Monday, August 30, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway - Dogwood Winter Author: Candace West On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Dogwood Winter

Author: Candace West

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: August 24, 2021

A Lukewarm Correspondence. A Tattered Reputation. Two Hearts at Odds.

He is walking away while she is fighting to walk.

After a springtime swim, Ella Steen is stricken with a dire illness, leaving her without the use of her legs. Meanwhile, Dr. George Curtis, the man she secretly loves, faces ruin. For over a year, the crusty New York City bachelor and vivacious spinster have exchanged dozens of letters and formed a wary friendship.

Neither are willing to open their hearts completely. Until they face each other. The past looms between them, however. Does George still love another or is his heart completely free?

A trip to Valley Creek holds the answers. Instead, when George and Ella arrive, they encounter obstacles that force other truths to the surface. Is George brave enough to confront what he fled in New York? Can Ella confess why she hates dogwood winters? Will their hearts survive?

If only their pasts would keep out of the present.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Candace West was born in the Mississippi delta to a young minister and his wife. She grew up in small-town Arkansas and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. At twelve years old, she wrote her first story, “Following Prairie River.” In 2018, she published her debut novel Lane Steen, book one of the Valley Creek Redemption Series. By weaving entertaining, hope-filled stories, Candace shares the Gospel and encourages her readers. She currently lives in Arkansas with her husband and their son along with two dogs and three bossy cats.

More from Candace

Biscuits and gravy has been a staple for generations in my family. It’s perfect for any occasion or breakfast, dinner, and supper. Yes, in our neck of the woods, dinner is lunch, and supper is—well, supper.

And then, we have biscuits and gravy with a twist. We’ll shove the traditional aside for a bowl of chocolate gravy. That’s right, chocolate.

Now, don’t get grossed out. Some people believe chocolate gravy is this weird, mysterious concoction made with meat grease. It’s the gravy part that boggles their mind, but it’s actually straightforward and easy—not true gravy at all. Trust me, if you like chocolate, you’ll want to try this. When you butter a biscuit and drizzle the chocolate over it, you’ll get a little taste of heaven on earth.

And you’ll get a little taste of the Appalachians and Ozarks.

My grandparents, both raised deep in the Arkansas Ozarks, were raised on “chocolate an’ biscuits” and passed the recipe down to us. Throughout the mountains and in pockets throughout the country, you’ll find this lesser-known treat on kitchen tables and family gatherings.

Every recipe is a little different. Every family has their own special way of making it. My family likes their chocolate gravy a little thinner while my husband’s family wants theirs to be the consistency of pudding.

In Dogwood Winter, my characters would’ve eaten chocolate an’ biscuits. Their corner of the Ozarks is famous for it. I can see Ella and George, along with the Steen family, gathering around a table, saying the blessing, and passing the fare to each other. The only skeptical one in the bunch would be George, a New Yorker who wasn’t raised on it. One bite would make him a believer.

Have you ever eaten biscuits and chocolate gravy? If not, would you try it?

This is our family recipe.

Chocolate Gravy

1 ½ cups sugar

1 tbs Hershey Cocoa powder

2 ½ tbs flour

Mix dry ingredients in a saucepan

Add 1 ½ to 2 cups of milk (depends on the thickness you want)

Bring to a boil and cook until thickened (3 or 4 minutes) Note: Bring to a slow boil and continually stir. Remove from heat then add 2 tbs butter and 1 tsp of Vanilla extract. Pour over buttered biscuits and enjoy!

My Thoughts

Dogwood Winter is a historical romance that is written by Candace West. This is book three in the Valley Creek Redemption series. I have read book 2, but not book 1. You will want to read the whole series, so you can get the full stories of the characters. One of the things that I love about this author is how she writes such historically accurate stories. She really pours her heart into research and it shows with the story that she wants it as accurate as possible. As a history major, that is apparent.

