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Friday, December 14, 2018

BOOK REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY: The Three Faces of Nellie by Robynne Elizabeth Miller on tour with Celebrate Lit

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About the Book


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Book: The Three Faces of Nellie
Author: Robynne Elizabeth Miller
Genre: Non-fiction, Historical
Release Date: November, 2016
Publisher: Practical Pioneer Press
Whether you love her, hate her, or love to hate her, Nellie Oleson is one of the most recognizable literary figures of the 20th century. But Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the Little House on the Prairie series in which Nellie appears, had a secret. . .Nellie wasn’t a real person! Instead, she was a composite character created from three girls Laura knew in childhood: Nellie Owens, Genevieve Masters, and Estella Gilbert.
The Little House character of Nellie Oleson is one-dimensional: snobbish, selfish, and thoroughly unpleasant. But what about the real women behind Laura’s creation? They were an intriguing mix of the not-so-nice and the unexpectedly redeemable. In short, they were human.
Discovering the true stories behind Nellie, Genevieve, and Estella has been a fascinating journey. All three ended up on the West Coast at one point. . .true westward movement! One was widowed twice, one ended up divorced, and one died way too young. Two only had one child, and one had three, though she outlived her youngest by a very long time. There’s even some “Nellie-like” drama in there: Embezzlement. Lying on censuses. Shady land deals.
But there are some beautiful things, too. . .like the enduring love of a husband after his young wife died. Or the rare closeness of a mother and daughter who shared their lives as adults. Or the strength of a young widowed mother who not only cared for her son, but headed out west, in true pioneer fashion, while she did so.
Laura Ingalls Wilder did a masterful job of creating the character of Nellie Oleson. But the three real-life women behind that iconic character are, in my opinion, infinitely more intriguing.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Version 2Robynne Elizabeth Miller is a speaker, writing
 coach, and author of multiple books, articles, and essays. Her larger projects include From the Mouth of MaPioneer MixologyThe Three Faces of Nellie, and Nonfiction, Memoir, or Fiction? Dissecting the Works of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Robynne speaks nationally at writing and historical venues and teaches at writer’s workshops and conferences. She also serves as the Board President of Inspire Christian Writers, as well as their Director of Leadership, and leads two Northern California critique groups.
She holds an undergraduate degree in English Literature from Westmont College and a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction and Fiction from Ashland University.
She lives with her wonderful British husband and the youngest of their four cheeky children in the snowy woods of the Sierra Nevada mountains. When not writing, Robynne loves singing, felling trees, and making bacon from scratch.

Guest Post from Robynne

Nasty Nellie Oleson. One of the most iconic literary characters in literature. Whether you loved her … or hated her … or loved to hate her, she probably left a lasting impression on you. At least if you were a fan of the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder like I was growing up!
As a young girl, I loved Wilder’s tales of wagons, prairies, and grand westward adventures. Strangely, growing up didn’t change my love for all things Little House one tiny bit. But I did become deeply curious about the real life people behind some of the more fascinating Little House characters.
Namely, Nellie Oleson.
As I began to research Nellie, I learned a ton of interesting things. She wasn’t one person, for example. Laura Ingalls Wilder wove three girls she knew in childhood into one composite character for her books. One of the first “Nellie’s,” Nellie Owens, did have a brother named Willy, but did you know that he went blind from two separate incidents, one in childhood and one in adulthood? And did you know that all three of the “Nellies” ended up on the west coast at one point? Talk about true westward movement! One married a man who eventually went to prison for embezzlement, one did some shady land deals, and one shouldn’t have been a “Nellie” at all.
I suppose I was hoping for a good, old-fashioned redemption story. Wouldn’t it have been wonderful if the mean girl in Wilder’s stories grew up to work with orphans or rescue unwanted animals? Alas, that’s not exactly what happened. But the stories of these three women were fascinating all the same.
I hope you have as much fun discovering the real stories behind the famous Nellie Oleson as I did!

