I don’t remember ever having read a novel by Cindy K. Sproles but after reading What Momma Left Behind I will be sure to read more. Worie Dressar’s story begins shortly after tragedy has struck her young life. From that point on Worie faces one difficult situation after another but is supported by several characters who play a major role in her life and spiritual development.
This novel was both touching and encouraging as Worie learned how to trust others and grew to trust the Lord also. I loved seeing how she matured as she followed her compassionate heart for all the orphaned children her mother had been caring for. A touch of mystery and a bit of action added depth to this engaging tale that offered more than one surprise along the way. The narrative is jam-packed with so many quotable passages that it would be difficult to choose a favorite.
Readers who love a story that pulls at their heart strings will love this latest novel by Cindy K. Sproles.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the face of overwhelming obstacles, she’ll need courage, grit, and a tender heart
Worie Dressar is seventeen years old when influenza and typhoid ravage her Appalachian Mountain community in 1877, leaving behind a growing number of orphaned children with no way to care for themselves. Worie’s mother has been secretly feeding several of these little ones on Sourwood Mountain. But when tragedy strikes, Worie is left to figure out why and how she was caring for them.
Plagued with two good-for-nothing brothers–one greedy and the other a drunkard–Worie must fight to save her home and the children now in her begrudging care. Along the way, she discovers the beauty of unconditional love and the power of forgiveness as she cares for all of Momma’s children.
Cindy K. Sproles is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries. An author, storyteller, and popular speaker, Cindy teaches at writers conferences across the country and directs the Asheville Christian Writers Conference in North Carolina. Editor of ChristianDevotions.us and managing editor for Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals, Cindy has a BA in business and journalism and lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her family.
Happy Valley was a delightful book that held my attention until the very end. Its gorgeous Smoky Mountain setting and the well-rounded characters added just the right touch to a warm and moving plot.
Although Happy Valley residents were generally suspicious of newcomers to their area, Walker Logan was regarded as an interloper when he bought a home and built a new store there. Naturally he was the first one many residents suspected for a string of unsolved break ins and thefts. Juliette Hollander, home to help after her grandfather’s heart attack immediately connected with Walker but his mysterious past held her at a distance. One or more mysteries are answered in due course, sometimes with surprising results.
I loved this wonderful story that focuses on secrets, trust, fear, risk-taking, and learning to be exactly who God made you to be.
RETURN TO EDISTO:
Another heart-warming story from author Lin Stepp, Return to Edisto features a young woman who has no choice but to leave her much loved job due to an unpleasant experience with another employee. She packs up and runs to her safe place, the family beach house on Edisto Island. Her first encounter there is with the very man she ran from ten years ago and his sweet and caring demeanor tempts her to renew their relationship but old trust issues die hard.
I very much enjoyed this novel although there were times that Mary Helen tended to exasperate me no end. Her lack of trust and refusal to allow J.T. to explain himself got just a little bit old. And J.T. – was he just a little bit dense or oblivious to what was going on with Mary Helen’s old nemesis?
Return to Edisto is fun to read and has a strong message about trust and forgiveness. I look forward to reading more by this new-to-me author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOKS:
HAPPY VALLEY:
Title: Happy Valley Author: Lin Stepp Publisher: Mountain Hill Press Release Date: April 2, 2020 Genre: Contemporary Romance
Escape to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee in this sweet tale of two young people who meet by chance, their paths soon overlapping and intertwining amid a cast of warm-hearted characters in the small rural community of Happy Valley.
With Grandpa suffering a heart attack, Juliette Hollander saw little choice but to head back to their Tennessee mountain farm in Happy Valley to help out. She didn’t expect, or want, to leave behind her life and work in North Carolina to return to her grandparents’ home so soon. Nor did she imagine meeting, and working with, the mysterious man she met briefly last summer and never thought to see again.
Walker Logan spent the last two years traveling the United States, seeing the beauty of the country and running from his past. But an old rock house he sees while hiking near Abrams Creek Campground unexpectedly calls to his soul. With danger close behind, he never stayed in one place long enough to put down roots. Yet now, with a new vision, he decides to take the risk.
