Robin E. Mason's Blog: Robin's Book Shelf, page 82
December 14, 2020
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 15 December 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – BOUND by VICTORIA LYNN
TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – BOUND by VICTORIA LYNN
THE BLURB
Two souls don’t find each other by simple accident. – Jorge Luis Borges
Levi Coulter is a teenage loner who is desperate to escape his abusive home life. But when that desperation finally propels him to leave it all behind, an encounter with another runaway half his age completely derails his plans. Casey Gage is so innocent and helpless Levi feels honor bound to befriend and help her. With complete self-confidence, he takes her under his wing. Yet when injury befalls the pair on their journey, Levi must accept help from the first people he finds Abel and Mariah Bellworth are simple farm folk with a heart for kids and a passion for serving God. With unconditional love and gentleness, they begin to care for the two broken youngsters. Levi and Casey’s troubles finally seem to be over and they are just starting to flourish when Casey is dragged back into the abusive world she came from causing the emotional trauma, pain, and distrust to resurface. Will God answer their prayers? Or will they be forever bound by their past?
THE AUTHOR
Victoria Lynn is in her 20s and if she’s not writing, she is probably sewing, singing, playing the piano, washing dishes, creating something with her hands, or learning something new. She has a passion for serving her Creator, encouraging others and being creative. She blogs at http://www.rufflesandgrace.com about writing, fashion, her walk with God and life. She lives in Michigan with her parents and 8 siblings.
MY REVIEW
I always wanted a gaggle of children. Some by birth, some adopted. I wanted to be the safe place for children like Levi and Casey. I wanted my home to be the safe place, the healing place that silenced the horrors of their past, that drove away the demon nightmares that plagued them. The place that showered them with unconditional love. With God’s love. Alas, that was not to be. My life took a drastically different path, but my heart clung to that dream.
Ms. Lynn portrays the desperation of two survivors of child abuse. Two fighters. Two sojourners who happened upon each other, forever bound by the hideousness of their pasts. I wanted to swoop in and embrace them both securely in my arms, and I was happy when the author brought the children to the Bellworth home where that same love abounded.
Ms. Lynn didn’t gloss over the lives that Levi and Casey knew. She didn’t make light of parents who use and abuse their own children. She made no excuses for those parents’ atrocities.
I can well imagine Levi and Casey running away. I could feel their helplessness, their desperation.
I felt, though, that their journey was unrealistic at times. Casey’s injury [SPOILER.] The twist with the Bellworth’s son, though, was deep and poignant, and brought a tear or two to this reader’s eyes.
In the end, Ms. Lynn has written truthfully and vividly about the horror of child abuse, bringing it to the spotlight, and shining a ray of hope in the darkness.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Bound, Victoria Lynn, JustRead Publicity
December 7, 2020
BLOGWORDS – Monday 7 December 2020 – SPECIAL EDITION – THE STATE of the BLOG and REM
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SPECIAL EDITION – THE STATE of the BLOG and REM
Once upon a time I wrote like the wind. Like my pants were on fire. I wrote and couldn’t stop.
Until one day, it stopped. Oh, my stories are still there, my characters are still talking to me. But… something happened two years ago and I couldn’t focus, I couldn’t get the words to flow like they used to. #insertpityparty
Little by little, all the things I had started—the blog and all my lovely features—guest posts, interviews, featured books, recipes, Sunday devotions—not to mention my new series—have dwindled away. #WAAAAA At least I’m still doing reviews.
In the months immediately following my second knee surgery (June 2018) I had bona fide chronic (and miserable) insomnia! #thatSUCKS
My knee recovered quite well from the surgery but apparently I didn’t… #shrugs No idea why or what happened if anything. Coincidence? Maybe.
Then again, there’s my old nemesis, Do More Than Is Humanly Possible. #rollingmyeyes Then again, I’ve always managed… Really! I did! I promise! Okay, okay, maybe not… My degree is BSA in Interior Design. So when I kept looking at my sad windows with curtains I’ve had for YEARS and blinds that had suffered kitten phenomena, something snapped. And my designer brain just couldn’t take it anymore. Little by little, piece by piece, I’ve begun to actually decorate my home. (no more storage locker ambience LOL) (Also courtesy of the Stimulus Money!! (Thank you, President Trump!!!) * pics to come in a later post. Pics that will include some, er, uh, before and afters! Because in order to truly decorate my home, I had to purge it, too. YEARS of junk, lugged through countless moves! #colormeembarrassed It took weeks (read: months) to sift through boxes and bins, and organize what I kept. (I’m an artist, you know. #artsupplies of course.) NOTE: It only took so long because I had to pace myself. I had to make the executive decision to put my writing aside in order to GET.THIS.DONE! And it paid off!
Now that the bulk of that is done, that which remains is the fun stuff—the painting and refinishing furniture, creating scrapbooks (vs countless pics in benign albums.) I’m baking again! And keeping my little house clean. And I’m going for walks again, and short sets on an exercise bike a friend gave me.
