Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Mountain Storm Survival by Cathy McDavid,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
My Review
Will an unforgiving landscape spark forgiveness...
As a kid I read lots of treasure stories and articles, so, of course, many of them were about the Lost Dutchman Mine, Weaver's Needle, and the Superstitions. So, to pick up a Love Inspired book featuring just that particular area – with lots of suspense and romantic sparks – was a lot of fun. I was intrigued by Mountain Storm Survival right from the start. One of the things that I found to be unexpected and different with this story was that as present as the mystery angle was, Cathy McDavid kept her focus more on the characters themselves – their motivations and their journeys to find both forgiveness and physical safety. Honestly, I liked it even better that way. That being said, Mountain Storm Survival was still an entertaining read and Cathy McDavid kept me on the edge of my seat wondering if the characters could take any more from man and elements alike – not to mention whether there was even one single person that they could trust. This book was a good quick read and I doubt it will be the last Love Inspired novel that I get my hands on from this author... Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Mountain Storm Survival by Cathy McDavid a 4 Bark rating.
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
A lover of all things western and former avid horsewoman, her stories include riding, ranching, and rodeo because,
well, who doesn’t enjoy a good cowboy romance? Mother of grown twins and married to her own real-life sweetheart, Cathy is living her dream penning heart-stopping suspense thrillers and heart-touching family dramas for Harlequin. Connect with Cathy by visiting cathymcdavid.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates. It's Time For A Giveaway!
(2) winners will win a print copy of both Blizzard Refuge and
Her Surprise Cowboy Groom, a $5 Starbucks gift card and a cowboy coffee mug!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 31, 2023 and will last through
11:59 PM EST on November 7, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
Interview with Amy1. What drew you to write in this particular genre? To be honest, the original story I began writing while teaching online due to COVID-19 was a totally different genre, inspired by a virtual tour of an antique store and by local tuberculosis hospital ruins. The premise was a historical ghost story for middle grades and teens. I was having fun writing Voices in the Sanitarium that way until a Wednesday night Bible study prompted me to change the storyline. I began thinking of the ways children are steered in all different directions but toward God, and I decided I didn’t want to give young readers the wrong idea of what happens in the afterlife. So then I scrapped most of what I had written and began again. I changed my audience somewhat and geared the novel more towards women in general. I can’t explain why without SPOILING some of the plot, but I changed the genre twice more before I ended up having only a month to write the novel in order to have time for the editing, revising, and formatting process. (while setting up my classroom in a new school.) This was a hard novel to write because I got so personally attached to the real-life characters during 1931, and their families that still live in the area. I think that made me protective of those who live near the West Mountain Sanitarium, which in turn affected my plotline. As I created Katherine, the mother and main narrator of the story, I had to delve into all the possibilities of what was happening to Aislyn, just as Katherine would have. What an eye-opener to all that can challenge our modern-day teens, especially those who haven’t been taught to lean on Jesus through hard times. 2. Do you have a favorite character(s) in this book? I became attached to many characters. However, I wanted to hit some of them over the head with a book or something that wouldn’t do permanent damage but might knock some sense into them. Ha ha! I have to say the character I came to admire the most was probably Bart Gilroy, the real-life caretaker of the sanitarium grounds for fifty years. Ireland was still devastated by the effects of the Potato Famine and politics when Bart left for America at the turn of the century. He was brawny and witty and therefore obtained a job immediately with the railroad. However, he missed the rolling hills and farming, so every time he had a day off, he’d hike the mountains. He happened to be crossing over Bald Mount and into the Sanitarium potato fields one day and came upon a worker who had just had a minor accident. The man was having a bit of a tantrum over how much he hated farm work. The guy quit on the spot, and Bart immediately volunteered to take his place. That began decades of Bart taking care of the property and the patients. I could go on and on about all he accomplished out of his love for people and farming. But two that I love most are how he sold surpluses of vegetables, hogs, and chickens to the county jail so he could buy more playground equipment for the sanitarium children, and how he gave up his own salary at times so that the superintendent would take on patients that she didn’t feel they had the funds to take in. 3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book? Characters are complicated. So are we! We have health issues passed down through our genetic code. We have family challenges, belief systems, and circumstances throughout our lives that build who we become. I hope readers take the time to analyze who they are and who they want to be after reading the novel. As my pastor has said many times, life’s challenges can make us better or bitter. I hope to always choose better. I think I have a particular message for mothers as well. I hope Voices reminds us not to be complacent. To be discerning of the directions we are steering our children. To be on our knees in