Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Beneath a Peaceful Moon by Debby Lee


Takes place during WW2 after Japan attacked. Two native Americans from different parts of America meet on base and beautifully fall for each other before getting shipped out. They're both doing undercover work, but can't tell each other. They don't even realize how close to each other they are, yet they have a special bond as though God orchestrated it. Faith is the underlining thread that keeps them strong through it all. Hopeful, heart wrenching, tense. Hard to put down. The story keeps you fully engaged, lots of tension with the dangers they both go through and knowing how close they are to each other during the section of the war with the Japanese, on a jungle island. You have to know what happens! It almost lost me towards the end when it's so obviously spread out with cliffhanger after cliffhanger, but because it's so real it deserves five stars. You want another chapter to see it through with the other characters that they've met along the way, so it ends a bit abruptly.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#BeneathAPeacefulMoon #DebbyLee #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #FiveStarNovel #CelebrateLit

About the Book

Book: Beneath a Peaceful Moon

Author: Debby Lee

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: June, 2023

Mary’s Language Skills Could Help End the War in the Pacific
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

Mary Wishram is desperate to hang on to her few loved ones, a brother fighting in the South Pacific and Japanese friends in a relocation camp. Determined to end the war by any means necessary, she is willing to use her language skills as Yakama tribe member to become a spy and face any danger to bring them all home safe.

John Painted Horse struggles with the loss of his father who died in WWI for a country that didn’t consider him a United States citizen, much less give him the right to vote. He is desperate to bring long overdue recognition and honor to his people, no matter the cost.

Can they heal from their past traumas and find a peace, love, and a deeper relationship with God, before it’s too late? 

Click here to get your copy! 

About the Author

Debby Lee was raised in the cozy little town of Toledo, Washington. She has been writing since she was a small child, and has written several novels, but never forgets home. The Northwest Christian Writers Association and Romance Writers of America are two organizations that Debby enjoys being a part of. As a self professed nature lover, and an avid listener of 1960’s folk music, Debby can’t help but feel like a hippie child who wasn’t born soon enough to attend Woodstock. She wishes she could run barefoot all year long, but often does anyway in the grass and on the beaches in her hamlet that is the cold and rainy southwest Washington. During football season, Debby cheers on the Seattle Seahawks along with legions of other devoted fans. She’s also filled with wanderlust and dreams of visiting Denmark, Italy, and Morocco someday.  Debby loves connecting with her readers through her website at www.booksbydebbylee.com

More from Debby

MY ATTEMPT AT MEATHOD WRITING

It was a warm, sunny September morning on my uncle’s farm, where I used an entrenching tool to dig my foxhole. A gentle breeze blew as I dug, and cooled my sweat-streaked forehead. The little shovel, with a handle roughly three feet long, did a fair job of breaking the dirt beneath my feet. Scoopful by scoopful, I managed to dig a hole about two feet deep, six feet long, and three feet wide. 

I stood over this gaping pit that looked more like a grave. This was where I intended to sleep when darkness fell. I wondered, asked myself, “Will I make it through the night?” 

My husband and I walked the perimeter of my uncle’s property. We noticed evidence of coyotes not more than one-hundred yards from my foxhole. Though my husband agreed to sleep in his truck not far from me, with a loaded pistol at the ready, we were still nervous about my sleeping arrangements. A few relatives laughed at my idea. I’m sure they thought I wouldn’t last more than a few hours out there that night. 

I found a bucket old tin cans and a roll of string. I used my entrenching tool as a hammer and pounded holes in the cans and then strung a trip wire. Surely this would scare away any curious predators. I hoped. 

My husband did tell me, “If you hear wolves or coyotes howling, get in the truck!” 

By this time it was late in the evening and I was starving. In an attempt to stay in character, I reached for an MRE. That’s Meals Ready to Eat, today’s equivalent to K rations and C rations. I never thought I’d be hungry enough to suck cold mashed potatoes from a plastic pouch. 

I went to bed that night clutching my entrenching tool, ready to fight off any critters who ventured too close. Sleep didn’t come easy that night. The ground was hard, uneven, and cold, bone-chilling cold. I shivered and shivered in a futile effort to keep warm. 

The things that ran through my mind. I gazed at the inky, black sky and located the North Star. I thought of runaway slaves. How cold and terribly frightened they had to have been. And how brave and courageous, too. 

