Showing posts with label journey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label journey. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

A Place to Belong: Josephine’s Story : A Shumard Oak Bend Companion Christmas Novella (Discerning God’s Best) by Heidi Gray McGill

 


Josephine and Jeremiah are both broken and haven't known love or kindness from others as they've grown up. Both have been ready to cut and run for some time. This is the loveliest story of each of their journeys to wholeness and strength. The townspeople weren't the most accepting of either of them, yet they learned to grow and stand their own ground. Wonderful read! I highly recommend this book.

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

#APlaceToBelong #HeidiGrayMcGill #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #HeidiGrayMcGillBooksLLC #HistoricalChristianRomance #Frontier Life #Pioneer Life #CleanandWholesomeInspirationalRomance #ChristianChristmasNovella

original, romantic, page-turner, happily-ever-after, wonderful characters, realistic, easy-to-read

My reviews:

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

The Reluctant Pioneer: Inspired by a true story by Julie McDonald Zander

 


Matilda really didn't want to go to Oregon. Her husband was determined though. Very well told and moving story of her journey - based on a historical figure.  Strengthened by Christian lessons as she learned to adapt and persevere through her own trials and those around her. Many history lessons brought to life throughout. Would make a great movie. A meaningful story with substance.

I received this book free from the author and NetGalley review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#TheReluctantPioneer #NetGalley #JulieMcDonaldZander #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BooksGoSocial

Publisher's Description

Matilda Koontz cherishes her life as a wife and mother on a Missouri farm, but her hardworking husband wants to claim free farmland in the Pacific Northwest. When he suggests selling the farm to trek two thousand miles across the Oregon Trail, she balks. 

But in the spring of 1847, Matilda and Nicholas Koontz and their sons embark on a grueling journey westward. Fresh graves testify to dangers of disease, accidents, starvation, and a multitude of hazards threatening her family and her beloved’s dream.

With new struggles at every turn, Matilda wonders how she can protect her sons on such a perilous journey. Will they reach the trail’s end? Will the babe growing inside her womb survive?

When tragedy strikes, the question changes: How can she possibly continue?

This pioneer woman’s journey is inspired by a true story.


My reviews
Barnes and Noble

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

An Uncharted Dream by Abbey Downey

 

Lenora and Marcus had known each other and had been friends for years. They both belonged to the Explorers Club. An opportunity came up for the group and they decided to go on an exploration trip. Secrets on both sides and things withheld from others make for quite a journey for them all. But in the end their faith showed them that what was bad was used for good and they grew from the experience. Lovely story. 

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.

#AnUnchartedDream #AbbeyDowney #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #WildHeartBooks #GildedAgeHistoricalRomance 

About the Book

Book: An Uncharted Dream

Author: Abbey Downey

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 1, 2025

An explorer in search of answers, a determined protector, and an expedition that could cost them everything…

Leonora Thornton always envisioned following in her father’s footsteps—exploring the world and chasing adventure. But after his tragic death, she can’t get past the debilitating fear…until she meets an explorer who promises to take her on his expedition to the very place where her father died.

Marcus Turner knows a con man when he sees one, and after years of hiding his family’s shameful financial situation, he won’t let anyone he cares about be swindled again. Especially not Leonora, his longtime best friend and the woman he secretly loves. Joining the expedition, Marcus embarks on a mission to protect Leonora from the swindler, no matter the cost.

When betrayal leaves them stranded far from their destination, Leonora and Marcus must determine if they can rely on God—or each other.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Abbey Downey started writing inspirational romance stories during naptime when her kids were babies and found she couldn’t stop. She previously published two books with Love Inspired Historical under the pen name Mollie Campbell. She also works with Spark Flash Fiction producing a quarterly digital magazine that contains love stories under 1000 words.

A life-long Midwestern girl, Abbey lives in central Indiana with her husband, two kids, and one rather enthusiastic beagle. She loves watching her kids play sports and fixing up a 1900 farmhouse with her husband.

 

 

More from Abbey

Have you ever doubted God’s faithfulness toward you? That He could take a tough circumstance and make anything good come out of it?

As with all my books, An Uncharted Dream is filled with romance and fascinating real history. I had the best time writing the love story between lifelong friends Marcus and Leonora. And the research into archeology, exploration, and surveying in the early 1900s was so interesting. You can get a peek into that in my author’s note.

However, I also wrote An Uncharted Dream while struggling with the kind of doubts I mentioned above in my own life. I was fighting to understand how God’s loving plan for me could include so much heartache that quite honestly still seems to have no end in sight. I know I’m not alone. Many of us grapple with questions like this every day and it’s so tough.

Leonora also faces these questions. Just when there might be a chance for romance with her best friend and her dream of going on an archeological expedition is within her grasp, she faces an obstacle that makes her doubt God’s goodness in her life. Like us, she has to come to grips with the reality that following Christ doesn’t mean things automatically go smoothly. Even for His faithful followers, God doesn’t always work out a difficult situation with a tidy happy ending. Often, we’re left to learn to lean on Him as we go straight through the worst of that situation, instead.

