Endless Mercy byTracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

by | Feb 5, 2021 | Alaska, Books, Historical, Romance

MY REVIEW:

Endless Mercy was exactly the kind of novel I have come to expect from Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse. It contained just the right blend of drama, action, mystery, romance and faith to make it an enjoyable read.

The narrative contained a strong gospel message yet conveyed it without becoming preachy. Some characters who were professing Christians wrestled with personal issues such as mercy and forgiveness. Another character who had been raised by believing parents had allowed tragedy to keep him away from God. All were portrayed realistically and were easy to relate to rather than the picture perfect Christians sometimes depicted.

The second book in the Treasures of Nome series, Endless Mercy features youngest Powell sister Madysen who finds herself confused about several choices presented to her. I found myself wanting to warn her away from a particular man and to turn her affections toward a different one. Other family drama filled the everyday lives of the Powell family and although this volume ended satisfactorily, there are still a few unanswered questions that will hopefully be revealed in the next installment.

Endless Mercy is a fine example of why Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse books have remained favorites among historical fiction fans.

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:

Book: Endless Mercy

Author: Tracie Peterson, Kimberley Woodhouse

Genre: Christian historical romance

Click here to get your copy!

Madysen Powell has always been a forgiving person, but when her supposedly dead father shows up in Nome, Alaska, her gift for forgiveness is tested. With the recent loss of her mother, she searches for answers, leaning on Granny Beaufort, a neighbor in town, who listens with a kind heart. Still, Madysen is restless and dreams of performing her music around the world. The arrival of a traveling show could prove just the chance she needs, and the manager promises more than she ever dreamed.

Daniel Beaufort arrives in Nome, searching for his own answers after the gold rush leaves him with only empty pockets. Still angry about the death of his loved ones, he longs to start fresh but doesn’t have high hopes until he ends up helping at the Powell dairy making cheese. Drawn to the beautiful redhead with big dreams, will deceptions from the past tear apart any hope for the future?

 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the award-winning author of over 100 novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.
Kimberley Woodhouse (www.kimberleywoodhouse.com) is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than fifteen fiction and nonfiction books. A popular speaker and teacher, she’s shared her theme of “Joy Through Trials” with more than half a million people across the country at more than 2,000 events. Kim and her incredible husband of twenty-five-plus years have two adult children. She’s passionate about music and Bible study and loves the gift of story.

MORE FROM KIM:

It’s so exciting for book two in our Treasures of Nome series, Endless Mercy, to be heading out into the world! Tracie and I are so thrilled to bring you another story set in Nome, Alaska. And isn’t that cover gorgeous? Bethany House does such an amazing job with our books, it is an absolute joy to get to work with them.

In book one, Forever Hidden, we are introduced to three sisters and their family (and farm) in Nome. Forever Hidden is Havyn’s story. And did I mention there are chickens? Check out my blog for some interesting pictures and stories about how these chicken stories came to be…

Book two, Endless Mercy, is Madysen’s story. Madysen is the youngest sibling, and in our story, she’s a talented cello player. Oh, and there are some sheep, who just might help get her into mischief. (Are you seeing a pattern here?)

Book three will release January 2022 and will finish out the Powell girls’ stories with the eldest, Whitney.

This series is very near and dear to us because the Powell sisters in the books are actually named after three beautiful girls we adore. They were music students of mine in Colorado and when Tracie and I had a book signing for In the Shadow of Denali, the red-headed, musical sisters all came. Tracie made the comment that someone should write a book about them…so of course…we did!

I wish you could hear the girls play and sing in real life. They are such talented musicians, and I love them dearly. Huge thanks go to Monica and Merle Powell for allowing us to take their three girls and make fictional characters out of them.

Here’s a picture of Monica with me and Tracie at a book signing years ago. And then of course, I had to put in a picture of the real Powell girls.

We’d love for you to join us for The Treasures of Nome. Enjoy the blog tour!

