Sunday, February 23, 2025

Guarding the Mountain Man’s Secret by Misty M. Beller

 


 

This book is Miles turn for romance of the 5 brothers. Clara comes into the area of the sapphire ranch with her uncle and the surveyors he's working with. An accident brings her together with Miles, and the old danger returns. Mystery, secrets and threats twist together to make for an interesting story and bring you in even closer with this loving family. Excellent read. Plan on extra time because you won't want to put it down! 

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.

#GuardingTheMountainMansSecret #MistyBeller #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #MistyMBellerBooksInc 


About the Book

Book: Guarding the Mountain Man’s Secret

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: January 28, 2025

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

Miles is the youngest of six brothers, and he’s spent most of his life helping guard the family’s secret: a sapphire mine hidden deep within the Montana mountains. With threats from a past enemy looming, a survey team’s arrival stirs suspicion—until he meets Clara Pendleton, whose presence captivates him.

Clara Pendleton joins her uncle on a survey team tasked with mapping the coming railroad’s path, only to find herself entangled with the enigmatic Coulter family. When her uncle’s accident leads them to find refuge in the Coulter home, Clara is irresistibly drawn to Miles Coulter and his quiet strength. This feels like the haven she craves…until a series of mysterious attacks endanger everyone on the ranch.

As Christmas approaches, a sleigh ride through a snowy wonderland fans the growing spark between Clara and Miles into a flame, but a broken runner leads Clara to discover the family’s secret. Now she’s faced with an impossible choice: betray the man she’s coming to love or risk the lives of his entire family—and her own uncle.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain saga filled with high-stakes adventure, forced proximity, a Christmas surprise, 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

Surveying the Wild West: How Surveyors Mapped the Frontier in the 1870s

One of the things I love about writing historical romance is the detail I get to research for each book. So much of my research doesn’t make it into the story, but I still love to learn it!

In Guarding the Mountain Man’s Secret, our heroine and her uncle are working with a group of surveyors to map out potential routes for the coming railroad.

Surveying back then was no walk in the park. These brave folks had to trek through some seriously rough terrain, lugging around heavy equipment like compasses, levels, and surveyor’s chains. The chains were a whopping 66 feet long, with 100 links! Surveyors would stretch them out to measure distances, and let me tell you, it was no easy feat.

One of the surveyor’s secret weapons was triangulation. By measuring angles between distant points and doing some fancy math, they could figure out exactly where landmarks were and create a grid of reference points across the land. This technique was a game-changer, allowing for more accurate maps that covered bigger areas.

In my story, the surveying was done for the railroad. But history tells us that later in 1879, the U.S. Geological Survey stepped onto the scene with a larger mission: to create detailed maps of the entire country, including the wild, wild West. Surveyors working for this agency had their work cut out for them. They battled through dense forests, climbed steep mountains, and crossed dangerous rivers, all to gather the data needed for these maps.

So the next time you look at a map of the American West, give a nod to those early surveyors. These hardworking folks played a huge role in shaping the frontier, giving settlers the information they needed to build new lives and communities. Without their dedication and skill, the West might have remained a mystery forever!

I pray you enjoy Miles and Clara’s story in Guarding the Mountain Man’s Secret!

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

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/00adcf54159


My reviews

Friday, February 21, 2025

The Chosen 5 trailer

 

What an amazing portrayal! Brings it all to life - shows the reality from all sides. We are so looking forward to watching this.

Synopsis: 

The table is set.

The people of Israel welcome Jesus as king while his disciples anticipate his crowning. But—instead of confronting Rome—he turns the tables on the Jewish religious festival. Their power threatened, the country’s religious and political leaders will go to any length to ensure this Passover meal is Jesus’ last.

Shot in a beautiful cinematic format, The Chosen: Last Supper brings the most pivotal week in history to audiences in this special three-part theatrical release.

THE CHOSEN: LAST SUPPER is releasing in theaters starting (with Part 1) on March 28. Part 2 will release on April 4, and Part 3 will release on April 11.