In this book we travel back to 1912. Ella Steen has lost the use of her legs. We also see Dr. George Curtis. He is a surgeon but one mistake may cost him everything. The two of them write letters back and forth. They both have baggage and hurt in their lives. They don't fully reveal all of themselves or their character in their letters. What will happen when they meet face to face. Will that friendship turn to love? Will they be able to fully open up to each other.

Well written characters, an intriguing storylines, and a reminder that God can heal all pain. This is the 3rd book that I have read by this author and I love her gift of storytelling.

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

Blog Stops

deb’s Book Review, August 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 27

Connect in Fiction, August 27

Inklings and notions, August 28

For Him and My Family, August 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 30

Reviewingbooksplusmore, August 30

Connie’s History Classroom, August 31

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 1

Texas Book-aholic, September 2

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 3

Daysong Reflections, September 4

Britt Reads Fiction, September 4

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 6

Life, Love, Writing, September 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Candace is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy 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/1161b/dogwood-winter-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, August 22, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway - Rahab’s Courage Author: Naomi Craig On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Rahab’s Courage

Author: Naomi Craig

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release date: August 17, 2021

A scarlet cord tethers one ruined woman to the salvation of mankind.

Harboring two fugitives in a city slated for destruction, Rahab has one small chance of escape. In exchange for their safety, she bargains for her own. Their agreement rewards her courage, and she flees Jericho and a life of prostitution for a new life among the people of Israel. Never again will she have to depend on anyone—especially men.

Except Salmah won’t take the hint.

High ranking soldier and leader of the tribe of Judah, Salmah is determined not to repeat his parents’ mistakes. He will keep the Lord’s commandments. Rahab’s growing faith fits right in with phase one of his plans: find a wife who loves the Lord and settle down in the new land.

Rahab finds shelter and meaning in the Lord’s ways until her past comes back to haunt her. As her new faith is put to test, she finds herself alone. Isn’t that what she’d always wanted?

With her courage waning, only the Lord can turn Rahab’s life around again, but will He do it before she loses everyone and everything that really matters to her—to her heart?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Naomi writes Historical Fiction set in Bible times.
She lives in a small town in the south-eastern mountains of Arizona
She is an avid reader, Pastor’s wife, and homeschool mom.

More from Naomi

Matthew 1:4b-6a (NKJV)

Nahshon begot Salmon. Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David the king.

On the brink of war and conquering the Promised Land, The Israelites stand fierce and determined, ready to see God’s victory. This time they will not waiver. This time, obedience will be their theme. But it wasn’t always that the Israelites stood with resolve as strong as Jericho’s impenetrable walls.

Rewind forty years. The Israelites have just been delivered from slavery in Egypt. 12 spies were sent into the land and brought back a good report. There were bountiful crops peace and giants.

Nahshon, as the leader of Judah (Numbers 2:3), should have been influential in his tribe’s decision to trust the Lord—especially since Caleb one of the two who trusted, was from Judah. Yet nobody believed. They all grumbled. So instead of what should have been a quick journey, it took forty years.

And the entire generation couldn’t enjoy the benefits of trusting God and His promise.

Enter Salmah.

He sees the penalty of his father’s disobedience. It shapes his life he adheres to the ways of the Lord. Plague after disobedience hardens his resolve. He will obey the laws of the Lord so it will go well with him in the new land.

So what is a man with this moral stature doing with a Canaanite? A harlot? Every sordid detail that makes up Rahab goes against his moral fiber.

But faith.

Faith that was spoken about all the way into the New Testament. Rahab steps out in sacrificial faith to a God she doesn’t yet know, for strangers who have no reason to trust her.

As such, the Lord honored her faith. As He does when you and I step out on that limb because we’ve felt that stirring in our soul.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

Not only did the Lord spread His mantle of protection over Rahab, He also saw fit to include her in the lineage of His Son, Jesus.

Rahab’s Courage is a love story. A story of stepping out in faith. Of changing expectations of yourself and others. Of how the Lord can redeem and use any who are willing to put off the old and become that new creation.