prayer – especially for our teens. That time between childhood and adulthood can be so painful, for both parents and their children. Lastly, Voices became very much for Irish folks. I married into an Irish family, and now have three children of my own who have Irish genes. Those genes can be tricky, and through elements of Irish culture, it can become even trickier. I started the novel during the COVID pandemic, and I noticed almost an epidemic of suicide and self-harm among young Irish immigrants in large cities in the US. That played a part in my research for the novel. Why had that group in particular been hit so hard during the isolation of the pandemic? No need to worry, readers, no suicide attempts are made during Voices, but Aislyn’s father does mention some of his theories as to why the Irish are statistically more prone to struggle with certain psychiatric disabilities. Perhaps acknowledging a possible predisposition in any ethnic group can lead to making proactive choices that promote health. 4. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book. I was encouraged by Scranton locals to do a presale on Amazon, which is essentially a contract stating a book will be publication-ready by a certain date. There was great interest in the West Mountain Sanitarium by Westsiders in particular. Many had relatives who had spent time at the tuberculosis hospital. Others had partied in the ruins when they were in high school. And many are interested in urban decay, especially when there are rumors of ruins being haunted. Well, I never expected the year of the presale to have so many ups and downs. I ended up staying with my grammy during sacred nights of her saying farewell in hospice. I wrote a novel for the Whispers in Wyoming series while she slept. I published a fantasy for middle grades that year, and wrote another novel for the Thanksgiving Books and Blessings series, A Dark Lustre. I also took my first trip to the UK, with Pepper Basham and Laura Frantz’s Lasses in Hats Tour – and ended up being “trapped” in Edinburgh for an extra ten days because I came down with COVID and couldn’t get back into the United States. (I use the word trapped lightly because it was a beautiful place to be ill.) In the meantime, I was also teaching 5th grade, parenting, and wife-ing. The weeks until Voices had to be ready to go live were dwindling, and I was still dealing with COVID brain fog. My recall and vocabulary were not up to par, plus there were roadblocks in my research. I didn’t know if I was going to be able to get the novel written in time and was considering the alternatives when I decided to call my parents to vent. Well, my dad listened to me whine a bit and then prayed with me over the phone. Within a couple of hours after that prayer, it was as though the plotline straightened itself out – an ending I had never considered “came out of nowhere” and a man from West Mountain I had been trying to reach finally contacted me and was able to give me the information I was missing regarding the West Mountain Sanitarium. I am so grateful for that lesson in the value of prayer and the necessity of asking God to steer my pen. Not everyone will like the genre, the ending, or even the style of writing I used for Voices in the Sanitarium, but I have no doubt that there is a reason why this novel is out in the world. 5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, or whatever is on your mind/heart. There is an epidemic of depression and anxiety amongst our young people today. It breaks my heart to see students in 5th grade already grappling with identity crises and self-hatred. Youth group leaders in churches report that teens fight heavy and dark spiritual battles in percentages they never dealt with before. Our youth seem more fragile and less resilient than ever before. As men and women of faith, we need to acknowledge and develop an understanding of mental health – and the biological, spiritual, and social components of these challenges. Just like in every other area of life, the TRUTH sets us free. There is healing in investigation, discussion, and confession. There are key verses that help keep my own mind on the right path, and I love to share these and others with children in my family and when teaching children’s church. 2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4:6-8, Proverbs 3:5,6, and James 1:2-5. More from AmyMam’s Apple Cinnamon Scones with Maple Cinnamon Glaze These are the scones Katherine’s mother makes the morning their new friend Cadence comes for an Irish tea. This time of fellowship marks a turning point in the plot of Voices in the Sanitorium. The dough: 2 3/4 cups flour 1/3 cup granulated sugar 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 stick of softened butter 1 diced small apple 3/4 cup cinnamon chips (optional) 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup applesauce For best results, follow the steps below. However, if you are as busy as Katherine is with four children and a thriving Irish textile business, you can just melt the butter in the microwave and throw all the ingredients together at once, and these scones will still be delicious.
Notes: If pressed for time, Mam just makes drop scones. When guests are coming, she forms the dough into a circle about ¾ inch high, cuts the dough into pie pieces on the parchment paper, then gently pulls the pieces apart and uses her fingers to form them into perfect isosceles triangles. Sometimes Mam puts the dough into the freezer after forming it on the baking pan. She says freezing dough for a half hour makes them softer. Katherine has never noticed a difference. Glaze: 1 ½ cup powdered sugar, 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon 3 tablespoons melted butter 3/4 teaspoon vanilla 4 ½ Tablespoons maple syrup If the glaze needs to be thickened, add more powdered sugar. If it is too thick, add more syrup, cream, or milk. You can put it in the microwave for about fifteen seconds if it starts to get firm while you wait for the scones to come out of the oven.
