by admin | Sep 26, 2019 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Romance
MY REVIEW:
A Christmas Haven is another heartwarming Christmas novella by the team of Cindy Woodsmall and her daughter-in-law Erin. In this book readers will revisit characters from last year’s Christmas novella, The Christmas Remedy. Not only will they catch up with Holly and Joshua but Holly’s sister Ivy takes center stage along with a couple of totally new characters.
The story itself actually covers a number of months but concludes during the Christmas season. Ivy finds the strict rules of her Old Order Amish community to be restrictive and has already begun to make plans to leave when Arlan and his sister Madga take refuge in her family’s home. The brother and sister are members of an even more conservative Amish group and find the Old Order practices to be quite liberal in comparison to how they have been raised. Over time both Arlan and Ivy begin to question their personal beliefs and decisions they have made.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Christmas Haven and appreciated the spiritual journey that several characters traveled during the course of the book. I encountered a number of very quotable passages during my reading and particularly liked the conclusions that Arlan came to about grace.
A Christmas Haven is another keeper for my growing collection of Christmas themed books. Readers who enjoy Amish fiction should love this one.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Waterbrook Multnomah. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
For fans of holiday romances and Amish life comes a new Christmas tale of surprising expectations and discovering miracles.
Old Order Amish Ivy Zook is wrestling with her need to shed her community’s ways so she can grow the business of her dreams: planning parties. As long as she’s stuck living without modernization, she can barely get her business on its feet. But if she leaves too soon, she’d cause trouble for her sister, Holly, who is planning her wedding to Joshua Smucker. All of their plans become twice as complicated when an old car crashes into the storefront of Greene’s Pharmacy, carrying a Swartzentruber (ultra-conservative sect) Amish man, Arlan, and his very ill sister.
The Zooks take in Arlan and Madga, tending to the woman’s illness and Arlan begins helping around the family farm. Ivy and Arlan are on different tracks, one wanting to leave her community and the other to return to his. But both young people are trying to discover what God has in store for their futures and what miracles might lie around the corner this Christmas season.
Read the first chapter Here.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Cindy Woodsmall is the “New York Times” and CBA best-selling author of eighteen works of fiction. She’s been featured in national media outlets such as ABC’s “Nightline” and the “Wall Street Journal.” Cindy has won numerous awards and has been finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards. Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in Flowery Branch, GA.
Erin Woodsmall is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of three. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade. She is very excited about their first coauthored book.
Find out more about Cindy and Erin at http://www.cindywoodsmall.com.
by admin | Sep 25, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
The more I read by Chautona Havig, the more I realize just what a talent she has. Words seem to flow effortlessly from this lady no matter what genre she decides to tackle. Whether it is mystery/suspense, contemporary romance, or a historical western, I have found that I can expect a few hours of reading enjoyment.
The Trouble With Nancy certainly met my expectations. Nancy, the heroine was a feisty and determined young woman who decided to step up and help save her family home despite the fact that she was woefully ill-equipped to take her brother’s place as a rider for the Pony Express. As I rode alongside Nancy in my imagination for all those harrowing miles as she bounced along painfully, I experienced hardship, danger, some unsavory characters, and even a few who went out of their way to help. A surprise romance added the perfect icing to the cake. I found myself laughing out loud at some of Nancy’s exploits one moment and holding my breath during others.
I particularly loved how Nancy grew closer to the Lord through her experiences and matured from a silly, self-absorbed girl into a wise and caring young woman. I am thankful that I had the chance to read this great book and hope that there will be more of this type coming soon.
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 Trouble with Nancy
Author: Chautona Havig
Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Western
Release Date: July 18, 2019 |
 |
Her reputation precedes her, whether the bad guys realize it or not.
Nancy Harrison has finally stepped out of her prissy box and tried to do something helpful–but did she go overboard in her first self-less act?
She can’t ride, she hates horses, and she’s terrified of being alone. What’s a girl to do?
Join the Pony Express, of course.
When Nancy Harrison’s family receives a tax bill they can’t pay, there’s only one option open to them. Her brother, Lewis, will have to join the Pony Express and earn the money that way.
It would have worked, too, if ruffians hadn’t attacked him and broken his leg.
She doesn’t want to do it, of course, but what choice is there? Lose everything or ride a stupid, smelly horse for a few weeks? Nancy decides that she’ll chop off her hair, take to the dusty overland trail, and prove that she isn’t a “flighty little thing.”
But things go from bad to worse as she discovers that riding astride is worse than sidesaddle—especially when you’re not used to it.
Can’t she just go back home to balls, teas, and the hope of a suitor before her twentieth birthday? Sans her hair, of course, because that’ll entice the fellows. Sigh.
