Mistletoe Village by Kathleen J. Robison ~ Review & Giveaway

My Review

Mistletoe Village by Kathleen J. Robison is an enjoyable Christmas story to read. With 185 pages, this well written, easy to read story is perfect for a weekend read. This is a delightful story of two sisters who are starting over after losing their husband, one to death and one to divorce. I enjoyed seeing how the two sisters work together so well to care for their children.

I enjoyed the characters of Carl and his mother. Carl has been mistreated so badly by the community. Yet he was so helpful to so many. I especially enjoyed how meeting Reace’s young daughter was what it took for Carl’s mother to want to live again. This is a nice Christmas story that shows the love of Christians towards others.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.

About the Book

Book: Mistletoe Village

Author: Kathleen J. Robison

Genre: Holiday Romance

Release date: November 30, 2021

Two broken women, two defeated children. Can Grace offer what they’re looking for? When the big city holds nothing but painful memories for sisters Rence and Sandy, they pack it up and head out for Grace and the promises it holds.

Promises of a new start. A new job at Grace General for Rence and a place to begin healing. But most of all, a promise to each of the sisters’ hurting children that a real Christmas awaits them in Grace, complete with snow on giant evergreens and lots of Mistletoe Magic.

But despite its Christmas card atmosphere, Grace, Oregon seems to hold a lot of secrets. Who is that giant of a man they encounter in the woods? Why won’t anyone talk about him? What is the hold the past seems to have over the town? Will they be able to break it before history tragically repeats itself? And will Grace be the place where love and forgiveness finally meet?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kathleen J. Robison is an Okinawan-American, born in Okinawa, and raised in California, Florida, Mississippi, and Singapore. Her travels and her family are the sources of her inspiration for her books. Kathleen and her Pastor husband have eight adult children. Seven are married, blessing them with eighteen grandchildren and counting. Her ethnically diverse background extends to her family of currently thirty-five personalities which provide many opportunities to share God’s amazing love amidst the challenges of real life.

More from Kathleen

I love Christmas stories, and since becoming an author, I’ve wanted to write one. Mistletoe Village started out as Mistletoe Hermit, but then it wasn’t going in quite the happy direction that I wanted. So Mistletoe Village was born. I wrote this sweet, cozy, slightly suspenseful romance with all the elements that make Christmas … Christmas! But most importantly, it’s always about the faith element, Christ.

The main character Rence Paladin is dear to my heart. She was created with someone extraordinary in mind, and I had that person read the book to see what she thought. When she finished, she turned bright red and answered, even if you hadn’t told me … I knew it was me! However, it’s not her story, but it encompasses her delightful personality, some of her sweet memories of a single-mom, and how she strives to keep her focus on Christ while always serving others.

So let’s go. Let me take you to Mistletoe Village. You’ll find a little of everything that oozes Christmas in the tiny town of Grace. Holiday spirit, decorations, a children’s church pageant, and a Christmas festival. Oh, and I’ll introduce you to little Gus, the feisty family cock-a-poo. But most of all, I hope you, like Rence and Carl, rediscover the joy of Christmas at Mistletoe Village.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 19

Texas Book-aholic, July 20

Genesis 5020, July 21

By the Book, July 22

For Him and My Family, July 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 24

lakesidelivingsite, July 25

Inklings and notions, July 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 27

deb’s Book Review, July 28

Splashes of Joy, July 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 29

An Author’s Take, July 30

Bizwings Blog, July 30

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 31

Miriam Jacob, August 1

Spoken from the Heart, August 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and paperback 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/1f7f5/mistletoe-village-celebration-tour-giveaway

Fighting and Flirting with My Cowboy Enemy Epic Book Launch

Releasing July 16th

Don’t miss it! Fighting and Flirting with My Cowboy Enemy by Julia Keanini is being released on July 26! You can preorder it now for a special price!

To pass the time, check out the other book in The Ashford Brothers series!

Click here for more information: https://amzn.to/3zoN4ff

About the Book

She wants to hate him. He hates wanting her.

