contemporaries to Rev War romances (including my current Scouts of the Georgia Frontier Series with Wild Heart Books, where I also work as an editor). Everything but Civil War-era stories … until this one.

It feels a lot like coming home.

Some of that also has to do with the fact that I love writing stories that illustrate how God can bring healing and redemption out of the most difficult circumstances. I also endeavor to work as much real history as possible into the plots of my novels. And I love finding a little-known aspect of the past to center a story upon. When Hope Sank embodies all those things.

Reeling from the loss of over 600,000 men in the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln just the week prior, the nation hardly noticed when a steamer carrying a couple thousand U.S. prisoners of war exploded in the Mississippi River on April 27, 1865. Over eleven hundred perished in the icy waters that swelled several miles past the normal embankments at flood stage, making the sinking of the Sultana the most crippling maritime disaster in the nation’s history.

The former POWs on their way to muster out at Camp Chase, Ohio, were already emaciated and ill from imprisonment at infamous Andersonville and Cahaba prison camps. A number were badly burned when the boilers exploded, and many did not know how to swim. You can imagine the scene that ensued. While the steamboats docked at Memphis—which had been under Union occupation since the summer of 1862—got up steam, local citizens hurried to help, even those on the Arkansas shore who had fought for the Confederacy. The towns of Hopefield, Marion, and Mound City had suffered harsh reprisals for harboring Confederate guerillas. The area was well-known as a hotbed of spies and saboteurs intent on disrupting Union shipping on the Mississippi.

From this cauldron of chaos, discontent, and pain, an emotionally rich story was born. Focused on survival for herself and her little brother, Lily works at her uncle’s inn and keeps her Union sympathies to herself in her family of Southern sympathizers. The Yankee lieutenant she pulls from the river needs emotional healing even more than physical, though his wounds may compromise his ability to practice as a surgeon. The bond that forms between them from their shared faith and allegiances makes Lily question if she might have another option besides marrying her childhood sweetheart, a former partisan. And when coded message pass through River’s Rest, Lily struggles to find the courage to do what she didn’t the first time—speak out to save lives.

While the sinking of the Sultana may be the inciting event in When Hope Sank, it’s not the main focus. The reactions of the characters in the aftermath are. In our lives as followers of Christ, isn’t that where the real focus should lie? How we respond to tragedy? How we learn to reach for God instead of blaming Him? How, when we walk with Him, He brings beauty out of our ashes? It’s my prayer that the message of When Hope Sank settles deep in your heart.

Denise Weimer

Denise Weimer holds a journalism degree with a minor in history from Asbury University. A former magazine writer, Denise authored romantic novella Redeeming Grace, as well as The Georgia Gold Series (Sautee Shadows, The Gray Divide, The Crimson Bloom, and Bright as Gold, winner of the 2015 John Esten Cooke Award for outstanding Southern literature) and The Restoration Trilogy (White, Widow and Witch) with Canterbury House Publishing. A wife and swim mom of two daughters, Denise always pauses for old houses, coffee and chocolate, and to write any story the Lord lays on her heart.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away the grand prize of
a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2bbf4/when-hope-sank-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 28
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 28
Bizwings Book Blog, May 29
Life on Chickadee Lane, May 29
Alena Mentink, May 30
Lighthouse Academy Blog, May 30 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Betti Mace, May 31
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 31
Texas Book-aholic, June 1
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 1
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 2
Book Looks by Lisa, June 3
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 3
Life, Love, Writing, June 4
Blogging With Carol, June 4
The Lofty Pages, June 5
Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 5
For Him and My Family, June 6
Blossoms and Blessings, June 6
Stories By Gina, June 7 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, June 7
Cover Lover Book Review, June 8
Connie’s History Classroom, June 8
Holly’s Book Corner, June 9
An Author’s Take, June 9
Pause for Tales, June 10

3 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Chromatic by Ashley Bustamante (Give.away)

5/30/2024

1 Comment

Light is Found in Every Hue

Magus is dying from the inside out, and only the destruction of the barrier can save it. Even color magic can’t defend against earthquakes, strange weather patterns, and erratic wildlife behavior.