Click here to get your copy!
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.
VIDEO CHAT WITH CHAUTONA:
BLOG STOPS:
| Daysong Reflections, September 25
Quiet Workings, September 25
Blossoms and Blessings, September 26
Books, Life, and Christ, September 26
Pause for Tales , September 27
For Him and my Family, September 27
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , September 28
Texas Book-aholic, September 29
Mary Hake, September 29
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 30
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 30
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 1 |
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 2
For the Love of Books , October 2
Inklings and notions, October 3
Emily Yager, October 4
Batya’s Bits, October 4
Older & Smarter?, October 5
janicesbookreviews, October 6
Betti Mace, October 6
A Reader’s Brain, October 7
Wishful Endings, October 7
Lots of Helpers, October 8
She Lives to Read, October 8 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of the book and a Pony Express book cozy!!
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/ed48/the-trouble-with-nancy-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Sep 23, 2019 | Books, Gold Rush, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Hills of Nevermore is a historical western featuring two young widows with children who form a bond on their wagon train journey to the west and decide to work together to establish a restaurant in the gold fields. As can be expected the long road to that dream is filled with action and danger which includes some Indians, drunken miners, corrupt law enforcement, and road bandits. The Old West was definitely not the most forgiving place to start over, especially as a woman but as most readers can imagine, two men were ready and willing to protect and help these independent ladies. But could they overcome the obstacles between them to find happily-ever-afters together?
Although this is my first book by this author, I found it to be quite enjoyable. I have a weakness for Westerns and this fit the genre quite nicely. I particularly liked the strong faith element that was woven seamlessly throughout the story as well as each character’s spiritual growth as it progressed. It was interesting to get to know each character and learn more about their past and how that affected their decisions. It was also fun to discover the sweet scene from which this novel got its name.
I enjoyed Hills of Nevermore so much that I look forward to the next book in the series.
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:
Can a young widow hide her secret shame from the Irish circuit preacher bent on helping her survive?
In an Idaho Territory boom town, America Liberty Reed overhears circuit preacher Shane Hayes try to persuade a hotel owner to close his saloon on Sunday. Shane lands face-down in the mud for his trouble, and there’s talk of shooting him. America intervenes and finds herself in an unexpectedly personal conversation with the blue-eyed preacher. Certain she has angered God in the past, she shies away from Shane.
Addie Martin, another widow, invites America to help in her cook tent in Virginia City, the new mining town. Even with Addie’s teenage son helping with America’s baby, life is hard. Shane urges America to depart for a more civilized location. Neither Shane’s persuasions nor road agents, murder, sickness, or vigilante violence can sway America. Loyalty and ambition hold her fast until dire circumstances force her to confront everything she believes about herself, Shane, and God.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
My father instilled a love of literature in me at an early age by reading chapters from “The Wizard of Oz,” “Robinson Crusoe” and other classics. When I grew older, and he stopped reading bedtime stories, I put myself to sleep with tales I “wrote” in my head. My sixth-grade teacher noticed my penchant for writing and encouraged me to become a novelist.
I’m considered a multi-genre author, but I like to think of myself as a storyteller. The same elements appear in all my novels in proportions dictated by their genre: romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy.
Sign up at http://janalynvoigt.com to be notified when these titles release, for book extras, and reader bonuses.
Epic Fantasy: “DawnSinger” and “Wayfarer” are the first two novels in the epic fantasy series, “Tales of Faeraven.” The final books in the series, “Sojourner” and “DawnKing,” are under contract with my publisher.
Historical Fiction: “Hills of Nevermore,” first installment in the “Montana Gold,” set during Montana’s gold rush in the days of vigilante justice, will release in 2017.
Romantic Suspense/Mystery: “Deceptive Tide (Islands of Intrigue-San Juans)” will release in October 2016. This title is romantic suspense, but I am also branching into writing mystery novels written in the classic style of Mary Stewart and Victoria Holt.
Find out more about my books and about me as an author at my website: http://janalynvoigt.com.
by admin | Sep 21, 2019 | Books
On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Book Tour Grand Finale for
Evermore
By Jody Hedlund
We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you’ll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:
Launch – Author Interview
What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read it?
In addition to enjoying a sweet love stories set in the midst of exciting adventures, I hope that readers will take away a few nuggets of truth that they can apply to their own lives. Evermore specifically talks about the importance of gaining wisdom, and it’s my hope that readers will be inspired to seek more of God’s wisdom in their lives.
It’s All About the Romance – Excerpt
“I shall ride the final course.” I grabbed the great helm. “You know I have the better chance at vanquishing Lord Mortimer.”
