Welcome back for my B entry for the 2021 Blogging A to Z challenge. “B” is for boys. As the mon of three sons I am surrounded by boys – even if they are in their 20s now, They ensure my life is never boring. I never know what to expect, even though one lives in a different state. They provide laughter, tears, hugs, and more blessings than I could have imagined. So what comes to your mind when you see the letter B?
This is my entry for “A” is for “Always” for the 2021 Blogging A to Z challenge. Here is a list of 5 things that always make me smile.
1 – my husband
2. My three sons ages 24, 22, and 20 and our daughter who is 18
3. Seeing the sun shine
4. Putting up (meaning canning or freezing) fresh produce
5. Seeing the beach.
Book: Bitter Betrayal
Author: Rebecca Hemlock
Genre: Adventure Suspense
Release date: November 2020
Escape. Murder. Secrets.
Scientist Luke Wilkins has always been one step ahead of Lee, his longtime rival. Luke and his best friend Josh start off on an expedition to Nunavut’s territory for an environmental study. All seems well until their plane crashes in the middle of nowhere. As Luke regains consciousness, he discovers that he’s being held prisoner by Lee and his men.
Luke has something that Lee wants. A ring that has been shrouded in mystery for centuries and Lee will do whatever it takes to get it. Luke fears that he will never see his family or friends again unless he hands it over.
Lee will stop at nothing until the ring is his, but would he go as far as murder?
Click here to get your copy!
If you enjoy action and suspense you need to check out this new series> Examining the adventures of a father, son, along with their family and friends, this book captured my attention. I could not put it down. Focusing on a ring, and the various people who want it including Luke, who takes his son Adam on a work-related trip, the storyline kept me wondering how this would turn out.
With a title like Bitter Betrayal, I knew someone would betray someone else within the pages of this book. But, I honestly must say I was somewhat surprised with who the betrayer was. So if you enjoy books that take twists and turns and almost leaving you hanging at the end waiting for the next book in a series to be released, check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Rebecca Hemlock has written stories her entire life. She always knew she wanted to be a writer. That dream became a reality for her in 2016 when she landed her first job writing for her local newspaper. That same year, she was able to publish a children’s book under the pen name R.C. Burch. With a little help from some wonderful people, Rebecca was able to move forward in her writing career.
Rebecca published two more children’s books the following year, but children’s fiction was only the beginning. She self-published a novella in 2019, titled Bitter Betrayal, Arctic mysteries, and completed her first novel in 2020. When she is not writing, Rebecca enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with family.
Aside from being a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she is also a member of Sister in Crime. Rebecca has a degree in English and a certificate in Creative Writing and is also pursuing a degree in Creative Writing.
This book was so much fun to write. There are so many places in this world that have been barely touched by man. I took an interest in Northern Canadian culture after watching a documentary about how the Vikings first settled there.
After reading through the different artifacts that have been found there, Bitter Betrayal was born. I knew this would make a tremendous mystery-suspense story. Whenever I start a Mystery Suspense book, I usually like to add a dash of romance with a historical twist.
Luke Wilkins is someone that most single dads can relate to. He has a difficult time trusting other people. Especially when it comes to his son, Adam. He must trust those around him if he’s going to stay alive.
Bitter Betrayal teeters on the concept of how far someone would go for what they want. If you love Clive Cussler as much as I do, then this Novella is for you.
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 3
Pause for Tales, April 3
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 4
Through the Fire Blogs, April 5
A Modern Day Fairy Tale , April 6
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 7
Mary Hake, April 7
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 8
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 9
Texas Book-aholic, April 10
Inklings and notions, April 11
Blogging With Carol, April 11
Older & Smarter?, April 12
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 13
For Him and My Family, April 14
CarpeDiem, April 14
deb’s Book Review, April 15
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 16
To celebrate her tour, Rebecca is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/10a1e/bitter-betrayal-celebration-tour-giveaway
Book: Your Home in Heaven
Author: Donna Wyland and Lynn Marie Davis
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Release date: October 2020
Children will delight in God’s promise of heaven as Jesus build their imaginary home
In this colorful book that reminds them of his great love. Your Home in Heaven…
Click here to get your copy!
