Sunday, February 5, 2023

What I Would Tell You by Liz Tolsma

 




Enriching, inspirational story that can be hard to read. It's heartbreaking. The timeslip format makes it easier with Tessa learning about Mathilda, her family and friends, gradually unfolding the story. Complicated life in 1941 Salonika, Greece, especially after the Nazis took over Greece. Pulls your heart strings right to the end. It's so well written that you forget it's a book, no surprise with Liz Tolsma.

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.

#WhatIWouldTellYou #NetGalley #LizTolsma #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #christianbooksandcoffee 



About the Book

 


Book: What I Would Tell You

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release date: January 1, 2023

DNA Test Unlocks a Family Mystery

Sephardic Jew Mathilda Nissim watches in horror as the Germans invade her beloved city of Salonika, Greece. What angers her most is the lack of resistance her people put up to their captors. In secret and at great risk to her life, she continues to publish her newspaper, calling her people to action. She doesn’t trust God to help them. When she and her husband find out they are expecting a child, Mathilda may have to resort to desperate measures to ensure her daughter’s survival.

Three generations later, college student Riley Payson and her cousin take a popular DNA test only to discover they don’t share any common ancestors. In fact, the test shows Riley is a Sephardic Jew from Greece. This revelation shakes Riley’s tenuous faith and sends her on a journey to discover what happened to her great-grandmother and how all this relates to her faith and her life today.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author


Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.

 

More from Liz

Take a Trip to Greece with Me

I was privileged to travel to Greece last year to research my upcoming WWII novel, What I Would Tell You. God orchestrated it so beautifully. Because of Covid, we weren’t sure my daughter would be able to travel there for the summer internship she had applied for. Eight weeks before her scheduled departure, Greece reopened to foreign visitors. Around that same time, I sold What I Would Tell You, which is set in Thessaloniki, Greece, to Barbour Publishing. I had to go and visit!

 

Greece is a beautiful country. The pictures you see don’t do it justice. And to someone like me, the history is one of the best parts. My daughter and I explored the old city wall, built in the 1400s, many churches that predated the Ottoman Empire, and many excavated Roman ruins that have been dug up in the city’s process of putting in a subway system.

 

Because this is a WWII book, we also spent a great deal of time learning about the history of the Jews in the city. The Kapani Market, just down the street from our apartment, was a vibrant mix of colorful fruits, fragrant spices, and a cacophony of languages. I could well imagine what this old Jewish market was like prior to the war with people hawking olives, fish, and oregano.

 

We wasted no time in visiting the Jewish museum. I was shocked by the heavy security presence with armed guards outside of the building. Once inside, we had to show our IDs and were required to turn in our phones. Antisemitism is alive and well in Greece. But what a place. There were displays after displays tracing the history of the Jewish people in Thessaloniki from 1492 until WWII. The most breathtaking was the room with stone-covered walls, the names of all 48,000 Salonikan Jews killed in the Holocaust carved into the marble. There’s an entire scene in the book that deals with this room.

 

What saddened me most was what we saw when we visited the trainyard where the Jews were herded into cattle cars and shipped to Auschwitz. Before we got to where the station once stood, there was a wall on which someone had pained a mural covered with black-and-white figures in their striped uniforms, their eyes and mouths wide in horror. As if that weren’t difficult enough to view, what sickened me was the blue swastikas someone had painted over them.

 

We also trekked to the other side of the city to visit what had once been the Jewish cemetery, now the grounds of Aristotle University. All that remains to testify that half a million people were once buried here is a small, ill-kept memorial. There were two dead Christmas wreaths placed there. We visited in August.

 

In addition to a moving and thought-provoking story, I hope to also introduce you to the amazing city of Thessaloniki and give you a peek into the people and the culture of this amazing place. If you ever find yourself in Greece, plan some time in Thessaloniki. Many Americans miss this gem, but it’s packed with charm and history.

