Sunday, December 1, 2019

Book and Review: The Roll of the Drums By: Jan Drexler

The Roll of the Drums (The Amish of Weaver's Creek Book #2) by [Drexler, Jan]

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ruby Weaver's curly red hair isn't the only thing that sets her apart from her Amish community in 1863. Twenty-eight and single, Ruby doesn't believe a woman needs to be married in order to be happy. Her ailing friend Lovinia Fischer, however, has other ideas and wants Ruby to promise to marry her husband after she dies. Never imagining she'd have to fulfill that vow, Ruby agrees. And she's not the only one. Lovinia has extracted a similar promise from her husband, Gideon.

With both Ruby and Gideon reluctant to keep their promises, a compromise must be reached. Ruby will spend her days with Gideon's family--helping to raise the children and keep the house--but her nights will be spent at her sister's neighboring house. But this arrangement raises eyebrows in their conservative Amish community, and it soon becomes clear that Ruby must make a decision--marry Gideon or turn her back on her friend, the children she's grown to love . . . and their father.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jan Drexler's husband of more than thirty-five years often says she's never happier than when she's in the kitchen cooking for someone, and he's right. With her Amish and Mennonite ancestry and mid-American roots, Jan has always enjoyed cooking from scratch and sharing the subsequent goodies with friends and family.

Jan and her family have lived all through the mid-west, from Indiana to Texas to Kentucky to South Dakota, with a few others in between. Born in Michigan, Jan still proudly carries her pocket map of Michigan on the end of her arm, like all true Michiganders, and will gladly give you a tour of her home state. But her current love is the Black Hills of South Dakota, where she can be found hiking the Hills at all times of the year and regularly visiting the "boys" at Mt. Rushmore.

Jan brings a unique understanding of the Amish culture to her writing, with ancestors who were among the first Amish immigrants to Pennsylvania. She has written several books for Love Inspired Historical as well as "The Journey to Pleasant Prairie" series from Revell.

MY THOUGHTS

I am a huge fan of this author. I am also a huge fan of this book. I love how the author has blended the experiences that the Amish experienced during the Civil War era. This is book 12 in the Amish of the Weaver's Creek series. I have not read the first one, and did not have any proble m in falling along. Gideon has seen what the terrible war has done. On top of that, his wife is on her death bed. She makes him promise to marry her friend Ruby, who already loves and cares for the kids as their own. Can they make it work? What will happen while the war rages on.

I received a copy of this book through the Revel Reads blogger program, all thoughts are my own.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Dreaming of the Majors Author: Dick “Lefty” O’Neal -- On tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Dreaming of the Majors

Author: Dick “Lefty” O’Neal

Genre: SPORTS & RECREATION / Baseball / History

Release Date: April 4, 2014

By all counts, Dick “Lefty” O’Neal didn’t have a chance of playing professional baseball. However, today he holds the distinction of being the only white baseball player to pitch for two teams in the Negro Leagues that flourished throughout the twentieth century. “Dreaming of the Majors” is his account of the dream he nurtured from the age of five to play Major League baseball, the people God brought into his life who shaped the dream, and the amazing and unexpected twists and turns Dick experienced along the journey toward fulfilling the dream.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Lefty is currently an Adjunct Professor in Speech, Motivational Speaker, and MLB Scout. He is also a consultant for a possible movie, “Dreaming of the Majors,” which would be based on Dreaming of the Majors – Living in the Bush. He has two grown children, Amy and Adam. He and his wife Harriett have been married forty-plus years and live in Universal City, Texas.”

More from Lefty

“I wrote my story in order to pass on to my son and daughter what their father experienced in his walk through life as a Christian. I wanted them to understand that if you have the right purpose, surrounded by the right people, you can make a difference if you listen to His guidance. Using a sports platform was perfect for me to share that whatever your dream is as you are growing as a ballplayer and a Christian helps you stand as an example for all who dreamed of playing a sport.

I had no idea the book would relate so well to anyone who dreams their dreams, but more importantly, if it doesn’t turn out the way you thought it would they realize it was God’s plan to put them where they are. People have found that blooming where they you are planted is right where God wants you to make a difference.

