Tuesday, November 8, 2022

My Thoughts - A Not So Convenient Marriage Author: Sandra Merville Hart

About the Book

Book: A Not So Convenient Marriage

Author: Sandra Merville Hart

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: November 8, 2022

A spinster teacher…a grieving widower…a marriage of convenience and a second chance with the man she’s always loved.

When Samuel Walker proposes a marriage of convenience to Rose Hatfield so soon after the death of his wife, she knows he doesn’t love her. She’s loved him since their school days. Those long-suppressed feelings spring to life as she marries him. She must sell her childhood home, quit her teaching job, and move to a new city.

Marrying Rose is harder than Samuel expected, especially with the shadow of his deceased wife everywhere in his life. And he has two young children to consider. Peter and Emma need a mother’s love, but they also need to hold close the memories of their real mother as they grieve her loss.

Life as Samuel’s wife is nothing like Rose hoped, and even the townspeople, who loved his first wife, make Rose feel like an outsider. The work of the farm draws the two of them closer, giving hope that they might one day become a happy family. Until the dream shatters, and the life Rose craves tumbles down around them. Only God can put these pieces back together, but the outcome may not look anything like she planned.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Sandra Merville Hart, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of inspirational historical romances, loves to discover little-known yet fascinating facts from American history to include in her stories. Her desire is to transport her readers back in time. She is also a blogger, speaker, and conference teacher. Connect with Sandra on her blog, https://sandramervillehart.wordpress.com/.

More from Sandra

There are some stories that must be told. A Not So Convenient Marriage is one of them for me.

I don’t know what it is about this story, but once I began writing it over a dozen years ago, the characters wouldn’t leave me alone.

I wrote the first draft of this book a few years before my first book—another book, A Stranger on My Land—released, so I was still learning about the writing journey. I’m certain that my first draft of A Not So Convenient Marriage wasn’t ready for publication because it was rejected.

But the characters in my imagination wouldn’t allow me to let this one go. I edited and reedited, using skills I learned at writing conferences. Then I tried again with another editor. Another rejection.

Discouraged, I worked on other writing projects and met with a little success. When my first Civil War romance published, I decided to follow my heart and continue writing about that turbulent time period.

This book was set aside.

Still, every morning I woke up thinking about the characters in A Not So Convenient Marriage. In my mind, I’d rewrite a scene from the book as I lay, trying to sleep, in the middle of the night. Or the story would haunt me before falling asleep at night, keeping me awake an hour or two.

This happened almost daily for years.

Finally, I pulled up the manuscript again. It had been written in my early days so it required a lot of modification. I asked my agent to begin showing my updated proposal for the book. She was happy to do this because she always believed in this book. In fact, she decided to represent me after reading for proposal for it.

By the way, the story was still keeping me awake as I waited to sign a book contract.

Last year, I was thrilled when Misty Beller, Wild Heart Books, offered me a contract for a three-book series for this novel. Not only that, she also gave me a three-book contract for my “Spies of the Civil War” series, that published this year. (I invite you to read the whole “Spies of the Civil War” series beginning with Book 1 Avenue of Betrayal, Book 2 Boulevard of Confusion, and Book 3 Byway to Danger.)

Misty told me that she cried when reading my manuscript for A Not So Convenient Marriage—the first time that had ever happened for a submission. That touched my heart.

I’m happy to say that scenes from the book no longer keep me awake at night…for now the story will be told.

My Thoughts

A Not So Convenient Marriage is book one in the Second Chance Brides series that is written by Sandra Merville Hart. I have read this author before and have always loved everything that she has written.

This book is set in 1877 - and I love the historic details that the author has included. This is one of my favorite time periods, post Civil War. Rose, has gone to visit her childhood friend when she finds out his wife has passed away. When she shows up she sees the house in dire need of a woman's touch. She steps in and helps get the house back in order - to which Samuel is thankful for. She returns to her home and teaching position and is surprised when Samuel shows up shortly after asking her to marry him. Samuel knows his home needs a woman's touch and his two kids need a woman's love. She accepts, even if it's just in name only.

