Thursday, October 3, 2024

My Thoughts - WHERE THE STARS CROSS written by Dottie Sines

WHERE THE STARS CROSS

Dottie Sines

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GENRE: Historical Romance

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BLURB:

In the depths of the Great Depression, Ellie suffers another crash—that of her marriage. She’s left struggling to restore her shattered life, feeling as damaged as the stained-glass panels she refurbishes for Chicago’s historic structures. While visiting her aunt in Marietta, Ohio, a charming river town, Ellie encounters towboat captain Wyatt and feels a searing attraction to him. But thanks to past and subsequent wounds, her attempts at opening herself to love seem futile. Her hope for love and her determination to find the place she belongs are further complicated by her tendency to make impulsive decisions. In her journey, Ellie draws on an unrealized level of courage and learns she must identify her brightest passions in charting her course.

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EXCERPT:

Climbing from her automobile, Ellie ambled around to the sidewalk, where she tipped herself onto her toes to stretch her legs and flung out her arms with a moan, promptly smacking a hand into what felt like a human. She pivoted.

“Oh, my goodness, I’m so…” The “sorry” came a heartbeat or two later, followed by, “Are you all right?” even though there was no way this man wasn’t okay.

Tall and sturdy enough to survive much more than a little whack in the chest, his faded blue-and-white pinstriped shirt, tan leather vest, and well-worn trousers did nothing to detract from the toned lines of his body. A sampling of gray wove through the hair peeking out from beneath his newsboy cap. Slightly wavy, sandy blond hair, which on anyone else would need a good trimming but suited him fine. He hadn’t shaved in a day or two.

“Lengthy drive, I take it?” His mouth curved into a half smile, crinkling the corners of soft, hazel eyes. “Nothing like a good punch to work out the kinks, huh, Slugger?”

Ellie drew in her lips. A laugh didn’t seem appropriate right now. “Really, I am very sorry,” Ellie said. “You are all right, aren’t you?”

“I think I’ll be fine,” he said with a nod and a languid blink of those captivating eyes. “Ma’am,” he said with a tip of his cap before he and his comrades continued toward the river.

Ellie’s feet felt their way to the door of the five-and-dime. Wowee, did that bloke look better from the front or the back? Biting her bottom lip, she reached for the door handle.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Dottie scratched out her first fiction as a little kid transfixed by the books she read all those lazy summer days on the front porch swing. Two of her short stories have been published in The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park’s literary journal, Hemingway Shorts, having placed among the top ten entries in its annual short story contests.

Where the Stars Cross, Dottie’s first novel, is available for purchase at:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Stars-Cross-Dottie-Sines/dp/1509257373/ref=sr_1_1 (where it’s on the Hot New Releases list for 20th century historical romance!)

Website: https://www.dottiesines.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555443236996

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dottie_sines_author/

MY THOUGHTS

Where the Stars cross is written by Dottie Sines. This is my first exposure to this author, and it will not be my last. This is a slow build historical romance with such great descriptions you will think that you are standing there watching the story unfold. Set back during the Great Depression, we see our female main character, Ellie suffer an end to her marriage.

She goes to visit her aunt in Marietta, Ohio. She suddenly finds herself attracted to the to towboat captain. However, she still has scars and baggage that she has to deal with. She has had her heart broken by her cheating ex husband. I love that her Aunt Lillian helped her find her happiness again. The author truly has a gift. She writes her scenes so beautifully. Her story will draw you in.

The author has done careful research to transport readers back to the Great Depression Era. My sister went to Marietta College and I knew a lot of the areas that the author was writing about. She has crafted well written characters and a slow build romance. I hope to read more from this author.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Goddess Fish Promotions for allowing me to read a copy this book - all thoughts are my own.

GIVEAWAY

The author will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner.