“No, Adelaide.” Mitchell reached to divest me of the helmet, but I sidestepped him and thrust it on before he could wrest it away.
“I shall pretend I am you, and Lord Mortimer will be none the wiser.” My voice was hollow against the conical metal hood that covered my entire head except for the narrow eye slits and the small pricked breathing holes. I fumbled at the leather chinstrap, determined to tie it into place before Mitchell stopped me.
Library Lady’s Kid Lit – Review
“Jody Hedlund has done a good job of making her readers care about the characters. . . . The fantasy elements remain consistent with those in the prequel. I look forward to reading the additional books in The Lost Princesses series once they are released.”
Andi’s Young Adult Books – Excerpt
“We need this victory more than any other.” I stiffened my shoulders as Mitchell began to thread the belt from my cuirass to the cross-shaped hole at the base of the helm. Though I couldn’t see Mitchell anymore, I sensed his troubled gaze upon me. With the customary Langley brown hair and eyes, he was small of stature for a man, more scholarly and interested in his studies than in tournaments. However, like any good nobleman’s son, he’d been trained to use both his mind and body.
Getting Your Read On – Review
“Jody Hedlund has a gift for writing. No doubt about it. This Lost Princesses series falls right in my sweet spot for reading. I am transported to the world she created with characters I can love and root for without even thinking about it. I love it.”
Colorimetry – Excerpt
“That monster will not have you,” Mitchell had declared viciously after the hunting party. “Though you would be harder to control than a wild coyote, I would sooner marry you myself.”
I’d laughed at Mitchell’s passionate declaration. Only months my elder, he wasn’t my cousin by blood or birth. In fact, we weren’t related in any way. But I saw him as none other than my true kin. We’d been inseparable growing up, and he was my steadfast friend.
Remembrancy – Review
“Once again Hedlund delivers an engaging and well-balanced tale full of adventure, danger, romance, and characters becoming who God intended them to be.”
Jorie Loves A Story – Excerpt
Even now, I held out my gauntlet-gloved fingers and waited until I felt his hand in mine. “We shall prevail, Mitchell,” I assured him. “And if Lord Mortimer ever discovers our duplicity, he will certainly put his thoughts far from me, for he will not be able to abide a wife who has knocked him from his horse.”
I didn’t wait for Mitchell’s response. Instead, I shoved aside the tent flap and proceeded toward the lists. With spurs jangling and armor clanking, I joined the other knights with an air of confidence from years of training.
Reading Is My SuperPower – Review
“Evermore is a masterpiece of fiction – this whole series is shaping up to be so. Adventure, romance, bravery, courage, loyalty, godly wisdom, and true love (even from unexpected sources) are all wrapped up in a tale laced with legend and intriguing possibilities. You’ll want to keep reading, unable to put it down, but at the same time you won’t want it to end.”
Bookworm Mama – Excerpt
Mitchell handed me a lance made of solid oak and decorated with red and white to match the Langley heraldry. I braced the long weapon under my arm and against my ribs, tilting it slightly forward to maintain my balance. I pressed my thighs into Roland’s flank, needing to become one with the beast. This tournament was a partnership. I couldn’t succeed without Roland’s cooperation—his measured speed, his balance against the pressure of our opponent, and the ability to sense my needs.
Bookworm Lisa – Review
“I LOVE this series. That’s all there is to it. . . . This story has many elements that I love. There is action, adventure, strong female characters, romance, medieval setting, self-sacrifice… if I don’t stop now it could end up being a very long list.”
All-of-a-kind Mom – Review
“The setting is delightful, the twists and turns, engaging, filled with danger, and yes, even suspense. You never know just what to expect. This story kept me reading, and left me wanting more. I can’t wait to read the last two books in this series!!”
J. L. Mbewe – Excerpt
“God be with you.” Mitchell gave my gloved hand a final squeeze. He spoke with confidence, but I could still distinguish a thin strand of anxiety in his tone. Not only was he worried about his mother the same as I was, but so many responsibilities had fallen on his shoulders, including the weight of the earldom, a weight that had been growing steadily heavier.
As the youngest of three brothers, Mitchell hadn’t expected to carry such burdens. But Norbert had died in youth, and Christopher had run away five years ago. Older than Mitchell and me by two years, Christopher had a courage of both body and spirit I admired greatly. While I’d never been as close to Christopher as I had to Mitchell, I still held him in the highest regard.
Britt Reads Fiction – Review
“Evermore is book one in The Lost Princesses series. Adelaide and Christopher were so wonderful in this novel. Both of these characters had a real heart for doing right and caring for others. . . . This story was captivating from start to finish.”
