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Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway - The Lost Dutchman’s Secret Author: Rebekah Jones On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 


About the Book

Book: The Lost Dutchman’s Secret

Author: Rebekah Jones

Genre: Christian Historical Mystery, Fairytale retelling

Release date: November 2, 2021


There’s a deadly secret in them thar hills—and gold, or so they say.

Deeply in debt to a wealthy local, Charles Sinclair, Dorothy Hodges’ father finally promises she’ll pay and in gold, no less. If only Dorothy could take to take the promises he spins out of thin air and turn them into that gold, all would be well.

With the help of a strange, rumpled man, Dorothy does manage to bring payment to one of Sinclair’s sons only to discover it won’t pay off the debt. Will the next payment be enough?  The next?

When Charles Sinclair ends up dead, Dorothy is the obvious prime suspect, but Sinclair’s son isn’t so certain. Together they work to clear her name and find the real murderer of the Superstitions, but will they find the answers buried in those hills?

Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. The Lost Dutchman’s Secret offers a retelling of “Rumplestilskin” that requires more digging than a miner searching for The Lost Dutchman Mine.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Rebekah-Jones-Author-200x300Rebekah Jones is first and foremost a follower of the Living God. She started writing as a little girl, seeking to glorify her King with her books and stories.
Rebekah is an old soul in a young body (she’s not 12 —honest!) While her exact age is classified, her interests are not. Among them are reading a variety of books, singing, playing, and composing music, studying all manner of subjects, nannying an adventurous group of youngsters, and, of course, writing her books, poems, articles, and short stories. She writes a wide range of books from gentle children’s adventures to family sagas to murder mysteries.

 

More from Rebekah

“They say that no one had ever seen gold ore like it before, neither have they ever since. Except in the possession of Jacob Waltz. His mine had ore of higher value and higher potency than any other mine found in Arizona…”

 

What if the Miller’s daughter from the tale of Rumpelstiltskin didn’t have to spin gold, but pay it? And because of an enormous debt – that she had no way of knowing the value? And her father wasn’t a miller, but an old miner with a penchant for carving animals while living in the Arizona desert? And what if, for her pains, she found herself mixed up in a murder?

 

And what if, somehow intermixed with this poor young woman and her troubles, came the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Goldmine?

 

If you don’t know about the legend of that lost mine, you should. Or I think that you should. It’s a real legend as old as the 1860’s. Except, it wasn’t lost when Jacob Waltz went bragging about it. That came later.

 

The mountains that house the legend are magnificent. When a friend of mine came to visit me, she and I went to explore the area around the Superstition Mountains, as well as a part of the mountains themselves. Standing in a forest of cacti and brush, the jagged rocks and sharp peaks towered above my head, while a critter skittered unseen. Beautiful isn’t quite a strong enough word to describe it. As we hiked up the mountain, making our way through a myriad of desert plant life, rocks of so many shapes and sizes, and tiny critters, I could picture Dorothy, the miner’s daughter.

 

The modern structures and buildings in sight, faded in my mind’s eye, and I could imagine the young woman partway up the mountain in 1929, wearing her old, faded dress, and staring out across the valley. We plotted out where her father’s shack would have stood, and I made note of a perfect crevice of rock where she might have sat to think or read. I rather found myself wishing I could live out there myself, even if living in a shack in the heat of the Arizona summer doesn’t wholly appeal to me.

 

When I finally got in front of my manuscript again, I could see Dorothy’s world so clearly, I can only hope I managed to capture it in the book itself. I doubt if I could have captured the beauty of those mountains in words, the sight of them as they changed colors in the sunset, or the glowing starry sky above them after dark.

 

As for the Lost Dutchman’s Goldmine, I would be lying if I said I didn’t entertain fantasies about exploring the mountains to discover it, but we certainly did not go that far into the mountains. Besides, it was June in the Arizona desert. One does not blindly venture into the mountains on such an errand in such a time of year, unless one has a death wish. It’s rather fun to imagine though. Perhaps one day, I can go on a search – though I confess, I doubt it.

 

As for the book, I won’t say whether that lost goldmine is discovered or not. I’ll leave that for a reader to discover for themselves.

My Thoughts

The Lost Dutchman’s Secret is written by  Rebekah Jones. This is a Christian Historical Mystery, Fairytale retelling story. This one is Rumpelstiltskin retold 1920's style. This was an interesting read. I have read a few other books by this author and have always loved them. 

In this story, Dorothy lives with her dad in the  middle of nowhere. They do not have much and her father owes a lot of money to the wealthy local, Charles Sinclair. Sinclair keeps coming and saying that he needs his money. Dorothy's father sends Dorothy in his place to deliver money, items or messages. This made me sad. This poor lady had nothing to do with her father's debt and he was placing her in danger. Charles sends his son, Artie to meet Dorothy. 

Artie is not like his father. He prefers to hard labor then swindling people out of money. He feels bad for Dorothy, and the situation that she is in. He soon realizes that Dorothy is scared of him - and different then anyone that he has known. 