Later, I realized my trip wire was enough to alert me to coyotes, but not snakes or rats. Was I strong enough, mentally, physically, to beat off a hoard of rats? A pack of hungry coyotes, if they broke through my tripwire? 

Honestly, I was terrified. Not necessarily of falling to sleep, but falling to sleep and being jolted awake having to fight for my safety. I meditated on scriptures and continuously whispered, “If I can just make it until daylight.” 

I don’t think I slept more than three hours that night, an hour here, another there. The sun lightened the gray sky. I climbed from my foxhole, my back and muscles were stiff and sore, but I was thankful to see the sun. 

I was thankful for so much more. My night in a foxhole was ludicrously luxurious compared to those brave soldiers who fought during WWII and the wars since then. At least I didn’t have to contend with bombs or grenades raining down on me. 

I can’t imagine going to bed night after night, wondering if bombs, grenades, or gunfire would pierce the air, wondering if my buddies and I would be shot or blown to bits, wondering if I’d live to see sunrise. My respect for soldiers grew a thousand-fold that night. 

I’ve visited my uncle’s farm several times since then. I always gaze across the partially wooded forty acres and I remember that night. And remember the sacrifices our soldiers made for me, for democracy, and for freedom.

Blog Stops

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Debby is giving away the grand prize package of a print copy of the book and a $25 Amazon eGift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2678d/beneath-a-peaceful-moon-celebration-tour-giveaway


My reviews

Sound of Freedom movie

 



Almost agonizing to watch. Tears your heart out. I cried. I held my breath. Beautifully filmed and acted. The children are perfect, the adults are incredible. Felt so real. Such an overwhelming issue. Let this be an inspiration. There is hope. If nothing else pray! Maybe you can get the message out to a few people who you know - spread the message and take the best stand that you can. As Jim says, this is a way to shine a light in a way that only cinema can illustrate. Make you FEEL it. Pay it forward if you can. 
God's children are not for sale. Jim Caviezel is an amazing man, with a big love for children and a passion for God. (You have to admire this man.) Child trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world. This is Tim Ballard's true story.

Many thanks to Angel Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
#SoundOfFreedomMIN #SoundofFreedomMovie #MomentumInfluencerNetwork #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout 

Synopsis: Sound of Freedom, based on an incredible true story, shines a light on even the darkest of places. After rescuing a young boy from ruthless child traffickers, a federal agent learns the boy’s sister is still captive and decides to embark on a dangerous mission to save her. With time running out, he quits his job and journeys deep into the Colombian jungle, putting his life on the line to free her from a fate worse than death.

Buy tickets today to see Sound of Freedom in theaters starting July 4th!

Ticketing Page: LINK
Pay-It-Forward Page: LINK

Giveaway: 2 free tickets to see Sound of Freedom!
(Note: This is limited to US winners only. Please submit your full name and email address in the comments below by 7/6.) 

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green

 



1925 Lauren is a Doctor of Egyptology at the Metropolitan Museum. She always wanted her father's approval, and to be like him, but he stayed distant throughout her life, mostly in Egypt. Joe is a detective and comes to her for help with some forgeries. Quite a mystery unfolds, full of deception, crime, danger and suspense, leaving you unsure of suspects till the end. Three-D characters, realistically draw you in. You have to feel for them as they struggle through the mystery and their relationship, learning to trust. Excellent read.
I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #MetropolitanAffair #JocelynGreen #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BethanyHouse #ChristianHistoricalFiction

Author Jocelyn Green


My reviews

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

The Pursuit of Miss Parish by Grace Hitchcock

 

1899 Las Vegas. I so love this series and spending time with the Harvey Girls. Hate to put it down, look forward to picking it up again. I can appreciate how difficult it is to be a waitress, but these girls had it really hard. Belle has been the lady's maid to a girl in the first book. Belle and her friend came there as mail order brides to start a new life. Circumstances and misunderstandings make her sign on at Harvey House instead of getting married, but her romance isn't over, it is just beginning. Colt and the Death Raiders gang situation are unraveled within the story. Lots of danger, excitement and handsome men. Melting love scenes. SWOON! 

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#ThePursuitOfMissParish #GraceHitchcock #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #FiveStarNovel #CelebrateLit

About the Book

 

Book: The Pursuit of Miss Parish

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: May 31, 2023

Love’s gentle promise becomes nothing more than a withered dream.

With dreams of love and a hope for belonging, shy Belle Parish leaves her position as a maid in Charleston to travel to New Mexico with her best friend to become mail-order brides. Colt Lawson’s letters hold great promise and while his devilishly handsome face matches his picture, something does not add up. Discovering his lie only moments before they wed, Belle flees the church and straight into the Castañeda Hotel Harvey House. Giving up the prospect on ever marrying, she dons her nun-like uniform and focuses on her role as a Harvey Girl waitress until a strong, former Texas Ranger rides into her life.

Colt Lawson didn’t want to send that letter to Belle Parish in the first place, but her first response had all but captured his heart. When he is left standing at the altar alone, he is left with two choices—either release his dream of a love marriage, or attempt to win her heart. Wooing her would be a lot easier if that Texas Ranger wasn’t back in town. Who wants a dusty rancher with a past when she could have a shining knight in a Stetson? 

Click here to get your copy! 

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in the New Orleans area with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.


 

More from Grace

Questions from READERS for Grace Hitchcock

Q: As a mom, how/when do you find time to write?

Grace Hitchcock: I used to walk around the block to my favorite coffee shop in New Orleans, writing with a delicious latte and scone beside me, headphones in with the perfect soundtrack playing waiting for the muse. . . and now days, I write during Sofia the First episodes blaring in the background for my toddler while the baby sleeps and my Kindergartner is in half-day school.

On the days when I can’t get the word count down during those tiny moments, my husband takes the babies for an hour in the evenings and tells me to go write! When I’m on tight deadline with days left to go, the house usually isn’t the cleanest and Laundry Mountain, in all its splendor, may just fall on top of us. Sometimes while on deadline, I get the urge to pause and clean, but if I ignore the impulse long enough, the feeling generally passes. Once the book is in to my editor, it’s time to clean.

Q: What is your favorite source of inspiration for creating the characters in your stories?

Grace Hitchcock: For main characters, I use Names Through the Ages to figure out their names based on their background and once I know a character’s name, it’s as if the heroine/hero stroll into my writing room and I get to know their personality, the story closely following.

For the supporting characters, I have a need/plot point that they need to fill and I build their personality around that need. Not quite as exciting haha but they serve a purpose. But, I always remind myself to try to fill them out because they do not know they are not the main characters.

Q: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Grace Hitchcock: One of my earliest memories is writing stories in my little diary in my closet. (Remember the diaries with the locks on them that were super easy to pick, but still dreamy to have a book with a lock on it.)

I started taking my desire to write seriously when I was a senior in high school. I was homeschooled and my mom let me write a novel for my senior English project to test that theory if I wanted to write. It was so fun to write, I knew that’s what I wanted to do, so I got my Masters in Creative Writing and I’ve been typing away ever since.

Q: What is your writing process like?

Grace Hitchcock: I usually begin with a spark of an idea that I at once research to see if it would work with the eras I enjoy writing (Gilded Age and Regency England). From there, I do a deep dive into writing out a chapter by chapter plot, which generally takes about a week to ten days.

Once I have my plot down, I do about a week or two more of basic research and begin the first very, very rough draft that I usually finish at 50,000 words after 3 months of writing. 

Then, I research any spots that needed improving in the first draft and go full editing mode, pausing throughout the book to research spots that need more description and historical accuracy, which is about two months and then, I do a third round of edits and research while doing a line edit, which takes a month. 

By the time I get to the 6-month mark, I am more than ready to have a break haha and I send my 75,000/80,000 word novel off to my publisher/editor who does a content edit, sends it back to me for three weeks, another editor does a line edit, sends it back to me for three weeks, then another editor does a copy edit and sends it to galleys (where they format the book) and send it back to me to proof one last time for two weeks! Then, it goes to press at usually 75,000-100,000 depending on the novel. So long story short, 6 months to write and about 2 months to edit!

Q: Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

Grace Hitchcock: In this business, just about every author gets a rejection from a publisher . . . even by publishers who later accept them!

When I began sending out one of my first manuscripts, I thought it was pristine, but after about 15 rejections, I put it on the shelf and focused on a new manuscript with fresh eyes and new goals based on some of the industry professionals’ suggestions. Six months after I shelved that first manuscript, I went back and looked over it . . . the professionals were right. It wasn’t ready and it would require a lot more love (aka bleeding edits) before I attempted to send it out again. Sometimes, time is what you need to get a fresh perspective.

But it is also important to remember that when you get a rejection letter, they are not rejecting you. They are rejecting the work. And as much as you see it as a work of art, the publishers see it as a product. They are there to sell a product and if the product isn’t ready, it won’t sell well, so take heart and “hone your craft” and focus on any feedback you received that has merit.

That critique was very hard for me to hear haha but it helped push me to keep learning, attending writer conferences, and following my dreams. Over the years, I have had novels rejected by Barbour, Bethany, and Kregel, but I tried again and again and eventually signed with each publishing house! So keep it up! You can do it!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , June 16
Vicky Sluiter, June 16
Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 17
She Lives To Read, June 17
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 18
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 18
Texas Book-aholic, June 19
Alena Mentink, June 19
All-of-a-kind Mom, June 20
Bigreadersite, June 20
Connie’s History Classroom, June 21
Books You Can Feel Good About, June 21
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 22
Betti Mace, June 23
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 23
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 24
Karen Baney Reviews, June 24
Blogging With Carol, June 25
For Him and My Family, June 25
Labor Not in Vain, June 26
Mary Hake, June 26
Cover Lover Book Review, June 27
Holly’s Book Corner, June 27
Splashes of Joy, June 28
Pause for Tales, June 28
Jodie Wolfe -Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 29
Lights in a Dark World, June 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed copy of The Finding of Miss Fairfield AND The Pursuit of Miss Parish with bookmarks and book magnets, and a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2658d/the-pursuit-of-miss-parish-celebration-tour-giveaway


My reviews:

Ava by Caryl McAdoo

 



1854 Louisiana to Montana. Ava is sold by a relative as a mail order bride, but she knew her ground and could take care of herself if she wanted to return to the place where she grew up. She is used to living off the land, and skilled. On the way with the wagon train, travelling with a Madam and 3 doves makes for an interesting story as Noble spies her and travels along too. Turns out his father is the one who had paid for the brides. They have things to work out, mainly his lack of faith. She's determined and on a mission, and is successful. Good read. 

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#Ava #CarylMcadoo #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #FiveStarNovel #CelebrateLit

About the Book

Book: Ava

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Release date: May 3, 2023

And a child will lead them.

Even if she’s a seventeen-year-old, raven-haired bear slayer though? Ava May, head strong, fetching, and true of soul grew up wise in the ways of swamp living while so naive concerning the outside world. Gold for her ma to pay off her dead father’s debts and the promise of great adventure transport her from her backwoods Louisiana cabin to Montana’s big sky county to marry a stranger. However, love threatens to thwart all the plans made for the mail-order bride before the wagon train’s wheels stop rolling. Enjoy your journey with Ava and the other brides under Miss Lottie’s care on the Oregon Trail, living though temptations, dangers, and the harrowing trek.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Award-winning, Christian author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory. Of her best-selling novels, readers love her historical Christian romance family sagas most, but also enjoy their contemporary cousins, Caryl’s Biblical fiction, her historical mystery series, and tales for young adults, mid-grade booklovers, and pre-K through 2nd grade picture books.

The majority of reviewers award her stories five-stars and praise Caryl’s writing style, citing her extensive research and the depth of her characters.

The prolific writer loves singing the new songs God gives her almost as much as penning new novels—hear a few at YouTube! She’s been married to Ron fifty-five years, and they share four children and twenty-five grandsugars. The McAdoos live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door. 

More from Caryl

2023 is the fifth annual Prairie Roses Collection, and I’m so excited to add AVA to my contributions for this multi-author, covered-wagon-stories project! The sojourners of these grueling treks fascinate me, willingly suffering such hardships and walking two thousand miles for a fresh start.

In fact, Ava May Harley never wanted to leave her home, a log cabin her father built in Skeeter Bottoms. She was born there, but with her Pap gone, for her family’s sake . . . The Word says if we don’t take care of our own, we are worse than an infidel, right?

What have you sacrificed for the sake of your family?

What immediately comes to my mind is the time we gave up our “golden years” and put off our empty-nest for fourteen years to take in four precious grandsugar-sons when we were fifty-two. They were six, four, three, and three-days-old. 

Had we not, CPS was going to remove them from our family and spread the brothers out among strangers. Ron and I couldn’t let that happen and asked them to leave the boys with us. Of course, we thought it would only be for a few months. 

We assumed their parents would attend the required classes and ‘get clean’ Figured we could do anything for a couple of months, right? The short months turned into years. Each boy left when the graduated high school, except the baby. When the third brother left, he asked to go with him to the other grandmother’s. He was fourteen then.

