Tuesday, October 29, 2024

The Way of The Shepherd preorder

Be sure not to miss this new resource focusing on Psalm 23! The Way of the Shepherd by Danny Davis has been released!

Click here for more information: https://tinyurl.com/mtb4mpn6

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Return To The Wilderness by Andrea Byrd

Muireall is a talented seamstress, living at a fort in Kentucky. She is driven to find her sister, and happens across Jude, who is travelling to where she needs to go in the wilderness. They marry for convenience, each searching for answers, each holding something back about themselves. They face dangers on their journey, and they both fall back on their faith to see them through. Very hard to put down, very easy to become attached to them both. Excellent quick 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.

#ReturnToTheWilderness #AndreaByrd #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #WildHeartBooks

About the Book

Book: Return to the Wilderness

Author: Andrea Byrd

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: October 22, 2024

Two outcasts. One marriage of convenience. A love story forged in the fires of adversity.

Muireall Blair has finally found a comfortable life at Fort Harrod—until she experiences a recurring nightmare that warns of impending doom for her sister. Unable to shake the weight of foreboding, Muireall cannot sit idle anymore and risk the dream becoming a reality. With her near-sightedness a closely guarded secret, she seeks the help of Jude, a man with his own hidden past, to reach her sister.

Jude Browne has been gifted with a life of fighting for survival, not one of finding acceptance. Half-blinded as a youth, the scars across his face and the knowledge of his illegitimate birth serve as a reminder of his worthlessness. However, when his mother falls ill, she finally lays bare all the secrets she has kept all his life. Secrets that point to his one chance of finding who he truly is.

Jude and Muireall soon realize that a marriage of convenience is the key to reaching Pitman Station safely. But when their secrets unravel and danger closes in, will they succumb to the shadows of their pasts, or will they find the strength to forge a new future together?

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 from Andrea

I love to read books that have historical facts, especially little-known ones, woven into their pages. Within my books, I strive to do the same and Return to the Wilderness is no exception.

This book comes in after the unrest of what some call the “Indian Wars,” in Kentucky. During that time, attacks by the native were frequent and brutal. Many of the Station Masters and long hunters in the area lost family members. If you read, Rescue in the Wilderness, you have seen a glimpse of this time and how devastating it could be.

Due to these attacks, stations and settlements were often abandoned. Sometimes the families returned after this time period came to an end and sometimes the buildings were simply left to deteriorate and become shells of a past time. I do not want to give any spoilers, but if you decide to read Return to the Wilderness, you will find out just how this little piece of history impacts the main character, Muireall (the sister from Redemption in the Wilderness).

Blog Stops

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 22
lakesidelivingsite, October 22
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 23
Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 24 (Guest Review from Marilyn)
Texas Book-aholic, October 25
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 26
Books You Can Feel Good About, October 27
Book Looks by Lisa, October 28
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 29
For Him and My Family, October 30
An Author’s Take, October 31
Cover Lover Book Review, November 1
Holly’s Book Corner, November 2
Pause for Tales, November 3
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 4 (Author Interview)
Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon 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/00adcf5474/

My reviews

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Lost On A Mountain In Maine - the movie

A meaningful and interesting story. How scary. It starts right out saying this is a true story. "The world isn't going to give them a break why should I?" the father speaking about his twin 12-year-old sons. The story takes place was when the depression was starting and things were starting to get tough financially, so the father was stressed out about it. He was actually more caring than he showed the boys. The boys resented his distance. Young Don was a determined, persevering and resourceful type of kid, which turned out to be to his good. This kind of trial makes them think about their lives, their family and how they had interacted. Each determined to make things different. Great lessons were learned about themselves and each other.

#LostOnAMountainInMaineMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Giveaway: $10 Amazon giftcard (Note: This is limited to US winners only. In the comments below please submit your full name and email address by 11/2 (you will not be spammed) . We will not be able to accept winners submitted after this date.)

Many thanks to WIT PR for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions

are 100% my own.

Watch this moving family film in theaters starting November 1st!