After discovering hundreds of captive Yellow magic-users, Ava and Elm fight to set them free. However, new dangers and unexpected enemies await at every turn, forcing them to face their greatest challenges yet. The calamities inside the barrier slowly manifest in the outside world as well, pulling citizens from both sides of the battle into the fray. In this new war, they may not all make it out alive.

Elm and Ava must confront the growing darkness and create a future in a world that has been all but stripped of hope. Can Magus be restored, or is it already too late?

Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: May 7, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

A brilliant conclusion to a prismatic series...

Wow! What a colorful finish to a vibrant series! No, I couldn't help it, puns very much intended. I have absolutely loved the Color Theory series from beginning to conclusion. Ashley Bustamante's vivid worldbuilding and rich storytelling are every bit as wonderful in Chromatic as they are in books one and two.

Chromatic had everything that I was hoping for in the final Color Theory book. There were answers, there was resolution, and loose threads were nicely tied up. Plus Ashley Bustamante just flat out kept you on the edge of your seat as the characters race toward danger and some very emotional moments.

Honestly, the only problem I had with Chromatic is that this is the end of the Color Theory series and I had to say goodbye to characters that I've come to know and love. Hopefully, though, there will be more stories to anticipate from Ashley Bustmante. I know she is definitely on my YA and New Adult MUST-read list...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Chromatic by Ashley Bustamante a 4.5 Bark rating.

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

More from Ashley

Sitting down to write the final installment of the Color Theory series was an emotional experience. I wanted to do well by my readers and do well by God. And of course, I wanted to stay true to the story I set out to write in the beginning.

One of the difficult things about writing this book is that I knew the characters were going to have to face higher stakes and deeper pain than ever before. Given the situation they are in, it had to be that way. But, in spite of what Ava, Elm, and crew will face in Chromatic, this is ultimately a story of hope and triumph.

As I’ve watched the struggles of the world right now and seen what so many readers are going through, I knew I wanted to tell a tale of perseverance. No matter how bleak our circumstances may be, we can still find the light.

I hope you enjoy Chromatic!

Ashley Bustamante

Ashley Bustamante has created stories from the moment she could scribble and staple sheets of paper together. She simply cannot recall a time when writing was not a force in her life. When not running through lines of dialogue in her mind, she enjoys taking photographs and spending time with her husband, three children, and any furry, feathered, or scaly creature she can find. She currently works at Arizona State University.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Ashley is giving away the grand prize package of
a $25 Amazon gift card and a hardcover copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2b9d4/chromatic-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 23
Artistic Nobody, May 24 (Author Interview)
The Lofty Pages, May 24
Texas Book-aholic, May 25
Through the Fire Blogs, May 26 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 27
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 28
Blossoms and Blessings, May 29 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 30
Blogging With Carol, May 31
Beauty in the Binding, June 1 (Author Interview)
Min Reads and Reviews, June 1
Labor Not in Vain, June 2
Guild Master, June 3 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, June 4 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Vicky Sluiter, June 5 (Author Interview)

1 Comment

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Tennessee Wildcat by Robynne Elizabeth Miller and J.D. Miller (Give.away)

5/18/2024

1 Comment

Mr. Edwards … that colorful Tennessee Wildcat Laura Ingalls Wilder so deeply loved. He helped Pa build the family’s cabin, saved Christmas by carrying presents across a raging creek, and spit further than Laura thought possible. Though he was a little rough around the edges, Laura simply adored Mr. Edwards. Through her vivid, heartwarming stories, we came to love him, too.
But who was he? Virtually all Laura’s Little House characters were real people … even those whose names were changed to protect their reputations.
Mr. Edwards, however, wasn’t so easy to track down. In fact, he’s the sole Little House enigma … the only mentioned character that hasn’t clearly surfaced via historical records.
Was he fiction, for the sake of illustrating pioneer stereotypes? Was he a composite character, built from several men Laura knew during their time in Kansas? Was he a loose collection of memories and family lore, cobbled together for the sake of the narrative? Or was he a real man, whose full identity had previously evaded discovery?
We wanted to know the answer …
So, we dusted off our boots and headed out … hot on the trail of the wildcat from Tennessee!