 

BLOG STOPS:

Through the Fire Blogs, January 25

Connie’s History Classroom, January 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 26

Breny and Books, January 26

Christian Bookaholic, January 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 28

Splashes of Joy, January 28

Batya’s Bits, January 28

She Lives to Read, January 29

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 29

Remembrancy, January 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 30

Older & Smarter?, January 31

deb’s Book Review, January 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 1

For Him and My Family, February 1

Bigreadersite, February 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 2

Inspiration Clothesline, February 2

Artistic Nobody, February 3 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Empowermoms, February 3

Texas Book-aholic, February 4

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 4

Vicky Sluiter, February 4

Inklings and notions, February 5

Daysong Reflections, February 5

The Avid Reader, February 6

Hallie Reads, February 6

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 7

Pause for Tales, February 7

Bizwings Blog, February 7

To celebrate their tour, Kimberley and Tracie are giving away the grand prize package of Forever Hidden, Endless Mercy, and this candle!! (https://etsy.me/2JvrO0a)

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/10686/endless-mercy-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Cowboy For Keeps by Jody Hedlund

by | Jan 21, 2021 | Books, Colorado, Historical, Mail Order Brides, Romance, Western

MY REVIEW:

A Cowboy For Keeps is what I would consider to be a mail-order bride story with a twist. I have always enjoyed Jody Hedlund’s books but I don’t remember one with a western setting. Since I tend to gravitate toward any novel that features cowboys, I was excited to get my hands on this one. I was not disappointed.

Greta had tried everything she knew to help her young sister’s deteriorating health and becoming a mail-order bride was a desperate last ditch effort to save her. Naturally nothing went as planned and Greta ended up in a strange town with no money only to find that her husband-to-be was dead. The mayor came up with a scheme to keep her in town by persuading Wyatt, a young rancher to marry her in exchange for help establishing his new ranch.

As most readers will quickly guess, Wyatt and Greta will eventually fall in love but not without plenty of obstacles along the way. This story had everything necessary to capture and hold my attention. With ample twists and turns, a bit of danger and action, a wise and mature friend, a precocious young girl, and at least one major surprise, A Cowboy For Keeps kept me turning the pages right up to its end.

A different style for this author but well worth reading in my opinion. If you love cowboys, check this one out.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Greta Nilsson’s trip west to save her ailing little sister, Astrid, could not have gone more wrong. First, bandits hold up her stagecoach, stealing all her money. Then, upon arriving in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns the man she was betrothed to as a mail-order bride has died. Homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta and her sister are worse off than when they started.

Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to get his new ranch up and running and is in town to purchase cattle when the mayor proposes the most unlikely of bargains. He’ll invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt’s ranch if Wyatt agrees to help the town become more respectable by marrying and starting a family with Greta. But when old insecurities and surprising revelations arise, can a union born out of desperation survive?

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats. She loves to imagine that she really can visit the past, although she’s yet to accomplish the feat, except via the many books she reads. Visit her at jodyhedlund.com.

Dreams of Savannah by Roseanna M. White

by | Jan 20, 2021 | Books, Civil War, Georgia, Historical, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I always enjoy books by Roseanna M. White but like many others I was uncertain whether I would like the change from World War 1 era England to the Civil War era Georgia. I need not have been concerned. Like every other novel I have read by this talented author, Dreams of Savannah featured well-developed characters who exhibited obvious growth over the course of their story. Unafraid to tackle tough and sensitive subjects, White handled each one with tact and thoughtfulness.

I was not exactly fond of either Cordelia or Phin at the beginning. They each seemed to be the stereotypical spoiled children of wealthy plantation owners. Fortunately there was more to both characters than first met the eye and I grew to care about them both before the end of their tale. Several other strong supporting characters added depth to the story and helped me see a side of the south that is not normally presented. More than just a love story, Dreams of Savannah is filled with action, danger, and an intimate look into the lives of slaves and their owners.

As always with the author’s books, I heartily recommend Dreams of Savannah and hope others will enjoy it as well.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Cordelia Owens can weave a dream around anything and is well used to winning the hearts of everyone in Savannah with her whimsy. Even when she receives word that her sweetheart has been lost during a raid on a Yankee vessel, she clings to hope and comes up with many a romantic tale of his eventual homecoming to reassure his mother and sister.
 
But Phineas Dunn finds nothing redemptive in the first horrors of war. Struggling for months to make it home alive, he returns to Savannah injured and cynical, and all too sure that he is not the hero Cordelia seems determined to make him.
 
As the War Between the States rages ever nearer and Savannah’s slaves start sneaking away to the islands off the coast to join the Yankees, both Phin and Cordelia get caught up in questions they never thought they’d have to ask–questions that threaten the very dreams of a future they’d cherished.