As a homeschooling mother of four, I appreciate the opportunity to review books for children, tweens,and teens alike. So when I had the opportunity to review this children’s book, I was glad to participate. The pictures and text in this book provide the perfect balance to grab your attention without becoming too busy.
This book combines Biblical truths with examples of how Christians should act. It is the perfect book for parents to read with their young children or for slightly older ones to read by themselves.
The illustrations provide the perfect connection to the words on the pages. They are engaging with muted colors that still jump off the pages. So if you are looking for a wonderful Christian picture book for children in your life check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Donna Wyland is an award-winning author, editor and coach whose personal essays and poetry have appeared in numerous publications. She is also an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation who specializes in coaching writers toward completion and publication of their own books.
As the author of two picture books, Your Home in Heaven (released October 2020) and If I Could Ask Jesus, and a gift book titled Surrender, Donna’s work encourages readers to draw near to God to experience His peace, love and hope.
Her first novel, Autumn’s Harmony, was also released in October 2020 and is a poignant and witty tale about the healing power of forgiveness, reconciliation, and new beginnings. It is the first in a series of three written for every woman who has ever desired to make sense of her past, find joy in the present, and discover God’s purpose for her future.
To learn more and to view coaching packages, visit http://www.freetobe.faith, or connect with Donna on LinkedIn, Instagram (@freetobe_writer_coach) and Pinterest.
Having lost three best friends at 16 and a younger brother at 18, God gave me a heart for heaven at an early age. He also filled me with a heart of joy. Your Home in Heaven reflects both.
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 2
Bigreadersite, April 3
deb’s Book Review, April 3
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 4
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 5
Spoken from the Heart, April 5
Texas Book-aholic, April 6
Vicky Sluiter, April 7
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 7
Older & Smarter?, April 8
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 8
Inklings and notions, April 9
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 10
For Him and My Family, April 11
CarpeDiem, April 11
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 12
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 13
Lighthouse Academy, April 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 14
Splashes of Joy, April 15
Maureen’s Musings, April 15
To celebrate her tour, Donna is giving away the grand prize package of a hardcover copy of the book, stuffed puppy and cardboard house to color and fold, and a $25 Target 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/10a1d/your-home-in-heaven-celebration-tour-giveaway
Book: Wait for Me
Author: Marguerite Martin Gray
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: February 9, 2021
A town besieged by the enemy with just one Sovereign order: wait.
Charles Town, South Carolina, 1780
With the inevitable occupation of Charles Town by the British pounding at the gates, Louis Lestarjette braces for possible imprisonment or worse. How can he provide for his growing family with the evil chains of the enemy binding his source of existence? The scenarios of imprisonment and starvation force him to realize he has no control over the outcome of the stronghold of the British. All that remains is a sense of survival at almost any cost.
Elizabeth Lestarjette faces looming confinement with both a drive to protect her children and a desire to do her part to undermine the enemy. They must thwart the British plans to imprison more men, but how? Who can they trust?
Just how long will Elizabeth’s confidence in justice withstand the constant battering of war and circumstance?
Discover the destiny of the Lestarjette family in the final book of the Revolutionary Faith Series as they hope and wait upon deliverance from a world under siege.
Click here to get your copy!
This book represents the last book in the Revolutionary faith series, and like the previous books in this series, it grabbed my attention. We continue learning about Elizabeth, Louis, their children, and their friends and family along with the war. I loved seeing how Marguerite Martin Gray approached Elizabeth and her family and friends dealt with George, her brother, who took the side of the British during the Revolutionary War.