ENTER:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f4979

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

My Thoughts - The Resistance Bakery Written by Siobham Curham

Book overview

Paris, 1943. The scent of fresh baguettes hangs in the air as Coralie unbolts the door to her bakery with trembling fingers. She must get out of the city. Hiding her precious leather recipe book inside her coat, she promises never to let the secret locations of the people she worked tirelessly to save fall into German hands…

Present day. Raven is unhappy about being shipped off to the other side of the country for the summer to stay with the mysterious French grandmother she barely knows. And discovering a tattered, leather-bound book with yellowed pages full of handwritten recipes and coded numbers, she is stunned.

Her grandmother has never baked for her. And she refuses to talk about Paris, or the past. Flipping through the book, a faded photograph of a laughing couple falls out. As Raven scans the writing on the back she can scarcely believe her eyes…

What really happened in that tiny French bakery all those years ago? And could this forgotten recipe book finally bring healing to a woman still haunted by wartime secrets? Or has Raven’s discovery shattered any chance of bonding with her grandmother, before her time runs out?

About The Author

Siobhan is the award-winning author of almost 50 books for adults, young adults and children - fiction and non-fiction. It's safe to say that she loves writing! And whether she's writing historical fiction about World War 2, teen novels, or kids' books about talking animals, there's one common theme to Siobhan's work - she loves to write books that uplift, entertain and inspire, and hopefully leave the reader feeling better for the experience. Her work has also been featured in many newspapers and magazines, including the Guardian, Breathe and Cosmopolitan.

Having overcome many obstacles on her path to writing success, Siobhan loves nothing more than helping other people achieve their dreams. She's given talks and run workshops for thousands of people all over the world on the themes of writing, daring to dream, resilience and overcoming fear and is planning to launch a series of online courses on these subjects in 2024.

You can receive free weekly inspirational posts and stories from Siobhan via her weekly newsletter, WONDERSTRUCK, on Substack at: http://www.siobhancurham.substack.com

You can also connect with her on social media at...

Facebook: Siobhan Curham Author

Instagram: @SiobhanCurhamAuthor

Twitter: @SiobhanCurham

For more information about Siobhan and her books, coaching and courses, please visit: http://www.siobhancurham.com

My Thoughts

The Resistance Bakery is written by Siobham Curham. This is a captivating dual timeline story that will transport readers back to World War II. We see wartime in Paris in 1943.

Coralie holds a leather book that has recipes and code written in it. She’s doing what she can to help push back against the enemy. I always love stories where we see those pushing back. Especially Paris resistance. Coralie works in a patisserie. They specialize in sweets and treats. When the German Intelligence overtake her workplace she decides that the best way for her to survive is to befriend them…… and find out what she can. She was so brave and I loved how even when she wanted to give up she kept going.

Present day Raven is sent to spend some time with her grandmother. She really doesn’t know much about her. She’s shocked when she finds the tattered book full of recipes and code. Her grandmother had never baked for her. Raven knew that she had to uncover the truth. Her grandmother never talks about her past or the war. What will Raven find out?

Perfectly woven together dual timelines. The author has crafted such a captivating story that will draw you in within the first few pages. The author has done careful research to bring this story alive.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Friday, September 20, 2024

My Thoughts - Book: Legacy of Hope Author: Renae Brumbaugh Green

About the Book

Book: Legacy of Hope

Author: Renae Brumbaugh Green

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: September 3, 2024

Ivelisse “Lisa” Garcia has overcome her past growing up in an orphanage and found purpose as a nurse at a local mission hospital. When a mysterious stranger she had a chance encounter with shows up in her ward with no memory of his past, Lisa is determined to help him recover, both mentally and physically. As she aids in his recovery, and a spark kindles between them, she wonders if there might be room for both fulfillment and love in her life.

But Lisa has a secret, and when it gets out, it could ruin any chance she has at love.

Jackson Stratton, desperate to escape his father’s tyranny, embarks on a daring journey to join Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. But a freak accident leaves him wounded and unable to remember his past. As he struggles to piece together the fragments of his former life, he finds himself drawn to the beautiful nurse who has become his lifeline. Will he ever unlock the keys to his past, or will his upbringing remain shrouded in mystery as he tries to start anew?