***The scripture is clear that Rahab is a harlot. Due to the nature of this life, this story addresses prostitution, rape, and post traumatic stress. Please use caution with younger readers and if these subjects would act as a trigger for you. If Rahab’s Courage was a movie, it would have a rating of PG-13

My Thoughts

Rahab’s Courage is a Biblical Fiction book that is written by Naomi Craig. I enjoyed seeing this Bible story come to life between the fictional pages. I do not usually read biblical fiction, but this was a very well written book. This book does deal with Rahab as a prostitute, along with rape and some PTSD so I would recommend this book for those High School and up.

I went back to the Bible and read the story of Rahab to prepare for this book. I appreciate the research and thought that the author has out into this story. She made sure to stay biblically sound. The words flow off the pages, and the story moves at a comfortable pace. I was surprised to find out that this is the authors debut novel. She has a great gift.

I love that she chose an Old Testament story. Sometimes as Christians we do not go back and read the Old Testament enough since we concentrate on the works of Jesus. However, in Rahab's case God's mercy and grace is present in this story also.

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

Blog Stops

Rebecca Tews, August 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 13

Inside the Wong Mind, August 14

Inklings and notions, August 14

For Him and My Family, August 15

Breny and Books, August 15

lakesidelivingsite, August 16

She Lives to Read, August 17

Boondock Ramblings, August 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 18

Betti Mace, August 19

Texas Book-aholic, August 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 20

deb’s Book Review, August 21

Cats in the Cradle Blog , August 21

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 22

Through the fire blogs, August 22

Connie’s History Classroom, August 23

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 24

Labor Not in Vain, August 24

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 25

Back Porch Reads, August 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Naomi is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy 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/11419/rahab-s-courage-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway - The Wrangler’s Ready-Made Family Author: Lacy Williams On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: The Wrangler’s Ready-Made Family

Author: Lacy Williams

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: August 10, 2021

Susie is a desperate young mother with another baby on the way. Her late husband left her nothing but his bad reputation. She has no money and is too ashamed to return home to her family. When she is trapped alone during a snowstorm with a stranger and the baby coming, her only choice is to rely on him.

Boone came west to find healing for his tuberculosis. He never expected to find himself trapped with a lost young widow. Or how fast he could fall for her and her two little ones. But it doesn’t take long for his secrets to come to light.

After everything she’s suffered in the past, can Susie ever trust another gambler?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see on Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published fifty books in almost a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at www.lacywilliams.net/vip .

More from Lacy

The Kindness of a Stranger

I don’t know about you, but I love watching videos where something is going wrong and a stranger steps in to save the day. Dog caught in the Thames and can’t get out? Stranger wades into the water to save him. Someone in line at the grocery store and doesn’t quite have enough money for their needed groceries? Stranger steps in and pays the difference.

I have a story like that of my own. My children like to play at our neighborhood park after school pick-up. Everything seemed normal until it was just about time to go and my eight-year-old daughter walks up with a nosebleed. I haven’t carried a diaper bag in two years and I have no tissues in my purse. I’m trying to keep tabs on my four-year-old because she’s running around, oblivious to anything else going on. My two older kids are off with friends and I can’t see them but I can hear their voices nearby.

And several moms who were also watching their kids play at the park rushed over to help me. One mom had gauze in her daughter’s backpack because her daughter sometimes gets nosebleeds at school. Another mom had baby wipes so I could wipe off my daughter’s hands. Another mom rounded up my four-year-old so I didn’t have to worry about her while I was taking care of the older one. I left the park *not* in a complete panic because these moms that I don’t know took care of me. They didn’t have to. But they stepped in simply because I needed help.

That’s what happens in The Wrangler’s Ready-Made Family. After experiencing a stagecoach crash and being snowed in and stranded together, hero Gil Hart shows his true colors by helping Susie, a young mother with a baby on the way. Susie’s been burned before and this is maybe the *only* situation that would’ve allowed her to open up and see Gil for who he really is. Of course, that’s only the beginning of the story. If you’d like to give it a try, you can use Amazon’s Look Inside feature to sample the book.

