Saturday, January 27, 2018

Soul's Cry by Cara Luecht


About the Book



Title: Soul’s Cry  
Author: Cara Luecht  
Genre: Historical Fiction  
Release Date: June 15, 2017

Ione has everything she’d wanted with her busy shop filled to the brim with sumptuous fabrics, gossiping debutants, and a neatly increasing profit margin. Not to mention the unexpected attention of a man who doesn’t know her past. And then the letter dropped from the mail slot onto to lush carpet. He was back. And the abuse, the shame, rushes in, reminding her of how unworthy she really is. Miriam also has everything she’d wanted—and with a baby on the way, for the first time in her life, she has everything to lose. When she’d been alone, the future had held promise, but now with her life full, it also holds fear. Unwilling to risk a vision of loss, Miriam stops painting what will be…right before Ione needs it most.



Click HERE to purchase your copy




My Review

Ione has started a new life, or has she? Her past won't seem to leave her alone, and now she goes back into survival mode where she must protect herself from the ghosts of her past. Miriam, thrust into society is crippled by fear because of not wanting to lose her new and fulfilling life. Wow! What a story- rich in history that we tend to ignore as a country, and rich in reality that we like to soften for our ears to hear many times, avoiding the ugliness of it. I found Ione of utmost fascination because as we as a country's history make clear the overarching poverty of African American populations, we basically ignore the reality of African Americans who were prosperous and should be taught in our history books as important figures. We are opened to a door of history that is true and shows the reality of the "Black Elite" which was so uplifting and fascinating to me! (See author post below for reference) Ione's past was presented in a real way helping us to understand the difficulty of women in history who got pulled into this lifestyle because of poverty, lack of knowing true love, etc., and the precarious path they have to take to protect themselves when someone from their past won't let them feel they've overcome it. Ione learns the importance of finding true love, and how to let people help her that care for her which is hard when you have a past that includes someone saying they love you, when in reality they're abusing and manipulating you. The plot was seamless and kept me glued to the page til the end. The history thrilled my mind. The characters and the settings were so richly described, and the growth of Ione to come to trust and reach out to her friends and loved ones for help really touched my heart. There is redemption, there is healing, there is true love to be found. Don't miss out on this one of a kind, eye-opening, redemptive read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are my own. 



About the Author



Award winning author, Cara Luecht, lives in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin with her husband, David, and their children. In addition to freelance writing and marketing, Cara works as an English Instructor for a local college. Cara graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Currently, Cara is studying for a Masters of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Guest post from Cara Luecht

The moment you realize how subtle racism can be. As someone of Northern European ancestry, I approach this topic with caution and with the knowledge that I can never fully understand racism in America from a personal perspective. That being said, part of me knows that unless white America owns up to the problems that still exist, they will never go away, or if they do, they will not go away because of what I have done. I don’t want to be on the right side of history as a spectator. Writing Soul’s Cry was daunting, because the main character in this part of the trilogy is African American. I’ll tackle the challenges with that in another blog. For now, I want to talk about one simple example of ongoing racism. A few months ago, my publisher contacted me looking for inspiration pictures for the cover. The picture I had pinned to my desktop for Ione was from the 1800s, and heaven-only-knows how I would find permission to use it. Besides, it was in black-and-white, and we needed something that would go well with the other covers in the trilogy.  