It’s not easy, I know that just as well as many of you. And while I don’t know why it has to be that way, I can tell you that God’s faithfulness is constant. He doesn’t love us any less when He lets us remain in a struggle. This story is just that—a work of fiction. But I hope you’ll go through this journey with Marcus and Leonora and be encouraged. I hope you’ll see the unwavering truth of God’s Word and His character. And I hope you’ll be uplifted by the moments of joy and success these characters find in their hardship and see those same kinds of blessings in your life.

Happy reading!

Blog Stops

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Abbey 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/00adcf54258


My reviews

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:

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Inventions of the Heart by Mary Connealy

 



1872 California. A continuation and second in a series about three sisters, daughters of the owners of a huge logging company. When their father died, their mother married again, to a man who turned out to be a monster. Since he was about to marry them off to other monsters, the sisters escaped but were always in danger of being found. All three are brilliant in their own way. It's interesting to see each one's strengths put to use. Their journey progressed in many ways at their home and at Zane's ranch where the girls had taken refuge. This book is concentrated more on Michelle and her new husband, who were hastily wed. They have to get to know each other, trust one another, learn each other's strengths. It's an entertaining story to read, would make a fabulous mini series. Nominate! 

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.

#InventionsOfTheHeart #NetGalley #BethanyHouse #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarBooks #MaryConnealy #BethanyHousePublishers

My reviews

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

The Chosen Season 4 trailer


This looks like it will be quite impactful. Certainly, the other seasons have been amazing in showing the life of Jesus and the people He chose to surround Him, but this season is getting into the most sorrowful part of His life. We will be watching the series for sure!

Synopsis: 
Clashing kingdoms. Rival rulers. The enemies of Jesus close in while His followers struggle to keep up, leaving him to carry the burden alone.

Threatened by the reality of Jesus’ growing influence, religious leaders do the unthinkable—ally with their Roman oppressors. As the seeds of betrayal are planted and opposition to Jesus’ message turns violent, he’s left with no alternative but demand that his followers RISE UP.

Season 4 Theatrical Release Dates:
Episodes 1-3: 2/1
Episodes 4-5: 2/15
Episodes 6-7: 2/29

Official Trailer link: https://collidemediagroup.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7fa294e9cfc078eecabbec8f4&id=188bc82361&e=8178308bbe

#TheChosen4MIN  #MomentumInfluencers #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianMovie #Jesus

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Thanksgiving Books & Blessings Collection GONE TO TEXAS by Caryl McAdoo

 


Book one in the collection. I was easily hooked at the beginning of the book. Told in first person switching characters as it goes, a great group of Christian people. What I like in a wagon train story, it makes you feel like you're on the journey with them going from Tennessee to Texas. They'd been swindled on their collective land and farm in Tennessee so they headed to Texas for the free land there that you could get for homesteading it. Interesting journey and it's nice that you get to see them arrive and get settled as things fall into place.

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.

#GoneToTexas #NetGalley #CarylMcAdoo #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BooksGoSocial #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarHistorical 

My review
ChristianBook

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Rescue in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd



Faith filled story of 1779 Virginia. As well as having deformities from an abusive father, Lucinda was born with a chronic illness. William rushes her to safety before her father sells her, removing her to another area, where she decides to travel west. Working as a guide for an overland group to Kentucky, William continues to watch over her. He has his own disfigurement from earlier times. Both are forged by their life difficulties and are strong, but each is also vulnerable and finds it hard to trust and feel worthy of someone's love. Beautifully told. So well written it feels like you're on the journey through the woods and terrain with them. None of us are good enough as we are, only Jesus has made us worthy. 
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.

#RescueInTheWilderness #AndreaByrd #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #FiveStarNovel #CelebrateLit

About the Book


Book: Rescue in the Wilderness

Author: Andrea Byrd

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 27, 2023

William Cole cannot forget the cruel burden he carries, not with the pock marks that serve as an outward reminder. Riddled with guilt, he assumed the solitary life of a long hunter, traveling into the wilds of Kentucky each year. But his quiet existence is changed in an instant when, sitting in a tavern, he overhears a man offering his daughter—and her virtue—to the winner of the next round of cards. William’s integrity and desire for redemption will not allow him to sit idly by while such an injustice occurs.

Lucinda Gillespie has suffered from an inexplicable illness her entire life. Her father, embarrassed by her condition, has subjected her to a lonely existence of abuse and confinement. But faced with the ultimate betrayal on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Lucinda quickly realizes her trust is better placed in his hands of the mysterious man who appears at her door. Especially when he offers her the one thing she never thought would be within her grasp—freedom.

In the blink of an eye, both lives change as they begin the difficult, danger-fraught journey westward on the Wilderness Trail. But can they overcome their own perceptions of themselves to find love and the life God created them for? 

Click here to get your copy! 

About the Author


Andrea Byrd is a Christian wife and mom located in rural Kentucky, who loves to spend time with her family in the great outdoors, one with nature. Often described as having been born outside her time, she has a deep affinity for an old-fashioned, natural lifestyle.