In addition to all that, my granddaughter started high school and is taking French. Because I’m all about words #authorbrain and languages #logophile, I decided to beef up the ‘peu’ of French I already knew. That was three months ago and I’m SAILING through the lessons. (May I say how J’dore duolingo.com! Lessons are so easy—at least for moi!) I speak Spanish as well, which helps in learning French.
Another sad distraction—I thought I was at the beginning of a new relationship. Suffice to say it failed before it had a chance to begin. I was heartbroken but it’s done and I’m okay. #FatherGodhasmuchbetterforme
~ and here’s the news you’ve all been waiting for ~
My writing voice is back. * Fascinating author bit—a few weeks ago I was lamenting not writing, and Bethy and Mere assured me that they understood, and even encouraged me to focus on the task at hand—the house—and return to them when my mind was clear to write.
That time has come. They have been beckoning me to return to the story and finish it. (I’m roughly 80% through and decided to change my POV to first person. #yippee #shouldhavedonetobeginwith)
Two years have passed and my blog has become sparse, almost bare. A featured book or few, a couple of Special Reports / Current News posts. Reviews. I can’t say when or if I’ll move back to full swing with a different feature EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. (I bow to Carrie Schmidt and Reading is My SuperPower! She, too, has autoimmune issues and yet manages to roll those posts off the cyber-blog-press!)
But I can say this, Two for the Price of One WILL be finished AND released in 2021. Can’t say yet when but I’m thinking April or May. ish… Meanwhile, the memes and blogposts and FB posts about Bethy and Mere will resume. #fingerscrossed
Thank you thank you thank you to all who have stayed with me, and to those who are new to my blog. Once upon a time, I responded to each and every comment, That, too, has sadly gotten lost in the wasteland fog that had enveloped my brain. And that, too, I intend to correct!
I love and appreciate all of you and wish you the happiest of holiday seasons. May Father God bestow upon you His richest blessings this year and in the year to come.
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#Blogwords, Special Edition, The State of the Blog and REM, Robin’s Nest, One for the Price of Two, FourSquare, #brainfog
December 4, 2020
BLOGWORDS – Saturday 5 December 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – BEING WEST IS BEST by MONIQUE BUCHEGER
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TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – BEING WEST IS BEST by MONIQUE BUCHEGER
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ABOUT THE BOOK
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Title: Being West is Best
Series: Ginnie West Adventure #4
Author: Monique Bucheger
Publisher: True West Publishing
Re-release Date: 2020
Genre: Middle-Grade Contemporary Fiction
THE BLURB
Twelve-year-old BFFs, Ginnie West and Tillie Taylor, are matchmaking geniuses.
Together, they maneuvered Ginnie’s widower-dad into proposing to Tillie’s divorcee-mom. Sweet! Certain they are well on their way to sisterhood, each girl is floored when Tillie’s lousy-excuse-for-a-father puts in an appearance after a six-year absence. Too bad “lousy dad repellant” doesn’t come in a can. Even though Tillie’s dad has sobered up and is determined to make amends, Tillie would rather he just disappear again. If he stays, “Operation: Secret Sisters” may need to be renamed “Operation: Not Gonna Happen.”
If that’s not bad enough, the biggest bully in seventh grade comes over often and wishes he could call the West’s farmhouse “home.” When the bully’s abusive dad shows up as well, Ginnie thinks it’s time to change her family’s motto from “When you’re here, you’re family” to “There’s no more room at the West’s.”
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon
THE AUTHOR
[image error]When Monique Bucheger isn’t writing, you can find her playing taxi driver to one or more of her 12 children, plotting her next novel, scrapbooking, or being the “Mamarazzi” at any number of child-oriented events.
Even though she realizes there will never be enough hours in any given day, Monique tries very hard to enjoy the journey that is her life. She shares it with a terrific husband, her dozen children, an adorable granddaughter, a son-in-law, three cats, and many real and imaginary friends.
She is the author of several books and plans to write many more. You can find more about Monique and her works on her website.
CONNECT WITH MONIQUE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
MY REVIEW
I always enjoy a visit with the West Family, and Being West is Best is no exception! Ginnie is every bit as feisty as ever and Tillie is as skittish as ever. Especially when [SPOILER.]
Ms. Bucheger not only “knows” preteens (LOVE the lingo! “sugar beets” and “awesomesauce”) but she knows family dynamics and hasn’t shied away from tough issues. Like abuse, something that’s not easy to convey, especially in a middle-grade story. I appreciate the author’s courage and boldness to write with such depth of reality.
There are so many threads in this series, and Ms. Bucheger has twisted them together to form a lovely tapestry and cohesive story. The redemptive thread is a powerful one, and Tillie’s struggle to reconcile her past to her future, authentic and so very heart-wrenching.
Aunt Roni is a hoot! Jake is the fun uncle. Jasper the returning prodigal—I read with bated breath, wondering if his temper [SPOILER.]
