by admin | Dec 3, 2019 | Books, Colorado, Contemporary Fiction, Geneology, Mystery
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MY REVIEW:
I enjoyed the Inn at Hidden Run, the first book in Olivia Newport’s Tree of Life Series so much that I was excited to have the opportunity to read and review her second novel of the series In the Cradle Lies. I love Jillian and her father Nolan as well as their other friends in the small Colorado town of Canyon Mines. The relationship between Jillian and Nolan is special and they work together so well with refreshing and often humorous dialogue.
Once again a person shows up in their lives who needs their specialized services but doesn’t know it. And once again the pair puts their skills to work before they are even asked in order to help their new friend. In this tale, a young man, Tucker, shows up determined to ski an abandoned and highly dangerous ski run. Recognizing his troubled spirit and desperation behind his plans, Nolan, Jillian, and her good friend Kris join together to convince Tucker that he should not attempt to ski the treacherous run. In a parallel story, readers learn the backstory about Tucker’s grandfather Matthew and the secrets that troubled him his entire life.
In the Cradle Lies is another wonderful tale laced with mystery and history that reveals how sometimes family secrets can destroy one’s own peace and joy and how they also affect the other family members. The book has minimal romance but dwells strongly on relationships between family and friends. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to When I Meet You, the next installment of this series.
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: In the Cradle Lies
Author: Olivia Newport
Genre: Christian Fiction
Release Date: November, 2019
Click here to get your copy! |
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Book 2 in the Tree of Life Series: A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Faith Journeys on Family Trees
On a solo ski vacation in Canyon Mines, Colorado, Tucker has a love-hate relationship with his wealth, spending indiscriminately while skiing fearlessly and preparing to conquer the overgrown slope of Hidden Run, a dangerous run not attempted in decades. As genealogist Jillian tries to uncover enough of Tucker’s family tree to understand his charming nature but reckless resolve, Jillian’s equally charming father, Nolan, cajoles Tucker into giving him ski lessons to get him talking about the suspicious circumstances surrounding his grandfather’s life in St. Louis in the 1930s.
On the surface, Tucker’s family’s history seems too perfect. The secret may lie in the sealed envelope Tucker carries with him at all times—even on the ski slope. When no one can find Tucker to tell him the fiancée he never mentioned turned up in Canyon Mines, they realize he must be off attempting to ski Hidden Run alone in a snowstorm. And they may be too late.
In the Cradle Lies is the second 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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and twenty something 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:
True confession. I live in Colorado and don’t ski.
In the Cradle Lies includes several references to “How can you live in the Colorado mountains and not ski?” Jillian, a main character in the Tree of Life series, has lived in the mountain town of Canyon Mines since she was two, and by the time she was eight she knew she didn’t want to ski.
I grew up in Illinois, and while my high school had a ski club and somehow found places to ski (I’m not sure where; um, not exactly mountain territory), I was sure I would break something. Arriving in Colorado in my forties did not persuade me to take up skiing at that age. I live at the base of Pikes Peak, not in the mountains like Jillian. I do love the views!
But one of the fun things about being a writer is learning a lot about things you know little about. Enter Google and YouTube. And more YouTube. And … you get the drift.
Some quick facts about Colorado skiing to help get you in the mood for In the Cradle Lies:
- Colorado typically leads the country in “skier days”—days of skiing purchased in ski areas.
- Actually, most people in the state don’t ski. By a large margin. Like 90 percent. (So I feel better and so does Jillian.)
- People visiting the state to ski or snowboard are important to our economy. (So thank you!)
- Colorado has hosted about 175 ski areas since it became a state in 1876. Today, we have only about 30 operating resorts—so there are lots of dormant, lost, and hidden runs like the one in my story.