Jackson Ashford seems to have it all. Gorgeous looks, fulfilling job, loving relationship with his family . . . and he looks amazing in a cowboy hat. He may be a bit of a grump at times, but that doesn’t deter the women of Blue Falls from vying for his attention. So when Ruby Ellison arrives at his doorstep and hates Jackson on sight, he’s confused, to say the least.

Ruby Ellison never intended to come to the tiny town of Blue Falls, Idaho, but when her best friend’s search for her birth father takes her there, Ruby follows. She comes because she’d never let Madi down, but she stays because she quickly comes to love the small town. It’s the best place she’s ever lived . . . with one exception. Jackson Ashford. But Ruby figures she’ll just avoid him. Blue Falls is a small town but surely it’s big enough for two people to keep their distance.

But when Jackson and Ruby are both asked to coach an eight-year-old girls’ basketball team, Ruby realizes there will be no avoiding the man. She’ll just have to hate him up close rather than from afar. But as Ruby gets to know him she realizes that maybe the man she thought she knew isn’t really who Jackson is at all.

Join Ruby and Jackson as they fight and flirt their way to a happily ever after.

About the Author

Julia is the oldest of six children, five girls. She lived with many different girls while in college. So she felt she knew girls, until God blessed her with a son. With all the time she spend with other girls she learned lots of things including a lot are insecure. She write about those insecurities and the experiences that come with them, because of them, or despite them. She writes about how amazing girls and women are because she’s happy to be a girl. She loves to write because characters speak to her at all hours. She’s married to the man of her dreams. You can learn more about her and the books she has written at https://juliakeanini.blogspot.com/p/home.html

Where to purchase:

https://amzn.to/3zoN4ff

Finding Her Amish Home by Pamela Desmond Wright ~ Review & Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Finding Her Amish Home by Pamela Desmond Wright, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

My Review

Finding her Amish Home by Pamela Desmond Wright, is the first book n the Humble Blessings series. This is an easy to read story that is well written. It was so easy to imagine what was happening and the surroundings. It was enjoyable to read of the differences between the Amish community Maddie grew up in and the one she moved to. One of several differences is she thought since her mother was shunned, she was also. I enjoyed how the author showed Maddie’s strength and Abram’s generosity. Maddie does what ever she has to for her nephew. Abram gave Maddie a job the first time he saw her and when her nephew was struggling, he offered him a job as well and spent time with him, keeping him busy and out of trouble. It was enjoyable to see the change in the young boy.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Finding Her Amish Home

Series: Humble Blessings #1

Author: Pamela Desmond Wright

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: June 28, 2022

Genre: Contemporary Amish Romance, Christian

What she wants more than anything

Could also be the most dangerous…

After her twin sister’s death, Maddie Baum flees to Wisconsin Amish country with her nephew in tow in the hopes of protecting him from his criminal father. Befriending Amish shopkeeper Abram Mueller gives her a glimpse of the happiness she’s been yearning for all along. Can she find a fresh start with Abram—or will old sins tear them apart?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

Finding Her Amish Home Excerpt 1

Abram Mueller wasn’t the sort to take a second look at a woman. Still, something about Maddie Baum made him pause. Her image hovered at the forefront of his mind, refusing to be banished.

Intuition tapped him on the shoulder.

Turn around.

The fine hairs at the nape of his neck rose. The first thing he’d been taught as a child was to never ignore the still, small voice. As a man firmly committed to his faith, the one thing he never doubted was that Gott moved in mysterious ways.

His servants were obligated to obey.

“What are You telling me, Lord?”

Pivoting on his heel, he searched for and found Maddie and her son as they headed to the checkout stand.

With her blonde hair neatly plaited and pinned, her simple gray dress, light sweater and black flats weren’t anything a fashionable Englisch woman would wear. Add a white kapp and apron and she would look like any proper Amish woman.

Knowing she was from Pennsylvania and that she spoke the Deitsch language led him to guess she was formerly a member of the community or at least closely associated through familie ties. Hard to tell if she was married or not. Amish women didn’t wear wedding rings.

