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Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway - Boy from Berlin by Nancy McDonald On Tour with Iread

 



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Book Details:

Book Title:  Boy from Berlin by Nancy McDonald
Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12),  142 pages
Genre: Historical fiction
Publisher:  Iguana Books
Release date:   May 7, 2018
Format available for review:  PDF
Tour dates: September 14 to October 2, 2020
Content Rating:  G. There is no violence, bad language etc. in this book.

Book Description:

Berlin, April 1938. One night, eight-year-old Käfer Avigdor uses his specialty toilet-paper roll binoculars to spy on his Mama and Aunt Charlotte. The whispered conversation he overhears alerts him to a danger he didn’t know existed and starts him rethinking who he really is and where he belongs. Within hours, Käfer and his family flee their comfortable life. In a desperate race to stay one step ahead of the Nazis, Käfer is called on to be braver and more resourceful than he ever imagined possible. But will it be enough? Boy from Berlin is based on real people and actual events.
Author Nancy McDonald

Meet the Author:

Nancy McDonald began her career as a journalist on television programs that include W5, Canada AM, and Marketplace before going on to become a sought-after freelance writer, penning everything from documentaries to live-action scripts to comic books. One Boy’s War is the highly anticipated sequel to Boy from Berlin. Nancy lives in Stratford, Ontario, where she revels in Shakespeare, takes theatergoers on tours of the Costume Warehouse, and treads the boards with the Perth County Players. She also works part-time at Fanfare Books, Stratford’s only independent bookseller.

connect with the author:   website ~ twitter ~ instagram ~ goodreads


My Thoughts
My 9 year old son and I read this book together. We really enjoyed it. It sparked a lot of good conversation and a lot of questions to the Holocaust. This book is a book through the eyes of an 8 year old, Kafer. Kafer overhears his mother talking to his aunt Charlotte about leaving in the middle of the night. Kafer tells his siblings and they do not believe him, until after dinner the news is broken to them that they are leaving. Kafer at first does not understand why they have to leave their comfortable home, but he starts to understand. He then realizes that his family is Jewish, and they need to leave the area. 
This book follows the journey of Kafer's family as they leave Berlin and head to England. They encounter some roadblocks along the way. (When they stop for breakfast and the SS soldier grills young Kafer, your heart will be pounding) Follow the journey. 
This book is well researched, well written and is geared toward middle grades. My son is in 4th grade and we took turns reading the book outloud. There were some words he struggled with. His 7 year old brother listed for part of it. 
I look forward to reviewing the sequel of this book (One Boy's War). Please come back for my review for this. 

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

Giveaway
You can win: Autographed set of BOY FROM BERLIN & ONE BOY’S WAR. (one winner) (USA and Canada only)

Enter: HERE




Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway --- Freedom's Call By Douglas Cornelius Hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Freedom's Call by Douglas Cornelius, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!


                                                            ABOUT THE BOOK




Title: Freedom's Call 
Author: Douglas Cornelius 
Publisher: Crosslink Publishing 
Release Date: October 1, 2020 
Genre: Middle Grade/Young Adult Christian Historical Fiction 

Just moments earlier, the steamboat at Brady's command had rounded the Mississippi river-bend effortlessly. But then a sudden explosion causes fourteen-year-old Brady to fail his cub-pilot test, shattering his dream. What's more, the explosion takes the life of a family member, and now revenge grabs hold of Brady's heart. He blames a black deck hand, William Wells Brown, who flees and becomes a fugitive slave. 

Brady reluctantly takes an apprentice job for abolitionist newspaperman Elijah Lovejoy. Would Lovejoy's Christian message soften Brady's heart? Or would his fondness for mixed-race office mate Charlotte? Brady remains conflicted, and spirals to a new low. But when an angry mob seizes Lovejoy's printing press and dumps it in the river, Brady is called to escort a new press via steamboat along the river that Mark Twain would make famous. Danger lurks around every bend, whether from river pirates or pro-slavery thugs. 

When Lovejoy's fate is in the hands of an enraged mob, will Brady become more than a champion of freedom of the press? Will he ever meet up with Brown again? What role will Charlotte play? 

