Pepper Basham's Blog, page 16

Swoony Saturdays – Charlie Lionheart

Welcome! Welcome!

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.)

[image error]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. Website
Kissing Levels & Hero Types



Tagged: Circus, Heroes, Joanne Bischof, romance, Swoon Often

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

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

Swoony Saturdays – Red Shirt

Welcome! Welcome!

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…

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Who? 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

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His 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 – Pinterest

Kissing 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 Photography

I 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

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.

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On 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.

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Here 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.

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With 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.

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Seen 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?

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Tagged: Lusitania, The Thorn Bearer

Swoony Saturdays – Ty Porter

Welcome! Welcome!

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.

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Who? 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)

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Kissing level of such swooniness: Ty is a definite 5 on the kissing scale. Good goobers, WHERE is that fan I requested???

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

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

(Giveaway!) Swoony Saturdays – Michael Carrington

Welcome! Welcome!

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.

Today we welcome Sarah Monzon to Swoony Saturdays to share with you the hero (well, ONE of the heroes) from her upcoming release All of You! Sarah has graciously provided an eBook copy of All of You as a GIVEAWAY! Make sure you enter via the Rafflecopter link at the end of this post!

Who? Michael “Finch” Carrington

Where can we find this dreamboat? All of You by Sarah Monzon (releases May 15, 2017)

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Personality summary: Michael is a man who had his whole life planned out down to the minute details. When he’s in a freak accident that leaves him a double amputee and stripped of everything he’s worked for, he’s left trying to make sense of the senseless. He’s careful with his words and thinks everything through first…which may leave some stomping their foot in impatience. While his challenges don’t cause him to turn his back on his faith, he does struggle with knowing what his purpose is now, with his identity. Self-sacrificing, he puts others needs before his own…even his perception of their needs. Loyal, honorable, and protective, he’ll do anything to help those he loves.

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What makes us swoon?

A man in uniform!

Compassionate

Protective

Self-sacrificing

Willing to dress up like a pirate to impress his lady.

Determined

Can communicate thoughts and feelings through a single kiss.

[image error]Kissing level of such swooniness: Michael is a kissing scale climber. He doesn’t give his kisses away to just anyone, so he has been mistaken for a #1. But don’t believe those rumors. When he’s ready, he’s been known to communicate all his thoughts and deep feelings into a single mind-blowing kiss that will leave the recipient more than a little weak in the knees.

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Basic hero type: Michael is 70% Wentworth and 30% Ferrars. Loyal, Honorable, and in possession of a deep sense of justice, he often makes sacrifices to put other’s needs ahead of his own.

How can I meet this swoony mister? 

All of You is available for preorder on Amazon. (Don’t forget to enter the giveaway below.)

About the Author

Sarah Monzon is a Navy chaplain’s wife and a stay at home mom to the two cutest littles in the world. Playing pretend all day with them isn’t enough, she spends the evenings after their heads hit the pillow to create her own imaginary characters. When she isn’t in the world of make believe, she can be found in the pine forests of western Washington taking care of her family, fostering friendships, and enjoying all the adventures each day brings.

Her debut novel, The Isaac Project, skyrocketed to Amazon bestseller status while her Sophomore book, Finders Keepers, has finaled in contests such as the Inspy Awards and received a 4 star review from Romantic Times.

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Kissing Levels & Hero Types




Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Journeys – The Biltmore Series

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If any of you have been following my book journey for any amount of time, you know I LOVE LOVE the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. The house and grounds are a magnificent look at a ‘chateau’ of the mountains built at the end of the 19th century by millionaire George Vanderbilt.

George Vanderbilt (Pinterest)

The story goes that George was traveling through Asheville in 1888 with his mother and fell in love with the land and the surrounding blue-hued mountains. Wasting no time, in 1889 he began constructing his 250-roomed French Renaissance style home. After six years, and the creation of a rail station and village to support the running of the estate, George opened Biltmore on Christmas Eve 1895. (The town of Best was purchased and became known as Biltmore Village – it grew under Vanderbilts hands. The servants lived here and even had central heat and plumbing, a BIG improvement in 19th century Appalachia.

With his great masterpiece, he hoped to make Biltmore a self-sustaining estate.

The home ushers in new opportunities for the small town of Asheville and the surrounding Appalachian community.

France plays an important part in George’s life, particularly a few years later when he meets, falls in love, and married Edith Dresser Stuyvesant. The two met while on a ship to France and then…after a brief courtship married in Paris.

Edith Vanderbilt (Pinterest

It is said that when George brought Edith to Biltmore for the first time, the employees of Biltmore lined the street holding a tool from their trade in their hands. A large ‘horseshoe’ shaped bush wished the newlyweds toward their new home with good luck and…later that evening as the newlyweds watched from their balcony, fireworks lit the night sky.

The people of Biltmore must have thought George Vanderbilt had returned to the house with a princess.

Both George and Edith were generous of heart, mind, and money. Breaching the social divide, they believe in making a place better when they left than it was before, and their energies and kindness touched thousands. Edith was known for visiting servants’ houses without one hesitation. She was also a prolific letter writer.

George and Edith valued education. Within their lifetimes, they founded Biltmore Forest School (a school for forestry, George’s passion), and the School for the Domestic Sciences (a women’s school). They both encouraged and created adult literacy classes, particularly The Moonlight School, and developed internships to help created a culture of learning.

[image error]From all accounts, even though George and Edith had other grand houses, this one was their favorite. Over the next few months, we’ll take a deeper look at the beautiful house and history associated with it…and someday, I hope to bring this amazing home, couple, and story to life on the page.

– Pepper

Giveaway

[image error]Don’t forget to stop by HERE to enter to WIN a copy of my new release Just the Way You Are!

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