Wednesday, July 19, 2023
To Free the Stars by J'nell Ciesielski
A Summer At Thousand Island House
About the Book
Book: A Summer at Thousand Island House
Author: Susan G. Mathis
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: July 25, 2023
She came to work with the children, not fall in love.
Part-nanny, part entertainer, Addison Bell has always had an enduring love for children. So what better way to use her creative energy than to spend the summer nannying at the renowned Thousand Island House on Staple’s Island? As Addi thrives in her work, she attracts the attention of the recreation pavilion’s manager, Liam Donovan, as well as the handsome Navy Officer Lt. Worthington, a lighthouse inspector, hotel patron, and single father of mischievous little Jimmy.
But when Jimmy goes missing, Addi finds both her job and her reputation in danger. How can she calm the churning waters of Liam, Lt. Worthington, and the President, clear her name, and avoid becoming the scorn of the Thousand Islands community?
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than twenty-five times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has eleven in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Peyton’s Promise, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment and A Summer at Thousand Island House. Her book awards include three Illumination Book Awards, four American Fiction Awards, two Indie Excellence Book Awards, and four Literary Titan Book Awards. Reagan’s Reward is a Selah Awards finalist. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to enjoy the Thousand Islands. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.
More from Susan
Behind the scenes at A Summer at Thousand Island House
I’ve been writing about the Gilded Age for several years now. A Summer at Thousand Island House is my eleventh published story, and I had so much fun creating it. The American Gilded Age was a time of rapid technical advances, industrialization, and thousands of new inventions from about 1870-1910. Mark Twain coined the term in his 1873 novel The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today that satirized the era of social problems that were masked by a layer of thin, gold gilding.
It’s a fascinating time in history, especially in the Thousand Islands. I grew up just twenty minutes from the Thousand Islands in upstate New York. Actually, half of the 1,864 islands are in NY and the other half in Ontario, Canada. All of my books are set during the Thousand Islands Gilded Age, when the wealthy came and scooped up the islands and built lavish summer homes, mansions, and castles.
It was an era of economic growth and wages were higher than Europe, so massive immigration drew about twenty million to the U.S. shores. Unfortunately, it was also a time of unequal distribution of wealth where the rich got richer and the poor working class suffered.
Many young women worked as servants until they married, and that’s what my stories are about—those nameless, faithful women who cooked and cleaned and served tables for the rich and famous. These “downstairs” women had fascinating stories to tell, and I plan to tell many of them.
All my novels are based on a specific place in the Thousand Islands and are the true stories of the owners of that island. So, my plot is generally true. There really was an entertainment pavilion on Staple’s Island where the patrons of Thousand Island House enjoyed all kinds of amenities, including a daycare. And US Presidents, including President Grant and President Chester Arthur (whom you meet), vacationed at Thousand Island House.
Then I overlay the storyline of the fictional servants to create the story. This makes my stories a bit more challenging, but I love a good challenge. Addison Bell cares for children. Liam Donovan manages the pavilion and Navy Officer Lt. Worthington, a lighthouse inspector and single father, comes and goes.
And all of my Thousand Islands’ stories have hope as the central theme. Hope for a better future. Hope for love. Hope for healing. A Summer at Thousand Island House also focuses on healing broken hearts and embracing God’s redemption.
Mathis’s attention to detail and rich history is classic Mathis, and no one does it better.—Margaret Brownley, N.Y. Times bestselling author
Blog Stops
Alena Mentink, July 18
Karen Baney Reviews, July 19
Books You Can Feel Good About, July 19
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 20
She Lives To Read, July 20
Texas Book-aholic, July 21
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 22
Connie’s History Classroom, July 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 23
Book Looks by Lisa, July 24
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 25
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 26 (Author Interview)
Back Porch Reads, July 26
The Book Club Network, July 27
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 28
Holly’s Book Corner, July 28
Cover Lover Book Review, July 29
Blossoms and Blessings, July 30
Blogging With Carol, July 31
Pause for Tales, July 31
For Him and My Family, August 1
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize package 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/26b9c/a-summer-at-thousand-island-house-celebration-tour-giveaway
Thursday, July 13, 2023
ROUTE 60 trailer
This looks like it is very interesting and full of good information. From what the trailer shows, it's beautifully filmed and appointed. We're looking forward to seeing this new film.
A documentary about Israel's most famous route, hosted by Secretary Mike Pompeo and Ambassador David Friedman. The film is being released in theaters on 9/18-19/23 only.Monday, July 10, 2023
Across the Shores by Angela K Couch; Kelly J. Goshorn; Carolyn Miller; Cara Putman
Four Women, Bound by Generations, Find Love Where They Least Expect
1851 to 1942 four stories that each feel like it's own get lost in book, yet with an overlap of generational relatives. Different places, different circumstances, with a necklace that has a bible scripture engraved that is the same through time, shining a light to their unique situations. Excellent investment!