I loved the mix of historical facts with day-to-day life in Charles Town during the war and the British occupation. My one issue with this book comes from the ending feeling rushed and abrupt compared to the other books. Perhaps because this was the last book, I wanted more. But I have to say the Epilogue helped ease some of those feelings. So if you enjoy historical Christian fiction, check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Marguerite enjoys the study of history, especially when combined with fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas and a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene. She has two grown children and currently lives with her husband in north Louisiana. She writes historical fiction.
Thank you for stopping by the Wait for Me tour. I’m so excited about the release of this novel, the finale of the Revolutionary Faith series,
I have always been fascinated with the ordinary—the simple acts from day to day. When an historical event is added, I surround my fascination with questions. What did they wear or eat? Why did they marry? Did they have children? Where did they shop? What is incredible or surprising to me about the historical event or activity was at one time ordinary to the characters whether in fiction or nonfiction.
The ordinary that I like to encounter and write in historical fiction includes how the characters dressed. I even had the dress pictured here made for me just in case I want to present in costume!
Also, I like to explore the food my characters ate. I found a wonderful recipe for a beefsteak pie in an American Girl cookbook. I’ve made it several times. Yummy!
The ordinary activities such as going to church or to the market or mercantile make the characters real. Their lives have depth in their interaction with society. My simple faith in God’s provisions and promises flow into the lives of my characters. What makes the story exciting is the historical element linked with the dramatic background of war.
Thank you for continuing the journey with Wait for Me, rooted in the ordinary from two centuries ago.
Connie’s History Classroom, March 26
Artistic Nobody, March 27 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 28
For the Love of Literature, March 29 (Author Interview)
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 29
deb’s Book Review, March 30
She Lives To Read, March 31
Betti Mace, March 31
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 1
Splashes of Joy, April 2 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 3
Texas Book-aholic, April 4
Inklings and notions, April 5
For Him and My Family, April 6
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 7 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 8
To celebrate her tour, Marguerite is giving away the grand prize package of a print copy of all five books in the series and a box of Charleston Plantation Tea!!
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/109d4/wait-for-me-celebration-tour-giveaway
Book: A Dark Beauty
Author: Clarissa Kae
Genre: Fairytale
Release date: March 9, 2021
A Victorian Twist on Beauty And The Beast
Bold and brilliant, Georgiana has a gift for fixing machines—from clocks to carriages—while her father has a penchant for finding trouble. In an accidental fire, Georgiana and her father scar the once handsome face of Lord Pichon, cousin to the queen.
Rumors of Georgiana’s gift raise her family’s status. Her incomparable beauty captures the eye of many gentlemen and the wrath of Lord Pichon. Abandoned by his peers and alone in his cold castle, Lord Pichon is determined to enact revenge.
When Georgiana’s father makes a terrible mistake, she sacrifices herself to pay his debt—as a lowly maid in Lord Pichon’s castle.
Her wit and warmth begin to thaw Lord Pichon’s estate, making him question his version of the past. Will her kindness break the beastly lord or will he hold her family hostage forever?
Click here to get your copy!
This Victorian take on the story of Beauty and the Beast captured my imagination from the very beginning. A Dark Beauty tells the story of Georgiana, who has a talent for fixing machines along with Lord Pichon. Both Georgiana and Lord Pichon suffered horrible burns in the same fire, but Lord Pichon suffered at the hands of those who tried to save him as well. The characters in this book come to life throughout the pages of this book. I found myself unable to put it down. With a father who appears to be a thief possibly, Georgiana offers herself in his place to Lord Pichon. Lord Pichon’s mother also appears to make poor choices. The two parents wind up causing Lord Pichon and Georgiana more trouble than they are worth.
The relationship between Queen Victoria, her cousin Lord Pichon, and Georgiana proves to be one of the most mesmerizing parts of this story. So if you enjoy recreations of fairytales or Victorian tales, check out this book for yourself. I definitely recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Clarissa Kae is a preeminent voice whose professional career began as a freelance editor in 2007. She’s the former president of her local California Writers Club after spending several years as the Critique Director.Since her first novel, she’s explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her upcoming release. With numerous awards to her name, Clarissa continues to honor the role of storyteller.Aside from the writing community, she and her daughters founded Kind Girls Make Strong Women to help undervalued nonprofit organizations—from reuniting children with families to giving Junior Olympic athletes their shot at success.She lives in the agricultural belly of California with her family and farm of horses, chickens, dogs and kittens aplenty.
