About the Book
Book: The Kitchen Marriage
Author: Gina Welborn & Beccan Whitham
Publisher: Kensington Publishers
Genre: Inspirational romance/Historical America set in the old west
Release Date: September 25, 2018
A bright future awaits the women of courage and faith who boldly chase their dreams across the wide-open Montana Territory, prepared to embrace adventure and forge their own destinies . . .
When French immigrant Zoe de Fleur is forced out of her position as household cook for a high society New Yorker, the pretty and talented chef seizes an unexpected chance to head west for a new beginning. She pursues what she thinks is a prestigious job in the frontier’s “finest kitchen,” but instead finds herself in a matchmaker’s agency . . .
Isaak Gunderson is one of Helena, Montana’s most eligible bachelors, but he’s too focused on running for mayor and his family’s business to think about a wife and family. His twin brother, Jakob, is supposed to be too busy as well, yet sends for a mail-order bride anyway. Isaak doesn’t want to fuel an ongoing rivalry with his twin, but this tempting newcomer can’t be ignored. If only she’d come to Helena a different way and loving her wasn’t a betrayal . . .
Click here to purchase your copy!
My review:
The Kitchen Marriage has a couple of unexpected twists and a mystery. It was enough to keep my interest and keep me turning pages. I won’t say what happened as I don’t want to spoil it, but do be on the lookout!
This is the second book in a series, and while you can read it as a standalone I wouldn’t recommend it. I haven’t read book one and got lost periodically. But I always found my way back and enjoyed the story.
I did find a few flaws with phrasing etc. and the time period but I could overlook them and become absorbed in the story. The characters were well defined. Some I really liked and others I didn’t, which is the way a good story should be. Not your typical romance, there was enough tension to make it interesting and keep me wondering. If you enjoy historical romance then I recommend giving this a read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
About the Author
GINA WELBORN is the bestselling author of sixteen inspirational romances. She’s a 
member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers, and serves on the ACFW Foundation Board. Sharing her husband’s passion for the premier American sports car, she is a lifetime member of the National Corvette Museum and a founding member of the Southwest Oklahoma Corvette Club. Gina lives with her husband, three of their five children, several rabbits and guinea pigs, and a dog that doesn’t realize rabbits and pigs are edible. Visit her online at GinaWelborn.com.
BECCA WHITHAM (WIT-um) Multi-published author, paper crafter, and Chai tea lover, Becca and her twelve-foot-long craft cabinet follow her husband of more than thirty years to wherever the army currently needs a chaplain. In between moves from one part of the country to the other, she writes stories of faith that touch the heart. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a Genesis Contest finalist. Connect with her online at BeccaWhitham.com.
Guest post from Gina & Becca
Dear Reader,
What’s better than fulfilling a dream? Why…taking the journey with a friend, of course. And we have the army to thank for it. Gina, whose father spent most of his army career at Fort Sill, had just moved back to Lawton, Oklahoma when Becca’s husband received orders to Sill. We were both looking for friendship and found a kindred spirit.
When we first conceived the Montana Brides series over Frappuccinos (Gina) and Chai Tea Lattes (Becca) at our local Starbucks, we set out to make our make our mail-order bride stories different.
The first thing we decided on was setting our series in Helena, Montana because, in 1888, the city boasted the most millionaires per capita in the United States. We liked the idea of a former mining town grown into a cultured city and that it wasn’t the usual isolated ranch setting for a Western.
We also wanted to create stories of mail-order bride romances gone wrong. In fact, our original series title was Mail (Dis) Order Brides. We brainstormed all the ways a mail-order bride story could go sideways and settled on our top three: a widow before a wife; two brothers, one bride; and a deceitful—though well-meaning—matchmaker. The Kitchen Marriage is the second book in this series and puts our heroine, Zoe de Fleur, between twin brothers, Isaak and Jakob Gunderson. Like our first bride, Emilia Stanek (The Promise Bride), Zoe shows up in town knowing no one. Does that sound familiar? As a former military kid and current military wife, we are very familiar with needing to start over, forge new friendships, and make strangers into family.
Thank you for taking a journey into the past with us. We pray you find our stories filled with hope, humor, and happily-ever-afters.
Sincerely,
Gina Welborn and Becca Whitham
Blog Stops
Genesis 5020, November 1
Christian Centered book Reviews, November 1
Carpe Diem, November 1
Cultivating Us, November 2
Remembrancy, November 2
Inklings and Notions, November 3
The Becca Files, November 3
Stories By Gina, November 4
A Baker’s Perspective, November 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 5
Texas Book-aholic, November 5
KarenSueHadley, November 6
Luv’N Lambert Life, November 6
Maureen’s Musings, November 6
cherylbbookblog, November 7
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 7
SusanLovesBooks, November 8
Book by Book, November 8
Janices book reviews, November 8
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 9
Have A Wonderful Day, November 9
A Rup Life, November 10
Baker Kella, November 10
Bibliophile Reviews, November 11
Black ‘n’ Gold Girl’s Book Spot, November 11
Britt Reads Fiction, November 12
Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 12
Bigreadersite, November 12
Daysong Reflections, November 13
Vicky Sluiter, November 13
Singing Librarian Books, November 14
Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 14
Giveaway
To celebrate their tour, Gina and Becca are giving away a copy of The Kitchen Marriage to ten lucky winners!!
