J.E. Grace's Blog, page 38
October 2, 2021
Undercurrent of Secrets Blog Tour & Giveaway by Rachel Scott McDaniel
About the Book
Book: Undercurrent of Secrets
Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel
Genre: Christian Romance
Release date: September 2021
Two women, a century apart, are bound by a haunting secret aboard a legendary steamboat.
Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.
As wedding coordinator for the 100-year-old steamboat The Belle of Louisville, Devyn Asbury takes pride in seeing others’ dreams come true, even though her engagement had sunk like a diamond ring to the bottom of the Ohio River. When the Belle becomes a finalist in the Timeless Wedding Venue contest, Devyn endeavors to secure the prestigious title with hopes to reclaim some of her professional dreams. What she hadn’t planned on was Chase Jones showing up with a mysterious photo from the 1920s.
A century earlier, Hattie Louis is as untamable as the rivers that raised her. As the adopted daughter of a steamboat captain, her duties range from the entertainment to cook. When strange incidents occur aboard the boat, Hattie’s determined to discover the truth. Even if that means getting under First Mate Jack Marshall’s handsome skin.
My ReviewA nicely interwoven story of past generations and current. Secrets hidden become known. It's not an easy job to blend the past and the present together seamlessly but the author pulled it off perfectly.
I loved the characters of Jack and Hattie and was surprised when the secrets started to evolve. It kept me on the edge of my seat. Undercurrent of Secrets is one of the best Christian mystery/suspense novels I've read this year.
The current time characters of Chace and Devyn are inspirational and also had a wonderful love story to offer. Everything wrapped up beautifully in the end. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and willingly choose to review it. All opinions are my own.
Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. Rachel can be found online at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms. Her work is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency. Rachel resides in Ohio with her husband and two children.
In 1914, America hadn’t joined WWI yet. Airplanes, or flying machines as they were called, were still a phenomenon. Radios weren’t a thing. Hawaii and Alaska weren’t part of the United States. The world as a whole looked different than the one we walk today. But one thing remains true as it had 100 years ago—The Belle of Louisville graced the waters. In fact, the century-old steamboat is like a floating time capsule.
First named the Idlewild, this boat was built in Pittsburgh, PA and was launched in October 1914. It began its days as a packet boat, hauling freight and ferrying passengers. During the ‘Roaring 20s’ there wasn’t much documentation for her travels. But it’s believed the Idlewild spent the decade tramping—a steamboat term for going up and down the river, stopping at various towns and taking passengers for excursions. Which worked perfectly for Undercurrent of Secrets.
The boat was then sold to New Orleans where it continued to ferry passengers. In 1931, The Idlewild spent a season in Louisville running trips to Rose Island and Fontaine Ferry amusement parks. It then spent the next several years coursing the waterways from Canada to New Orleans, living upon the Mississippi and Ohio river systems until WWII. The second world war brought a lot of action to the Idlewild which was then outfitted with special equipment to push oil barges along the river. She also served as a floating USO nightclub for troops stationed at military bases along the Mississippi River.
In 1947, she was sold and renamed the Avalon. For the next two decades the legendary lady spent her days along the rivers, hosting excursions, bringing adventure to the hearts of many Americans. But all those years and miles eventually caught up to her and she fell in disrepair. In 1962, she was put up for auction in Cincinnati where she was purchased by Jefferson County Judge Executive Marlow Cook for $34,000. She then received her third name, The Belle of Louisville.
The restoration of the boat was supervised by marine architect Alan L. Bates (later Captain Bates). Capt. Bates’ books, Str. Belle of Louisville, and Moonlight at 8:30, were a huge help to me while researching the history of the boat and the crews who worked on her. The reno crew worked tirelessly rebuilding the Belle and on April 30th, she tested the waters again by racing against the Delta Queen in the first Great Steamboat Race. The Belle has been wharfed in Louisville ever since. This century-old steamboat has stood the test of time, surviving decades, sinkings, storms, weathering all the trials with grit and grace. If you ever find yourself in Louisville, you could book a cruise on the Belle and experience history.