As a young girl most of the fairy tales talked about beauty as the only attribute but when Disney came out with Beauty and the Beast, my world was rocked. For the first time the heroine was a woman with a brain and a plan. I began researching the fairy tale and read every version. When my youngest daughter was born (with dark hair and big beautiful brown eyes) I named her Isla Belle. For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of writing a Beauty and the Beast retelling. And finally, that dream as come true.
For Him and My Family, March 25
Labor Not in Vain, March 25
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 26
The Write Escape, March 26
Books and Everyday Life, March 26
Texas Book-aholic, March 27
Breny and Books, March 27
The Christian Fiction Girl, March 28
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 28
Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, March 28
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 29
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 29
Through the Fire Blog, March 30
Inklings and notions, March 30
deb’s Book Review, March 31
Connect in Fiction, March 31
Inside the Wong Mind, March 31
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 1
Inspiration Clothesline, April 1
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 2
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 2
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 3
To Everything There Is A Season, April 3
Beauty in the Binding, April 3
Connie’s History Classroom, April 4
Blogging With Carol, April 4
A Baker’s Perspective, April 5
Genesis 5020, April 5
Pause for Tales, April 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 6
Godly Book Reviews, April 6
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, April 7
Mary Hake, April 7
To celebrate her tour, Clarissa is giving away to two winners one $25 Amazon gift card each!!
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/109d3/a-dark-beauty-celebration-tour-giveaway
Book: A Tapestry of Light
Author: Kimberly Duffy
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: March 16, 2021
Calcutta, 1886.
Ottilie Russell is adrift between two cultures, British and Indian, belonging to both and neither. In order to support her little brother, Thaddeus, and her grandmother, she relies upon her skills in beetle-wing embroidery that have been passed down to her through generations of Indian women.
When a stranger appears with the news that Thaddeus is now Baron Sunderson and must travel to England to take his place as a nobleman, Ottilie is shattered by the secrets that come to light. Despite her growing friendship with Everett Scott, friend to Ottilie’s English grandmother and aunt, she refuses to give up her brother. Then tragedy strikes, and she is forced to make a decision that will take Thaddeus far from death and herself far from home.
But betrayal and loss lurk in England, too, and soon Ottilie must fight to ensure Thaddeus doesn’t forget who he is, as well as find a way to stitch a place for herself in this foreign land.
Click here to get your copy!
Perhaps because two of my favorite books include a blend of English and India pieces, I looked forward to reading this book. Filled with family, faith, and trying to find a place to belong, the author drew me into Ottilie’s and Thaddeus’ lives. Throughout the story, I found myself unable or unwilling to put this book down. The storyline shows how sometimes the things we believe we need the most fail to create satisfaction. So if you enjoy historical fiction, check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.87
Kimberly Duffy is a Long Island native currently living in Southwest Ohio, via six months in India. When she’s not homeschooling her four kids, she writes historical fiction that takes her readers back in time and across oceans. She loves trips that require a passport, recipe books, and practicing kissing scenes with her husband of twenty years. He doesn’t mind.
When I set out to write a new novel, I plan the entire thing from start to finish. I write down each scene on an index card and know exactly what’s going to happen when I sit down for the day’s work. I’m meticulous that way.
But I never plan my characters’ spiritual arcs. Because I want their faith journey to be organic to the story. I want it to feel authentic. It’s such an important part of each of my books and I recognize that some things just refuse plotting and need to develop in a more natural way.
My debut novel, A Mosaic of Wings, features a heroine steeped in science. Nora loves the natural world and so her faith was encouraged by studying the wings of a butterfly or examining an interesting plant. She’s not particularly sentimental or emotive so the faith element of that story had to be presented in a way that made sense for her. Nora’s faith arc is subtle.