And Uncle Ben. The steadfast patriarch. The calm voice in the storm. The peace in the middle of tense situations. The arms and heart of Jesus and the anchor of the West Family. Everybody needs an Uncle Ben in their life.
I did notice one unresolved detail, and I hope that means there’s another story (or few) in this series.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
[image error]ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
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(1) winner will receive a $50 gift card to the winner’s choice of Amazon, Audible, Kobo, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight December 1, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on December 7, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, Being West is Best, Monique Bucheger, Ginnie West Adventure, The Secret Sisters Club, Trouble Blows West, Simply West of Heaven, JustRead Publicity
December 1, 2020
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 1 December 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – AN IVY HILL CHRISTMAS by JULIE KLASSEN
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TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – AN IVY HILL CHRISTMAS by JULIE KLASSEN
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ABOUT THE BOOK
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Book: An Ivy Hill Christmas
Author: Julie Klassen
Genre: Christmas Historical Romance
Release Date: September, 2020
THE BLURB
Richard Brockwell, the younger son of Ivy Hill’s most prominent family, hasn’t been home for Christmas in years. He prefers to live in the London townhouse, far away from Brockwell Court, the old family secret that haunts him, and the shadows of his past mistakes. But then his mother threatens to stop funding his carefree life–unless he comes home for Christmas. Out of options, he sets out for Ivy Hill, planning to be back on a coach bound for London and his unencumbered bachelor life as soon as the festivities are over.
But Christmas in the country presents many surprises, including encounters with an orphaned apprentice, the first love he disappointed years ago, and Arabella Awdry, a young lady who is far more appealing than he recalled–and determined to have nothing to do with him.
Will Christmastime in Ivy Hill, with its village charm, kissing boughs, and joyous songs, change his heart . . . and hers as well?
Click here to get your copy!
THE AUTHOR
[image error]Julie Klassen loves all things Jane–Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for 16 years and now writes full-time. Her novels have sold over 1 million copies, and three of her books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and a Christian Retailing‘s Best Award, and has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.
MORE FROM JULIE
My fascination with England began as a girl when I read The Secret Garden and Jane Eyre, and watched A Christmas Carol. I have now been to Great Britain several times, and my affection for the place has only grown. I love the country villages with their stone buildings and thatched roofs, the narrow, winding roads (though not driving on them), the ancient churches, friendly people, plummy accents, and history. Writing fifteen novels set there has been a real pleasure.
An Ivy Hill Christmas includes all the elements of an idyllic Olde English yuletide: A charming village setting, snowfall, mistletoe, caroling, gifts for less fortunate neighbors, and festive gatherings of friends and family. I thoroughly enjoyed researching 19th century Christmas traditions and weaving them into this novella.
In the story, a confirmed bachelor is determined to remain aloof from the celebrations going on around him—and from his mother’s matchmaking schemes. But divine hope, friendship, and unexpected romance change his heart…and his mind. I love a transformation story; don’t you?
If you’ve read the TALES FROM IVY HILL series, you will enjoy returning to the village and spending time with favorite characters. But rest assured, the novella is a standalone, meaning you can enjoy it whether or not you’ve read the other books, as these reviews attest:
“[A] standalone novella that not only beautifully captures the kindness, hope, love, and faith of Christmas but also skillfully evokes the period holiday atmosphere of Regency England.” —Booklist
“This feel-good tale of love and redemption will delight Klassen’s fans and new readers alike.” —Publishers Weekly
And if you like the novella, I think you will like the other books as well. An Ivy Hill Christmas would also make a lovely gift for a reading friend.
Finally, if you want to add a British flair to your own modern-day celebrations, buy (or make) mince tarts or Christmas pudding, place Christmas “crackers” (pull-apart gift tubes) on your table and wear the included paper crowns. Refer to Father Christmas instead of Santa; and instead of “Merry,” wish everyone a hearty, “Happy Christmas.”
Happy Christmas!
MY REVIEW
Who needs a time machine when a good author can take you anywhere! Ms. Klassen takes the reader by the hand and whishes you straight back to Regency England.
Not only is she well familiar with the era, but Ms. Klassen is well versed in human nature.
Richard, self-centered and self-indulgent didn’t go home for Christmas for any nostalgic reasons. In fact, it seems to this reader that he stayed away for exactly those nostalgic reasons. Well, that and [SPOILER.]
Arabella was about as opposite to Richard as a person can be—giving and self-sacrificing, her deepest heart desire to serve others. And she knew Richard’s reputation, and had no more desire to spend time with him that he with her.
But as the holiday progressed, and as human nature tends to do, and with situation and circumstances Ms. Klassen skillfully unfolded—and as iron sharpens iron—Richard and Arabella discovered truth beneath the layers of sludge that life had cocooned around both of them.
Oh! How I wish I could have been there! The dances, the sleigh rides, the gowns—the food! I felt the biting chill in the air, I smelled the pine of the boughs, the smoke from the fireplaces, the tantalizing aromas of dinner. I heard the pianoforte, the jingle of the sleigh bells, the whisper of the harp.