It's Time For A Giveaway!To celebrate her tour, Amy is giving away the grand prize package of $40 Amazon card, a hardcover copy of the book, and historical memorabilia related to the West Mountain Sanitarium in 1931!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! Blog StopsBabbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 17 Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 18 Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 19 (Author Interview) Avid Reader Nurse, October 19 Texas Book-aholic, October 20 Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 21 Locks, Hooks and Books, October 22 Connie’s History Classroom, October 23 Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 24 Denise L. Barela, October 25 Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 26 Blogging With Carol, October 27 For Him and My Family, October 28 Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 29 (Author Interview) Mary Hake, October 29 Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 30
Genre: YA Fantasy Retelling Release Date: October 10, 2023 Click here to get your copy! My Review There is more under the sea than lost treasure... Finally a mermaid story that doesn't star the Little Mermaid... Nope, our aquatic heroine has her own story to tell and it's a real doozy! To be honest, I was surprised when I found out that The Mermaid's Tale with it's vividness and complexity is more than just the start of Chronicles Of The Undersea Realm, it is also L.E. Richmond's debut novel. Color me impressed! Right from the start I loved the way author L.E. Richmond cleverly blended locations in the real world - like the Mediterranean and the North Sea – with her imaginative and colorful Undersea Realm. The mix of the familiar and the magical almost makes you wonder if there is more to the ocean depths than we know... It also makes for some delightful and sometimes intense reading as the fate of the underwater realm falls onto the shoulders of one young mermaid without a tail. The Mermaid's Tale is a fun adventure filled YA read with many twists and turns. Just when I thought I had it all figured out – I didn't. As much as I love guessing things correctly I also love to simply be surprised by a story now and then. This first Chronicles Of The Undersea Realm book certainly delivered in that department. There was only one single thing that I didn't like about The Mermaid's Tale...How could by L.E. Richmond leave me hanging like that?! How?! I already wanted to read the next Chronicles Of The Undersea Realm novel but now I am utterly desperate.... Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Mermaid's Tale by L.E. Richmond a 4.5 Bark rating. (I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.) More from L.E.I am a discovery writer, so when I first started The Mermaid’s Tale, I knew only the general plot and that the romance would be between the main character and the older brother of her brother-in-law. The catalyst for this choice came from a novel published in England in 1815. Darin Aalto, famous treasure hunting Merman from the Mediterranean, was inspired by none other than Mr. Knightley from Shropshire. He, like Jane Austen’s hero, is kind, experienced, confident, and attentive to the needs of others. On the other hand, my heroine, Locklyn Adair, is not much like Emma Wodehouse, struggling with a lack of confidence rather than the overabundance which plagues the young mistress of Hartfield. Even though Locklyn differs greatly from Emma in temperament, she shares one marked similarity with her – a deep devotion to her sister’s children. In fact, it is to save her niece from the rejection which legs bring to Mermaids that leads Locklyn to encourage Darin to claim a disputed treasure which in turn leads to hostility from the warrior queen of a neighboring kingdom which leads to a duel to the death which leads to . . . You’ll have to read the book to find out.
It's Time For A Giveaway!To celebrate her tour, L.E. is giving away the grand prize package of a hardcover copy of The Mermaid’s Tale and a $50 Amazon gift card!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! Blog StopsBecca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 19 Madi’s Musings, October 19 By the Book, October 20 Locks, Hooks and Books, October 21 Denise L. Barela, October 21 Texas Book-aholic, October 22 Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 23 Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 24 Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 25 Inklings and Notions, October 26 Life, Love, Writing, October 27 Blogging With Carol, October 27 Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 28 Labor Not in Vain, October 29 Holly’s Book Corner, October 30 Simple Harvest Reads, October 31 (Guest Review from Mindy) Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 1 (Author Interview) Of Blades and Thorns, November 1 As a former smokejumper, arson investigator Bri Tucker knows her way around fires. But after a mysterious blaze takes the life of a former colleague, Bri inherits a curious puzzle from him that raises questions about several fiery deaths. Someone, however, doesn't want her picking up where he left off in search of answers. When she teams up with ATF Special Agent Marc Davis to solve the puzzle, the danger escalates. But will they manage to track down the person behind the mysterious deaths before their budding romance--and maybe even their lives--go up in flames? The bestselling and award-winning queen of romantic suspense is back with a brand-new series that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping as you burn through the pages to discover the truth. ISBN-213: 9780800741884 My Review They'll have to pass through fire for answers... I haven't read as many of Irene Hannon's books as I would like to but I always try to keep up with her new romantic suspense releases. They always entertain and keep me guessing and I enjoy them. Into The Fire is the first book in her Undaunted Courage series, and it has started of this series right. There are new characters to meet and make friends with and new villains to try and figure out... I will admit that I did figure out the villain's identity somewhat early on in Into The Fire but Irene Hannon had me second guessing myself a few times until most of the way through the book when the revelation rather surprised me. It was an 'ah-hah' moment and then I was beyond curious to find out the why behind the fiery murders. I actually finished Into The Fire much sooner than I expected as I found myself digging it back out every spare moment – and even some I didn't have to spare. I just had to know where this first Undaunted Courage novel was going, whether I was right or wrong about certain characters (I was both), and, of course, why the killer chose fire... Irene Hannon has a good – and very exciting – start to this new series and I will most certainly be anxiously awaiting the release of the next Undaunted Courage book... Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Into The Fire by Irene Hannon a 4 Bark rating. (I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Children of the Shadows by Erica Vetsch,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
Erica Vetsch's popular Regency mystery series concludes with a bang, sure to satisfy readers who have hung on every page since book one.
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: October 23, 2023 Genre: Christian Regency Mystery
More in This Series
My Review
Will this mystery be the end of their romance?
Well, it's hard to believe that Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries series is over...I've come to like the characters so I hate having to say goodbye to them. Anyway... Children Of The Shadows was one twisty-turny mystery! Erica Vetsch had me guessing and second guessing myself all the way through. Which I find utterly fascinating as this third Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery was also very much a Regency romance with all of the angst and glittering balls that one has come to expect from the genre. Erica Vetsch did a great job blending the mystery and Regency romance genres in a way that allows the spirit of each to shine through. Another thing that I really enjoyed about Children Of The Shadows – and the rest of the series – is that a few familiar faces from Erica Vetsch's previous Regency mystery series make appearance in some expected and unexpected places... If you haven't read Erica Vetsch's Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries series yet, you are missing out. They are all enjoyable reads, from book one to the exciting conclusion to the series in Children Of The Shadows, they are sure to entertain and intrigue for hours... Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Children Of The Shadows by Erica Vetsch a 4 Bark rating.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
It's Time For A Giveaway!
