Book Review and Giveaway - Penelope’s Pursuit Author: Chautona Havig On tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book:  Penelope’s Pursuit

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 29, 2021

Are mail-order-brides changing their minds or is something sinister going on in Kansas?

Ten years ago, Penelope’s sister ran away as a mail-order bride, and it was the last their family ever heard from her.  Now, with their parents dead and Penelope all alone, the young woman has one goal. Find her sister.

It took enough grit for Henry to write to Miss Mildred Crenshaw about finding him a wife in the first place, but when the stage arrives and no bride steps off, the whole thing feels like a confidence scheme. Investigation, however, sends chills down his spine as he realizes women are leaving the east for the west but many never arrive at their destinations.

Is it any wonder that Penelope doesn’t trust the man who abducts her from the clutches of her new friends and rides off into the sunset? Is his explanation reasonable?  Can she convince him to help her find her sister?

And is she about to fall in love with a homesteader on the untamed prairies of Kansas?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

More from Chautona

Mail Order Brides: Do We Romanticize the Past?

Although I recall reading about mail-order brides in school… somewhere… Patricia MacLachlan’s Sarah, Plain and Tall was my first introduction to the idea of advertising for or requesting the services of a matchmaker to find a wife. The book and the subsequent movie showed the difficulties of such a marriage and left us all with a satisfactory ending.

Some years later, while doing a bit of research, I discovered another side of the coin—a horrifying picture of what happened to some gullible young women and the unscrupulous people who used such matchmaking schemes as a means for human trafficking. It sickened me, as it should anyone.

All my ideas for mail order bride novels ended up as wadded up balls of mental paper and in the wastepaper basket of my mind. A few years passed, and I came up with a twist on mail order brides, one that will see the light of day if I ever have time to write it. A few more years passed, and a series of books featuring a matchmaking service for mail-order brides and the Homestead Act resurrected those ideas. I smoothed a couple out, reconsidered, and decided against writing them.

I’d have to miss the opportunity to join the series.

My mind never does follow orders well. Within minutes of that decision, I had a story. What would happen if there was some funny business going on with girls going west? How could I combine a satisfactory ending where two people came to a meeting of the minds and hearts in the midst of fighting something that ugly?

Penelope’s Pursuit was born.

Is my story idealized? Probably. I’ll be frank with you. I’m okay with that, too. See, sometimes all we need is a reminder that mankind is sinful and in need of a Savior before the story turns into how things should have been. After all, fiction mirrors reality, but it is also an escape.

I hope Penelope’s escape to the west and her pursuit of her sister encourages you to turn to the Lord for every decision, in every trouble, and with every praise possible in between.

My Thoughts

 Penelope’s Pursuit is a Historical Romantic Suspense that is written by the talented Chautona Havig. I have read several of Chautona's books and have always loved them. This one was different. She took tough subjects and created a beautiful story with it. I was unaware that human trafficking was going on during the wild west times. This story covers some harsh realities - but the author handles it seamlessly. 

Penelope is all alone in the world. Her parent have died. Her sister had previously gone west to be a mail order bride - only to never be heard from again. She heads to the same town her sister went to under the same premise. When she steps off the train station she is nervous and excited. 

Reuben had to shove his pride deep down - and write for assistance for a mail order bride. When he shows up to collect his bride - she is not there and he is convinced that he has been scammed. However, he notices something amiss when he sees Penelope. He convinces her that something is not write and moves her away from where she was supposed to be going. Which could have saved her life. 

Penelope has found her self in quite a quandary. She is in a foreign place trying to track down her sister. She has been "saved" by a man she does not know. Can she trust him? Can he help get her answers. 

I loved the mystery and suspense that the author built into this story. Chautona can write across so many different genres and she never ceases to amaze me. This book will cover the tough subject such as human trafficking, opium abuse/dependence and suicide. However, this is a Christian Historical Suspense book - and it is not overly glorified. The author did an excellent job weaving it into her story and showing how it affected those in the 1800's. 

The characters are well written, the storyline is intriguing and believable. I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging program - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 9

Blogging With Carol, October 9

Texas Book-aholic, October 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 11

Inklings and notions, October 11

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 12

Lots of Helpers, October 13

For Him and My Family, October 13

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 14

deb’s Book Review, October 15

Joanne Markey, October 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 17

Mary Hake, October 17

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 18 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 18

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 19

Vicky Sluiter, October 19

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 20

Connie’s History Classroom, October 21

Blossoms and Blessings, October 21

Splashes of Joy, October 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona 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/11fe1/penelope-s-pursuit-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review and Giveaway - A Life Redeemed Author: Olivia Rae On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book:  A Life Redeemed

Author: Olivia Rae

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 16, 2021

Everyone has a secret, who can a queen trust?

Upon Queen Elizabeth’s order, Audrey Hayes travels to the borderlands of Scotland to learn where the fierce Laird Armstrong’s loyalties lie. Is he aligned with his mother’s English roots in support of the queen, or does he hold with the beliefs of his father, who wishes to see Mary of Scots on the English throne? The fate of Audrey’s family rests on her success in finding the answer.

