Book Review and Giveaway - The Year the Stars Fell By: Elizabeth Wehman -- on tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book:  The Year the Stars Fell

Author: Elizabeth Wehman

Genre:  Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: April 14, 2020

In the spring of 1833, newlywed Betsey Baker-Swain’s simple life changes when she and her husband, Aaron, make a hasty decision to join Betsey’s family on a move from Pennsylvania to Michigan Territory.

Along the way, rainstorms, freezing temperatures, seasickness, and lack of privacy pale in comparison to what the family will encounter once arriving at their destination. Soon, daily trials will include ear-piercing howls of wild wolves, bad weather, clouds of mosquitoes, and disturbing situations with the natives. Even then, Betsey wonders if this trip will finally quench her father’s adventurous spirit.

Over the next year, the Baker family will gain incredible strength, divine trust, and unexplainable courage, but will it be enough to keep them at the tiny cabin by the twisting Shiawassee River? Will uncertainty overtake their determination or will God’s intervention sustain them enough to become a part of the history of a new land?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

 

About the Author

Elizabeth Wehman’s writing career spans over thirty years and encompasses curriculum, periodical, journalism, and novel writing.

Her dream has always been to write novels and Elizabeth launched her first contemporary fiction, Under the Windowsill, in 2014. Since then, she’s added four titles to her shelf. They include: Promise at Daybreak, Just a Train Ride, Mere Reflection, and her latest complete historical work, The Year the Stars Fell.

She found the historical genre to be filled with rabbit trail research as well as walks through bygone cemeteries. The pioneers, of the early nineteenth century, reflected an amazing stamina and a determined courage to venture into the unknown. The Year the Stars Fell is based on a forgotten village established in the Territory of Michigan in 1833. She fell in love with the Baker family and the information she discovered about them gave way to folklore and tales of the early homesteaders. Two future novels are planned that will include the continuation of the nineteenth century farming community. The series will be called, ‘The Newburg Chronicles’.

In her spare time, Elizabeth loves to read and enjoys being out in nature. Her favorite places are digging in her flower garden, listening to the birds as they herald a new day, or taking a walk on the country roads surrounding her home in Michigan.

Elizabeth has been a trucker’s wife for over thirty years which helps supply the needed solitude to produce extraordinary stories. She has three grown children, four grandpuppies, and two sons-in-law.

 

 

More from Elizabeth

My “Stars” book began to emerge after doing research about the county where I live, here in Michigan. On an information discovery about another book, I came across the story of the Baker family. They were highlighted as the one of the first farming families to enter Michigan Territory in 1833. Hosea Baker brought his entire family from Pennsylvania to settle on 600 acres in an area beside the Shiawassee River.

Joining him there were his wife, Sally, his grown son Ambrose, his daughter and her husband, Betsey and Aaron Swain, and some younger daughters. While there, they hooked up with a boy named Alexander Stevens. Their first year included: building a home and barn, clearing and planting the first crops in the county, setting up a household, and Betsey giving birth to the first recorded child in the county. Betsey and Aaron named their new baby, Julia.

So much intrigued me about their story. I was excited to flesh it out with the help of short excerpts written in a Shiawassee County history book from 1888. From these short tidbits about the family, I soon embellished a story which is a mere glimpse into what their story could have included during their first year as settlers in a vast wilderness.

Much of the story is from my own imagination, but many of the highlights include the excerpts written about the family in 1888. After writing their story, I now feel a specific kinship to them.  This is my first complete historical fiction work. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.

My Thoughts

This is the first book that I have read from this author, and it will not be the last. The author transported me back to 1833. This book is about  family that moves to Michigan Territory. The family is wanting a fresh start for a better life. This time period is rough. There was a lot going on in the country. There were so many dangers when families chose to travel west. Uncertain terrain, hostile Native Americans since they were losing their land, and animal threats. The author has done careful research to make this as real feeling as possible. 

This book is a great reminder that if you listen for God's prompting and follow it He will always be there for you. When the family reaches their destination there is a whole new set of obstacles waiting for them. But over the next year, they grow as a family. 

This book contains well defined characters. It has an intriguing storyline that will draw you in. This was a great book and I hope to read more from this author. 