Not so for A Tapestry of Light. I had no intention of writing a book that delved into my own struggle with doubt. But that’s what Ottilie required. And it wrung me dry.
Then built me back up.
My faith story is a twisted kind of one. Raised a Christian, I went into ministry, firmly attached myself to the faith of my childhood, and thought it would never waver.
I was wrong.
Oh, how it wavered. For whatever reason, when I hit about 30, it seemed everything I had always believed no longer made sense. It was devastating. Terrifying. And it broke me.
But brokenness is its own sort of beauty and when you recognize there is no way for you to pick up the pieces yourself, God can come in and fill those cracks and shattered places.
Those five years of doubt and questioning and facing the reality that even though I’d always loved Christ, I didn’t really know Him (and didn’t really know why I believed in Him), were some of the most painful I’ve experienced. But I believe with every bit of my being that God is in the business of redemption. Of restoration. Of filling up so that we can pour out.
And he took my own very personal struggle and helped me turn it into a story that, I hope and pray, might encourage others. I gave Ottilie my questions. I gave her my doubt. I gave her my fear and desperation and, in the end, I gave her my hope.
There’s a little piece of me in each of my books, but this one contains my heart.
Life of Literature, March 27
Through the Fire Blogs, March 27
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 27
Texas Book-aholic, March 28
Breny and Books, March 28
By The Book, March 29
Genesis 5020, March 29
Inklings and notions, March 29
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 30
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, March 30
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 31
Mia Reads, March 31
Reflections from my bookshelves, March 31
Connie’s History Classroom, April 1
Remembrancy, April 1
For Him and My Family, April 2
Rachael’s Inkwell, April 2
Vicky Sluiter, April 2
deb’s Book Review, April 3
Batya’s Bits, April 3
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 4
Godly Book Reviews, April 4
Pause for Tales, April 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 5
Simple Harvest Reads, April 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 6
A Baker’s Perspective, April 6
Labor Not in Vain, April 6
She Lives To Read, April 7
Betti Mace, April 7
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 8
To Everything There Is A Season, April 8
Mary Hake, April 8
Wishful Endings, April 9
Bigreadersite, April 9
To celebrate her tour, Kimberly is giving away the grand prize $25 Amazon gift card along with a signed copy of either A Mosaic of Wings or A Tapestry of Light!!
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/109d5/a-tapestry-of-light-celebration-tour-giveaway
Book: Love at First Flight
Author: Linda Shenton Matchett
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: September 15, 2020
Can two people emerge from the clouds of past hurt to find a silver lining of love?
Evelyn Reid would rather fly than do anything else, so when war engulfs the U.S., she joins the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron. One of the program’s top pilots, she is tapped for pursuit plane training…the dream of a lifetime until she discovers the instructor is her ex-fiancé, Jasper MacPherson.
Collecting enough points to rotate stateside, fighter pilot Jasper MacPherson is assigned to teach the WAFS how to fly the army way. Bad enough to be training women, but things take a turn for the worse when his former fiancée shows up as one of his students.
Click here to get your copy!
I love reading works of historical fiction, and Love at First Flight proved to be worth reading. Being a woman who love to fly, Evelyn comes to life on the pages of this book. When she comes across her ex-fiance as one of her instructors, life quickly becomes more complicated. Jasper MacPherson initally resents having to teaching women, but he finds himself dealing with the situation. This book is a fast and enjoyable read.
Linda Shenton Matchett combines excellent storylines, realistic characters, and an enjoyable mix of historical facts to create powerful stories that pull me into the books. This book follows my expectations of a book by this author. I love the speed this story progresses and how this story concludes. So if you like Christian historical romances, check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry. Linda has lived in historic places all her life, and is now located in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities include serving as a volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, exploring historic sites, and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.