Based on true stories featuring the lives of two noted figures of the pre-Civil War era: Elijah Lovejoy, Christian newspaper abolitionist, whom Lincoln knew, and William Wells Brown, a fugitive slave who became a famous author documenting the plight of the slaves. 



                                            ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Douglas Cornelius is retired from business careers at Target, Amex, and 3M. Except for two short years teaching in Alabama, he is a life-long resident of the Twin Cities, where winters are far more tolerable than common folklore dictates. His love of writing historical fiction came late in life—no doubt from creative urges fostered early by his inventive father, and now unbound from the shackles of the business world. 

With his writing, Doug gravitates to story that reveals history, as that is the most interesting way to comprehend it. A fast-paced tale with strong characters revealing a loving and gracious God triumphs any day. Hence, Doug tries to provide quick reads with meaningful glimpses of times past—stories of faith and life that transcend their historical timelines. Hopefully, they will linger in minds longer than the time it takes to read them, as therein lies success. 

A graduate of Cornell University, Doug currently serves on the Board of the Minnesota Inventors’ Hall of Fame, and when not writing, may be found in middle-school classrooms, inspiring kids to become inventors, or speaking on behalf of Feed My Starving Children. He has been married over 44 years to wife Leslie, with children Brian and Cristina, and three grandchildren. 

Two of Doug’s previous books are Award-winners:
  • 2018 Illuminate – Juvenile/YA Fiction – Silver Award for The Baker’s Daughter: Braving Evil in WW II Berlin (LPC Publishing).
  • 2017 Moonbeam Children’s – YA Fiction-Religion – Silver Award for Da Vinci’s Disciples.
CONNECT WITH DOUGLAS: Website




                                                 MY THOUGHTS

I read this book with my 9 year old son, who suddenly has taken a huge interest in history. This book is set in the years prior to the Civil War. Which in my opinion as a historian, are important years. The years prior to the Civil War were foundational. It helps to understand why the War happened. 

In this book, we meet Brady Scott. He lost his mother in a tragic accident. Not only does the accident leave him an orphan, it leaves him VERY bitter. He ends up meeting Elijah Lovejoy, who is a writer and publisher. He is an abolitionist writer. Brady ends up working for Elijah.  Brady, because of his hurt and bitterness has a hard time trusting people. I loved watching this change while working for Elijah. 

When Elijah is attacked by an angry mob - can Brady save him?

This book was a great read. It was historically accurate and based on true stories. My 9 year old and I had some great conversations about this book. I love books that we can learn from. 

I received a copy of this book through the JustRead Publicity Tours -- all thoughts are my own. 




                                                GIVEAWAY 

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and a print copy of Freedom's Call!

Freedom's Call JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight September 28, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on October 5, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.


Enter: HERE

BOOK REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY - The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline Author: Jan Davis Warren ON tour with Celebrate Lit

 


About the Book

Book:  The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline

Author: Jan Davis Warren

Genre:  Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 22, 2020


Everyone believes Lady Evangeline is dead, so why not let them? Her survival depends on it.

After escaping from assassins and healing from her injuries, Evangeline Stanton finds refuge in a crumbling abbey. Her physical scars are nothing to the wounds left by the death of her daughter and abandonment of her husband. She spends most days disguised as Sister Margaret Mary, but when necessary, she dons the disguise of the recently deceased bandit, the Fox, to steal from the rich and help the starving children and widows who come for aid.

Lord Henry Stanton still grieves the death of his beloved wife, Evangeline. Raising their young daughter is now the most important role in his life, even though the child serves as a daily reminder of the love he and his wife once shared. He may never shed the weight of his guilt for not protecting Evangeline from the band of outlaws who killed her, as well as the lies sown by his sister-in-law, which he allowed to separate him from his wife just before her death.