Abram watched as she casually dipped a hand into her purse and then stopped dead. Her head dropped as she dug frantically, obviously seeking something she couldn’t locate. A moment later, she abandoned her basket and headed for the exit.

It didn’t take a rocket scientist to interpret the scene.

Empty purse. No money.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pamela Desmond Wright grew up in a small, dusty Texas town. Like the Amish, Pamela is a fan of the simple life. Her childhood includes memories of  the olden days; old-fashioned oil lamps, cooking over an authentic wood-burning stove and making popcorn over a crackling fire at her grandparent’s cabin. She also loves needlepoint and has dozens of projects to work on! Someday, she hopes to move into van life, living on the road as a traveling writer.

CONNECT WITH PAMELA: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

---

TOUR GIVEAWAY

Main Prize – (1) winner will receive a Kindle eReader

1st runner-up – (1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card

2nd runner-up – (1) winner will receive a signed print copy of Finding her Amish Home and a King James version of the Bible

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 12, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 19, 2022. US only. Items may vary from image. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. 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!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Season of My Enemy by Naomi Musch ~ Review & Giveaway

My Review

Season of My Enemy by Naomi Musch, is such a good book. This is part of the Heroines of WWII series, a series of stand alone stories written by different authors. This story is based in Wisconsin, during WWII, it gives a realistic look at what life was like for those who were left to care for farms while soldiers were off to war. We often hear of women who work the factories, this story shows that women did all jobs that were needed. While we don’t hear about the prison camps in the US during WWII, this story gives a glimpse of what that may have been like.

This story is filled with strong likeable characters. I just loved the characters of Fannie and her younger brother. They worked so hard to keep the farm profitable for their older brothers to return home to after the war. I appreciated how the whole family guarded the younger sister to keep her safe. This story is so realistic, I enjoyed reading it.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

About the Book

Book: Season of My Enemy

Author: Naomi Musch

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical Fiction / Romance

Release date: June 1, 2022

“Get Your Farm in the Fight” – The Realities of WWII Come to a Wisconsin Farm

Only last year, Fannie O’Brien was considered a beauty with a brain, and her future shone bright, despite the war pounding Europe. With her father’s sudden death and her brothers overseas, Fannie must now do the work of three men on their 200-acre farm—until eight German prisoners arrive and, just as Fannie feared, trouble comes too. Someone seems intent on causing “accidents,” and Fannie is certain the culprit is one of the two handsome older Germans—or possibly both. Can she manage the farm, keep the prisoners in line, and hold her family together through these turbulent times?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Naomi Musch is an award-winning author who writes from a deer farm in the pristine north woods of Wisconsin, where she and husband Jeff live as epically as God allows near the families of their five adult children. When not in the physical act of writing or spending time loving on her passel of grandchildren, she can be found plotting stories as she roams around the farm, snacks out of the garden, and relaxes in her vintage camper. Naomi is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Wisconsin Writers’ Association, and the Lake Superior Writers. She loves engaging with others and can be found all around social media or at her site naomimusch.com

More from Naomi

Welcome to my wilderness – that’s what it says when you pop onto my website, because so many of my books take place in rural and wilderness settings. That’s where my heart lives too. Therefore, when I decided to write a World War II story, I gravitated to the home front, to rural America, where living out the war years meant a different kind of survival.

Before this story idea came to me, I knew that prisoners of war had been held in America during part of the war years. There are a number of other wonderful WWII novels out there set in North America involving POWs, and I adore the 2005 movie Sweet Land. Yet, until looking further, I hadn’t realized that so many German soldiers were held right here in my home state of Wisconsin! In fact, thousands of prisoners were sent to work in our country’s canning factories and on our farms. How could I have grown up and never been told that there had once been a POW camp right in my home town?