I went to the popular sites that cover designers use to look for modern pictures of women, in Victorian Era clothes, who had the smart, determined expression I’d imagined for Ione. I found a bunch of models–problem is, they were all white. I then typed in “African American Victorian Woman.” One picture. And she was dressed as a burlesque dancer. Nice. I tried “Black woman in 1890,” a bit miffed that I had to use the term “Black” rather than “African American”—nothing. I got desperate, rolled my eyes, and even attempted the archaic “Negro woman in 1890” in hopes of getting something…nothing. I tried other sites. I found the same problem. I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised—when you think of a high-society Victorian woman, does an African American face come to mind? This doesn’t match up with the truth, though. In the late Victorian era, there was a thriving, influential, African American community in Chicago as well as many other major cities. While there were indeed crowded ghetto areas, the “Black Elite” prospered in the medical and legal professions. Unfortunately, we rarely hear of these remarkable people who moved beyond the place society had deemed was theirs, who built on the humble foundation of literacy, who pushed innovation forward, who served on boards and cultural societies, and who worked to pull their families out of the devastation of slavery and the Civil War. It is uncomfortable to admit, but the picture that comes to mind when thinking of an African American in the late 1800s has more in common with slaves than with a prosperous, thriving community. And since poor African Americans outnumbered wealthy ones, I suppose one could make the argument that this reflected how a majority of African Americans lived. And that would be true… …but it would also be true for whites. One of my grandfathers was born in an Iowa coal town. Another, into the dustbowl conditions of North Dakota. In fact, if I look back in my own history, almost every one of my ancestors lived in poverty. So why is it that when I think about a Victorian Era woman, the picture that comes to mind looks like someone from the set of Meet Me In St. Louis. And here’s the twist…because the picture of the woman in my mind looks a bit like me (in that we are both white), her poise, the no-nonsense posture and expression…it makes me feel a bit of pride—even though I have no real connection with her. The fact is, I can look at these old pictures and see in her the determination I hope to have. I want to live up to this woman’s expectations. As crazy as it sounds, when I look at these pictures, I feel pride in a heritage I do not own. My family was in poverty, but because of these pictures, I can identify with affluence. Prosperity does not feel like a foreign concept. Now imagine that every picture of a white woman I saw as representative of my past looked haggard, tired, and hopeless. I’ll leave the implications for you to puzzle out.




Blog Stops

Blogging With Carol, January 24
Simple Harvest Reads, January 24 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
allofakindmom, January 25
Pursuing StacieJanuary 26
A Reader’s Brain, January 27
BigreadersiteJanuary 28
Bibliophile Reviews, January 29
A Greater YesJanuary 30
margaret kazmierczak, January 30 (Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, January 31
Janices book reviewsFebruary 2
Carpe Diem, February 4



Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away a grand prize of signed copies of the entire series!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c729

Monday, January 22, 2018

A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand


About the Book



Title: A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill  
Author: Jennifer Beckstrand  
Genre: Christian Amish Fiction  
Release Date: December 26, 2017 

Elsie Helmuth’s plain-spoken ways got her in trouble once before, so she needs to make a good impression at her new teaching job. But she’s not about to let disabled student Wally Sensenig work below his potential. And she definitely won’t put up with his hot-headed older brother sabotaging her efforts, no matter how handsome he is. . . Sam is nearly at the end of his rope caring for his ailing, widowed mother, working their farm, and raising his siblings. He’ll admit Elsie’s ideas are bringing Wally out of his angry shell—but why does she have to be as stubborn as she is pretty? Yet as it turns out, Elsie has taught Sam something about himself as well. And he’ll do whatever it takes to make up for his mistakes—and win her heart forever.



Click HERE to purchase your copy.





My Review

Elsie was one of the most well thought out, surprising, and spunky Amish characters I've ever had the privilege of getting to know. Ms. Beckstrand takes Amish fiction to new heights while still maintaining a sweet and simple romance that blossoms in the midst. The book brought back fond memories for me of some of my favorite teachers who went the extra mile to make learning fun for everyone, and truly wanted to help me as an individual, and celebrate my individual strengths. Elsie was a strong, spunky, and truly determined and compassionate character. Sam was also compassionate, in over his head, and wanting to fix things which is frustrating when it's impossible. The story surrounding Wally was so endearing about helping people reach their true potential regardless of their weaknesses or circumstances, and how tough love can go a long way to help them reach that goal. I truly enjoyed Elsie's Mammi, eccentric in her own right, and the ever-determined matchmaker. I found myself laughing, sighing in happiness, and tearing up at this emotion-packed, full of heart, and not too typical Amish fiction. Get your copy today and take a new kind of Amish adventure while not losing the charm we all love Amish fiction so much for!  

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are my own. 