Such a beautiful story of transformation, tugging heart strings, tenderness and compassion.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
[image error]ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
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To celebrate her tour, Julie is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of An Ivy Hill Christmas and the other three books in the Ivy Hill series, plus the winner’s choice of Bingley’s 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/103f5/an-ivy-hill-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway
TOUR STOPS
Through the Lens of Scripture, November 30
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 30
Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 30
Christian Bookaholic, November 30
Andrea Christenson, November 30
Texas Book-aholic, December 1
KarenSueHadley, December 1
Robin’s Nest, December 1
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 1
Blessed & Bookish, December 2
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 2
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 2
Mia Reads, December 2
Wishful Endings, December 3
lakesidelivingsite, December 3
Through the Fire Blogs, December 3
For Him and My Family, December 3
Just Your Average reviews, December 3
She Lives To Read, December 4
Remembrancy, December 4
deb’s Book Review, December 4
Writing from the Heart Land, December 4
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 5
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 5
Quiet Workings, December 5
Blogging With Carol, December 5
Spoken from the Heart, December 5
The Christian Fiction Girl, December 6
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 6
Connect in Fiction, December 6
Artistic Nobody, December 6 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Worthy2Read, December 7
Genesis 5020, December 7
Sara Jane Jacobs, December 7
Inklings and notions, December 7
Life of Literature, December 7
For the Love of Literature, December 8
Connie’s History Classroom, December 8
Batya’s Bits, December 8
Labor Not in Vain, December 8
Hallie Reads, December 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 9
Older & Smarter?, December 9
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, December 9
Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 9
Betti Mace, December 9
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 10
Faery Tales Are Real, December 10
Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, December 10
Mary Hake, December 10
Daysong Reflections, December 11
Bigreadersite, December 11
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 11
Splashes of Joy, December 11
Vicky Sluiter, December 12
To Everything There Is A Season, December 12
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 12
Blossoms and Blessings, December 12
The Write Escape, December 12
A Baker’s Perspective, December 13
Bizwings Blog, December 13
Simple Harvest Reads, December 13 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Pause for Tales, December 13
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, An Ivy Hill Christmas, Julie Klassen, Tales from Ivy Hill, Celebrate Lit Publicity
November 29, 2020
BLOGWORDS – Monday 30 November 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – STORIES AND SONGS OF FAITH by ALEXIS A. GORING
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TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – STORIES AND SONGS OF FAITH by ALEXIS A. GORING
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THE BLURB
Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God is a 52-week devotional that will bless your heart, soothe your soul, encourage your mind, and strengthen your God-given spirit.
Join author Alexis A. Goring on an inspirational journey. Each devotional builds from real-life experiences that impart many faith lessons learned along the way.
Each day is built on the foundation of a Bible verse or edifying quote, followed by Goring’s personal story and reflection questions for a personalized experience.
All of the devotionals are tied to a song in order to go a little deeper into the heart of the message. A song directory at the end of the book connects the reader with music online to further enhance the study experience and glorify God.
Spend a year on a journey growing closer to the Lord through Stories and Songs of Faith, and discover personal transformation as time with Jesus Christ changes your heart to look a little more like His.
THE AUTHOR
Alexis A. Goring is a passionate writer with a degree in Print Journalism and an MFA in Creative Writing. She loves the art of storytelling and hopes that her stories will connect readers with the enduring, forever love of Jesus Christ.
MY REVIEW
We all want to belong. The quintessential human longing.
Ms. Goring pours her heart into this devotional, sharing the most tender and poignant depths of her spiritual journey, and inviting the reader to the same journey. She speaks to the reader as if over a cuppa coffee, and invites discussion with Reflection Questions at the end of each chapter. Questions that nudge the reader to truly consider the author’s words and to look in his or her own experience.
The pages are filled with personal revelations, meaningful quotes, and songs that touch the soul.
I think my favorite (if I had to choose) would be Week 9, Silver Platter Faith. Ms. Goring shares of her longing for unshakable faith, something this reader longed for also. “… I asked God for unshakable faith… He wasn’t going to hand it to me on a silver platter.” Boy-O-boy-O-boy is that ever the truth!!! (ask me how I know!) She then goes on to share Romans 5:3, “… suffering produces perseverance.” * Perseverance is akin to unshakable faith.
It’s not easy sharing such personal stories, and I appreciate Ms. Goring for being willing to be so transparent. I appreciate her heart to share what she has learned, and to draw others to the love of our heavenly Father.