In fact, there were 38 such “branch camps” just in Wisconsin alone—camps that housed workers specifically for contracting work on farms and in canneries. Workers were contracted by farmers with the army and sent to labor in the cranberry bogs, cherry orchards, apple orchards; to farms picking beans, peas, corn, and to tend the other crops. By international treaty, prisoners had to be paid for their work, so they were allowed to earn scrip in the equivalent of 80 cents per day which they could spend in camp canteens on personal items.

Bingo! There was the seed that burst through the soil of my imagination for my novel Season of My Enemy.

My heroine Fanny O’Brien is a Wisconsin farm girl who left state teacher’s college to manage her family’s farm during the war. She never imagined herself coordinating the work of eight German prisoners in the process—or what the outcome of that task would be.

I believe a great story has to reveal strong yet subtle themes in order for the characters and their plight to feel real. In Season of My Enemy, Fannie uncovers a lot of prejudice both in her own heart and as her eyes are opened to the broader sphere around her. There are all kinds of prejudice in the world, and some of it revealed in this story may surprise you. In fact, my editor and several other authors of WWII fiction who read the book all said, “I didn’t know that!” (I won’t tell you what they were referring to, because you know…spoilers.)

Season of My Enemy isn’t all about history of course. It’s a heartfelt story of a man and woman who slowly yield their hearts to love amidst unpredictable times and unusual circumstances. They begin as enemies who finally look beyond their prejudices to find they have more in common than they first thought. To overcome terrific odds, they must depend upon their faith and rest in a powerful hope that touches their own lives as well as the lives of others surrounding them.

I hope you’ll read Season of My Enemy, and be sure and pop me a note to tell me what you think!

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, June 28

Blossoms and Blessings, June 28

Inklings and notions, June 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 30

For Him and My Family, July 1

Remembrancy, July 2

Pause for Tales, July 2

deb’s Book Review, July 3

Book Looks by Lisa, July 4

Mary Hake, July 4

Betti Mace, July 5

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 7

Connie’s History Classroom, July 8

Books, Books, and More Books, July 8

Bizwings Blog, July 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 10

Labor Not in Vain, July 10

lakesidelivingsite, July 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Naomi is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback 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/1f45e/season-of-my-enemy-celebration-tour-giveaway

Where The Road Bends by Rachel Fordham

My Review

Where the Road Bends, by Rachel Fordham is a Christian historical romance that takes place in Iowa in 1880. This is a good story that deals with putting a past behind and moving forward. The theme of caring for others is also strong in this story. First with Norah caring for Quincy and then Quincy providing food and shelter for those in need. This story also shows what lengths people will go to survive. Quincy use to fight in alleys and Norah signed on at a house of prostitution. But God stepped in to save both of them.

This is a well written, easy to read story that deals with prostitution and greed. This may be hard for some to read. While I did enjoy this story, there are a few points that made me question the characters. Norah was forced to enter a loveless marriage to save her family’s land, yet she never went through her father’s belonging to see if there was a way to save the land without someone’s help. Also, she took a man into her home when she was alone, this was not done at that time. Quincey knew of her situation when he found the money in the bag she gave him. Yet he did not return it to her until after he used it to make a profit. And his language just was not appropriate for the time.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story through the Revell Reads Bloggers Program. This is my honest review.

About the Book

As Norah King surveys her family land in Iowa in 1880, she is acutely aware that it is all she has left, and she will do everything in her power to save it–even if that means marrying a man she hardly knows. Days before her wedding, Norah discovers an injured man on her property. Her sense of duty compels her to take him in and nurse him back to health. Little does she realize just how much this act of kindness will complicate her life and threaten the future she’s planned.

Norah’s care does more than aid Quincy Barnes’s recovery–it awakens his heart to possibilities. Penniless and homeless, he knows the most honorable thing he can do is head on down the road and leave Norah to marry her intended. But walking away from the first person to believe in him proves much harder than he imagined.

Rachel Fordham invites you to experience the strength and beauty of love forged in the crucible of hardship in this heartwarming story.