My heart felt for Rose. She tried so hard to be a good wife and mom to Samuel and his children. But in all of their grief she was not appreciated. Every time she thought she was making progress she was pushed back. I felt so many of the emotions that Rose was going to.

The book is well written, the characters well developed. The author did a great job sprinkling in historical details to make her story as authentic as possible. 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

Texas Book-aholic, November 1

For Him and My Family, November 1

lakesidelivingsite, November 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 3

Holly’s Book Corner, November 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 4

deb’s Book Review, November 5

Blossoms and Blessings, November 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 7

Inklings and notions, November 7

Connie’s History Classroom, November 8

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 9

Through the Fire Blogs, November 9

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 10

Pause for Tales, November 11

To Every BOOK There is a Season, November 11

Bizwings Blog, November 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 13

Mary Hake, November 13

Vicky Sluiter, November 14

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2244d/a-not-so-convenient-marriage-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, November 6, 2022

My Thoughts - A Doctor in the House Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

About the Book

Book: A Doctor in the House

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: October 15, 2020

This story was previously part of The Hope of Christmas collection.

They’re supposed to be allies, but mutual distrust puts this pair on opposite sides.

Emma O’Sullivan is one of the first female doctors to enlist after President Franklin Roosevelt signs the order allowing women in the Army and Navy medical corps. Within weeks, Emma is assigned to England to set up a convalescent hospital, and she leaves behind everything that is familiar. When the handsome widower of the requisitioned property claims she’s incompetent and tries to get her transferred, she must prove to her superiors she’s more than capable. But she’s soon drawn to the good-looking, grieving owner. Will she have to choose between her job and her heart?

Archibald “Archie” Heron is the last survivor of the Heron dynasty, his two older brothers having been lost at Dunkirk and Trondheim and his parents in the Blitz. After his wife is killed in a bombing raid while visiting Brighton, he begins to feel like a modern-day Job. To add insult to injury, the British government requisitions his country estate, Heron Hall, for the U.S. Army to use as a hospital. The last straw is when the hospital administrator turns out to be a fiery, ginger-haired American woman. She’s got to go. Or does she?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, Linda is a former trustee for her local public library. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry. Linda has lived in historic places all her life, and is now located in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities include exploring historic sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

More from Linda

Dear Reader:

As a long-time Human Resources professional, I’m fascinated by the history of women in the workforce, especially during the World War II era when many filled jobs previously held by men. A Doctor in the House came about when two bits of information collided with me on the same day.

I’m an avid fan of the BBC mystery show “Foyle’s War” about a detective chief superintendent located in Hastings, England. He’d rather be “doing his bit” for the war effort, but he continues to be assigned to regular police work. One of the episodes takes place in a huge country home that was requisitioned by the British government for use as a hospital.

Research turned up the fact that the British government took over people’s homes (whether or not the inhabitants were willing to give up the house). Later that day I was creating “this day in history” posts for my social media account and one of the events was Dr. Margaret Craighill becoming the first commissioned officer in the US Army Medical Corps. Previously, women were not afforded this opportunity.

I dug into Dr. Craighill’s story, and there were several references to difficulties she encountered by people who didn’t think women belonged in the military or in officer positions within the military. I thought the combination of a man who isn’t happy to have lost the use of his home with an American female doctor in charge of the hospital had the makings of a fun story. I hope you agree!

Blessings,

Linda Shenton Matchett

My Thoughts

A Doctor in the House is written by Linda Shenton Matchett. I always love when her books come up for me to review. She always does such great research to ensure that her stories are as authentic as possible. Her words just flow off the pages and you find yourself lost in the story within the first few pages. This was a quick and easy read. The story is about 96 pages. The plot moves quick.