Be sure to comment of the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d772/the-kitchen-marriage-celebration-tour-giveaway
About the Book
Book: Love’s Christmas Blessings
Author: Laura V Hilton, Rachel J Good
Genre: Christian Fiction, Amish, Christmas
Release Date: November, 2018
Publisher: Celebrate Lit Publishing
Winter’s Treasure
Paris Kauffman believes she is about to embark on her family-tradition birthday treasure hunt, but for the first time ever, her daed is sending her to various businesses and homes in the community. Little does Paris expect that when she enters the bakery to collect her gift, the bus will drop off none other than her old crush, Aquila Stutzman, the man she’d done everything except cartwheels and handstands to get his attention. And failed. Of course, Quil doesn’t remember her.
Quil was offered employment working on his grandparents’ new tree farm in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Since he’s recovering from a broken heart when his longtime girlfriend Priscilla up and married his cousin, a move Quil never saw coming, he decides to take the job. This will give him time to separate himself from the hurt and maybe, eventually, move on.
Paris and Quil have sparks from the beginning, especially since his appearance causes a vicious rivalry between friends. But who can resist when a chance meeting beginning with donuts and coffee ends with a missing person, puppies, a skunk, and a sleigh ride—not to mention a trip the Amish young people plan to Niagara Falls. Could it also involve falling in love?
Mistletoe and Miracles
Daniel Graber has spent years caring for his aging parents. Now Daed’s in rehab with a broken hip and a bad case of irritability. He snaps at the workers and complains about doing physical therapy, so Daniel is grateful for the new aide, Fern Chupp, who uses her sweetness and charm to convince Daed to cooperate. Turns out, Daed isn’t the only one she charms.
As a widow, Fern is grateful for her new job at Fairview Rehab Center, even though it meant relocating to Ephrata, Pennsylvania, with her nine-year-old daughter, Lyddie. But Lyddie is grieving the recent death of her grandfather and dislikes leaving her Ohio home. Lyddie’s shyness also makes it difficult to make friends or recite school lessons.
When her class goes to the rehab center to interview patients, Lyddie’s too scared to do her assignment, so she runs away. During the hunt for her missing daughter, independent Fern learns to accept and appreciate Daniel’s help and support. By the time they discover Lyddie, she’s made a very unusual friend, and Fern and Daniel have developed a . Can four lonely heart create special bonds to make it a Christmas to remember?
Click here to purchase your copy!
My Review:
Heartwarming is the best word for these books. Full of what Christmas is about, I really enjoyed them.
Between jealousy and grumpiness, you’ll see that people are the way they are for a reason. Both books have wonderful characters who aren’t perfect; who have faults and wounds but allow God to work in their lives to bring about healing and joy.
Adventure and even scheming kept me quickly turning the pages from beginning to end. How would the situations be resolved? Why, in the best of ways! If you enjoy good stories with a message, and of course light romance, then you’ll enjoy Love’s Christmas Blessing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
About the Authors
Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with over twenty Amish, 
contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write.
Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.
When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.
Inspirational author Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, 
hope, and forgiveness. The author of several Amish romance series, she grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for many of her stories. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.
Rachel’s Amish series include Sisters & Friends (Charisma House & Harlequin), Love & Promises (Hachette/Grand Central), Hearts of Amish Country (Annie’s Book Club), and the forthcoming Surprised by Love (Kensington). She also has several anthologies in print as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Book.
To learn more about Rachel, visit her at www.racheljgood.com.
Coconut Potato Fudge Recipe:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup plain, mashed potatoes, either instant or one medium potato, cooked
1/8 cup finely chopped (or crushed) almonds (optional)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 cup shredded coconut
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate
give3 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
Beat powdered sugar and coconut into warm potatoes; then add the vanilla extract and almonds.
Press into a lightly-greased 8-inch square pan; set aside.
In a saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate and butter, stirring occasionally. When melted, pour over top of the potato mixture.
Refrigerate until set and then cut into squares.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Blog Stops
Vicky Sluiter, November 11
The Avid Reader, November 11
Bigreadersite, November 11
Among the Reads, November 12
Wishful Endings, November 12
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 13
Britt Reads Fiction, November 13
Reading Is My SuperPower, November 14
Maureen’s Musings, November 14
Quiet Quilter, November 15
Blossoms and Blessings, November 15
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 16
Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 16
Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, November 17
Through the Lens of Scripture, November 17
Bibliophile Reviews, November 18
Splashes of Joy, November 18
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 19
Mary Hake, November 19
Miss Tina’s Amish Book Reviews, November 20
Just the Write Escape, November 20
Moments, November 21
Bukwurmzzz, November 21
Blogging With Carol, November 22
Texas Book-aholic, November 22
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 23
Janices book reviews, November 23
Carpe Diem, November 24
A Baker’s Perspective, November 24
To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away:
Grand prize of $25 Amazon gift card
1st place: Paperback copy of Love’s Christmas Blessings
2-4th place: eBook copy of Love’s Christmas Blessings!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d8a0/love-s-christmas-blessing-celebration-tour-giveaway
About the Book
Book: Christmas Love Year Round
Author: Elaine Stock
Genre: Christian romance, sweet romance
Release Date: September 25, 2018
Cami Richardson is good at chasing away the men in her life: first Gavin Kinkaid, a former classmate she’d helped to bully, and later, her husband who left her widowed and a single mom. Now all she wants is to bring a smile back to her eight-year-old son. What she doesn’t expect is for Gavin to become her new neighbor.
Gavin wants to settle down after serving in the Air Force and mend the separation between him and his dad. What he didn’t count on is his changing feelings when he sees Cami as a kind woman instead of his former adversary.
When Cami’s son blindsides them both during the Christmas season, is their reunion at risk or will it grow stronger?
Click here to purchase your copy!
My review
Author Elaine Stock takes on the subject of bullying, along with grace, mercy, and forgiveness in this Christmas story. Because yes, a bully can change and the bullied can forgive, all through God’s strength.