Genre: Nonfiction/Historical Biography/Literary History
Release date: August 24, 2023

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Was he real or fiction...

My mom read the Little House books to me when I was about 5 and I credit them with being a major contributor to my eventual love of history and historical fiction. Later on, of course, I read them for myself and loved them just as much. Now, I'll admit that more than one, even two, decades have passed since the last time that I read any of them. However, my fascination with just how much truth and how much fiction they contained has long remained.

After reading Robynne Elizabeth Miller's book The Three Faces Of Nellie sometime ago I was totally intrigued when I saw she had also written a book with J.D. Rushmore on the topic of Mr. Edwards who is arguably one of the more favorite characters from the TV show.

Tennessee Wildcat is very well laid out with careful progression showing the original question, the clues to be found within the pages of Laura Ingalls Wilder's writings, and the author's systematic search through records and maps spanning centuries and continents that leads to a logical and thoughtfully presented conclusion to the mystery...who was Mr. Edwards...?

I found Tennessee Wildcat to be every bit as intriguing as anticipated. The authors didn't just take other people's word for it but scoured the records themselves and they found a few surprises along the way. Despite the fact that I never read as much non-fiction as I should nor as much history as I want to, I finished this book in very short order. It was a good and informative read that I would highly recommend to any Little House, be it the books or the TV show, fan out there....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Tennessee Wildcat by Robynne Elizabeth Miller and J.D. Rushmore a 4 Bark rating.

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

More from Robynne

If you’re a Little House fan like us, you know how risky it was to delve into Mr. Edwards. Rumors have flown for decades as to his real identity, and some folks have double-downed on who they believe he was … declaring a particular name with certainty.

But it just didn’t add up. Through all our team’s collective Little House research and general love of 1800’s history, the name that had been put forward just didn’t make sense.

So, we had a choice.

We could avert our eyes, go about our other writing projects, and leave this mystery untouched. Or, we could, with as much neutrality and meticulous research as possible, see if Mr. Edwards’ true identity could be established.

We risked two things: upsetting some people if our findings didn’t support their theories, and crushing our own hearts if Mr. Edwards turned out to be the one character who Laura Ingalls Wilder constructed purely from her imagination.

We hope our respect for previous researchers, and the strength of our newly discovered information, helped avoid the first worry. And, the second? We were thrilled to discover Mr. Edwards almost certainly wasn’t a work of fiction!

Robynne Elizabeth Miller

Robynne Elizabeth Miller holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction and Fiction and a B.A. in English Literature. She’s the author of ten books and countless articles, including Tennessee Wildcat, From the Mouth of Ma, and The Three Faces of Nellie.
Along with speaking nationally, Robynne is a writing and publishing coach and mentor, a writing teacher at writers conferences, workshops, and retreats, the Writing Track developer and director for Unbound, and the director of the Vision Christian Writers Conference at Mount Hermon.
She’s passionate about helping writers bring their stories and messages into the world and delving into the real people and places which populated the stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