Blog StopsDebbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 25
Rachael’s Inkwell, September 25
Texas Book-aholic, September 26
Christian Bookaholic, September 26
Where Faith and Books Meet, September 27
Inklings and notions, September 27
Genesis 5020, September 27
For Him and My Family, September 28
Life of Literature, September 28
deb’s Book Review, September 29
Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 29
Remembrancy, September 30
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 30
She Lives to Read, October 1
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 1
Older & Smarter?, October 1
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 2
Mary Hake, October 2
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 3
Simple Harvest Reads, October 3 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Bizwings Blog, October 3
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 4
For the Love of Literature, October 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 5
Through the fire blogs, October 5
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 6
Pause for Tales, October 6
Artistic Nobody, October 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Just Your Average reviews, October 7
Splashes of Joy, October 8
Labor Not in Vain, October 8
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Rachel 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/11b61/undercurrent-of-secrets-celebration-tour-giveaway
October 1, 2021
New Release- "Summer Salvation" by Dora Hiers
Summer Salvation by Dora Hiers
Description:
Will their reunion reignite a spark or will Harper's secret destroy their second chance at love?
The space transportation services company Denton Parker founded with his longtime buddies has literally skyrocketed into success, and a popular business magazine just published their names among the country's billionaires. But money doesn't buy what Denton really wants…a second chance with Harper, the woman who vanished from his life without an explanation five years ago.
When a vicious attack left her twin sister broken, distraught, and pregnant, Harper Robyson abandoned everything--her career, her friends, and her beloved boyfriend--the man she believed was about to propose--to help Heidi get her life back. But soon after delivering Aria, her sister disappeared, leaving Harper to raise the child as her own. As a single parent, Harper doesn't have time for dating. So much has changed since she left Laurel Cove, including her budding faith, but one thing hasn't…her love for Denton.
When Harper returns for a new job in the university, a beautiful little girl hiding behind her dress, Denton doesn't believe Harper's claims that Aria is not his child. Given the timing, how could she not be his daughter? Angry and demanding custody, will Denton finally accept the truth? That his heart yearns for a lifetime with this beautiful woman, transformed by motherhood and faith, and the daughter he wishes were his. That money can't buy true and lasting happiness, and the precious gift of salvation is priceless…
Special 99c pricing for a limited time.
My Review
Denton & Harper split up five years ago. Now, Harper's back to open up an old wound.There is a lot of surprises in this book and a cast of characters you will come to love from the beginning. I found myself holding my breath, wondering what was next in Denton, Harper, and young Aria's future.
Summer's Salvation is a sweet love story of second chances and the Lord's salvation that brings together the perfect family. I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.
September 18, 2021
Dangerous Amish Showdown Blog Tour & Giveaway by Mary Alford
About the Book
Book: Dangerous Amish Showdown
Author: Mary Alford
Genre: Amish Suspense
Release date: August 24, 2021
Under siege in Amish country…
She must fight for their lives.
Gunshots shatter Willa Lambright’s placid Montana evening—and that’s before she discovers on-the-run lawman Mason Shetler on her doorstep. Willa hadn’t glimpsed her childhood friend since he’d turned his back on Amish country years before. Now the US marshal’s returned with an injured partner, a young witness he must protect at all costs…and vicious Mafia agents dead set on making sure none of them survive.
My ReviewDangerous Amish Showdown is a tale of suspense, courage, and great danger. The characters of Mason and Eric, U.S. Marshall's responsible for the safety of Samantha, a young child, find themselves in a run for their lives. Making a run from their vehicle, Eric & Mason find their way to Willa's house where the present coincides with his past Amish roots. Together they need put the past behind them and save the girl's life.
The storyline is fast-paced, fraught with danger and fear, but Willa and her mother never lose their faith. Their trust in God remains strong. The ending wrapped everything up nicely along with a few surprises. A must-read for fans of Amish and Suspense novels. I literally couldn't put it down.
I received a copy from the author and choose to review it. All opinions are my own.
USA Today Bestselling author Mary Alford loves giving her readers the unexpected. Her titles have appeared on the USA Today list, Publisher’s Weekly bestseller list, and have finaled in the Daphne Du Maurier award of excellence in mystery, The Beverly, The Maggie, and The Selah Awards.
Mary is an avid reader. She loves to cook, can’t face the day without coffee, and her three granddaughters are the apple of her eye. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two spoiled cats and a dog who thinks he owns the place.
When I first heard of the title for my latest Love Inspired Suspense, I smiled. Dangerous Amish Showdown reminds me of the old westerns where the good guys face off with the bad guys and always win. As a child I loved watching them, mostly because my dad loved them so much, and yes, a big draw for me besides sharing the time with him, was seeing the good guys win. It’s what I try to put into every single book I write, and it’s exactly what happens in Dangerous Amish Showdown.