My story is one of hope, persistence, never give up attitude, and it encourages all of us to pursue our dreams regardless of the obstacles that stand in our path. But to remember that our Heavenly Father’s spirit has always been with us throughout the journey, wherever it takes us”.

My Thoughts

I chose to read this book since it dealt with two of my favorite things. Baseball and history. I am an avid Cleveland Indians fan - and love baseball. I also love history. In this book you see how this was the only white man to play in two Negro Leagues.Before reading this - I did not know that white men played in the Negro leagues. This is a life story. This is a story of him integrating into black society. (Which I should add is completely different then how we know the civil rights era) This is the story of how with God all things are possible. This book is a great, easy read. The author's writing flows easily.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 18

Jacquelyn Lynn, November 19

Connie’s History Classroom, November 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 21

She Lives to Read, November 22

For the Love of Literature, November 23

Artistic Nobody, November 24 (Author Interview)

deb’s book review, November 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 26

Texas Book-aholic, November 27

A Reader’s Brain, November 28

janicesbookreviews, November 29

Inklings and notions, November 30

Simple Harvest Reads, December 1 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Dick is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed Dreaming of the Majors book along with two autographed baseball cards and 1 autographed baseball!!

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/ee19/dreaming-of-the-majors-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Book Review: When Strength Prevails by Helen Smith Thompson

ABOUT THE BOOK

When the Crown begins sending English Protestants to replace the Catholic landlords in 1700s Northern Ireland, life for eighteen-year-old Maira OConnor changes dramatically. Rendered a tenant on their own land to a cruel Protestant landlord, Maira must dig within to discover her own strength, courage, and willpower to continue in this harsh new world. A searing historical drama of the real-life conflicts that erupted across Ireland in the early 18th centurY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Helen is a native Georgian with Irish and English ancestors. She truly enjoyed weaving history throughout a real-life searing drama, true to the early 1800s Ireland.

MY THOUGHTS

I was born and raised Catholic, and I am part Irish - it is one of the reasons I chose to read this book. This is not a time period that I am very familiar with. When I started this book, I learned a lot about this time period. The author has done careful research to ensure accuracy in her story. She has written strong characters. She wrote her characters so well, you could feel Maira's struggle, hurt and pain. There was so much corruption and obstacles in her life - I love how she channeled strength she did not know she had.

I received a copy of this book through Mascot Books, all thoughts are my own.

BUY HERE

Friday, November 1, 2019

Review & Giveaway for The Telegraph Proposal by Becca Whitham and Gina Welborn -- Hosted by JustRead

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for The Telegraph Proposal by Becca Whitham and Gina Welborn, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Telegraph Proposal
Series: Montana Brides #3
Authors: Becca Whitham & Gina Welborn
Publisher: Zebra
Genre: Western Romance
Release Date: October 29, 2019

In the rough and rugged Montana Territory, the journey to true love is filled with unexpected twists--and sweet rewards--for daring frontier women who faithfully believe every heart has a home . . .

With the help of the Archer Matrimonial Company, Yancey Palmer has finally put Hale Adams, the man she's loved for ten years--sometimes not wisely or well--behind her. Yancey is so sure of her love for the man the agency matched her with, she readily promises a friend that she'll help Hale with his mayoral campaign without chasing him.

Hale has also engaged the services of the matrimonial agency. He's so pleased with one lady, he requests that she join him in Helena to commence a sixty-day courtship. But instead, the Archer ladies arrive in town to reveal the true identities of both Hale's and Yancey's matches: each other. Can they look past their misunderstandings and hurt to see that they are still a perfect match?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Gina Welborn and Becca Whitham

Becca Whitham (WIT-um) Award-winning author, paper crafter, and Army wife, Becca and her twelve-foot long craft cabinet follow her husband of thirty-five years wherever the army needs a good chaplain. She thinks the cabinet should count as a dependent. So far, neither the army nor the IRS is convinced. In between moves from one part of the country to the other, she writes stories combining faith and fiction that touch the heart. She's a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America.