J.D. Rushmore is a history and genealogy buff, with a particular interest in American history before
1900. He’s enamored with the opening of the west, pioneers, the gold rush, the Oregon trail, etc.
He’s particularly passionate about researching historical mysteries, especially when they relate to the
Little House series of books. He is a musician in his spare time, as well as an “at everything” father,
husband, and friend. He prefers the smell of historic archives to fresh air (unless it involves poking
around a remote historic cemetery!) and has a knack for reading handwriting on historical
documents that is illegible to others. Nothing thrills him more than finding the one tiny detail that,
after being overlooked for decades, or even centuries, changes EVERYTHING.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Robynne is giving away the grand prize package of
a $50 Amazon Card, copy of Tennessee Wildcat and The Three Faces of
Nellie, and a goodie bag of Laura Ingalls Wilder related gifts, including a
piece of the actual Loftus Store, mentioned prominently in The Long Winter!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2b591/tennessee-wildcat-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Alena Mentink, May 10
Lots of Helpers, May 10
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 11
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 12
Holly’s Book Corner, May 12
Lighthouse Academy Blog, May 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 14
Texas Book-aholic, May 15
Mary Hake, May 15
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 16
Blogging With Carol, May 17
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 18
For Him and My Family, May 19
The Lofty Pages, May 20
Life on Chickadee Lane, May 21
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 21
Connie’s History Classroom , May 22
Cover Lover Book Review, May 23
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 23

1 Comment

Music Review - Rebel from Anne Wilson (Give.away)

5/10/2024

0 Comments

REBEL released on April 19 and the “trailblazing album” (People.com) secured No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 spots on Christian, Country and all-genre charts respectively

1. “REBEL” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West)
2. “Rain In The Rearview” (Anne Wilson, Matthew West, Zach Kale, Jaren Johnston)
3. “Strong” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West)
4. God & Country” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Trannie Anderson)
5. “Praying Woman” (with Lainey Wilson) (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson)
6. “Songs About Whiskey” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Lauren Hungate)
7. “Sinner's Prayer” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Lauren Hungate)
8. “The Cross” (with Chris Tomlin) (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Jonathan Smith)
9. “My Father's Daughter” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Emily Weisband)
10. “Red Flag” (Anne Wilson, Jonathan Smith, Casey Beathard)
11. “Country Gold” (with Jordan Davis) (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West)
12. “Southern Gospel” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Lauren Hungate)
13. “Dirt Roads In Heaven” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Nicolle Galyon, Matthew West)
14. “3:16” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West)
15. "Milestones" (Anne Wilson, Nicolle Galyon, Lauren Hungate)
16. "Out of the Bluegrass" (Anne Wilson, Nicolle Galyon, Emily Weisband)

The Tennessean - "A fresh-faced, 22-year-old country music ingenue sings about Jesus Christ with folk-aimed soul and countrified pop passion akin to the shouting required to knock down the Walls of Jericho in the Old Testament's Book of Joshua."

Stream Rebel

All Things Rebel

Tickets are now on sale for Anne Wilson’s The REBEL Tour with Jordan Rowe,
including 28 dates across the US in Fall 2024.

My Review

Another great album from Anne Wilson!

I fell in love with Anne Wilson's music when I listened to her debut album, My Jesus, when it first came out on CD. So, when I found out this spring that she had another album coming out I was pretty excited. And Rebel more than delivered on my expectations! It is a strong album all around without a single 'meh' song. There are plenty of heartfelt moments that are both poignant and sweet to be heard and the topics run the gamut in these songs. My personal favorites are the defiant faith-filled Rebel and Red Flag which is perfect for all of us single girls regardless of age. Southern Gospel was also a fun one that I enjoyed. I've never been a big country music fan but Anne Wilson's presentation of the genre is so different, she addresses that one pretty well in Songs About Whiskey, that I couldn't help but play the entire Rebel album over and over. The fact that these songs encourage faith and uplift the listener couldn't be better as they blend with the sound that country music fans know and love. I totally enjoyed Rebel and I sincerely hope to be hearing more from Anne Wilson in the future....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Rebel from Anne Wilson a 4.5 Bark rating.

(Disclosure: I received a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced my monetary compensation.)