Trailer: https://momentuminfluencers.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7fa294e9cfc078eecabbec8f4&id=849c581f1c&e=8178308bbe

#TheChosenLastSupperMIN

The Debutante’s Second Chance by Lisa M. Prysock

 

 

Loosely based on the true story of how Colonel Matt Winn saved the 1908 Kentucky Derby. Gladdie and Clay had a very bad start when they were younger. He married another and it was painful for all of them. She concentrated on keeping her family's horse ranch going over the years, then he came back. A slightly whirlwind, painful, then fun story evolves that keeps you thoroughly engaged every page. A delightful 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.

#TheDebutantesSecondChance #LisaPrysock #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalFiction #WildHeartBooks #GildedAgeHistoricalRomance


About the Book

Book: The Debutante’s Second Chance

Author: Lisa M. Prysock

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: January 28, 2025

As the horseracing world teeters on the brink of collapse, she fights to save her family’s stables.
The return of the man who once shattered her heart is the last thing she needs—or is it?

Miss Gladdie Lyndon’s world is turned upside down when her father’s stroke leaves her in charge of Velvet Brooks Horse Farm. With the horseracing industry in decline and the 1908 Kentucky Derby on the brink of cancellation, Gladdie faces an uphill battle to save her family’s legacy. The pressure mounts as clients abandon the farm, leaving her to pin all hopes on a mysterious new horse champion.

As she grapples with these challenges, Gladdie is blindsided by the return of Clay Grinstead—the man who left her heartbroken on the eve of their wedding. Now a widowed father, Clay has come back to Lexington with dreams of a fresh start and a determination to win back Gladdie’s love. He sees an opportunity to help her save Velvet Brooks and the Derby, but Gladdie must decide if she can trust him.

As they navigate financial peril and emotional wounds, Clay works to tear down the walls around Gladdie’s heart. Together, they must confront their shared history and forge a path forward. Can they rescue the farm and revive the Derby, or will their past heartbreak thwart their future happiness?

 

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

I wrote this book because I firmly believe in second chances. In fact, I believe in third, fourth, and fifth chances too. I’m a recipient of God’s grace and He’s been so good to me, giving me many second chances when I didn’t always deserve it, and sometimes, just because it was needed. He also knows when something hasn’t necessarily been fair in our lives. He is the God who sees, and many times I’ve seen Him step forward to grant me an opportunity or a second chance in my life because something happened that wasn’t my fault, didn’t go in my favor, and actually made things harder for me, but He wanted to make it right and gave me something extra to work all things together for my good. I’m sure many of you can relate. Isn’t this a marvelous thing when it happens?

Our heroine, the main character, Gladdie—a family name for my maternal great aunt and my maternal grandmother—is given a second chance at romance after being jilted by the hero, Clay. But can Gladdie forgive him after he jilted her? Clay has reasons for what happened, but Gladdie has no idea what his reasons are. Will she ever give him a chance to explain? As you can see, it’s all about second chances, all the way around.

I also wrote this book because one of the secondary characters in the story reminds me of someone dear to my heart who went through tremendously difficult things. Unspeakable things I can’t write. Maybe it was therapeutic for me to write that character’s story somehow. Sometimes people we love experience hardship and there isn’t anything we can do about it except pray after we’ve done everything else we can do. I can’t wait to bring a beautiful ending for that particular character in a sequel.

There is a third and fourth reason I wrote this story. Thirdly, I wanted to give readers a glimpse of Gilded Age Europe and the horseracing world of England and France. I plan to write more of this in a sequel as well. It was so much fun to share more about the Gilded Age history of racing from a European perspective by taking readers to Ascot and Longchamps.

Fourthly, my research led me to understand more about the reality of the decline in horseracing in America that began around the time of the Gilded Age. Tracks were closing all around the nation. We’d gone from having more than three-hundred racecourses to fewer than fifty. New York had introduced legislation that could alter the course of racing in that state too, and many feared other states would soon follow.