Shalini’s Books & Reviews – Review
“. . . the story caught my imagination and wonder with its gripping tale which bespoke of adventure and a promise to keep me enthralled from the first page. . . . An exciting tale the book foretold, a brilliant author the words revealed, and a plot which galloped at a swift pace made this a perfect read in the lazy afternoon.”
Hearts & Scribbles – Excerpt
Through my eye slits, I focused on my opponent on the other end of the list. Lord Mortimer was a formidable foe. Nigh on thirty, he was strong and experienced. But a greater weakness than his left side was his arrogance. He would expect Mitchell to come at him with his usual quick and powerful thrust. He would pride himself on knowing Mitchell so well.
But if God looked upon me graciously this day, I would deliver a thrust Lord Mortimer wasn’t expecting.
Heidi Reads… – Review
“The author did a great job of giving the reader a sense of her character and personality before the action and adventure swept the story into a faster pace. . . . I easily connected with the characters and felt the danger and excitement as I read. I’m looking forward to the next two books and am *very* appreciative that there won’t be a long wait for them!”
Adventures Thru Wonderland – Review
“As with Always, I was delighted to read this! . . . The characters in this series are so real, and combined with the attention to detail that makes it easy to picture each scene . . . impossible to put down!”
Backing Books – Review
“The moment I realized that Adelaide was able to fight on her own, though not perhaps as well as an Elite Guard, I knew that she was going to be an interesting character. . . . For anyone looking to pick up this series, know that it is a sweet, fairy tale like romance.”
Paulette’s Papers – Excerpt
The bugle call rent the air, clear and strong, quieting the crowd. Roland started forward, needing no urging on my part. His pace was perfect, providing adequate speed but smooth enough I could keep my balance.
With the thundering of horse hooves filling the silence, I focused on the part of Lord Mortimer’s armor I intended to hit. I ground my teeth together, tightened my grip, thrust the lance, and then braced for impact.
bluestockings_and_books – Review
“I love how all of the books are connected and different pieces of the puzzle! Very clean. Jody Hedlund is such a great author!”
Among the Reads – Review
“I enjoyed the burgeoning romance between Adelaide and Christopher and the way they fought their attraction to one another. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen and was surprised by some of the events. . . . While the story is listed as Historical fiction, I would consider it more of a fantasy. Young adults (and adults) who enjoy fantasy should consider reading this interesting series.”
Kathryn Cooper Writes – Review
“Incredible! I loved this teen historical fiction with romance and adventure! I went straight from reading the novella to this first book in the trilogy. . . . I loved this YA Christian Fiction! I plan to read the next two books as soon as they are released!”
What’s Beyond Forks? – Review
“Evermore is the first book in the Lost Princesses series by Jody Hedlund. This story was packed with suspense and adventure. There was always something happening. It kept me thoroughly glued to its pages. . . . This book has so much going for it. I highly recommend this one.”
Singing Librarian Books – Excerpt
We returned to our respective corners of the list, raised our lances, and then began to ride toward each other once again. I bent closer to Roland, needing his strength, begging him for it. Then I put all thought out of my mind, save one—the target on Lord Mortimer’s chest.
Roland’s gait lengthened. His canter quickened. And the pounding of his iron-shod hooves echoed the thud of my heart. I sensed we were working together. We were a team. And this time I had to hit my mark.
Simply Susan – Review
“Hedlund has excelled once again with her medieval tale. Truly, I think this is her forte. She does a magnificent job with these stories. I love this time period and she is wonderful at it. I loved every minute and now I can’t wait for the next lost princess’s tale!”
Read Write Breathe – Review
“Evermore started with an opening that one would expect from A Knight’s Tale . . . Quite humorous as the switch takes place . . . this is a need to read not to be missed novel.”
Hallie Reads – Review
“. . . I loved these stories. Fun, heartfelt, exciting, they embody everything I expect from a medieval story, and each character proves to be strong and capable, in his or her own way, seeking the truth of God through the experiences. I cannot wait to return to the adventure in the next two Lost Princesses stories, and in the meantime, I highly recommend Always and Evermore.”
Teatime and Books – Review
“Evermore is one of the best books of the year! I absolutely loved this tale and the whole series! . . . I truly loved this tale, it is just filled with so much adventure, magic, and romance! If you love fairytales and a good romantic trope, than this is the book for you!”
Romancing History – Review
“From the very beginning I was intrigued with Hedlund’s characters, especially the heroine, Adelaide . . . the plot moved quickly with twists and turns that kept me swiping the electronic pages of my Kindle long after I should have gone to bed. . . . As a writer of historical romance, I found this medieval tale packed full of historical details. . . . Readers who enjoy YA fiction or historical romance will enjoy this book.”