When Henry’s ailing father-in-law sends an urgent request for help to manage his lands, he has no choice but to take his daughter with him to Castle Brighton. But the nun who comes to care for the sick man catches Henry’s notice from the first moment he catches sight of her. When the life of their precious daughter is threatened, can they overcome the lies and secrets of the past and join forces to save their daughter before it is too late?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Jan Davis Warren photoJan Davis Warren is a mother, grandmother, and a young-at-heart great-grandmother. Her wonderful husband passed away the same year she won the ACFW Genesis Award for Romantic Suspense. That win and many others are encouraging reminders that God wants her to continue writing even in the tough times. Learn more at www.janwarrenbooks.com.

 

More from Jan

Hello Dear Reader,

That you are reading this means you come from some hearty and courageous ancestors. Over thousands of years, they survived good times and bad, plagues, famines, wars, and all manner of tribulations. No matter how many different places around the globe your ancestors ventured, or where they lived and died, you are living proof they existed.

 

This thought never crossed my mind while writing and winning awards with contemporary romantic suspense, westerns, and even sci-fi. It wasn’t until Lady Evangeline stirred me with her story that I was lured into writing about the Middle Ages. I was even more surprised when I won RWA Faith Hope & Love chapter’s, Touched by Love historical category and the overall award with The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline. Thus began my next exciting adventure, for I had never written a medieval.

While doing research for the time period, I was humbled by the revelation that I’m alive because of ancestors further back than my genealogy has thus far revealed. They survived not only the medieval era, but many other difficult, even horrific times over the centuries before my birth. You and I are truly blessed by our ancestors’ perseverance. We are alive at such a time as this for a reason. Help us Lord to be the light so others might find You and through You life eternal.

Blessings!

Jan Davis Warren

My Thoughts

Medieval time period, is not a time period that I read a lot about. I was excited to read The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline for that reason. This is the first book that I have read by the author. It is the first book in the Secrets Series. The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline is set in 1186. The author has done a great job painting a realistic picture of this time period. In this book we meet, Evangeline Stanton. She has met near death - and has a lot of physical scarring. She finds solice in an abby - and she assumes a new identity as Sister Margaret Mary. She sometimes will rob the rich to help the poor. 
Evangeline's husband, Lord Henry Stanton was separated from his wife on that fateful night due to the meddling and deceit of a family member. He is raising their young daughter alone. He travels to aid his father in law in  caring for lands - and the nurse caring for him, strikes a cord. What will happen if they figure each other out? Can Henry realize it's his wife? Can Evangeline trust him? 

Twists and turns, suspense and danger  all in a 1186 setting. Well written characters, flowing storyline - a must read for lovers of historical fiction. 
I receive a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 25

Blogging With Carol, September 25

For Him and My Family, September 26

Inklings and notions, September 27

deb’s Book Review, September 27

Texas Book-aholic, September 28

Connect in Fiction, September 28

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 29

Romances of the Cross, September 29

Connie’s History Classroom, September 30

The Book Chic Blog, September 30

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 1

CarpeDiem, October 1

Older & Smarter?, October 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 3

Life, Love, Writing, October 3

Artistic Nobody, October 4 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Labor Not in Vain, October 4

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 6

Emily Yager, October 6

Sara Jane Jacobs, October 7

Mary Hake, October 7

Splashes of Joy, October 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jan 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/10116/the-secret-life-of-lady-evangeline-celebration-tour-giveaway


Monday, September 28, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway -- Miss Tavistock’s Mistake By: Linore Rose Burkard On tour with Celebrate Lit

 


About the Book

Book:  Miss Tavistock’s Mistake

Author: Linore Rose Burkard

Genre:  Clean and Wholesome Regency Romance/Romantic Comedy

Release Date: June 4, 2020


Can Miss Tavistock’s mistake ever be undone?

Young Miss Tavistock is promised in marriage to Captain Rempeare by the wish of her dearly departed papa. But the captain’s been at sea for a decade. When she finally meets him, tempestuous sparks fly, and she impulsively adopts a daring false identity. Going by “Lady X,” she vows never to marry such an infuriating man.