Dear Readers:
It’s all I can do to parallel park my car…well, actually I can’t. I’m terrible at that sort of thing, which is why I’m so impressed with the Women’s Air Service Pilot who served during World War II. Created in August 1943 by merging the Women’s Flying Training Detachment and the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron, the WASP was a civilian organization that came under the authority of the Air Force and freed male pilots for combat or other duties. Their leader was the intrepid Jacqueline Cochran, an award winning pilot who set and broke numerous records during her career.
Qualifications for the program were stringent, and of the more than 25,000 women who applied, only 1,800 were accepted. Of that number, 1,074 completed the program. These women flew over sixty million miles and transported every type of military aircraft from the ninety-nine foot long B-29 Bomber that weighted over 100,000 pounds to the P-51 Mustang that could fly at over 400 miles per hour.
The WASP also towed targets for live anti-aircraft gun practice, simulated strafing missions and transported cargo. Thirty-eight WASP members lost their lives and one disappeared while on a ferry mission, her fate still unknown. Disbanded in December 1944, the WASP did not receive military status or benefits for their service. However, after nearly three decades its members were granted veteran status, and in 2009 they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
It is my hope that Love at First Flight honors these brave women in some small way.
Blessings,
Linda Shenton Matchett
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 24
Texas Book-aholic, March 25
Genesis 5020, March 25
Inklings and notions, March 26
Betti Mace, March 27
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 27
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 28
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 29
Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 29
Hebrews 12 Endurance, March 30
For Him and My Family, March 31
Connect in Fiction, March 31
She Lives To Read, April 1
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 2
deb’s Book Review, April 2
Connie’s History Classroom, April 3
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 4
Blossoms and Blessings, April 4
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 5
CarpeDiem, April 6
A Novel Pursuit, April 6
To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed paperback edition of Love at First Flight, eco-friendly reusable shopping bag with image of Women’s Air Service Pilots, stuffed WASP bear, Norman Rockwell notecards, VJ Day book mark, and I {heart} Spam socks!!
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/109d2/love-at-first-flight-celebration-tour-giveaway
Book: The Purple Nightgown
Author: A.D. Lawrence
Genre: Christian Historical Suspense
Release date: March, 2021
Marvel at true but forgotten history when patients check into Linda Hazzard’s Washington state spa in 1912 and soon become victim of her twisted greed.
Book 10 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History
Heiress Stella Burke is plagued by insincere suitors and nonstop headaches. Exhausting all other medical aides for her migraines, Stella reads Fasting for the Cure of Disease by Linda Hazzard and determines to go to the spa the author runs. Stella’s chauffer and long-time friend, Henry Clayton, is reluctant to leave her at the spa. Something doesn’t feel right to him, still Stella submits herself into Linda Hazzard’s care. Stella soon learns the spa has a dark side and Linda a mean streak. But when Stella has had enough, all ways to leave are suddenly blocked. Will Stella become a walking skeleton like many of the other patients or succumb to a worse fate?
Click here to get your copy!
I enjoy reading the books in the True Colors series and looked forward to reading this one. This book like the others in the series portray actual events and people from the past, while adding in characters who are either based on real people or ones fitting the time and circumstances.
. This story dealt with a doctor who convinces patients to fast. With a wealthy heiress who suffers from migraines, she seeks the care of the doctor. The sometimes grisly nature of this story may cause some people concern. So if you like real stories, check this book out for yourself
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
A.D. Lawrence makes her home in Northeastern Nebraska. She has been passionate about writing and true crime for years, and her two obsessions melded into the goal of authorship. She is an active member of the ACFW, writes a true crime blog, won the 2019 Crown Award and was a 2019 First Impressions finalist.
Times have changed. And like so many things, health retreats have experienced their own metamorphosis. Sure, they’ve always catered to people with both spare money and time, but aside from similar clientele, the face of the health spa is nothing like its early 20th century sister.