Splashes of Joy – Review
“I love a good fairytale, and author Jody Hedlund writes just that in her new medieval series. I love the characters, and how they develop so well into the story. I was pulled into the story from the beginning, and this was a hard one for me to put down, once I started reading. . . . You can’t go wrong with “Evermore”.”
Aunt Addie’s Bookshelf – Review
“. . . seriously, you need to read these books! . . . These books weren’t just all about romance though! In “Evermore”, it was about jousting, uncovering secrets buried for over seventeen years, fleeing a tyrant all while trying to gain the love and support of the people!
Red Headed Book Lady – Review
“Another wow for Jody Hedlund! She delivers yet another exciting medevil tale and doesn’t disappoint!! . . . This story is full of action everytime you turn around and that is what I like in a book.”
DEEKAY | Daily Dose of Reading – Review
“Lots of great action, amazing and intense plot, smooth and clean storyline. I didn’t know it will be this good. There are so much happening in the story that gave me so many feelings about this book. . . . I loved the storyline and the plot, and I can’t wait to read the other two books that will focuses on Princess Maribel and Princess Emmeline.”
Harlie’s Books – Review
“This is such a great book. . . . Ms. Hedlund has written a wonderful story with an evil king, princesses, knights and a world that I wouldn’t mind living in. I can’t wait to meet the other princesses.”
Don’t forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post…
Always
(The Lost Princesses #0.5)
By Jody Hedlund
Christian YA Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 136 Pages
August 13th 2019 by Northern Lights Press
A fierce elite guard. A loyal lady in waiting. They must work together to save three princesses from certain death.
On the verge of dying after giving birth to twins, the queen of Mercia pleads with Lady Felicia to save her infant daughters. With the castle overrun by King Ethelwulf’s invading army, Lady Felicia vows to do whatever she can to take the newborn princesses and their three-year old sister to safety, even though it means sacrificing everything she holds dear, possibly her own life.
Gravely wounded in battle and knowing all is lost to his enemy, the king of Mercia tasks Lance, one of his fiercest elite guards, to protect his family along with keys to an ancient treasure. As Lance makes plans to sneak the princesses out of the capital city, he doesn’t need or want Lady Felicia’s help.
With the dark enemy in pursuit, Lance and Felicia must put aside their differences to outrun King Ethelwulf and prevent him from killing the princesses. In a desperate attempt to hide the young girls, Lance and Felicia agree to a marriage of convenience, a decision that will change their lives—and hearts—forever.
(Affiliate links included.)
Goodreads?Amazon?Barnes & Noble?Book Depository
Also FREE through KindleUnlimited
Evermore
(The Lost Princesses #1)
By Jody Hedlund
Christian YA Historical
Paperback & ebook, 222 Pages
August 27th 2019 by Northern Lights Press
An ancient key. A secret treasure. And a princess destined to use them both to fight evil and restore peace.
Raised by a noble family, Lady Adelaide has always known she’s an orphan. Little does she realize she’s one of the lost princesses and the true heir to Mercia’s throne…until a visitor arrives at her family estate, reveals her birthright as queen, and thrusts her into a quest for the throne whether she’s ready or not.
Unable to tolerate King Ethelwulf’s cruelty and lawlessness, Christopher Langley left Mercia years earlier, training a group of rebels in neighboring Norland. When he returns home after his mother’s death, he discovers that not only is Adelaide all grown up, but she’s also the rightful queen of Mercia.
When King Ethelwulf discovers Adelaide’s location, he’ll stop at nothing to capture her and the key she holds to the ancient treasure. Christopher is just as determined to protect Adelaide so she can lead the growing rebellion. When feelings ignite between the two old friends, forces threaten to destroy their love and rip them apart forever.
(Affiliate links included.)
Goodreads?Amazon?Barnes & Noble?Book Depository
Also FREE through KindleUnlimited
OtherBooks in the Series
Coming late September and October. Pre-order now! (Affiliate links included.)
About the Author
Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves fairy-tales and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five teen-aged children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.
Website?Goodreads?Facebook?Twitter?Pinterest?Instagram?BookBub
Tour Giveaway
One winner will receive the prequel and all three books in The Lost Princesses series (Always, Evermore, Foremost and Hereafter) in paperback or ebook (winner’s choice, if winner is outside the US ebooks only)
Ends September 25, 2019
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tari Faris has been writing fiction for more than 10 years. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers and My Book Therapy, she works for My Book Therapy, manages 