Captain Gabriel Rempeare is prepared to fulfill his duty and marry Miss Tavistock—if only he can clap eyes on her. One circumstance or another keeps them apart, though he cannot seem to avoid the maddeningly lovely Lady X. When fate throws them together in London, Miss Tavistock discovers the real nature of the captain, and regrets her subterfuge. But can such a noble man forgive deceit? Or has her mistake already cost her everything?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author


Linore Rose Burkard is a serious watcher of period films, a Janeite, and hopeless romantic. An award winning author best known for Inspirational Regency Romance, her first book opened the genre for the CBA. Besides historical romance, Linore writes contemporary suspense (The Pulse Effex Series, as L.R. Burkard), contemporary romance (Falling In), and romantic short stories. Linore has a magna cum laude English Lit. degree from CUNY which she earned while taking herself far too seriously. She now resides in Ohio with her husband and family, where she turns her youthful angst into character or humor-driven plots.

 

More from Linore

Miss Tavistock experiences a frightening crush at the Prince Regent’s palace (Carlton House) toward the end of the book which leads to a romantically pivotal scene. But many readers don’t know that what happened that day at the palace really happened.
Here’s the scoop:
    The fete in June of 1811 was the Prince of Wales’ first real chance to celebrate his becoming Regent in February of that year in the lavish style he loved.
    Like Miss Tavistock, many in the haut ton anxiously coveted invitations. At first reserved only for the peerage and their offspring, by the time of the event, more than 2,000 invitations had been issued to all classes. The details in the story regarding the enormous preparations really happened, and much, much, more.
    Since our heroine was not able to garnish an invitation to the actual grand banquet, the extraordinary magnificence of the décor, food, and costume of that night had to be excluded from the book. But it was an unprecedented display, and both amazed and perplexed the guests.
     The prince was so happy with his lavish spectacle that he wished to share it with the public. The unruly crowd described in the book happened on the third day following the banquet. It was reported that more than 30,000 people tried to crowd their way in that day. Men and women lost hats, bonnets, coats, shawls, shoes, and even their under clothing. London papers afterwards claimed there were great tubs at Carlton House filled with all the lost items.  Our beleaguered heroine escapes with only her shoes and bonnet missing, but her stockings and gown are torn. Perfect situation to be rescued from!
    Contemporaries both praised and harshly criticized the affair. It was described as “an assemblage of beauty, splendor and profuse magnificence,” by admirers, but as  one of the princes’ “greatest follies and extravagances,” by detractors.3
If you’re not previously familiar with the Prince Regent (later George IV), this might give you an idea as to why I sometimes find him too irresistible a figure to leave out of a Regency novel. His extravagance, flamboyance and tempestuous lifestyle are just too ripe  fodder to ignore. Though he doesn’t appear in Miss Tavistock, I have numerous scenes in my first Regency series where he interacts with Phillip Mornay, ‘the Paragon,’ and hero of the books.
NOTE: This post is an abbreviated account of the event, which is included in more detail at the back of the book.
Question: Have you ever been trapped in a crowd? What was it like?

My Thoughts

This is the first book that I have read by this author. This book is also book 1 in the Brides of Mayfair series. The book is set in the early 1800's. In this book we meet Gabriel Rempeare and Margaret Tavistock. They were betrothed to be married - and now they are grown up. Gabriel is willing to fufull his obligation.... Margaret - well she has more plans. She decides to hide her identity and becomes known as Lady X. However, she and Gabriel are thrown together - and she continues with this hilarious and deceptive act. Poor Gabriel - he has to deal with Margaret's antics - and the chaos that his brothers have left him. 
The author has down a great deal of research to ensure that the book is as historically accurate as it can be. The author has created some unique, flawed, amusing characters. The writing style flows easily.  

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, September 26

Rebecca Tews, September 26

Just Your Average reviews, September 26

Inklings and notions, September 27

Black ‘n’ Gold Girl’s Book Spot, September 27

Sara Jane Jacobs, September 28

Genesis 5020, September 28

Worthy2Read, September 29

Connie’s History Classroom, September 29

For Him and My Family, September 30

Betti Mace, September 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 1

Remembrancy, October 1

Artistic Nobody, October 2 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Blogging With Carol, October 2

Labor Not in Vain, October 2

Blossoms and Blessings, October 3

The Book Chic Blog, October 3

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 4

deb’s Book Review, October 4

Simple Harvest Reads, October 5 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

CarpeDiem, October 5

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 6

HookMeInABook, October 6

Splashes of Joy, October 7

Reading Is My SuperPower, October 7

Godly Book Reviews, October 8

Romances of the Cross, October 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 9

As He Leads is Joy, October 9

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linore is giving away the grand prize of a $30 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/10117/miss-tavistock-s-mistake-celebration-tour-giveaway


Friday, September 25, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway --- Spies & Sweethearts By: Linda Shenton Matchett ---- on Tour with Celebrate Lit.