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-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/23ccb/what-i-would-tell-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

CELEBRATE LIT BLOG TOUR - Check out other reviews!
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 28
Texas Book-aholic, January 28
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29
Blogging With Carol, January 29
Genesis 5020, January 30
Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 30
Where Faith and Books Meet, January 30
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 31
For Him and My Family, January 31
Cover Lover Book Review, February 1
Lily’s Book Reviews, February 1
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 2
deb’s Book Review, February 2
Betti Mace, February 3
Connie’s History Classroom, February 3
Paula’s Pad of Inspriation, February 4
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 5
Books You Can Feel Good About, February 5 (You are here)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 6
Holly’s Book Corner, February 6
Bigreadersite, February 7
Blossoms and Blessings, February 7
Mary Hake, February 7
Labor Not in Vain, February 8
Pause for Tales, February 9
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 9
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 10
Southern Gal Loves to Read, February 10
Lights in a Dark World, February 10


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Thursday, January 26, 2023

Yesterday's Tides by Roseanna M. White

 



Timeslip Christian Historical largely set in Ocracoke Island on the NC Outer Banks. In WW2 it was where “Torpedo Junction” was and English fishing vessels were turned into protectors for America’s East Coast. It timeslips with families in WW1. There are many twists and turns and mysteries that are interesting to unravel, and wonderful characters to get attached to. I didn't want it to end.  

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.
#YesterdaysTides #NetGalley #RoseannaMWhite #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistorical

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Sunday, January 22, 2023

Wagons West by Caryl McAdoo

 



1849 I generally love wagon train stories, but this wasn't as much about the travelling as it was about a few families who went on the trek across country to California. And they all, yes all, seem to have only one thing on their mind. It's different, told with multiple narrators. One of the characters is also schizophrenic with four personalities who switch back and forth. It's classified as Christian, and the author uses Christian doctrine to solve problems. Each character has depth. 
I received this book free from the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#CelebrateLit #WagonsWest #CarylMcAdoo #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout



 

About the Book


Book: Wagons West

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Release date: November 22, 2022

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.

Besides the God-fearing, decent folks seeking new beginnings, adventurers, miners, risk-takers, fugitives, perverts, and runaways alike—even royals—comprise a few of the characters in book one of the ‘New Beginnings Family Saga’ titled WAGONS WEST. The two-thousand-mile journey is wrought with danger, trials, troubles and tragedies, deprivations, and of course, romance, but the lure of gold and a fresh start urges the sojourners on to the Promised Land!

Blaire Beechy, a widow with two almost grown daughters, Adeline and Beatrice, and a twelve-year-old son Tucker sells everything to go for the gold only to discover the rules of wagon master Ambrose Lee forbids them to join his wagon train, but the widow is determined. Though the disgruntled and handsome widow turns his head, the man deals with troubles of his own. His train isn’t full, he has yet to hire a scout, and his integrity thrusts him into saving a troubled young woman called Birdie. The journey is an arduous undertaking, but he’s done it before and is up to the task.
Wagon Ho!

This story was first published in episodes at Kindle Vella, Season One, by the same name. Season two SETTLERS & TOFFS continues the story and episodes are now being published and are available at Kindle Vella.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author


Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling stories—over sixty published now—delight readers around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her; you may listen to a few on YouTube. Sharing four children and twenty-four grandsugars (six are greats), Caryl and her high-school-sweetheart-husband of fifty-four years Ron live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas. The McAdoos wait expectantly for God to open the next door. 

More from Caryl

What a fun, new adventure writing WAGONS WEST! Ron and I stepped up to try a new program Amazon offered authors called Kindle Vella where we’d write episodes rather than chapters. In a year’s time, WAGONS WEST had thirty-five episodes and was over one hundred thousand words, about four hundred pages.

We continue to write Season Two of the “New Beginnings Family Saga” SETTLERS & TOFFS, with the same characters going into the following year, 1850, scattering into three settings: those from Season One’s wagon train who decide to settle Auburn, California, those just starting the sojourn west with Emmerson Pierce, scout in Season One, now wagon master, and we sail the Atlantic to England when the son of the Earl of Farnsworth receives word of his older brother’s death.

The characters in WAGONS WEST made it so special for me, and I believe you’re sure to love them as well. Robert E. Lee’s older brother Ambrose is our wagon master and the story’s main hero. As all my heroes (thanks to Ron’s part of our collaboration) he is strong but flawed.

Our matriarchal heroine Blaire Beechy, recently widowed, has sold everything and uprooted her three children—two almost grown daughters Adeline and Beatrice and their twelve-year-old brother Tucker—only to discover Captain Lee’s idiotic rules forbid an unmarried woman from traveling in his wagon train. Why must there be a man at the head of each family?