(1) winner will win a complete paperback set of
the Thorndike and Swann series, and a $10 amazon gift card
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 23, 2023 and will last through
11:59 PM EST on October 30, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
Genre: Cozy Mystery Release Date: October 31, 2023 Click here to get your copy! My Review Ice cream and murder go hand in hand... I am always up for a good murderous romp to Upper Sprocket and Spoon To Be Dead provides exactly that. Who killed the old bird watcher and what did his parrot see? Very good questions, of course, that Trinidad reluctantly tries to answer after ''the Hooligan'' is directly implicated. The best part is that Dana Mentink takes her readers along for every twist and turn and shocking revelation. Seriously, this third Shake Shop Mystery is not to be missed... I have been hooked on the Shake Shop Mysteries from the very first book. Dana Mentink has been a favorite author of mine for a few years now and Spoon To Be Dead is proof of why. This book is funny and sweet, poignant and full of mystery, and just an ice cream delight to read. I had a lot of fun trying to guess the true villain and all of the secrets that popped up to confuse the situation. I had my suspicions as to who was behind all of the murder and mayhem so I flipped those pages as fast as I could read them to find out if I was right... As I said before, Spoon To Be Dead is not to be missed – and neither are the previous two Shake Shop Mysteries. Dana Mentink has found the perfect recipe for murder in this series and there are even sprinkles on top... Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Spoon To Be Dead by Dana Mentink a 4 Bark rating. (I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.) More from DanaIt seems like just yesterday that I was dreaming up decadent freakshake recipes for book one in the Ice Cream Shop mysteries and here we are in book three! It’s Christmas time in Upper Sprocket and there’s a wedding in the works, but most surprising of all is the appearance of Gabe Bigley, the cheating ex of Trinidad and her two besties. You can imagine there is going to be a hefty helping of murder, mayhem and merriment in this next installment in the series. Hope you love book three as much as I do!
It's Time For A Giveaway!To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!! (If the winner is outside the U.S., then he or she will receive an eBook.) Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! Blog StopsBabbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 14 Bigreadersite , October 14 Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 15 Lighthouse Academy, October 16 Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 16 Texas Book-aholic, October 17 Simple Harvest Reads, October 17 (Guest Review from Donna Cline) Locks, Hooks and Books, October 18 Mary Hake, October 18 Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 19 For Him and My Family, October 19 Betti Mace, October 20 Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 20 Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 21 Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 22 (Author Interview) Blogging With Carol, October 22 Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 23 Blossoms and Blessings, October 23 Labor Not in Vain, October 24 Holly’s Book Corner, October 24 Lily’s Book Reviews, October 25 Splashes of Joy, October 25 Pause for Tales, October 26 A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 26 She Lives To Read, October 27
Can Vela deny a bond that could unite the battling clans, finally providing peace after centuries of conflict? Will she allow herself to love an enemy? Genre: Young Adult Christian Fantasy Release Date: February 14, 2023 My Review High school just got even more complicated... I am one of those people who enjoys a good cover but rarely chooses a book based on that. With Terra, however, that really was what caught my eye to start with. Then I read the back of this first An Elemental Series novel and I was hooked. Part fantasy, part YA romance, with almost a touch of dystopian, this book was quite the tale and I finished all 400 pages in a day. Sofia Simpson's vivid mix of magic and the real everyday world, the familiar and the strange, had me going right from the start. I also appreciated how she crafted a story that was full of magical elements but there was a definite Christian theme woven throughout. Speaking of elements, I thought it fascinating how the four elements earth, fire, wind, and water are represented as warring clans who have lost sight of what they were originally meant to do together. There was no doubt that Terra is a YA book but as an adult I was certainly able to enjoy it and I am really hoping to get my hands on Sofia Simpson's next An Elemental Series book whenever it releases. I really HAVE to know what happens to Vela and Linc and that prophecy... Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Terra by Sofia Simpson a 4 Bark rating. (I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.) More from SofiaI became a Young Adult Christian Fantasy Author so that I could add clean content to the world of Young Adult books. I love writing a great love story, and here’s one that will meet all your expectations of a great enemies-to-lovers romance without the spice. I love writing a story that mixes faith with fantasy, much like Morgan Busse, Nadine Brandes and Sara Ella. And if you’re wondering if the butterfly on the cover has any significance at all? Why, yes, yes it does. Read Terra to find out why.