My Thoughts

I grew up watching "Little House on the Prairie". I stil watch it this day if I can catch a re-run on Hallmark or the Inspiration Channel. When I saw this book I was very intrigued. Nellie. The character that you love to hate, but eventually grows on you as she gets older. This book has been well researched into the 3 childhood aquaintances that were woven together to become Nellie. One of the things that stands out to me most is the fact that the author researched each of the girls geneology and was able to locate distant relatives. I love a book that you can learn from. I love that the author took qualities of each girl and created Nellie Olseon. This book is not a story, it's the fruit of the research that the author has spent a great deal of time on. It is well written. The audience that she is writing for is those who are Little House/Laura Ingalls fans. I enjoyed this book

I was provided a copy of this book by Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Blogging With CarolDecember 6
multifarious, December 7
Carpe Diem, December 7
Bibliophile Reviews, December 8
The Morning Chapter, December 8
A Reader’s BrainDecember 10
Maureen’s Musings, December 11
Artistic Nobody, December 13
Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 14
Pause for Tales, December 15
Texas Book-aholic, December 16
Janices book reviews, December 18
margaret kazmierczak, December 18
Lots of Helpers, December 19
Bigreadersite, December 19

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Robynne is giving away a grand prize of a Little House Treasures basket that includes an authenticated piece of the original Loftus Store is De Smet, authenticated sand from Laura’s Plum Creek in Walnut Grove, a Loftus Store slate and slate pencil, chokecherry preserves from De Smet, a Christmas Tree ornament from De Smet, a corn-cob doll kit, a tin cup, maple syrup, a set of pioneer recipe books, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s actual gingerbread recipes, and other treasures from various Little House sites!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries in to the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d774/the-three-faces-of-nellie-olson-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Book Review: Kimberley Woodhouse MissTaken Identity


Title: MissTaken Identity
Collection: The MissAdventure Brides Collection
Author: Kimberley Woodhouse
Publisher: Barbour
Release Date: December 1, 2018 (print)
Genre: Historical Romance

Love Is One of Life’s Greatest Adventures
Seven daring damsels don’t let the norms of their eras hold them back. Along the way these women attract the attention of men who admire their bravery and determination, but will they let love grow out of the adventures?

MissTaken Identity by Kimberley Woodhouse
1883 Texas
Headstrong, bubbly, accident-prone Abigail Monroe is on a quest for adventure away from society’s expectations. But her pursuits are unexpectedly thwarted when she is arrested by a handsome Texas Ranger.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository
MY THOUGHTS
This book is part of a collection of stories that feature 7 stories of women who rise above in their respected era. While they all are great stories, I will be focusing on Ms. Woodhouse's story: MissTaken Identity. 
In MissTaken identity 
Meet Abigail, or as you will come to find "Chuck". Abigail dresses like a man so that she can travel freely without the use of an escort. One of the things that I love about Abigail is that she is so accident prone. I can totally relate to that. Abigail is a wealthy rancher that has not been successful in finding a spouse that is not after the land or her money. This book is well written, has engaging characters, well developed story line and is very satisfying. I am a huge fan of this author and will always read what she puts out. 

I received a copy of this book through Just Read blogging program, all thoughts are my own. 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
aboutkim
Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than fifteen fiction and nonfiction books. A popular speaker and teacher, she’s shared her theme of “Joy Through Trials” with more than half a million people across the country at more than 2,000 events. Kim and her incredible husband of twenty-five-plus years have two adult children. She’s passionate about music and Bible study and loves the gift of story.
CONNECT WITH KIM: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram



Book Review!!! Woman of Courage by: Wanda Brunstetter





Woman of Courage, Collector's Edition   -     By: Wanda E. Brunstetter
ABOUT THE BOOK


A Woman of Courage Makes an Epic Journey

Take a three-thousand mile journey with Amanda Pearson as she leaves the disgrace of a broken engagement and joins the work at a Quaker mission in the western wilds. The trip is fraught with danger, and Amanda is near death before reaching her destination. Among those she meets are an Indian woman who becomes her first convert and a half-Indian trapper who seems to be her biggest critic. But love follows her into the wilderness and will determine the course of her future. You are sure to enjoy this historical romance adventure from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

Included is the newly-written sequel, Woman of Hope, with Little Fawn’s story.

Raised as an orphan by a loving white couple, Little Fawn always felt something was missing from her life. She longs to take the news of Jesus to the Nez Perce Indians, but despite being a missionary herself, Little Fawn’s mother forbids it. Will White Wolf, her intended, support Little Fawn’s decision when she abruptly follows the tribe’s migration onto the Plains?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Wanda Brunstetter

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of nearly 90 books with more than 10 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York TimesPublisher’s WeeklyUSA TodayCBAECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time MagazineUSA TodayNewsweekGood Housekeeping, and Country Woman. Wanda’s books have been translated into four foreign languages.
Wanda’s fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda’s desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

MY THOUGHTS
I love that Wanda continues to write unique and captaviaging stories. There is never one of her stories that is like the other. I adored this book. The characters, their flaws. their struggles. The way that the author writes her scenes in such a way that you feel like you are there. This book is like no other that I have read by the author. 
I received a copy of this book throught the author and Barbour Publishing. All thoughts are my own. 


