Thursday, October 2, 2025

Christmas Mail Order Brides Anthology

 

Three lovely stories, all unique except for the Matchmaker. Each have their own reasons for or to become mail order brides, each has special circumstances. Wonderful characters, perfectly written. Fun to read, a wonderful way to spend your time before or over the holidays. Loved this book!

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

#ChristmasMailOrderBrides #CarrieTuransky #VickieMcDonough #SusanPageDavis #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistorcalRomance #WildHeartBooks



About the Book

Book: Christmas Mail Order Brides, Anthology

Authors: Vickie McDonough, Carrie Turansky, Susan Page Davis

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 9, 2025

Marriage arrives by mail-order—just in time for Christmas.

Ride the transcontinental railroad as three mail-order brides head west in search of new futures. Annika arrives in Wyoming to discover her intended groom is missing. Jolie’s journey to Nevada is derailed by disaster, and Amelia travels to California to wrap up her final attempts at matchmaking. Will the holiday season be the ticket to spark love in unexpected ways?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Authors

Carrie Turansky has loved reading since she first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. Her love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas. Carrie has won the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Scott. They have five grown children and twelve grandchildren who bring them much joy. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her walking around the lake near her home, working in her flower gardens, cooking healthy meals for family and friends, or leading women’s ministry at her church.

Susan Page Davis is the author of more than 100 published novels and novellas in the romance, mystery, historical, and romantic suspense genres. She’s a winner of the Carol Award, Will Rogers Medallion, and the Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice Award, and a finalist in the Selah Awards and Willa Literary Awards. A Maine native, she now lives in western Kentucky with her husband, Jim.

Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 54 books and novellas. Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, OWFI Best Fiction Novel Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, making cards, gardening, and traveling.

More from Carrie

Bringing a Swedish Christmas to the American West

By Carrie Turansky

In my novella, A Trusting Heart, part of the Christmas Mail-Order Brides Collection, Annika Bergstrom, who is originally from Sweden, leaves her home in Chicago and travels to the rugged Wyoming Territory in 1880 to marry a man she’s never met. Though she carries only a small trunk, she brings with her something far more meaningful—cherished Christmas traditions from her homeland.

Swedish Christmas celebrations begin early with the first Sunday of Advent. Annika remembers her mother lighting a candle each week leading up to Christmas, filling their home with warmth and anticipation. In her new Wyoming home, she lights a candle, longing for connection and clinging to faith and hope as she begins this new chapter of life.

December 13 brings one of the most beloved Swedish traditions—St. Lucia Day. In Sweden, the youngest daughter dresses in a white gown with a red sash and wears a crown of candles, waking her family with coffee and saffron buns. Annika lovingly bakes these sweet rolls with her intended’s daughter, hoping it will draw them all closer.

As Christmas Eve—Julafton—arrives, Annika prepares a modest version of a Swedish smörgåsbord: roasted ham, root vegetables, and creamy rice pudding. She hides an almond in the pudding, smiling as everyone at the table eagerly searches their bowls. According to Swedish tradition, the one who finds the almond will marry in the coming year. Laughter and joy fill the room, and Annika feels a growing sense of belonging with her new family.

Swedish traditions add depth and richness to A Trusting Heart, reminding us that wherever we go, the light of Christmas can shine brightly—especially when carried by a trusting heart.

We hope you’ll enjoy reading Christmas Mail-Order Brides which includes three novellas: The Prodigal Groom by Vickie McDonough, A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky, and Mrs. Mayberry  Meets Her Match by Susan Page Davis. Each heartwarming story that will transport you back to a joyful, old-fashioned Christmas.

Blog Stops

Devoted To Hope, September 24
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 24
She Lives To Read, September 25
Pens Pages & Pulses, September 25
Leslie’s Library Escape, September 26
Vicky Sluiter, September 26
Simple Harvest Reads, September 27 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Bizwings Blog, September 28
Texas Book-aholic, September 28
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 29
Maureen’s Musings, September 29
Cover Lover Book Review, September 30
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 1
For Him and My Family, October 2
Books You Can Feel Good About, October 2
Blossoms and Blessings, October 3
Holly’s Book Corner, October 3
Jeanette’s Thoughts , October 4
Life on Chickadee Lane, October 5
Pause for Tales, October 6
Jodie Wolfe, October 6
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 7
Mary Hake, October 7

Giveaway



To celebrate their tour, Carrie, Vickie, and Susan are giving away 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.

https://sweepwidget.com/c/92608-x04cbuqz


My reviews:
Barnes and Noble

Thursday, September 25, 2025

A Love Not Forgotten: A Second Chance at Romance by Linda Shenton Matchett

 

Nice story taking place after WW2 was over. Chaz is thought to be dead in the war but actually has amnesia. Someone recognizes him and he is reunited with his family and the love of his life - but he can't remember them. Well written story about how they all deal with that, with strong lessons of faith. 

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

#ALoveNotForgotten #LindaShentonMatchett #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ShortwavePress #ReligiousHistoricalFiction

My reviews

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Tomorrow's First Light (Texas Promise Book 1) by Naomi Rawlings

 


A Western story with a mail order bride. A large family is formed and several friends pull together to take care of each other in book 1 of 5. Love, faith and romance tell the story. They find that sharing and keeping together is the answer. Good read.

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

#TomorrowsFirstLight #NaomiRawlings #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CedarLakePress #ReligiousHistoricalFiction

My reviews

Friday, September 19, 2025

Sowing Hope (A Gathering of Mercies Book 2) by Heather Wood

 

A story about Elijah Lovejoy told through the fictional characters Patrick and Anna. 1830s, before the Civil War. Some states were free states, but even free blacks were in danger in those communities. Patrick and Anna were part of the Underground Railroad, although in different states. Patrick is a journalist who is on fire for abolition and decides to walk from Massachusetts to where Lovejoy is in Minesota. A long read and quite detailed in Patrick's character especially, with his personal growth and evolution from a narrow-minded perspective. Interesting facts and history, with a love story blended in. Serious, interesting read.

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

#SowingHope #HeatherWood #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #WoodmarkPress #BiographicalFiction #ReligiousHistoricalFiction

Encounter the True Story of Abolitionist Editor Elijah Lovejoy

Patrick Gallagher has done all he can—and it hasn’t been enough. Now in his mid-thirties, he battles discouragement over his inability to make a difference in eradicating slavery. Longing to regain the hope and passion that once fueled his calling, Patrick sets out from his home in Maryland to meet his hero, Elijah Lovejoy, an anti-slavery editor in Missouri.

Anna Markland actively serves her community and those traveling on the Underground Railroad. But her efforts feel small when she is constantly beset by headaches that leave her prostrate for days on end. When the enigmatic Mr. Gallagher enters her life, she discovers their hearts beat with the same dreams. Yet Anna knows that if she allowed him to pursue her, her weakness would hinder him from reaching his potential as an abolitionist leader.

In the free states along his path, Patrick discovers that the Black and abolitionist communities are anything but free. Violent mobs, hateful rhetoric, and spineless politicians create a tinderbox of danger. What will he sacrifice for the cause he’s devoted his life to—and will God finally use him to make the difference he longs to see in society?

My reviews
Barnes and Noble

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Dot Conner: Webtective - Movie - buy tickets

 

Well acted and filmed movie great for the family. A very creative way to illustrate bible lessons. 

Buy tickets today to see Dot Conner: Webtective in theaters starting September 19! 

Internet sleuth (or "webtective") Dot Conner receives a cryptic phone call from her father on the eve of her first day of high school, plunging her into an adventure she never expected to face. As Dot navigates the rocky start of her high school life, she uncovers the first of many clues her father has left behind, setting her on an urban treasure hunt with friends Makayla and Alex. Their quest leads them through the city, crossing paths with dangerous Russian thugs as they go. What begins as a search for her father quickly unravels into a much larger mystery, revealing his deep involvement in the world of espionage. Amid the chaos, Dot discovers the truth of Philippians 4:13, proving that even in the darkest times, faith can light the way.

Website and tickets: https://www.dotconner.com/



Giveaway: $10 Amazon giftcard 
(Note: This is limited to US winners only. Please submit your full name and email address by 9/26 in the comments below. Winner will be chosen at random. We will not be able to accept winners 
submitted after this date.) 
 
Many thanks to Huff Media Productions and Pangea Pictures for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#DotConnerWebtectiveMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @webtective

Huff Media - A creative production company committed to Jesus Christ. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Dot Conner: Webtective Movie

 

Well-acted and filmed movie that's great for the family. A very creative and entertaining way to illustrate bible lessons. 

Buy tickets today to see Dot Conner: Webtective in theaters starting September 19! 

Genre: Family, Mystery, Adventure
Rating PG

Internet sleuth (or "webtective") Dot Conner receives a cryptic phone call from her father on the eve of her first day of high school, plunging her into an adventure she never expected to face. As Dot navigates the rocky start of her high school life, she uncovers the first of many clues her father has left behind, setting her on an urban treasure hunt with friends Makayla and Alex. Their quest leads them through the city, crossing paths with dangerous Russian thugs as they go. What begins as a search for her father quickly unravels into a much larger mystery, revealing his deep involvement in the world of espionage. Amid the chaos, Dot discovers the truth of Philippians 4:13, proving that even in the darkest times, faith can light the way.

Website, trailer and tickets: https://www.dotconner.com/


Giveaway: $10 Amazon giftcard 
(Note: This is limited to US winners only. To enter, please submit your full name and email address by 9/24 in the comments below. Winner will be chosen at random. We will not be able to accept winners submitted after this date.) 

Many thanks to Huff Media Productions and Pangea Pictures for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#DotConnerWebtectiveMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @webtective

Huff Media - A creative production company committed to Jesus Christ. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Grow Movie tickets - buy now

 

Another great family movie coming to theatres. Looks like a good one - check out the trailer.

Fall plans just got bigger. Tickets for #GrowTheFilm are on sale now! Don't miss THE family event of the fall!🎃 #GrowTheFilm is in theaters October 3! Tickets are on sale now. https://growthefilm.com/

Buy tickets here: Link

#GrowMovieMIN

Facebook: @GrowtheFilm
Instagram: @growthefilm
TikTok: @growthefilm
YouTube: @GrowTheFilm
Hashtag: #GrowTheFilm