It's Time For A Giveaway!To celebrate her tour, Sofia is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and copy of Terra!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! Blog StopsLocks, Hooks and Books, October 6 Blossoms and Blessings, October 7 (Author Interview) Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 7 Texas Book-aholic, October 8 Splashes of Joy, October 9 (Author Interview) Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 10 By The Book, October 11 (Author Interview) Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 12 Through the Fire Blogs, October 13 (Author Interview) Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 14 Guild Master, October 15 (Author Interview) Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 16 Artistic Nobody, October 17 (Author Interview) Blogging With Carol, October 18 A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 19 (Author Interview) Pause for Tales, October 19 It’s Christmastime and love is in the air. But when these three Elite Guardians walk into the crosshairs of trouble, they find themselves fighting not just for justice, but for the lives of the men they love in this riveting thriller collection! Deadly Holiday Hijack by Kate Angelo “Come out to Savannah, she says. It’ll be fun, she says. Boss can be in the nativity pageant, she says,” Yeah. Great idea. Bodyguard Christina Sherman and her fiancé, former spec ops air commando Grey Parker just want to sneak away to beautiful Savannah, attend a Nativity Pageant, maybe set a wedding date. But when a group of terrorists take over the church and the whole thing is live streamed, they find themselves in a hometown version of a Die Hard Christmas movie. But will they make it to the happy ending? Silent Night Siege by Kelly Underwood Billionaire Preston Whittaker and bodyguard Laila Rabbinowitz just can’t get a break. Not only are their schedules so crazy they’ve put their relationship on simmer, but on their way to the mountains for much-needed togetherness…yep, their plane crashes. Suddenly they’re stranded on a remote mountainside in freezing temperatures, minimal food, wildlife, and no hope of rescue. And then, the real danger starts. Someone deliberately caused the wreck, and that person is hunting them through the wilderness. Now, it’ll take more than togetherness to survive… Christmas Snowstorm Standoff by Sami A. Abrams It’s finally time for bodyguard Lizzie Tremaine to tie the knot with the man she’s loved for years—fellow bodyguard Charlie Lee. But maybe fate is still against them, because on the eve of their big day, a snowstorm hits. And, while it’s kept the guests away, it’s brought trouble in the form of a woman from Charlie’s past. More, she’s on the run from a killer… A man who will stop at nothing to make sure Charlie and Lizzie never make it to the altar. Now Lizzie and Charlie must battle the storm, stop the killer, and defeat the doubts that suddenly have them wondering if they are truly meant to be. Three epic love stories. Three edge-of-your-seat thrillers. Three Christmases caught in the Crosshairs inspired by best-selling author Lynette Eason’s Elite Guardian series. My Review Will these 3 couples survive to see Christmas... I have been really enjoying the Elite Guardians series originated by Lynette Eason so when I found out there would be a Christmas novella collection written by the same three authors who penned each of the previous three books, well, I was pretty excited. Christmas In The Crosshairs turned out to be everything I have come to anticipate in the series. Kate Angelo, Kelly Underwood, and Sami A. Abrams deliver plenty of drama, danger, and romance for their respective characters and for their readers. Each couple faces a different life changing step; one must set a date for their wedding, one must choose whether to make the altar the next step in their relationship, and the third must decide whether their impending ceremony is where they are supposed to be. Of course, all of them just need to survive long enough to be able to make those decisions. Christmas In The Crosshairs is a great addition to the Elite Guardians series and I loved how I could sit down and read a complete story in just one fairly quick sitting. It was also fun how each one was independent but at the same time loosely built on each other. Kate Angelo's Deadly Hijack saw the characters anticipating the upcoming wedding that Kelly Underwood's Silent Night Siege were on the way to attend while Sami A. Abrams' Christmas Snowstorm Standoff were waiting for their friends to arrive for the big day. So, if you are in the Christmas mood for a little faith-filled romantic suspense and you are a fan of the Elite Guardians, may I suggest Christmas In The Crosshairs as your next exciting read... Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Christmas In The Crosshairs by Lynette Eason, Kate Angelo, Kelly Underwood, and Sami A. Abrams a 4 Bark rating. (I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Genre: YA Retelling (or dystopian fantasy) Release Date: September 19, 2023 Click here to get your copy! My Review Can they work together even when far apart? Oh boy! I've been anticipating The Looking-Glass Illusion desperately wanting to know what the Wonderland Trial would throw at Alice, Chess, and the others next. With it being a Sara Ella story I just knew it would be good... With nothing and no one as they first appear it's impossible to know who or what to trust. Add on the fact that the group is now separated with Alice and Chess on two seemingly different paths. Or are they? This IS Wonderland after all, where all things and nothing may be connected in surprising ways. And, oh, does it make for some fun reading! I really enjoyed The Looking-Glass Illusion from start to finish. Sara Ella did an excellent job of bringing it all together in the conclusion to her Curious Realities duology in a way that felt complete. Lingering questions from the first book were answered and shocking new revelations come to light. The British spelling also continued in this second book and I absolutely loved the added authenticity of it. The original Wonderland stories kinda missed the boat with me, I was more of a Narnia and Middle Earth girl, but The Curious Realities duology in all of its YA dystopian glory was right up my alley. And, though they were my first Sara Ella reads I strongly doubt that they will be my last. The one and only thing that I didn't like was having to say goodbye to the characters when I turned that last page of The Looking-Glass Illusion... Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Looking-Glass Illusion by Sara Ella a 4.5 Bark rating. (I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.) More from Sara“Step through the looking glass. Slay the Jabberwock. Seek the King.” It’s my tagline for The Looking-Glass Illusion, but in truth, I had no idea what those words truly meant until I wrote the ending (and rewrote it several times). I didn’t fully understand what the looking glass did or did not do—only that Alice had to step through it. I didn’t know who or what the Jabberwock really was—only that Team Heart had to overcome it. And I really couldn’t quite figure out this Ivory King character I had introduced in The Wonderland Trials—only that he was real, and that, somehow, the King would reveal himself in the end. This is my process and it’s rather frustrating not to know what you’re up against. I wish I could outline and have all the answers ahead of time. I wish I knew every intricate detail about my stories. It would certainly make the writing life a lot easier. But I like to think the not-knowing part is God’s way of keeping me humble in all of this. Because I only discover the story and the true underlying theme of it all when He decides to reveal it to me. So, in the name of revealing things, here are three truths God showed me through the process of writing The Looking-Glass Illusion. 1. Faith is not blind. I think we can all remember the quote from The Santa Clause with Tim Allen that goes, “Seeing isn’t believing, believing is seeing.” It encompasses the idea that we don’t have to see in order to believe. And while I believe this is true, I also think if we say our faith is blind, we’ve missed the mark. God gives us every tool we need to base our faith on the truth in the Bible. He doesn’t ask us to walk blindly. He’s given us sight in His Word! And while we don’t know or see everything yet, we do have concrete evidence to stand on that what the Bible says is real. In The Looking-Glass Illusion, Alice steps through the looking glass not knowing what awaits her on the other side. She does know, however, that The Adventurer’s Almanac her sister gave her has never steered her wrong. It’s guided her along the way, and she holds fast to it as she steps into the unknown. I didn’t know how this book would end. But I do know that time and time again, God has walked with me through every ending to every book I’ve written. When I hold fast to that truth, I can have faith and the courage to move forward rather than let fear get the better of me. And speaking of fear . . . 2. Fear is a liar. Anyone who’s listened to Christian radio has probably heard the popular song “Fear is a Liar” by Zach Williams. It’s a great song and I think we all need to hear it from time to time. Alice and her team have a multitude of fears to overcome. Chess Shire in particular has to overcome his fear of facing his past. I won’t spoil anything for those who haven’t read it, but the theme of overcoming fear is an overarching one in this duology. Perhaps I could have made it more complex and profound, but it’s really quite simple: Fear is a liar. And the only way to combat lies is to stand on the truth of what we know is real because . . . 3. The fairy tale is real. I am often asked why I choose to write fairy-tale-inspired stories. I like to turn back to my author tagline. While my logo and website design and even my bio have changed over the years, my tagline has remained the same: “Happily Ever After is Never Far Away” This is something I have held to from the onset of my author journey. While fairy tales may be but stories, our walk as Christians is in the living breathing fairy tale of God’s Word. Remember that quote from “The Princess Bride?” “Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles! ”That line always reminds me of the Bible. Everything we love about fairy tales can be found within the pages of His #1 Best-Selling Book. And it all really happened! The fairy tale is real, and no matter what dragons (or Jabberwocks) we face in this life, we are promised happily ever after (dare I say, Wonderland?) in the next. **** Thank you for taking the time to sit a while with me and for sticking with this series through its conclusion. Cheers, and happy reading, Wonders! The true Wonderland awaits! Sincerely, Sara Ella
It's Time For A Giveaway!To celebrate her tour, Sara is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card, a $15 Starbucks 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! Blog Stops Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 30 Texas Book-aholic, October 1 Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 2 Where Faith and Books Meet, October 2 Locks, Hooks and Books, October 3 Blogging With Carol, October 4 The Book Club Network, October 5 Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 5 Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 6 Live. Love. Read., October 7 Holly’s book Corner, October 8 Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 9 Raining Butterfly Kisses, October 9 Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 10 Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 11 Simple Harvest Reads, October 12 (Guest Review from Mindy) Books You Can Feel Good About, October 13 Wishful Endings, October 13
Will she learn to trust God and others before her life’s legacy comes crumbling down around her? Genre: Historical fiction, Biblical fiction Release Date: August 15, 2023 Click here to get your copy! Interview with Naomi#1. What was the inspiration for this book? Even though we don’t hear about She’erah and the cities she built til 1 Chronicles 7:20-24, her timeline takes place in between the end of Genesis and the beginning of Exodus. According to my research, She’erah was Joseph’s granddaughter. To set the stage for She’erah to shine, I had to first find out if Joseph’s Egyptian career was mentioned in Egyptian history. There are several viziers speculated to have been THE Joseph, but the most compelling one to me was a man named Imhotep. This foreign vizier was the world’s first recorded polymath (man exceptionally gifted in many areas) and was recorded as building the first pyramid, saving Egypt from a seven-year famine by interpreting Pharaoh’s dream, and many other things that line up with the scriptural Joseph. There is controversy over if he is in the right time period or not, more traditionally, he is much to early, but more recently Egyptologists are thinking documented pharaohs could have overlapped in their reign. That is enough for me to launch this fictional tale. #2. What drew you to write in this particular genre? I love finding interesting tidbits tucked away in a list of Genealogies. A left-handed assassin killing an obese king, an ax head floating, a man coming back to life when his body touching a (very) dead prophet’s bones or a woman building three cities (She’erah). I started wondering if one of the unnamed spies Rahab hid in Jericho could have been her future Biblical husband, Salmah. #3. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book? I like She’erah’s older brother Thelah (Shuthelah). Even though it seems to She’erah like everything he does is directly against her, he really does try to lead the clan with honor. When She’erah calls him out on a mistake, he admits it and does try to adapt to his sister’s big personality. #4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book? I hope and pray that the readers will actually turn to the scriptures to check the facts. Specifically with She’erah’s Legacy I would love for readers to find their value in the Lord. He gives each of us gifts, and we need to work together with others to bring out the best in the mission as a whole. #5. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book. She’erah finds herself confined to her tent after undermining her brother’s authority. In order to make use of her time, she takes up painting. However she only has limited supplies and ends up painting her tent pole with malachite (a green eye makeup Egyptians used). Her charioteer comes in later and because she has done a truly horrible job, he thinks it is fast spreading mold---the kind warned about in Leviticus. What a blow to her “I’m going to do everything perfectly” mentality. More from NaomiA woman architect in ancient times? She’erah’s family is mentioned in five verses in 1 Chronicles 7:20- 24. In this brief detour from the list of genealogy, we learn some interesting facts. She’erah is the granddaughter of Joseph (yes that Joseph with the coat of many colors, vizier to Pharaoh) Two of her brothers get themselves killed for cattle rustling. Her father, Ephraim, goes into deep mourning for his sons. There is a late-in-life baby (as a result of dad’s mourning) and She’erah built Lower and Upper Beth Horon and Uzzen She’erah. Then we are right back to the begats. Wait, hold on. That’s all we get? What is the story behind her building these towns (two of which are still standing today)? What was the reaction of those around her? Something I find helpful to remember is that when you know about someone’s family, you in a way know the person. With her grandfather being Joseph, suddenly we have opened a whole new world of what we know. She’erah and the clan would have had access to all of Egypt’s knowledge and resources. Where she still might have gotten backlash from her more Hebrew clan, Egyptian women had more independence, managing their husband’s estates, or even their own. We also know the generational legacy that was passed down of the younger sibling being favored above the older. Ephraim over Manasseh, Joseph over his ten elder brothers, Jacob over Esau, Rachel over Leah, Isaac over Ishmael. I’m sure sibling rivalry could have been present. So now we can see She’erah’s picture a little more clearly. A brilliantly minded woman determined to prove herself and her abilities. Raised in Egyptian courts, yet also Hebrew. A strange mix of cultures and dynamics that shape She’erah and nurture her gifts. She’erah’s legacy is not only the towns she builds for generations to come, but also how she starts the work of unearthing the deep-seated rivalry that is entrenched in her family. I pray you’ll enjoy She’erah’s adventures, as she learns to trust the Lord and those around her. Best Regards Naomi
It's Time For A Giveaway!To celebrate her tour, Naomi is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! Blog StopsBabbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 27 Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 28 Texas Book-aholic, September 29 Locks, Hooks and Books, September 30 The Book Club Network, October 1 Connie’s History Classroom, October 2 Artistic Nobody, October 3 (Author Interview) The Book Nook, October 3 Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 4 Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 5 Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 6 (Author Interview) For Him and My Family, October 7 Simple Harvest Reads, October 8 (Author Interview) Christina’s Corner, October 8 By The Book, October 9 (Author Interview) Holly’s Book Corner, October 10
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Bentonsport - A New Chapter by Lisa Schnedler,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Release Date: September 19, 2023 Genre: Christian Romance / Speculative (Time Travel)
More in This Series
My Review
Can she make a new life in his era?
After my first adventure in Bentonsport – the modern one that is – I was beyond curious to find out how Sarah would adjust to the historical Bentonsport and Thomas's world... I will admit that the journey Lisa Schnedler took her characters on was one that I didn't exactly expect – but it was one that I appreciated. More often than not in a time travel book the characters would fall in love in short period of time and the wedding would be imminent. And, while they did fall in love fairly quickly in Bentonsport: A Christmas Story, they actually get the time to come to know each other and the readers get the same chance in Bentonsport: A New Chapter. I actually like the gentler approach that Lisa Schnedler has taken with both of these books. There is no danger or big adventure to overcome. Getting to sit back and simply enjoy the story for what it is was a nice change of pace and Bentonsport: A New Chapter reminded me in some little ways of (romance) fiction from the era in which this story was set. Anyway, Bentonsport: A New Chapter is a sweet historical romance and I enjoyed my time spent in Bentonsport. I have no idea where Lisa Schnedler could go next but I wouldn't mind a return visit or two to Bentonsport sometime in the future... Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Bentonsport: A New Chapter by Lisa Schnedler a 4 Bark rating.
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
It's Time For A Giveaway!