I was fascinated to read about how Colonel Matt Winn, the President of Churchill Downs, helped to save the Kentucky Derby of 1908 as I read more about the opposition they faced. The changes in the industry brought about machine betting, or what is commonly known as pari-mutuel betting. It was so interesting that it didn’t take me long to begin to see my characters involved with saving the Derby of 1908 too. While most of my story is fictionalized, I think readers will find it a fascinating read as I’ve included the nuts and bolts from my research about this situation. In any case, I hope readers will immensely enjoy The Debutante’s Second Chance. It comes directly from my heart.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 13
Labor Not in Vain, February 14
Devoted To Hope, February 14
Texas Book-aholic, February 15
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 16
lakesidelivingsite, February 17
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 18
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 19
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 20
Books You Can Feel Good About, February 21
Simple Harvest Reads, February 22 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
For Him and My Family, February 23
Holly’s Book Corner, February 24
Pause for Tales, February 25
Stories By Gina, February 26 (Author Interview)
Leslie’s Library Escape, February 26

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Lisa 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/00adcf54155


My reviews:

Thursday, February 20, 2025

The Unbreakable Boy movie

 



Based on a true story - what an inspiration this young man and his family are! Beautifully acted - you'd never know it wasn't actually them going through it all. None of us are perfect, we each have our own flaws and "imperfections". It's how we cope, heal and move on that count and how we love and help each other every day. We've always been fans of Zachary Levi, and he's fabulous in this. Excruciating. Makes you want to pray for them. Exhilarating. Joyful. Hopeful. 

We think everything in life should be easy but don't realize God helps us best when we're broken.

Together, we are unbreakable. Don't miss THE UNBREAKABLE BOY, starring Zachary Levi, Meghann Fahy, and Patricia Heaton! 

Watch this moving family film in theaters starting February 21! 

Synopsis: From Kingdom Story Company, the team behind JESUS REVOLUTION and THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, and Lionsgate, the studio behind WONDER, comes THE UNBREAKABLE BOY. When his parents, Scott (Zachary Levi) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy), learn that Austin is both autistic and has brittle bone disease, they initially worry for their son’s future. But with Scott’s growing faith and Austin’s incredible spirit, they become “un breakable,” finding joy, gratitude, and courage even in the most trying times — an extraordinary true story about a father and son learning together that every day can be the best day of your life! 

#UnbreakableBoyMIN #UnbreakableBoy #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

#LIONSGATE @Lionsgate @KINGDOM STORY COMPANY @KingdomStoryCo 

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2P0XAz-1SE 
Website: https://theunbreakableboy.movie/


Giveaway:
$10 Amazon giftcard (Note: This is limited to US winners only. Please submit your full name and email address by 2/22 in the comments below. Winner will be chosen randomly. We will not be able to accept winners submitted after this date.) Additional giveaway: 1 free Fandango code (to use towards buying ticket to see The Unbreakable Boy in theaters) (Note: This is limited to US winners only. Please submit your full name and email address by 2/22 in the comments below. Winner will be chosen randomly. We will not be able to accept winners submitted after this date.) 

Disclosure: Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

Friday, February 14, 2025

The Chosen season 5

 

I don't know how anyone can't be moved by the telling of this story. They beautifully bring to life the greatest story ever told each season.

Website: https://thechosenlastsupper.com/?mc_cid=24d0131612&mc_eid=8178308bbe

Buy tickets: https://thechosenlastsupper.com/?booknow&mc_cid=24d0131612&mc_eid=8178308bbe

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_3qginak7c

Synopsis: The table is set. The people of Israel welcome Jesus as king while his disciples anticipate his crowning. But—instead of confronting Rome—he turns the tables on the Jewish religious festival. Their power threatened, the country’s religious and political leaders will go to any length to ensure this Passover meal is Jesus’ last. Shot in a beautiful cinematic format, The Chosen: Last Supper brings the most pivotal week in history to audiences in this special three-part theatrical release.