While there is a lot of tension in Christmas Love Year Round, it doesn’t make the story difficult to read because it’s combined very well with warmth and hope. The characters are so well developed and strong that you’re sure they can be met in real life. You’ll love them!
If you’re looking for a good Christmas story with a lesson, and of course light romance, then you’ll enjoy this one. I highly recommend adding it to your list.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
About the Author
Elaine Stock is the author of the novels Her Good Girl, winner of the 2018 American 
Fiction Awards in the Christian Inspirational category, and Always With You, which won the 2017 Christian Small Publishers Association Book of the Year Award in fiction. And You Came Along, a novella, released in December 2017. Her novels fuse romance, family drama and faith in a clean fiction style. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, and Women’s Fiction Writers Association. In addition to Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads, she hangs out on her active blog, Everyone’s Story, dedicated to uplifting and encouraging all readers through the power of story and hope.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Elaine has now been living in upstate, rural New York with her husband for more years than her stint as a NYC gal. She enjoys long walks down country roads, visiting New England towns, and of course, a good book.
Guest Post from Elaine
To love someone with all of your heart is the only thing that matters in this world.
Readers often ask the origin of a story idea. When I wrote my first published novel, Always With You, I was asked if my husband was a white supremacist. No! When Her Good Girl released, the questions of whether my mother practiced Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy popped up as well. Although my mother unfortunately did suffer another mental illness, it wasn’t MSP. And now Christmas Love Year Round, Book 1 of the Kindred Lake romance series, is on sale. What does fuel my writing? What is a connecting theme between the stories I write?
Love.
Love is the most essential relationship we must share between all…between family members, friends, neighbors…between strangers, enemies, those who live differently than us, and foreign countries.
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:34-35 (NIV)
Yet, isn’t honest love the hardest thing to do? Perhaps it is also the most difficult virtue to teach and the most vexing passion to express.
Imagine this scenario: You’re a widowed mom with an impressionable eight-year-old son. Your conscience is riddled with the worry that you might have pushed your husband toward his death, and that’s on top of the weight bearing down on you from your childhood days of participating with others to bully a particular family in town.
Then, the one boy who was part of that picked-upon family, now a grown man and stirringly handsome purchases the house across the street from you. You’ll likely see him every day.
And, with a gulp, you realize…that you want to see him. That actually, despite all that transpired between the two of you back in high school, you’re Attracted to him with a Capital A.
Might that magnetism between the two of you be mutual?
This is the set-up between Cami and Gavin in Christmas Love Year Round. Will these two former adversaries forgive not only each other but themselves as well and take loving one’s neighbor to the next step of falling in love and making amends into amens?
May each of you be blessed with love and joy year round!
Blog Stops
Back Porch Reads, November 3
Inklings and notions, November 4
Christian Centered Book Reviews, November 4
Christian Author, J.E. Grace, November 5
Cultivating Us, November 6
Quiet Quilter, November 6
Reading Is My SuperPower, November 7
Singing Librarian Books, November 7
Moments, November 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 9
Robin is Bookish, November 9
Remembrancy, November 10
Vicky Sluiter, November 10
Bibliophile Reviews, November 11
A Baker’s Perspective, November 12
Texas Book-aholic, November 13
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 14
Carpe Diem, November 14
Janices book reviews, November 15
godly Book Reviews, November 16
Bigreadersite, November 16
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Elaine is giving away prizes!
Grand Prize: Winner’s choice between print (US only) or Kindle of Christmas Love Year Round, Kindle of And You Came Along (companion novel to Christmas Love Year Round), and a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card
1st and 2nd Prizes: a Kindle edition of Christmas Love Year Round!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d5c6/christmas-love-year-around-celebration-tour-giveaway
About the Book
Book Title: A Tale of Two Hearts
Author: Michelle Griep
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: September 1, 2018
Innkeeper’s daughter Mina Scott will do anything to escape the drudgery of her life. She saves every penny to attend a finishing school, dreaming of the day she’ll become a real lady—and catch the eye of William Barlow, a frequent guest at the inn.
William is a gentleman’s son, a charming rogue but penniless. However, his bachelor uncle will soon name an heir—either him or his puritanical cousin. In an effort to secure the inheritance, William gives his uncle the impression he’s married, which works until he’s invited to bring his wife for a visit.
William asks Mina to be his pretend bride, only until his uncle names an heir on Christmas Day. Mina is flattered and frustrated by the offer, for she wants a true relationship with William. Yet, she agrees. . .then wishes she hadn’t as she comes to love the old man. And when the truth is finally discovered, more than just money is lost.
Can two hearts survive such a deception?
Click here to purchase your copy!
About the Author
Michelle Griep has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the author of historical romances: The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan.
Guest Post from Michelle
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS FOODS
So, it’s September, and you know what that means? It’s back to school. Pumpkin spiced everything is just around the corner. And it’s nearly time for cardigans and colored leaves. But besides all these autumn staples, it’s also time to start thinking about Christmas, because it will be here before you know it. How about this year you plan ahead to serve some traditional Victorian food?
In my newest release, A Tale of Two Hearts, the heroine’s father is known for his annual oyster stew that he serves on Christmas Eve. Here’s a bit of the background on that tasty soup.
Victorian Oyster Stew
Oysters have been savored in Britain since the days of the Romans. By Victorian times, industrialization cheapened oysters to the point of them becoming a staple of the poor man’s diet and were a frequent fare served in public houses. This, however, depleted their abundance, and by the mid 1800’s, the natural oyster beds became exhausted, making it harder to find good oysters. While other foods were served as well on Christmas Eve, oyster stew was as common as goose or turkey.
Another Victorian favorite that goes great on a crisp evening is good ol’ hot chocolate, though in Dickens’ England, it would’ve been called something else.