 
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of histo

rical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter | Website 

The Red Canary by Rachel Scott McDaniel

by | Jan 9, 2021 | 1920's, Books, Historical, Mystery, Prohibition, Romance

MY REVIEW:

Now that I have read both novels by Rachel Scott McDaniel, I plan to add her to my list of must read authors. Her books bring history to life as her characters practically leap off the page. I loved The Red Canary with its exciting blend of history, mystery, and romance.

I particularly enjoyed the late 1920s setting as it was the era my grandmother was coming of age. We have a beloved photograph of her in her flapper garments and hairstyle and I can easily imagine her fitting right into the life and times of Vera and Mick. I think she would have enjoyed getting to know Vera who was a sassy, independent young woman who didn’t need anyone’s help, thank you – until she did. As witness to the murder of her boss at the speakeasy where she sang, it became quite evident that she required protection and Mick was just the man to do it, even if he was not thrilled at the prospect. Vera’s thoroughly modern persona complete with her liberal use of the current slang was a marked contrast to Mick’s straight-laced, professional demeanor. As most can guess, the two of them were destined to develop a very unexpected relationship by the end of their story. And what fun it was.

The Red Canary was a thoroughly satisfying read with a strong spiritual theme interwoven through a intriguing plot compete with superb dialogue and multiple twists and surprises. I enthusiastically recommend it to all.

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 BOOK:

Music sparks her world, but can love ignite her heart?

In 1928, soot from the local mills and music from speakeasies linger in the Pittsburgh air. When the manager of The Kelly Club is found dead, nightclub singer Vera Pembroke is thrust into peril. As the only witness to the crime, she’s sentenced to hide away in the Allegheny Forest with a stuffy police sergeant as her guardian.

Sergeant Mick Dinelo harbors a burning hatred for Pittsburgh’s underworld after the devastation it left on his life—and heart. He should be out exposing culpable gangsters rather than tending to the impetuous woman who defies his every effort to keep her safe.

Mick and Vera must set aside their differences to solve the murder that someone wants to keep buried beneath the soot of Steel City.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. She currently enjoys life in Ohio with her husband and two kids. Rachel can be found online at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

The Gold Digger by Liz Tolsma

by | Dec 28, 2020 | American Crime, Books, Historical, True Crime

MY REVIEW:

I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of the books in the True Colors series thus far. It is so interesting reading Christian fiction based on True American Crime. It seems that with each book the depth of evil  becomes more and more horrifying. These stories are reminders of how easily and how far one can fall without faith in the Lord.

The Gold Digger is a tale that illustrates just how calculating and heartless greed can make a person and the lengths they will go to achieve their goals. It was eye-opening how easily even close family members could be deceived and how even they were not safe from their loved one.

It is difficult to review this book without a major spoiler or two so I will not try to describe the story. It is a dark and disturbing tale yet some light and hope does shine through in places, especially in the developing relationship between Nils and Ingrid as well as in their faith.

As in all the books of this series, The Gold Digger is based on something that actually happened in the past. The details were well researched and any departure from what actually happened was explained by the author. It is a difficult story that was handled tactfully and with only the necessary details. Even so, my imagination easily filled in the blanks. I apparently am like my sister in that I enjoy true crime novels but I am thankful for Christian authors like Liz Tolsma who spare me the excess blood and violence.

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:

Book:  The Gold Digger

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre:  Christian/Historical/Suspense

Release Date:  December, 2020

Men Are Disappearing in LaPorte, Indiana

Book 9 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History

Click here to get your copy!

Men Are Disappearing in LaPorte, Indiana

Book 9 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History

Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History

In 1907, shy but loyal Ingrid Storset travels from Norway to support her grieving sister, Belle Gunness, who owns a farm in LaPorte, Indiana. Well-to-do widow Belle, who has lost two husbands and several children, provides Ingrid with enough money to start a small business. But Ingrid is confused by the string of men Belle claims to be interviewing for her next husband. When Nils Lindherud comes to town looking for his missing brother, who said he was going to marry Belle, Ingrid has a sinking feeling her sister is up to no good.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Liz Tolsma is a popular speaker and an editor and the owner of the Write Direction Editing. An almost-native Wisconsinite, she resides in a quiet corner of the state with her husband and is the mother of three. Her son proudly serves as a U.S. Marine. They adopted all of their children internationally, and one has special needs. When she gets a few spare minutes, she enjoys reading, relaxing on the front porch, walking, working in her large perennial garden, and camping with her family.