Release Dates:
3/28 (Part One)
4/4 (Part Two)
4/11 (Part Three)

#thechosenlastsuppermin @TheChosen #MomentumInfluencerNetwork
#booksyoucanfeelgoodabout

Sunday, February 9, 2025

Securing Charity (A Place to Belong) by Julia David

 


Many of us have been bullied or shunned for no fault of our own. Charity was born with a deformed arm. She is from a family of Roma Gypsies. Ari is from Sweden and is much different in many ways. As neighbors they join together to help each other and they learn each other's differences, accepting them through the friction. There's trouble with the town and the person who owns and controls it, with an underlying twist. Interesting story that kept me hooked to the very end. They're people you'd like to know. 

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.

#SecuringCharity #JuliaDavid #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #FieldRunnerPress


About the Book

Book: Securing Charity

Author: Julia David

Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance

Release date: October 17, 2022

Has God and all that is good truly abandoned her?
After a fearless Swedish man intervenes to save her from a brutal attack, Charity Baldzo, a Roma beauty with a hidden disability and a lineage shrouded in mystery, escapes to her mother’s farm. But as she grapples with her past and the scars it left, will she ever find the safety she desperately seeks?

Ari Johansson’s world spirals into chaos after his act of bravery turns to tragedy. The vengeful hand of the man who assaulted Charity strikes back, slaughtering his sheep as retribution. Now, Ari’s brother languishes in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, and flames devour his home and barn, leaving him with nothing but a future of despair. The only glimmer of hope is Charity, who now cares for his young nephew, Soren.

As desperation mounts, Ari is reluctant to lean on the fierce Roma women. But when Charity’s mother proposes an unexpected deal—one he should refuse—he’s faced with an impossible choice. Could marrying the beautiful Charity and securing the neighboring land be the key to ensuring Soren’s safety and freeing his brother?
Attraction sparks between them, but can their disparate worlds coexist? Can they navigate their differences and build a future together?

PG- A clean and swoon-worthy historical romance with deep veins of grace, courage, and heart-hugging acceptance. Curl up and escape to a happy ending.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Julia David is an Amazon #1 ranked romance author, serial DIY’er, and certified life coach. Addicted to Hallmark movies and baking, she believes it’s crucial to have some predictable things in life. Her tagline, ‘Escape to an Era Where True Love Prevails’, was from her own reason for reading stacks of books.

Married and a mother to five, she also loves to camp and hike around the Pacific Northwest.

 

 

 

More from Julia

Fun fact: My daughter’s dear friend is a talented photographer who was born missing half of her left arm. Her agility and confidence are truly inspiring, and she served as a major inspiration for our heroine, Charity.”

My favorite part of being an indie author is witnessing how God provides the perfect cover models just when I need them. Each of my books features amazing ladies (and gentlemen) from my Northern California area, and I absolutely love creating the costumes myself.

Below is a photo of our heroine, Charity, showcasing costumes that are largely sourced from Goodwill. I truly enjoy the creative process!



Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, January 28 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29
Vicky Sluiter, January 30 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, January 30
Texas Book-aholic, January 31
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 1 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 2
For the Love of Literature, February 3 (Author Interview)
Madi’s Musings, February 4
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 5 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, February 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 6
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 7
Blossoms and Blessings, February 8 (Author Interview)
Books You Can Feel Good About, February 9
Holly’s Book Corner, February 10

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Julia is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

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/00adcf54143


My reviews:

Saturday, February 8, 2025

An Appalachian Summer by Ann H. Gabhart

 


1933 Piper is a young debutante who wants to get away from the arranged marriage her father had put into motion and do something different. So she volunteered to act as a courier for a small hospital in the Appalachian Mountains, as a helper to the nurses. She wrestled with the fact that she still loved Jamie, who follows her there, hoping to write an article about the hospital and its unusual set up. Beautifully told, pulling you right in. Constant movement between the characters, working it all out. With faith all things come about to our good.

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.

#AnAppalachianSummer #NetGalley #AnnHGabhart #ChristianHistoricalFiction #Revell #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

My reviews