Lately, I find myself reminiscing a lot about childhood things such as watching old westerns with my dad, and smiling at those simpler times.
In Dangerous Amish Showdown, it takes coming back to his simple childhood Amish community for Mason Shetler to realize how special that life once was for him. Through the courage found in a little girl who has lost everything and the strength of a woman whose future is uncertain, Mason discovered what he had been searching for all along.
I truly hope you enjoy Mason and Willa’s fight to protect young Samantha and the love they find along the way. And I hope their happy ending leaves you with a smile on your face and maybe takes you back to a simpler time in your life.
Blessings always,
Mary Alford
Blog StopsDebbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 22
Maureen’s Musings, September 22
Hebrews 12 Endurance, September 23
The Avid Reader, September 23
Genesis 5020, September 23
Texas Book-aholic, September 24
Vicarious Living, September 24
Inklings and notions, September 25
Blossoms and Blessings, September 25
Betti Mace, September 26
For Him and My Family, September 26
Lighthouse Academy Blog, September 27 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
deb’s Book Review, September 27
Older & Smarter?, September 28
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 28
Bizwings Blog, September 28
For the Love of Literature, September 28
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 29
Living the Good Life, September 29
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 30
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 30 (Author Interview)
She Lives To Read, October 1
Bigreadersite, October 1
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 2
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 2
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 3
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 3
Mary Hake, October 3
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 4
Simple Harvest Reads, October 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 5
HookMeInABook, October 5
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Mary 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 nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/11b56/dangerous-amish-showdown-celebration-tour-giveaway
Trail of Tears Blog Tour & Giveaway by Anne Greene
About the Book
Book: Trail of Tears
Author: Anne Greene
Genre: Historical with some romance
Release date: 2021
One man fights overwhelming odds to survive and protect. Caught between the love of two beautiful women, which one will he choose?
What if you are a twenty-year-old about to attend college, and your whole world collapses? Your mother and sister are missing, and soldiers murder your father, burn your mansion, and take you prisoner.
Trail of Tears relives one of the most heartrending chapters in American history as the US Government transports the self-governing, wealthy Cherokee nation from their ancestral homeland to relocate in hostile Indian Territory.
The Georgia militia force John Ross, with only a trickle of Indian blood flowing in his veins, to walk the thousand-mile Trail of Tears.
After John protects a full-blood Indian girl from the lustful wagon master, the cruel soldier targets John for retribution—until John’s shoved too far.
Bitter animosity explodes from a jealous Army Captain as John pushes and pulls his Conestoga wagon over mountain roads made muddy by rain and slippery by snow. Yet the persuasive voices of the preacher and his daughter have an impact.
A new destiny awaits John at the end of the trail—if he survives. Four thousand Cherokee do not.
My ReviewTrail of Tears is a story fraught with danger, illness, and a march from the Cherokee homeland.
Even though there were lots of moments of suffering, pain, and death, there were also times of hope and inspiration when the Cherokee were saved and became Christians due to the efforts of a pastor and newly converted Christian, John Ross.
John Ross fought with feelings of revenge and hatred for being removed from his land. He dealt with great loss and mistreatment by the soldiers.
The historical aspects of the story came to life due to the descriptions written by the author and made me feel as though I was there watching. The ending wrapped up the story well and ended on a positive note. Can't wait to read the next one. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinons are my own.
Anne’s home is in the quaint antiquing town of McKinney, Texas, just a few miles north of Dallas. Her husband is a retired Colonel, Army Special Forces. Her little gold and white Shih Tzu, Lily Valentine, shares her writing space, curled at her feet. She has four beautiful, talented children, and eight grandchildren who keep her on her toes and running.
Besides her first love, writing, she enjoys travel, art, reading, and way too many other things to mention. Life is good. Whether writing contemporary or historical, her books celebrate the abundant life.
Anne is a multi-award-winning author. This latest book, TRAIL OF TEARS, makes her thirtieth published book.
Anne loves writing about alpha heroes who aren’t afraid to fall on their knees in prayer, and about gutsy heroines. Her suspense novel, Shadow of the Dagger, is the first book in her CIA Series. Her Women of Courage series spotlights heroic women of World War II, first book, Angel with Steel Wings. Her Holly Garden Private Investigating series blasts off with Red is for Rookie. Enjoy her award-winning Scottish historical romances, Masquerade Marriage and Marriage by Arrangement. Anne hopes her stories transport you to awesome new worlds and touch your heart.