About the Author

Rachel Fordham is the author of The Hope of Azure Springs, Yours Truly, Thomas, and A Life Once Dreamed. Fans expect stories with heart, and she delivers, diving deep into the human experience and tugging at reader emotions. She loves connecting with people, traveling to new places, and daydreaming about future projects that will have sigh-worthy endings and memorable characters. She is a busy mom, raising both biological and foster children (a cause she feels passionate about). She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington.

Where to Purchase

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/where-the-road-bends-rachel-fordham/1140355604?ean=9780800739744

https://www.christianbook.com/where-the-road-bends/rachel-fordham/9780800739744/pd/0739744

Of the Earth by Kim Cousins

My Review

Of the Earth, by Kim Cousins, is book one in the Clashing Kingdoms series. This is a fun dystopian story to read. It is a perfect blend of action, suspense and romance and takes place in the United States as it is under World Government and requires all to have the mark of the best or be killed by the Peacemakers. This story shows the faith, determination, and strength Christians have to survive. It is enjoyable to read how the Christians are there to help each other. I appreciate the Biblical teaching within the story and the humor with the animals talking. This story will make the reader stop and take a look at their faith.

I received a complimentary copy of this story from the publisher through LibraryThing. This is my honest review.

About the Book

Following the lives of several people and animals, this story explores relationships in the midst of trials. Living in a time of tribulation, the characters maneuver through precarious situations–a government reeducation program, a train hijacking, an earthquake–circumstances that occur with little warning. But despite these hardships loyalties are tested and battle lines drawn. Eyes are opened and hearts are pierced. This is not your mother’s bedtime story. Starvation, disease, and natural catastrophes plague the earth in this futuristic account. For readers who are daring, willing to step into a world of betrayals and miracles, fear and wonderment, crack open this cover.

About the Author

Kim Cousins is a retired academic advisor from the University of Minnesota, Crookston. She has authored Rule Keepers in potatosoupjournal.com and Evolving Interactions in Higher Education Change in National Association of Student Affairs Professions. She, her husband an a amazing group of animals live on a farm in Tennessee.

Where to Purchase

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/of-the-earth-kim-cousins/1140142784?ean=9781666702415

https://www.christianbook.com/of-the-earth/9781666702415/pd/6702415?event=ESRCG

Uniquely You by Joyce Meyer, Illustrated by Marcin Piwowarski

My Review

Uniquely You, written by Joyce Meyers and Illustrated by Marcin Piwowski, is a 32 page hard cover story written for children ages 4 to 7. This is a nice story to help teach children that God made everyone different, with different talents and gifts. This story helps the young child to understand no one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes and even does wrong but God still loves us. I especially like the part of the book that teaches children how to pick their true friends. This is perfect for the young child just starting school.

The pictures in this book are colorful and have a lot of detail. They are great to help engage the little listener in the story by having them pick out the bug and animals within the pictures.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through LibraryThing through WorthKids Books, this is my honest review.

About the Book

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer, this sweetly inspiring picture book encourages children to embrace their wonderfully unique God-given identities.

Do you ever wish you looked more like your friend? Or maybe you wish you were better at something, like soccer, or spelling, or drawing. Instead of comparing yourself to others or thinking about ways you could be different, remember this incredible truth–God made you the way you are for a reason, and you are amazing! You are beautiful and talented in your own unique ways, and you are exactly who God wants you to be. In this picture book, renowned Bible teacher Joyce Meyer invites children to find the joy that comes from embracing their own unique identities and celebrating the unique identities of those around them. 

About the Author

Joyce Meyer is a Christian speaker and author who has also built one of the largest Christian ministries in the world. She has written many book that have helped millions of people find hope and restoration in Jesus Christ. She gives credit to God for how her life has changed and how blessed she is. She serves as a practical Bible teacher, sharing her experiences and testimony and her life-changing message from God.