I hope you’ll check out In the Cradle Lies—and find out why Tucker came from St. Louis to Canyon Mines to ski an abandoned run that put his life at risk.
| Through the Fire Blogs, December 3
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 3
Inklings and notions, December 4
Daysong Reflections, December 4
Genesis 5020, December 5
Godly Book Reviews, December 5
Just the Write Escape, December 6
Pause for Tales, December 7
For Him and My Family, December 7
For the Love of Literature, December 8
Mary Hake, December 8
Betti Mace, December 9
Bigreadersite, December 9 |
A Baker’s Perspective, December 10
Hallie Reads, December 10
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 11
Spoken from the Heart, December 11
Older & Smarter?, December 12
Texas Book-aholic , December 13
Blogging With Carol, December 13
janicesbookreviews, December 14
Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 14
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 15
A Reader’s Brain, December 16
With a Joyful Noise, December 16 |
To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a free copy of In the Cradle Lies!!
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/f1ba/in-the-cradle-lies-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Dec 1, 2019 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
When I signed on to review Christmas at Breakers Point I expected it to be a seaside Christmas romance due primarily to its cover. Truthfully I found very little romance in this novel and what was there actually took a back seat to the rest of the story. Not to say that was a bad thing. In fact this is a heart-warming yet sometimes poignant tale of the people in a small island town who rallied around an elderly man and his niece as they lived through the last days before his final breath on earth.
Honestly, I probably would not have chosen to read this book had I known I would read much of it sitting in my mother’s room in a hospice facility – just a little too close to home to my own situation. Yet it turned out to be an encouraging experience as I witnessed the interaction between Bud and his niece Mallory and her determination to make his last Christmas a wonderful experience for him. I loved how hard Mallory worked to make his Christmas wish come to pass, especially the numerous faith-building conversations between her and her friend whose disillusionment with other Christians had brought her to a crisis in her faith.
Strong characters, difficult situations, and a very strong Gospel message worked together to make Christmas at Breakers Point an excellent read even if it was not at all what I expected.
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: Christmas on Breakers Point
Author: Chautona Havig
Genre: Christian Contemporary Fiction, Christian Romantic Fiction, Christmas
Click here to get your copy! |
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One man’s last Christmas wish might change two lives forever.
Mallory Barrows has one last Christmas with her uncle. She’s determined to make it the best one he’s ever had.
She knows when she asks what he wants as his final gift, it won’t be a tie or a new mug. He won’t need those where he’s going, and he’s quite happy about that.
Mallory just didn’t think he wanted a miracle wrapped in paper and tied with a shiny red bow!
Christmas on Breakers Point is the introductory book to the Independence Islands Series.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.
MORE FROM CHAUTONA:
The book opens with a phone call that goes like this:
Her phone buzzed. Without taking her eyes from the page, Mallory Barrows fumbled about until her hand closed around it. The book held her bound in ropes of suspense as the villain slipped into the party unannounced—unseen. While she followed him around the edge of the imaginary room, her thumb swiped, tapped, and answered the call as if on autopilot.
Even as Mallory said, “Hello?” her breath caught. The guy had found his prey.
“Mallory, honey?”
Without a second look, she dropped the book and sat up, feet planted firmly on the floor and all attention on the call. “Is it time?”
“’Fraid so, darlin’. Doc says it’s a matter of weeks or a month or two. And I promised.”
“I’ll be there Friday afternoon.”
Just days after I wrote those lines, I woke up to a message from my sister. “Call Mom.”
I called. Mom said, “I need you to come.” That was Thursday. I walked into Mom’s house on Saturday evening and our lives changed forever.
I don’t know if God prepared me for this change by having me write that scene just days before, but I have to say it felt like it! Everything went crazy for over a month as I tried to wrap up my mother’s affairs in Missouri, I had to try to finish three books in a time of upheaval and turmoil. No, it’s not the same as trying to help a young woman reclaim her True First Love so she could reclaim her first earthy love. It isn’t the same as starting a whole new life and a new business. But… oh, how it felt like it.
Another parallel in the story and my life was how Mallory struggles to try to get Uncle Bud to eat. I did the same thing for most of my time in Missouri. Mom struggled and hard just to swallow and just wanted to eat. So, while I was writing, I worked hard to come up with a recipe that Mallory might use to convince Uncle Bud to eat something. The result were these Coconut Lime Cookies. I hope you love them as much as Uncle Bud did.