One of Nashville's most inspiring young trailblazers, Anne Wilson is a revolution in modern music. The Lexington, Ky. native,
known for her transcendent vocal and down-to-earth storytelling, recently released REBEL, fusing the heart of Contemporary
Christian Music with the sound of Country. A bold musical statement with an even bolder message of faith, REBEL features her
hopeful, healing debut Country single “Rain In The Rearview” as well as chart-topping Christian radio ballad “Strong.” The
genre-bending album follows her GRAMMY-nominated 2022 debut My Jesus, with the title track becoming a PLATINUM-certified
No. 1 hit on Billboard's Christian Airplay chart. Since then, Wilson has tallied over 900M global streams, made her Grand Ole
Opry debut and wrapped her entirely sold-out headlining My Jesus Tour. Already named a Spotify Hot Country Artist to Watch,
one of CMT's Next Women of Country and a 2024 Opry NextStage Artist, she has made high-profile appearances on TODAY
and ACM Honors, while earning her first-ever CMT Music Awards nomination, as well as a Billboard Music Award.
Unapologetically real, Wilson approaches her craft with a purpose and conviction that sets her apart, declaring, “I am who I am --
I'm Anne Wilson. I love God and that's my everything, but I love Country music, too, and I can have a beautiful mix of both.”

It's Time For A Giveaway!

Anne Wilson REBEL Signed CD

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#AnneWilsonRebelMIN #REBELAnneWilson #AnneWilson #REBEL

0 Comments

Just Read Blog Tour - Lethal Danger by Jerusha Agen

5/9/2024

1 Comment

This K-9 team is trained to eliminate threats. This threat could eliminate them.

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

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

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

Lethal Danger continues the thrilling story of the elite Phoenix K-9 Security and
Detection Agency that began with Hidden Danger (Guardians Unleashed, #1).
(Each book can stand alone or be read as series installments.)

My Review

You'll never see a fair in the same way again...

Oh my gosh! Who would have ever thought up mixing a fair (think rides and cotton candy) with a cult? Jerusha Agen, that's who. Add in the fact that this is a romantic suspense tale and there are dogs. Well, what more could you ask for on a lazy afternoon?

This fourth Guardians Unleashed novel was every bit as exciting as its predecessors. Lethal Danger has an intricately laid out mystery that keeps you guessing. I had my suspicions pretty early on but I sure went around and around as new clues and distractions arose.

I must admit that there were moments when I didn't exactly care for Jazz, and even once or twice Hawthorne, but then I came to the conclusion it made both of them more real. They are not the stereotypical 'perfect' couple in most romantic suspense novels. Their quirks, their mistakes, their false assumptions, added substance to their characters.

Lethal Danger was a hard to put down story as have all of the Guardians Unleashed books. Jerusha Agen knows how to keep things hopping and the mystery moving forward. This, in turn, keeps readers, myself very much included, flipping those pages at lightning speed. When I turned that last page I was immediately left me anxiously anticipating the next book in the series...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Lethal Danger by Jerusha Agen a 4 Bark rating.

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

1 Comment

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - The Chaos Grid by Lyndsey Lewellen (Give.away)

5/9/2024

4 Comments

Cross the grid. Survive the storms. Let your destiny burn.

When mankind’s attempts to control nature backfire, Texas descends into a wasteland. Storms rage and ravenous beasts roam the Outer Grid. The only safe havens rest inside the tech-obsessed domed cities. But when her parents are murdered inside the Plex City dome, seventeen-year-old Juniper Conway wants revenge.
Ties to her extended family threaten to pull her back as she runs from city to city. The Plex is endangering its citizens by legalizing a deadly nano drug, and Juniper’s family needs her help to deliver the counteragent. Saving the city who orphaned her goes against everything she stands for. The only way out is to brave the wasteland.
Juniper joins a shipping crew fearless enough to transport food across the Outer Grid. But when a string of bad luck turns lethal, she fears something, or someone, is dragging her back to the Plex. As her world sinks into chaos, Juniper must decide if revenge is worth the lives of the crew she has come to love.

Genre: YA Science Fiction
Release Date: April 9, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Doing the right thing never comes easy...