And should he learn the truth of his past, will it prevent him from embracing the future he truly wants?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Renae Brumbaugh Greenis a city-girl-turned-country-diva. She’s married to a handsome country boy named Rick, and she’s mom to four nearly-perfect, nearly-grown children, two rowdy dogs, and some ducks. They live in rural Texas where Renae wears overalls, western boots, and bubblegum pink nail polish. She’s a bestselling author of over 30 books, an award-winning humor columnist, and an online English teacher. In her free time, she can be found leaping tall buildings and rescuing kittens from trees. Or, she’d like to do those things, if she had free time.

More from Renae

To the casual observer, Jackson Stratton probably looks like he has it all. He lives in a beautiful home. He has influential parents and plenty of money. But behind the fancy facade, he exists under the harsh, abusive judgment of his father’s expectations. At the beginning of our story, Jackson leaves to begin a new life.

After an accident takes his memories, he’s truly given a fresh start. What if that could happen for each of us? All the hurt, all the pain, all the shame and neglect and abuse could be wiped away? What if we could truly choose who we want to become?

Lisa, on the other hand, was abandoned as an infant. She struggles with self-worth, even while experiencing God’s visible kindness, love and grace. No matter who we are or what our circumstances, none of us is immune to Satan’s lies, telling us we’ll never measure up.

The truth is, you are already exactly who God created you to be. You are perfectly formed in His image, with His characteristics, His strength and His power. But this world, this life, has a way of distorting that image. Sin—both our own sin and others’ actions toward us—deforms that beautiful spirit. Satan fills our heads with lies about who we are, and it doesn’t take long for us to see that image when we look in the mirror, instead of the God-created one.

So how do we go about finding the truth, when so much of our identity is built on lies? It’s possible. But it’s not easy. Just as we untangle a tight, wadded-up knot gently, one strand at a time, we can address the lies, the guilt, the shame one piece, one prayer at a time. It’s a process… but isn’t that what life is? A process of sloughing off the bad and becoming more and more like our Father?

When Jackson’s memories leave him, God doesn’t. He still hears that still, small voice, speaking truth. And though most of us have our memories intact, we can listen. With discipline and perseverance and faith, we can learn to ignore the lies and hear only God, telling us who we are, who He made us to be. We are strong. We are intelligent. We have great purpose. We are wanted. And we are loved.

I hope you enjoy reading about Jackson and Lisa’s journeys. And I hope, somewhere in there, you find a reminder that you are not your circumstances. You are not your past. You have hope, and you have an amazing future planned by your adoring Father. You are, and always will be, a valued, treasured, beautiful, wanted, loved child of the King.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

My Thoughts

Legacy of Hope is book three in the Stratton Legacy series that is written by Renae Brumbaugh Green. Well, each of the books can be read as a standalone, they are best Red together, so you can get the full picture and story that the author has created.

Ivelisse "Lisa" Garcia has overcome the hardships of growing up in an orphanage and found purpose as a nurse at a local mission hospital. A chance encounter with a patient in her ward who has no memory of his past changes her future. However, she also carries a secret that could destroy that future.

Growing up in an orphanage wasn’t easy. Lisa saw so many get adopted while she never was. Now she’s an adult and is satisfied with her career. Jackson was raised by a strict father. He wants to break free and ends up in the hospital with no recollection of who he is and where he came from. He was on his way to join up with the Roosevelt Rough Riders when it happened.

This story is well written. The author does a great job with dealing with PTSD and not so great families. She writes the reminder of how important it is to trust God.