(3) winners will win a $15 Amazon gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 3, 2023 and will last through
11:59 PM EST on October 10, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
Fire. Family. Faith. Last Chance Fire and Rescue She sees the promise of freedom. He vowed to always be the hero. EMT Trace Bently came back to Last Chance County to escape his past. After the loss of his wife, he gave up a promising career as a police officer for the chance to save lives every day as part of the Fire Department. When a hostage situation demands the help of a local counselor, Trace realizes the past he left behind has found him. He’s being given a second chance to save the life of someone he cares about. If he can face the grief he buried. Family Counselor Kelsey Scott has to secure this grant or admit failure. She can’t afford to lose any more pieces of the life she wants because of her own choices. When Kelsey becomes the target of a series of dangerous attacks, Trace steps in determined to protect his wife’s best friend. This hero breaks down all her resistance, but Kelsey can’t risk her own heart. Even if it’s what will set them both free. Publisher: Sunrise Publishing Release Date: September 12, 2023 Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense My Review Will the past forever keep them apart? Wow, the Last Chance Fire And Rescue series has done it again! New-to-me author Laura Conaway and familiar favorite Lisa Phillips kept me entertained, intrigued, and certainly guessing from start to finish in Expired Vows. I had my suspicions as to who the attacker might be, but then something would come up and I would second guess myself, and at the end I was still in for a few unexpected surprises. As with the other Last Chance Fire And Rescue books that I have read I was once again impressed by the cooperation between the original creator of the characters, Lisa Phillips, and in Expired Vows, new author Laura Conaway. The creative combination was seamless and successful as far as I'm concerned as a reader. The continuity between the different co-authors in this series is also pretty good and I've been impressed so far. At any rate, Expired Vows was a great romantic suspense read. It had plenty of of the mystery, danger, and romantic tension that I've come to expect from Lisa Phillips and in the Last Chance Fire And Rescue series. Laura Conaway's addition to the series was enjoyable to read and I had fun trying to puzzle out the who and the why behind it all. Plus you just couldn't help but root for the Kelsey and Trace to step out of the shadows of grief and fear and finally see the person standing there right in front of them. Needless to say I am hoping there will be more books in the series to come in the future... Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Expired Vows by Lisa Phillips and Laura Conaway a 4 Bark rating. (I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.) A frontier scout, a healing widow, and a desperate fight for peace. At the farthest Georgia outpost this side of hostile Creek Territory in 1813, Jared Lockridge serves his country as a scout to redeem his father’s botched heritage. If he can help secure peace against Indians allied to the British, he can bring his betrothed to the home he’s building and open his cabinetry shop. Then he comes across a burning cabin and a traumatized woman just widowed by a fatal shot. Freed from a cruel marriage, Esther Andrews agrees to winter at the Lockridge homestead to help Jared’s pregnant sister-in-law. Lame in one foot, Esther has always known she is secondhand goods, but the gentle carpenter-turned-scout draws her heart with as much skill as he creates furniture from wood. His family’s love offers hope even as violence erupts along the frontier—and Jared’s investigation into local incidents brings danger to their doorstep. Yet how could Esther ever hope a loyal man like Jared would choose her over a fine lady? ASIN: B0C8ZP46QD Publisher: Wild Heart Books Publication date: September 5, 2023 My Review Can something good come out of the ashes? I always look forward to reading a Denise Weimer book. I know that each time I open one up whether it be in print or ebook, I am leaving my century behind for a well researched story. One that has all of the little details that make my history loving heart sing. But on the other hand, one that also puts a face onto and emotion into those dry dates and boring history book chapters from school days. A Counterfeit Betrothal was quite the story and unlike some historical fiction it held my attention all the way through. Not all fluff and fancy dresses, there was a lot more to this first Scouts Of The Georgia Frontier novel. That fact is something that I love to discover in any historical fiction book that I read but I've also come to expect it from Denise Weimer. She'll take on some of the tougher parts of history and retell them in a way that neither excuses nor rewrites the facts. And as someone with both white and Cherokee ancestors living in Georgia around the time period of A Counterfeit Betrothal, it made the initial Scouts Of The Georgia Frontier doubly interesting for me. Denise Weimer really had me going with A Counterfeit Betrothal. Just when I thought everything was solved and the main characters had a smooth road ahead of them, surprise! And I found myself enjoying the fact that I didn't have to say goodbye to Esther and Jared – not to mention the redoubtable Duchess – quite yet. I also appreciated the additional resolution to certain obstacles instead of the usual kiss and everything is all hunky-dory. Nope, Denise Weimer had to put her Scouts Of The Georgia Frontier characters through a little more angst before the final page of A Counterfeit Betrothal could be turned. Now, after finishing it I absolutely cannot wait to see where the Scouts Of The Georgia Frontier will go next... Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Counterfeit Betrothal by Denise Weimer a 4.5 Bark rating. (I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.) |
12th Blogoversary 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. Our Rating System
1 Bark - OK 2 Barks - Good! 3 Barks - Great! 4 Barks - Excellent! 5 Barks - WOW! + Barks - .5 (1/2) If I consider a book less than OK I won't review it.
Follow Us
Click the Thumbs Up to
Rate our Reviews on Amazon NetGalley
NOTE
If you are using Ad Blok you are likely missing out on content from my posts. Just disable Ad Blok -at least for Tell Tale Book Reviews- and you should be able to see everything. Archives
December 2023
Categories
All
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. . . . ♥ ♥ ♥
Your blog is one of the most professional that I've seen. Thanks so much for hosting me!
DiAnn Mills - Author Jasmine, WOW! This post is incredible. Once again, you've blown us away by going above and beyond, from the Baltimore fun facts, to the amazing nautical divider graphics, and everything in between. Thank you for the amazing blessing of this post, of your time, and of who you are!
Amanda D. - Publicist I've been on your site and reading your reviews. Good stuff there.
Shelley Hitz - Author It is always refreshing to visit your blog and we really appreciate the thought you put into everything. I’m looking forward to your future reviews.
Bethany House Staff Member Jasmine, what a lovely surprise to read your review. I'm so pleased that you like The Chamomile. And five barks - I'm smiling.
Susan F. Craft - Author |