Charles Sinclair turns up dead, and Dorothy is the prime suspect. Artie is having a hard time believing this because of her timid, frightful manner. Dorothy prays about the situation and learns how to trust God with everything going on around her. I love that the author mentioned this in the story. Trusting God in bleak situations is an important lesson. 

There are several twists and turns in the story. The author sprinkles lots of crumbs to have you try and figure it out. The characters are well written and the story line is fun and engaging. I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 17

An Author’s Take, December 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 18

Texas Book-aholic, December 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 20

Genesis 5020, December 20

Inklings and notions, December 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 21

For Him and My Family, December 22

For the Love of Literature, December 22

deb’s Book Review, December 23

Simple Harvest Reads, December 23 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Blogging With Carol, December 24

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 25 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 26

Vicarious Living, December 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 27

Connect in Fiction, December 27

Connie’s History Classroom, December 28

Mary Hake, December 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 29

Back Porch Reads, December 29

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 30

Through the Fire blogs, December 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rebekah is giving away the grand prize package of $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/14f1b/the-lost-dutchman-s-secret-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, December 27, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway - Saving Mrs. Roosevelt Author: Candice Sue Patterson On Tour with Celebrate LIt

 


About the Book

Book: Saving Mrs. Roosevelt

Author: Candice Sue Patterson

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical/Adventure

Release date: December, 2021


Shirley Davenport is as much a patriot as her four brothers. She, too, wants to aid her country in the war efforts, but opportunities for women are limited. When her best friend Joan informs her that the Coast Guard has opened a new branch for single women, they both enlist in the SPARs, ready to help protect the home front.

Training is rigorous, and Shirley is disappointed that she and Joan are sent to separate training camps. At the end of basic training, Captain Webber commends her efforts and commissions her home to Maine under the ruse of a dishonorable discharge to help uncover a plot against the First Lady.

Shirley soon discovers nothing is as it seems. Who can she trust? Why do the people she loves want to harm the First Lady? With the help of Captain Webber, it’s a race against time to save Mrs. Roosevelt and remain alive.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author


Candice Sue Patterson studied at the Institute of Children’s Literature and is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she’s not tending to her chickens, splitting wood, or decorating cakes, she’s working on a new story. Candice writes Modern Vintage Romance—where the past and present collide with faith. Her debut novel How to Charm a Beekeeper’s Heart was a 2012 ACFW First Impressions finalist and made INSPYs Longlist for 2016.

 

More from Candice

The idea for Saving Mrs. Roosevelt literally came overnight. I had just finished writing a contemporary romance set in Maine, centered around a harbor town where lobstering is prevalent. My agent called me and told me about the Heroines of WWII series and asked if I’d be interested in writing a WWII novel. If so, I needed to come up with a story and proposal fast because spots were limited and filling quickly. My mind was so consumed with research of the lobster industry that I felt I couldn’t clear my brain fast enough to come up with another story on such short notice. That’s when I started wondering how I could take the knowledge I already had and make it work for a WWII novel. I googled Maine during WWII, came across an article that mentioned the SPARs, and the idea for Saving Mrs. Roosevelt was born.

I don’t want to give too much away, but the Nancy Drew deep inside me figured out a unique way to merge lobstering with espionage.

Though the plot is purely fiction, there are some characters and events that are historically accurate that were fun to include as well. I love Maine, but I’m Hoosier born and raised, and in my SPAR research, I discovered that Dorothy C. Stratton–the woman the Coast Guard asked to direct the SPARs–was the Dean of Women at Purdue University in Indiana. She was a woman of true character, grace, and strength. I knew right away she needed a cameo in my story.

Within twenty-four hours of receiving my agent’s call, I had plotted the entire story and sent a proposal. Weeks went by, and as fall ushered in its beautiful colors, my husband surprised me with a trip to Monhegan Island, Maine. We walked the trails, ate amazing seafood, and took in the gorgeous view. While on the island, my agent called again, this time to let me know that Barbour had contracted Saving Mrs. Roosevelt. What a special moment it was to be standing on the very shoreline where the book is set when I received the good news.

Since the book is set in Maine where the heroine works on a lobster boat with her father, I wanted to share my favorite recipe for Maine blueberry pie.

 

Maine Blueberry Pie

Ingredients:

2 Pie crusts

1 quart of fresh Maine blueberries

1 ½ tbsp lemon juice

Freshly grated nutmeg

¼ c light brown sugar

¼ c white sugar

¼ c flour

2 tbsp tapioca for thickening (if the berries are juicy)

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place the berries into a large bowl, add lemon juice, and toss. Add the remaining ingredients and toss until the berries are well coated with the flour and sugars mixture. Line the pie plate with one crust. Put the berries into the pie plate and top with a solid or lattice-top crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the berries are bubbly and the crust is golden brown.


My Thoughts

Saving Mrs. Roosevelt is a Christian Historical Fiction book that is written by  Candice Sue Patterson. This is part of the Heroines of WWII series. The series is written by different authors, but the main focal point is that they are tied together with women being the heroine during time of war. I have been fortunate enough to be able to read the whole series thus far, and it is one of my favorite series that I have read this year. 