Coconut Lime Cookies
Ingredients:
2 ¼ cups white flour
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup sugar
3 oz room temp cream cheese—cubed
½ tsp vanilla
Zest of 1 lime (key limes may be preferred)
½ cup (1 stick) melted butter (warm)
1 egg
1 TBS milk (whole is the most delicious… and half & half is even better)
1 TBS lime juice (again, some may prefer key limes)
½ cup powdered sugar (reserved for rolling cookies in)
Directions: (oven preheats to 350)
Stir together the first five ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside
Stir together sugar, cream cheese, and lime zest in a large mixing bowl. Cream butter in. Repeat with egg, milk, and lime juice, one at a time. Make sure your ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Add dry ingredients slowly. Mix well.
Roll dough into approximately 1” balls. Roll each ball into powdered sugar and place on parchment paper-lined cookie sheet.
Bake for approximately 11-12 minutes until lightly golden.
Before you eat, close your eyes and imagine yourself beneath swaying palm trees with warm sand between your toes. Merry Christmas!
BLOG STOPS:
| Among the Reads, December 2
She Lives to Read, December 2
Daysong Reflections, December 2
A Reader’s Brain, December 3
Mamma Loves Books, December 3
Aryn the Libraryan ?, December 4
CarpeDiem, December 4
A Baker’s Perspective, December 5
Hebrews 12 Endurance, December 5
Betti Mace, December 6
For the Love of Literature, December 6
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 7
Cultivating Us, December 7
Inklings and notions, December 8
For Him and My Family, December 8
janicesbookreviews, December 9 |
SusanLovesBooks, December 9
Texas Book-aholic, December 10
Connect in Fiction, December 10
Lots of Helpers, December 11
My Devotional Thoughts, December 11
Wishful Endings, December 11
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 12
Stories By Gina, December 12
Quiet Quilter, December 13
Batya’s Bits, December 13
Godly Book Reviews, December 14
Emily Yager, December 14
Blossoms and Blessings, December 15
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 15
Back Porch Reads, December 15 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize of a 6 Month Kindle Unlimited subscription!!
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/f1b8/christmas-on-breakers-point-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Nov 12, 2019 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Deadly Christmas Pretense is another suspense filled romance from talented author Dana Mentink. I enjoyed catching up with characters from the previous book in the Roughwater Ranch Cowboys series and loved meeting new ones in this latest installment. Once again the author takes her readers on a sometimes hair-raising adventure as her characters race against time to find evidence against a desperate man before he manages to kill one or more of them. As is often the case, an adorable but pesky dog takes center stage as he proves his worth.
Twin Maggie Lofton is pulled into the dangerous situation when she is mistaken for her sister Tammy whose good intentions to help her employer have gone terribly wrong. Then the cowboy who rides to Maggie’s rescue & refuses to go away just happens to be her sister’s ex-boyfriend. The riveting plot moves from one threat to another as Liam and Maggie grow closer with each encounter. Will Liam be able to overcome his fear about a physical handicap and begin to trust Maggie with his future or is their relationship doomed? I’ll never tell but you can find out more if you pick up your own copy of this excellent Christmas romantic suspense.
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: Deadly Christmas Pretense
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Christian Suspense, Mystery, Romance
Release Date: November 4, 2019
Click here to get your copy. |
 |
A cowboy to her rescue…but she’s not who he thinks she is.
Posing as her sister for Christmas is the only way to save her, but Maggie Lofton needs help—even if it means working with her twin’s cowboy ex-boyfriend, Liam Pike. But between the bull’s-eye on her back and the dangerous connection she’s forming with Liam, Maggie’s mission is harder than expected. Will their tenuous partnership be enough to shield her when the killer closes in?
Book #2 in the Roughwater Ranch Cowboys series
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)
MORE FROM DANA:
I just love Christmas, don’t you? In our area we have a lovely holiday train. It’s an old steam type train which is decked out in lights for festive holiday tours. I was so thrilled that this cover features just such a train. Of course, in the novel the train is the scene of hair raising danger! Maggie, our heroine in this novel, is a cook. She serves up some mouth watering dishes (when she’s not dodging a killer.) I thought perhaps you might enjoy a Mentink holiday family recipe! God bless you as we enter this holiday season!