She ends with Jesus’ invitation to drink the living water, water that becomes a spring welling up to eternal life. (John 4:13-14) Jesus’ invitation to walk with Him, to live in Him. To love and be love by Him.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
[image error]ALL | THE | FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Monday, #TRD, Book Review, Stories and Songs of Faith, Alexis A. Goring
November 23, 2020
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 24 November 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – WHAT YOU SAID TO ME by OLIVIA NEWPORT
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TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – WHAT YOU SAID TO ME by OLIVIA NEWPORT
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ABOUT THE BOOK
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Book: What You Said to Me
Author: Olivia Newport
Genre: Christian Fiction
Release Date: November 2020
Book 4 in the Tree of Life Series: A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Faith Journeys on Family Trees
THE BLURB
When 15-year-old Tisha Crowder gets caught shoplifting, attorney Nolan Duffy tries to protect her from consequences that could rattle her already troubled life. His daughter, Jillian, feels like she’s the one being punished instead—by having Tisha assigned to work with her on a backlog of genealogy files. Tisha doesn’t seem interested in taking the job seriously, and Jillian’s patience wears thin. Besides, everyone in Canyon Mines knows the Crowder family has experienced generations of brokenness. Then a sliver of hope turns up in long-ago words in plain sight, challenging shrouded assumptions about Tisha’s family. Now Jillian is the one who can walk with Tisha back to 1893 and uncover where everything went wrong in the first place—and save her from the past.
What You Said to Me is the fourth book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. You’ll want to return to the lovely Colorado mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that will inspire you to connect with your own family histories and unique faith journeys.
Click here to get your copy!
THE AUTHOR
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Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and twentysomething children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of Pikes Peak.
MORE FROM OLIVIA
Careful Words
“You didn’t just say that.” Or, “I can’t believe you said that.”
Have you ever said that in retort to someone whose comment offended or wounded? I know I have. But what cuts me even more deeply is when I say to myself, “I can’t believe I just said that.”
The words of a parent at wit’s end, a spouse harboring hurt, a friend saddened by misunderstanding, an employee feeling undercut—they have all been my words. And they came out too fast to swallow back before they did their damage.
I hope I have also had the words of a parent who set aside busyness to listen, a spouse offering loving encouragement, a friend checking in with someone going through a tough patch, a coworker curious to see how I could help rather than compete. Those are the kinds of words I’ve never regretted, never had to repent of, never had to do rebuild from.
I certainly didn’t write What You Said to Me because I think I get it right all the time or even most of the time. Far from it! In our culture of rushing and achieving and—let’s face it, sometimes just getting through the demands of the day—sometimes our words are the last thing we are careful with. Yet they have the longest lasting consequence in our relationships and families—sometimes for generations. The dual-timeline story traces how words that injure became a pattern in one family line until one girl finally fought back to find healing for her future.
My challenge for myself, and all who read What You Said to Me, is to be the person who speaks healing words of hope so that “I can’t believe you said that” becomes “Thank you for saying that.”
If you have a particularly poignant experience of how another’s words impacted you, I’d love to hear from you.
Olivia Newport
MY REVIEW
How fascinating to be a professional genealogist! Combining two of the things I love the most—history and family! Ms. Newport has not only crafted a story with those two favored elements, she has leapt into the league of my favorite authors!
With characters who draw the reader into their own struggles and dialogue that invites the reader to speak up AND a double timeline, this story almost turned the pages for me!
This reviewer may or may not have OCD tendencies (I do) and I could totally feel Jillian’s distress—and protectiveness—at someone else’s hands on her project. Especially a fifteen-year-old with attitude. But that fifteen-year-old comes by that attitude honestly; verbal abuse leaves wounds deeper than any broken bone.
All it takes is one file to snag Tisha’s attention and spark her interest. And shift Jillian’s preconceived notion about her. Ms. Newport builds the relationship just as tenuously as a child’s set of wooden building blocks; slowly, steadily, until a friendship begins to form. The tie between Jillian’s work and Tisha’s quest is no coincidence but rather, one of God’s arrangements behind the scenes.
And may I just say that I did not like Georgina. OY! What a sad heritage she left behind!
Now, of course, I’ll have to go back and read the first three stories in this series!
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
[image error]ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
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To celebrate her tour, Olivia 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/103f1/what-you-said-to-me-celebration-tour-giveaway
BLOG STOPS
Through the Fire Blogs, November 21
deb’s Book Review, November 21
Remembrancy, November 22
Connect in Fiction, November 22
lakesidelivingsite, November 22
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 23
Splashes of Joy, November 24
Robin’s Nest, November 24
Sara Jane Jacobs, November 24
Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 25
Mamma Loves Books, November 25
Pause for Tales, November 25
Godly Book Reviews, November 26
Lis Loves Reading, November 26
Hallie Reads, November 26
Older & Smarter?, November 27
Texas Book-aholic, November 27
Inklings and notions, November 28
21st Century Keeper at Home, November 28
The Write Escape, November 28
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 29
Blogging With Carol, November 29
Mary Hake, November 29
For Him and My Family, November 30
Artistic Nobody, November 30 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Betti Mace, December 1
Worthy2Read, December 1
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 1
Lots of Helpers, December 2
Bigreadersite, December 2
Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 2
Amanda Tero, blog, December 3
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 3
For the Love of Literature, December 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 4
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, What You Said to Me, Olivia NewPort, Celebrate Lit Publicity
November 18, 2020
BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 18 November 2020 – WREADING WEDNESDAY – FEATURED BOOK– TO STEAL A HEART by JEN TURANO
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WREADING WEDNESDAY – FEATURED BOOK – TO STEAL A HEART by JEN TURANO
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ABOUT THE BOOK
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Book: To Steal A Heart
Author: Jen Turano
Genre: Comedic Historical Romance
Release Date: November, 2020
THE BLURB
After spending her childhood as a street thief, Gabriella Goodhue thought she’d put her past behind her until a fellow resident at her boardinghouse is unjustly accused of theft. Using her old skills to prove her friend’s innocence, Gabriella unexpectedly encounters Nicholas Quinn, the man she once considered her best friend–until he abandoned her.
