Total Pageviews

Sunday, June 30, 2019

Book Review and Giveaway - The Medallion Author: Cathy Gohlke on tour with Celebrate Lit

The Medallion FB Banner

About the Book


The medallion cover

Book: The Medallion
Author: Cathy Gohlke
Genre: Historical Fiction (World War II)
Release date: June 4, 2019
For fans of bestselling World War II fiction like Sarah’s Key and The Nightingale comes an illuminating tale of courage, sacrifice, and survival, about two couples whose lives are ravaged by Hitler’s mad war yet eventually redeemed through the fate of one little girl.
Seemingly overnight, the German blitzkrieg of Warsaw in 1939 turns its streets to a war zone and shatters the life of each citizen—Polish, Jewish, or otherwise. Sophie Kumiega, a British bride working in the city’s library, awaits news of her husband, Janek, recently deployed with the Polish Air Force. Though Sophie is determined that she and the baby in her womb will stay safe, the days ahead will draw her into the plight of those around her, compelling her to help, whatever the danger.
Rosa and Itzhak Dunovich never imagined they would welcome their longed-for first child in the Jewish ghetto, or that they would let anything tear their family apart. But as daily atrocities intensify, Rosa soon faces a terrifying reality: to save their daughter’s life, she must send her into hiding. Her only hope of finding her after the war—if any of them survive—is a medallion she cuts in half and places around her neck.
Inspired by true events of Poland’s darkest days and brightest heroes, The Medallion paints a stunning portrait of war and its aftermath, daring us to believe that when all seems lost, God can make a way forward.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author


Cathy Golke
Three-time Christy and two-time Carol and INSPY Award–winning and bestselling author Cathy Gohlke writes novels steeped with inspirational lessons, speaking of world and life events through the lens of history. She champions the battle against oppression, celebrating the freedom found only in Christ. Cathy has worked as a school librarian, drama director, and director of children’s and education ministries. When not traveling to historic sites for research, she, her husband, and their dog, Reilly, divide their time between northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their grown children and grandchildren. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com and find her on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks.

More from Cathy

Every story begins with a journey. Sharing that journey is twice the joy.
The Medallion was inspired by two true stories—the first was the WWII account of Itzhak Dugin and his Jewish family, persecuted in Lithuania. Their heart-wrenching story made world news when the tunnel from which Itzhak escaped the Nazis was discovered using modern technology.
The second was the story of Irena Sendler, a Polish Catholic social worker within Żegota (an underground Polish Council to Aid Jews), who developed a network to rescue children. Despite terrible risks, they smuggled 2500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto and certain death at the hands of the Nazis, then hid them in Polish homes, convents, churches and hospitals until the end of the war. Approximately 2,000 of those children were found after the war. Theories abound regarding the whereabouts of those missing. I couldn’t help but wonder, and imagine: What became of those 400 to 500 missing children? What became of one?
Set in WWII Poland and post-war England, The Medallion is a story of courage, sacrifice, love, forgiveness and redemption.


My Thoughts

One of the things that I love about being a book blogger - is that I get to discover amazing authors. This was a new author to me. I fell in love with the cover and the description. As a history nerd, I love reading about all things 1860-1980. In this book we travel to WWII. The author has done careful research to ensure a accurate historical adventure. Such well written characters. The author presents a story line that will get all in your feels. You will laugh you will cry. The author takes you on such an adventujre as she tackles unthinkable situations. Itzchak and Janek, the heroes of the story,are such noble characters. You will be drawn to them instantly. 

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

Blog Stops

Mary Hake, June 23
By The Book, June 24
Remembrancy, June 26
The Becca Files, June 26
Genesis 5020, June 27
Bigreadersite, June 28
Simple Harvest Reads, July 1 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Hallie Reads, July 3
Emily Yager, July 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cathy is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e50c/the-medallion-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Book Review: Rebekah's Quilt by Sara Harris on tour with Silver Dagger Tours




Rebekah's Quilt 

Rebekah's Quilt
by Sara Harris
Genre: Historical Amish Romance 

Who can Rebekah trust when the line between English and Amish becomes blurred?
An Amish Settlement. An English stranger. The Blizzard of 1888.
Rebekah's mother, Elnora Stoll, is the finest quilter in all of Gasthof Village but it seems Rebekah has inherited none of her skill. A sweet and gentle love blossoms between Rebekah Stoll and her childhood friend Joseph Graber, despite attempts by her saucy nemesis, Katie Knepp, to sway the young man's affections her way. When Joseph hints at the promise of forever, Rebekah is positive she should say yes to his proposal - until a mysterious English stranger shows up at her homestead and sets everything she thought she knew about her world on end. 







About the Author 
Sara Barnard
Sara is a mother of four, animal lover and advocate, and conservationist. Little House on the Prairie, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, and Lonesome Dove are among her favorite shows/movies and books. Sara holds her B.A. in History and is the author of the historical romance series, An Everlasting Heart, from 5 Prince Publishing and recently debuted into the children's book realm with Chunky Sugars (5 Prince Kids), written for her own chunky baby. 


