My Thoughts-- Secret Society of Salzburg Author: Renee Ryan

 

About the Book

Book: Secret Society of Salzburg 

Author: Renee Ryan 

From the author of The Widows of Champagne, and inspired by true events, comes a gripping and heartwrenching story of two very different women united to bring light to the darkest days of World War II.
 
London, 1933
 
At first glance, Austrian opera singer Elsa Mayer-Braun has little in common with the young English typist she encounters on tour. Yet she and Hattie Featherstone forge an instant connection—and strike a dangerous alliance. Using their friendship as a cover, they form a secret society with a daring goal: to rescue as many Jews as possible from Nazi persecution.
 
Though the war’s outbreak threatens Elsa and Hattie’s network, their efforts attract the covert attention of the British government, offering more opportunities to thwart the Germans. But Elsa’s growing fame as Hitler’s favorite opera singer, coupled with her secret Jewish ancestry, make her both a weapon and a target—until her future, too, hangs in the balance.
 
From the glamorous stages of Covent Garden and Salzburg to the horrors of Bergen-Belsen,  two ordinary women swept up by the tide of war discover an extraordinary friendship—and the courage to save countless lives.

About the Author

Renee Ryan is the Amazon bestselling, multi-published author of historical romance and historical fiction. She’s published over 30 novels, including the WWII-set historical novel The Widows of Champagne and her upcoming release, The Secret Society of Salzburg.

Renee grew up in Florida, where she learned how to skateboard and surf poorly. She attended Florida State University, was president of her sorority, and earned degrees in Economics, Latin, and Religious Studies.

For additional information about Renee, check out www.ReneeRyan.com or go to her Renee Ryan Instagram or Facebook page. Her Twitter handle is @ReneeRyanBooks. 

My Thoughts

The Secret Society of Salzburg is written by Renee Ryan. The author has done careful research to bring this story to life. Per the description, it is inspired by true events. Elsa Mayer-Braun is a famous Austrian opera singer. She has hidden her Jewish heritage and has been raised as a Christian. In 1933, she meets sisters who are fans, Vera and Henrietta Featherstone. The ladies get along right away and form a wonderful friendship. The two also share a common interest, help the Jewish people. Elsa's husband, famed composer Wilheim rubs Hattie the wrong way, but out of respect for Elsa she does not bring it up. When War is declared this makes their mission harder. Plus Elsa has to hide more from her husband. Plus Wilhelm’s alliance with the Germans makes things tough. Suddenly, Elsa finds herself detained. She had been Hitler's favorite opera singer and she is taken into custody and interrogated. Hattie is worried about her friend, but knows work needs to go on. Since Elsa was a well known opera singer, she is held in a special camp, Bergen-Belsen. The Nazi's want to potentially use this as leverage. This story flashes back and forth to 1933 and 1943 when Elsa is arrested. The author does so seamlessly. It's so beautifully written and well researched. I enjoyed seeing Hattie and Elsa on their adventures. I love that Harlequin has been expanding and we now have the Love Inspired Trade books. Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

My Thoughts - Judy in Disguise Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary

 

About the Book

Book:Judy in Disguise

Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Release date: November 4, 2022

She wants her history to stay hidden…

…He’s trying to break free of his past

But as they reveal themselves to each other, can they carry out their covert mission?

Judy Larkin has been shy to show her true self ever since the worst day of her life. Which makes her the perfect target for her Simon Legree wannabe boss. He knows the right buttons to push making noncompliance next to impossible. But is she really the type of person to do this kind of thing? Especially with the boss’s preppy nephew?

Geoff Spooner has let himself be manipulated for too long but coming out from under his uncle’s thumb will cost him. Is he willing to pay the price? Could be this last demand will be the straw that breaks him free, but what will he lose in the bargain? His self-respect?

It’s 1972. Join Judy and Geoff in this quirky misadventure as they go undercover to discover who they really are, what the cardinal in the sycamore has to say, and what they are truly equipped to do.

You will love this sweet, clean tale inspired by the song “Judy in Disguise” because everyone roots for the underdog.

Get Judy in Disguise today.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Historical Christian Romance author, Jennifer Lynn Cary, likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty years enjoy time with family where she shares tales of her small-town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren. She is the author of The Crockett Chronicles series, The Relentless series, and The Weather Girls trilogy as well as the stand-alone novel, Cheryl’s Going Home, her novella Tales of the Hob Nob Annex Café, and her split-time novels The Traveling Prayer Shawl and The Forgotten Gratitude Journal. Judy in Disguise is the first book of her spin-off series The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue.

 

More from Jennifer

Have you ever been to a party and had so much fun you hated to leave? That’s how I felt when I finished up The Weather Girls. I fell in love with the characters and the memory lane saunter through my hometown of Kokomo, Indiana.

