Saturday, December 26, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway - Bride by Blackmail Author: Debbie Lynne Costello On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Bride by Blackmail

Author: Debbie Lynne Costello

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 15, 2020

A broken heart, a controlling father, and an intrusive Scot leave Charlotte Jackson reeling. Accused of stealing an heirloom pin, she must choose between an unwanted marriage and the ruin of her family name. With the futures of her three younger sisters at stake, as well as her own reputation, Charlotte must navigate through injustice to find forgiveness and true happiness.

Eager to find the traitor that caused the death of his brother, Duncan Mackenzie comes to America and attempts to fit in with Charleston society. But when the headstrong Charlotte catches his eye, Duncan takes on a second mission—acquiring the lass’s hand. After being spurned several times, he uses unconventional ways of winning her heart.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Debbie Lynne Costello has been writing since the young age of eight. She went to college for journalism. She enjoys medieval settings and settings set in nineteenth century Charleston, South Carolina. She loves the Lord and hopes to touch people’s lives through her stories. Debbie Lynne lives in the beautiful state of South Carolina with her husband of 40 years, their 4 children, 2 Tennessee Walking horses, 2 Arabians, miniature donkey, 6 ducks, and 3 dogs.

More from Debbie

It is fun to build characters in books and one of the best ways is to show some sort of a hobby or skill that the particular character enjoys. In Bride by Blackmail, Charlotte and her sister, Nellie, are doing needlework on a tablecloth that they hope to have done by the holiday season. My grandmother who would be over a hundred today loved to do needlework. I have pieces from when she was young up until her later years when she did needlework on pillowcases to decorate them up as a Christmas present. But I also have pieces done by my great-great grandmother and her sisters. They are cherished pieces I hope to hand down for generations. As part of my giveaway I’ve purchased antique needlework and embroidered pieces to giveaway with the prizes.

Another fun way to build characters is show something they love to eat. Nellie, who is a minor character, is visiting the hero’s home with her family. Duncan being from Scotland has scones on the breakfast menu. Nellie can’t get enough of the yummy biscuits and finds the servant enjoys helping her continue her indulgence even after she leaves.

SCONES

Preheat oven to 400

2 cups of flour

1/3 cup sugar

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp baking soda

½ tsp baking powder

½ cup sour cream

½ cup butter (hard)

½ cup cranberries

1 large egg

2 tsp. sugar (do not put this in with the dry ingredients. This is for topping.)

Mix together dry ingredients in large bowl. Once mixed well, cut hard butter into pats and drop into the bowl. Now cut the butter into the floured mixture until it is more like a crumble. Set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together your egg and your sour cream until well mixed.

With a fork (no mixer!) blend the liquid mixture into the flour mixture, keep stirring until the mixture becomes one large ball. If you need to you can use your hands toward the end to make sure all the flour is in the ball.

On a lightly floured surface pat the dough out to about 3/4” thick. I try to make mine a rectangle for the next step. Once you have the thickness right, sprinkle with the remaining 2 tsps. sugar. Cut the dough into triangles and place on cookie sheet (you can use parchment paper on the cookie sheet). Be sure to place adequately apart on the sheet to prevent them touching when rising.

Bake approximately 15 minutes or until they are a beautiful golden color.

Allow to cool slightly. These are wonderful warm or cold!

My Thoughts

I am a huge fan of this author - and everything she writes always is beautiful and entertaining. We are transported to 1880. In this book we meet Charlotte Jackson. Charlotte wants to be able to think for herself in a time period where women are to be seen and not heard. Her father who is a banker is more concerned with money and status then his daughters. Charlotte has her eye on a gentleman - but when she is accused of stealing an heirloom pin - her whole life is turned upside down. Her father does not seem to care that she is innocent - just that he needs to save their family status and reputation.

We also meet Duncan Mackenzie . He comes to America to find out who betrayed his brother and caused his death. While integrating in the South Carolina society - he is determined to win Charlotte's hand.

I was not a fan of Duncan at first - but throughout the story he will grow on you. Nellie is Charlotte's friend and she is a great support character. I would love to see the author write Nellie's story at some time. There are a lot of twists and turns and I enjoyed the ride that this book took me on.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program - all thoughts are my own,

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 14

Hallie Reads, December 14

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 15

Novels Corner, December 15

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 16

Connect in Fiction, December 16

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 17

Artistic Nobody, December 18 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Britt Reads Fiction, December 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 19

Simple Harvest Reads, December 19 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Rebecca Tews, December 20

deb’s Book Review, December 20

Inklings and notions, December 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 21

Texas Book-aholic, December 22

Splashes of Joy, December 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 23

Vicky Sluiter, December 23

Labor Not in Vain, December 24

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 25

Connie’s History Classroom, December 26

Bizwings Blog, December 26

For Him and My Family, December 27

Maureen’s Musings, December 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Debbie is giving away the grand prize of a smart watch!!