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 1
Among the Reads, November 1
Emily Yager, November 1
KarenSueHadley , November 2
Blogging With Carol, November 2
Batya’s Bits, November 2
Bigreadersite, November 3
My Devotional Thoughts , November 3
She Lives to Read, November 3
Reading Is My SuperPower, November 4
Genesis 5020, November 4
mpbooks, November 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 5
Betti Mace, November 5
Quiet Workings, November 5
Blossoms and Blessings, November 6
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner , November 6
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 6
Older & Smarter?, November 7
Maureen’s Musings, November 7 |
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 7
Splashes of Joy , November 8
For Him and My Family, November 8
Moments, November 8
Christian Bookshelf Reviews, November 9
Simple Harvest Reads, November 9
EmpowerMoms, November 9
Through the Fire Blogs, November 10
Remembrancy, November 10
Pause for Tales, November 10
For the Love of Books, November 11
Hallie Reads, November 11
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, November 11
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 12
To Everything There Is A Season, November 12
Daysong Reflections, November 12
Texas Book-aholic, November 13
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 13
janicesbookreviews, November 14
Inklings and notions, November 14 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a a book necklace, 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/ed7d/deadly-christmas-pretense-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Nov 6, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Revell, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Deadly Deceit is a skillfully executed suspense novel that could easily keep most readers on the edge of their seat until the very end. The second volume in Walters’ Harbored Secrets series, this book could easily stand on its own merits but what is the fun in that? With familiar characters and the setting of Walton, Georgia from the first installment, Living Lies, readers will find this suspense filled tale even more enjoyable if they have read the first.
The narrative begins with the death of a person close to Vivian Demarco, a dedicated journalist. Determined to use her unique skills to discover the truth behind the mysterious message on her friend’s dying lips, Vivian quickly runs up against Deputy Ryan Frost who discourages her from becoming involved. Naturally Vivian stubbornly refuses and as all good readers can quickly guess, the two are soon working together to solve a case that grows beyond their original suspicions.
Multiple suspects as well as victims keeps the pair and the entire police force on their toes as they work frantically to prevent more victims and to stay alive themselves. A touch of faith and a theme of forgiveness is woven throughout the story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend to all lovers of contemporary suspense.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Welcome back to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name–but no one knows your secret.
Independent and tenacious journalist Vivian DeMarco is back in Walton, Georgia, for one reason–to do her job and get out. When her boss suddenly dies under suspicious circumstances, Vivian’s only hope for finding the truth–and the next big story–is small-town law enforcement’s lanky poster boy, Deputy Ryan Frost. But the deeper they dig, the more twisted the truth becomes. False leads, incriminating emails, and someone called the Watcher force Vivian to fight for answers–and her life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Natalie Walters is the author of Living Lies and Deadly Deceit. A military wife of 22 years, she currently resides in Hawaii with her soldier husband and their three kids. She writes full-time and has been published in Proverbs 31 magazine and has blogged for Guideposts online. In addition to balancing life as a military spouse, mom, and writer, she loves connecting on social media, sharing her love of books, cooking, and traveling. Natalie comes from a long line of military and law enforcement veterans and is passionate about supporting them through volunteer work, races, and writing stories that affirm no one is defined by their past. Learn more at www.nataliewalterswriter.com.
by admin | Oct 31, 2019 | Appalachia, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
A Match For Emma is probably the sweetest love story featuring lifetime best friends who discover they are the perfect match. I loved how comfortable Jon and Emma were with each other and how natural it was for them to hold hands, touch, and even an innocent snuggle or two while watching movies on TV. So how could they be so blind to the truth about their relationship? I also liked the degree of honesty the pair shared with each other – how they each pointed out areas the other needed to improve.
The author not only has an incredible talent with words but she managed to see deep with the soul of each character and bring them to life. Both Jon and Emma were so real. Emma especially wanted the best for all those she cared for but she also had her blind spots that sometimes made her judge others more harshly than they deserved. Yet after thinking and praying about it when brought to her attention, she usually recognized the truth and acted on it.