About the Author



Jennifer Beckstrand is the RITA-nominated, award-winning Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hillseries and The Honeybee Sisters series for Kensington Books. Her much-anticipated Amish series, The Honeybee Sisters, has created a lot of romantic buzz. Sweet as Honey received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly and Sweet as Honey and A Bee in her Bonnet were both awarded Top Picks from RT Book Reviews. Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth and the Honeybee sisters’aendi Bitsy. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a passion for Jane Austen and Shakespeare. She and her husband have been married for thirty-three years, and she has six children and six adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

Guest Post from Jennifer Beckstrand

I have a very special place in my heart for teachers. My dad was a high school math teacher. My mother taught second grade for over twenty years. My son-in-law taught choir in high school, and my daughter taught seventh-grade science. Another daughter taught American history labs at the university and still another daughter taught classes for a youth summer program. Elsie Stutzman is a dedicated teacher who was dismissed from her last teaching job in Ohio and is trying to make a fresh start and a good impression in Bonduel, Wisconsin. Unfortunately one of her students, Wally Sensenig, is making things difficult for her, and Wally’s hot-headed older brother seems determined to get her fired. But Elsie is a dedicated teacher, too stubborn to back down and too steadfast to give up on anybody. Elsie’s grandparents, Anna and Felty Helmuth, have other plans for her. They want her to fall in love with one of the local boys, but they’re finding it a little difficult to get the two young people together. Teachers have an immense impact on our lives. We all remember a favorite elementary school teacher who inspired a love of learning or a high school teacher who encouraged us to reach for greatness. One of my favorite teachers was Mrs. Zobell, who taught ninth grade English. I distinctly remember her reading “The Outsiders” out loud to our class. She had a way of making great books and great stories come to life, and she sparked a love of reading (and writing) that I will always be grateful for. The teacher who had the most impact on my life is my dad. He helped me through Calculus in high school and inspired me to major in math in college. I hope we will take the time this month to thank the teachers in our lives for all they do for us and all they do for our kids. Who was one of your favorite teachers and why?




Blog Stops

Blossoms and Blessings, January 16
Mommynificent, January 17
Bibliophile Reviews, January 18
The Power of Words, January 18
Multifarious, January 19
A Greater YesJanuary 19
Texas Book-aholic, January 20
Karen Sue Hadley, January 21
Splashes of JoyJanuary 21
A Reader’s Brain, January 22
Mary Hake, January 22
SusanLovesBooks, January 23
Janices book reviewsJanuary 24
Carpe Diem, January 25
Quiet Quilter, January 26
margaret kazmierczakJanuary 26 (Interview)
cherylbbookblog, January 27
Simple Harvest Reads, January 28 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Pursuing StacieJanuary 28
Vicky Sluiter, January 29
BigreadersiteJanuary 29





Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to three winners!! https://promosimple.com/ps/c6cf
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

My Big Book of Bible Heroes Devotional by Glenn Hascall

From Barbour Publishing:

My Big Book of Bible Heroes Devotional is great for any child if you want to read it to them from toddler through school age. If the child can read, I think a child up through about 10 or 11 would enjoy reading this as their devotional. I loved the way that each story would name the hero for a specific account of their lives in the Bible and how that affected their relationship with God. Each one was a hero of something whether it be compassion, bravery, strength, etc. Each one's story pointed back to Christ as the reason that they were redeemed in some cases, and why they stood up for right like they did. What I also liked was that the book hit on many little- known people of the Bible that are not often mentioned in children's Bible lessons like Jochebed, Josiah, Hezekiah, and more.  The book was also honest about the fact that our Bible heroes were just like us in that they weren't perfect and needed God to accomplish what they were heroic for. When they got to the story of Jesus, a simple and clear Gospel message was thoroughly presented. Each story was about a page long, and was written in a focused kid-level way. Each one had great graphics almost like a comic book with the Scripture passage where you can find the account in the Bible. Each devotion also contained a short verse that pertained to how the character applied doing right in their lives. There was also a short prayer at the end of every devotional that helped the child focus on God, and understand how to ask the Lord to help them apply the truth they learned in their lives. At the end of each section are a few simple questions to help reflect and really help kids apply the truth to their lives. Again, my favorite part is that the book doesn't just tell good stories. Each story points back to Jesus and the Gospel in a simple, applicable way that any kid will enjoy and understand! Great resource for my child and also for teaching children Bible lessons! Don't miss out on this great resource for you as a parent, grandparent, or even a teacher.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.


Buy your copy on Amazon HERE

***But right now, paperback is cheaper at Christian Book HERE

Monday, January 15, 2018

A Song Unheard by Roseanna M. White


About the Book



Title: A Song Unheard  
Author: Roseanna M. White  
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction  
Release Date: January 2, 2018

Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales. Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he’s won—until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father’s work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe. But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn’t—that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.

