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!
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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
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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.