Title: Return to Edisto Series: The Edisto Trilogy #2 Author: Lin Stepp Publisher: Mountain Hill Press Release Date: April 2, 2020 Genre: Contemporary Romance
Return to Edisto Island in the rich, Lowcountry story of a young woman’s difficult decision to run from threat and danger, changing the course of her well-ordered life and, in turn, the life of the young man who loved and lost her.
It was a long trip back to Edisto Island, South Carolina, and the beach house that shaped so much of Mary Helen Avery’s early life. Now her mind flashed between anger and hurt over the difficult situation she’d left behind at the job she loved. Was she doing the right thing to leave? Should she have stayed to fight? She hoped at the quiet, beloved island she knew so well, she’d find the answers she needed and peace from all this turmoil.
J.T.’s heart took a familiar lurch when he saw the car with New Jersey plates parked at the Avery’s beach house. Even after ten years, the memory of Mary Helen Avery still tormented him. Finding her on the porch weeping lit old fires he thought long dead. Was he a fool to hope for something more between them with all their problems of the past? Probably so, but if she stayed long enough, he’d find one more chance to try.
Lin Stepp is a native Tennessean, businesswoman and educator. A New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon best-selling international author, Lin has eighteen published books, including her twelve beloved Smoky Mountain novels, all set in different Tennessee and North Carolina locations, her newest Mountain Home book, a novella in one of Kensington’s Christmas anthologies, and two novels in her new Edisto Trilogy, set on the South Carolina coast. Lin and her husband J.L. also write regional guidebooks, including a Smoky Mountain hiking guide and a Tennessee state parks book.
Stepp’s latest 2020 releases are Happy Valley, set in a quiet rural valley near the Smoky Mountains, and Return to Edisto, set at Edisto Beach, South Carolina. Lin’s previous title Claire At Edisto was the 2019 Best Books Award Winner in Fiction: Romance, sponsored by American Book Fest, her novel Welcome Back a finalist in the 2017 Selah Awards, and Lin and her husband’s guidebook Discovering Tennessee State Parks a 2019 American Book Fest Best Books Award Finalist in Nonfiction: Travel Guides and Essays.
Lin enjoys speaking for events, festivals, libraries, and book clubs, reading, hiking, exploring out of doors, and keeping up with her readers on Facebook, Twitter, and through her monthly blog and newsletter which you will find on her website at: www.linstepp.com
(1) winner will receive a print copy of Happy Valley & Return to Edisto, matching bookmarks, and a $25 Amazon gift card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight March 23, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on March 30, 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 mailing addresses only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
I have been reading Tamera Alexander’s books since her very first one and have enjoyed them so much that she is one of the authors I must read. As a Tennessean I have so much appreciated her novels set in the Nashville and Franklin area which are just a three to four hour drive from my home. It is so interesting to learn more about my state’s history in the form of a well-researched novel that makes the people come to life for readers.
“Christmas at Carnton” is the perfect Christmas book for history lovers, especially those who find the Civil War of interest. Not only does it contain a heart-warming romance but it includes a detailed look at life in middle Tennessee during that era from the luxuries on the plantation to the deprivations of widows and children. It was fun to visit Carnton through the eyes of Aletta and Jake as they received such a warm and caring welcome from Colonel John McGavock‘s family.
A fine story filled with hope and faith, “Christmas at Carnton” should be an excellent gift for someone you know or even for yourself.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Amid war and the fading dream of the Confederacy, a wounded soldier and a destitute widow discover the true meaning of Christmas—and sacrificial love.
Recently widowed, Aletta Prescott struggles to hold life together for herself and her six-year-old son. With the bank threatening to evict them, she discovers an advertisement for the Women’s Relief Society auction and applies for a position—only to discover it’s been filled. Then a chance meeting with a wounded soldier offers another opportunity—and friendship. But can Aletta trust this man?
Captain Jake Winston, a revered Confederate sharpshooter, suffered a head wound at the Battle of Chickamauga. When doctors deliver their diagnosis, Jake fears losing not only his greatest skill but his very identity. As he heals, Jake is ordered to assist with a local Women’s Relief Society auction. He respectfully objects. Kowtowing to a bunch of “crinolines” isn’t his idea of soldiering. But orders are orders, and he soon discovers this group of ladies—one, in particular—is far more than he bargained for.