 


About the Book

Book: Spies & Sweethearts

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: April 15, 2020



A secret mission. A fake bride. A run for their lives.

According to the OSS training manual, the life expectancy of a radio operator in Nazi-occupied France is six weeks. Partnered with one of the agency’s top spies, Gerard Lucas, newly-minted agent Emily Strealer plans to beat those odds. Then their cover is blown and all bets are off.

The border to neutral Switzerland is three hundred miles away—a long way to run with SS soldiers on their heels.

Will Emily and Gerard survive the journey?

And what about their hearts? Nothing in the manual prepared them for falling in love.

 

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 also a 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,

 

Take a moment to travel back to an era when ordinary women did extraordinary things. After the attack at Pearl Harbor, stalwart American gals stepped out of their comfort zone to take jobs never before held by women…sometimes dangerous jobs. Jobs in which they could lose their lives.

 

As a docent at the Wright Museum of WWII, I meet people from all walks of life who lived and served during the second “war to end all wars.” Many of these people haven’t shared their stories with loved ones for myriad reasons, but when they arrive at the museum, the floodgates of memories open, and words begin to pour out.

 

I’ve listened as ladies shared the stress of working outside the home, and juggling finances and childcare issues while their husbands were away in the armed forces. I’ve heard some speak about the excitement of learning new skills and gaining confidence. However, others were not as forthcoming because what they did was not only perilous, but secret. Fortunately, in the last few years, documents been declassified to shed light on the undercover work and projects performed during the war.

 

It is my hope that Spies & Sweethearts, book one in my Sisters in Service trilogy, will honor these brave women in some small way.

 

Blessings,

Linda Shenton Matchett


My Thoughts

I am a huge fan of Linda Shenton Matchett. I have read several of her books - and have never been dissapointed. Her stories are always well researched and accurate. In this book we meet Emily. She wants to do more for the war effort then just teach French. She is 26 years old and she enrolls in a government training program. Her family is NOT happy with this. Enter former military pilot Gerard. Their first meeting does NOT go well. However, Gerard ends up being one of the instructors in the government program. Emily is recruited as a spy - and her undercover is being married to Gerard. I love Spy books - I actually wrote my master thesis on the use of Women and African Americans as spies in the revolutionary and civil war. I always find it fascinating how they were able to collect and retrieve information. In this story - being set in WWII, there is so much danger intertwined with this romance. My heart was pounding through a good chunk of this book - while the SS was hot on their trail. Well written, likeable and real feeing characters. 

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

Blog Stops

Hebrews 12 Endurance, September 15

lakesidelivingsite, September 15

Worthy2Read, September 16

deb’s Book Review, September 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 17

Genesis 5020, September 17

Betti Mace, September 18

Emily Yager, September 18

Texas Book-aholic, September 19

The Book Chic Blog, September 19

Inklings and notions, September 20

Get Cozy Book Nook, September 20

For Him and My Family, September 21

Where Faith and Books Meet, September 21

She Lives To Read, September 22

As He Leads is Joy, September 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 23

CarpeDiem, September 23

Artistic Nobody, September 24 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 24

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 25

Connect in Fiction, September 25

Connie’s History Classroom, September 26

Mary Hake, September 26

Blossoms and Blessings, September 27

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, September 27

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, September 28

Life, Love, Writing, September 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed copy of Spies & Sweethearts, an autographed copy of WWII Word Find, hand cut wood fleur de lis earrings, pewter Eiffel tower ring holder, and a fleur de Lis Coaster!!

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/100e4/spies-sweethearts-celebration-tour-giveaway