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/104ae/bride-by-blackmail-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway - Silver Moon Author: Jenny Knipfer On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Silver Moon

Author: Jenny Knipfer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: June 20, 2020

A tale of courage and hope in the darkest of times…
Silver Moon, the third book in the series: By the Light of the Moon, paints a stunning and poignant picture of life on the home front in Webaashi Bay, Ontario, and of three men who are a part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during WWI.

Shamed into joining the war, the tide turns for Luis Wilson when he is steered into the depths of espionage. Injured and presumed missing, will he lose his heart to the very woman who presented him with a white feather?

Oshki and Jimmy offer a grim perspective on life in the trenches. They despair of ever returning home to the women who hold their hearts.

Meanwhile, Lily fights for the cause in her own way and rallies the female troops at home as prejudices run high and the local cafe owner is accused of being a spy.

Will the women of Webaashi Bay receive their men back unscathed? Can the power of love win out over insurmountable odds? All this drama and more plays out under the light of a silver moon.
Fans of WWI historical fiction, Christian historical fiction, and literary fiction will find Silver Moon a moving, powerful read!

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jenny lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Ken and their pet Yorkie, Ruby. She is also a mom and loves being a grandma. She enjoys many creative pursuits but finds writing the most fulfilling.

Jenny’s education background stems from psychology, music, and cultural missions. She spent many years as a librarian in a local public library but recently switched to using her skills as a floral designer in a retail flower shop. She is now retired from work due to disability.

She authored and performed a self-published musical CD entitled, Scrapbook of a Closet Poet.

Jenny’s books, Ruby Moon, Blue Moon, and Silver Moon earned five-star reviews from Reader’s Favorite, a book review and award contest company. Their praise: “Ruby Moon is entertaining, fast-paced, and features characters that are real. Blue Moon continues a well-written and highly engaging saga of family ties, betrayals, and heartaches… Silver Moon is a highly recommended read for fans of historical wartime fiction, powerful emotive drama, and excellent atmospheric writing”

She holds membership in the: Midwest Independent Booksellers Association, Historical Novel Society, Wisconsin Writers Association, Christian Indie Publishing Association, and Independent Book Publishers Association.

Jenny’s favorite place to relax is by the western shore of Lake Superior, where her novel series, By The Light of the Moon, is set. She has self-published the first three books, Ruby Moon, Blue Moon, and Silver Moon, in her four-part series. One more novel to complete the series is planned for 2020. She is currently writing a new historical fiction series called, Sheltering Trees.

More from Jenny

Family, Friends, and Faith:

FAMILY:

Ask people what ranks high on their list of thanks, and likely it will be family. I have a wooden plaque in my kitchen with the words “Family is Forever” on it. I love my family and am so grateful for each member. We’ve been through the good, bad, and the ugly together, and I wouldn’t trade one day of the journey. Maybe you can say the same.

I wanted to work this sort of family importance into my novels, and I hope readers will get a sense of that. In Silver Moon, family plays a big role in keeping the spirits of the fictional community of Webaashi Bay, Ontario going during WW1.

Oshki Cota, a young man from the Canadian town, fighting in the trenches on the Western Front, writes home to his wife and family, and the letters he receives back give him hope to keep fighting and hoping that he can return to his loved ones.

Mauve, Oshki’s wife, leans on her husband’s family as a young mother and the trials of depression and illness come calling. Her faith is strengthened by her in-laws, as they gather together to surrender Oshki to God in prayer, trusting in His love for Oshki to lead him through unknown valleys.

Luis Wilson, my main character, acting as a spy in France, is bolstered by the love and support of his family after surviving an auspicious day, fighting in Flanders with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces.

Rose, a nurse working in a hospital receiving wounded men, makes an unusual bond with the parents of her once-intended fiancé. She blooms in her faith from their love and support.

FRIENDS:

Jimmy Smith, another man from Webaashi Bay, receives letters from Lily Parsons, an old schoolmate, who he once picked on in school. Over letters of friendship, they fall in love, and Lily’s words become an anchor for Jimmy in a sea of destruction.

The women of Webaashi Bay unite and do what they can to further the wartime effort and tame tensions rising at home. They form a group, meeting and talking about such things as: how to make meat and dairy rations go further, how to make new clothes from old ones, and how to can and preserve food.

Natalie Herman, the local café owner, accused of being a German spy by her neighbor, must defend herself to the local constabulary. Lionhearted Lily stands by her friend and challenges the town to do the same.

FAITH:

I can’t write a story without pouring my faith through my characters. My faith in God and the salvation of His Son, Jesus, is integral to who I am as a person and as an author. I’ve lived through some dark days, and I know that God was with me in the midst of those. And He will continue to be in the future. Although, I have not lived through a physical war, I’ve lived through a mental and spiritual one, and I battle with my health every day. I hope my writing reflects the deep places I have been to in the voices of my characters and their experiences.

TIME TOGETHER:

During our current health crisis around the world, we’ve come to realize just how important time together is as family and friends. We cherish the times and opportunities when we can see our loved ones.