After losing his lands in a wager and being betrayed by his kin, Gavin Armstrong entered a loveless marriage to obtain the funds to buy back his family home, Warring Tower. Now a widower, struggling against countless border wars, he is on the verge of losing his home and lands again. With few resources, he reluctantly makes another risky wager, one he cannot hope to win without trusting the secretive Audrey Hayes, a woman he suspects is an English spy.

As the two work together to save Warring Tower, their attraction to one another grows. But when Audrey finally gains the information she seeks for Queen Elizabeth, she realizes that the only way she can save her family is to betray the man she loves.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Olivia Rae is an award-winning author of historical and contemporary inspirational romance. She spent her school days dreaming of knights, princesses and far away kingdoms; it made those long, boring days in the classroom go by much faster. Nobody was more shocked than her when she decided to become a teacher. Besides getting her Master’s degree, marrying her own prince, and raising a couple of kids, Olivia decided to breathe a little more life into her childhood stories by adding in what she’s learned as an adult living in a small town on the edge of a big city. When not writing, she loves to travel, dragging her family to old castles and forts all across the world.  

Olivia is the winner of the Angel Award, Book Buyers Best Award, Golden Quill Award, New England Readers’ Choice Award, Southern Magic Contest, and the American Fiction Award. She is an Illumination Award Gold and Bronze medalist. She has also been a finalist in many other contests such as the National Readers’ Choice Awards, and the National Romance Fiction Awards. She is currently hard at work on her next novel.

 

More from Olivia

My novel, A Life Redeemed takes place in 16th Century England and Scotland. A very popular dish at the time was the meat pie. Back then making such a dish took a lot of time. My Grandmother made a similar dish with modern day ingredients that you can whip together in no time. Cheesy meat pie is a real family pleaser and a delicious bit of history.

 

 

Medieval Cheesy Meat Pie

 

1 pound ground beef

½ cup chopped onion

1 – 8 oz. can of tomato sauce

¼ cup parsley

1 – 3oz. can chopped mushrooms (drained)

1/8 teaspoon pepper

¼ teaspoon dried oregano

2 packages (8 rolls) crescent rolls

3 eggs

Shredded cheese (mixed cheddar and mozzarella)

 

In skillet, brown beef, onion (drain). Stir in tomato sauce, parsley, mushrooms, pepper and oregano, then set aside. Unroll one package of crescent rolls, forming 12×6 inch rectangle. Seal edges and perforations together.  Roll to fit in 9-inch pie plate, trim. Separate one egg and set aside the yoke. Beat egg white with remaining two eggs. Spread over half the dough. Spoon meat into shell, arranging cheese on top. Pour remaining egg mixture over cheese. Roll out second package of crescent rolls, sealing on top of pie. Beat remaining egg yoke and a tablespoon of water, brush on top of dough. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. If pastry gets too brown, cover with foil. Let stand for 10 minutes.

My Thoughts

A Life Redeemed is a Christian Historical Fiction book that is written by  Olivia Rae. This is book two in the Secrets of the Queen series. I have not read book one, for this is the first book that I have read by this author. This is a time period that I don't usually read, however, I did enjoy it. I did not feel lost since I did not read book one. 

I learned a lot about Medieval Historical Romance through this book. The author did careful research to ensure that her story was historically accurate. 

Audrey Hayes has to help save her family she needs to travel to find out where some loyalties lie. What she does not count on is being attracted to widower  Gavin Armstrong. Gavin was in a loveless marriage and is now a widower. He isn't sure if he can trust Audrey at first. As they get to know each other , the attraction starts to build. 

It was fun to see the two different backgrounds fall for each other. Audrey is torn between saving her family and betraying the man she has fallen for. Audrey has also befriended his son, Thomas. Since Audrey has been sent here to find out loyalties, she uncovers that Thomas may be in trouble. Can she save him without totally blowing her cover? 

Well written characters, they grow and evolve through the story. Fun, intriguing storyline. I was drawn into the story within a few pages. I hope to read more from this author. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Blogging Program --- all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, October 9

Labor Not in Vain, October 9

Artistic Nobody, October 10 (Spotlight)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 11

Genesis 5020, October 11

Bigreadersite, October 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 14

Texas Book-aholic, October 15

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 16

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 16

deb’s Book Review, October 17

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 18

Connie’s History Classroom, October 19

Mary Hake, October 19

Inklings and notions, October 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 21

For Him and My Family, October 22

Betti Mace, October 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away the grand prize packaged 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/11fe0/a-life-redeemed-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review and Giveaway-The Sand Pounder - Love and Drama on Horseback in WWII by M. J. Evans Hosted by IRead Book Tours

 

Book Title:  The Sand Pounder - Love and Drama on Horseback in WWII by M. J. Evans
Category: Young Adult Fiction (Ages 13-17)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher:  Dancing Horse Press, 284 pages
Release date:  September 2021
Format available for review:  Print softback, ebook (mobi file for Kindle), PDF
Will send print books out:  USA
Tour dates: October 4 to October 22, 2021
Content Rating:  Rated G - Completely clean

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“The Sand Pounder is one of those rare historical novels with a charm that appeals to both young and old readers.” - Vincent Dublado for Readers’ Favorite 

“M.J. Evans does an excellent job of winding the era's history and the lesser-known job of the Sand Pounders into a realistic story of a mature teen's determination to make a difference in her world.” - Diane Donovan for Midwest Book Review

“A gripping YA historical novel packed full of twists, turns and memorable characters. Highly recommended!” - The Wishing Shelf Book Review (UK)

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Book Description:

Fearing an invasion by German and Japanese forces during World War II, the U.S. Coast Guard enlisted horsemen to patrol the beaches along the east and west coasts. The unit was called "The Sand Pounders" and they rode their horses up and down the beaches from 1942 to 1944.

In Tillamook, Oregon, a young equestrian decided to join them. There was only one problem...they were only accepting men. That didn't slow her down.

​"The Sand Pounder" is a Young Adult historical fiction set during World War II. ​

Buy The Book:
Amazon
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Award-Winning, Best-Selling author, M.J. Evans grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and graduated from Oregon State University. She spent five years teaching junior high and high school students before retiring to raise her five children. She is a life-long equestrian and enjoys competing in Dressage and riding in the beautiful Colorado Mountains.

connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~  facebook ~ goodreads ~ pinterest

More from the Author. 

Why I Wrote About the Sand Pounders

I love learning new things! I especially love learning about anything relating to horses and history, and when the two arecombined, I’m in heaven!

One day, I stumbled across an old picture of the Sand Pounders and it piqued my curiosity. I started searching on the internet. I learned that the Sand Pounders were an arm of the U.S. Coast Guard duringWorld War 2. Their job was to patrol the east and west coasts and in Texas to watch for and report an enemy invasion. Very few people have ever heard of them as they only existed for two years…from mid- 1942 to mid-1944. But, during that time, they patrolled 3,700 miles of coastline and employed 24,000 men on horseback.

However, very few people have ever heard of “The Sand Pounders!” That made me even more curious and, like my award-winning book, “PINTO!” I wanted to make information about this little-known event available to other horse and history lovers.

One element about the Sand Pounders that interested me, besides that fact that it is a horse story, is that it was something that happened along the Oregon Coast. I grew up in Oregon and went to the beach countless times. I remember my father taking us to Fort Stevens when I was a child. This was the only place in the continental U.S. that was shelled during World War 2. We also spent lots of time in Tillamook and at the beaches that I mentionedin the book.

As a child, I didn’t know that one day I would grow up to write a book about an event that the sands of time erased from the memories of so many people. I hope you enjoy the book. Oh…and please post a review on Amazon and Goodreads and tell yourfriends about it!

My Thoughts 

The Sand Pounder - Love and Drama on Horseback in WWII is written by M. J. Evans. This book is geared toward ages 13-17. I read this with my 10 year old son who reads at an advanced level. He also loves reading and learning about World War II. I have a master’s in Military History. I had no idea about the sand pounders. 

The sand pounders were the U.S. Coast Guard Mounted Patrol. I read up on them to familiarize myself on them. The author did a great job with her research. In this story we see Jane. Jane sees her American born Japanese neighbors taken off to interment camps. Jane is frustrated since girls and women are limited to what they can do to help the war effort. So Jane becomes John. She becomes a sand pounder who is patrolling on her horse, Juniper Star. 

My son and I had a great discussion on why her neighbors were taken away. He’s very interested in WWII. So he was intrigued to know. He knows that in history there have been other instances where girls/women have disguised themselves to help more closely with the war effort. 

My son and I enjoyed this book. He took it in to talk about it with his teacher. He said Jane was a great character. He said she knew something wasn’t right and wanted to do the right thing to help. 

We received a copy of this book through IRead book tours. All thoughts are our own. 

Tour Schedule:

Oct 4 –Rockin’ Book Reviews – book spotlight/ guest post / giveaway
Oct 4 -Westveil Publishing – book review / giveaway
Oct 5 –Working Mommy Journal – book review / giveaway
Oct 5 -Cover Lover Book Review - book spotlight / giveaway
Oct 6 - Cheryl's Book Nook – book review / giveaway
Oct 7 –Lisa's Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
Oct 8 – Sefina Hawke's Books – book review
Oct 12 –Splashes of Joy – book review / guest post / giveaway
Oct 12 – FUONLYKNEW – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Oct 12 -The Lost Review Of Odd Books – book review
Oct 13 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Oct 13 –Kam's Place – book spotlight / guest post
Oct 14 –Book Corner News and Reviews – book review / giveaway
Oct 15 – wottaread – book spotlight
Oct 15 - Books for Books – book review
Oct 18 – Connie's History Classroom – book review / guest post / giveaway
Oct 19 – Literary Flits – book review / giveaway
Oct 20 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Oct 20 - Rajiv's Reviews – book review / giveaway
Oct 21 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Oct 22 – Writer with Wanderlust – book review / guest post / giveaway

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