My Thoughts - Promise Me Christmas Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

 

About the Book

Book: Promise Me Christmas

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Christmas

Release Date: October 17, 2023

Would Amy ever see him as anything other than a former Loyalist who destroyed her home?

One more building, one more road, one more disaster reconstructed.

But George Elliot remains trapped in the past, reliving his role in the destruction of Charles Town. Through the support of his family and two Patriot generals, he is allowed to pursue a life among them but struggles to find purpose. Forgiveness lurks but has not quite settled his unsteady heart.

Amy Engle strives to help the men who are alive but hurting through her work at the hospital. Some men fail to grasp God’s forgiveness and struggle to heal mentally from the brutality of war…George Elliot being one of them. These men need a place to heal, and Amy proposes to open a mission to do just that with George at the helm. Amy’s prayer is that this will give George purpose and confidence.

What she didn’t count on was her heart’s commitment to the man.

With the devastation of war that left nothing unscathed, the people of Charles Town could use a dose of Christmas miracles. If there are any that remain after the devastation of war.

Can they determine in their hearts to find comfort in love, promises, and forgiveness?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, Bring Me Near, Draw Me to Your Side, and Wait for Me– Revolutionary Faith Series Books 1-5, Labor of Love and Promise of Purity, Gardens in Time Series Books 1 and 2, and Room for Love, Suamalie Islands Year One. Besides researching her novels, she enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish online. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and rescue pets. Her two adult children and t

wo grandsons keep her up to date and young.

More from Marguerite

I have desired to revisit my beloved characters and charming Charles Town. The Lestarjette family and their potential adventures sprout to life in my imagination if not on paper. Marriages, jobs, children, new nation?

In Promise Me Christmas I get a glimpse into the colorful lives of familiar heroes and heroines, villains and enemies, major and minor roles as after war scenarios surface. As minor, supporting characters make their presence known, I realize in life there are no minor roles. Each human being has a purpose and a God-given mission.

Think about all the people who stand in the peripheries of your life. They are as important in the scheme of life as your close family and friends. In this novella, I hope to emphasize God’s promises and hopes through people who are flawed, hurting, healing, and making efforts to exist and prosper in a town devasted by war, death, and poverty.

We might not have gone through a war, siege, and occupation by enemy forces, but we can grasp the hopes and promises of Christmas through the lenses of sickness, death, broken relationships, financial woes, and natural disasters.

I hope you enjoy this Christmas novella from my heart of hope and promises to yours.

My Thoughts 

Promise Me Christmas is written by  Marguerite Martin Gray. I am a huge fan of this author. She always writes such mesmerizing revolutionary war era fiction. In this story, readers are taken back to 1783 - where George Elliot remains trapped in the past, reliving his role in the destruction of Charles Town. 

He is struggling to move forward - and is constantly  reminded of what happened. He is a former Loyalist turned spy for the Patriots. Amy Engle works at the hospital. She has seen George struggles - and wants it to be her mission to help him. I love that Amy reminds George that God has forgiven him. Because of this - he needs to forgive himself. 

The author again has done a wonderful job in this companion to her Revolutionary Faith series. She does careful research to bring her stories to life. 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, October 25

Texas Book-aholic, October 26

Betti Mace, October 27

Bliss, Books & Jewels, October 28 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 28

Connie’s History Classroom, October 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 30

A Reader’s Brain, October 31 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 1

She Lives To Read, November 2

For Him and My Family, November 3

By The Book, November 4 (Author Interview)

Splashes of Joy, November 4

lakesidelivingsite, November 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 6

For the Love of Literature, November 7 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Margeurite 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/2896e/promise-me-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts - Coming Home Forever Author: Michelle De Bruin

 

About the Book

Book: Coming Home Forever

Author: Michelle De Bruin

Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction

Release Date: May 30, 2023

Her college career is cut short, so Rose Harper takes a job that throws her into the path of a weary soldier who joins her in the search of a place to call home.

Rose Harper dreams of becoming a teacher, but she quit school at the local college because her classes were harder than she expected. Dreading the thought of returning to her hometown and sharing a home with her father, Rose works two jobs so that she can stay in Oswell City with her friends. When she gets called in to help with special events at the Ellenbroek home, Rose is forced to make a big decision. Should she continue working as a maid, or does she dare to try and achieve her goal of becoming a teacher? Obstacles lie in the way, but thanks to the assistance of a supportive friend, Rose is given the chance to find a place to belong.