Where to Purchase

https://www.christianbook.com/uniquely-you/9781546012481/pd/012482?product_redirect=1&search_term=uniquely%20you&Ntt=012482&item_code=WW&ps_exit=PRODUCT|legacy&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/uniquely-you-joyce-meyer/1140279938?ean=9781546012481

In Honor’s Defense by Karen Witemeyer ~ Review & Giveaway

My Review

In Honor’s Defense, by Karen Witemeyer, is book three in the Hanger’s Horsemen series. This is a nice, easy to read Christian historical fiction story. Damaris has always blended into the background and when her brother passes away, she is the one he assigns to raise his son. Instead of the little boy she remembers she is raising a teenager who likes to get into trouble. Not only that, but someone appears to be trying to chase them away.

I enjoyed reading this well written story. I especially liked the action, suspense and mystery in the story. This story is inspirational in how Damaris cared for Luke, even not knowing him. This is a reminder that we should care for others. When it was so easy to blame Nate for everything that was going wrong, Damaris and Luke saw the good in him and found ways to help him.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

About the Book

Book: In Honor’s Defense

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: June 7, 2022

Luke Davenport has been fighting all his life–for respect, for country, and for those unable to fight for themselves. But now that his Horsemen brothers are domesticated, he’s left alone to battle the wildness within. When an opportunity arises to take a job on his own, tracking down a group of rustlers, he jumps at the chance.

Damaris Baxter has mastered the art of invisibility. Plain and quiet, she hides in books and needlework, content to be overlooked. Until her brother dies suddenly, leaving her custody of her nephew. She moves to Texas to care for Nathaniel, determined to create the family for herself that she never thought she’d have and to give him the family he desperately needs.

When Nate finds himself knee-deep in trouble, Luke’s attempt to protect him leaves Damaris feeling indebted to the Horseman. But suspicions grow regarding the mysterious death of Damaris’s brother. And the more questions they ask, the more danger appears, threatening the family Luke may be unable to live without.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Romance Author in 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and gospel hymn singer who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she’s on deadline.

More from Karen

Meet Luke and Damaris

As the Hanger’s Horsemen series comes to a close, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Luke Davenport and Damaris Baxter. If you haven’t read the other books in this series, don’t worry. This one stands on its own just fine.

Luke

Luke Davenport is a former cavalry officer who is part of an elite squad of men known as Hanger’s Horsemen. Haunted by the horrors of war, this group of Texas legends has spent the last few years fighting for justice on behalf of those who cannot fight for themselves. Luke is Matthew Hanger’s right-hand man, but when Matt retires the Horsemen in favor of a more settled life with his new wife, Luke is left feeling adrift. So when a solo job comes his way to track down rustled cattle, he jumps at the opportunity.

Known for his strength, his size, and his skill with his fists, I modeled Luke after a pair of football players, Howie Long and JJ Watt. He’s a man of action with a bit of wildness inside, yet his ability to memorize Scripture earned him the nickname Preach. He’s a godly man with scars, seeking to find his place as his Horsemen brothers move on to new phases of life.

 Damaris

Damaris Baxter has been invisible her entire life. Plain of face and quiet of manner, she it’s the epitome of unremarkable. While she dares heroic feats and grand adventures between the covers of her favorite books, life outside the pages consists of little more than needlework and dull conversation with her great aunt. Until her brother dies under suspicious circumstances and she travels to Texas to care for her nephew. Determined that the “Texas Damaris” will be bolder and braver than her former self, she sets out to win the heart of a grieving boy and ends up mixed up in a dangerous murder plot with a handsome cowboy who actually sees her.

When creating Damaris’s character, I gave her two of my favorite hobbies—reading and cross-stitching. She shares other similarities with me as well. She’s a quiet person who dislikes making waves, but when family needs her, there’s nothing she won’t do to help. Her questionable baking skills might also have found some inspiration in my personal experience. Just ask my husband about my famous transparent chocolate chip cookies. 

Opposites Attract?

I love to explore what brings people together, and while it’s a common idea that opposites attract, I’ve always believed that there must be some core commonalities beneath the differences to bind a couple together for a lifetime. So, while Luke and Damaris seem to be stark opposites—he an adventure-seeking soldier used to solving problems with guns and fists; she a quiet, proper lady used to escaping problems with books and needlework—they actually have several core commonalities. They both crave belonging and family, they both value God’s Word, and they both have a strong, protective instinct toward those they care about. This core common ground is what serves as the foundation for their relationship.