Author Links

My Thoughts

This is a new to me author. I was excited to read her. This book is set in 1888 America. It is about a 20 year old girl who has just completed her "running around" aka: Rumspringa. I really liked the character development in this story. The author has done a great job making sure they felt like real people The author avoided sex, language and violence which is always a plus in my book. Joseph and Rebekah were the perfect couple who had been friends since childhood. During this story you will see the friendship develop into something more. 
A great sweet read

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

Giveaway
$20 Amazon, ebook copies of Rebekah's Quilt – 2 winners
Follow the tour HERE for exclusive content and a giveaway!


BOOK REVIEW: A Reluctant Belle (Daughtry House Book #2) By Beth White

Reluctant Belle (Daughtry House #2)

ABOUT THE BOOK

With the Civil War over, Mississippi Belle Joelle Daughtry wants to establish a school to teach freed slaves. But she might have to form an alliance with her childhood nemesis and reveal her deepest secret to make changes in her worldand her heart.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

fullsizeoutput_3e97.jpeg
I grew up in the South, specifically North Mississippi, which has a rich tradition of fostering writers, storytellers, and musicians. I’m fond of both music and literature, so I amuse myself by teaching chorus and piano in an inner-city public high school by day, while conducting a secret life as a romance writer by night.


Anyway, I find myself, after more than half the years I’ve been alive, still married to my last college boyfriend. He still makes me laugh, he still gives me the warm fuzzies, and he still checks my tires, so I guess I’ll keep him. We somewhat successfully raised two young adults, who are both married and have begun producing amazing grandchildren. My cup runneth over.

MY THOUGHTS
I love this author. Her writing style flows so nicely from page to page. This is the 2nd book in the series. While I have read the first one, you do not need to. This author has well writen characters. She presents an intriguing story line.  In this book we meet Joelle Daughtry  and Schuyler Beaumont who are childhood friends. Joelle while living in the south thinks differently then most others around her. She wants to help and educate former slaves. Her childhood friend joins the KKK in protest to his father's assasination. Will these childhood friends see eye to eye? Will their friendship devlop into more? You wil have to read to find out. 

I received a copy of this book courtesy of the publisher, all thoughts are my own. 

Sunday, June 23, 2019

Book Review and Giveaway: The Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma on tour with Celebrate LIt

The Pink Bonnet FB Banner


About the Book

The Pink Bonnet Cover

Book: The Pink Bonnet
Author: Liz Tolsma
Genre: Christian Historical, Suspense
Release date: June, 2019
A Desperate Mother Searches for Her Child
Step into True Colors—a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime
Widowed in Memphis during 1932, Cecile Dowd is struggling to provide for her three-year-old daughter. Unwittingly trusting a neighbor puts little Millie Mae into the clutches of Georgia Tann, corrupt Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home Society director suspected of the disappearance of hundreds of children. With the help of a sympathetic lawyer, the search for Millie uncovers a deep level of corruption that threatens their very lives.
How far will a mother go to find out what happened to her child?

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Liz Tolsma
Liz Tolsma is a popular speaker and an editor and the owner of the Write Direction Editing. An almost-native Wisconsinite, she resides in a quiet corner of the state with her husband and is the mother of three. Her son proudly serves as a U.S. Marine. They adopted all of their children internationally, and one has special needs. When she gets a few spare minutes, she enjoys reading, relaxing on the front porch, walking, working in her large perennial garden, and camping with her family.

More from Liz

A Desperate Mother Searches for Her Child
True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through 6 unique stories of historical romantic suspense in the exciting new True Colors series.
In book two, The Pink Bonnet, Widowed in Memphis during 1932, Cecile Dowd is struggling to provide for her three-year-old daughter. Unwittingly trusting a neighbor puts little Millie Mae into the clutches of Georgia Tann, corrupt Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home Society director suspected of the disappearance of hundreds of children. With the help of a sympathetic lawyer, the search for Millie uncovers a deep level of corruption that threatens their very lives.
How far will a mother go to find out what happened to her child? Find out in The Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma.
The True Crime Behind the Story
Georgia Tann was a woman who ran an adoption agency in Memphis, Tennessee, from 1924 until 1950. It is estimated that, in that time, she kidnapped over five thousand children and sold them to the highest bidder. She even advertised the children in the newspaper, especially around the holidays. Some of the nation’s biggest celebrities adopted through Miss Tann, including Joan Crawford, Dick Powell, and June Allyson. Learn more about Georgia Tann HERE and visit www.TrueColorsCrime.com for more exclusive content.


My Thoughts


Oh. My. Gravy. THIS BOOK WILL KEEP YOUR HEART POUNDING UNTIL THE VERY END!!!!.I am a huge fan of this author and was super excited to get a chance to read this. This book starts out with a bang and does not let up the entire time. As always, well written characters. SUPER suspensful story line, well researched and descriptions that make you feel like you are right there in the middle of it. As a mother myself, I would NEVER stop trying to find my child. I could so relate to this mom. I love that this is based off a true story.  

I received a copy of this book throug hte Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

The Becca Files, June 20
Livin’ Lit, June 20
Mary Hake, June 23
Moments, June 24
Remembrancy, June 26
Emily Yager, June 26
Genesis 5020, June 27
Changed by Him, June 28
Bigreadersite, June 28
Pause for Tales, June 29
Hallie Reads, June 30
By The Book, July 2
amandainpa, July 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away a grand prize that includes a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Pink Bonnet!!
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/e331/the-pink-bonnet-celebration-tour-giveaway