Timothy Ellenbroek has just completed his tour of duty as a chaplain to the soldiers on the Front. Now he has come home weary, grieving, and under pressure to find a job. His father would love to see him in a high-profile career, powerful and important. But Tim isn’t so sure. He longs for a safe place to rest, to heal, and to live a quiet peaceful life. When his father intervenes in the job search with an offer to work with him in the mayor’s office at City Hall, Tim resists. He wants peace and a meaningful career, but Oswell City can’t give him both. Tim wonders if he will have to leave home again. The longer he stays, the more his hometown means to him. Tim must make the choice to listen to his heart and trust where it leads him.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Michelle De Bruin lives in Iowa with her husband of 25 years and two young adult sons who are college students at Iowa State. She has a bachelor’s degree in religion with a Christian Ministry emphasis, and in Music. Michelle serves as a chaplain for Pella Regional Health Center. She writes inspirational historical romance about people who live in rural communities. Characters that bring to life the delights of farm and small-town living, whispers of Dutch heritage, and Christian faith make Michelle’s stories distinct. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always on the lookout for glimpses of God’s love through the window of a good story. You can learn more about Michelle by visiting her website: michelledebruin.com

 

 

More from Michelle

Coming Home Forever is the last in a trilogy of books set in a small Iowa town during the years 1913 through 1918. This is the second series of books I have written. The Tomorrow series is the first set, and if you’ve already read it, you will recognize characters that appeared in Hope for Tomorrow, Promise for Tomorrow, and Dreaming of Tomorrow.

This book opens in the winter of 1919, after the end of World War I when the soldiers are coming home. We meet Timothy Ellenbroek, the son of Oswell City’s mayor. He’s been in France serving as a chaplain in the military and now that his tour of duty is completed, he’s ready to find a peaceful place to call home.

Rose Harper dreamed of becoming a teacher, but college was much harder than she expected. Now she is trying to chart a new course, but it isn’t going like she thought. Through a few unexpected adventures, she joins Tim in the search for a peaceful, safe place.

I wrote this book to illustrate how God is always with us, working through us, and speaking to us. I also wanted to encourage readers that yes, we can change, we can heal, and we can be restored, putting bad decisions behind us for good.

Thank you for joining me on this tour. I hope you enjoy the blog posts and enter the drawing for the giveaway.

Grace and peace,

Michelle De Bruin

My Thoughts 

Coming Home Forever is written by Michelle De Bruin. This  is the third book in the Coming Home Series. While this can be read as a stand alone since the author does a great job recapping previous characters and other background information. 

Rose wants to become a teacher. However she realizes that it’s harder than she previously thought. She doesn’t want to go back to her home town so she finds two jobs in Oswell City. She takes a job with the Ellenbroek home. It’s there she meets Timothy. 

Timothy has returned home from serving as a chaplain.  He’s haunted by what he’s seen during his time in the Great War. He doesn’t want to give into his fathers demands to find a better job. 

Rose struggles with if she should go back to school and be a teacher. While Timothy struggles with nightmares. I love the message of trusting and surrendering to God. 

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, October 20

Texas Book-aholic, October 21

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 22 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, October 22

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 23(Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

lakesidelivingsite, October 24

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 25

Connie’s History Classroom, October 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 28 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 29

For Him and My Family, October 30

Holly’s Book Corner, October 31

Pause for Tales, November 1

Cover Lover Book Review, November 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card & 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/2879b/coming-home-forever-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts -Her Own Revolution Author: Debra Borchert

 

About the Book

Book: Her Own Revolution

Author: Debra Borchert 

Release Date: July 14, 2023

A Woman Forges a Treacherous Path to Save Hundreds from the Guillotine

If Geneviève Fouquier-Tinville had the same rights as a man, she wouldn’t have to dress like one, which she does to attend University—forbidden to women. By swearing her commitment to the revolution, she succeeds in convincing her father, the Public Prosecutor who condemns thousands to the guillotine, to hire her as a court clerk. But she intends to earn passage to join her lover, Henri, in America.

Tasked with copying lists of names scheduled for execution, she reads Louis LaGarde, a fallen noble whom she despises for having exposed her as a woman when they both attended University. Believing him innocent, she replaces his name with one already dead, saving his life. But she realizes that unless she forges a treacherous path, hundreds more will perish at her father’s hands.

When a Revolutionary hunts her down, she must accept LaGarde’s help, yet she denies her attraction to him out of loyalty to Henri. She fights for her life and the lives of those she’s come to love, but she must face the truth of her own heart.

About the Author

Debra Borchert has had many careers. She debuted, at the age of five, as a model at a local country club where her crinoline petticoat dropped to her ankles in the middle of the runway.