Over the last few years I've gotten hooked on publisher Enclave's fantasy and sci-fi fiction. Now, I pretty much snag anything I get my hands on with their name on it. The Chaos Grid was partly chosen based on the publisher and partly because it sounded so interesting. And author Lyndsey Lewellen did not disappoint. In fact, The Chaos Grid was even better than I had anticipated...

Lyndsey Lewellen delivered a story that was both imaginative and intriguing. Her worldbuilding skills are excellent as I can tell you that her setting is Texas like you could have never thought of. The story is well crafted with layers of backstory within the present as well as a surprising Biblical parallel that I recognized right away but certainly never expected.

From creatures whose size and habitats are vastly different from what we know today to dome covered cities, The Chaos Grid is a wild futuristic ride through volatile weather, harsh landscapes, and dangerous people that is sure to entertain teens and adults alike. I know I was engrossed from start to finish.

I sincerely enjoyed my time discovering new-to-me author Lyndsey Lewellen and as this book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger you can bet I am on tenterhooks desperately hoping that means there will be a sequel coming eventually. At any rate, if you enjoy a good YA sci-fi novel I definitely suggest checking out Lyndsey Lewellen's edge-of-your-seat The Chaos Grid...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Chaos Grid by Lyndsey Lewellen a 4.5 Bark rating.

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

More from Lyndsey

“‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.” – Matthew 21:29

No. It’s a word I’ve heard many times over in my early days of parenting five children. In fact, after mama and dada, no was one of their earliest exercises of the English language. My eldest son held the word on the tip of his tongue like a cowboy during a high-noon showdown. Clean your room. No. Do your homework. No. Say you’re sorry. No. My children’s fondness of the word no is not a fluke, they come by it honestly. When something seems too difficult or overwhelming, I let loose the word no without giving it a second thought. At least in my heart I do. Yet, these days, I find myself saying yes while the no lingers on. Which, unless I actually do it, I’m sure is worse.

I think it is easier to follow a no with a yes when you can clearly see your wants are wrong. But what if the no seems justified? Then what?

In The Chaos Grid, Juniper Conway runs into this problem. Growing up in a domed city with all the comforts of weather regulation and short distance teleportation, on the surface, Juniper seems to want for nothing. Nothing except revenge. After her parents are murdered in the city that was supposed to keep her safe from the wasteland outside, she vows never to lift a finger of help for anyone under the Plex City dome.

Her plan goes well at first, bouncing from domed city to domed city, never returning to the Plex. But one day, she is plagued with visions calling her to either help those who took away her family or watch Plex City burn to the ground. Deep emotional wounds cloud Juniper’s judgement. She could never rescue people who caused her such trauma. So, out comes the no.

Only, to say no, Juniper chooses a path through the dangerous Texas wasteland, known as the Outer Grid, filled with mutated beasts, wild storms, and vicious nano drug smugglers. Her only hope of survival rests in the shippers, truck drivers who deliver natural food from the protected farms to the domed cities. But becoming a shipper carries its own costs. Unfortunate events rain down on her as she crosses the Outer Grid, spilling over onto the crew. Eventually, she can no longer write the chaos off as bad luck and must face what it really is—discipline.

It’s in those realizations that we come to a crossroads. When we know our parents, bosses, or especially God disciplines us for what we do wrong, do we change course? It’s a humbling action, I know, specifically when you feel so strongly that you were in the right. But we humans don’t live in a vacuum. The actions we choose today tend to splash consequences onto others, whether good or bad. When that happens, it may cause us to look at ourselves with more of a critical eye. Am I being refined during this difficult time? Or is there a no I’ve said when I should’ve said yes?

For this reason, I believe the Psalmist writes, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” – Psalm 139: 23-24

As far as my children go, I’ve noticed wonderful changes as they grow. My son, for instance, now in high school, still answers my instructions with no at times. But more and more, he stops, assesses the situation, and comes back with a yes, doing what was asked over simply telling me he’d do it. And while I’d like to say his corrective behavior is due to my parenting skills, I know it comes from the Holy Spirit urging him to follow the commands God set up in the beginning. But I think it also comes from watching those in his church community do the same. When we do what we should do, others see it. The practice of doing God’s will over simply saying you’ll do it, whether anyone sees you do it or not, can greatly change our culture. Because God sees it. And His discipline is loving.