Saturday, July 1, 2023
Rescue in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd
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
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 29 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 29
Connie’s History Classroom, June 30
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 1
Books You Can Feel Good About, July 1
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2
Texas Book-aholic, July 3
Lighthouse Academy Blog, July 3 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
lakesidelivingsite, July 4
Betti Mace, July 5
Pause for Tales, July 5
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 6
For Him and My Family, July 7
JESUS in the EVERYDAY, July 7
Karen Baney Reviews, July 8
Cover Lover Book Review, July 8
Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 9
Splashes of Joy, July 10
To Everything There Is A Season , July 10
Holly’s Book Corner, July 11
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
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Beneath a Peaceful Moon by Debby Lee
About the Book
Book: Beneath a Peaceful Moon
Author: Debby Lee
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Release date: June, 2023
Mary’s Language Skills Could Help End the War in the Pacific
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
Mary Wishram is desperate to hang on to her few loved ones, a brother fighting in the South Pacific and Japanese friends in a relocation camp. Determined to end the war by any means necessary, she is willing to use her language skills as Yakama tribe member to become a spy and face any danger to bring them all home safe.
John Painted Horse struggles with the loss of his father who died in WWI for a country that didn’t consider him a United States citizen, much less give him the right to vote. He is desperate to bring long overdue recognition and honor to his people, no matter the cost.
Can they heal from their past traumas and find a peace, love, and a deeper relationship with God, before it’s too late?
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Debby Lee was raised in the cozy little town of Toledo, Washington. She has been writing since she was a small child, and has written several novels, but never forgets home. The Northwest Christian Writers Association and Romance Writers of America are two organizations that Debby enjoys being a part of. As a self professed nature lover, and an avid listener of 1960’s folk music, Debby can’t help but feel like a hippie child who wasn’t born soon enough to attend Woodstock. She wishes she could run barefoot all year long, but often does anyway in the grass and on the beaches in her hamlet that is the cold and rainy southwest Washington. During football season, Debby cheers on the Seattle Seahawks along with legions of other devoted fans. She’s also filled with wanderlust and dreams of visiting Denmark, Italy, and Morocco someday. Debby loves connecting with her readers through her website at www.booksbydebbylee.com
More from Debby
MY ATTEMPT AT MEATHOD WRITING
It was a warm, sunny September morning on my uncle’s farm, where I used an entrenching tool to dig my foxhole. A gentle breeze blew as I dug, and cooled my sweat-streaked forehead. The little shovel, with a handle roughly three feet long, did a fair job of breaking the dirt beneath my feet. Scoopful by scoopful, I managed to dig a hole about two feet deep, six feet long, and three feet wide.
I stood over this gaping pit that looked more like a grave. This was where I intended to sleep when darkness fell. I wondered, asked myself, “Will I make it through the night?”
My husband and I walked the perimeter of my uncle’s property. We noticed evidence of coyotes not more than one-hundred yards from my foxhole. Though my husband agreed to sleep in his truck not far from me, with a loaded pistol at the ready, we were still nervous about my sleeping arrangements. A few relatives laughed at my idea. I’m sure they thought I wouldn’t last more than a few hours out there that night.
I found a bucket old tin cans and a roll of string. I used my entrenching tool as a hammer and pounded holes in the cans and then strung a trip wire. Surely this would scare away any curious predators. I hoped.
My husband did tell me, “If you hear wolves or coyotes howling, get in the truck!”
By this time it was late in the evening and I was starving. In an attempt to stay in character, I reached for an MRE. That’s Meals Ready to Eat, today’s equivalent to K rations and C rations. I never thought I’d be hungry enough to suck cold mashed potatoes from a plastic pouch.
I went to bed that night clutching my entrenching tool, ready to fight off any critters who ventured too close. Sleep didn’t come easy that night. The ground was hard, uneven, and cold, bone-chilling cold. I shivered and shivered in a futile effort to keep warm.
The things that ran through my mind. I gazed at the inky, black sky and located the North Star. I thought of runaway slaves. How cold and terribly frightened they had to have been. And how brave and courageous, too.
Later, I realized my trip wire was enough to alert me to coyotes, but not snakes or rats. Was I strong enough, mentally, physically, to beat off a hoard of rats? A pack of hungry coyotes, if they broke through my tripwire?
Honestly, I was terrified. Not necessarily of falling to sleep, but falling to sleep and being jolted awake having to fight for my safety. I meditated on scriptures and continuously whispered, “If I can just make it until daylight.”
I don’t think I slept more than three hours that night, an hour here, another there. The sun lightened the gray sky. I climbed from my foxhole, my back and muscles were stiff and sore, but I was thankful to see the sun.
I was thankful for so much more. My night in a foxhole was ludicrously luxurious compared to those brave soldiers who fought during WWII and the wars since then. At least I didn’t have to contend with bombs or grenades raining down on me.
I can’t imagine going to bed night after night, wondering if bombs, grenades, or gunfire would pierce the air, wondering if my buddies and I would be shot or blown to bits, wondering if I’d live to see sunrise. My respect for soldiers grew a thousand-fold that night.
I’ve visited my uncle’s farm several times since then. I always gaze across the partially wooded forty acres and I remember that night. And remember the sacrifices our soldiers made for me, for democracy, and for freedom.
Blog Stops
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 28
Books You Can Feel Good About, June 28
lakesidelivingsite, June 29
Cover Lover Book Review, June 29
Texas Book-aholic, June 30
For Him and My Family, June 30
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 1
Connie’s History Classroom, July 2
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 3
Mary Hake, July 3
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 4
Pause for Tales, July 5
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 6 (Author Interview)
annette_reads_daily, July 6
Betti Mace, July 7
Labor Not in Vain, July 8
Blossoms and Blessings, July 8
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 9
Lights in a Dark World, July 10
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Debby is giving away the grand prize package of a print copy of the book and a $25 Amazon eGift 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/2678d/beneath-a-peaceful-moon-celebration-tour-giveaway
Sound of Freedom movie