Thank You to the author, publisher, and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, September 11 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 11

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 12

Madi’s Musings, September 12

Vicky Sluiter, September 13

Sylvan Musings, September 14

Devoted To Hope, September 15

Lighthouse Academy Blog, September 16 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 18

Texas Book-aholic, September 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 19

Connie’s history classroom, September 20

An Author’s Take, September 20

Simple Harvest Reads, September 21(Guest Review from Donna)

Cover Lover Book Review, September 22

For Him and My Family, September 23

Pause for Tales, September 24

Holly’s Book Corner, September 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour Renae is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5438

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

My Thoughts - Men of the 65th written by Talia Aikens-Nunez

MEN OF THE 65TH

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Talia Aikens-Nunez will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Honor and Fidelity. That is the motto of the 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers, the only Puerto Rican unit in the United States Army.

Since the regiment’s creation in 1899, the men of the 65th have proudly served the US through multiple wars, despite facing racial discrimination. Their courage, loyalty, and patriotism earned them hundreds of accolades, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.

But the honor and fidelity of the men of the 65th came into question in 1952, in the midst of the Korean War, when ninety-one Borinqueneers were arrested and tried for desertion and disobeying orders. How could this happen in one of the most distinguished and decorated units of the Army?

In this telling of one of the forgotten stories of the Korean War, author Talia Aikens-Nuñez guides us through the history of the Borinqueneers and the challenges they faced leading up to what was the largest court martial in the entire war. Rediscover the bravery of the men of the 65th through Aikens-Nuñez’s thorough writing and the soldiers’ firsthand accounts of the Korean War.

Read an Excerpt

The Borinqueneers successfully defended the 1st Marine Division’s retreat, but they soon realized this was only part of a much larger withdrawal of UNC [United Nations Command] troops. As the retreat continued into mid-December, news came that the enemy buildup had accelerated. Chinese and North Korean forces were gathering and converging on Hungnam. The UNC’s worst fears were coming true: they were losing ground in the war.

They had to accelerate their plans in response to protect their troops and evacuate the Korean refugees that had fled to Hungnam. They ordered troops to board ships, division by division, and sail south to Pusan… Meanwhile, the 65th and the 3rd Infantry Divisions would hold the main line of resistance, providing enough cover for everyone to make it safely out of Hungnam…With each withdrawal, the enemy continued to push the Borinqueneers and the 3rd Infantry Division.

…They were exhausted from several days of fighting…The soldiers of the 65th were some of the last to leave Hungnam. They were hurried and squeezed tightly onto the final boats. Finally, they could rest and relax. Once they left, the military would destroy the port so the enemy could not use the equipment and facilities against them.

…After they loaded onto the final ship and set sail, the dynamite detonated. The soldiers looked back and watched the port explode…everything – erupted in smoke and flame.

About the Author:

Talia Aikens-Nuñez writes chapter books, picture books, and nonfiction for children. Her daughter inspired her to write her OMG Series of books about an accidental little witch. She and her husband live on a river in Connecticut with their daughter and son.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Men-65th-Borinqueneers-Korean-War-ebook/dp/B0BNT3ZRZQ/

My Thoughts

Men of the 65th is written by Talia Aikens-Nunez. I was excited to read this book with my 11 and 13 year old boys. My 13 year old is a war nut like me. The Korean War is not one that is as widely known as the other wars. My grandfather was also a Korean Marine.

The author writes her story well. She draws in readers of all ages. We all enjoyed this book very much. It led to some really great discussions with my boys.

This story follows the 65th Regiment, they were also known as the Borinqueneers. The author brings to life these unique and amazing individuals. The author has done meticulous research.

The writing of this story flows nicely. The storyline is engaging. Thank you to the author, publisher and Goddess Fish Promotions for allowing me to read a copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.

Monday, September 9, 2024

My Thoughts - Libby’s Lighthouse Author: Susan G Mathis

About the Book

Book: Libby’s Lighthouse

Author: Susan G Mathis

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: July 16, 2024

When a lighthouse keeper’s daughter finds a mysterious sailor with amnesia, the secrets she uncovers may change her life forever.