Thursday, December 6, 2018

Book Review and Giveaway: Murder of Convenience By Linda Shenton Matchett on tour with Celebrate Lit

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About the Book


Murder of Convenience-jpeg ecover
Book: Murder of Convenience
Author: Linda Shenton Matchett
Genre: Historical Mystery
Release Date: October 15, 2018
May 1942: Geneva Alexander flees Philadelphia and joins the USO to escape the engagement her parents have arranged for her, only to wind up as the number one suspect in her betrothed’s murder investigation. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, she must find the real killer before she loses her sight…or is convicted for a crime she didn’t commit.
Set in the early days of America’s entry into WWII and featuring cameo appearances from Hollywood stars, Murder of Convenience is tribute to individuals who served on the home front, especially those who did so in spite of personal difficulties, reminding us that service always comes as a result of sacrifice. Betrayal, blackmail, and a barrage of unanswered questions… Murder of Convenience is the first in Linda Shenton Matchett’s exciting new “Women of Courage” series.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Linda Matchett Head Shot
Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, speaker, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. Linda is a member of ACFW, RWA, and Sisters in Crime. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and a trustee for her local public library.

Guest Post from Linda

World War II is my favorite era about which to read and write. What I find most fascinating about the time period are the stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things, especially women, who until this time, had been provided for and protected.
A woman was typically insulated from difficulties or frightening things, and her husband or father took care of just about everything. When the war took millions of men away, the women had to learn how to take care of themselves in addition to filling the job vacancies.
Yes, there were Rosie the Riveters: women who worked in the factories building weapons, ships, vehicles and all kinds of war materiel, but there were also Land Army girls, many of whom didn’t know how to drive, who learned to operate all kinds of farm equipment so they could bring in crops to feed our nation as well as our Allies. Others donned uniforms to serve in the WACS, WAVES, SPARS, WASPS, Marines, Army Nurse Corp, and Navy Nurse Corp. Millions boosted morale through the USO and Red Cross or served in myriad ways with Civil Defense. Some went overseas to cover the war as journalists. A few even signed on as spies.
The driving force with most of these women was the realization that their country needed them. They put their own needs and desires aside to help win a war they didn’t ask to be part of. And many did it while single-handedly running the household because their husband was somewhere across the globe – ordinary women doing extraordinary things.
My latest release, Murder of Convenience, explores themes of service and sacrifice intertwined with the question of how to respond when God says no. It is my hope that the novel honors the women who lived during WWII in some small way.

My Thoughts

I am a huge fan of this author,and I was thrilled when she had another release coming out. She always writes so well that you feel like you are there. I love the time period that this is set in. Her work is carefully researched and well crafted. This takes place during WWII. A time where women were leaving their families for the workforce. Geneva comes from a very well off family. She has a disability to where she may lose her eye sight completely. She leaves the comfort and security of her family, and goes out on her own. The man that she was engaged to be married to is now dead. She is the number one suspect. In this story you will follow the clues as the mystery unfold. This is a great book. It is a page turner and I enjoyed it. 
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging Program, all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

All-of-a-kind Mom, December 1
Bigreadersite, December 1
Carpe Diem, December 3
Pause for Tales, December 5
Multifarious, December 7
Have A Wonderful DayDecember 8
Bibliophile Reviews, December 8
Blogging With CarolDecember 9
Texas Book-aholic, December 10
The Lit AddictDecember 12
Maureen’s Musings, December 13
Janices book reviews, December 14

Giveaway

Murder of convenience giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away a grand prize of a World War II themed gift basket!!
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/d6d3/murder-of-convenience-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Pistachio Pudding. Quick and Easy Dessert

I am a huge fan of quick and easy desserts. Especially when I have to take something to potlucks. The recipe I'm about to share with you as a family favorite. My Aunt Barb would always make this and I would gobble it up. I finally have mastered it. So now I am sharing the recipe with you.


What you will need

1 box of pistachio pudding
1 can (normal size) crushed pineapple
1 tub cool whip
1 10 oz bag mini marshmallow



Open pudding mix and pineapple.

Blend together.