Sometimes it takes a good smack upside the head for us to recognize His loving discipline. For Juniper, a wild ride through the post-apocalyptic wasteland might just do the trick. I hope you will follow her down a road of twists, turns, and the journey to do what’s right when every fiber of you being tells you not to.

Buckle up and relish the drive,
Lyndsey

Lyndsey Lewellen

Lyndsey Lewellen grew up on a healthy dose of comic books, punk music, and sci-fi. She infuses all three loves into novels written for young adults. Inside her “what if” worlds, her characters take risks, grow, and fight for what matters. When she’s not writing or whittling down her endless TBR, she designs novel covers and paints on shoes. She lives on a small Texas farm with her best friend/husband, five children, and what some might call a zoo of animals (especially after meeting the peacocks).

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Lyndsey is giving away the grand prize package of
a $50 Amazon gift card and hardcover copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2b35c/the-chaos-grid-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 30
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 1
Simple Harvest Reads, May 2 (Author Interview)
Exploring The Written Word, May 2
Through the Fire Blogs, May 3 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, May 4
Artistic Nobody, May 5 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 6
Splashes of Joy, May 7 (Author Interview)
The Lofty Pages, May 7
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 8
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 9
Wishful Endings, May 10
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 11 (Author Interview)
Blogging With Carol, May 12
Guild Master, May 13 (Author Interview)

4 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - The Sleuth Of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep (Give.away)

5/6/2024

2 Comments

Wife. Mother. Homemaker. Detective. Kit Forge wears many hats, and if that’s not enough, she’s partnered with her father to open a new detective agency. It’s hard to be all things to all people, but Kit never shies away from the impossible. Despite her hard work and good intentions, some things fall through the cracks.

Namely, her husband.

But Jackson barely notices. He’s too busy putting out his own fires. As the new chief inspector of a busy London station, he must salvage the disaster left behind by the former police chief—an obstacle made all the harder when the superintendent breathes an ultimatum down his neck.

Against her father’s advice, Kit takes on a case involving a missing child, one in which she and Jackson become a little too emotionally involved. . .and end up endangering their own little girl in the process.

Can Kit and Jackson learn that just because they can say yes doesn’t mean they should?

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction
Release Date: April, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Review coming shortly... Please check back later...

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

More from Michelle

Oh Inspiration…Wherefore Art Thou?

There are several questions I am asked frequently as an author.

“Hey, how much money do you make?”

“Can you help me get my book published?”

“How come it takes you so long to finish a story?”

But probably the most common query is this: what sorts of things inspire you? Now that is a question I can go on and on about! Don’t panic, though. I’ll be brief.

Story ideas come from every place imaginable. I’ve had plot thoughts from watching kids’ movies or even from eavesdropping at a coffee shop (note: beware what you say in public). TV series are also a favorite of mine, so much so that my latest release, The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane, is loosely based on one of my all-time favorite PBS series.

Have you seen this show? If not, do yourself a favor and ride that pony. If you have, then you know what I’m talking about. Either way, you should know that, the main character, is a detective in Victorian London—a very sassy yet classy lady. And that’s what struck me light a lightning bolt.

This woman is Kit, the heroine in my Blackfriars series, like right there on the big screen.

So, for book III, I decided I’d let ol’ Kit open her own private investigation agency with the help of her father, a recently retired police sergeant. Of course much intrigue and chaos ensues, just like in my all-time favorite PBS series, bringing the Blackfriars series to a satisfying end.

Inspiration honestly comes from anywhere, so next time you’re rubbing elbows with an author, beware. You just might end up as a character in their next book.

Michelle Griep

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan.