Showing posts with label adoption. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adoption. Show all posts

Saturday, February 1, 2025

Maggie's Journey, McKenna Sisters Book 1 by Lena Nelson Dooley

 



1885 It was interesting getting to know Maggie. Her parents had travelled to Portland on a wagon train, then moved to settle in Seattle. She and her mother were mostly at odds, and she never understood why. Maggie loved to design clothes, but her mother felt that was beneath her and too common, even though her own mother was a successful clothing designer and seamstress in her hometown. Maggie's 18th birthday became a turning point for them all, when she uncovered truths about her family and herself. This is a coming of age and self-discovery story, and the beginning of a series. Believable characters with believable struggles, and Christian strength in solving them. Very 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.

#MaggiesJourney #LenaNelsonDooley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #WildHeartBooks 

About the Book

Book: Maggie’s Journey

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: January 7, 2025

A secret adoption, a quest for identity, and a love that could change her life forever.

Margaret Lenora Caine has never fit the mold her mother set for her. When Maggie discovers proof she was adopted, the rift between them only tears deeper. Feeling the sting of betrayal, Maggie requests permission to visit her grandmother in Little Rock, Arkansas. There she’ll set her sights on her dream of becoming a successful dress designer and maybe find her true identity in the process. Her father’s one condition is that she must be travel with her young aunt and her father’s handsome business partner, Charles Stanton—the man who once held her affections.

Charles Stanton, a thriving businessman, has taken a calculated risk by joining forces with Maggie’s father in a joint venture. When asked to chaperone his new partner’s sister-in-law and daughter on a cross-country trip, Charles sees it as an opportunity to strengthen their business ties. Though he initially sets his sights on Maggie’s charming and composed aunt as a potential wife, Charles soon finds himself increasingly captivated by Maggie’s resilience and charm.

With each passing mile, the bond between Maggie and Charles deepens, challenging both Maggie’s plans and her heart. Will the love growing between them help her embrace her identity—or complicate her search for what truly matters in life?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author



Multi-published, award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley has had more than 1,000,000 copies of her 50+ books sold. Her books have appeared on the CBA, Publisher’s Weekly, and ECPA bestseller lists, as well as Amazon bestseller lists. She is a member of American Christian Fiction and the local chapter, ACFW – DFW. She’s a member of Christian Authors’ Network. She likes to create characters and stories that grip her readers hearts.

 

 

 

Book Excerpt

“Mrs. Caine.” Angus McKenna came to an abrupt stop and cleared his throat before starting again. “I’ve come to ask you something that . . . I never dreamed I’d . . . ever ask anyone.” His voice rasped, and he stopped to take a gulp of air, staring off into the distance.

She couldn’t take her eyes from him, even when the baby in her arms squirmed. “How can we help you?”

New tears followed the trails down his cheeks and disappeared into his beard. He grabbed a bandanna from his back pocket and blew his nose with one hand. “I’ve just lost the most important thing in my life.” He paused and stared at the ground. “I don’t know how I can go on without her.” His voice cracked on the last word. Once again he paused, but much longer this time. His prominent Adam’s apple bobbed several times. “I’ve been crying out to God, but I don’t think He’s listening to me right now. If He were . . . ”

What a thing for a man to admit to them. Florence knew he must be near a breakdown. He did need help, but what could they do?

“I’ve decided . . . it would be best to find another family to raise one of my girls.” He stood straighter. “I’ve watched you with Margaret Lenora . . . ”

“Is that what you’ve named her?” Florence gazed at the sleeping baby, and her heart ached for the child. To grow up without a mother.

“Yes.” Angus looked straight at Joshua, and her husband gave a slow nod.

“Your husband has told me . . . how much you’ve wanted a child.”

For a moment, anger flared in her chest. Joshua shouldn’t share her secret with anyone. She took a deep breath to keep from saying something she’d regret. Even though she didn’t even look at her husband, she could feel his gaze deep inside. She was grateful he couldn’t see the ugly jealousy and covetousness that resided there.

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, January 23
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 24
Artistic Nobody, January 25 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 25
Texas Book-aholic, January 26
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 27
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 28
Devoted To Hope, January 29
Guild Master, January 30 (Author Interview)
Sylvan Musings, January 30
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 31
Books You Can Feel Good About, February 1
Simple Harvest Reads, February 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
For Him and My Family, February 3
Holly’s Book Corner, February 4
Pause for Tales, February 5

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Lena is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54139


My reviews:

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Ruthie by Sharon Srock

 



I fell into this story quickly. The characters are so real I thought I should look for their Facebook profiles and friend them. Nice to read about an older couple, who had been separated by the Vietnam war - putting them more in my own time frame. Interesting family twists and a wonderful close-knit group who love and support each other through everything. Some serious life challenges, great faith filled moments. 

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

#Ruthie #SharonSrock #ChristianFiction #womensfiction #inspirationalfiction #contemporaryfiction #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BreastCancerAwareness

My reviews

Thursday, November 2, 2023

The Bobtails Meet The Preacher's Kid by Arthur Yeomans

 


Fabulous series. These are the kind of books that I want to read.
The kids are orphaned, and it's decided by their family that their strict widowed Aunt will take them in as she has a cheese farm and has the room and the work for them. Common sense, down to earth, and I loved it. I'm a fan of Grace Livingston Hill books, with the life lessons here it reminded me somewhat of her style of story. In this book there are lessons about everything you do on a dairy farm, and life lessons as they all work through this big change in their lives. Good Christian lessons throughout. Their Aunt believes in showing them what to do and expecting them to do it well and quickly. Even the smallest toddler was given a job. In addition, wonderful way to bring up the kids with nurturing routines like daily family reading and play time. Excellent for kids and adults alike. I can't speak highly enough of this series.

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

#TheBobtailsMeetThePreachersKid #WisePathBooks #ArthurYeomans #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarHistorical #FamilyFiction

Sample to read on author's page: Published Works - Arthur Yeomans

My reviews

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

The Wings of Poppy Pendleton by Melanie Dobson

 



1907 to 1992 Woven back and forth, gradually revealing a family story as a savvy reporter digs into the facts. Very intricate, details hard to unweave to figure it all out, making it very intriguing - and you have to know what happened to these very real seeming people that are fictional derived from historical facts. I live not far from the Thousand Islands area. It's beautiful and has fascinating history. This story reveals hope in some of the hardest of times for the people on every side. Very well written! 

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.

#TheWingsOfPoppyPendleton #NetGalley #MelanieDobson #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #TyndaleHousePublishers #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarHistorical #ChildTrafficking

My reviews

Thursday, February 9, 2023

The Confession Musical

 



Wonderfully done! Excellent acting. Musical numbers are very good, some are especially touching and so beautiful. I think the story almost has more meaning and depth with the musical numbers.
Even though I'd read the book some time ago and I knew how it was going to go, I laughed and cried and sighed. This stage play really brought out the story and has been updated to this generation.
It's a Christian story about love and adoption, devotion to one another through everything. Did I mention Katie's fiancé who was believed to have drowned?  The Mothers song with Katie joining in made me sob. So much beauty. There are wonderful messages about salvation and forgiveness embedded. And the comedy is great. Chonda somewhat stole the show at times, excellently.
Even though it puts you through the wringer emotionally, it makes you feel better for having watched it.
 
Many thanks to Blue Gate Musicals for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
#TheConfessionMIN and #ConfessionMusicalMovie #ChristianFiction #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #FiveStarMovie #ChondaPierce #JohnSchneider


"The Confession Musical” is in theaters for one night only on February 20th!

The Confession Musical” is based on the New York Times best-selling book series “The Heritage of Lancaster County,” written by Beverly Lewis and written for the stage by Emmy-Nominated screenwriter Martha Bolton. 
Katie Lapp, a young Amish girl, discovers her parents have been keeping a secret from her… she is adopted. Katie decides to seek her birth mother, defying the rules of her Amish village and risking a shunning. Meanwhile, her wealthy birth mother, Laura Mayfield, battling an illness that might take her life, begins searching for her long-lost daughter to bequeath her inheritance before it is too late. Secretly plotting against her is the gold-digging husband Dylan (played by John Schneider), who is scheming to make sure he inherits her fortune. With the help and prayers of her Christian maidservant (played by Chonda Pierce), they try to foil Dylan’s plan and reunite Katie and Laura. And then there's Katie's lost fiancé and the mystery around him.