CONNECT WITH BECCA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Gina Welborn is the bestselling author of twenty inspirational romances, including the Montana Brides Romances from Kensington Publishing. She’s a member of Romance Writers of American and American Christian Fiction Writers. Sharing her husband’s passion for the premier American sports car, she is a lifetime member of the National Corvette Museum and a founding member of the Southwest Oklahoma Corvette Club. Gina lives with her husband, four of their five children, a rabbit named Hobbit, and two cats that don't realize rabbits are edible.

CONNECT WITH GINA: Website | Facebook | Pinterest

My Thoughts

This book is set in Montana. It is a part of the Montana Brides series. This can be read as a stand alone. In this book, you will meet Yancey and Hale. They have known each other for awhile. Yancey has had a thing for Hale for as long as she can remember. Hale, however does not feel the same way. Hale actually considers Yancey a thorn in his side. Both are corresponding with someone and Yancey accepts a marriage proposal to her mysterious suitor. When it is discovered it is Hale - it becomes interesting. Hale wants to back out, but is encouraged to try and make it work for the sake of his campaign. Can they put their differences aside and work together? Read it to find out.

I love the characters in this story. It is so well written. Great and intriguing storyline.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley and JustRead tours. All thoughts are my own.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and a Montana huckleberry syrup and jam gift box!

Enter: HERE

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Book Review: One more river to cross By: Jane Kirkpatrick

About the Book

In 1844, two years before the Donner Party, the Stevens-Murphy company left Missouri to be the first wagons into California through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mostly Irish Catholics, the party sought religious freedom and education in the mission-dominated land and enjoyed a safe journey--until October, when a heavy snowstorm forced difficult decisions. The first of many for young Mary Sullivan, newlywed Sarah Montgomery, the widow Ellen Murphy, and her pregnant sister-in-law Maolisa.

When the party separates in three directions, each risks losing those they loved and faces the prospect of learning that adversity can destroy or redefine. Two women and four men go overland around Lake Tahoe, three men stay to guard the heaviest wagons--and the rest of the party, including eight women and seventeen children, huddle in a makeshift cabin at the headwaters of the Yuba River waiting for rescue . . . or their deaths.

Award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick plunges you deep into a landscape of challenge where fear and courage go hand in hand for a story of friendship, family, and hope that will remind you of what truly matters in times of trial.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

(taken from her website)

Jane is internationally recognized for her lively presentations and well-researched stories that encourage and inspire.

A New York Times Bestselling author, her works have appeared in more than 50 national publications including The Oregonian, Private Pilot and Daily Guideposts. With more than 1.5 million books in print, her 30 novels and non-fiction titles draw readers from all ages and genders. Most are historical novels based on the lives of actual historical women often about ordinary women who lived extraordinary lives. Her works have won numerous national awards including the WILLA Literary Award, the Carol Award, USABestBooks.com, Will Roger's Medallion Award and in 1996, her first novel, A Sweetness to the Soul, won the prestigious Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage and National Cowboy Museum. Her novels have also been finalists for the Spur Award, the Oregon Book Award, the Christy, Reader's Choice and the WILLA in both fiction and non-fiction. Several titles have been Literary Guild and Book of the Month choices and been on the bestsellers list for independent bookstores across the country, in the Pacific Northwest and the Christian Booksellers Association. Her books have been translated into German, Dutch, Finnish and Chinese.

My Thoughts

This is based off a true story. Which is one reason that I enjoyed this book. I love when I get a history lesson while reading. The author takes a real life situation and crafts it onto pages to tell the story. There are a lot of characters to remember, but it all pans out. This group of individuals have to deal with hardship, predators, sickness, child birth and so much more. Follow this group along as they trek from the mountains to California.

I received a copy of this book through Revell Reads, all thoughts are my own.

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Book Review and Giveaway: A Promise to Break Author: Kathryn Spurgeon On tour with Celebrate LIt

Book: A Promise to Break

Author: Kathryn Spurgeon

Genre: Christian Historical

Release Date: July 11, 2016

SIBYL TRIMBLE, the daughter of a wealthy banking family during the Great Depression in Shawnee, Oklahoma, promises her father to be part of a political movement to change the world. By 1932, the timing to fulfill that promise seems right. Her life consists of fashionable clothes, cruising in a Model T, and dancing every weekend at the local speakeasy.