 Once well blended add cool whip and stir together

Gradually add marshmallows

Place in container and chill for at leaat an hour (overnight is best)

Recipe is courtesy of my Aunt Barb ❤

The Light Before Day by Suzanne Woods Fisher Review and Giveaway On tour with Celebrate Lit

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About the Book

The Light Before Day-Book Cover

Book: The Light Before Day
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: October 2, 2018
“Henry, this . . . fortune, this sudden wealth . . . I fear it will change our lives. And I don’t want my life to change.”
After three years on a whaling voyage, Henry Macy returns to Nantucket to news that his grandmother has passed, bequeathing her vast fortune to him and his sister, Hitty. And it was truly vast. But Lillian Coffin was no fool. The inheritance comes with a steep cost, including when each should marry and whom—a Quaker in good standing, of course. But if they relinquish the inheritance, it all goes to Tristram Macy, their father’s thieving business partner.
As Hitty and Henry seek a way to satisfy the will’s conditions, they’ll be faced with obstacles on every side—and it may be that Lillian Coffin will have the last word after all.

Click here to purchase your copy!

The light of day buy 1 get 1
Find out more about this amazing deal at http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/thelightbeforeday

About the Author

suzanne woods fisher
Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Phoebe’s Light and Minding the Light, as well as the Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series. She has also written several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. Fisher lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow her on Twitter @suzannewfisher and Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor.

Guest Post from Suzanne

The Mortgage Button
In each story of the ‘Nantucket Legacy’ series, there’s a reference to a mortgage button in the newel post of a stairway. Phoebe Starbuck, the main character in Phoebe’s Light, made a point to notice it in the captain’s house on Orange Street, the famous residences of sea captains. In Minding the Light, Daphne Coffin touched the mortgage button on the newel post of her horrible mother’s grand house each and every morning. Hitty and Henry Macy were well aware of the absence of their childhood home’s mortgage button—and all that its absence symbolized—in The Light Before Day.
Mortgage buttons meant something to each of those characters. It made a statement to anyone who walked into a house.
Have you ever seen a mortgage button? It’s a very Nantucket-y tradition. In fact, some say the mortgage button originated on Nantucket Island, thirty miles out to sea.
Supposedly, when a house’s mortgage was fully paid and there were no liens against the property, the homeowner drilled a hole in the newel post of the main staircase, rolled up the mortgage document, put it inside, and capped the hole with a decorative plug of scrimshaw.
Scrimshaw is a term for an American folk art developed during the 18th and 19th centuries. Whaling in New England was an industry that lifted Nantucket Island to become the world’s wealthiest port. After a whale’s oil was rendered, the ship’s captain would give his crew the sperm whale’s teeth or bones to carve during long tedious hours at sea. Whaling had its exciting moments, but they were far and few between. As a pastime, sailors carved all kinds of useful gifts to bring home to their loved ones: needles, combs, games, clothespins, busks…and mortgage buttons.
But let’s jump back to the mortgage button. Some legends say that the actual mortgage papers were ceremoniously burned and the ashes stashed inside the drilled hole before sealed with the button. However, as appealing a thought as that might be, it is most likely a myth. There’s never been any evidence of ashes or even hidden mortgages found in salvaged newel posts. Still, mortgage buttons are common among Nantucket homes, and the tradition has spread to other parts of the country. In southern states, for example, they’re called brag buttons. Whether myth or truth, today it’s more a matter of a charming nostalgic custom than a nod to your healthy (or…not so healthy) net worth.

My Thoughts

This is the third book in the Nantucket Legacy series. I have enjoyed each and every one. The author always manages to craft such unique and captivating stories. In book two we saw Henry and Hitty as little kids. In book three this is their story, They have such a wonderful brother and sister relationship. After Henry returns from a whaling voyage he discovers that his grandmother has passed. He and his sister have inherited a fortune. However there are restrictions on the inheritance. Can they meet the requirements in order to secure it? You will have to find out for yourself. 

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program. All thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, November 4
Texas Book-aholic, November 5
Godly Book Reviews, November 5
Among the Reads, November 8
Blogging With Carol, November 9
Mary Hake, November 10
Carpe Diem, November 11
Simple Harvest Reads, November 12
Janices book reviews, November 13
Captive Dreams, November 14
Bigreadersite, November 14
By The Book, November 15
Pause for Tales, November 16
Book by Book, November 16
Have A Wonderful Day, November 17
Bibliophile Reviews, November 17

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a 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/d773/the-light-before-day-celebration-tour-giveaway