Since then, she’s been a clothing designer, actress (starring in her first television commercial with Jeff Daniels for S.O.S. Soap Pads), TV show host, spokesperson for high-tech companies, marketing and public relations professional, and technical writer for Fortune 100 companies.

Her work has appeared in The New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, The Christian Science Monitor, and The Writer, among others. Her short stories have been published in anthologies and independently.

A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, she weaves her knowledge of textiles and clothing design throughout her historical French fiction. She brings her passions for France, wine, and cooking to all her work. The proud owner of ten crockpots, she is renowned for her annual Soup Parties at which she serves soups from different cultures. She offers her soup recipes on her website.

Debra’s debut novel, Her Own Legacy, is the first in a series that follows headstrong and independent women and the four-hundred loyal families who protect a Loire Valley château and vineyard, and its legacy of producing the finest wines in France during the French Revolution. Her Own Revolution is the second book in the Château de Verzat series.

She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and standard poodle who is named after a fine French Champagne.

Please follow the author on her social media platforms:

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/debraborchertauthor/ 

FaceBook Page

https://www.facebook.com/DebraBorchertAuthor/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-borchert-10b8305/ 

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127906994-her-own-revolution

Here are some nice Articles to read at your leisure if you have any interest in learning more about Debra Borchert and her books:

The Good Life France

https://thegoodlifefrance.com/researching-hidden-history-in-france/

France Today

https://francetoday.com/learn/books/the-devil-is-in-the-details-fashion-in-fiction/

A Taste of France

https://tasteoffrancemag.com/recipes/carrot-orange-and-ginger-soup/ 

My Thoughts

Her Own Revolution is written by  Debra Borchert. This is book two in the Chateau de Verzat series. I have not read the other book, and I did not have any problems following along.  Geneviève Fouquier-Tinville wished she had the same rights as a man. So much so that she dresses as one. She goes to a university that has forbidden women to go to - and convinces her father to hire her as a court clerk. She is brave. She wants to be able to join Henri, who has gone to America. 

Geneviève  has had to handle a lot - she copies names of those going to the Guillotine. She comes across one name that surprises her. Louis LaGarde, who exposed her during the University as actually being a woman. She decides to put another name that is already dead in his place, and save his life. She does this with several names and saves a lot of lives. 

However, this will catch up with her. Readers will find themselves in the aftermath of the French Revolution. What will happen if they catch up with her?

The author has done careful research to bring history to life. I loved how her writing flows and will drawn you into the story right away. Geneviève is a likeable character, she is bold, brave and not afraid to stand for what she believes in. 

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

My Thoughts -Voices in the Sanitorium Author: Amy Lynn Walsh

 

About the Book

Book: Voices in the Sanitorium

Author: Amy Lynn Walsh

Genre: Historical Mystery, Women’s Fiction

(This is not horror or paranormal.  Readers will have no trouble falling asleep after reading this!)

Release Date: October, 2022

Relocating from Manhattan, teenage Aislyn must adjust to life near the abandoned West Mountain Sanitarium. One night, Aislyn joins new friends in the old ruins — and seems to return home with a different personality. Not long after Aislyn purchases a diary written almost a century ago by Bridget, a young patient recovering from tuberculosis on the sanitorium grounds, strange things begin to happen.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

 

About the Author

Amy Walsh writes historical and contemporary romance, mysteries, speculative fiction, and women’s fiction.  She  is a 5th-grade writing teacher in an urban public school.  Amy and her husband, Patrick, have three children. Amy considers herself greatly blessed in the roles God has given her as an earthling, including aspiring wordsmith, teacher of youngsters, nature appreciator, tea aficionado, avid dessert fan, book fanatic, lover of family and friends, and Christ follower.

 

 

 

 

More from Amy

Mam’s Apple Cinnamon Scones with Maple Cinnamon Glaze

These are the scones Katherine’s mother makes the morning their new friend Cadence comes for an Irish tea.  This time of fellowship marks a turning point in the plot of Voices in the Sanitorium.

The dough:

2 3/4 cups flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 stick of softened butter

1 diced small apple

3/4 cup cinnamon chips (optional)

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup applesauce

 

For best results, follow the steps below.  However, if you are as busy as Katherine is with four children and a thriving Irish textile business, you can just melt the butter in the microwave and throw all the ingredients together at once, and these scones will still be delicious.

 

• In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
• Mix in the butter just until the mixture is crumbly
• Stir in the chopped apple and cinnamon chips.
• Mix the eggs, vanilla, and applesauce in another bowl, then add these to the dry ingredients.
• Make sure you have parchment paper or have floured your baking sheet.
• Drop scoops of the dough onto the baking sheet. (about ¼ cup scoops)
• Bake for 20 minutes at 425 degrees or until golden brown

Notes:

If pressed for time, Mam just makes drop scones.  When guests are coming, she forms the dough into a circle about ¾ inch high, cuts the dough into pie pieces on the parchment paper, then gently pulls the pieces apart and uses her fingers to form them into perfect isosceles triangles.