Synopsis: The inspiring true story of 12-year-old Donn Fendler who, separated from his family by a fast-moving storm, must fight to stay alive while lost for nine-days in the remote wilderness of northern Maine. Donn’s disappearance captures national headlines and sparks a massive search effort attracting hundreds of volunteers, including his own father who fears he may never see his son again.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeXDvVXAvz4

Website & tickets: https://www.lostonamountaininmainemovie.com/

#LostonaMountaininMaine #lostonamountaininmainemovie

#bfe

#bluefoxentertainment

#balboaproductions #sylvesterstallone #truestory

#basedonatruestory #survival #independent #donfendler

#Maine #searchandrescue

#mainehiking #mainetrails #hikingwithkids #familyfilm

#naturekid #outdoorfamilies #outdoorfamilyadventures

#movienight

#indiefilm

#indiefilmmaker

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Lily's Choice by May Ellis

I didn't care for this story at all. Lily falls in love with her boss and he with her. They pursue a relationship and when she tells her husband she's leaving tragic events happen. I couldn't find anything that I liked about the story, but I can say that it was very believingly, realistically written. The characters are very visible as you read it. Unfortunately, it's based on a true story. From a Christian perspective I don't feel very good about reading or recommending it.

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

#LilysChoice #MayEllis #BoldwoodBooks #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

Monday, October 21, 2024

What I Left For You - preorder bonus

I’ve read Liz Tolsma’s upcoming release, What I Left for You, and I loved it! You’ll want to preorder it. There’s a price guarantee if you do. As a bonus, Liz is offering a cookbook of her family’s favorite recipes for preordering. Some of these recipes are mentioned in the book!
Just fill out this form, and you’ll be all set to get the recipes once the novel releases. I can’t wait! https://forms.gle/KDdces4KZBN8JNLG9

#WhatILeftForYou #LizTolsma @authorliztolsma #booksyoucanfeelgoodabout

The Way of the Shepherd

Don't miss this new release! The Way of the Shepherd by Danny Davis is full of wisdom to help all who read it grow! Be sure to get your copy!

Click here for more information: https://tinyurl.com/mtb4mpn6

#TheWayOfTheShepherd #DannyDavis #CelebrateLit #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout
@celebratelit @wayoftheshepherd

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Trail to Love by Susan F. Craft

Great Wagon Road 1753 Philadelphia to Graniteville South Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I really loved reading this book. The characters are quite real and it's easy to get attached to each of them. The country and many of their experiences made me wish I was there with them, that I was taking part. I'm sure I'd love it there. The beauties along the trail, the experiences with the Native Americans and how gorgeous the farm is, and then Anne's dream after emigrating from Scotland unfolding to being a tailor/seamstress with her own shop. The dangers of the trail and the terrible experiences are all part of the unexpected path they traveled on, taking them exactly where God led them.

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.

#TrailToLove #SusanFCraft #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #WildHeartBooks

About the Book

Book: Trail to Love

Author:Susan F. Craft

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: September 17, 2024

A widowed father…a heartbroken nanny…and a wagon train journey that will change their lives forever.

Since the death of her fiancé, Anne Forbes has given up on the life she thought she’d have. After taking a role as nanny to her two young nephews, she’s grown close to her brother’s family—a replacement for the one she never had the chance to start. But when she accompanies them on the wagon trail to their new life in South Carolina, a handsome and gallant widowed father who’s also part of the group catches her eye and her heart, making her wonder if God might have plans of love for her after all. If only the beautiful woman the man escorts didn’t have her sights set on him.

Michael Harrigan never considered remarrying after the death of his wife. No woman could ever compare. But when he meets the gentlehearted Anne while escorting his sister-in-law on their journey to the Blue Ridge Mountains, he’s taken aback by Anne’s lovely voice and her compassion. As they face the trials and adventures of life on the trail, he finds himself open to the idea of marriage for the first time in many years.
But when disaster strikes the wagon train, Michael and Anne must work side-by-side to save lives. In the midst of their struggles, can they find a way to abandon their separate trails of grief and hardship for the trail to love?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Susan F. Craft retired after a 45-year career in writing, editing, and communicating in business settings.

She authored the historical romantic suspense trilogy Women of the American Revolution—The Chamomile, Laurel, and Cassia. The Chamomile and Cassia received national Illumination Silver Awards. The Chamomile was named by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance as an Okra Pick and was nominated for a Christy Award.

She collaborated with the International Long Riders’ Guild Academic Foundation to compile An Equestrian Writer’s Guide (www.lrgaf.org), including almost everything you’d ever want to know about horses.

An admitted history nerd, she enjoys painting, singing, listening to music, and sitting on her porch with her dog, Steeler, watching geese eat her daylilies. She most recently took up the ukulele.

More from Susan

A History of Buttons

In my Christian Historical Romance, my main character, Anne Forbes, is a tailor and seamstress. When she arrives in Philadelphia from Scotland in 1753, she visits several shops and is amazed by the huge supply of buttons.

Buttons have been around for 3,000 years. Made from bone, horn, wood, metal, and seashells, they didn’t fasten anything but were worn for decoration.

The first buttons to be used as fasteners were connected through a loop of thread. The button and buttonhole arrived in Europe in 1200, brought back by the Crusaders.

The French, who called the button a bouton for bud or bouter to push, established the Button Makers Guild in 1250. Still used for adornment, the buttons they produced were beautiful works of art.

By the mid-1300s, tailors fashioned garments with rows of buttons with matching buttonholes. Some outfits were adorned with thousands of buttons, making it necessary for people to hire professional dressers. Buttons became such a craze that the Church denounced them as the devil’s snare, referring to the ladies in their button-fronted dresses.

In 1520 for a meeting between King Francis I of France and King Henry VIII of England, King Francis’ clothing was bedecked with over 13,000 buttons, and King Henry’s clothing was similarly weighed down with buttons.

In the 16th century, the Puritans condemned the over-adornment of buttons as sinful, and soon the number of buttons required to be fashionable diminished, though they were made from gold, ivory, and diamonds.

By the mid-1600s, button makers used silver, ceramics, and silk and often hand painted buttons with portraits or scenery.

The late 17th century saw the beginning of the production by French tailors of thread buttons, little balls of thread. This angered the button artisans so much that they pressured the government to pass a law fining tailors for making thread buttons. The button makers even wanted homes and wardrobes searched and suggested that fines be levied against anyone wearing thread buttons. But in la Guerre des Boutons, it’s not clear that their demands went beyond fining of tailors.

Towards the end of the 1700s in Europe, big metallic buttons came into fashion. At this time, Napoleon introduced the use of sleeve buttons on tunics. This time period saw the development of the double-breasted jacket. When the outside of the jacket was soiled, the wearer would unbutton it, turn the soiled surface to the inside, and re-button.

Thread buttons were used on men’s shirts and other undergarments from the late 17th into the early 19th century. Cheaper, they wouldn’t break when laundresses scrubbed and beat the material. They were also used on shifts and undergarments because they were soft and comfortable. Other types of thread buttons were death head buttons, star buttons, basket buttons, and Dorset buttons. Some said that death head buttons were called that because they resembled a skull and crossbones, memento mori, a reminder that life is short and should be lived as well as possible. Dorset buttons originated in Dorset in southern England where they became a cottage industry. Families, prison inmates, and orphans were employed in the manufacture of thousands of Dorset buttons each year, which were used throughout the UK and exported all over the world.

Bone button molds, slightly domed on one side and flat on the other, were common in the mid to late 18th century. Button molds were used to make both cloth and thread (passementerie) covered buttons.

Horn buttons were used mostly for spatterdashes and gaitered trousers. These strong durable buttons were competitive in price with other types but available in limited numbers in the 18th century since the making of them was slow.

Many colonial American buttons were made from seashells, wood, wax, and animal bones. The bones were boiled for 12 hours, cut into small pieces, shaved around the edges and had a hole punched through them with an awl. The shape was up to the maker — round, oval, square, rectangular, or octagonal.

Brass buttons, functional and ornamental, were also popular in colonial America. In 1750 in Philadelphia, a German immigrant, Caspar Wistar, made brass buttons guaranteed for seven years. He later opened the first successful glass making factory in the colonies.

(I want to thank the William Booth Drapers of Racine, WI, for some of the information provided in this post. Please visit their website at www.wmboothdraper.com where you’ll find a treasure trove of books about 17th and 18th century fashion — shoes, slippers, hats, bonnets, buttons and trimmings, etc., and Packet books about sewing. Fantastic resource. Thank you, William Booth Drapers.)