Drinking Chocolate
What we now call cocoa or hot chocolate was called drinking chocolate in the mid 1800s. This beverage was a favorite among Victorian ladies. You can find recipes for it even from the Regency era (early 1800s) and here is one for you to make at home.
And last, but not least, who hasn’t heard of Christmas pudding? To our American ears, that sounds like a tasty dish that you’d eat with a spoon and slap a little whipped cream on top. Actually, it’s more like a fruit cake.
Christmas Pudding
Christmas pudding is quite a production, one that begins well before Christmas Day. In fact, it begins on Stir-Up Sunday, the last Sunday before Advent (which is five weeks before Christmas). This is why when Mina, the heroine in A Tale of Two Hearts, returns home from dinner at Uncle Barlow’s, and though it’s not yet Christmas, she sees the pudding moulds on the kitchen table.
If these tastes and the accompanying smells still aren’t quite enough to get you in the Christmas spirit, then snatch yourself up a copy of the second book in the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series. A Tale of Two Hearts is sure to get you in the mood.
My Review
Yes, this this book 2 of the Once Upon A Dickens Christmas, however it can be read as a standalone. But don’t do. Read book 1, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor. It’s really good!
Now, about A Tale of Two Hearts. Author Michelle Griep does a wonderful job of bringing a heartwarming, Dickens-style Christmas to life. Her characters are delightful and real. The descriptions of houses and villages in Victorian England make me want to spend the holidays there.
Several of the characters are facing situations that will test their values. Will they pass the test? The story shows the struggles to follow what they know to be right without being preachy. Redemption and second chances are the constant thread throughout.
Although it’s a quick read, it’s still complex. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Blog Stops
Kat’s Corner Books, October 2
Creating Romance, October 2
Just the Write Escape, October 2
The Avid Reader, October 2
Genesis 5020, October 3
The Power of Words, October 3
Just Commonly, October 3
Baker Kella, October 3
Among the Reads, October 4
Fiction Aficionado, October 4
Godly Book Reviews, October 4
Inklings and Notions , October 4
Captive Dreams Window, October 5
Christian Author, J.E. Grace, October 5
Proud to Be an Autism Mom, October 5
Multifarious, October 6
Reading Is My SuperPower, October 6
The Christian Fiction Girl, October 6
Texas Book-aholic, October 6
Remembrancy, October 7
Splashes of Joy , October 7
Blossoms and Blessings, October 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 7
Back Porch Reads, October 8
A Reader’s Brain, October 8
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, October 8
Janice’s Book Reviews, October 8
Simple Harvest Reads, October 9 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Mary Hake, October 9
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 9
Carpe Diem, October 9
Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 10
Britt Reads Fiction, October 10
Luv’N Lambert Life, October 10
A Baker’s Perspective, October 10
By The Book, October 11
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 11
Book by Book, October 11
Bigreadersite, October 11
More Of Him, October 12
Pause for Tales, October 12
With a Joyful Noise, October 12
Have A Wonderful Day , October 12
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 13
Bibliophile Reviews, October 13
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 13
Vicky Sluiter, October 14
Daysong Reflections , October 14
To Everything A Season, October 14
Henry Happens, October 15
All-of-a-kind Mom, October 15
Reader’s Cozy Corner, October 15
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 15
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d4ef/a-tale-of-two-hearts-celebration-tour-giveaway
Everything She Didn’t Say by Jane Kirkpatrick
In 1911, Carrie Strahorn wrote a memoir entitled Fifteen Thousand Miles by Stage, which shared some of the most exciting events of 25 years of traveling and shaping the American West with her husband, Robert Strahorn, a railroad promoter, investor, and writer. That is all fact. Everything She Didn’t Say imagines Carrie nearly ten years later as she decides to write down what was really on her mind during those adventurous nomadic years.
Certain that her husband will not read it, and in fact that it will only be found after her death, Carrie is finally willing to explore the lessons she learned along the way, including the danger a woman faces of losing herself within a relationship with a strong-willed man and the courage it takes to accept her own God-given worth apart from him. Carrie discovers that wealth doesn’t insulate a soul from pain and disappointment, family is essential, pioneering is a challenge, and western landscapes are both demanding and nourishing. Most of all, she discovers that home can be found, even in a rootless life.
With a deft hand, New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick draws out the emotions of living–the laughter and pain, the love and loss–to give readers a window not only into the past, but into their own conflicted hearts. Based on a true story.
In 1911, Carrie Strahorn wrote a memoir sharing some of the most exciting events of twenty-five years of shaping the American West with her husband, railroad promoter and writer Robert Strahorn. Nearly ten years later, she’s finally ready to reveal the secrets she hadn’t told anyone–even herself.
Certain that her writings will be found only after her death, Carrie confronts the pain and disappointment of the pioneering life with startling honesty. She explores the danger a woman faces of losing herself within a relationship with a strong-willed man. She reaches for the courage to accept her own worth. Most of all she wonders, Can she ever feel truly at home in this rootless life?
Carrie Adell Green
• Born January 1, 1854, in Merengo, Illinois.
• Supported by her father, she received a degree from the University of Michigan and studied voice in both the United States and Europe.
• Vowed as a young girl that she would “never be a pioneer.”
• At her insistence, the word “obey” was left out of the wedding ceremony. (She and “Pard” were locating to Wyoming where Women’s Suffrage was the law of the land.)