Then, chatting with a good writing friend, I realized I could have a spin-off series where Ferguson House, the business, and of course the cardinal and the sycamore tree all play a part.

The friends from the original series could drop by the stories, but these would be stand-alones. I also wanted to make these stories fun as well as heartwarming.

Then I had the question–where to get the story inspirations?

The same place I got it for Sunny, Stormy, and Windy—the oldies station.

That’s when I Googled song titles from the 60s that had girls’ names in them. When “Judy in Disguise” popped up, I knew it had to be the first of the new Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue series. The story ideas came fast and furious.

I am so excited about this new series, and I hope you will be too as familiar song titles get new plot points. Come join me at the Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue.

My Thoughts

Judy in Disguise is written by Jennifer Lynn Cary. I love how this author can transport readers back to the 1970's and brings the past to life. It was so nice to catch up with previous characters from the Weather Girl Series. 

In this story, Geoff and Judy work for Geoff's uncle in the wedding dress business. Business has not been great - and it's because of the Weather Girls and their shop. While there is an hour that separates the shops, it's clear to the uncle that the Weather Girls Wedding Shop and Venue is doing better. He wants to put them out of business. Judy and Geoff go undercover. 

Seeing these two characters who are not fans of each other having to work together under the uncle's orders was comical. Judy has a past, that she refuses to show anyone - and Geoff has lived in his uncle's shadow for too long. Seeing the two of them get to know each other better was heartwarming. 

Even if you have not read Cary's previous books, you will not be lost. She does a good job filling in any gaps. I enjoyed getting to see some of my favorite characters again. The story is well written, and the author did a great job in bringing historical details into the story. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, December 17

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 18 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 19

Connie’s History Classroom, December 20

Texas Book-aholic, December 21

deb’s Book Review, December 22

Spoken from the Heart, December 23

Cover Lover Book Review, December 24

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 25 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 26

Stories By Gina, December 27 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 29

For the Love of Literature, December 30 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, December 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon card and an eBook 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/23239/judy-in-disguise-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts: A Daughter’s Courage Author: Misty M. Beller

 

A Daughter’s Courage Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: A Daughter’s Courage

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 1, 2022

Her quest to repair what’s been broken leads to imminent danger–and soon it’s more than her own life on the line.

After accidentally destroying the intricate chalice her people have treasured for over a hundred years, Charlotte Durand sets out on an expedition in search of a skilled artisan who can repair the damage. What she expected to be a two-day hike becomes much more daunting when a treacherous snowstorm sets in.

The last thing Damien Levette needs in the middle of a mountain blizzard is to tend to another person, but he can’t leave behind the mysterious woman he found half-frozen at the edge of a mountain lake.

As they battle both the elements and each other, Charlotte and Damien must work together to survive the peril of the mountains—or it could be the downfall of them both.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

 

More from Misty

Behind the Scenes of A Daughter’s Courage

I always love stories where the characters are on a journey, and I knew that’s exactly what the characters in this book would be doing. Our heroine, Charlotte, is the younger sister of the heroine in book 1 of this series, and we’ve gotten to know her a little better with each book. Her mother died when she was young, and she’s been the homemaker for their little family for over a decade now, never straying farther from the village than the berry patches in the next valley over. So I knew it would take something big to get her away from Laurent for the journey I had in mind for this story. Something lifechanging.

 

Our hero is a trapper who left the larger group he’d been traveling with to strike out on his own. I knew it would take a considerable amount of tragedy to make a man seek such complete aloneness. Damien has his trusty mule Gulliver with him, so I guess he’s not completely alone, but he’s definitely hoping to stay far away from people. As I uncovered the pain that brought him to this point, my heart broke for him and all the loss he experienced.

 

I love the way Charlotte’s need and the fierce mountain snowstorm drew Damien from his grief and gave him new purpose. Watching him come back to life and grasp onto God’s love for him was so inspiring!

 

Blessings!

Misty

My Thoughts

 A Daughter’s Courage is book three in the Brides of Laurent series that is written by  Misty M. Beller. I love reading everything that Misty writes because I know I will be reading a historically rich story. I have not read book 2, but have read book 1. They all can be read as stand alones, but there will be character appearances from previous books. 

In this story we are transported back to 1817. This is not a time period I feel is written about a whole lot. The setting starts us off in Rupert's Land, Canada. We have a back drop of the Rocky Mountains. When the author writes her scenes, they are so descriptive that you can close your eyes and see everything unfolding. 

Charlotte Durand  does not realize the danger of traveling the frontier. She sets out to find a person that can repair an intricate chalice that her people have treasured for a long time when she accidently breaks it. She does not plan her journey well. Damien Levette who is a trapper, finds Charlotte alone in the mountains. He knows that he cannot just leave her. Reluctanly, Charlotte allows him to accompany her to the fort. 