Participating in or hosting tea parties has always been an activity I liked to do with friends and family. In Silver Moon, I have several scenes including friends, family, and tea—imagine that. In the back of the book, I included my own recipe for a lovely tea. Let’s have a cup together, shall we?

Thank you for reading! The very best of blessings to you,

Jenny

Autumn Comfort Tea

This is a recipe for a hand-blended tea from ingredients that I grew, except the spices.
It’s simple, light, and comforting.

Ingredients:
1 and 1⁄2 T. dried apple
2 t. dried sage
2 t. dried mint
1 t. dried chamomile
2 T. cinnamon bark chips
1⁄2 t. crushed clove buds

Instructions:
Chop dried ingredients separately before measuring. After chopping mix together well.
Store in airtight container away from light.
Use 1 t. per 8oz of boiling water.
Steep for 4-5 min. in an infuser.
~
Enjoy!

My Thoughts

Silver Moon by Jenny Knipfer the third book in the series: By the Light of the Moon. I have read the other books in the series. You can find my reviews of those books: HERE and HERE. Since I am familiar with this author's writing I was able to follow along with the time jumps and different point of views throughout the book. Each book in the series keeps getting better and better. You will be drawn into the lives of Lily, Oshki, and Luis immediately. We are thrust into WWI and how it affects our characters. I have read so many books and biographies about how WWI has affected Americans - this book brings us the perspective of our Canadian neighbors. Luis was one of my favorite characters and how he got started in espionage. I did my master thesis on the use of Women and African Americans as spies during the Revolutionary and Civil War. I have always been fascinated by how spies operated. Luis evolved. He was shamed to join the war effort. Then he is injured and presumed dead. While your heart is pounding with Luis adventures - Lilly is back at home supporting the war effort. I love how the author portrayed those fighting in the trenches and those at home trying to continue with every day lives.

I have been enjoying following all the characters throughout these books - I look forward to the next edition.

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

Blog Stops

Connie’s History Classroom, December 19

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 21

lakesidelivingsite, December 21

Libraray Lady’s Kid Lit, December 22

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 24

Book of Ruth Ann, December 25

deb’s Book Review, December 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 27

Texas Book-aholic, December 28

Inklings and notions, December 29

Mary Hake, December 29

For Him and My Family, December 30

Artistic Nobody, December 31 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jenny is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a set of earrings pertaining to the theme 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/104fe/silver-moon-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway - The Gold Digger Author: Liz Tolsma On tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: The Gold Digger

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian/Historical/Suspense

Release Date: December, 2020

Men Are Disappearing in LaPorte, Indiana

Book 9 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History

Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History

In 1907, shy but loyal Ingrid Storset travels from Norway to support her grieving sister, Belle Gunness, who owns a farm in LaPorte, Indiana. Well-to-do widow Belle, who has lost two husbands and several children, provides Ingrid with enough money to start a small business. But Ingrid is confused by the string of men Belle claims to be interviewing for her next husband. When Nils Lindherud comes to town looking for his missing brother, who said he was going to marry Belle, Ingrid has a sinking feeling her sister is up to no good.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

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

This story was so much fun to write, and the research was so interesting. It has to rank up there with one of my favorite books to write. That’s what makes my job the best around.

There are a great number of characters in The Gold Digger who are historical. Many of the places I mention are also historical. I had the pleasure of spending a day in LaPorte, Indiana, to research the book and take some pictures they had in the museum there. Research is one of my favorite aspects to writing. I could have spent much, much longer losing myself in the museum and in the archives. Good thing my cousin, who I was staying with, called me to let me know that it was getting dark and she had dinner ready, otherwise who knows how long I would have been there. Probably until they kicked me out!

One thing that the people of LaPorte would want you to know is that they really are nice people and that their town is a nice town. Lots of good people have been born there or have lived there over the years, including Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, William Mayo, who founded Mayo Clinic, and William Scholl, who found Dr. Scholl’s. They kept emphasizing to me while I was there what a great place LaPorte is. Judging by their friendliness and helpfulness, I would have to agree.

To help you better visualize the characters and setting, here are some photographs of the real people and places that appear in The Gold Digger.

Enjoy the book!

Liz

My Thoughts

Gold Digger is book 9 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History. While it is part of a series - they are all standalone. Each book keeps getting better and better. I have been fortunate enough to read each one. Liz Tolsma is one of my favorite authors that I have discovered in the last few years. She always writes such amazing historical novels.

In this book - we travel to 1907 in LaPorte, Indiana. We see Ingrid Storset travels from Norway to support her grieving sister, Belle Gunness. Belle has had a cloud of bad luck over her. Belle is known as being quiet and kind. She has lost several husbands and children. Ingrid starts to wonder - is her sister causing issues.

This book is action packed. There are so many twists and turns that it will leave you guessing. It will draw you in within the first few chapters. The author has done some amazing research. I went and looked up the story of Belle Gunness. The author did a great job bringing her to life. I am always fascinated by women who hae lead a life of crime.

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