The Book That Inspired Everything She Didn’t Say
“In the pages of this volume, I have endeavored to give a picture of the Old West, to tell of the efforts which a Westward marching population made to establish homes on the border line of civilization and beyond, enduring hardships and privations with the courage of heroes. I have tried to restore the picturesque condition of what was the great homeless frontier of our Western country, and to trace its development.” [excerpt from Fifteen Thousand Miles by Stage ]
“That land without a peer in the world…” – Yellowstone Park
Dell was the first white woman to tour Yellowstone National Park. As there were no roads in the park, it was necessary to travel by horseback. Although it was already October, the party camped out without tents. They followed the same old Indian trail General Howard had used three years earlier while chasing the Nez Perce. By the time they reached the east side of the park, snow had begun to fall. A speedy trip to the great Falls on the Yellowstone River preceded a rapid exit before another storm hit them.
It was seven in the evening before they arrived back at the west entrance after riding 40 miles through snow and rain. Dell was so stiff it took three men to help help her off her horse. They had ridden 85 miles in two days and 125 miles in the past three. Dell had used a man’s saddle to which she was not accustomed, as the trails were considered too dangerous for a side-saddle.
Even so, this indomitable woman was not about to stay behind and miss something the next day even though she was so lame that tears rolled down her cheeks and she wanted to scream with pain. With a lot of help and a large amount of agony, Dell managed to get back into the saddle. They rode 25 miles that day, but Dell remained on her horse to eat lunch. She was afraid if she got off, she’d never make it back on. Even Bob admitted that “of all our horseback ventures that 400 mile jaunt through Yellowstone Park was the worst.” However, both Strahorns revelled in its virgin freshness of unmatched wonders. It is no wonder Bob and Dell were so successful in their portrayals of the West. They never lost their enthusiasm, wonder, or awe.
Source: historylink.org • Article by: Barbara Fleischman Cochran • http://www.historylink.org/File/7315
Photos & Illustration from Fifteen Thousand Miles by Stage, by: Carrie Adell Strahorn
A bit about Jane…
Jane is internationally recognized for her lively presentations and well-researched stories that encourage and inspire.
A New York Times Bestselling author, her works have appeared in more than 50 national publications including The Oregonian, Private Pilot and Daily Guideposts. With more than 1.5 million books in print, her 30 novels and non-fiction titles draw readers from all ages and genders. Most are historical novels based on the lives of actual historical women often about ordinary women who lived extraordinary lives. Her works have won numerous national awards including the WILLA Literary Award, the Carol Award, USABestBooks.com, Will Roger’s Medallion Award and in 1996, her first novel, A Sweetness to the Soul, won the prestigious Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage and National Cowboy Museum. Her novels have also been finalists for the Spur Award, the Oregon Book Award, the Christy, Reader’s Choice and the WILLA in both fiction and non-fiction. Several titles have been Literary Guild and Book of the Month choices and been on the bestsellers list for independent bookstores across the country, in the Pacific Northwest and the Christian Booksellers Association. Her books have been translated into German, Dutch, Finnish and Chinese.
Bend, Oregon
In 2010, after twenty-six years on the Homestead, Jane and Jerry and their dogs, Bo and Caesar moved to central Oregon and call Bend, home. The seasons on the ranch changed their lives and they left with no regrets. They continue to enjoy new adventures in writing and life.
Jane’s Special Projects
Start Making a Reader Today
One of the organizations I support is SMART. In 2016, we kicked-off the non-profit’s 25th anniversary by asking 25 authors and illustrators to write a story to be read aloud to kids. OREGON READS ALOUD is the result. Although, I don’t consider myself a children’s author, I was asked to write the introductory story that offers an explanation in story form of what SMART does for kids. Authors and illustrators signed copies during the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Trade Show. The first printing sold out! Oregonians love books and want kids to know that reading matters!
Burundi, Africa
In 2015, as a part of the joint efforts of First Presbyterian-Bend and African Road-Portland, I was privileged to visit Burundi, Africa with three other women from our church. Our visit to three villages of the marginalized Batwa people has accomplished much. To date they now have identity cards so can access government services and legally marry. Their children have birth certificates. They have medical cards. We assisted in leasing ground and buying seeds for self-sustaining growing of their own food. And for the first time, 152 children have uniforms and books to attend school. God has blessed my life in the privilege of walking beside these indigenous people. This is a five year project, please contact me if you’d like to know more about how you can help.
My Review:
Carefully researched with great detail, author Jane Kirkpatrick gives us a book based on the true story of Carrie Strahorn. That alone makes it more intriguing to me. Reading much like a memoir, journal entries at the beginning of each chapter add interest. Stories of travel and places they went, both together and separate, were well described.
The time frame this took place in was not an easy one for women who wanted to travel with their husbands. Nor was the marriage between Robert and Carrie easy. I found at times that I wanted to shake one or the other of them.
At times the story was a bit slow but hang in there. If you enjoy historical fiction written from the basis of a true story then I recommend Everything She Didn’t Say.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible by Doris Wynbeek Rikkers
The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible brings to life more than 40 Bible stories that help readers understand that God’s Spirit has been with us since the beginning of time and continues to be with us today. From the glory of creation through the powerful letters of Paul, God’s Spirit is living in his people. Old and New Testament stories such as Adam and Eve, Abraham, Joseph, the Baptism of Jesus, and Pentecost come alive with dramatic illustrations by Fernando Juarez and moving text by Doris Rikkers. This is a special storybook Bible that will appeal to both children and parents alike.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
If I settle on the far side of the sea,
Even there your hand will guide me,
Your right hand will hold me fast.
Psalm 139: 7–10
First, I’ll say I wouldn’t consider this a Bible, per se. It contains 40 stories relating to God’s Spirit “living in His people”. The stories are paraphrased, not word for word from the Bible. I love that the author is showing us the Holy Spirit has been active all through history, not just starting in the New Testament.