In this edition, we meet Shirley Davenport. Shirley wants to help the war effort as much as her brothers have been able to. She and her best friend Joan find out that there is a branch that will take single women. The Coast Guard. They  both enlist and go through training. Shirley is told that her first mission is a spy/undercover mission. She returns her home to Maine under the ruse of a dishonorable discharge to help uncover a plot against the First Lady. When she is sent home under the dishonorable discharge her family and the town have a lot to say about that. I felt bad for her - since they had no idea what she was working towards. She has found out that there are a lot of traitors in her small home town - and she suddenly does not know who she can trust. 

I love how the author sprinkled in historical facts into her story. As someone with a masters in military history, it always makes me happy to see a history lesson in a book that I am reading. This book has a great mystery to it, perfect amount of romance and is an all around good book to read. This one has been my favorite thus far. I can't wait until the next one releases. 

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

Blog Stops

Where Faith and Books Meet, December 15

Girls in White Dresses, December 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 15

Remembrancy, December 16

Bigreadersite, December 16

Genesis 5020, December 16

Lighthouse Academy, December 17 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

lakesidelivingsite, December 17

The Sacred Line, December 17

Betti Mace, December 18

Boondock Ramblings, December 18

Inklings and notions, December 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 19

Older & Smarter?, December 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 20 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, December 21

Blossoms and Blessings, December 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 22

Through the Fire Blogs, December 22

Mary Hake, December 22

For Him and My Family, December 23

Spoken from the Heart, December 23

Labor Not in Vain, December 23

She Lives To Read, December 24

Elly Gilbert, December 24

Splashes of Joy, December 25

Pause for Tales, December 25

deb’s Book Review, December 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 26

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 26

Connie’s History Classroom, December 27

To Everything There Is A Season, December 27

The Author Reads, December 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 28

Southern Gal Loves to Read, December 28

Lights in a Dark World, December 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Candace 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/14f18/saving-mrs-roosevelt-celebration-tour-giveaway


Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway - Legacy of Love Author: Linda Shenton Matchett On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: Legacy of Love

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release date: December 8, 2020





Will their love come at a cost?

Escaping Boston to avoid a marriage of convenience aimed at garnering society’s respect for her family name in the shadow of her father’s war profiteering, Meg Underwood settles in Spruce Hill, Oregon. Despite leaving behind the comforts of wealth, she’s happy. Then the handsome Pinkerton agent, Reuben Jessop, arrives with news that she’s inherited her aunt’s significant estate, and she must return home to claim the bequest. Meg refuses to make the trip. Unwilling to fail at his mission, Reuben gives her until Christmas to prove why she should remain in Spruce Hill and give up the opportunity to become a woman of means. When he seems to want more than friendship, she wonders if her new-found wealth is the basis of his attraction.

 

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 a former 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:

 

Have you ever dreamed of winning the lottery?

 

Last year, that happened to someone at work. Not millions, but a significant amount of money. As a result, she immediately cut her hours to part-time and began to do things she hadn’t been able to. Her good fortune prompted a lot of conversations among my colleagues about what they would do if they came into a large sum of money.

 

Those discussions inspired the plotline for Legacy of Love, but instead of winning the lottery my main character comes into a large inheritance. As a result, everyone treats her differently and weighs in on what she should do. Her friendships are affected, and her life is turned upside down. She was happy before the inheritance, however the money would allow her to perform acts of kindness. But at what cost?

 

I hope you enjoy Hannah’s story.

 

Blessings,

Linda Shenton Matchett

My Thoughts

Legacy of Love is written by Linda Shenton Matchett. I absolutely love reading this author's books. She always writes such historically accurate books. Legacy of Love is book 10 in the Keepers of the Light series. The series is written by multiple authors and tied together by the Keepers of the Light theme. They can all be read as stand alones. I have not read all of the books in the series. 

 Meg Underwood  leaves Boston to avoid a marriage of convenience.  She finds herself in Spruce Hill, Oregon. It is not like the life that she left - but she is content where she is. Pinkerton agent, Reuben Jessop shows up to tell her that she has inherited her aunt's estate but has to return back to Boston to collect. Meg refuses to go back. Reuben wants to make sure to complete his job, but tells her she has to prove why she should remain in Oregon. It was fun to read a story with a Pinkerton Agent that was not on a spy mission, but one that was tracking people down. 

I enjoyed this short read. I was able to read it all in an afternoon. The writing flowed nicely and I loved the chemistry between Meg and Reuben. 

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

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, December 14

Texas Book-aholic, December 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 16

For Him and My Family, December 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 19

Artistic Nobody, December 20 (Spotlight)

Betti Mace, December 20

deb’s Book Review, December 21

Connie’s History Classroom, December 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 23

Bizwings Blog, December 24

Mary Hake, December 25

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 26 (Spotlight)

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Visa Gift Card and signed 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/14836/legacy-of-love-celebration-tour-giveaway