If you enjoy a short read, you’ll love her novellas: A Small Voice, Love At Christmas, Brides of The Wild West, A Crazy Optimist, Recipe For A Husband, Lacy and The Law, A Williamsburg Christmas, Her Reluctant Hero, Mystery At Dead Broke Ranch, Avoiding The Mistletoe, Lord Bentley Needs A Bride, Keara’s Escape, Daredevils, Spur of the Moment Bride, A Christmas Belle, A Texas Christmas Mystery, Texas Law, Hatteras Lighthouse Mystery, and A Time to Stand which will release in September.
Buy Anne’s books at https://www.amazon.com/Anne-Greene/e/B004ECUWMG. To learn more of Anne and to view her art and pictures of her extensive travel, visit her at www.facebook.com/AnneWGreeneAuthor. To view Anne’s books go to www.annegreeneauthor.com/anne-s-books.html. Join her newsletter for fun, events, and give-aways at www.AnneGreeneAuthor.com.
During our Fellowship Class one Sunday morning, a visiting missionary told the bare basics of the historic Trail of Tears, or Trail Where They Cried. I had lived, up to that time, all my life in the northern states, so I had never heard of what happened to the Cherokee Nation and those of mostly Caucasian blood who lived in Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky. The true story captivated me, and I felt this history needed to be told in a fascinating story context.
So, John Ross was born. For research, I travelled the Trail, though in far more comfort than the Conestoga wagons issued to the Cherokee men, women, children, and those with even small amounts of Cherokee blood. Under orders from President Andrew Jackson, the Georgia militia stripped the Nation of their land, their wealth, and their lives and transported them to hostile Indian land in the untamed Oklahoma Territory. At the time, the Cherokees were a civilized nation with a constitution, plantations, schools, and a newspaper. They considered themselves Americans.
The story sounds as if it might be sad … and there are tragic events portrayed, but my Trail of Tears is about hope, overcoming, and finding a new way of life. I think from the first page to the last, you will find Trail of Tears difficult to put down. It’s one of my favorite books!
The Avid Reader, September 20
Bizwings Blog, September 20
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 21
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 21
Inklings and notions, September 22
Texas Book-aholic, September 23
Betti Mace, September 23
deb’s Book Review, September 24
For Him and My Family, September 25
Reviewingbooksplusmore, September 25
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 26
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 27
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 27
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 28
Connie’s History Classroom, September 29
Simple Harvest Reads, September 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 30
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 1
Jeanette’s Thoughts , October 1
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 2
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 3
Pause for Tales, October 3
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Anne is giving away the grand prize package of a $100 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/119f7/trail-of-tears-celebration-tour-giveaway
September 8, 2021
New Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Original- "Finding Love in Mountain View" Review
Finding Love in Mountain ViewPremiering on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries on September 19th at 9 p.m. ET/PT!
Inspired by the book, Finding Love in Bridal Veil, Oregon, by Miralee Ferrell
After learning she’s been entrusted to take care of her deceased cousin’s children, an architect is torn between focusing on her career and honoring her cousin’s wish.
Website with Trailer: https://aci-americancinema.com/screener/finding-love-in-mountain-view
MY REVIEW
Finding Love in Mountain View is an uplifting and inspirational movie about learning what's most important in life. In times of tragedy when we don't understand, God always has an end plan that is best for us. HE takes broken hearts and mends them to bring them joy again.
The actors were excellent in the films and really brought life to the story. I was engaged from the beginning. There was a wonderful ending to the story that wrapped up everything nicely. I hated for it to end. Highly recommended.
https://www.blessedfreebies.com/finding-love-in-bridal-veil-oregon-book-giveaway.html
September 5, 2021
Lucinda's Defender Blog Tour & Giveaway by Blossom Turner
Book: Lucinda’s Defender
Author: Blossom Turner
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: September 7, 2021
Life hasn’t turned out at all like Lucinda expected, but neither is the depth of love one man has for her.
The young and impetuous Lucinda Williams, through a series of bad decisions, is now in a situation she never dreamed conceivable—an unplanned baby and marriage to a man who proves to be far darker than she ever imagined. Pain is a cruel teacher but brings instant maturity.
Joseph Manning, a childhood friend who watched the love of his life leave, is heartbroken to find the bruised waif of a girl he rescues less than a year later. What atrocities did she experience to change the vivacious, bubbly soul into this shell of hopelessness? Broken. Bruised. Beaten. Does love really have the power to heal all wounds?