Sometimes Mam puts the dough into the freezer after forming it on the baking pan.  She says freezing dough for a half hour makes them softer.  Katherine has never noticed a difference.

Glaze:

• 1 ½ cup powdered sugar,
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 ½ Tablespoons maple syrup

If the glaze needs to be thickened, add more powdered sugar.  If it is too thick, add more syrup, cream, or milk.  You can put it in the microwave for about fifteen seconds if it starts to get firm while you wait for the scones to come out of the oven.

My Thoughts

Voices in the Sanitorium is written by Amy Lynn Walsh. I really enjoyed the dual timeline of the book - We see teenager Aislyn must adjust to life near the abandoned West Mountain Sanitarium after moving from Manhattan. The family's purpose is  to rebuild a damaged marriage. Aislyn is having a hard time adjusting. She gets caught up with a different crowd, and visits the Sanitarium and comes back negatively affected. 

The Sanitarium had housed those that were recovering from Tuberculosis back in the 1930s. Aislyn purchases a diary that was written by Bridget - who was recovering from TB. The author did a great job in showing how lonely and lengthy the recovery may have been. 

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

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 17

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 18

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 19 (Author Interview)

Avid Reader Nurse, October 19

Texas Book-aholic, October 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 22

Connie’s History Classroom, October 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 24

Denise L. Barela, October 25

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 26

Blogging With Carol, October 27

For Him and My Family, October 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 29 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Amy is giving away the grand prize package of $40 Amazon card, a hardcover copy of the book, and historical memorabilia related to the West Mountain Sanitarium in 1931!!

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/28796/voices-in-the-sanitorium-celebration-tour-giveaway

MY THOUGHTS - Wooing Gertrude Jodie Wolfe

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Enoch Valentine has given up finding peace for his past mistakes. He throws everything he has into being the new part-time deputy in Burrton Springs, Kansas while maintaining the foreman position at a local horse ranch. But when trouble stirs on the ranch, he questions whether he's the right man for either job.

Peace has been elusive for most of Gertrude Miller's life, especially under the oppressiveness of an overbearing mother. She takes matters into her own hands and sends for a potential husband, while also opening her own dress shop. Gertrude hopes to build a future where she'll find peace and happiness.

Will either of them ever be able to find peace?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She's been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

Social Media Links

Website: https://www.jodiewolfe.com




Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913




BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jodie-wolfe




Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe




Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe




Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1




MeWe: https://mewe.com/jodiewolfe




LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-wolfe-3955b2bb/




First Page Peek




Burrton Springs, Kansas

August 4, 1877

Gertrude Miller’s life couldn’t get any better. She grinned, patting her pocket. Her fingers traced the two skeleton keys. After months of planning and preparing she finally had moved into her own place a week ago, away from the overbearing reach of her mother. In two days, she’d be opening the clothing shop beneath her apartment.

She studied the trail leading into town hoping for a wisp of dust indicating the stagecoach was on its way, but saw none. Smoothing the light blue flowered fabric of her skirt, Gertrude’s hand settled against her churning stomach. What would George Witt think of her when he arrived? Would he see past her faults and still find her loveable? Would he like the place she picked for them to live?

The many letters he’d written to her crinkled in her reticule, as she clutched it close to her heart. His last missive declared he planned to marry her shortly after arriving. Mama would have a conniption, which was why Gertrude hadn’t breathed a word to her mother that she’d marry tomorrow after the church service. Mama would try to do everything in her power to prevent it. Gertrude didn’t plan to say anything to her until they were sitting side by side in the church. No use creating a stir ahead of time.

Her dress hung from a hook in her new place waiting for the blessed event. She’d spent hours sewing it and adding yards of intricate lace she’d crocheted.

MY THOUGHTS

Wooing Gertrude is written by Jodie Wolfe. This is part of the Burrton Springs Bride series. I have read other books by this author and have always loved them. I have not read the other books in the series, and I did not have any issues following along. This book is set in 1877 in Burrton Springs, Kansas

Gertrude does not think that she will be married. She is in process of opening her own clothing shop. I love that she is a strong and independent woman. Enoch is a part time deputy for Burrton Springs. He has a lot of baggage and hurt from his past and he throws himself into his work. He is drawn to Gertrude but she keeps him at arms length.

I loved the character development. I love the historical details in this story. The story is well written. Thank you to the author for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.