Dr. Emma O’Sullivan is thrilled when she can join the war effort. She is one of the first female doctors to enlist after President Franklin Roosevelt signs the order allowing women in the Army and Navy medical corps. She finds herself overseas and overseeing a hospital in the home of Lord Archibald “Archie” Heron. He is the last survivor of the Heron Dynasty. He is not thrilled and does not think that a woman should be a doctor nor in charge of a hospital.

The two of them butt heads - and seem to push each others buttons. Emma has unorthodox ways of treating her patients, but it works and she has had great success in her patient load. Archie tries to unsuccessfully get her removed. One of the things that I loved is that they both realize they have to pray for the author - and that is where the healing and patience begin.

The characters are well written, the story is unique and heartwarming. 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

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 30

Texas Book-aholic, October 31

Inklings and notions, November 1

deb’s Book Review, November 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 5

Connie’s History Classroom, November 6

Betti Mace, November 7

For Him and My Family, November 8

Holly’s Book Corner, November 9

Mary Hake, November 9

Splashes of Joy, November 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 11

Books I’ve Read, November 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Visa Gift Card and signed copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2244b/a-doctor-in-the-house-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, November 3, 2022

My Thoughts - Mary Author: Shannon McNear

About the Book

Book: Mary

Author: Shannon McNear

Genre: Historical/Christian/Romance Fiction

Release date: October, 2022

Worlds Collide Along the Shores of the Outer Banks

Immerse yourself in the “what if” questions related to the Lost Colony of Roanoke. What if an English boy and a native girl met in the wilderness? The push-and-pull between two very different worlds begins as one seeks simple friendship and the other struggles to trust. And can it—dare they—allow it to be more?

Sparks fly between Mushaniq, free-spirited daughter of Manteo, and Georgie Howe, whose father was brutally murdered by undiscovered native warriors before they’d been on Roanoac Island a full week. As Georgie struggles to make sense of his life and to accept that not all they call “savage” are guilty of his father’s death, Mushaniq grapples with her own questions about who Manteo has become. As tentative friendship becomes more, forged in the fire of calamity and attack upon their community, both must decide whether the One True God is indeed who He claims to be and whether He is worthy of their trust.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in Charleston, South Carolina, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. She’s a military wife, mom of eight, mother-in-law of three, grammie of two, and a member of ACFW and RWA. Her first novella, Defending Truth in A Pioneer Christmas Collection, was a 2014 RITA® finalist. When she’s not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies. Connect with her at www.shannonmcnear.com, or on Facebook and Goodreads.

More from Shannon

Why did I write Mary? The series started as an idea suggested by my editor and soon became something of an obsession. This installment was inspired partly by the Legend of the Coharie, a fragment of the very murky history surrounding the Roanoke Colony and the Lumbee people of North Carolina. According to this legend, George Howe, the son of the colonist by same name who was brutally murdered a few days after their landing on Roanoke Island, married a daughter of Manteo, the Native man who traveled twice to England, later led a group of the colonists inland for refuge and eventually became an ancestor of the Lumbees. Then, as my Lost Colony research expanded, my interest in the nuances of two cultures meeting and blending grew into a desire to pay tribute to what might have been the first (and possibly only) example of European and Native peoples living together in peace. Imagine if this had been the defining moment of our country’s founding?

As usually happens, fictional characters (even those based on historical figures) sooner or later run away with the story—and that’s the part I find most exciting! I hope you, the readers, also enjoy this tale of Mushaniq (squirrel in Carolina Algonquian) and Georgie, which serves as both a parallel story and sequel to Elinor.

My Thoughts

Mary is a Christian Historical Fiction story that is written by Shannon McNear. This is part of the Daughters of the Lost Colony Series. The author will take you back to a interesting part of history where settlers and natives clashed. The author tells a story of the Lost Colony of Roanoke during the 1500's. The author did a great job with her research, as I felt that I learned a lot about this period in history.