I love the romance that built between these two. I loved seeing our two characters rely on God for strength and to see them through. The characters are well written and the story line is intriguing. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book -all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, December 2

Texas Book-aholic, December 3

For Him and My Family, December 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 5

Holly’s Book Corner, December 5

Book Looks by Lisa, December 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 6

deb’s Book Review, December 7

Mary Hake, December 7

Betti Mace, December 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 8

Connie’s History Classroom, December 9

Remembrancy, December 10

Cover Lover Book Review, December 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 11

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 12

Bizwings Blog, December 13

Lily’s Book Reviews, December 13

Splashes of Joy, December 14

Blossoms and Blessings, December 14

Through the Fire Blogs, December 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty 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/22ec7/a-daughter-s-courage-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts - Passages of Hope Author: Terri J. Haynes

 

About the Book

Book: Passages of Hope

Author: Terri J. Haynes

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance

Release date: November, 2022

Discover the Story Behind a Secret Passageway

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Gracie Kingston begins renovations on the Philadelphia house inherited from her grandmother and finds a secret room. It is connected to a house nearby, the home of William Still, the man known as the father of the Underground Railroad. As she researches, she discovers a mystery in her house’s ownership. In 1855, Olivia Kingston helps a mother and her young child by hiding them in a secret room in her home. As she helps, she learns that there may be an impostor conductor in their community. As Gracie’s and Olivia’s stories intertwine, they learn the meaning of sacrifice and love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Terri J. Haynes, a native Baltimorean, is a homeschool mom, writer, prolific knitter, freelance graphic artist and former Army wife (left the Army, not the husband). She loves to read, so much that when she was in elementary school, she masterminded a plan to be locked in a public library armed with only a flashlight to read all the books and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. As she grew, her love for writing grew as she tried her hand at poetry, articles, speeches and fiction. She is storyteller at heart. Her passion is to draw readers in the story world she has created and to bring laughter and joy to their lives.
Terri is a 2010 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis contest finalist, and a 2012 semi-finalist. She is also a 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarterfinalist. Her publishing credits include: Cup of Comfort for Military Families, Crosswalk.com, the Secret Place Devotional, Urbanfaith.com, Vista Devotional, and Publisher’s Weekly.
Terri holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology, a Master’s degree in Theological Studies and a certificate in creative writing and graphic design, meeting the minimal requirements of being a geek. She and her husband pastor a church where she serves as executive pastor and worship leader. Terri lives in Maryland with her three wonderful children and her husband, who often beg her not to kill off their favorite characters.
Website: www.terrijhaynes.com
Blog: www.inotherwords.terrijhaynes.com

 

More from Terri

Family, Underground Railroad, two strong Black women, and knitting in one book? Yes.

 

As an author, I explore my world with curiosity. I find many subjects interesting and it shows in this book. It’s not often that an author can combine such a range of topics in one novel. I’m so glad I got to do it for this one.

 

In addition to being an author, I am a knitter, crocheter, indie yarn dyer, business owner, unofficial historian, wife, mother, and sister. At first glance, all those things seem too different to combine in one book. But they weave together so perfectly.

 

Life is a tapestry of many colors knit together and my goal was to show that. That family and history, grieving and crafting, struggle and triumph, are all entwined threads. Their vibrancy can be combined to create a beautiful project, the pain and joy both add hue and color to life. This is what I hope you find in this book.

My Thoughts

Passages of Hope is written by Terri J. Haynes. This is part of the Doors to the Past series. The series is written by multiple authors, but all tied together by the dual timeline theme. They are all stand alone books - however they are such amazing reads filled with rich history. 

In this one, we see Gracie Kingston starting renovations on an inherited home. While doing these renovations, she finds a secret room and finds out that it helped with the Underground Railroad. She decides to dig deeper into the home's history and finds herself lost in Olivia Kingston's story. Olivia's story brings us back to 1855 - where there was a lot going on historically. Olivia and her husband were free blacks and wanted to help others become free.  Olivia was active on the underground railroad and hid a mother and child in her room - she soon finds out that someone who is assisting is not who they say they are. 

The two time periods are woven together seamlessly. Both of our female main characters are strong and vulnerable. Gracie has to deal with a lot - there are back taxes on the home, family members that are not happy she got it, and so on. Olivia had a lot to lose assisting others to their freedom. 

