Monday, December 9, 2024

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White

 


The Nutcracker and Edwardian-Era England combine to weave a magical tale of love and friendship at Christmastime.


Perfectly lovely. Loosely modeled after The Nutcracker with wonderful characters brought to life and life lessons to be learned. Edwardian era flawed and un-self-assured young adults against icy stiff foreign royal arrogance and yet each learns about their own true self. Christian values, love stories in a fanciful, creative and seasonal noble setting. Did you ever know how sugar plums are made? A treasure for Christmas or any time.  

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

#ChristmasatSugarPlumManor #NetGalley #BethanyHouse #RoseannaMWhite #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalRomance

From the Back Cover
The Nutcracker and Edwardian-Era England combine to weave a magical tale of love and friendship at Christmastime.

As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn't seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their friendship would kindle into something more, but that was before she heard Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will be the heir her stepfather needs, but she'll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.

Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself caught between his affection for her and her family's misunderstanding of his attachment to Lady Pearl. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas. Will the magic of the holiday season help lead to the discovery of true love, or will duty to country leave all longing for what could have been?

"So many delightful layers to this tale, along with intriguing characters and beautiful descriptions. . . . It really puts you in the mood for Christmas."--Melody Carlson, author of The Christmas Tree Farm and A Royal Christmas

"Sugar plums, gingerbread, and all the Christmasy feels go into this charming holiday romance."--Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Once Upon a Dickens Christmas

About the Author
Roseanna M. White (RoseannaMWhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books . . . . to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.

My reviews

You Are A Child Of God

 

 

What a beautiful book! Makes you feel warm all over. Blessedly reaffirming and scriptural book that you can enjoy as is or color and embellish. It's more than a coloring book. You can use it as a keepsake for your little one, so they never forget how precious they are no matter how old they get. Inspiration for any age. 

Order You Are a Child of God today, in time for Christmas!

Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card 
(Note: This is limited to US winners only. Please submit your full name and email address by 12/14/24 in the comments below. We will not be able to accept winners submitted after this date. You will not be spammed.) 
Many thanks to GoodWorks Mission for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#YouAreAChildOfGodMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork
#ChildOfGod #YouAreAChildOfGod #LovedByGod #IAmIChildOfGod #JesusLoves
MeThisIKnow #WonderfullyMade #ChildOfLight #FaithfulCreativity #ChristianParenting 
#GoodWorksMission

• You Are a Child of God is a faith-based children’s coloring book designed to be shared between a child and their caregiver. This helps foster meaningful connections and conversations about God’s love from a young age. 

• You Are a Child of God is more than a book - each page invites children (and adults) to color, creating a calming and creative experience while reading and engaging with Scripture. 

• The book encourages reflection on key biblical truths, making it perfect for family devotionals or bedtime readings, creating special moments between loved ones. 

• The book draws from verses like Psalm 139:13-18 and Jeremiah 29:11 to remind children of their identity in Christ. 

• The holidays are just around the corner, and You Are a Child of God is a thoughtful gift for someone special. Whether it’s for parents expecting a little one, children in your family, or even a friend who loves creative, faith-filled activities, this book offers something meaningful. It’s not just a coloring book - it’s a way to reflect on God’s love and create wonderful memories. It’s also a perfect stocking stuffer for Sunday school students or a unique addition to a family’s faith journey. Give a gift that inspires, and shares God’s love this season! 

• Book Summary: A love note to people of all ages, You Are a Child of God brings together many of the most important messages in the Bible. Highlighting verses from both the Old and New Testaments, the author helps people understand what the Scriptures teach about our unique creation and God's involvement in our lives. This book is fun for kids to color and invites adult readers to meditate on Scripture while engaging their inner child through coloring. 

Friday, December 6, 2024

Grace Bible

 

A beautiful easy to read bible that makes it easy for kids (or adults) even if they have some reading challenges. It's broken down well, with special learning pages throughout. There are color transparencies you can put over a page and a ribbon marker. It's very well made with a beautiful cover and heavy paper pages that will stand up over time. A beautiful gift!

• Check out the CSB Grace Bible for Kids! 
• Order your copy of the CSB Grace Bible for Kids today! 
• Created in partnership with Holman Bibles, 2K/DENMARK and Cambridge University, the CSB Grace Bible for Kids is designed to enhance readability for kids with all levels and varieties of dyslexia 
and other reading challenges.  
• The CSB Grace Bible for Kids features innovative and academically tested typeface, layout, and design principles. These principles include distinct letter forms and added space between letters, words, lines, and paragraphs. 
• Help every kid experience the truth of God's Word with the CSB Grace Bible for Kids. 
• Also available, Grace Bible for Adults! 
• Dyslexia shouldn’t keep kids from reading the Bible. And now, it doesn’t have to! 

 Order your copy of the CSB Grace Bible for Kids today!

Learn more: Click Here

Holman Gift Guide: Click Here

Giveaway: 1 copy of CSB Grace Bible for Kids 
(Note: This is limited to US winners only. Please submit your full name and full mailing address by 12/12/24 in comments below. We will not be able to accept winners submitted after this date. You will not be spammed.) 

Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#GraceKidsBibleMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @christianstandardbible @bhpub 





Thursday, December 5, 2024

You Are A Child Of God

 


What a beautiful book! Makes you feel warm all over. Blessedly reaffirming and scriptural book that you can enjoy as is or color and embellish. It's more than a coloring book. You can use it as a keepsake for your little one, so they never forget how precious they are no matter how old they get. Inspiration for any age. 

Order You Are a Child of God today, in time for Christmas!

Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card 
(Note: This is limited to US winners only. Please submit your full name and email address by 12/14/24 in the comments below. We will not be able to accept winners submitted after this date. You will not be spammed.) 
Many thanks to GoodWorks Mission for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#YouAreAChildOfGodMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork
#ChildOfGod #YouAreAChildOfGod #LovedByGod #IAmIChildOfGod #JesusLoves
MeThisIKnow #WonderfullyMade #ChildOfLight #FaithfulCreativity #ChristianParenting 
#GoodWorksMission

• You Are a Child of God is a faith-based children’s coloring book designed to be shared between a child and their caregiver. This helps foster meaningful connections and conversations about God’s love from a young age. 

• You Are a Child of God is more than a book - each page invites children (and adults) to color, creating a calming and creative experience while reading and engaging with Scripture. 

• The book encourages reflection on key biblical truths, making it perfect for family devotionals or bedtime readings, creating special moments between loved ones. 

• The book draws from verses like Psalm 139:13-18 and Jeremiah 29:11 to remind children of their identity in Christ. 

• The holidays are just around the corner, and You Are a Child of God is a thoughtful gift for someone special. Whether it’s for parents expecting a little one, children in your family, or even a friend who loves creative, faith-filled activities, this book offers something meaningful. It’s not just a coloring book - it’s a way to reflect on God’s love and create wonderful memories. It’s also a perfect stocking stuffer for Sunday school students or a unique addition to a family’s faith journey. Give a gift that inspires and shares God’s love this season! 

• Book Summary: A love note to people of all ages, You Are a Child of God brings together many of the most important messages in the Bible. Highlighting verses from both the Old and New Testaments, the author helps people understand what the Scriptures teach about our unique creation and God's involvement in our lives. This book is fun for kids to color and invites adult readers to meditate on Scripture while engaging their inner child through coloring. 


What I Left For You (Echoes of the Past Volume 3) by Liz Tolsma

 

A Family’s Ties Were Broken in Poland of 1939

Deeply heartfelt story from WW2 with timeslip to 2023, Great-great Grandmother to Great-great Granddaughter of Lemko/Rusyns heritage.

You can feel through them their strength - and hope - through the tears. The Polish people had been taken over or relocated many times over the years - they seem to have been regarded as a lesser race. Who can understand the need for Ethnic Cleansing? To wipe out a nationality of people? Or the sheer cruelty of starvation, no sanitation, separation of families, taking their means of living and property? Even the little things that mean something to them of love and family. It more than breaks your heart. Today we have the means to stay in touch or research people and areas so much easier. It also shows us the resilience and perseverance that allow a person and a people to survive and leave descendants to carry on a family line. Very interesting and informative, profoundly moving - it should be a classic. You leave a piece of your heart with the characters.

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

#WhatILeftforYou #NetGalley #LizTolsma #ChristianHistoricalFiction #BarbourPublishing #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

My reviews

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Pretending to be the Mountain Man's Wife (Brothers of Sapphire Ranch Book 6) by Misty M. Beller

 



Always a pleasure to read about the Sapphire Ranch family and fall in love with the characters. This is Gil's story as he searches for his brother and the sapphires that were stolen from their family. He and Jess are both praying and happen to run into each other - and each of them can help the other exactly as they need. Danger awaits around every corner where her father is involved which keeps you on edge.  Another faithful and satisfying 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.

#PretendingToBeTheMountainMansWife #MistyMBeller #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #MistyMBellerBooksInc

About the Book


Book: Pretending to be the Mountain Man’s Wife (Brothers of Sapphire Ranch Book 6)

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre:Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 19, 2024

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune.

Determined to find his missing brother and catch the elusive mastermind behind the theft of his family’s precious sapphires, Gil Coulter embarks on a solo mission to the remote town where the criminal is rumored to reside. As Gil scours the surrounding wilderness for the thief’s hidden lair, he crosses paths with a captivating young woman who harbors secrets of her own.

Jess McPharland has spent her life hidden in the mountains, doing her best to stay separate from her family’s business. Yet the secret she’s just discovered will change her life forever. She offers a silent prayer, pleading for a man to help her conceal the truth she’s only just discovered. As if in answer, Gil Coulter rides through the trees, seeking the very criminal Jess calls Father. Now she must find a way to ask this stranger for the ultimate favor—to pose as her husband and shield her from the consequences of a change she won’t be able to hide much longer.

As Gil and Jess navigate the treacherous landscape and the greater danger from her father and his cronies, they find themselves caught in a web of danger, deception, and unexpected attraction. With each passing moment, the stakes grow higher, and the line between pretense and truth blurs. Will the love growing between them be enough to protect Jess’s secret and lead them to the justice Gil seeks, or will the truth shatter everything they’ve risked their lives to build?

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain saga filled with high-stakes adventure, a pretend marriage, a secret baby, and love that heals wounded hearts.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author with over 1 million books old. She writes 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

In Pretending to be the Mountain Man’s Wife, the heroine and her father live in a cave which is part of an intricate catacomb hidden inside Montana mountain.

I LOVED researching cave systems, especially those in Montana, and I was amazed at how many extensive tunnels and caverns have been discovered!

One of the most well-known is Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, located between Butte and Bozeman. This spectacular limestone cave system features a series of caverns adorned with incredible rock formations. These days, visitors can take guided tours to marvel at the intricate stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and helictites that have formed over thousands of years. The cave is also home to several species of bats.

Another notable cave system is the Bighorn Caverns, situated in the Pryor Mountains south of Billings. This complex network of caves extends for over 14 miles, making it one of the most significant cave systems in the state. Experienced cavers can explore winding passages, underground streams, and vast chambers with unique mineral formations.

The Bighorn Caverns are very similar to how I imagine the cave system was that Jess lived in. As amazing as the tunnels are to explore, I’m not sure I’d want to live in such darkness. What about you?

I pray you enjoy Gil and Jess’s story in Pretending to be the Mountain Man’s Wife! J

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 22
Melissa’s Bookshelf, November 22
Pause for Tales, November 23
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 23
Texas Book-aholic, November 24
Blossoms and Blessings, November 24
Lighthouse Academy Blog, November 25 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
lakesdielivingsite, November 26
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 27
For Him and My Family, November 27
Devoted To Hope, November 28
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 29
Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 29
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 30
Book Looks by Lisa, December 1
Holly’s Book Corner, December 1
Betti Mace, December 2
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 3
Cover Lover Book Review, December 3
Books You Can Feel Good About, December 4
Life on Chickadee Lane, December 5
Mary Hake, December 5

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 extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54105


My reviews
ChristianBook

Saturday, November 30, 2024

To Choose the Longshot (Kentucky Debutantes of the Gilded Age Book 2)

 

Delightfully interesting. As Delia runs from the altar at the beginning of the book, it becomes rather obvious that he is the wrong guy for her, and the unravelling is quite the story. Even if it seems somewhat obvious it is wonderfully written and quite entertaining to read. You can't help but fall in love with her, Jake and his nieces. The high fashion and building danger make the story flow. Even though Delia is raised with the social set, they're down to earth. 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.

#ToChooseTheLongshot #LisaMPrysock #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #WildHeartBooks

About the Book

Book: To Choose the Longshot

Author: Lisa M. Prysock

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 5, 2024

In a world where wealth and status reign, can true love prevail?