With a degree in Equine Health & Rehabilitation gathering dust and a full-time job tethering her to a desk eight hours a day, Andrea decided it was time to show both herself and her children that it is truly possible to make your dreams come true. Now with over 1,000 contemporary Christian romance novellas sold, Andrea is pursuing her passion of writing faith-filled romance woven with a thread of true history. 

More form Andrea

There is so much inspiration that fed into the creation of Rescue in the Wilderness.

Not only was the Good Lord’s guiding hand ever-present, but so was the influence of those that came before me. This story was inspired by my own ancestors, as well as the countless others, that made the arduous journey through Cumberland Gap to settle in Kentucky. Those brave souls opened up a whole new world, and for some of us, established the area in which their families would preside for centuries to come.

As a lover of books that integrate history into fiction myself, I also wished to shed light on the “Hard Winter” of 1779-1780. This was a winter that came early, and with great intensity. While it caused hardships for many across the country, it made the journey through the Cumberland Gap all the more perilous.

Beyond these historical facts, I also wished to pay tribute to those who suffer from chronic pain conditions. I will never forget the day a friend of mine, whom the Lord called home all too soon, told me of her childhood rheumatoid arthritis and how there were days she was in too much pain to leave her bed. In this book, I wished to explore what pioneer life might have been for someone who suffered from such a condition.

Blog Stops

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Andrea is giving away the grand prize of 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/2678e/rescue-in-the-wilderness-celebration-tour-giveaway

My reviews:
(also on WalMart)



Saturday, March 4, 2023

Honor’s Mountain Promise


Aaron and Katie have each gone through some tough times and learned from them. Their journey together after Katies wagon ride crashes is especially tough for both of them, but they get to know each other and help each other through especially trying ordeals that change both their lives.
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.
#HonorsMountainPromise #MistyMBeller #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarNovel #CelebrateLit





About the Book


 
Book: Honor’s Mountain Promise

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: March 5, 2023

They both need a new start, but this looks nothing like either of them planned.

Aaron Long never expected his life to turn out this way—finally on the right side of the law, but with a bum leg and driving a freight wagon through the wild Rocky Mountains. The only excitement left in his days is his newfound faith. But in the midst of an urgent deliver to settlers fort, the last thing he expects is to discover a woman great with child who pleads for him to take her back to Fort Benton—the opposite direction from Settler’s Fort. He can’t leave her, but he also can’t take her where she wants to go.

Katie Barlowe rarely had a say in how her life would go, not even when she married the successful businessman her parents selected for her. Nor when he brought her all the way ut to the Montana Territory to start a ranch in these breathtaking and treacherous mountains. She’s a widow now and determined to take control of her future and that of the new life growing inside her. To do so, she must get back to civilization—before the babe is born. When she finally finds a freighter who will take her the first leg of her journey east, all seems to be finally falling into place. Until her transporter is killed and she’s faced with a stranger who will only agree to take her to a little mining town far from Fort Benton and the steamship to carry her home.

When Aaron and Katie set out through the mountain winter, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author



Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

 

More from Misty

When the Other Brother Finally Gets His Story

Have you ever read a series that needed just one more book? A significant side character needed their story told?

That’s been the case with my Hearts of Montana series for two years now! I thought I’d wrapped up the series with book 3, Faith’s Mountain Home, which features Nate and Laura as they unravel the mystery around a cave near their Montana frontier town. Nate’s twin brother Aaron played a strong part in that story—and not always as one of the good guys. He was recovering from a gunshot wound that shattered his thighbone, and Laura (the heroine) was his nurse and chief physical therapy sergeant. In those dark days during his recovery, Aaron made some poor choices and definitely wasn’t the best version of himself.

By the end of Faith’s Mountain Home, Aaron saw the change in his twin brother Nate and how his new faith made him different—a better man. In one of the last scenes, Aaron apologizes to Laura for how he’s made her job harder when she was trying so hard to help him. We even get a ray of hope that Aaron might be opening himself up to God’s redeeming power.

Ever since that book released, readers and I have both been looking for Aaron’s story! The book where he finds his own leading lady and becomes the man God created him to be (but not without major obstacles along the way!)

Even if you haven’t read the other books in the series, I think you’ll love Aaron’s story in Honor’s Mountain Promise as much as I did.

Praying blessings for you!

Misty

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 1

Texas Book-aholic, March 2

deb’s Book Review, March 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 4

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 4

Splashes of Joy, March 5

Cover Lover Book Review, March 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 6

Pause for Tales, March 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 7

Connie’s History Classroom, March 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 8

Through the Fire Blogs, March 9

Holly’s Book Corner, March 9

Blossoms and Blessings, March 10

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 11

For Him and My Family, March 12

Christina’s Corner, March 12

Betti Mace, March 13

Mary Hake, March 13

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 14

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of 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/24947/honor-s-mountain-promise-celebration-tour-giveaway


My reviews: