Pepper Basham's Blog, page 16
May 18, 2017
Book Journeys- The Biltmore’s Library!
Okay, so we’re back on our tour of the Biltmore – America’s largest privately owned home. This beautiful French-inspired estate is nestled in the lovely Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville, NC and is one of my FAVORITE places to visit.
You can visit my previous Biltmore posts here and here, but today we’re going to spend an entire post touring my FAVORITE room in the house – the Library!
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[image error]Right now, The Biltmore has a wonderful exhibit where some of George Vanderbilt’s books from his library are on display along with costumes from movie-adaptations of those novels. Peter Pan, Jane Eyre, books by one of George’s favorites, Thomas Hardy, and loads of other authors/novels. Needless to say, I was particularly interested in which novel and movie adaptation would hold the coveted spot in the library.
(keep reading to find out 
May 16, 2017
A Wounded Head…But a Healthy Heart
So, did that title snag your attention?
Well, the combination of those two things have certainly snagged mine this week.
[image error]For anyone who knows my brother, you will agree that he is an energetic, kind, sometimes silly, but super sweet kind of guy. He’s ready to give a helping hand, a big hug, a funny response, or a positive word whenever he can. He’s also a really hard worker and, as is true with most of the people in my family, he loves to talk.
Being the big sister, I’ve known him his whole life 
May 13, 2017
Swoony Saturdays – Charlie Lionheart
Swoony Saturdays are your opportunity to be introduced to a book hero who fits high quality hero characteristics. (okay, so he just makes us weak in the knees for all kinds of reasons, but you get the point)
The photos involved are chosen as the most representative of the heroes featured, so IF they look like someone you’ve seen before, that’s almost entirely accidental.
[image error]Hello! Rachel here. I am Pepper’s assistant, mom of 2 boys, wife, Christian, an avid reader, blogger at Bookworm Mama, and 100% fan girl! I am SO excited to share one of MY favorite heroes with you today (Wes and David are my other favorites, but they have already appeared on Swoony Saturdays). Earlier this month The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof was named
“Inspirational Romance of 2016” by RT Book Reviews. In celebration of this award, I thought it only appropriate to share with you the swoony hero of this absolutely incredible book.
Who? Charlie Lionheart
Where can we find this dreamboat? The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof
Personality summary: Raised amid the fame and mystique of the Big Top, Charlie Lionheart holds the audience in the palm of his hand. But while his act captivates thousands, it’s away from the spotlight where his true heart lies. Here he humbly cares for his pride of lions as if they were his brothers, a skill of bravery and strength that has prepared him for his most challenging feat yet—freeing an orphaned infant from the dark bondage of a sideshow. A trade so costly, it requires his life in exchange for hers, leaving him tarnished by the price of that choice. (From the back of the book.)
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What makes us swoon?
He TAMES LIONS
He’s a tender daddy
His sacrificial love/Self sacrifice
Strength (works with lions!)
Compassion
His bravery (Not just regarding the lions)
His love for those he cares about is not just something to admire, but to learn from.
Kissing level of such swooniness: Charlie is definitely a 5 on this scale. I was left in an incoherent puddle for DAYS after reading this book. Make sure you read close to the kitchen, you WILL need your freezer!
Basic hero type: Charlie is a Darcy. His brooding disposition and assumptions made about the heroine make him out to be harsh and cold. But he is a softy underneath.
How can I meet this swoony mister?
The Lady and the Lionheart can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Christian Book Distributors.Christian Book Distributors. Don’t forget to add it on Goodreads!
About the Author
A Carol Award and two-time Christy Award-finalist, Joanne Bischof writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the reader’s heartstrings. She was honored to receive the SDCWG Novel of the Year Award in 2014 and in 2015 was named Author of the Year by the Mount Hermon Writer’s conference. Her 2014 novella This Quiet Sky broke precedent as the first self-released title to final for the Christy Awards. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her husband and their three children. WebsiteKissing Levels & Hero Types
Tagged: Circus, Heroes, Joanne Bischof, romance, Swoon Often
May 11, 2017
Book Journeys – Eagle Harbor Lighthouse
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[image error]We are taking another little detour from our Biltmore Series to visit a location that appears in Undaunted Hope by Jody Hedlund. This is the third book in the Beacons of Hope Series which revolves around lighthouses and inspired by the REAL women who operated them throughout history.
This book takes place on the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan (think the northernmost point in the state). Jody had the opportunity to visit Eagle Harbor Lighthouse while she was writing Undaunted Hope. She even got to stay in the assistant’s cottage for a week! How cool is that?
[image error]The Beacons of Hope Series focuses on different women who operated and served in lighthouses. This particular story was inspired by a woman named Ceccelia Carlson McLean. Ceccila was not fond of living in a lighthouse at all. This got Jody to thinking about the hardships and the daily struggles that a light keeper and his family would have to go through. The isolation, the danger, the list goes on and on. Out of Ceccelia’s history came Tessa’s story.
[image error]Lighthouse Friends has amazing history about this particular lighthouse. Originally built in 1850, a fourth-order, L. Sautter Fresnel lens was installed in 1857. In 1868 the structure was remodeled to withstand the harsh environment of the Upper Peninsula.
On January 8, 1982 the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse was de-staffed. If you visit today you will find several original buildings still standing, many of which are used as museums.
Facts and details taken from the “Author’s Note” in Undaunted Hope with permission from the author. Other historical facts found on Lighthouse Friends.
About the Book
Tessa Taylor arrives in 1870s Upper Peninsula, Michigan, planning to serve as a new teacher to the town. Much to her dismay, however, she immediately learns that there was a mistake, that the town had requested a male teacher. Percival Updegraff, superintendent and chief mine clerk, says she can stay through winter since they won’t be able to locate a new teacher before then, and Tessa can’t help but say she is in his debt. Little does she know that Percival will indeed keep track of all that she owes him.
Determined to become indispensable, Tessa throws herself into teaching, and soon the children of the widowed lighthouse keeper have decided she’s the right match for their grieving father. Their uncle and assistant light keeper, Alex Bjorklund, has his own feelings for Tessa. As the two brothers begin competing for her hand, Tessa increasingly feels that someone is tracking her every move, and she may not be able to escape the trap that has been laid for her. Learn more HERE.
About the Author
[image error]Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over a dozen novels, including Luther and Katharina, winner of the 2016 Christian Book Award. She received a bachelor’s from Taylor University and a master’s from University of Wisconsin, both in social work. Currently she makes her home in Midland, Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. Visit Jody’s website HERE.
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Pictures of Eagle Harbor property of Jody Hedlund, used with permission.
Tagged: Biltmore
May 7, 2017
Celebrating The Thorn Bearer & Giveaway!
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Today not only marks the 102 memorial of the sinking of the Lusitania (read this week’s Book Journeys post to find out more about that), but today is the 2nd “book birthday” of my debut novel, The Thorn Bearer!
[image error]Image from Reading is my SuperPower
On May 7, 102 years ago, The Lusitania was torpedoed off the coast of Ireland and sank in less than 18 minutes. History gives us glimpses of what those moments were like for the people aboard, but in celebration of The Thorn Bearer’s book birthday, I’m giving away one copy of the book so you can see how my characters survived (if they did) and changed after such a tragic event.
[image error]About the Book
SERIES: Penned in Time #1
GENRE: Historical Fiction, WWI
PUBLISHER: Vinspire
PUBLICATION DATE: April 11, 2015
PAGES: 362 pages
Ashley Dougall has a terminal disease and forgiveness is the only cure.
Ashley Dougall’s father stole her innocence, her selfish fiancé stole her heart, and unforgiveness is slowly stealing her life. Drawn by the desire to help others, she tries to escape haunting memories and enlists her services as a nurse in war-torn Europe. Along with her childhood friend and fiance’s brother, Samuel Miller, the fragile threads holding Ashley’s life in place one-by-one begin to snap. From the deck of the ill-fated Lusitania to the smoke-filled trenches of WWI, Ashley must choose between forgiveness of the past, life in the present, and a Savior who is willing to help her face them both.
Sneak Peek
Giveaway
In celebration, I am giving away ONE copy of The Thorn Bearer. Entry Deadline:May 14, 2017 11:59 PM PDT. Void where prohibited by law.
Enter the giveaway via Amazon HERE.
Or copy and paste this link in your browser: https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/66d3603e9b7e8009
May 6, 2017
Swoony Saturdays – Red Shirt
Swoony Saturdays are your opportunity to be introduced to a book hero who fits high quality hero characteristics. (okay, so he just makes us weak in the knees for all kinds of reasons, but you get the point)
The photos involved are chosen as the most representative of the heroes featured, so IF they look like someone you’ve seen before, that’s almost entirely accidental.
[image error]This week I thought I would share one of MY favorite heroes from one of my favorite authors. Today we are going to meet Red Shirt…
PinterestWho? Red Shirt
Where can we find this dreamboat? Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz
Personality summary: A man of few words, quiet strength, and ferocious protectiveness embodies this hero.
What makes us swoon?
His steadfastness
PinterestHis gentleness
His compassion
Quiet strength
A man of few words, but the ones he wields are powerful and gentle
He exudes “manliness” in his strength and conduct
A gentleman in a more rustic way
The real Red Shirt – PinterestKissing level of such swooniness: Red Shirt is a #3 to #4 level kisser. His gentle yet powerful personality comes through in the way he shows his love for Morrow, even in his kiss. Their first kiss leaves me breathless at sheer beauty.
Basic hero type: Despite the heroine’s mistrust of the Shawnee, Red Shirt is consistent protection, presence, and honed passion slowly breach the walls of Morrow’s heart and relinquishes her heart to Red Shirt’s love. He is a quiet hero, a Colonel Brandon or Wentworth sort – Ah, those military men His devotion to his cause and his heart are compelling, so when Morrow becomes ‘his’, the same devotion draws her into an intense and powerful romance.
[image error]How can I meet this swoony mister?
Courting Morrow Little is available on…
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Goodreads
My review can be found HERE.
About Laura Frantz
Photo credit: Kristin N. Johnson PhotographyI was born and raised in Kentucky, living first in Ashland, Mammoth Cave, Bowling Green, and then Lexington. But my heart has always been in Berea, Madison County, the place my family has resided since the 18th-century. I came to know Christ there at the age of 12, was baptized, and spent my childhood roaming through the woods and swimming in the rivers of my books.
My earliest memories are of the public library, standing in front of shelves filled with those little biographies of famous historical figures like Daniel Boone and George Washington and Sacajawea. I began scribbling stories at age 7 and thankfully never stopped. My passion then and now is history and all the wonders of past centuries.
I attended college at Denison University in Ohio and also in England, living in a manor/castle and studying the American Revolution from the British perspective. Shakespeare and 18th-century literature form the backbone of my English degree. Strangely enough, I only took one creative writing class.
It was never a desire of mine to be published. I simply love to write for the sheer joy of writing – and that was enough. But as Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
I hope my books bless you.
Laura’s website can be found HERE.
Kissing Levels & Hero Types
Tagged: Heroes, Laura Frantz, Swoon Often
May 4, 2017
Book Journeys – The Lusitania
I’ll get back to my Book Journeys tour of The Biltmore next week, but since it’s the 102 commemoration of the sinking of the Lusitania this week AND since my debut novel, The Thorn Bearer, features this ill-fated vessel, I thought we could feature it today.
PinterestOn May 1, 1915, the largest ocean-liner on the seas set sail from New York harbor on it’s way to England. Built in 1906, The Lusitania, had been one of Cunard’s longest running ships and it boasted some of the newest innovations in transatlantic crossing, such as lifts (elevators for us Americans), a wireless, electric lights, and…turbine engines – which also made it fast.
The Lusitania was referred to as a floating palace for many different reasons. Passengers enjoyed 50% more space in their glamorous lodgings (even third class had nice accommodations compared to other passenger ships), a two-level dining saloon, a first class lounge with marble fireplaces, and even a veranda café, where passengers could enjoy the views of outdoors from the protection of a roof.
Let’s look at a few of the features of this glorious palace of the seas.
PinterestHere is a picture of the dining saloon with his dome-shaped ceiling. Can you imagine eating your choice of Roast Mallard Duck, Boiled Codfish with Oyster Sauce, Roast Beef, or Corned Pig’s Cheek (yummy…ugh). Not to worry, other options were cheese and crackers, Plum Tart, and even ice cream.
Perhaps, later in the evening, we could enjoy sitting to hear a concert in the First Class Lounge with its ornate glass ceilings.
PinterestWith all the glamour, beauty and even, speed, the Lusitania seemed to have it all – but speed wasn’t going to help this floating palace when it surged into war-torn waters.
On May 7th, a single torpedo from a German U-boat (U-20), hit the ship and in a feat that still marvels researchers today, the colossal ship sank in only 18 minutes, taking over 2000 lives. This single event would be a part of the catalyst that would spurn America into joining the world war across the ocean. Because among the dead, there were about 128 American citizens.
PinterestSeen as a brutal attack on civilians, Germany was accused of ruthlessness. However, it was later confirmed that despite the fact the Lusitania flew a ‘neutral’ flag, it carried munitions to Great Britain to help with the war effort.
Many people, like the Titanic only 3 years before, died of exposure in the cold Atlantic waters, but hundreds of bodies were never recovered.