Manteo helped to bridge the gap between the English and the natives. He has recently convereted to Christianity. He plays a great role in helping the English and his people understand each other better. We met him in book one -and his daughter, Mushaniq. We met Georgie Howe in the first book when his father was brutally murdered. They are both now coming of age - and the sparks fly. The author did a great job bringing cultural awareness to the story.

I have been enjoying the series. I was not as familiar with the Lost Colony as some, but I felt through the author's careful research I have learned a whole lot. The book is well written and the characters are well developed.

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

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 26

Remembrancy, October 27

Inkwell Inspirations, October 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 28

Texas Book-aholic, October 29

Hallie Reads, October 29

Inklings and notions, October 30

For Him and My Family, October 30

deb’s Book Review, October 31

To Everything There Is A Season, October 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 1

Holly’s Book Corner, November 1

Betti Mace, November 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 2

Connie’s History Classroom, November 3

Mary Hake, November 3

Bizwings Blog, November 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 5

A Reader’s Brain, November 6

Sylvan Musings, November 6

Through the Fire Blogs, November 7

Pause for Tales, November 8

Spoken from the Heart, November 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shannon is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/22447/mary-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, October 31, 2022

My Thoughts -Rita: A Yorktown Christmas Time Travel Novella Author: Izzy James

About the Book

Book: Rita: A Yorktown Christmas Time Travel Novella

Author: Izzy James

Genre: Christian Romance

Release date: July 19, 2022

Dr. Rita Woods thought she was going back in time to save the children. She didn’t count on falling in love.

Rita Woods—retired physician, widow, with a granddaughter about to be married—misses her patients. She’s tired of knitting. She wants to do something that makes a difference again. When Max Ballard and his time-traveling conservatory pop in to her life, the voice of Dr. Josiah Jones’ diary calls. The voice who’d inspired her vocation. The last line of the diary haunts her quiet moments:

“…the children succumbed in the night…”

In 1769 Dr. Josiah Jones has a good life. His practice is thriving and, except for the the guilt he carries over the death of his wife, life couldn’t be any better. His biggest worry is the zealous match-making activities of his best friend…that is until a hurricane throws an unexpected guest on his doorstep.

Can Josiah trust a woman from the twenty-first century to save the only grandchildren he’ll ever have?

Is it possible for two people living 250 years apart to have a second chance at love?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Izzy James grew up in the footprints of history in coastal Virginia. She lives there still with her fabulous husband in a house brimming with books.

More from Izzy

After I finished Garrett, who worked really hard to hide his contemporary origins when he slipped back to 1769, I thought it would be fun to have someone actually take some technology back to 1769. I also felt bad for Olivia’s grandmother who makes her first appearance in Max. She is a retired physician knitting away and helping out Olivia and Garrett as she can. I thought it was time she had an adventure of her own. And since I love historic areas, and Yorktown has become one of my favorite places, I knew I had to go back at least one more time.

My Thoughts

Rita: A Yorktown Christmas Time Travel Novella is written by Izzy James. This is book three in the Yorktown Christmas Time Travel Novella series. I have read one other book in the series and enjoyed the author's writing style very much. This is a quick read at 126 pages You will find yourself lost in the story within the first few pages.

Dr. Rita Woods who is now retired - is bored with her current life. She finds out about Max Ballard and his time-traveling conservator. She wants to go back to 1769 and assist Dr. Josiah Jones. Dr. Jones had inspired her to be a physician. She has read his diary and there is one line that haunts her, “…the children succumbed in the night…”

Dr. Josiah Jones has a good life. His practice is thriving and, except for the the guilt he carries over the death of his wife. He is very thrown off when Rita arrives telling him she is from the future. She wants to save the children that Dr. Jones could not save.

This was such an amazing story. The story flows nicely. The characters are well developed and the story moves at a comfortable pace. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.