Wednesday, October 9, 2024

My Thoughts - Side Launch - By Brock Martin

SIDE LAUNCH

Brock Martin

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GENRE: Historical Fiction

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BLURB:

1939, Canada unprepared but defiant, declares war on Germany and mass produces a mid-size warship, the Corvette. Thus starts the creation and journey of Canada's first Corvette, the HMCS Collingwood. Neither designed nor equipped for the North Atlantic, Collingwood is tasked to protect convoys and take on the predatory Sea Wolves lurking below the waves.

Heart breaking wartime romance as Ian and Kate struggle with love in difficult times. Our hero Ian, takes command of the Collingwood. He is ready to fight with any weapon he is given having witnessed Nazi atrocities and now driven by hatred. Kate is the daughter of the Collingwood shipyards owner, a brilliant woman with a strong desire to make something of herself. She is ready to fight for her country, but first she must fight for success in a male dominated world.

EXCERPT:

Kate woke with a smile, propping another pillow behind her back. She always took a few moments to collect herself and get excited about her day, and today was a big day. She was thinking of Ian, Robbie and her father, and how today seemed to weave together her relationship with each of them. She was particularly happy with the truce that seemed to have occurred between her and her father. Maybe she was reading into his reactions; perhaps he was just excited about today’s launch. But it did seem like he was coming to accept some of her choices. It wasn’t her imagination that her father received her last night with more affection and warmth than she had previously felt. Last night he called her Kate, a small thing perhaps, but she would hold on to any sign of his approval. She had always been “Kathryn” when he was upset with her, and she had been Kathryn for a long time now.

Action packed historical fiction based on true events of WWII and the Battle of the Atlantic. Murderous Wolf Packs, German Commandos, a nail-biting secret mission, spies and saboteurs. Side Launch takes the reader through a roller coaster of emotion.

If you are a fan of history and love to learn, this Canadian historical fiction is for you.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Brock Martin, a retired captain, served ten years as a Canadian Forces Search & Rescue pilot before his current role. The Canadian Forces gave him the opportunity to travel many areas of Canada and gain an immense appreciation of his country. He has been involved in operations across Canada, including the high arctic.

His free-spirited upbringing in the wilds of Northern Ontario gave him a love of the outdoors and adventure.

Brock is fascinated with historical fiction. He loves to learn of past thrilling adventure through the eyes of fictional characters. He was captivated when he learned the very ships that fought in the Battle of the Atlantic were built in Collingwood.

The Battle of the Atlantic was a massive achievement of Canadian perseverance, dedication and sacrifice of its men and women. Brock wrote this fast-paced, action packed story to honor Canadian heroism.

CONNECT WITH BROCK MARTIN

WEBSITE: https://www.brock-martin.ca/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Brock-Martin-102136659247617

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22345264.Brock_Martin

PURCHASE LINKS SIDE LAUNCH

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0228860180

Chapters Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/side-launch/9780228860181-item.html

BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/side-launch-brock-martin/1141317544

MY THOUGHTS

Side Launch is written by Brock Martin. It is a historical fiction about Canadian involvement in The Battle of the Atlantic during World War II. It tells the story of Canada's first Corvette, the HMCS Collingwood. I love military history, but have never looked at World War II from Canada's point of view. The author has done a good job in creating a story that will draw you in within the first few pages of the story.

I learned a lot from this book. I love that we got a look at the WRENS (Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service). I love reading about women and their contributions to war. The author has written some great descriptions to where you feel like you are watching the story unfold through the pages.

Not only is this a historical fiction book, there is also a romance. I loved seeing the romance build between Ian, who is Captain of the HMCS Collingwood and Kate who is the daughter of the Collingwood Shipyard owner.

The book is well written. The storyline is engaging. The author has done careful research. 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.

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

ENTER: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f4985

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.