ABOUT THE CONFESSION:

“The Confession Musical” is based on the New York Times best-selling book series “The Heritage of Lancaster County,” written by Beverly Lewis and written for the stage by Emmy-Nominated screenwriter Martha Bolton. Katie Lapp, a young  Amish girl, discovers her parents have been keeping a secret from her… she is adopted. Katie decides to seek her birth mother, defying the rules of her Amish village and risking a shunning. Meanwhile, her wealthy birth mother, Laura Mayfield, battling an illness that might take her life, begins searching for her long-lost daughter to bequeath her inheritance before it is too late. Secretly plotting against her is the gold-digging husband Dylan (played by John Schneider), who is scheming to make sure he inherits her fortune. With the help and prayers of her Christian maid/servant (played by Chonda Pierce), they try to foil Dylan’s plan and reunite Katie and Laura.

Buy Tickets LinK:  https://www.fathomevents.com/events/The-Confession-Musical

MOVIE WEBSITE:  https://confessionmusicalmovie.com/

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BLOG BY BEVERLY LEWIS
New York Times bestseller author of Amish fiction

Shipshewana, Indiana, we soon discovered not only a delightful musical play but also the miracle of a musical.

I was nine-years-old when I wrote my first stories, around the time I learned of my maternal grandmother Ada’s excruciating shunning. Being ousted from her Plain church community and the only people she’d ever known was heartbreaking. Her father warned if she was to remove her prayer covering, and wear a forbidden, gold wedding band, she was never to darken the door of their home again.

As a child, I had no way of comprehending what this shunning meant to Grandmother Ada and to our entire family. Years later, as a young woman—and a budding novelist—I conducted extensive research into Lancaster County’s Amish traditions and secret practices. It was at that time my now-famous lead character, Katie Lapp, was birthed in my heart. You see, Grandma Ada’s great sorrow following her shunning planted the seeds for my Amish series, “The Heritage of Lancaster County,” from which came The Shunning, and its sequels, The Confession and The Reckoning, and subsequently, “The Confession Musical.”

Previously, I had written and published nearly 60 books for young readers, including for pre-teen and teen girls, but I questioned whether the story burning within me, The Shunning, would translate to adult fiction.

Write your heart and cling to the Lord. Those words kept coming back to me, encouraging me onward. And, while in deep prayer, I asked God to guide this family story I felt such urgency to write: the story of my precious grandmother who followed her heart right out of her ultra-strict community to marry a ministerial student instead of the farmer her father had picked out for her.

When I think of all she endured, my heart is tender realizing that I am truly a recipient of Grandmother Ada’s brave move to follow the Lord. And I am certain I would not be writing stories set in Amish farmland otherwise. Ada’s dedication to her Savior, Jesus, and to the ministry altered the entire half of our family tree and set me on a path of writing a new sub-genre category: Amish fiction.

To begin writing my first novel for adults, I gathered the pieces of everything I knew about that terrible time for Ada, and included Katie Lapp’s unique circumstances of adoption and the search for her birth mother. (The compelling theme of adoption was heavily influenced by my own children’s adoptions.)

More than a decade later, when producer Dan Posthuma approached me about a possible Amish musical based on my popular Heritage book series, I was admittedly surprised. It was hard to imagine someone compressing the story lines from three novels spanning more than a year’s time, into a single stage production. But my husband and I committed the project to prayer.

On Opening Night at the Blue Gate Theatre in of Martha Bolton’s script-writing skills, embellished by Wally Nason’s beautiful and well-integrated musical score. “The Confession Musical” was a hit! And we traveled to see it numerous times with our extended family and many avid fans in various venues in both Indiana and Pennsylvania. Katie Lapp’s story set to music was truly captivating.

Fast forward to the present….