Set against the backdrop and history of the Carnton Plantation in Franklin, Tennessee, Christmas at Carnton is a story of hope renewed and faith restored at Christmas.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mandy Whitley Photography)
Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers in the historical fiction genre. She and her husband live in Nashville, Tennessee, not far from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for six of her award-winning novels. For more about Tamera’s books, visit www.TameraAlexander.com
I have enjoyed every book I’ve read by Tamara Alexander so I always look forward to her latest offering. If asked which is my favorite, I would probably say, “the one I just read”. That would be an absolutely true statement about “To Wager Her Heart”, the final Belle Meade Plantation novel.
As a fellow Tennessean, I love that this author has chosen to write about Nashville’s history. Although I am from west Tennessee, I have visited Nashville several times and find its history quite interesting. It is so gratifying to find myself in the middle of a engrossing novel only to realize how much true history is woven so seamlessly into its plot. I do love learning this way.
With strong primary characters who were easy to admire, an intriguing plot, a bit of mystery, a touch of romance, and a huge dose of Nashville history, this book keep me reading until the wee hours. I particularly liked reading about the history of Fisk University and its Jubilee Singers. A compelling message of faith is deftly incorporated throughout the story without being overbearing. It was encouraging to read about how prayers were answered even during the most seemingly hopeless situations.
I could go on but I fear I might reveal too much. Needless to say, I highly recommend “To Wager Her Heart” for all who love historical fiction. In my opinion, this is a must read.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
With fates bound by a shared tragedy, a reformed gambler from the Colorado Territory and a Southern Belle bent on breaking free from society’s expectations must work together to achieve their dreams—provided the truth doesn’t tear them apart first.
Seeking justice . . .
Sylas Rutledge, the new owner of the Northeast Line Railroad, invests everything he has into this venture, partly for the sake of the challenge. But mostly to clear his father’s name. One man holds the key to Sy’s success—General William Giles Harding of Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation. But Harding is champagne and thoroughbreds, and Sy Rutledge is beer and bullocks. Sy needs someone to help him maneuver his way through Nashville’s society, and when he meets Alexandra Jamison, he quickly decides he’s found his tutor. Only, he soon discovers that the very train accident his father is blamed for causing is what killed Alexandra Jamison’s fiancé—and has broken her heart.
Struggling to restore honor . . .
Spurning an arranged marriage by her father, Alexandra instead pursues her passion for teaching at Fisk University, the first freedmen’s university in the United States. But family—and Nashville society—do not approve, and she soon finds herself cast out from both.
Through connections with the Harding family, Alexandra and Sy become unlikely allies. And despite her first impressions, Alexandra gradually finds herself coming to respect, and even care for this man. But how can she, when her heart is still spoken for? And when Sy’s roguish qualities and adventuresome spirit smack more of recklessness than responsibility and honor?
Sylas Rutledge will risk everything to win over the woman he loves. What he doesn’t count on is having to wager her heart to do it.
Set against the real history of Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation and the original Fisk University Jubilee Singers ensemble, To Wager Her Heart is a stirring love story about seeking justice and restoring honor at a time in American history when both were tenuous and hard-won.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mandy Whitley Photography
Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers in the historical fiction genre. She and her husband live in Nashville, Tennessee, not far from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for six of her award-winning novels. For more about Tamera’s books, visit www.TameraAlexander.com
As a lifelong Southern girl who enjoys romantic suspense, I am loving Mary Ellis’ Secrets of the South Mysteries. Even better is the fact that “What Happened on Beale Street” mostly takes place in Memphis, the city with which I am most familiar. I have visited many of the places in this book so it was an especially fun read for me.
I can say that Mary Ellis can definitely construct a mystery that is difficult for me to solve ahead of time. She can really drop some red herrings and take her readers through some convoluted twists and turns along the way. The story has just the right blend of suspense, romance, and humor with a subtle touch of faith. There were a few laugh-out-loud moments that helped to ease the tension at just the right times. I loved meeting new characters as well as catching up with those from earlier books in the series.