After being taken under the wing of a professor who introduced him into society and named him as heir, Nicholas is living far removed from his childhood life of crime. As a favor to a friend, Nicholas agrees to help clear the name of an innocent woman, never imagining he’d be reunited with the girl he thought lost to him forever.
As Gabriella and Nicholas are thrown together into one intrigue after another, their childhood affection grows into more, but their newfound feelings are tested when truths about their past are revealed and danger follows their every step.
Click here to get your copy!
THE AUTHOR
[image error]Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado.
MORE FROM JEN
“To Steal a Heart” is the first book in a new series. How did you come up with the idea for this series?
Oddly enough, this series was inspired by a lot of different things. I keep this idea box, and whenever I stumble on something interesting, I throw the idea into the box. When I was getting ready to assemble a proposal for a new series, I took out the box and began rifling through it. Unfortunately, nothing struck my fancy. What did strike my fancy though, was the movie “My Fair Lady.” I’d recently watched it for the millionth time, and I thought…hmmm…what could I do with that? Well, I didn’t want to do a recreation of “My Fair Lady” and that’s when it hit me – what if I used a gentleman instead of a lady and improved his circumstances in life with the help of a professor? That wasn’t really enough, though, for me to formulate an entire series, but then I went to New York City for a research trip. While there, I roamed around Bleecker Street for hours. It was the perfect place to set a series, and then I saw this older building that my tour guide thought might have once been a boardinghouse. That was what really started me thinking, and before I knew it, I’d created an inquiry agency run by women that came about when a resident of a boardinghouse was unjustly accused of theft. When the police would not investigate further, believing they had the true culprit behind bars, the ladies who lived in the boardinghouse felt compelled to step up and clear their fellow boardinghouse resident of the charges brought against her. The series took off from there, the first book centering around one of the lady inquiry agents, Miss Gabriella Goodhue, who used to live on the mean streets of the Lower East Side and, at one point in her life, was best friends with Nicholas Quinn, the man who has now found his circumstances vastly improved from the time he knew Gabriella. Throwing the two of them back together made for an interesting storyline, especially since Gabriella believes Nicholas abandoned her all those years ago, which makes it next to impossible for her to trust him.
Are there other interesting characters in this series?
Of course. All of the lady inquiry agents come with their own secrets. Miss Daphne Beekman is a reclusive author who lives in the attic of the boardinghouse. She has the propensity to faint at the drop of a hat, which makes for a few amusing scenes in the first book. She’ll get her own story in “To Write a Wrong,” coming out later in 2021. Then there’s Eunice Holbrooke. She’s the owner of the boardinghouse, and she only wears full mourning garb, covering her face with numerous veils and refusing to speak to anyone about her past. Clearly, there’s a mystery just waiting to be solved there, one that will be solved in book three, which I’m just now beginning to work on. The other residents of the boardinghouse provide a lot of color to the story, from the two sisters who work as paid companions by day to gossip collectors and carriage drivers by night, to the resident artist, Miss Judith, who has recently decided to dip her toe into the portrait market even though she’s really not proficient with painting people. There’s also a one-eyed, patch-wearing dog by the name of Winston, a parrot that likes to nick sparkly items named Pretty Girl, and a neurotic poodle that falls for Winston that goes by the name of Precious.
Did the pandemic affect the writing process at all for “To Steal a Heart?”
Luckily, I had already turned in the book before the pandemic hit. With that said, though, I then had to do some of the edits during the first few months of the pandemic. That was interesting. I have very specific conditions I need in order to write and edit and having Al (the husband person) working from home isn’t one of those conditions. It took me far longer than it normally does to complete the editing process, which threw off my schedule for the next book in the series, “To Write a Wrong.” Drastic measures were needed. That’s why I’m now the proud owner of a she-shed. Al thought I was joking when I first broached the subject of a she-shed, but after I had my millionth meltdown, he decided that might be a really good idea. Turns out sheds are in high demand at the moment, so getting a shed in a timely fashion wasn’t possible. It took 6 weeks for us to get a shed delivered and then we had to frame the inside and put up a ceiling and walls. I was not actually very involved with that process because I’m a danger to everyone surrounding me when nail guns are being used. 