My Thoughts

The Wrangler’s Ready-Made Family is a Christian Historical Romance written by Lacy Williams. I believe this is the first book that I have read by this author. This is book 15 in the Wind River Hearts series. This is a quick read at 156 pages. I was able to complete this book waiting for an appointment one day. I did not feel lost having not read the other books in the seires.

Susie is a young widow. She is expecting another child. Her late husband was not good for much. He didn't leave her with much and she is afraid and ashamed to go back to her family. Susie constantly compares herself to her sister. She does not feel like she will measure up.

Gil is trying to heal. He is drawn to Susie and her children. He has a past and holds back some of his life. Susie worries about getting involved with a man that could potentially hurt her or her children's future.

This was a good quick read, especially if you like historical fiction. The author did great research to ensure that it was as accurate as possible.

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

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, August 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 11

Books and Everyday Life, August 11

Inklings and notions, August 12

Texas Book-aholic, August 13

deb’s Book Review, August 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 15

For Him and My Family, August 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 17

Simple Harvest Reads, August 17 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Connie’s History Classroom, August 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 19

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 20

Pause for Tales, August 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 21

Labor Not in Vain, August 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lacy 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/111b8/the-wrangler-s-ready-made-family-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, August 15, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway - The Dollmaker’s Daughter Author: Izzy James On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: The Dollmaker’s Daughter

Author: Izzy James

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: July 16, 2021

Forgetful scientist Simon Morgan lost his chance with Amity Archer ten years ago. He knows there is no hope…until a sea captain trades a meal for an ancient stone reputed to have the power to give him his heart’s desire. Immediately after pocketing the stone, Simon runs into Amity. Did the ancient artifact cause this chance encounter or was it mere coincidence?

Like her favorite travel writer Mrs. Peabody, Amity Archer yearns for adventure, but she’s horrified when her father asks Simon Morgan to escort her on her first real adventure.

With Amity’s Aunt Clementine as a buffer between them, will Simon be able to prove that his love for Amity is real? Can Amity show Simon that her love for him has nothing to do with a so-called magical rock?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

IzzyJames Izzy James lives in coastal Virginia with her fabulous husband in a house brimming with books.

More from Izzy

I am a Geographer by degree. So maps and the shapes of the earth fascinate me. It keeps me looking at the ground. Where I live in Virginia we still travel the imprint of colonial roads. Former villages have been swallowed by large urban areas, but the land is still there. Amity Archer travels these roads on the adventure to love in The Dollmaker’s Daughter.

It makes The Dollmaker’s Daughter special to me. I have traveled the roads Amity and Simon cover many, many times. The research for this book kept me up nights reading true accounts of traveler and taverns in colonial times.

My Thoughts

The Dollmaker’s Daughter is a historical fiction book that is written by Izzy James. I have read one other of the author's books and I was excited to read this one. This book is set in 1776 in Virginia. I love that she writes this time period. It's such an important time in our history. This book does feature some characters from the first book - but you can read it as a stand alone.

Amity Archer wants to travel, she wants to go on adventures. She wants to capture her travels and write about them. Amity wants to interview soldiers and their families and her father finally agrees to allow this to happen, but Simon Morgan has to escort her. Simon and Amnity have a past and Amnity is not thrilled about this arrangement. She goes along with it so that she can write her story.

Simon is thrilled. He feels like he missed out on his chance before. He is a scientist and has a coveted Horeb Stone that supposedly holds magical powers. There are a lot of people that desire to have this stone. He acquires it through trade. Simon escorts Amity and her aunt to Williamsburg so that she can write on the soldiers and their families.

This book has well written characters, a fun storyline, is well researched. The Revolutionary war is touched upon throughout the book, but it is not the main focus of the story. I enjoyed the main characters (Amnity's father not so much, but you will need to read it and find out why)

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