If you are a fan of Southern mysteries, or just a mystery fan, I can almost guarantee you will love “What Happened on Beale Street”. Be sure to pick up a copy soon.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What Happened on Beale Street is an exciting addition to the Secrets of the South Mysteries from bestselling author Mary Ellis. These standalone, complex crime dramas follow a private investigator’s quest to make the world a better place…solving one case at a time.
A cryptic plea for help from a childhood friend sends cousins Nate and Nicki Price from New Orleans to Memphis, the home of scrumptious barbecue and soulful blues music. When they arrive at Danny Andre’s last known address, they discover signs of a struggle and a lifestyle not in keeping with the former choirboy they fondly remember.
Danny’s sister, Isabelle, reluctantly accepts their help. She and Nate aren’t on the best of terms due to a complicated past, yet they will have to get beyond that if they want to save Danny.
On top of Danny’s alarming disappearance and his troubled relationship with Isabelle, Nate also has to rein in his favorite cousin’s overzealousness as a new and eager PI. Confronted with a possible murder, mystery, and mayhem in the land of the Delta blues, Nate must rely on his faith and investigative experience to keep one or more of them from getting killed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Ellis is the bestselling author of many books, including A Widow’s Hope, An Amish Family Reunion, and Living in Harmony. She and her husband live in central Ohio, where they try to live a simpler style of life.
Once again Tamera Alexander has captured my attention and my heart with her latest novel. Not only does she include rich historical detail but she makes that history come to life through her characters.
“To Win Her Favor” is a touching and heart-wrenching story that takes place in Nashville, Tennessee following the Civil War. Slaves have been set free but life is no better and possibly worse for them and their former masters. Emotions are running high among the defeated southerners and prejudice against the former slaves and the Irish has developed into escalating violence. In the midst of this turmoil, Maggie Linden marries Irishman Cullen McGrath in one final act of desperation in order to save her family property.
Both the character and plot development were extremely well done and realistically portrayed. I loved the way primary characters were shown with all their spots and wrinkles and allowed to mature and change their outlook on different issues during the course of the book. I also liked the way the relationship between Maggie and Cullen developed naturally and did not seem to be at all rushed. Cullen was a great hero with his courage and compassion as well as his willingness to sacrifice for those he cared about. Maggie was just a bit irritating at the beginning but grew into a loving and compassionate person as well.
With a conclusion that was both expected and surprising, I closed the covers with satisfaction. Although part of a series, “To Win Her Favor” easily stands on its own merit. I highly recommend it.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who could help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing forever.
An Irishman far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He’s come to Nashville for a fresh start, hoping to buy land and begin farming, all while determined to stay as far away from thoroughbred racing as possible. But starting over proves harder than he’d wagered, especially when Maggie Linden’s father makes him an offer he shouldn’t accept yet cannot possibly refuse.
Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance—and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder—Maggie’s father, aging, yet wily as ever, makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail—Maggie must marry a man she’s never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.
Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don’t forget Jack, their precious–and precocious–silky terrier.
Tamera Alexander’s To Win Her Favor Blog Tour and Kindle Giveaway
Can Maggie prove that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America? Find out in Tamera Alexander’s To Win Her Favor.
To give her that chance—and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder—Maggie must marry a man she’s never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.
Celebrate the release of To Win Her Favor with a Kindle Fire and book giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
A Kindle Fire HD 6
A copy of To Win Her Favor
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 10th. Winner will be announced May 11th on Tamera’s blog. Plus stay tuned for more opportunities to win after May 11 with a special Pinterest contest—more details coming soon!
Cindy K. Sproles is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries. An author, storyteller, and popular speaker, Cindy teaches at writers conferences across the country and directs the Asheville Christian Writers Conference in North Carolina. Editor of ChristianDevotions.us and managing editor for Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals, Cindy has a BA in business and journalism and lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her family.
Mary Ellis is the bestselling author of many books, including A Widow’s Hope, An Amish Family Reunion, and Living in Harmony. She and her husband live in central Ohio, where they try to live a simpler style of life.
Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don’t forget Jack, their precious–and precocious–silky terrier.