Colorful illustrations with a somewhat “cartoon” feel will be attractive to children. They are very well done.
In all it’s still a good book for children and has a lot of scripture included. I would recommend adding it to your child’s selection of storybooks.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
About the Book
Book Title: Priscilla’s Escape
Author: Diane Craver
Genre: Amish Romance, Contemporary
Release date: March 23, 2018
When faith and freedom collide, mistakes made in the past may decide the future.
Twenty-year-old Priscilla King is unsure about joining the Amish Church and wants to use her rumspringa freedom to paint beach landscapes. She’s been offered a two-month-long nanny position in Siesta Key, Florida by an author on a tight writing deadline. The opportunities presented are more than a little tempting for Priscilla, even if it means disappointing her parents and leaving her new boyfriend.
Stephen Hertzler grew up in an Amish family, but, like Priscilla, he’s undecided about joining the church. He loves Priscilla and wants to marry her, though he knows she’s not ready to decide about anything other than her summer plans. His biggest worry is that she’ll meet someone else in Florida and forget him.
When Priscilla’s parents sabotage her part-time job at a local fabric store to dissuade her from following a “worldly lifestyle” in taking the nanny position in Florida, Priscilla is distraught. She knows she would regret not taking this chance. Leaving a note, she sneaks out in disobedience of her parents’ wishes.
Free to paint, dreams she’s never fully envisioned before seem within reach…but at what price?
Click here to purchase your copy!
About the Author
Diane grew up on a farm outside Findlay, Ohio, and she often acted out characters from 
her own stories in the backyard. In high school Diane would read during classes and hide a novel in front of her in a propped-up textbook. After her high school graduation, she attended Ohio State University. Then Diane became a schoolteacher and play director. She met her husband while teaching at an orphanage, and they married three years later. It took her that long to convince him she was the one for him! While raising their family in southwestern Ohio, Diane started writing nonfiction and was published. Later she decided it would be a nice escape to write fiction. Diane was blessed with five daughters and one son. Two daughters were born with Down syndrome and live with Diane and her husband. Their other children live close by in Ohio so that’s wonderful. They also have four precious grandchildren. Diane published through a variety of houses. Several years ago, she decided to self-publish her books, so requested the rights back to her previously published stories. From the beginning, she enjoyed self-publishing her Amish romances. Diane gives thanks to God daily for her many blessings.
Guest Post from Diane
Hello, Reader Friends,
Priscilla’s Escape is Book 3 in The Bishop’s Daughters Series. This story features Priscilla King, and she is the fourth child born to Amos and Lillian King. You may remember meeting Priscilla in my Dreams of Plain Daughters Series. After I finished writing this series, I decided to continue to write about the Amish and English characters living in Fields Corner, Ohio. They became family and real to me.
The King family have six children with only one son. That is like our Craver family because we have five daughters and one son. Through the years, our family has faced certain challenges with two daughters being born with Down syndrome. Although Priscilla doesn’t have any siblings with special needs, she feels overlooked in her family. It’s like she’s invisible to her parents, especially to her father. He doesn’t understand her passion for painting but favors Molly’s talent for quilting. Everyone needs a cheerleader in their corner at times, and Priscilla is no different. Fortunately, her new boyfriend, Stephen, listens to her dream to paint beach pictures. He even understands her desire to wait to join the church.
All families suffer some type of hardships. It does seem like some more than others. A family’s faith in God gives them hope in their daily lives. Whatever the level of the pain, staying close to God and listening to his voice, gives us the strength to survive. The King family have their share of tragedies, but their faith reminds steadfast. When Priscilla leaves their close-knit unit, they all reach out to her by letter and phone calls. Her siblings even tell their father that he needs to share his secret with Priscilla.
I hope you will enjoy reading Priscilla’s Escape. There is a lot happening in the King family, so you can catch up with your favorite romantic couples in this novel. If you love going to the beach as much as I do, I think you’ll love reading about Priscilla’s beach experiences – some are good, and others are not.
My review
Book three of the Bishop’s Daughters series, I thoroughly enjoyed it, even though I have not read the other two books. I had no trouble following what was happening so don’t let that stop you from reading this one.
Well-formed characters gave this story a sense of reality. There were tough choices to be decided on, and pressure to do certain things came at Priscilla from both the English and Amish world. We see that secrets are never hidden forever but eventually God brings them to light. Author Diane Craver also shows us that people are just people, no matter if they’re English or Amish. Parents and children clash at times. It’s just life. However trust in God and love of family will guide us to the best choices.
This book was a quick read, but I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction of the different cultures. If you enjoy Amish fiction and are looking for something different I recommend Priscilla’s Escape.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Blog Stops
The Becca Files, September 22
The Avid Reader, September 22
Vicky Sluiter, September 23
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 23
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, September 24
Mary Hake, September 24
God’s Little Bookworm, September 25
Splashes of Joy, September 25
Because I said so – adventures in Parenting, September 26
Inklings and notions, September 26
Maureen’s Musings, September 27
Luv’N Lambert Life, September 27
KarenSueHadley, September 28
Quiet Quilter, September 29
proud to be an autism mom, September 29
Bibliophile Reviews, September 30
Not Enough Time for Books, October 1
Carpe Diem, October 1
Blogging With Carol, October 2
A Baker’s Perspective, October 2
Texas Book-aholic, October 3
Janices book reviews, October 4
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 5
Bigreadersite, October 5
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Diane is giving a grand prize that includes a $25 Amazon Gift Card & The Bishop’s Daughters: A Three Book Collection – Amish Baby Snatched, A Plain Widow, and Priscilla’s Escape (paperback or eBook)!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d35a/priscilla-s-escape-celebration-tour-giveaway
About the Book
Book Title: Toby’s Troubles
Author: Carole Brown
Genre: Romantic Mystery, Cozy Mystery
Release date: July 1, 2018
Everyone loves Toby Gibson. A co-owner of Undiscovered Treasures, a unique shop of antiques, collectables and junk, Toby is friendly, generous to a fault, the director of the local plays in Appleton and supports his church’s youth functions. But the minute his sister, Caroline and her new husband, take off for their honeymoon, a “ghost” begins to haunt the shop—or maybe it’s just an intruder. If so, Toby has no idea for what he is looking. To add to his troubles, he suspects Amy, not only is bidding for the property he’s wanted forever, but is in love with him. And he’s not interested.