Now that you’ve been introduced to Luke and Damaris, I hope you’ll join them on the adventure that leads them to love.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 27

Book Looks by Lisa, June 27

Where Faith and Books Meet, June 27

Bliss, Books & Jewels, June 28

Daysong Reflections, June 28

For Him and My Family, June 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 29

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 30

Pause for Tales, June 30

lakesidelivingsite, June 30

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, July 1

Sylvan Musings, July 1

deb’s Book Review, July 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, July 2

Babbling BeckyL’s Book Impressions, July 3

Bizwings Blog, July 3

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 4 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 4

Inklings and notions, July 5

Simple Harvest Reads, July 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Connie’s History Classroom, July 6

SodbusterLiving, July 6

Texas Book-aholic, July 7

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 7

Through the Fire Blogs, July 7

Splashes of Joy, July 8

Melissa’s Bookshelf, July 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away a Hanger’s Horsemen prize bundle consisting of autographed copies of all three books in the series, a custom mug, and Horsemen swag!! (U.S. Only)

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/1f45c/in-honor-s-defense-celebration-tour-giveaway

Heirlooms by Sandra Byrd

My Review

Heirlooms by Sandra Byrd is a beautifully written Christian dual-timeline fiction story. In this story we visit Helen and Eunhee and see their struggles after losing their Navy husbands. We get a glimpse into what life may have been like for Navy widows at that time, especially brides soldiers brought back from foreign countries. We see the friendship and respect that quickly grows as well as the strength they have.

Modern day, we meet Cassidy, Helen’s granddaughter, and Grace, Eunhee’s granddaughter. We see their deep friendship and their struggles. For Cassidy it was to do what she needed to keep the family farm and for Grace it was to pass the tests to be a lawyer.

I loved this story. I enjoyed reading of the traditions Eunhee and her ancestors kept and how it affected their families. I enjoyed reading of the meaning of the different flowers and how Cassidy used that knowledge to try to build a business with them. It was inspirational to read how Cassidy bounced back from losing her job and being turned away from the bank. I just loved how the grandmothers did what they had to and how it flowed down through their families.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

About the Book

Answering a woman’s desperate call for help, young Navy widow Helen Devries opens her Whidbey Island home as a refuge to Choi Eunhee. As they bond over common losses and a delicate, potentially devastating secret, their friendship spans the remainder of their lives.

After losing her mother, Cassidy Quinn spent her childhood summers with her gran, Helen, at her farmhouse. Nourished by her grandmother’s love and encouragement, Cassidy discovers a passion that she hopes will bloom into a career. But after Helen passes, Cassidy learns that her home and garden have fallen into serious disrepair. Worse, a looming tax debt threatens her inheritance. Facing the loss of her legacy and in need of allies and ideas, Cassidy reaches out to Nick, her former love, despite the complicated emotions brought by having him back in her life.

Cassidy inherits not only the family home but a task, spoken with her grandmother’s final breaths: ask Grace Kim—Eunhee’s granddaughter—to help sort through the contents of the locked hope chest in the attic. As she and Grace dig into the past, they unearth their grandmothers’ long-held secret and more. Each startling revelation reshapes their understanding of their grandmothers and ultimately inspires the courage to take risks and make changes to own their lives.

Set in both modern-day and midcentury Whidbey Island, Washington, this dual-narrative story of four women—grandmothers and granddaughters—intertwines across generations to explore the secrets we keep, the love we pass down, and the heirlooms we inherit from a well-lived life.

About the Author

Bestselling author Sandra Byrd continues to earn both industry acclaim and high praise from readers everywhere. The author of more than fifty books, her work has received many awards, nominations, and accolades, including the Historical Novel Society’s Editor’s Choice award, two Christy Award nominations, Two Library Journal Best Book selections, and inclusion on Booklist’s Top Ten Inspirational Books of the Year list. Her traditionally published books include titles by Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster, Tyndale House Publishers, WaterBrook Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House, and Bethany House. She’s also an independent author.