• Blog Post from Beverly Lewis: LINK

• Buy tickets today to see THE CONFESSION musical movie exclusively in theaters February 20th!


Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card
(Note: This is limited to US winners only. Winner chosen randomly from comments to this post by 2/22/23. I will need the winner’s full name and email address.) (There will be no spam!)

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Lifemark


 

This encouraging and inspirational film is based on a true story! 
Excellent movie, very moving. Lots of tears - most of them happy - all very heartfelt. Excellent acting. 

David’s story is one of grace, forgiveness, and HOPE! 

Watch LIFEMARK in theaters starting September 9th to learn more! #Lifemark #LifemarkMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 
 Buy your tickets TODAY to see LIFEMARK in theaters starting 9/9!
Website: https://lifemarkmovie.com/

Watch trailer here: https://youtu.be/bZI9ziz8Azw

Giveaway: One $10 Amazon giftcard randomly chosen from comments to this post
(Note: Giveaway is limited to U.S. winners only; Winners’ Full Names and Email Addresses are needed by 9/17) 

Many thanks to WTA Media for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 


Thursday, August 4, 2022

Lifemark

 

After watching the trailer this looks like a great family movie to watch and share. The importance of giving life to babies - well I don't even have the words. This girl chose to give birth to her baby. Yay! A win for all involved by the looks of the trailer. It's a movie that our family would watch for sure. Looking forward to the opportunity.

The newest film from the Kendrick Brothers called LIFEMARK, releases in theaters September 9th!

David’s comfortable world is turned upside down when his birthmother unexpectedly reaches out to him, longing to meet the 18-year-old son she’s only held once. With the encouragement of his adoptive parents, David embarks on a journey of discovery that leads to a staggering truth from his past. From executive producers Kirk Cameron and the Kendrick Brothers—creators of War Room and Fireproof—comes LIFEMARK, inspired by an incredible true story that celebrates the gift of life.

#LifemarkMIN 

Watch the Trailer here

Friday, June 11, 2021

No Journey Too Far by Carrie Turansky

 






I absorbed this book, got lost in it. A continuing story of British Home Children who were sent to Canada. This is what happened to Grace who was seven when they came to Canada. She was adopted right away by a wealthy family who tried to hide the fact that Grace was a British Home child and the stigma that went with it. The story jumps to her coming out debut at 17, when she discovered an old trunk in the attic that had an address on it. She remembered her mother and brother and sisters and tried to contact them. They had been searching for her all that time. Her brother returns from war with a story of his own and it unfolds. Well told, with never a dull moment. Christian values while finding their own strength and worth and a murder mystery unfolds. Brilliant!
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#NoJourneyTooFar #NetGalley

My reviews:

Sunday, March 7, 2021

Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green

 

Starting in 1890 Chicago, but mostly contained in 1893, Sylvie saves Rose from going into an orphanage that couldn't care for so many children, just as her father was bringing her there. Sylvie took Rose in and raised her like a daughter. Sylvie owned a bookstore and lived above it, also renting out rooms. Kristof and his brother, professional violinists, live in one the rooms. Things transpire that Sylvie and Kristof get closer as they both have to live with letting their loved ones go. One of those books you look forward to picking up again. Never a dull moment. This was also when the Worlds Fair was held in Chicago and has lots of descriptions of the wonders that were to be seen. Excellent read!