FREMONT POPE is a handsome, blue-eyed, down-on-his-luck hobo, and Sibyl’s life turns

upside down when she meets him. Her love for him and his Christian family opens her eyes to a different way of life than she has ever known.

Based on a true story, this historical novel follows Sibyl through some difficult choices. She must dig deep within herself to find strength to face her father and determine which, if any, of her past beliefs can be salvaged. What is more important, love or duty?

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

A Christian writer, Biblical counselor, teacher and speaker who offers insight, the author loves connecting to people individually and through retreats and conferences.

Kathryn’s mission is to teach that the passion of godly love knows no boundaries. Whether with prisoners, international students or those needing assistance, her platform strategy is the concept of personal, intimate encounters with Jesus. Her historical novel, “Up Town,” shows the importance of spiritual encounters with Jesus—small encounters that lead to a more mature spiritual life. Kathryn’s Biblical counseling and teaching background lends itself to this message.

She lived in South Korea for two years in her early twenties, spent time in an orphanage and adopted two Korean babies. A single mom for 18 years, she went from welfare to owner and CEO of a multimillion dollar corporation, Integrity Healthy Care. Her company took care of the medical needs of over 4,000 prisoners and during that time she counseled over 200 women.

Kathryn and her husband, Bill, hold Bible studies for international students attending the University of Central Oklahoma. They have had many different students live in their home and try to help students in all areas of their lives.

Kathryn is on the Mission Team at her home church, Henderson Hills Baptist Church, in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she has been a member for over 13 years. While attending her prior church, Country Estates Baptist Church in Midwest City, Oklahoma, she was on the Finance and Long Range Planning Committees, and taught DivorceCare and Financial classes. She is a Crown Money Map coach.

Bill and Kathryn have six children and nine grandchildren at the last count, including some adopted. Their family is internationally diverse. God’s love is enormous and includes all of us.

More from Kathryn

Nostalgic book

Have you ever wished to go back in time and question a relative who is no longer around? Ask what motivated her, discuss her greatest heartaches and how she overcame them, analyze her spiritual journey?

My grandmother’s life was full of upheavals and I wish I could have spent more time with her and studied her thought-processes. My mother did spend more time with her. With a clear mind of that time, Mom (and many others) enthusiastically shared memories and discussed the lessons the once wealthy Sibyl Trimble may have gathered in life.

What a trip it has been! Autobiographies. Publications. Notes in attic boxes containing information about secret love affairs and heart-breaking losses told with spiritual honesty. The more information I uncovered, the more I wanted to get to know Sibyl Trimble, the person. I wanted to know how God worked in her life. I wanted to write her story.

The nostalgic era of the 1930s came alive to me as I travelled to places of lively, boogie-woogie music, old handwritten documents, and tombstones. The amazing, booming town of Shawnee, Oklahoma, was the perfect setting for a Great Depression tale. Some people moved to California during that time. Others stayed in Shawnee. In contrast to “The Grapes of Wrath,” this book relates the experiences of some who remained during one of the worst times in U.S. history. They stayed and thrived.

This book is not a recount of simple facts but examines the essence of a brilliant woman who traversed through life, maneuvering the hardships along with the blessings. I uncovered anecdotes, read newspaper articles, and confirmed family lore that had been passed down through generations.

Many readers agree Sibyl could have been their grandmother, their heritage, and after reading this book series, they will know Sibyl almost as well as I do.

This story is an intimate look at a searching individual during the wistful days of a long-gone era. I expect, after you read “A Promise to Break,” you’ll agree that Sibyl Trimble’s story needed to be told.

My Thoughts

I feel like I do not read enough books set during this time period. I have been trying to expand my reading horizons since I am an American History Nerd. I was excited to read this one. This is a new to me author, and I will be checking out her other books as they are released. The author has done great research and created believeable characters. This is set during the Great Depression in Oklahoma. The author has done a great job balancing the chaos that was of this time period. Her writing style is one that flows. She brings you in and will not let you go as you read. I really enjoyed this book.

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