I enjoyed everything about this sweet love story including its Appalachian setting, brilliant hints of humor, realistic characters, and a strong emphasis on faith and truth. If you have not read a book by Pepper Basham, don’t wait another minute. Pick up a copy of A Match For Emma or one of the other books in her Mitchell’s Crossroads series.
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:
Emma Mitchell may enjoy sprinkling romance into the lives of others, but her own plans involve a single first-class ticket to culinary school in Europe.
When her best friend, Jon Noble, suddenly moves back to Ransom, Emma’s fairly certain her life can’t get any better…until her matchmaking schemes nosedive, her culinary future falls flat, and a life-long friendship begins to teeter on the brink of something unexpected.
With a little inspiration from Jane Austen’s classic and a touch of Blue Ridge charm, will Jon and Emma discover that what they need the most may be the last thing they’re trying to find?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance novels with grace, humor, and culture clashes. She’s a Blue Ridge Mountain native and an anglophile who enjoys combining her two loves to create memorable stories of hope. You can connect with Pepper over at her group blog, The Writer’s Alley, her website, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter.
by admin | Oct 23, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, England, Historical, Ireland, Romance, Split Time, WWII
MY REVIEW:
The final book in Kristy Cambron’s Lost Castle series, The Painted Castle features Kiera, another member of the Foley family who seems destined to have castles in their lives. As an art expert, Kiera is asked to evaluate a mysterious painting found in an old English manor. Parallel stories that also feature the same manor take place in the Victorian era and during World War 2.
Each story could have easily been developed into a full novel of its own but worked splendidly together to flesh out the history of the people who had once lived in the manor as well as the mystery behind the portrait found there. Not only was each story a romance but each also contained unique elements that kept me wanting to know more. Victorian era Keaton and Elizabeth’s story held a murder mystery that spanned a decade. Amelia and Wyatt experienced the horrors of World War 2 bombings. Emory and Kiera worked together to discover the secrets of the manor and the unknown painting that had been hidden for so many years. These wonderful characters revealed a solid strength as they battled difficult circumstances in their lives.
I thoroughly enjoyed this journey through the years and Cambron’s unique way of revealing the manor’s secrets bit by bit. I hated to reach the end and could easily have read more about each time frame of the story.
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 Painted Castle
Author: Kristy Cambron
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: October 15, 2019
Click here to grab your copy. |
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Bestselling author Kristy Cambron concludes the Lost Castle novels with this sweeping tale of art and secrets long buried in England.
It was supposed to be a one-week job: survey an art find, collect a hefty fee, and use that to settle historian Kiera Foley’s life back into balance. But from the moment she sets foot in the East Suffolk countryside, the mysteries surrounding the old English manor and the enigmatic art thief who’s employed her stir more questions than answers. Then, Kiera finds the existence of a portrait captivating enough to upend all of her expectations. This one could be a twin-a painting so close in composition to a known masterpiece, it may be rendered priceless if it truly captured the likeness of a young Queen named Victoria.
Set in three time periods-the rapid change of Victorian England, the tumultuous skies over England’s eastern shores in WWII, and modern day-The Painted Castle unfolds a legacy of faith, family, and stories that are generations in the making.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
KRISTY CAMBRON is an award-winning author of historical fiction, including her bestselling debut The Butterfly and the Violin, and an author of Bible studies, including the Verse Mapping series. She’s a Women’s Ministry Leader at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY, and a passionate storyteller who travels to speak at events across the country, encouraging women to experience a deeper life in the Word through verse mapping. Her work has been named to Publishers Weekly Religion & Spirituality TOP 10, Library Journal Reviews’ Best Books, RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, and received 2015 & 2017 INSPY Award nominations. Kristy holds a degree in Art History/Research Writing, and has 15 years of experience in education and leadership development for a Fortune-100 Corporation, working with such companies as the Disney Institute, IBM/Kenexa, and Gallup. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, and can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good read.
MORE FROM KRISTY:
About The Painted Castle
A war-torn estate holding its secrets close. A lost library bricked off from the world. And a portrait-maker’s unknown masterpiece of a Queen named Victoria… What stories do they long to tell?