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

#ShadowsoftheWhiteCity #NetGalley

My Reviews:
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Sunday, June 23, 2019

More Than Meets The Eye by Karen Witemeyer

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36353369-more-than-meets-the-eye?ac=1&from_search=truehttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/more-than-meets-the-eye-karen-witemeyer/1127179096?ean=9780764212833#/https://www.christianbook.com/more-than-meets-the-eye/karen-witemeyer/9780764212833/pd/212832?event=ESRCGhttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764212834/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0764212834&linkCode=as2&tag=netg01-20https://www.powells.com/book/-9780764212833

". . .a soul’s sore spots didn’t really disappear. They could be buried, defended, and denied, but until they were loved, they wreaked havoc with a person’s peace."

1879 Texas. Christian Historical. First in a new series. There were four orphans on a train that crashed, three escaped, forming their own family, taking care of each other, each with their own strengths. The girl, Eva, has two different color eyes which are off-putting to others, one of the reasons she hadn't been adopted. They struggle to find what they need to eat, with the oldest boy, Zach, taking on the responsibility. After it gets harder and harder he runs out of options, and gets a farm for them in an uncommon way, never expecting repercussions.  Logan wants revenge and restitution for his family. When he searches out the person he believes responsible, he's surprised at what he finds. Interesting story of survival and love in an unconventional family whose bonds are tighter than many normal families. Throw in some mystery and danger. You won't be bored.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
#MoreThanMeetsTheEye #KarenWitemeyer #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

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Monday, June 3, 2019

The Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43253066-the-pink-bonnet?ac=1&from_search=truehttps://www.christianbook.com/bonnet-colors-historical-stories-american-ebook/liz-tolsma/9781643520476/pd/99571EB?event=ESRCGhttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-pink-bonnet-liz-tolsma/1130406957?ean=9781643520452https://www.powells.com/book/-9781643520452https://www.amazon.com/Pink-Bonnet-Historical-Stories-American/dp/1643520458/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Pink+Bonnet&qid=1559592709&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Step into True Colors -- a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

Very well told story of the kidnapping of a young child and an illegal adoption ring 1933 Memphis. Most incredible is that it's an illustration based on true happenings. This is the story of one young mother and her search for her daughter throughout the intense corruption of the city. Widowed in Depression era Memphis during 1932 and no family to help her, Cecile Dowd is having a difficult providing for her three-year-old daughter and herself. Since she is a single mother, what she has is precious, what she doesn't have is too far away from her reach. Trusting a neighbor while she is looking for work and food turns out to be a mistake. She returns to find her daughter has been taken. An organization called Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home Society is at the root of over 5,000 kidnappings from 1924-1950, with deep roots in the city government. Some who adopted were celebrities. Cecile is able to get help from a young lawyer, but nothing is easy. Riveting. Heart wrenching. Grief and love on both sides of these adoptions.  Liz Tolsma never fails!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
#ThePinkBonnet  #LizTolsma  #NetGalley  #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout
You can get a free extended preview of this book here.

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Monday, April 8, 2019

Waves of Mercy by Lynn Austin

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764217615/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0764217615&linkCode=as2&tag=netg01-20https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/waves-of-mercy-lynn-austin/1123272695?ean=9780764217616https://www.christianbook.com/waves-of-mercy-lynn-austin/9780764217616/pd/217616?event=ESRCGhttps://www.powells.com/book/-9780764217616https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28516304-waves-of-mercy?ac=1&from_search=true

"Often, it's not one great, dramatic thing that God asks us to do but hundreds of little everyday things."

Christian Historical Fiction. 1897 and 52 years before. Geesje is an immigrant from the Netherlands. Her story is rich with love and heartbreak both there and here in America. Her family settled in Michigan, naming the new town Holland.

Anna has broken up with her fiancé and leaves home for a resort in Holland Michigan to recover. On her way she is nearly shipwrecked, bringing up old nightmares. She was adopted by the man who did actually rescue her from a shipwreck, but they never told her what happened. This is a fabulous journey of discovery for Anna. For most of us our lives don't follow a neat pattern, a straight line. The lives of these people are tattered, shredded and torn, mended and edges smoothed by faith. I highly recommend it! First book in a series. The second book continues this story and is also fabulous.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
#WavesOfMercy #NetGalley #LynnAustin #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

My Reviews:
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