Lucinda marvels at how Joseph effortlessly whittles his way back into her heart and that of her child with kindness and respect. But she has a secret far too dark to allow the kind Joseph into her life. He deserves so much better than the likes of her. Is love strong enough to break down the barriers of bad choices? Can a second chance at happiness really be possible?
Click here to get your copy!
MY REVIEWI related to Lucinda's struggle with God's forgiveness and the ability to forgive Nate. The character of Joseph, I admired and he seemed very real as he struggled also with hate issues regarding Nate. The dark theme of the novel hit home for me, being an abused wife myself in the past.The story is steeped in faith, forgiveness, second chances, and miracles. It was a good story but very emotional for me. I was a little surprised at the descriptions of the love scenes in the story, as they were more than I expected from a Christian novel. Nothing explicit though.I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.
About the Author
Blossom Turner is a free-lance writer published in Chicken Soup and Kernels of Hope anthologies, former newspaper columnist on health and fitness, an avid blogger, and published novelist. Her authentic understanding of the power of love in the darkest of circumstances is woven masterfully through her first novel Anna’s Secret (a contemporary romance), in book one of the Shenandoah Brides series, Katherine’s Arrangement and again in this second book, Amelia’s Heartsong. Being a hopeless romantic, Blossom, endeavors to give you, the reader, entertainment value with an inspirational twist. She and her husband, David, have two grown children and live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Read more at blossomturner.com.
More from Blossom
Do You Enjoy Romance That Keeps You Thinking Days Later?
Long before I even knew I could write, I loved to read. Being a hopeless romantic I gravitated to all romance stories either contemporary or historical. I soon realized that finding clean fiction but still written with the passion God created us to experience, was hard to find. (Song of Solomon is a good example of the expression of passion and love between a man and woman without being explicit.)
Given the gift of a writing career later in life one thing was for sure…I wanted to write what I like to read. Clean romance does not need to be boring. As each story pours out, I realize that writing historical fiction is my new passion. I finally know what I was born to do. My favorite theme was an arranged marriage…so birthed the first book of the Shenandoah Brides that has now morphed into a series of 5 sisters and their 5 love stories. September 6th 2021 is launch day for book three called Lucinda’s Defender.
Where-as book one was set in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, post-civil war, the second book Amelia’s Heartsong took place in the big city of Richmond Virginia where balls, debutants, pomp and circumstance matter. This third book, Lucinda’s Defender is back in the valley once again.
Have you ever made decisions that you wish you could unwind? If that is a yes, then you will relate to young, beautiful, sassy Lucinda who at the age of sixteen is forced to live with her adult choices. By seventeen her world crashes in doling out a future no woman deserves. But God is a God of second chances, and handsome Joseph a worthy life-long friend and hero. Passion, love, and undying devotion make this read a romantic page turner sure to keep you awake into the wee hours of the morning.
Although this book can easily be read as a stand-alone, enjoying the whole series as the family saga unfolds will deepen the experience.
I sincerely hope you enjoy the read as much as I enjoyed the write. I love to hear from my readers. Contact me at http://blossomturner.com
Blog Stops
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 7
Texas Book-aholic, September 8
Cats in the Cradle Blog, September 8
lakesidelivingsite, September 9
Inklings and notions, September 10
Bizwings Blog, September 10
For Him and My Family, September 11
deb’s Book Review, September 12
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 13
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 14
Simple Harvest Reads, September 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Connie’s History Classroom, September 15
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 16
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 18
Reviewingbooksplusmore, September 18
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 19
Splashes of Joy, September 20
To celebrate her tour, Blossom is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/116c6/lucinda-s-defender-celebration-tour-giveaway
August 28, 2021
The Cryptographer's Dilemma Blog Tour & Giveaway by Johnnie Alexander
About the Book
Book: The Cryptographer’s Dilemma
Author: Johnnie Alexander
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction
Release date: August, 2021
A Code Developer Uncovers a Japanese Spy Ring
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
FBI cryptographer Eloise Marshall is grieving the death of her brother, who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor, when she is assigned to investigate a seemingly innocent letter about dolls. Agent Phillip Clayton is ready to enlist and head oversees when asked to work one more FBI job. A case of coded defense coordinates related to dolls should be easy, but not so when the Japanese Consulate gets involved, hearts get entangled, and Phillip goes missing. Can Eloise risk loving and losing again?