Miss Delia Lyndon, a young woman born into the prestigious Spencer-Lyndon family, is initially enamored with Thaddeus, the son of a prominent local stable owner, when he begins vying for her hand in marriage. She is keenly aware of how a union between the two families would seal their status as one of the most beloved couples from Lexington. However, when Jake, a handsome and charming newcomer, arrives on the scene, he catches her attention, casting doubts and fears in Delia’s heart. Torn between two suitors, Delia must navigate societal expectations, family pressure, and her own desires. Will she choose the man who seemingly has it all – wealth, charm, and a shared background in Kentucky’s elite circles – or will she follow her heart to the humble yet captivating Jake?

Jake Williams is determined to prove his worth in the competitive world of horse racing. Despite his humble beginnings as a farmer, he refuses to be intimidated by his rival’s malicious attempts to sabotage his chances, both on the racetrack and in winning Delia’s affections. With his trusted steed, Horizon, by his side, Jake faces each challenge head-on, guided by his unwavering faith.

When mysterious events begin occurring leading up to the annual Phoenix Stakes horse race, Delia must look beyond appearances and uncover the truth that lies beneath.

 Click here to get your copy! 

About the Author

Lisa M. Prysock is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes both Christian Historical Romance and Contemporary Christian Romance books—”Romance with a Dash of Food, Fashion, Faith, & Fun.” She writes both traditionally and indie published novels.

Kentucky inspires her writing and is home. Happily married to her husband of more than 24 years, she homeschooled two of their five children, now grown. When she isn’t writing, she likes to cross stitch, crochet, sew, scrapbook, read, swim, dance, take walks, travel, explore historical homes, garden, cook for her family, learn to play the piano and violin, and read great books.

 

More from Lisa

Hello Celebrate Lit Friends and Readers! I’m back to share a looksie at Book 2 from Kentucky Debutantes of the Gilded Age. I’ve really enjoyed my deep dive into all things Kentucky Derby and the world of horseracing in To Choose the Longshot.

Most of us have heard of Churchill Downs and Lexington’s Keeneland. But before Keeneland was the Lexington Association Racetrack. The annual spring race generally opened each year on that course with a featured race known as the Phoenix Stakes. It dates as far back in history as 1831! You can take a peek at the fascinating horse names of all the winners from 1831 to 2012, here. Of course, I’ve fictionalized names of winners and many events around the races in my series, but it’s fun to peek at real-life history when crafting our stories.

Leading up to and through the Gilded Age, the time period and setting of this series, the Phoenix race was generally sponsored by the Phoenix Hotel in Lexington. And more than Kentucky horseracing history, in Book 2, readers will get to come along for a glimpse at another course located in Baltimore, Maryland when the story takes our main characters to Pimlico. They referred to this track as the Old Hilltop in the early days of American horseracing history.

And atop Pimlico sits the famed weathervane. Did you know that painting the Preakness Stakes weathervane is a grand Pimlico tradition dating to 1909? The vane style is unique, commissioned by the Maryland Jockey Club, bearing the shape of a thoroughbred and jockey ever since the original arrow-shaped one was struck down by lightning. The new vane was christened by the colors of the silks carried by that year’s winner, Effendi.

I had a great deal of fun writing To Choose the Longshot starting with the very first page. The novel opens with a runaway bride! It’s always a wonder what makes a bride runaway, and my imagination went to work at once creating the situation that causes this bride so much consternation.

Readers get to learn more about Veronica’s sister in Book 2, Miss Delaney Lyndon. Everyone calls the shy and demure middle sister, Delia. And all of Lexington expects one of the Lyndon sisters to marry into the Sullivan family, since these two families are “Kentucky horseracing royalty.” But who will Delia choose to marry? Will she marry her handsome, wealthy, and daring beau, Thaddeus Sullivan, or will a rugged newcomer and underdog in their midst from the Adirondacks, Jake Williams, turn her head?

I cannot fail to mention that the beloved character of Aunt Mae from Book 1 makes an appearance in Book 2. She certainly has her hands full attempting to help Delia reach a decision about who she should marry, knowing it will impact the future of Velvet Brooks Farm for generations to come. But if anyone can help steer Delia to a decision, it’s Aunt Mae. As our heroine grapples with perceptions and tries to balance expectations with what’s in her heart, find out what happens next with a deeper look at the world of horseracing, sure to give horse enthusiasts plenty to cheer about.

Happy reading!

Blessings!

Lisa

Blog Stops

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Lisa 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/00adcf54102


My reviews