November 14, 2020
BLOGWORDS – Saturday 14 November 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – ONE WAY HOME by MELANIE CAMPBELL
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TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – ONE WAY HOME by MELANIE CAMPBELL
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THE BLURB
She’s hanging by a string—with only one chance left.
A recovering alcoholic and longtime widow, Sharon has struggled to build a new life. She’s made amends with her only daughter, Cassie, who’s been through a treacherous divorce. Cassie’s daughter, Renee, too young to understand her grandmother’s earlier mistakes, has become the light of Sharon’s life.
But Sharon can’t seem to escape from her past. Her mother’s deathbed confession haunts her. Convinced the answer to truly overcoming her addiction lies with her biological father, Sharon sends off a DNA test in the hope of finding him. When the results of the test aren’t as revealing as Sharon anticipates, she and Cassie team up to find the truth.
Meanwhile an old flame shows up. Sharon doesn’t think she can ever love again, but what Johnny offers seems like a dream come true. His charm and kindness shine so bright, Sharon can almost believe he’s changed.
As the search for her father continues to frustrate and tensions escalate with Cassie, Sharon wonders if leaving it all behind for a life with Johnny will save her crumbling heart.
Will the truth set Sharon free? Or it will it be the final blow to her sobriety?
THE AUTHOR
[image error]Melanie Campbell is a member of Oregon Christian Writers and ACFW. She wrote her first story when she was eight-years-old and has been in love with the power of storytelling ever since. She is also passionate about social issues and holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Oregon, which she obtained during her stint as a single-mom. She’s now married and lives in Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley with her husband, their three children, and several spoiled pets.
When not writing, she does the bookkeeping and other office work for her husband’s painting business, obsesses over the well-being of their three daughters, and cooks healthy meals. In the spring, you may find her hitting the trails to one of Oregon’s magnificent waterfall.
MY REVIEW
I said it before (One Woman Falling, 11 March 2020) and I’ll say it again,
“OH MY HOLY HECK!!! THIS STORY YA’LL!!!
Ms. Campbell grabs the reader, jerks you into the story, and doesn’t let go.”
I don’t fight the battle Sharon does—alcoholism—but I know (and love) some who do. I also know what it is to struggle with invisible “difficulties.”
Once again, Ms. Campbell goes deep into the anguish and the constant battle Sharon faces. Daily. Moment by moment. The smallest things—or nothing—that can trigger the cravings. When she passed by the liquor store, when her friend asked her to go to the club, when she was in the convenience store—I could feel her heart pounding, and I could almost taste the longing, the need to quench the fire. To satisfy the addiction.
I silently applauded and praised her every time she conquered the demon voices. Every time she chose life.
Like all of us, Sharon seeks to know who she truly is, and like a person drowning, she longs to walk on dry land, to live a life without the constant undertow tugging at her. Though not for the same reasons, I, too, have fought to gain the most cherished mother-daughter friendship, and my heart swelled as Sharon and Cassie hammered out their new relationship.
I said it before (One Woman Falling) and I say it again, “My heart breaks to know there are women who live—and die—in such circumstances, and I applaud Ms. Campbell for telling this story and bringing awareness to” the depth of battle an alcoholic must embrace to know true healing and recovery.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
[image error]ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
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#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, One Way Home, Melanie Campbell, Whispers of Grace, JustRead Publicity
BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 12 November 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-WEDNESDAY – BOOK REVIEW – WATERCOLORS by LORNA SEILSTAD
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TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-WEDNESDAY – BOOK REVIEW – WATERCOLORS by LORNA SEILSTAD
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THE BLURB
Strong-willed watercolor artist Amelia York thought she could paint the scenes of her own life – that is until she finds herself responsible for getting her brother, a paralyzed war veteran, home to Iowa and must deal with the moody Army captain God has painted into her life.
Captain Braedon McCrae is ruled by honor and a strong sense of duty. Still, the deaths of two people close to him have left him angry at God and vowing to never love again.
After a steamboat incident forces Amelia and Braedon to marry, Amelia must decide if she will accept Braedon’s offer of an annulment or keep the sacred vows she made before God.
The more Amelia attempts to control her future, the more she muddies the picture, like watercolors in the hand of a child. Can she learn to love, respect, and trust a man she barely knows?
THE AUTHOR
[image error]For as long as I can remember, I loved writing. I even dreamed in plots. I also grew up attendign antique auctions near4ly every weekend, so history was as much a part of my life as chores on the farm, reading books, and playing with Barbies.
So, writing historical romances fit perfectly. Times may change, the style of clothes may take on a different look, but the common threads that unit us remain the same. Couples fall in love. Injustices happen. We fight for what we believe in. We struggle. We endure. We grow.
After graduating from York College in York, Nebraska, with a A.A. degree, I transferred to Lubbock Christian University in Lubbock, Texas and graduated with a B.S. Ed.