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 25

lakesidelivingsite, August 25

Inklings and notions, August 26

For Him and My Family, August 27

21st Century Keeper at Home, August 27

Connie’s History Classroom, August 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 30

deb’s Book Review, August 30

For the Love of Literature, August 31

Older & Smarter?, September 1

Joanne Markey, September 1

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

Betti Mace, September 3

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 5

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, September 5

Pause for Tales, September 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Elizabeth is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of The Year the Stars Fell and a $25 gift card to Baker Book House in Grand Rapids, which can be used online!!

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/fff0/the-year-the-stars-fell-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review and Giveaway - Two Rivers By Michael W. Henry on tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book:  Two Rivers

Author: Michael W. Henry

Genre:  Fiction

Release Date: April 10, 2020

In 1840 Pastor Allen Hartman leaves behind his white-steepled church in New York, and the woman he hopes to marry, to serve as a missionary to Indians in the Oregon Territory. On his epic westward journey, he is plunged into the dark end of spiritual warfare and vital intercession. His mettle is further tested when he’s asked to stay in a village of Arapaho already contending with a malevolent witch doctor—where Allen has to draw upon courage he didn’t know he possessed and discovers ministering to Indians is not at all what he imagined.

Arapaho medicine man Two Rivers knows one thing—the Great Spirit is sending White Falcon to help his people defeat the malicious spiritual forces determined to overpower the tribe. But even as White Falcon teams up with Two Rivers, Allen finds himself enslaved in a cave and in a heaven-meets-earth clash of faith with an evil sorcerer. With his life at stake and his new friends unable to help, will Spirit-led prayers of believers lead to a complete victory, or will something be left undone?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

 

 

About the  Author

Michael W. Henry’s ministry has spanned from serving as a missionary in Mexico, where he encountered intense spiritual warfare, to planting and pastoring churches in Washington state. A Christian counselor, Michael is certified through the American Association of Christian Counselors and offers spiritual-life coaching to believers searching for deep faith encounters with Jesus. Michael has long been fascinated by Native American spirituality and culture. He and his wife, also a certified counselor, live in Wenatchee, Washington, and enjoy hunting, hiking, canoeing, and other outdoor activities with their four adult children and two grandchildren.

 

 

 

More from Michael

Two Rivers is a story about courageous faith. I wrote it because as a missionary in Mexico, I had experienced spiritual encounters that I felt needed to be shared. A historical fiction seemed the perfect place to demonstrate the power of prayer and cross cultural respect in an authentic way.

My Thoughts

This is the first book that I have read by this author. This book is set in 1840 in the Oregon Territories. This is not a time period that I have read a whole lot on. This book focuses on a young man who is set to begin some missionary work. As he starts his travels - he encounters a lot of "road blocks" in his journey. Pastor Allen will learn how to cast out demons (which I have seen - and is very surreal), and deal with other aspects of spiritual warfare. Pastor Allen is very secure in his calling -and is very obedient to the Holy Spirit. Since he will be a missionary to the Native Americans -this book will deal with witchcraft a bit. However, it is done with grace and God's glory shining through. 

This book is well written, informative and flowed nicely. The author has done great research to educate on Native American culture and religion. 

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 14

Inklings and notions, August 15

For Him and My Family, August 16

Texas Book-aholic, August 17

Joanne Markey, August 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 18

deb’s Book Review, August 19

For the Love of Literature, August 20

Rebecca Tews, August 21

Artistic Nobody, August 22 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 23

Connie’s History Classroom, August 24

Simple Harvest Reads, August 25 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Quiet Workings, August 26

To Everything There Is A Season, August 27

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Michael is giving away the grand prize package of an eBook copy of Two Rivers, a $50 Amazon gift card, and a 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/fec3/two-rivers-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review and Giveaway -- The Gentleman Spy By Erica Vetsch Hosted by: Read with Audra

 

Marcus Haverly, introduced to readers in The Lost Lieutenant, was sailing through life just fine as a spy for the Crown. As a single man, and a “spare” rather than the heir to the Duke of Haverly, no one questioned his comings and goings. However, when both his father and older brother suddenly pass away, Marcus is saddled with a title he never expected to bear. Pressured to marry and live up to his new responsibilities, he impulsively marries a presumed wallflower. After all, since she’s meek and mild—or so he thinks—it should be easy to sequester her in the country and get on with his life as a secret agent for the Crown. Marcus thinks he can separate his life into neat little boxes—his family, the duties of his title, being a spy, and a new wife. He even puts his faith in a box that is only opened on Sundays. In his mind, it’s simple . . . until it’s not.