Amy Sanderson who owns the only flower shop in Appleton—Bloomin’ Life—is drawn into capturing Toby’s “ghost” when her own business is damaged by a destructive intruder. Having loved Toby from childhood, she’s more than willing to join forces with him. But she has no interest in being his best friend or like a sister to him. And if she has to resort to schemes of outbidding him at his frequent auction attendences to get his attention, then so be it. She can be just as stubborn as the man who’s determined to ignore her love.
In between the break-ins, destruction of property, thefts and personal competitions against each other, Amy and Toby work together to find the thief who seems so determined to find a valuable item, he’ll stop at nothing.
Click here to purchase your copy!
About the Author
Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?
Guest Post from Carole Brown
Antique Shops, A Thief, the Community Theater, and Love
Toby’s Troubles, Book Four from the Appleton, West Virginia Romantic Mysteries series
I knew when I wrote this book who Toby was. But capturing Toby’s personality and presenting it in the right way, was a challenge for me. Readers can see his teasing, fun-loving character when he labels the person who’s breaking into his shop as a ghost. But Toby is also serious, smart and successful. The side of him who has had plenty of girl friends, but who’s never gotten serious with any of them, is prominent too. But I didn’t want him to seem frivolous and uncaring, because he isn’t that. With a focus on his interests, love has never—as of yet—been a primary concern, so when Amy Sanderson strolls into his life, she turns out to be his confidant in the time of his troubles. The question is: can she not only have a place in his life as a best friend, but also capture his heart?
Let’s talk about:
Antique Shops
Who doesn’t love a place filled with valuable items, interesting history, and hard-to-find items? Undiscovered Treasures—a shop of antiques, collectibles and junk—could be described as the town gathering place. Everyone loves browsing there. Deciding on such a place for the business of brother and sister, Toby and Caroline Gibson, was a fun choice. From grandfather clocks to unique shaped vases, it’s a shop where treasure hunters could just find what they’re looking for.
A Thief:
There are way too many new people visiting Appleton, West Virginia, so how is someone like Toby suppose to guess what the thief is after? The thief definitely knows what he’s looking for, just not where. He’s tall, thin and a fast runner, especially when escaping across a rooftop. But then, maybe it’s not a new person in town. Maybe the thief is Toby’s part time help, who has a mystery all of his own. It makes things interesting, and a bit terrifying for everyone.
The Community Theater:
One of Toby’s loves is directing and overseeing the community theater. Caroline Gibson writes some of the plays, the actors are usually taken from the West Virginia area, and all proceeds go to charities. But when their main actors, of the current play, elope and leave the play desolate, someone has to step in to fill the gaps. Toby struggles with decisions he doesn’t want to make.
Love:
Toby is smart, funny, and a resourseful man. He’s also busy with his community theater activities and his business. Known as the one man in town who’s not interested, at the current time, in getting married, his reputation of loving and leaving is in danger of being wrecked by one small woman. Can she sabotage his well-laid plans and help him realize it’s now or never? Could it be the time when real love is captured by two people, even when one of them seems doomed to ignore what God’s put in their hearts?
I love creating characters. Developing them into real people with real desires, moods, troubles.
My Review:
Author Carole Brown kept my attention from beginning to end. Quirky characters that seem real, the lovely town of Appleton, intrigue, mystery, romance, and a …ghost? Such a cute read.
The fast-paced action will have you guessing “who dun it” right to the end. You will laugh, and you will want to shake people just a bit to get them to wake up to what or who is right in front of them. Although this is book 4 in the series, I haven’t read the other three and had no trouble following the story line so don’t hesitate to read this one.
If I had any complaints about this story, it’s the overuse of the word “chuckle”. At some point I think every character chuckled. But overlook it and enjoy!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Blog Stops
Vicky Sluiter, August 21
Godly Book Reviews, August 21
The Avid Reader, August 22
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 22
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, August 23
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, August 23
Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, August 24
Two Points of Interest, August 24
Connect in Fiction, August 25
Blogging With Carol, August 25
Bibliophile Reviews, August 26
Splashes of Joy, August 27
proud to be an autism mom, August 27
A Baker’s Perspective, August 28
Maureen’s Musing, August 29
Mary Hake, August 29
Janices book reviews, August 30
Pause for Tales, August 31
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 31
Lighthouse Academy, September 1
Texas Book-aholic, September 2
Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 2
Carpe Diem, September 3
Bigreadersite, September 3
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away a grand prize that includes winner’s choice of one of the two attached mugs, winner’s choice of a print or kindle copy of Toby’s Troubles and a tote bag!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d1c2/toby-s-troubles-celebration-tour-giveaway
Scavenger Hunt Cover Reveal – Stop Two
The hunt has been completed. Thank you for joining us!
Welcome to the Finally Accepted Cover Reveal Scavenger Hunt. You have arrived at stop #2. The hunt begins at 12:00 pm EDT on August 7, 2018. You may have arrived here before the start which could mean all of the sites aren’t ready quite yet. Once the official start has begun, you can work your way through the sites, gathering clues until you arrive at the final stop which will be on Toni Shiloh’s site, stop #10.