Sandra has also published dozens of books for kids, tweens, and teens, and devotionals, including the bestselling The One Year Be-Tween You and God Devotions for Girls. She continued her work as a devotionalist with The One Year Home and Garden Devotions and The One Year Experiencing God’s Love Devotional, which was named by Called Magazine, the #1 magazine for Christian Women, as among their favorite, must-read books.

As an editor and an in-demand writing coach, Sandra is passionate about helping writers develop their talents and has mentored hundreds of writers at all stages of their writing careers. For testimonials about her editing and book coaching, please visit sandrabyrdbookcoach.com.

Sandra loves walking, the beach, cooking and baking, photography, watching Escape to the Country, Fake or Fortune, and Chef’s Table, as well as spending time with family and friends – real and fictional!

Where to Purchase

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heirlooms-sandra-byrd/1140382050?ean=9781496426888

https://www.christianbook.com/heirlooms/9781496426888/pd/426885

Where You Are & How to Get There Epic Book Launch

About the Book

Book: Where You Are & How to Get There

Author: Nolan Ryan Recker

Genre: Lifestyle

Release date: August 4, 2022

Have you ever had the thought or asked yourself the question, “How did I get here?”

You know, the kind of question examining the indirect decisions and circumstances that led you to the point life that you even need to ask such a question.

One of the oldest questions ever recorded in human history speaks to this very question we ask ourselves in moments of doubt. What if that ancient question was a question we ought to ask ourselves on a regular basis?

Journey with me as we wrestle with a question that if meant for us, today, would change everything about we view the life we choose to live.

BOOK EXCERPT

Where You Are & How to Get There Excerpt Five

I called the staff to send a maze runner to find me.

Or maybe you have worked on a project with others and someone asked, “Where are we with the T.P.S. report?”

That kind of question is more mechanical or technical than a question about the essence or being of a thing. No one asks what the T.P.S. report thinks about itself.

I am not talking about those kinds of “How did I get here?” moments.

I am talking about being in a relationship with a significant other where it started off great, but along the way, things changed. Suddenly, you two grew distant. Then, you wonder,

“How did we get here?”

Maybe you have felt stuck in a job. Instead of following after the dreams of your youth, “reality” crept in and you settled for something less than what you hoped would happen.

Maybe you’ve been overwhelmed by bills, the amount of debt you owe, and asked the how did I get here question…

I mean those types of situations where there is a literal explanation to the “how” certain things went certain ways, certain decisions were made, and how those things culminated in an unexpected season of life

MISSED ANY EXCERPTS, see them all below.

Excerpt One: http://www.simpleharvestreads.com/where-you-are-how-to-get-there-book-excerpt/

Excerpt Two: https://catsinthecradle.blog/2022/07/16/where-you-are-how-to-get-there-epic-book-launch/

Excerpt Three: https://nannie3.blogspot.com/2022/07/where-you-are-how-to-get-there-excerpt.html

Excerpt Four: https://splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/2022/06/28/where-you-are-how-to-get-there-epic-book-launch/

Excerpt Five: https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2022/06/28/where-you-are-how-to-get-there-epic-book-launch/

Excerpt Six: https://englishmysteriesblog.blogspot.com/2022/07/spotlight-book-tour.html

Excerpt Seven: https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/2022/07/celebrate-lit-presents-where-you-are.html

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nolan’s toughest and rewarding opportunities are being a husband and a father. As a husband and a father, Nolan wants his family members to discover and live a flourishing life. Nolan’s life experience has covered the spectrum from being a camp counselor to a school teacher to a custodian to a Lead Pastor of a church. This, is why he writes. If he wrestles with the ideas he writes about, maybe others wrestle with the same things, and if they do, would they benefit from a different perspective? He’s honored to listen to anyone who graces him with their time to tell their story; especially if it involves coffee or pizza.