If you could afford a getaway to a modern-day health spa like The Golden Door, you’d be treated to the luxury of rest. Yoga on the beach. Deep tissue massages. A much-needed break from technology and life’s constant pressures. Mental well-being is valued almost as highly as physical health, and the two are thought to be connected. After days or weeks of pampering, you would return home relaxed, recharged, and ready to dip back into the hustle of the real world.
In 1911, during the time of The Purple Nightgown, the medical community took a diametrically different approach to health. Weight equaled health.The prevailing assumption was that any ailments were directly connected to weight. Thus, ‘fat camps’ grew in popularity. Men and women checked into sanatoriums where the aides put them through grueling exercise regimes and provided them with just enough food to sustain life. No coddling. Not many of us would subject ourselves to the treatments early health spas required.
In this era of already extreme health measures, Linda Hazzard made her mark in Washington State. Obsessed with fasting, she ran her patients through an unfathomable course of ‘diet and exercise’ that proved the undoing of many. She did give massages though, which you’ll learn more about when you read The Purple Nightgown.
Although it’s fun to long for a simpler time while reading historical books and watching shows like Little House on the Prairie, there are some modern ways of thinking and advances in human comfort I’d rather not give up. One of those is the vastly superior spa experience we have today. Somehow, a facial with soothing background music sounds much more appealing than running mile after mile every day with nothing to look forward to but a glass of orange juice or a bowl of canned tomato broth.
Hot stone massage anyone?
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 23
lakesidelivingsite, March 23
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, March 23
For Him and My Family, March 24
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 24
Godly Book Reviews, March 24
Through the Fire Blogs, March 25
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 25
For the Love of Literature, March 26
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 26
Mary Hake, March 26
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 27
deb’s Book Review, March 27
Pause for Tales, March 28
Remembrancy, March 28
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 28
Connie’s History Classroom, March 29
Genesis 5020, March 29
Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, March 29
Babbling Becky L’sBook Impressions, March 30
Texas Book-aholic, March 30
Inklings and notions, March 31
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 31 (Author Interview)
Cathe Swanson, March 31
Older & Smarter?, April 1
Betti Mace, April 1
Rebecca Tews, April 1
Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 2
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 2
Vicky Sluiter, April 2
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 3
Amanda Tero, blog, April 3
Blossoms and Blessings, April 3
Christian Bookaholic, April 4
Blogging With Carol, April 4
Spoken from the Heart, April 4
Splashes of Joy, April 5
Artistic Nobody, April 5 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Southern Gal Loves to Read, April 5
To celebrate her tour, A.D. is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
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/1098d/the-purple-nightgown-celebration-tour-giveaway
Book Website: Click here.
Book Description:
In a small Virginia town outside a mysterious government facility, four homeschooled teenagers investigate a series of murders and other crimes while wrestling with challenges of faith, family, and the transition from childhood to adulthood.
A tragic explosion devastates the town of Steven’s Mill, Virginia. Was it an accident or was it part of a larger plot to take over the town and shut down the work going on at the secret command center?
This first book in the “Mount Hideaway Mysteries” series of books and movies sets the stage for all the action and adventure to come.
This series features gripping drama and entertainment from a faith-based perspective. Teens and adults in the stories wrestle with tragedy, danger, and relationships while they also pursue their relationships with God.
The books and movies in the Mount Hideaway Mysteries series include…
• Strong, virtuous female characters
• Encouraging portrayals of Christians and Homeschoolers
• Parents who are intelligent and engaged with their children
• Lots of action, adventure, and mystery!
You can get the first two chapters for free here.
You can enter to win your own copy of this book here.
As a homeschooling mother, I always enjoy finding new books and series for young adults to read, and Mount Hideaway Mysteries meets my expectations. Full of adventure, action, and suspense, these books will capture the attention of people of all ages. I find the characters interesting, and the storyline engaging. I appreciate the positive way the author portrays Christians and homeschoolers.
The storyline includes a strong female lead, excellent family relationships, along with action, grief, and more. This book probably suits young adults and teens on up best. So if you enjoy action-filled stories that contain a message of faith, check out this book for yourself. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
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