[image error]Though the Titanic’s story is more well-known, The Lusitania’s tragic ending is just as devastating.
You can find out more about my debut novel, The Thorn Bearer HERE.
Have you heard of the Lusitania before?
PinterestTagged: Lusitania, The Thorn Bearer
April 29, 2017
Swoony Saturdays – Ty Porter
Swoony Saturdays are your opportunity to be introduced to a book hero who fits high quality hero characteristics. (Okay, so he just makes us weak in the knees for all kinds of reasons, but you get the point.)
The photos involved are chosen as the most representative of the heroes featured, so IF they look like someone you’ve seen before, that’s almost entirely accidental.
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Today I am excited to introduce you to Carrie Schmidt, my lovely “Blogger Friend Extraordinaire” and creator of Reading is my SuperPower. Carrie has talked me off many a fictional ledge and has been on this journey with me for two years now. I am so blessed and honored to have her in my life. Carrie is sharing one of her favorite heroes with you today.
PinterestWho? Ty Porter
Where can we find this dreamboat? Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade (released May 2014)
Personality summary: “He could look into your eyes and without saying a word assure you that you were the most fascinating woman in the world and call you beautiful in six languages.” If you look up “flirtatious bad boy” in the dictionary, Ty Porter’s face (complete with that melt-your-knees grin) should be front and center. In fact, I would call him irrepressibly flirtatious. A wink from this cocky, flirty, charming, dimpled cowboyis all it takes to send readers after their swooning fans, and when he really turns up the heat? Well… keep a freezer handy too. Irresistible, thy name is Ty Porter. Ok…so to be honest at first he’s kind-of a jerk but, when he’s blindsided by his still-there feelings for Celia, shebecomes irresistible. And so does Jesus.
[image error]What makes us swoon?
The FLIRTING!! (does anyone have a spare fan I can borrow?)
His talent at kissing (Wowzah!)
Daddy Ty (be still my heart)
Boyish sense of humor
He’s hot (yeah, it’s shallow but he IS)
Redeemed rogue
Intense heart and passion (freezer?
Freezer anyone?)Cowboy/Bull Rider – (swoon)
PinterestKissing level of such swooniness: Ty is a definite 5 on the kissing scale. Good goobers, WHERE is that fan I requested???
April 27, 2017
Book Journeys – The Biltmore Series – Downstairs
[image error]Our last Book Journey gave an introduction to The Biltmore as a whole, so today, we’re going to take a little tour downstairs. I’ll stop before we get to the library because that’s going to be its own post
April 22, 2017
Huge Multi-Author Giveaway!!!
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I am excited to be participating in a multi-author giveaway just for you!
HUGE “Thank you!” to the team at Celebrate Lit for organizing this fabulous giveaway!
Enter for your chance to win the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card or the 1st place prize of 20 books. Don’t miss your chance to win! Enter here: https://promosimple.com/ps/b638
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Grand prize is a $50 Amazon Card
1st place winner will receive:
Misty M. Beller, Author – The Lady and The Mountain Man
Molly Jebber – Two Suitors for Anna
Margaret Kazmierczak – How to Make Victoria Sponge
2 Square 2 Be Hip / Liwen Y. Ho – Straight to You
Cathe Swanson – Baggage Claim
Tamera Lynn Kraft – Alice’s Notions
Marguerite Martin Gray – Hold Me Close
Author Carole Brown – Undiscovered Treasures
Jennifer Beckstrand Author – Sweet as Honey
Sydney Tooman Betts – A River Too Deep, Light Birds Song
Joanie Bruce – A Memory Worth Dying For
Terri Wangard – Soar Like Eagles
Author JoAnn Durgin – Whisper to my Heart
Kathy Ide, Author/Editor – 21 Days of Grace
Loree Lough – Currency of the Heart
Author Dawn Crandall – The Cautious Maiden
Diana Wallis Taylor – May Chosen of God
Author Laura V. Hilton – The Amish Wanderer
Toni Shiloh, Author – Buying Love
Kara Swanson, Author – Pearl of Merlydia
Pepper D. Basham – Just the Way You Are
Caryl McAdoo – A Vow Unbroken
Carol E. Keen – Evil Forebodings
Fine Print 
:
This giveaway begins on April 23 and ends April 29. No purchase is necessary. This giveaway is in no way connected with Facebook. Please read the terms and conditions prior to entering.
Enter giveaway here: https://promosimple.com/ps/b638
Tagged: books, Fun, giveaway