Blue Gate Musicals recently created “The Confession Musical Movie,” to debut in theatres for one night only, on February 20, 2023—thanks to the top movie theatre distributor Fathom Events. It is exciting to know that thousands more live theatre fans will have the opportunity to see this entertaining musical inspired by the Beverly Lewis Amish novels. And with Chonda Pierce and John Schneider in their starring roles, viewers will be both wowed and inspired by Katie Lapp’s heartwarming love story, rejection (shunning), redemption and celebration during a story journey like no other…which strangely seems so true-to-life.

Chonda Pierce’s spontaneous antics on stage (her facial expressions!) bring the jovial maid, Rosie, to bursting life. What would this musical play be without the comedic humor Chonda delivers so freely? For comedy lovers, Chonda’s stage presence is pure joy.

John Schneider’s strong portrayal of the deceiving and debonair Dylan Bennet’s character is something to behold. Viewers will love to hate. His lines are delivered so effortlessly, you’re convinced he is Dylan Bennet.

The epic story, the flow of dramatic scenes, and the soaring music, will have you clapping right along with the live audience. “My Heart Has Found A Home” will echo in your mind long after the credits, as will the toe-tapping opening and finale “Something ‘Bout A Life that’s Plain.”

I laughed so hard during the song, “What A Mess,” and brushed tears away at the show-stopper, “Where You Are,” an enthralling, if not heartbreaking trio sung by Katie Lapp, her Amish mamma, Rebecca Lapp, and her birth mother, Laura Mayfield.

For sure and for certain, you must see this movie musical to believe it!

~ By Beverly Lewis, author of The Orchard, released September 2022.

MY REVIEW:

I didn’t realize when I agreed to watch and review “The Confession Musical” that my husband and I had recently watched the drama version on TV. Truthfully, I wasn’t so sure how much I would enjoy the musical version but I was committed so we both watched it The basic plot is similar but there are obvious departures from the drama – you know this is a musical. Be prepared for a lengthy film and you might want to have a few tissues handy. Despite the sometimes serious content, this musical has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, mostly due to the antics of Chondra Pierce as Rosie and Colin Alexander as Fulton. I think their scenes were my favorites. John Schneider also played his part well as anyone familiar with his work would guess. Musical interludes varied from seriously lovely to lively, amusing, and entertaining. “The Confessions Musical” is a film you can enjoy with your entire family.

Many thanks to Blue Gate Musicals for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

MY REVIEW:

Once again Laura Frantz has penned an exquisite, emotional historical romance that offers her readers an intimate view of a unstable period of British history. The vivid descriptions of the Scottish countryside as well as Wedderburn castle were captivating. Characters were realistic and seemed to practically step off the page.

I personally do not know much about that era and found myself a bit confused at times but eventually the author provided enough details that helped me to understand the dilemma Lady Blythe and Everard faced. The development of their relationship was intriguing, especially as Lady Blythe was an inconvenient guest Everard had to endure. I particularly liked witnessing the personal growth in both Everard and Blythe as their story progressed. They were confronted by difficult choices but those very choices strengthened both their faith and love for each other.

As always I recommend anything written by Laura Frantz. The Rose and the Thistle is a must read for those who enjoy British history, especially with a Scottish setting.

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:

In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley’s father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Blythe quietly awaits the crowning of a new king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known.

No sooner has Everard Hume lost his father, Lord Wedderburn, than Lady Hedley arrives with her maid in tow. He has his own problems–a volatile brother with dangerous political leanings, an estate to manage, and a very young brother in need of comfort and direction. It would be best for everyone if he could send this misfit heiress on her way as soon as possible.

In this whirlwind of intrigue, ambitions, and shifting alliances, Blythe yearns for someone she can trust. But the same forces that draw her and Everard together also threaten to tear them apart.

Read an excerpt here.

Purchase a copy here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Laura Frantz is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of more than a dozen novels, including The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Lacemaker, and A Heart Adrift. She is a proud mom of an American soldier and a career firefighter. A direct descendant of George Hume of Wedderburn Castle, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion, Laura lives with her husband in Washington State. Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Expired Return by Lisa Phillips, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: Expired Return Series: Last Chance Fire and Rescue #1 Author: Lisa Phillips Publisher: Sunrise Publishing Release Date: January 31, 2023 Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

She’ll give everything to protect her family.

He always knew she was the one.

Veterinary tech Pepper Miller lives a quiet life in Last Chance County. She’s watching her niece until her sister shows up…if she ever does. When Victory’s father demands he take over her care, Pepper knows something has gone wrong. With a new drug in town, and her sister embroiled in a dangerous bargain, it’s up to Pepper to protect the people she loves.

Even if it costs every secret she’s ever kept.

Fire Department liaison Allen Frees lives with the injuries he sustained as a police officer in a raid gone wrong. He’s put his life back together but getting the truck crew and engine squad to succeed might be his toughest assignment yet. When Victory is nearly kidnapped at a community event, Allen steps in to help Pepper keep her niece safe. The one thing he couldn’t fix was the love he lost, but he isn’t going to let Pepper walk away this time.

No matter what walls he has to break down.

Last Chance County returns in this blazing new series from Sunrise Publishing.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookBub

More Books in this Series:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 50 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). As a worship leader for Calvary Chapel churches in her local area, Lisa has discovered a love for mentoring new ministry members and youth worship musicians.

Discover the world of Last Chance Fire and Rescue at https://lastchancecounty.com/lc-fire

Connect with Lisa by visiting www.authorlisaphillips.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

EXCERPT:

“Anyway, I might have something for you to look into. So give me a call back.” Allen tapped the dash screen and ended the call to Tate, where he’d left the local private investigator a message. Maybe his friend could help Pepper. It certainly wasn’t in Allen’s purview as the City Hall liaison to the fire department.

He shoved the truck into park and let out a long sigh.

I have to go. And wasn’t that the truth? The woman did nothing but try to get away from him.

Instead of letting that go around and around in his mind, Allen shoved the door open. He moved his seat back and dragged the folded wheelchair across his body. He set it down on the ground beside his vehicle.

In the process, he got the thing mostly unfolded. Enough he could sit in it.

Allen shifted his body to the edge of the seat and clasped the tether that hung from the grab handle. He braced his foot and lowered himself hand over hand using the rope knots, so he didn’t fall too fast.

He’d learned that one the hard way.

He grabbed the last knot and lowered his butt into the chair. Shifted his foot. The other foot. Shut the door. Clicked his keys.

Done.

He thanked God every chance he got that he’d managed to figure this process out—with some modifications to his truck so it was drivable for him. People had tried to tell him the process was too convoluted or that someone with a disability like his couldn’t drive anything but a van—as if—or a tiny car. Barf. Well, they could quite frankly pry this truck from his cold dead hands. Or bury him in it.

GIVEAWAY:

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Expired Return, a $10 Amazon gift card, and sticker swag from Last Chance County!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 31, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 7, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

MY REVIEW:

How in the world do I even begin to review this wonderful novel!? Yesterday’s Tides is a remarkable feat of writing. I cannot imagine how the author managed to keep everything straight but managed to tie characters from several of her previous series to the characters in this book. Somehow I had missed the notice that she was doing that so every time I ran across a familiar name, it was a delightful surprise.

Yesterday’s Tides is a dual time novel that features characters from both World War 1 and the early days of World War 2. In this story readers will find secret agents, secret codes, and characters with their own secrets as well as a bit of adventure, danger, and of course romance. With the beautiful yet mysterious setting of Ocracoke Island, who could ask for more?

With every book I read by Roseanna M. White, I believe it is her best one yet. The books keep getting better and I do not plan to miss a one of them.

Rather than risk spoilers, I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy as soon as you can lay your hands on one. Better yet, read all of White’s previous series so that you can be as delightfully surprised as I was.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In two world wars, intelligence and counterintelligence, prejudice, and self-sacrifice collide across two generations

In 1942, Evie Farrow is used to life on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same–until the German U-boats haunting their waters begin to wreak havoc. And when special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie’s inn, her life is turned upside down. While Sterling’s injuries keep him inn-bound for weeks, making him even more anxious about the SS officer he’s tracking, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own.