Click here to get your copy!
MY REVIEW
The Cryptographer's Dilemma is an intense cat and mouse read to catch the person who is writing in code, giving information to the Japanese.
The author did an excellent job of combining historical information with a cast of characters that are engaging. I really enjoyed watching Eloise's growth throughout the story and her ability to adapt to unusual circumstances.
A touch of espionage and romance kept me guessing about the players in the story until the end, and the spiritual reflections were inspirational. It is a very enjoyable and exciting read. Highly recommended.
I received a copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.
About the Author
Johnnie Alexander creates characters you want to meet and imagines stories you won’t forget in a variety of genres. An award-winning, best-selling novelist, she serves on the executive boards of Serious Writer, Inc. and the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference, co-hosts Writers Chat, and interviews other inspirational authors for Novelists Unwind. Johnnie lives in Oklahoma with Griff, her happy-go-lucky collie, and Rugby, her raccoon-treeing papillon. Connect with her at www.johnnie-alexander.com and other social media sites via https://linktr.ee/johnniealexndr.
More from Johnnie
American Traitor in WWII
Not all secret messages involve substitution codes where random letters and numbers replace the original letters and numbers. Velvalee Dickinson, a doll collector who owned a doll shop on Madison Avenue in New York City, used jargon code to pass along information to the Japanese about the U.S. ships that had been damaged at Pearl Harbor.
Here’s an excerpt from one of the letters (as originally written):
The only new dolls I have are THREE LOVELY IRISH dolls. One of these three dolls is an old Fisherman with a Net over his back—another is an old woman with wood on her back and the third is a little boy….I can only think of our sick boy these days. You wrote me that you had sent a letter to Mr. Shaw, well I want to see MR. SHAW he distroyed Your letter, you know he has been Ill. His car was damaged but is being repaired now. I saw a few of his family about. They all say Mr. Shaw will be back to work soon.
Velvalee, who the FBI nicknamed The Doll Woman, wrote this letter on her Underwood typewriter. She used the return address and forged the signature of one of her regular customers, Mary Wallace of Springfield, Ohio. Then Velvalee mailed the letter to an address in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Unknown to Velvalee, the Japanese had abandoned the Buenos Aires address as a drop point. The letter was marked “return to sender.” When Mrs. Wallace received it, she turned it in to the Post Office Director in Springfield who passed it along to the FBI.
Cryptographers determined that the letter was written in jargon code. To the casual reader, the letter is about dolls. But the intended recipient would have understood it’s about much more than that.
In this example, only one of five letters given to the FBI between February and August of 1942,
cryptographers decoded the message as follows:
Old Fisherman with a Net over his back ~ refers to an aircraft carrier which has anti-torpedo nettings on its sides.Old woman with wood on her back ~ refers to an older battleship, one made of wood.A little boy plus our sick boy ~ a damaged ship.
Cryptographers believed that the words Mr. Shaw and Your were purposely capitalized and that the word distroyed was purposely misspelled to draw attention to them. Mr. Shaw referred to the USS Shaw, a destroyer (destroy + your = destroyer).
The remainder of the letter says Mr. Shaw is ill but “will be back to work soon.”
The ship was in dry dock at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked. As the heroine in The Cryptographer’s Dilemma explains, “About two weeks before this letter was written, it [the USS Shaw] was undergoing repairs in San Francisco.”
In the novel, Eloise Marshall is a naval cryptographer who teams up with FBI agent Phillip Clayton, to find the person responsible for forging the signatures on the letters. Their search takes them from Washington, DC to the Springfield, Ohio, to the west coast and back again. On their journey, Eloise will confront an unexpected specter from her past and Phillip will risk his life to save hers.
Life of Literature, August 25
Where Faith and Books Meet, August 25
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 25
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 26
Reflections From my Bookshelves, August 26
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 27
Bizwings Blog, August 27
Daysong Reflections, August 27
Texas Book-aholic, August 28
A Baker’s Perspective, August 28
Inklings and notions, August 29
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 29
For Him and My Family, August 30
Simple Harvest Reads, August 30 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Older & Smarter?, August 31
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, August 31
Aryn the Libraryan 📚, September 1
Rebecca Tews, September 1
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 2
deb’s Book Review, September 2
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 3
Blossoms and Blessings, September 3
Mary Hake, September 3
Connie’s History Classroom, September 4
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, September 4
Sodbusterliving, September 4
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 5
Labor Not in Vain, September 5
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 6
Moments, September 6
Splashes of Joy, September 6
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 7
Pause for Tales, September 7
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Johnnie 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.