Follow the clues to for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card, and see the full cover of Toni Shiloh’s Finally Accepted, Book 3 in the Freedom Lake series.
The hunt ends on August 8, 2018, at 11:59 pm EDT. You will collect a CLUE IN RED at each stop. Write them down as you go. At the end of the hunt, you will enter the clues into a Rafflecopter form. (The answer will make sense, even if you aren’t familiar with it.) The hunt is open to international entries.
Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. You can find her on her website at http://tonishiloh.wordpress.com.
Follow Toni!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authortonishiloh
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tonishilohwrite
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/tonishiloh
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tonishiloh
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/tonishiloh
BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/toni-shiloh
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cmNFKD
Blogs I’m part of: http://puttingonthenew.com ; http://heartwingsblog.com ; http://diversitybetweenthepages.wordpress.com
Finally Accepted
(due to be released late August or early September)
There’s only one thing Chloe Smith has ever wanted: family. Yet the DNA results she’s received have thrown her life into a tailspin. Her utmost desire has ended up being the catalyst for shaking her faith. She doesn’t even know who she is anymore, and she’s certainly too messed up for her longtime crush to give her more than a second glance.
Darryl Jones is struggling between his past and the grace God so freely offers. His sins feel too big for him to handle, let alone expect the woman of his dreams to accept. Chloe is the only woman he’s ever wanted and the one he doesn’t deserve.
As they form a tentative relationship and examine their faith, Chloe and Darryl ache to know they are finally accepted and fully loved.
Scavenger Hunt!
Thanks so much for stopping by my site and participating in the Finally Accepted Cover Reveal Scavenger Hunt. Before you move on to Stop #3, which is Faithfully Bookish, to pick up your next clue, be sure to write down this Stop #2 clue: will
Did you miss stop one? You can find that here!
**Also, please note: Rafflecopter requires JavaScript to work. If you can’t see the form, please turn JavaScript on in your browser in order to enter. Rafflecopter sometimes doesn’t work on mobile devices. If you are on a mobile device and can’t see the entry form, then you’ll need to find a computer.
Recently author Amy Clipston released her newest book, Room on the Porch Swing.
Read about the book along with my review. Then check out the interview with characters Laura and Allen. Don’t miss the giveaway opportunity!
Ever since her best friend died six months ago, Laura Reihl has vowed to make each day count. And that means she should probably break off her relationship with Rudy. They’ve been together for so many years, and his friendship means the world to her. But she knows friendship doesn’t come close to the fireworks of true love, and she’s not really feeling the fireworks.
So when Savilla’s widower, Allen, asks her to help him take care of the baby Savilla left behind, Laura jumps at the chance. Maybe the change of scenery will help her gain perspective on her relationship with Rudy. And she’d do anything to help Allen out—he’s always been a good friend to her, and he’s Rudy’s best friend as well.
When she arrives at Allen’s house, though, she finds a man she barely recognizes. Allen is distraught over his wife’s death, blaming himself for not taking her to the doctor soon enough.
As Laura helps Allen work through his grief, she remembers just how easy he is to talk to. And she discovers an attraction she’s never felt with Rudy. She can’t be falling for Allen, can she? It would be a betrayal to the two people she’s care most about, Savilla and Rudy. But if she denies her feelings, is she betraying herself?
Just when I think author Amy Clipston can’t write a better book, here comes Room on the Porch Swing. I read it in two days, only because I had to go to work. Seriously, I couldn’t put this book down.
This heartwarming story deals with some of the heavy stuff of life. Loss of a spouse, grief, insecurity; things that aren’t fun but are real. And through it all is God; forgiveness, compassion, and love. Second chances.
The characters are so well written that they come to life as the story plays out. Written with such depth of emotion you’ll probably shed a few tears, gasp, and laugh. I really would love to go visit these people. I’m sure we’d be friends. I highly recommend reading this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Interview with Laura and Allen:
Laura, did you find it a challenge to fall in love with your best friend’s husband?
I really wasn’t expecting to fall in love with Allen, and I felt guilty when I realized that I had feelings for him. I felt like I was betraying Savilla’s memory. But, thanks to Florence, I soon realized that God chooses the person we’re supposed to spend the rest of our life with. I’m so grateful that Florence made me realize my feelings for Allen weren’t a sin.
You vowed to have everyday count, what did you do specifically to see the day differently?
I make a point tell my family members that I love them every day. I also take a moment to take in God’s beautiful creation – the flowers, the sunset, the birds, and all of the beauty he brings into our lives. I also make a point to pray often and thank God for my family.
How did it feel stepping into the role of instant (step) mother and wife??
At first I found myself doubting my ability to be Mollie’s mother, but Allen encouraged me. I’m so grateful that he always believes in me. I’ll never replace Savilla, but I do the best I can. I’m so thankful to have Allen and Mollie in my life. I thank God for choosing me for Allen and Mollie.
Laura, how do you keep the memory of Savilla alive for Mollie while still letting her know that you are proud and honored to be in her life?
I tell Mollie stories about Savilla every day. When I rock her at night, I tell her about how Savilla loved her before she was born and when she held Mollie in her arms. I also tell her stories about when Savilla and I were children. I’ll always remind Mollie how much her mother loved her and then also tell her that I love her with my whole heart and will always do my best to be a good mother to her.
Okay, this is for you, Allen: What is one of your favorite dishes that Laura cooks?
I always love her chicken potpie. And I think every man loves steak and potatoes, right?
Amy is giving away a copy of Room on the Porch Swing to one reader! Click here to enter.