 

“Marcus knows it is his duty to marry, and even his superior officer in the agency encourages him to wed, but he doesn’t want marriage to change him, nor does he want to have to give up anything when he marries,” Vetsch shares. “He’s certain that if he chooses correctly, he will find a wife who is content to run his household and bear his children, but who won’t interfere too much with his plans.”

 

While Marcus thinks he can juggle the various aspects of his life without one part spilling into the other, his bride, Charlotte, has other ideas. Unlike the other women of society, she reads anything she can get her hands on (even the newspaper!) and has ideas of her own. “Chivalry and the protection of women were a large part of proper English society during the Regency, and it was feared that too much academic work or exposure to the more, shall we say, gritty elements of life were both improper and could be dangerous to the ‘weaker female mind,’” Vetsch explains. “I’d like to think the men of the era had women’s best interests at heart, or at least thought they did, but I suspect it was because they were afraid of just how smart women are!”

 

Charlotte is determined to take her place not only as Marcus’s duchess but as his wife. As a duchess, Charlotte can use her position to help the lowest of society—the women forced into prostitution because they have no skills or hope, including a half sister she just learned she has. Her endeavors are not met favorably in society or by her new mother-in-law who does not approve of her son’s choice of women.

 

Marcus doesn’t so much mind his wife having a mind and cause of her own, just as long as he can go about his business. Can the duke succeed in relegating her to the sidelines of his life? When his secrets are threatened with exposure, will his new wife be an asset or a liability?

 

The Gentleman Spy provides readers with plenty of romance and history, a good dose of humor, and even some action and adventure mixed in. It is sure to be a favorite of the readers who followed Vetsch on her new venture into Regency fiction as well as the new readership of those faithful to the Regency genre that she gained with The Lost Lieutenant.

 

Next up in the Serendipity & Secrets series is a bonus novella in Joy to the World: A Regency Christmas Collection, a trio of novellas by Vetsch and fellow authors Carolyn Miller and Amanda Barratt (available October 13, 2020). Then, the last installment of the series, The Indebted Earl, the story of Marcus Haverly’s younger sister, Sophie, will arrive on shelves in March 2021.

 

 

Praise for the Serendipity & Secrets Series

 

“Erica Vetsch brings such a fresh, true voice to Regency romance. She catches all that’s best about the genre while weaving together a fast-paced, intriguing story full of characters I cared about so much. I can’t wait for book two!”

~ Mary Connealy, author of the best-selling High Sierra Sweethearts and Wild at Heart series

 

“Love Regency? How about a swoon-worthy hero and a plot that twists and turns yet ties up in a neat bow at the end? Then get thee to a bookstore! The Lost Lieutenant is all that and more, from the battlefield of Salamanca to the gowns and suits at Almack’s. This is my favorite Erica Vetsch title to date and earns a place on my keeper shelf.”

~ Michelle Griep, Christy Award–winning author of the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series

 

“A riveting Regency read, with captivating characters, that will tug at your heartstrings.”

~ Carolyn Miller, best-selling author of the Regency Brides series

 

 

About the Author

 

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.  

 

Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.

 

A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.

 

Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor) and Instagram (@EricaVetsch).

 My Thoughts

This has been my favorite series of the summer. This is book 2 in the Serendipity and Secrets Series. While this can be read as a stand alone, you are introduced to Marcus in Book 1 - and get a great deal of background to his character. In this story, Marcus gets his story. Marcus is a spy - and he is a really good one. 

In his story - he has to take a wife when his father and brother die tragically. Marcus has lived a life as the child who was not going to become the Duke. Then life is altered and he is thrust into a life he never desired. He now has to choose a wife and move forward. Not one to want to settle down - his marriage to Charlotte in his opinion is name only. He wants to continue on his spy missions. 

Charlotte was an amazing characters. She is well read and educated. She is always lost in a book. She always seems to know what is going on with current events - which during this time period is not something a lady would do.  When she marries Marcus - she wants all that that means. 

Both of them bring secrets and baggage into the marriage. Which we know is never a good thing. Can they get past hurt and secrets? 

Well written characters, beautifully written, I am loving the Serendipity and Secrets series and cannot wait until the next book releases. 

I received a copy of this book through the Publisher, Author and Read with Audra blogging program - all thoughts are my own. 

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