Click HERE to purchase your copy!



My Review

Ms. White has taken a specific corner of history, mixed it in with the Gospel, a sweet romance, and more intrigue than I thought was possible all into one tidy package. Willa is hired by Mr. V as her whole adopted family's singular source of income to complete an intriguing task. Along the way, she is able to use her skill in violin and music to achieve her goal. Met with people she has no intention of even liking, she is in for the ride of her life in more ways than one. Lukas wants to find his family torn apart by war, and finds little pleasure in anything even though he too has his music and his violin to carry him through. Two worlds collide in a high tension situation to create suspense, romance, and a good deal of learning history. The description of the scenes and the characters were so artfully done and clear in my mind. I could feel the mood of the scene, and the whole story just flowed so seamlessly. The beauty of music and how it heals people really came alive to me. I feel like this book has enough components to make any fiction reader happy! Don't miss out!



I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are my own. 



About the Author



Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Guest post from Roseanna White

I started playing the piano when I was 7. I didn’t discover any long-dormant genius or anything, but I liked it. When my sister quit, I kept playing. In middle school, I switched teachers, and moving from the lady at my church that I knew so well to someone who was just my piano teacher made a difference in how I applied myself. It deepened my love of music. We all know how some random moments stand out forever in our memory. One such for me happened on the school bus. I was sitting with my best friend, talking about the new piano piece I was learning. “Via Delorosa” means Road of Sorrow, and it’s a song that tells musically about Jesus’ journey to Golgotha—ending with the faint chime of the nails being driven into his palms. As my beloved Mrs. Peto went through this song with me the night before, I remember her circling a D♯ that I’d missed and saying how important that note was. That it made the whole line weep. That it would make the hearers weep. An epiphany so huge I had to share it with my friend. A well placed sharp could make music weep! Who knew? That was but one lesson Mrs. Peto taught me in how music could evoke things words never could. A woman of strong faith, she also taught me how a song could preach the Gospel. Music can be medicine. It can be hope. It can be tears. It can be truth. Music can be Jesus to a hurting heart that turns its back on words. This is a lesson I never forgot, and I had it always in mind as I was writing A Song Unheard. In this story, both my hero and heroine are musicians—violinists. But Willa (who is SO STUBBORN) wouldn’t listen to words of faith from any of the people in her life “suddenly spouting such nonsense.” But then, in her darkest hour, she hears a slip of melody. And she realizes it’s the Lord. I pray as readers move through the story of Willa Forsythe—violin prodigy and top-notch thief—that their spirits’ ears hear more than words, more than just a story. I pray they hear the Lord whispering that ultimate song. The one that says, “I love you.” Want to hear the song Willa eventually wrote in the book? You can! The violin music in this trailer is officially dubbed “Willa’s Song” and written specifically for this book. I hope you enjoy it! http://bit.ly/ASongUnheardTrailer

Blog Stops


Fiction Aficionado, January 11
Genesis 5020, January 11
Bookworm Mama, January 11
Blogging With Carol, January 12
Multifarious, January 12
Faithfully BookishJanuary 13
Karen Sue Hadley, January 13
Mary Hake, January 13
A Greater YesJanuary 13
Remembrancy, January 14
Texas Book-aholic, January 14
A Reader’s Brain, January 15
Cordially Barbara, January 15
Pursuing StacieJanuary 15
Bigreadersite, January 16
Mommynificent, January 17
Baker Kella, January 17
allofakindmom, January 18
Pause for Tales, January 19
Just Commonly, January 19
Janices book reviewsJanuary 19
Radiant LightJanuary 20
Book by Book, January 20
CAC Devourer, January 20
Splashes of JoyJanuary 21
Neverending Stories, January 21
The PhD Mamma, January 22
Cafinated Reads, January 22
Daysong Reflections, January 22
Purposeful Learning, January 23
Carpe Diem, January 23
Henry Happens, January 24
Joy of Reading, January 24



Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Roseanna is giving away a Grand Prize Package of a signed copy of the book as well as a lovely album of soothing songs based on the Scriptures called Hidden in My Heart (winner’s choice of CD or digital download)!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c72a