August 24, 2021
My Review of Rescuing the Sheriff's Heart by Lorin Grace
Rescuing the Sheriff's Heart by Lorin Grace
New Release- Western Historical Romance
Published: Aug. 24, 2021
Purchase Link
My Review
The storyline is exciting and suspenseful and kept me engaged. Emily fresh from college graduation secures a job in Texas teaching and travels from Boston. From the point of her arrival, nothing appears to be as she thought. T. J., the sheriff, tries to save her from making a serious mistake. The story is filled with mystery, deception, kidnapping, and murder but also is a sweet love story. Emily becomes a student of life instead of a teacher.The ending wrapped up nicely and the characters kept me engaged in the story. It was one of the best Historical westerns I've read this year. I couldn't put it down due to the twists.I had to figure out what was coming next. Highly recommended.I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.
August 19, 2021
Lethal Cover-Up Blog Tour & Giveaway by Darlene L. Turner
About the Book
Book: Lethal Cover-Up
Author: Darlene L. Turner
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release date: July 27, 2021
Some secrets are dangerous…
But uncovering the truth could be deadly.
Border patrol officer Madison Steele knows her sister Leah’s fatal car crash was no accident. Someone’s willing to kill to cover up a pharmaceutical company’s deadly crime of distributing tainted drugs. Now they are after Madison to tie off loose ends. But with her high school sweetheart, Canadian police constable Tucker Reed, at her side, can Madison expose the company’s deadly plan before she becomes the next victim?
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.
More from Darlene
The Hidden Staircase, The Secret of the Old Clock, The Sign of the Twisted Candles—these were just some of my favorite Nancy Drew books. I couldn’t get enough of them growing up! My family often saw me with my nose stuck in one of Nancy’s many tales. When I was finished with those, I’d sneak my brother’s Hardy Boy books and devour them too. This is where my love of writing and of a good mystery/suspense began.
Creating stories in the romantic suspense genre was a natural journey for me. I had always wanted to be a policewoman after watching Charlie’s Angels (they even kicked butt while wearing high heels…what could be better than that?!), Cagney and Lacey, Policewoman, Murder She Wrote, etc. My love for all-things-mystery carried into my adult life. Who doesn’t love Sydney Bristow and Kate Beckett?
I enjoy creating strong female characters in a law enforcement role. Madison Steele fits the bill head-on as she works to bring down a ruthless pharmaceutical company. While she has nerves of steel, I also wanted to make her vulnerable. In the beginning, Madison loses her long-lost sister in a heart-wrenching crash. One she knows was not an accident. This thrusts her into a deadly pursuit of the perpetrators with her estranged high school sweetheart, Tucker Reed, by her side.
I wrote this book during the tough year our world faced living in the unknown. Madison and Tucker are stuck in their own fears but eventually find hope. Hope in the unknown and hope in knowing God is in control and with us—no matter the circumstances. We just need to know where to look.
I hope you enjoy reading Madison and Tucker’s story as much as I loved crafting it. I’d love to hear from you. You can contact me through my website www.darlenelturner.com and also sign up for Darlene’s Diary newsletter to receive exclusive subscriber giveaways.
MY REVIEW
Lethal Cover-Up is a fast-paced, action-packed suspense novel filled with secrets, lies, and deception. I enjoyed all the twists and turns in the story and was kept on the edge of my seat trying to figure out the villains.The characters are well-developed and I grew to admire Madison's courage. Her struggle with faith rang true and added a nice element to the story, grounding her character in the end.
The ending wrapped everything up nicely and had a few surprises which made for a great story. I can't wait to read the next publication. Highly recommended. Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 18
Lighthouse-Academy, August 18
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 19
Genesis 5020, August 19
Simply Susan, August 19
Texas Book-aholic, August 20
Bizwings Blog, August 20
She Lives To Read, August 21
HookMeInABook, August 21
Inklings and notions, August 22
Reviewingbooksplusmore, August 22
Mary Hake, August 22
Betti Mace, August 23
Daysong Reflections, August 23
For the Love of Literature, August 24
deb’s Book Review, August 24
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 25
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 25
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 26
Pause for Tales, August 26
Blogging With Carol, August 26
For Him and My Family, August 27
Simple Harvest Reads, August 27 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 28
Batya’s Bits, August 28
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 29
Kayem Reads, August 29
Little Homeschool on the Prairie , August 30
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 30
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, August 30
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 31
Labor Not in Vain, August 31
To celebrate her tour, Darlene is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of Lethal Cover-Up!!