It was supposed to be a one-week snatch-and-grab: survey an art find, collect a hefty fee, and use that to settle historian Kiera Foley’s life back into balance. But from the moment she sets foot in the East Suffolk countryside, the mystery of an old English manor, a crumbling beekeeper’s cottage, and a library that had long ago been sealed off brick by brick, all stir more questions than answers. What begins as a novice assignment instead peels back layers, lulling Keira into the depths of the estate’s long-forgotten history.
Despite questions swirling around the enigmatic, rumored art thief who’s employed her, Keira finds the existence of a portrait captivating enough to upend all of her expectations. This one could be a twin—a painting so close in composition to a known masterpiece, it may be rendered priceless if it truly captured the likeness of a young Queen named Victoria…
1842— In order to salvage what’s left of her family’s shaky circumstances, artist Elizabeth Meade knows her duty must be to marry well. But she hopes looks can be deceiving enough to hide her true motives behind a congenial smile and gain entry into the ballrooms of England’s noble elite. Instead of husband-hunting, Elizabeth searches for the one thing that’s seared to her memory—the eyes of her father’s killer, whom she unwittingly sketched one snowy night in Piccadilly ten years before. She never expects to find answers tucked away in the countryside at Parham Hill, in the form of a portrait-maker who could help her artist dreams come true, if only she could forget the highwayman she’s hunted for the last decade—the estate-owner who unwittingly selects her as his betrothed…
1942—When the 390th Bomb Group arrives at Amelia Woods’ Parham Hill Estate, the American flyboys bring playing cards, B-17 “flying fortresses”, and enough bravado to believe they can triumph over Hitler just by staring him down. Amelia isn’t certain, and she’s unwilling to compromise the safety and security in a carefully-crafted world she’s built for the dozens of London-evacuated children left in her charge. But with Anderson shelters buried in the gardens and an Allied airfield a stone’s throw away, Amelia may have no choice but to wait out the war under blackouts and bombs, and accept help from the captain who offers it—even if it means risking all she has left of her late husband’s memory…
From the streets of Piccadilly and the lavish halls of Buckingham Palace to the countryside surrounding Framlingham Castle, a warn-torn estate, a hidden library, and the lost portrait of a queen come together to write the final chapter in the Lost Castle series. Set in three time periods—the rapid change of Victorian England, the tumultuous skies over England’s eastern shores in WWII, and modern day—The Painted Castle unfolds a legacy of faith and the family we fight for, of risk and reward, and the artful crafting of a story that can be generations in the making… yet still change everything about a single life.
BLOG STOPS:
| All-of-a-kind Mom, October 15
The Power of Words, October 15
A Baker’s Perspective, October 15
The Avid Reader, October 16
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 16
Betti Mace, October 16
Reflections From My Bookshelves, October 17
Fiction Aficionado, October 17
Through the Fire Blogs, October 17
Inklings and notions , October 18
AndreaChristenson, October 18
She Lives to Read, October 18
Bloging With Carol, October 18
The Christian Fiction Girl, October 19
Back Porch Reads , October 19
Christian Bookaholic , October 19
KarenSueHadley, October 20
Livin’ Lit, October 20
A Reader’s Brain, October 20
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 20
Genesis 5020, October 21
Worthy2Read, October 21
Life of Literature, October 21
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 22 |
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 22
janicesbookreviews, October 22
For Him and My Family, October 22
Older & Smarter?, October 23
Mia Reads Blog, October 23
The Becca Files, October 23
Daysong Reflections, October 24
Connect in Fiction, October 24
Texas Book-aholic, October 24
Just the Write Escape, October 24
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 25
Moments, October 25
Simple Harvest Reads, October 25
Pause for Tales, October 26
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 26
Lis Loves Reading, October 26
Hallie Reads, October 26
Living Life Free In Christ, October 27
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 27
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 27
Soutgern Gal Loves to Read, October 28
Remembrancy, October 28
Batya’s Bits, October 28
Leona J. Atkinson, October 28 |