MORE FROM LIZ:

This story was so much fun to write, and the research was so interesting. It has to rank up there with one of my favorite books to write. That’s what makes my job the best around.

There are a great number of characters in The Gold Digger who are historical. Many of the places I mention are also historical. I had the pleasure of spending a day in LaPorte, Indiana, to research the book and take some pictures they had in the museum there. Research is one of my favorite aspects to writing. I could have spent much, much longer losing myself in the museum and in the archives. Good thing my cousin, who I was staying with, called me to let me know that it was getting dark and she had dinner ready, otherwise who knows how long I would have been there. Probably until they kicked me out!

One thing that the people of LaPorte would want you to know is that they really are nice people and that their town is a nice town. Lots of good people have been born there or have lived there over the years, including Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, William Mayo, who founded Mayo Clinic, and William Scholl, who found Dr. Scholl’s. They kept emphasizing to me while I was there what a great place LaPorte is. Judging by their friendliness and helpfulness, I would have to agree.

To help you better visualize the characters and setting, here are some photographs of the real people and places that appear in The Gold Digger.

Enjoy the book!

Liz

BLOG STOPS:

Connie’s History Classroom, December 17

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 17

Genesis 5020, December 17

Pause for Tales, December 17

Artistic Nobody, December 18 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Sodbuster Living, December 18

21st Century Keeper at Home, December 18

Older & Smarter?, December 19

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 19

Blossoms and Blessings, December 19

The Write Escape, December 19

For the Love of Literature, December 20

deb’s Book Review, December 20

Blogging With Carol, December 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 21

Connie’s History Classroom, December 17

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 17

Genesis 5020, December 17

Pause for Tales, December 17

Artistic Nobody, December 18 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Sodbuster Living, December 18

21st Century Keeper at Home, December 18

Older & Smarter?, December 19

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 19

Blossoms and Blessings, December 19

The Write Escape, December 19

For the Love of Literature, December 20

deb’s Book Review, December 20

Blogging With Carol, December 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 21

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of The Gold Digger!!

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/104fc/the-gold-digger-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

 

Courting misfortune by Regina Jennings

by | Dec 21, 2020 | Books, Historical, Pinkertons, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I always enjoy novels by Regina Jennings. I can always count on her to provide me with a mostly fun read with unique characters, witty dialogue, precarious situations, and of course a potential romance that could have a few hurdles to overcome. Courting Misfortune it all and more.

Calista is living the life she always dreamed of as a Pinkerton detective. At least she hopes that her latest assignment will prove her skills once and for all to the agency. The only problem is that the assignment is in her hometown and  it could be well nigh impossible to keep her secrets from the family members she is bound to encounter while there. Not only does she run into several of them rather quickly but she continues to cross paths with one Matthew Cook, a country preacher who feels called to win souls for the Lord in the sinful city of Joplin, Missouri.He is uncertain about what to think of Calista but finds himself drawn to her and to be her protector.

I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and found myself chuckling more than once at the antics of her interfering cousins. The author did a wonderful job describing Joplin’s past and her insight into the lives of the miners and their families was revealing. Home Bible studies and baby raffles do not quite seem to belong in the same story but I loved how everything came together to work out perfectly. Plenty of plot twists and surprises were enough to keep things moving and hold the interest of most any reader.

If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of humor and a bit of mystery and intrigue topped off with a generous helping of romance, the Courting Misfortune is the perfect book for you.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House Publishing. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Her trickiest case depends on keeping her motives–and her heart–in disguise.

Calista York needs one more successful case as a Pinkerton operative to secure her job at the agency. When she’s assigned to find the kidnapped daughter of a mob boss, she’s sent to the rowdy mining town of Joplin, Missouri. With extended family in the area, Calista must conceal her profession if she hopes to recover the missing girl.

When Matthew Cook decided to be a missionary, he never expected to be sent only a short train ride away to Joplin. While fighting against corruption of all sorts, Matthew hears of a baby raffle being held to raise funds for a children’s home. He’ll do what he can to stop it, but he also wants to stop the reckless Miss York, whose bad judgment consistently puts her in harm’s way.

Calista doesn’t need the handsome pastor and her nosy family interfering with her investigation, no matter their intentions. A girl’s life depends on her. If she doesn’t find Lila Seaton soon, the constant meddling could have dire consequences.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Regina Jennings (www.reginajennings.com) is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She’s the winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.