The book is well written. The characters are well developed. I have enjoyed this series so much. The rich history that is in the books will draw you in. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 29

lakesidelivingsite, November 30

Texas Book-aholic, November 30

Cover Lover Book Review, December 1

Inklings and notions, December 1

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 2 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, December 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 3

For the Love of Literature, December 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 5

Connie’s History Classroom, December 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 6

Holly’s Book Corner, December 6

Blossoms and Blessings, December 7

Mary Hake, December 7

Remembrancy, December 8

For Him and My Family, December 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 9

Lis Loves Reading, December 9

Through the fire blogs, December 10

Spoken from the Heart, December 10

Pause for Tales, December 11

Labor Not in Vain, December 11

Betti Mace, December 12

Marriage, Motherhood, & Homeschool, December 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terri is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print 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/22cd0/passages-of-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

MY THOUGHTS = MY MOTHER’S SECRET: A NOVEL OF THE JEWISH AUTONOMOUS REGION BY ALINA ADAMS

 

MY MOTHER’S SECRET: A NOVEL OF THE JEWISH AUTONOMOUS REGION BY ALINA ADAMS

Publication Date: November 15, 2022
History Through Fiction LLC

Genre: Historical Fiction

With his dying breath, Lena‘s father asks his family a cryptic question: “You couldn’t tell, could you?” After his passing, Lena stumbles upon the answer that changes her life forever.

As her revolutionary neighbor mysteriously disappears during Josef Stalin’s Great Terror purges, 18-year-old Regina suspects that she’s the Kremlin’s next target. Under cover of the night, she flees from her parents’ communal apartment in 1930s Moscow to the 20th century’s first Jewish state, Birobidzhan, on the border between Russia and China. Once there, Regina has to grapple with her preconceived notions of socialism and Judaism while asking herself the eternal question: What do we owe each other? How can we best help one another? While she contends with these queries and struggles to help Birobidzhan establish itself, love and war are on the horizon.

New York Times Bestselling author Alina Adams draws on her own experiences as a Jewish refugee from Odessa, USSR as she provides readers a rare glimpse into the world’s first Jewish Autonomous Region. My Mother’s Secret is rooted in detailed research about a little known chapter of Soviet and Jewish history while exploring universal themes of identity, love, loss, war, and parenthood. Readers can expect a whirlwind journey as Regina finds herself and her courage within one of the century’s most tumultuous eras.

AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | BOOKSHOP.ORG | INDIEBOUND

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alina Adams is the NYT-bestselling author of soap-opera tie-ins, figure-skating mysteries, and romance novels. Born in Odessa, USSR, Adams immigrated to the United States at age seven and learned to speak English by watching American Soap Operas. After receiving her B.A. and M.A. in broadcast communications at San Francisco State University, Adams worked in television as a writer and researcher. Years later she penned the As The World Turns book tie-in, Oakdale Confidential, which became a New York Times bestseller. Adams continued writing and is now a prolific and innovative writer who has authored more than a dozen books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her latest release, The Nesting Dolls, is a Soviet-Jewish historical novel published by HarperCollins in July 2020. Her upcoming novel, My Mother’s Secret: A Novel of the Jewish Autonomous Region, a follow-up to her previous historical novel, is set for release in November 2022. Adams lives in New York City with her husband and their three children.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

MY THOUGHTS

My Mother's Secret: A novel of the Jewish Autonomous is written by Alina Adams. This is my first exposure to the author, and it will not be my last. The book is a little over 350 pages, and you will be drawn in within the first few pages. The author's story brings to life a part of history that I was not familiar with. 

I read a lot of World War II fiction. I have learned so much of this part of history because of it.  I have not however ever read a story about the Russian Government setting up the Jewish Autonomous Region that was in East Siberia. We meet Regina who heads for refuge when she sees her neighbor getting arrested and fears that she is next. She has to learn who she can trust - and who she can lean on. Regina finds herself attracted to two people in the camp. Aaron, who comes up with potentially dangerous ideas and Felix who is the commander of the camp. Both of these gentleman clash against each otehr. 

The author did such an amazing job writing this little known part of history. The characters are well written, the storyline is unique and engaging. Thank you to the author, publisher and Historical Fiction Virtual Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

 

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, November 15
Review at Dive Into a Good Book

Wednesday, November 16
Review at Pages and Paws

Thursday, November 17
Review at Novels Alive
Review at Michelle the PA Loves to Read

Friday, November 18
Review at Books, Writing, and More

Saturday, November 19
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Monday, November 21
Review at History from a Woman’s Perspective

Tuesday, November 22
Review at Cover Lover Book Review

Wednesday, November 23
Review at The Page Ladies

Friday, November 25
Review at Book Reviews and More

Monday, November 28
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Tuesday, November 29
Interview at Jathan and Heather

Wednesday, November 30
Review at Bibliotica

Friday, December 2
Review at Girl Who Reads

Monday, December 5
Review at Connie’s History Classroom

Tuesday, December 6
Excerpt at Bookworlder

Thursday, December 8
Review at Tammy Reads

Friday, December 9
Excerpt at Coffee and Ink

GIVEAWAY

We have 3 paperbacks & 3 eBooks up for grabs during the blog tour!

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on December 9th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Enter:  https://gleam.io/oOouH/my-mothers-secret