Decades earlier, in 1914, Englishman Remington Culbreth arrives at the Ocracoke Inn for the summer, never expecting to fall in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper’s daughter. But when war breaks out in Europe, their relationship is put in jeopardy and may not survive what lies ahead for them.

As the ripples from the Great War rock Evie and Sterling’s lives in World War II, it seems yesterday’s tides may sweep them all into danger again today.

Read an excerpt HERE.

Purchase a copy HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. She pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of numerous novels, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to Edwardian British series. Roseanna lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.roseannamwhite.com.

MY REVIEW:

As is usually the case with Love Inspired Suspense novels, the danger and action began in Christmas Crime Cover-Up almost immediately and only took infrequent breaks along the way. Someone is trying to kill Nora Duke and her friend Felicity but no one seems to know who or why.

I enjoyed taking another trip to Death Valley and catching up with members of the Duke family as well as other characters from previous books in this series. It was also fun to meet new characters, especially Seth and Bubbles the donkey. As expected there were multiple twists and turns to the exciting plot that climaxed with a surprise villain. Just try and guess this one!

Nora’s visit to her hometown was intended to last just long enough to rescue a donkey but her plans changed drastically. She was reluctant to face her family and others in the community after her abrupt departure years ago. Although Seth had a few struggles of his own, he was compelled to act as Nora’s protector and offered his support and advice as they became better acquainted.

I loved how Nora’s attitude toward the Lord and her family changed over the course of this excellent story of forgiveness and reconciliation. I thoroughly enjoyed Christmas Crime Cover-Up and will continue to read any book Dana Mentink cares to write.

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 Crime Cover-Up Author: Dana Mentink Genre:Inspy Suspense Release date: November 29, 2022 Click here to get your copy!

From USA TODAY bestselling author Dana Mentink…

A violent attack

Isn’t the homecoming she expected.

When an ATV tries to run her down in Death Valley, animal rescuer Nora Duke knows it’s a sign she never should have returned. Now she’s stuck on Seth Castillo’s ranch until Christmas with a pregnant donkey—and a criminal desperate to silence her. Facing her past is as terrifying as uncovering a killer’s twisted plan. But can Seth convince her to stay…if they live through the holidays?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Desert Justice

Book 1: Framed in Death Valley
Book 2: Missing in the Desert
Book 3: Death Valley Double Cross
Book 4: Death Valley Hideout
Book 5: Christmas Crime Cover-Up
Book 6: Targeted in the Desert

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion. She’s written over fifty titles in the suspense, lighthearted romance and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.) Her monthly newsletter features plenty of goodies, gab and giveaways. https://www.subscribepage.com/b8q0y5

MORE FROM DANA:

Well here we go! Book five in the Desert Justice series features Nora (Chief Jude’s estranged sister), a wild donkey who needs rescuing, and a crime from the past that intrudes into the present. Twisty, right? I was inspired to write this story after visiting Death Valley and learning about the feral donkeys which inhabit the region. They’re cute, visitors love them, but the burros can encounter health problems and cause environmental damage if they aren’t settled into a safe area. It’s amazing to me that wild donkeys are adept at detecting underground water sources. They dig “wells” which can benefit many thirsty animals. Fascinating, right? Hope you’ll enjoy meeting Bubbles the donkey and the helpful humans who rescue her in this novel. God bless and thanks for reading!

BLOG STOPS:

Pause for Tales, December 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 11

For Him and My Family, December 11

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 12

Holly’s Book Corner, December 12

Blogging With Carol, December 13

Vicky Sluiter, December 13

For the Love of Literature, December 14

Lily’s Book Reviews, December 14

Cover Lover Book Review, December 15

Simple Harvest Reads, December 15 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Blossoms and Blessings, December 16

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 16

Labor Not in Vain, December 16

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

(If the winner is outside the U.S., then he or she will receive an eBook.)

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/22ec8/christmas-crime-cover-up-celebration-tour-giveaway