When people asked how we did it, there was an easy answer. 😊 “Only by the mercy and grace of God.” The boys are grown now. The oldest is a fire fighter, and the youngest is a Marine. Ron and I have enjoyed our empty nest since 2017 (at 67 years of age), but we miss our fellers!

In AVA, my sweet heroine was only seventeen when a cousin dangled gold coins in front of her broke and bereft mother. Ma could buy a proper gravestone for her dead husband and pay off his debts if she would only send her firstborn off to marry a stranger in Montana. 

My brave and independent character made her own decision to make the journey for the betterment of her family and count it a great adventure. As the miles piled on top one another, taking her farther and farther from her life in the Louisiana swamps, the only home she’d ever known, she doubted her decision more than once.

Her strong faith in God worked with her naivety and kept her on the Oregon Trail, moving ever toward her future. When a person knows God has a plan, and believes they are on that very path, there’s no reason to be afraid or worry. She knew God would never leave her or forsake her.

She knew how completely trustworthy He is.

I fell in love with this precious character, and I hope you will, too. I hope you will enjoy going along with AVA on the harrowing journey!
How involved have you gotten with a book character in the past? Share the character’s name and the book’s title if you will in your comments below! 😊 

BLESSINGS!

Blog Stops

Giveaway

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

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2658c/ava-celebration-tour-giveaway




My reviews

Friday, June 16, 2023

Engaging Deception by Regina Jennings

 



Excellent read. Keeps you hooked. Interesting to the very end. Love the characters. Sweet and caring, down to earth. Olive has always wanted to be architect, something women just didn't do at that time, so she keeps it a secret. Max is a successful architect who hires Olive to watch his children. Each has emotional scars that they need support and understanding to get through. Great sense of humor. Tough to put down but you want it to go on. Sweet romance with great depth.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #EngagingDeception #ReginaJennings #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BethanyHouse

My reviews
ChristianBook

Friday, June 9, 2023

Sound of Freedom movie

 


This looks like it is an AMAZING story, one that very much needs to be told. Please share the link with everyone you know! Child trafficking is a huge problem in this country and the world. It needs to stop.

Trailer link: (87) Sound of Freedom | Theatrical Trailer for July 4 | Angel Studios - YouTube

Synopsis: 
Sound of Freedom, based on the incredible true story, shines a light on even the darkest of places. After rescuing a young boy from ruthless child traffickers, a federal agent learns the boy’s sister is still captive and decides to embark on a dangerous mission to save her. With time running out, he quits his job and journeys deep into the Colombian jungle, putting his life on the line to free her from a fate worse than death.

The film stars Jim Caviezel (The Passion of the Christ, The Count of Monte Cristo) who plays the lead role of Tim Ballard. Academy Award Winner Mira Sorvino (Mighty Aphrodite) plays Katherine Ballard and Bill Camp (Lincoln, 12 Years a Slave) plays “Batman”—Ballard’s right-hand man.

The film is produced by Eduardo Verástegui and directed by Alejandro Monteverde.

Get Your Tickets At: https://www.angel.com/sof

Exclusively in theaters July 4th, 2023.

Share this film with the world by Paying it Forward at https://www.angel.com/pay-it-forward/... 

Help get this film to a theater near you by expressing interest at http://Angel.com/freedom 



#SoundOfFreedomMIN


Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Return to Satterthwaite Court by Mimi Matthews

 



London 1843 Wonderfully delicious story with uppercrust social class and ancestral inheritance pressures. Kate and Charles are of course more grounded and love being in the country.  Charles has just returned from resigning his commission in the navy. He becomes entangled with Kate when chasing a stray dog through the streets. Family pressures, secrets and mystery propel them into danger. I would love to see the dresses described throughout. Excellent read!

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #ReturntoSatterthwaiteCourt #MimiMatthews #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #PerfectlyProperPress

My reviews

An Unsuitable Heiress by Jane Dunn

 



1815  A Cinderella-ish story with beautiful clothes, dogs and horses. A damsel dressed like a boy, rescued by a group of male friends, who are from upper society, as she is running away to try to find her father. Better protection probably couldn't have been found even though a few small things were quite risqué. Cory is quite a girl.  The guys are quite the guys, rogues yet honorable, caring and soft hearted. Not a quick read (thankfully!) as you must continually keep reading to see what happens next, yet you don't want it to end too soon. Excellent read. (Just a few places that could offend.)

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #AnUnsuitableHeiress #JaneDunn #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BoldwoodBooks

My reviews