Elizabeth Montonna, daughter of the Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse keeper, thought she’d love the lighthouse life forever—until her mother, on her deathbed, reveals a long-buried secret. Now Elizabeth’s world has been turned upside down, making her question if she’ll ever truly belong and be loved. But when a dashing young sailor appears on her shore, wounded and disoriented, she finds purpose in helping him recover. Although the man knows nothing about his past or identity, his kindness and character steal a little more of her heart each day. If only she knew his full name.

When Owen awakes on the shore of Lake Ontario with no knowledge of who he is, or where he was headed when his ship wrecked, he has no choice but to accept the hospitality of the lighthouse keeper and his lovely daughter. But as Owen works to repay their kindness, and his relationship with Libby turns into something more, he knows their budding romance can go no further until he uncovers his past.

With each passing day, Owen inches closer to discovering the secrets of his identity, but will the revelations bring him closer to Libby or tear them apart forever?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has twelve in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Peyton’s Promise, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment, A Summer at Thousand Island House and Libby’s Lighthouse, the first in her three-book lighthouse series. Book two, Julia’s Joy, comes out in October, and book three, Emma’s Engagement, releases in January 2025. Her book awards include three Illumination Book Awards, four American Fiction Awards, three Indie Excellence Book Awards, five Literary Titan Book Awards, two Golden Scroll Awards, and a Selah Award.

Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Northern Virginia and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to enjoy the Thousand Islands.

More from Susan

A Character Interview with Libby, the heroine in Libby’s Lighthouse.

Good day, Libby! Thank you for taking the time to sit down with me. Could you please share a little about yourself?

Good day to you as well! My real name is Elizabeth Eliza, but I’ve always gone by Libby. I’m twenty years old, born on February 2, 1874. I must say, my journey through life has been quite an interesting one so far.

I hear you’ve been raised as a proper upper-class woman. Could you elaborate on that?

Certainly! My mother was well-educated and came from an upper-class background. She passed on her knowledge to me, teaching me etiquette, manners, and all the skills expected of a lady in society. I’ve learned to sew my own clothes, play the piano, and entertain guests with grace. But I haven’t always been ladylike, and that vexed my mother something fierce.

Your desire for family and a sense of belonging is quite strong. Can you tell me more about that?

Above all else, I long for a sense of family and belonging. Before my mother died, she revealed to me a terrible secret. I’ve kept this knowledge a secret from my father, as I’m unsure of how he would react. That uncertainty, combined with my fear of always being alone, fuels my desire for a family of my own.

How has your faith has been shaken after learning about your true heritage?

The secret has shaken the foundation of what I believed to be true about myself and my identity. It made me question my place in the world and my connection to my family. It’s been a struggle to reconcile this new information with my faith, but I’m working through it, hoping to find a sense of peace and acceptance.

Can you share more about your love for poetry and playing the piano.?

Oh, how I adore poetry and music! Poetry has a way of touching my heart, making me laugh or cry, and connecting me to the deepest emotions. I’ve memorized many beautiful poems over the years, and they bring me great joy to recite and share. As for the piano, it’s as if my fingers dance across the keys, expressing emotions that words alone cannot convey. It’s a form of artistic expression that brings me immense fulfillment.

Thanks for stopping by, Libby. It was great getting to know you!

My Thoughts

Libby’s Lighthouse is written by Susan G Mathis. This is the first book in the Love at a Lighthouse series. One of the things that I love about this author is her ability to transport readers back in time. She always brings history to life through her writing.

Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse is tended to by the Montonna family. Elizabeth is the daughter of the keeper. She is content to keep up with the lighthouse. However her world is changed when her mother reveals a deathbed secret. Suddenly Elizabeth is unsure about her future. Owen is a sailor that shows us injured and disoriented. He doesn’t know what happened, where his ship is or anything from his past. He and Libby grow closer as he recovers. However he is worried about his past. He doesn’t feel fine with moving forward without the missing puzzle pieces.

The author has done careful research to bring this story to life. I learned a lot about the upkeep and day to day running of a lighthouse. Libby grows and evolves through out the story. The characters are well written. The storyline is a historic mystery that will draw readers in within the first few pages.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.