When I returned to Iowa, I met and married the Love of my life, David. God had written our love story, and I know from the moment we met that he was the one.It wasn’t love at first sight by any means, but I was sure he was the man I would marry–and it scared me to death.
I didn’t tell a soul, but I did write about it in my journal. Two and half years later, we pledged our hearts and lives to one another.
I taught high school English until my oldest child was born. After that, I began my career as a professional wiper. I wiped noses, counter tops, tiny tushes, tears, and the scraped knees of my own kids and the ones others allowed me to care for.
Once my children were older and less in need of my constant supervision, I started pursuing my first love again–writing.
David and I have three adult children, but no grandchildren yet. He’s an elder in our church, and we both teach Bible classes and are involved in 4-H.
MY REVIEW
Amelia York is the kind of stubborn, and obstinate, and colorful—and annoying—character that makes a story authentic and realistic. I can’t say I don’t relate to her though, as an artist and shall we say, colorful. She’s faithful, too, and deeply devoted to her brother, both admirable traits.
Kind and compassionate, Braedon McCrae harbors wounds that keep him prisoner.
The two of them grate each other in a dance of anger and affection.
I love a good accent, and Celtic is one of my favorites. (I read his bits in accent.) The bits of the Scottish language were fun, but in places it broke the dialogue because the meaning was unclear to me. Dialogue in general is a critical element to this reader, and it didn’t seem to fully fit the era.
The story, though, was beautiful and tender. A vibrant canvas in the midst of garish war. The twists in this story were as rolling as the waters beneath the steamboat, and kept me turning pages to see where it might go. And that final twist! What a great surprise!
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
[image error]FOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
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#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Wednesday, #TRD, Book Review, Watercolors, Lorna Seilstad, The Mosaic Collection, JustRead Publicity
November 10, 2020
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 10 November 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – FAIR TRADE by HEATHER DAY GILBERT
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TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – FAIR TRADE by HEATHER DAY GILBERT
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THE BLURB
Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java…and where murder sometimes pays a visit.
With the one-year anniversary of the now-successful Barks & Beans Cafe approaching, siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield set up an iced coffee booth at the state fair. Taking a break from brewing, Macy bumps into Carolina, a long-lost childhood friend who’s now sitting pretty as a country superstar. Macy tries not to fangirl too hard when her old friend extends an invitation to meet the rest of the Carolina Crush band before their opening show.
But when Carolina falls victim to not one, but two near-death experiences, Macy takes it upon herself to find out who has it in for her old friend. Fortified with plenty of roasted corn, cinnamon rolls, and her brother’s signature iced maple latte, Macy takes to the Ferris wheel to get the lay of the land from the air. She discovers too late that this year’s fair isn’t all fun and games…but she’s already locked in for the ride.
Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown…with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.
THE AUTHOR
[image error]HEATHER DAY GILBERT, an ECPA Christy award finalist and Grace award winner, writes contemporary mysteries and Viking historicals. Her novels feature small towns, family relationships, and women who aren’t afraid to protect those they love. Publisher’s Weekly gave Heather’s Viking historical Forest Child a starred review, saying it is “an engaging story depicting timeless human struggles with faith, love, loyalty, and leadership.”
Find Heather on Pinterest (heatherdgilbert), Instagram (@heatherdaygilbert), Twitter (@heatherdgilbert), and Facebook (heatherdaygilbert). You can find all her books at heatherdaygilbert.com
MY REVIEW
Well that was a different plot twist!
A visit with Macy Hatfield is a visit filled with antics and escapades and unexpected turns. I love her quirky personality, and her inquisitive mind—the one that lands her smack in the middle of trouble.
Ms. Gilbert has created characters who leap off the page and tug the reader right into the story. I could smell the coffee (and sometimes the dogs!) I could hear the yipping and yapping and barking. My heart raced when Macy ran into her old friend-turned-country-music-star, and my heart pounded when Carolina was struck with [SPOILER!]
The more Macy discovers about the attacks on her friend, the more confusing it becomes. But for all her quirky qualities, Macy has staying power and she is determined to help her friend.
Macy could well be a detective but for her whimsical and offbeat methods, which aren’t really methods at all. But she is as clever and diligent as, well, a hound, and her mind is always clicking, piecing together the bits like jigsaw puzzle pieces in a scavenger hunt.
Bo, strong and silent and stoic, is on perpetual stand-by to rescue his sister from the freak situations she has a habit of stumbling into. Their bond is deep, borne of tragedy and secured by love.
And Coal! Well, who wouldn’t love a dog as big as horse! He may be big but he’s a gentle giant, and oh! so protective of Macy.
Ms. Gilbert’s writing is brilliant, her characters real and fun, her stories a delight to read, and I look forward to the next book in this series, Spilled Milk.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
[image error]ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
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#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Fair Trade, Heather Day Gilbert, Barks & Beans Café Cozy Mystery
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