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/1141b/lethal-cover-up-celebration-tour-giveaway
June 25, 2021
Blog Tour of Her Treasured Love by Marshalee Patterson
About the Book
Title: Her Treasured Love
Author: Marshalee Patterson
Genre: An Inspirational Christian Romance
Release Date: March 26, 2021
Synopsis
After losing all her family in Jamaica, Gabriela went to live with her best friend Sophia in Milan. She wanted to let go of the past and start over in the only other place that brought her happiness.
However, one encounter in her past left her suspicious of men and unable to trust.
Coming to Milan, she soon had another encounter, this time with an unexpected stranger which left her wondering if he was a sign of hope...
Or her chance of love.
MY REVIEW
Her Treasured Love, is a tender story about forgiveness, and learning to follow God's path for you, even when it seems impossible.
The characters are warm, with a lot of faith and conviction. I loved the spiritual aspect of the story and didn't want to put it down. It was an enjoyable read, uplifting and inspiring.
I was provided with a copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.
Q& A
1. Tell us a little about your book.
Her Treasured Love is a tender story about love, forgiveness, and learning to follow God's direction, even when it seems impossible. It’s also about overcoming trauma and learning to trust and love again.
2. What was the hardest part of the writing process for you?
That would be to write the scene about her traumatic past as it’s close to home and all the pain was resurfaced. But I find that for me to be able to write with a lot of feelings for readers to connect with, I myself usually have some connection to these experience that becomes the characters. I believe God allows me to experience them in order to help others heal through these stories.
3. What scene were you most excited to write?
That would be the scene where the main characters finally came together after so much struggle. It was a happy moment for me and I hope readers will feel that too.
4. Who is your favorite character in this book and why?
Sophia was the bubbliest character and reminds me of the side of me that doesn’t comes out very often. She is sometimes seen as materialistic but dee down she is wise and knows how to come through with the right answers.
5. What is your advice for any readers who would love to write a book?
Pray first and know if it’s the will of God, that way your story will flow as it should and you won’t be easily discouraged when you are criticized by others who might not agree with what you have to share.
6. Is there anything else you'd like to add about your book that you think readers should know before picking it up?
This book will allow you to stop seeing yourself as not good enough for the good things that come your way, which often times allow us to live in regret later. It will show you how to move past that showing you how God really sees us and gives you the courage to embrace the blessing that is yours.
About the Author
Marshalee Patterson was born in Kingston, Jamaica. She always had a love for reading. It was while attending Merl Grove High School that she discovered she loved writing stories. Some of her favourite novels were written by Charles Dickens and Victor Hugo, as she found she liked the true-to-life stories to which we all can relate.
Despite discovering her love for reading and writing, she pursued a banking career as a Bank Teller after leaving high school. Not until after she went to Italy in 2003 did she start reliving her experiences about which she wrote. She gives credit to being a Christian; it is the Holy Spirit that guides her in writing her books. Marshalee hopes that through her novels, she can inspire people of all ages with the message of hope in Christ, to show them that through Him comes deliverance.
With this medium, her goal is to supply readers with the knowledge of victoriously overcoming Satan’s tactics. Creating these stories exposes the devices Satan uses and allows readers to better detect various situations in which demonic doors open. Through spiritual warfare and prayers are often spoken, all of which have seen results, she hopes readers can learn to stand firm against the devil.
She is a lover of nature and its tranquillity. She finds nature refreshing and peaceful. She loves different cultures, especially Spanish culture. A culture she strongly feels strengthens our ability to learn to appreciate where we have otherwise been ungrateful. She adores Salsa music dances, well, too. She is a proud Jamaican.
Connect with Marshalee
Website: https://inspiringchristian.wixsite.com/marshaleepatterson
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authormarshaleepatterson/
Add to GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57560066-her-treasured-love
Add to Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/her-treasured-love-by-marshalee-patterson
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/marshaleepatterson/_saved/
Links to Buy
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0917V8TWT/
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/her-treasured-love
BLOG STOPS
June. 25th - Britt Reads Fiction
June. 26th- Bizwings Blog
June. 27th- Marshalee Patterson