WAGONS WEST offers readers adventures with a colorful cast of characters who support, cause trouble, act a bit crazy, and play ball to make the story one you just can’t put down. All along the way, God is questioned,  given praise, denied, and surrendered to, saving sojourners again and again—not only in the spiritual realm.

It’s a story I’ve certainly enjoyed writing, and I’m hoping you’ll enjoy reading WAGONS WEST as much!

As always, I’m ‘Praying my story gives God glory!’ Hallelujah! There is no one like Him! He alone is the Great King over all the earth! Not a man that He could lie, but worthy to receive all glory and all praise!

Blessings, y’all!

Blog Stops

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away the prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a 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/23bc3/wagons-west-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Tuesday, January 17, 2023

When Stone Wings Fly by Karen Barnett

 




Well written story of a family rooted in the Smoky Mountain Park. They were of the original families who lived there before the park took over their land. Goes back and forth between Rosie who lived there to Kiernan who was looking for her family's roots, especially the stone bird that her failing Gran wanted her to go there and find. Keeps you hooked as she uncovers their story. Deep love and excruciating pain for these people as it unfolds, for those in present day as well as the past. I felt frustrated near the conclusion, but it all worked out ok. Some good wisdom, good Christian lessons from those who are looked at as "simple mountain folks." Hard lives, hard lessons.

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.
#WhenStoneWingsFly #NetGalley #KarenBarnett #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #christianbooksandcoffee 

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Holding the Line by Jennifer Delamere

 





1880s London
Third of an excellent series but works as stand alone. Rose is the last of the group. She is a widow from a terrible marriage and is determined to stay single. In unusual circumstances for the time, she has worked her way up to being manager at a post office. All was going well until she observed young Sophie being charmed by a debonair cad who was the son of an Earl. Her concern connected her to the girl's uncle and guardian. Rose has excellent qualities - honest, intelligent, proud, independent to name a few. Working people who are successful, touching on the social life of the Ton and all that life entails.  And the social moralities.  The story unfolds with people who you have to admire and feel invested in. I found it very hard to put down and hated to see it end.

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.

#HoldingtheLine #NetGalley #JenniferDelamere #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction

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Hearts of Steel by Elizabeth Camden

 




Set aside extra time to read this book because it's hard to put it down. A return to the Blackstone series, featuring Liam. Who doesn't love a strong, handsome Irishman with a good heart? He was kidnapped from the wealthy family when very young and later learned who he was but has had to fight many things to keep going. Maggie and her uncle built a business from the ground up. Liam and Maggie both experienced trauma in their lives but became more resilient for having survived it. Both lived in poverty and worked hard to overcome it, each getting down and dirty in their business to accomplish their goals. They're very well matched. Christian strength. This will take your emotions through the ringer, but you'll love it.
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.
#HeartsOfSteel #NetGalley #ElizabethCamden #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction

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Thursday, January 12, 2023

The Confession Musical Movie

 


Based on the book by Beverly Lewis - ONLY IN MOVIE THEATERS FEBRUARY 20, 2023

I read the book - it was very good. With this team of actors it looks like it was really well done.

THE CONFESSION MUSICAL was adapted for the stage by Emmy-Nominated screenwriter Martha Bolton. The musical follows the story of Katie Lapp, a young Amish girl who discovers that her parents have been keeping a deep secret...that she is adopted. Katie decides to find her birth mother, defying the rules of her Amish village and risking a shunning. Meanwhile, Laura Mayfield, her wealthy birth mother who is battling an illness that might take her life, began searching for her long-lost daughter. Secretly plotting against Laura is her gold-digging husband Dylan (John Schneider). Dylan knows that if Katie is found, he will no longer inherit Laura’s fortune. With the help and prayers of her Christian housekeeper (Chonda Pierce), Laura hopes to foil Dylan’s plan and be reunited with her daughter.

While the story is dramatic, writer Martha Bolton sprinkles in humor, mostly from award-winning comedian Chonda Pierce as the maid and internationally renowned British comedian Colin Hearn as the English Butler. The music is powerful under the direction of multiple Grammy nominated Dan Posthuma and songwriter Wally Nason. The screen is filled with spectacular visuals using twenty actors and dancers and one of the largest LED screens in the country.

#TheConfessionMIN #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianFiction #AmishFiction

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