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Tuesday, November 14, 2023

My Thoughts - To Spark A Match Author: Jen Turano

 



About the Book


Book: To Spark A Match 

Author: Jen Turano

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: November 14, 2023


After five unsuccessful Seasons on the marriage mart, Miss Adelaide Duveen has resigned herself to the notion that she's destined to remain a spinster forever--a rather dismal prospect, but one that will allow her to concentrate on her darling cats and books. However, when she inadvertently stumbles upon Mr. Gideon Abbott engaged in a clandestine activity during a dinner party, Adelaide finds herself thrust into a world of intrigue that resembles the plots in the spy novels she devours.

Former intelligence agent Gideon Abbott feels responsible for Adelaide after society threatens to banish her because of the distraction she caused to save his case. Hoping to return the favor, he turns to a good friend--and one of high society's leaders--to take Adelaide in hand and turn her fashionable.

When danger surrounds them and Adelaide finds herself a target of the criminals in Gideon's case, the spark of love between them threatens to be quenched for good--along with their lives.

About the Author



Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. When she’s not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, CO. 

Readers may find her at www.jenturano.com - https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoaut... , https://www.instagram.com/jenturanoau... or on Twitter at JenTurano@JenTurano

https://jenturano.com/

My Thoughts 


To Spark A Match is book two in the Matchmakers series that is written by Jen Turano. This story can be read as a stand alone. This author is a master at her craft. She transports readers back in history. Her careful research and fun historical details make her stories so fascinating to read.

In this story we’re in 1888. Adelaide has been unsuccessful in finding a mate. She’s not that disappointed in this. She much prefers cats and books. She’s got a habit of leaving her mark in dinner parties. She frequently becomes the topic of conversation in social circles.

Enter Gideon. Adelaide finds him in a secret activity and she helps to bail him out. He finds himself in Adelaide’s debt. To try and repay her he enlists the help of a socialite, Camilla to try and make her more fashionable. Adelaide finds herself thrust into a world that she’s only read about in spy novels.

In true Turano fashion our main character is witty, humorous and doesn’t fit in the society’s norm. I loved that this story had so much packed into it. We’ve got spies, gangsters, books, cats and mystery. The characters have great chemistry. I absolutely love this series.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Giveaway 

  • To Spark a Match Release Day Giveaway - Five (5) winners will each receive a print copy of the book. US addresses only.



ENTER:  HERE




Monday, November 13, 2023

My Thoughts - Estelle’s Endeavor Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

 

About the Book

Book: Estelle’s Endeavor

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 26, 2023

Will a world at war destroy a second chance at love?

Estelle Johnson promises to wait for Aubry DeLuca to return from war, but then she receives word of his debilitating injuries. Does she have the strength to stand by him during his hour of need?

Aubry DeLuca storms the beaches of Normandy, then wakes up in a hospital, his eyes heavily bandaged. Will the only woman he’s ever loved welcome him home or is he destined to go through life blind and alone?

 

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 native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a former trustee for her local public library. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state and immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

 

 

 

More from Linda

Dear lovely readers,

I was thrilled to be asked to participate in Thanksgiving Books & Blessing Collection Five because Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday. When I was growing up, no matter where we lived (and we lived a lot of places thanks to my dad’s job!), my parents would bundle all of us into the car and we’d make the trip to my maternal grandparent’s house in Maryland; the tiny town of Burtonsville to be exact. Cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents, with the occasional “honorary family member” (anyone who had nowhere to spend the holiday) would gather.

The adults ate at a HUGE table in the dining room, and the kids were relegated to card tables in the living room. My grandmother and great aunt must have prepared for days. After dinner, we kids were responsible for washing the dishes (and with 20-30 people, there were tons!). I have countless happy memories from those days. Our Thanksgiving celebrations are much smaller now, but no less joyous.

In Estelle’s Endeavor, I wanted to explore the holiday and the concept of thankfulness in light of a world at war. Could people find it in their hearts to be thankful in spite of their circumstances not because of them? Additional themes emerged as the story unfolded, and I hope you are encouraged by the characters’ journey.

 

Blessings,

Linda Shenton Matchett


My Thoughts 

Estelle's Endeavor is written by Linda Shenton Matchett. I  adore this author. She is in my opinion, one of the best historical fiction writers out there. She always does such amazing research to bring her story to life. 


In this story, the author has crafted a town with a library at the center of the city. Estelle works at the library and has been waiting for word of her love, Aubry, who is away at war. Estelle enjoys her job but has a prickly co-worker she has to deal with. Aubry who has been injured is haunted by what he has seen at war. 


When he returns home he deals with nightmares and PTSD. This confuses Estelle. She really is not sure how to deal with it. Because of the lengthy absence, the couple has to get to know each other again, and navigate the new waters. War has changed them both. This is also a story of healing and trusting God. 


The book is well written, the storyline 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

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 7

The Lofty Pages, November 7

Maureen’s Musings, November 8

Alena Mentink, November 8

Bizwings Blog, November 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 10

Texas Book-aholic, November 11

Mary Hake, November 11

Mornings at Character Cafe, November 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 13

Connie’s History Classroom, November 14

Betti Mace, November 15

She Lives To Read, November 15

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 16

For Him and My Family, November 17

The Lit Lady, November 18

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, November 18

Holly’s Book Corner, November 19

SusanLovesBooks, November 20

Pens Pages & Pulses, November 20

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/28d32/estelle-s-endeavor-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts- The Girls of Bomber Command written by Vicki Beeby

 The Girls of Bomber Command 



With an enemy in their midst, can they still protect their fighters in the skies? 

Pearl has given up on her dreams of being a journalist after being denied a promotion because of her  gender. Joining the WAAF as a radio telephone operator for Bomber Command, Pearl's new job at  RAF Fenthorpe serves two purposes – providing an income for her grandmother, and keeping a close  eye on her younger sister, Thea, an instrument repairer at another Lincolnshire bomber station. 

Pearl befriends Met WAAF Jenny as well as Australian pilot Greg, who she guides home safely during  an emergency. Pearl's journalism background doesn't go to waste, however – a series of thefts from  pilots rekindles her investigative fire and she is soon caught up in the mystery. 

But when all signs point to the perpetrator being her sister, she finds herself up against the clock to  prove her sister’s innocence… 

A captivating and heartwarming WWII saga for fans of Daisy Styles and Johanna Bell. Purchase Links  

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Girls-Bomber-Command-uplifting-charming 

ebook/dp/B0CFGZWRWC/ 

https://www.amazon.com/Girls-Bomber-Command-uplifting-charming-ebook/dp/B0CFGZWRWC/ 

Author Bio –



Vicki Beeby is a saga author who writes about the friendships and loves of service  women brought together by the Second World War. Her first job was as a civil engineer on a sewage  treatment project, so things could only improve from there. Since then, she has worked as a maths  teacher, an education consultant before she turned freelance to give herself more time to write. She  is published by Canelo and represented by Lina Langlee of The North Literary Agency. She was a  finalist for the RNA Romantic Saga award in 2021 and won it in 2023. 

Social Media Links – 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VickiBeebyAuthor 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VickiBeeby 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vickibeebyauthor 

Threads: @vickibeebyauthor 


MY THOUGHTS

The Girls of Bomber Command is written by Vicki Beeby. This is my first book that I have read by this author - and it will not be my last. I loved Pearl. She had such big dreams of becoming a journalist - however when she is passed over for a promotion just because she is female she quits. Worried about bills, she signs up with the WAAF. Her grandmother is worried that she just wants to keep an eye on her younger sister, Thea. However, it's greater than that. Pearl becomes a radio telephone operator in the Bomber Command. She befriends Jenny. The forge a nice friendship. She also gets to know Greg. Greg is an Australian pilot. However, valuables start to go missing so the group starts to investigate. Pearl is not going to let her investigative skills go to waste. What is shocking is her sister seems to be the prime suspect. Can Pearl prove her innocence? While I have read my fair share of WWII stories - I have not read one that focused on the Bomber Command. I was not familiar so I read a little bit about their story. The author has done careful research to bring her story to life. I really hope to read more from this author. Thank you to the author, publisher and Rachel's Random Resources for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Giveaway to Win a Paperback copy of The Girls of Bomber Command (Open to UK Only) 

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box  below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and  will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then  Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all  entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is  used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of  the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for  fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the  data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

My Thoughts - A Christmas at Jekyll Island Club Author: Blossom Turner


About the Book

Book: A Christmas at Jekyll Island Club

Author: Blossom Turner

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: October 24, 2023

She was born into privilege yet yearns for freedom. Dare she risk it all for love?

Though spunky Savannah Ensworth was born into wealth and privilege, she longs for the freedom allotted to men. Marriage is the very last thing on her to-do list. As the sole heir to her father’s fortune, she’s in no hurry to turn the freedom that comes with wealth over to a husband.

Bored and restless, she arrives for yet another mind-numbing winter season at the Jekyll Island Millionaire’s Club. There is nothing new under the sun…or so she thinks until she meets Joseph Bennett, the visiting reverend.

As sparks fly, a forbidden attraction grows. But will their very different lives snuff out any hope of a future? And is she ready to give up the freedom she’s always desired for a love that could cost her everything?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Blossom Turner Blossom Turner is an award-winning romance author and a hopeless romantic at heart. She believes all story should give the reader significant entertainment value but also relatable life struggles with hope sprinkled throughout. Her desire is to leave the reader with a yearning to live for Christ on a deeper level, or at the very least, create a hunger to seek for more.

She lives in a four-season playground in beautiful British Columbia, Canada, with gardening at the top of her enjoyment list. She has a passion for women’s ministry but having coffee and sharing God’s hope with a hurting soul trump all. She has two grown children and lives with her
husband, David, of forty years and their Shepherd/Bernese cross, Lacey. Blossom loves to hear from her readers. Visit her at https://blossomturner.com (Link to website.)

 

 

More from Blossom

An island owned by millionaires…do you want to visit?

From my first glimpse of the Marshes of Glynn to that step out of my car onto soil that used to be trod by the world’s wealthiest, my interest was piqued. A book series blossomed inside my head. The 2,906 mile trek from my home in Kelowna, BC to Jekyll Island, Georgia, was worth every hard-earned penny.

The history of Jekyll Island is fascinating from the indigenous people to the arrival of Spanish explorers in 1510 who named the Island, Isla De Ballenas (Whale Island), onward to the English occupation during the Colonial Era in 1733 (where it was renamed Jekyll Island) through the plantation Era. But it really gets interesting during the Club Era where fifty-three members purchased shares with the goal to market the island as a winter retreat for the extremely wealthy. It was a raging success. The clubhouse was officially opened in January of 1888 and the island became an exclusive club to many of the world’s wealthiest families. One could visit by invitation only. This “Millionaires’ Hideaway” became the place some of the most powerful American financiers could relax in prestigious undisturbed isolation. During its peak, the claim was made that its’ members controlled one-sixth of the world’s wealth.

This story takes place in the midst of the Club Era which lasted from 1888 to 1942 before the island was sold back to the state of Georgia. The island, the Club House, the mansion-like cottages, including the flora and fauna have been meticulously researched to bring authenticity to this story. I hope I have done a good job of setting you in that place and time, so you can visualize, hear, smell, and be touched by the lives of the people that long ago walked upon that soil.

Today, there is a causeway built through the beautiful Marshes of Glynn so visitors can access the Island from the mainland by car. It is a popular tourist destination. I would highly recommend a trip to this Golden Isles barrier island.

The historical district has been painstakingly restored and the Club House stands in all its original glory. From the variety of beaches to a photographer’s heaven on Driftwood beach, to the miles of bike trails, salt marshes and abundant wildlife this island is deemed one of the 50 most beautiful small towns in America. I could see why when I visited.

If you have not yet had the pleasure, I hope you will someday have the opportunity to step upon the soil where millionaires trod and bask in the same sunshine they did. Perhaps have high tea in the Club House or ride a bicycle on the hard packed shores of the very beaches they enjoyed. For we are all God’s beautiful creations. He sees not our money, our status, or our family connections…He sees our heart.


My Thoughts

 A Christmas at Jekyll Island Club is written by Blossom Turner. This is book five in the Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts series. The series is written by multiple authors, but is tied together by the Gilded Age Resort theme. I am a huge fan of this author. She writes such historically rich stories. 

Savannah Ensworth was born into wealth and privilege. She does not want to give all that up to get married. She lives in a time where women turn their wealth to their husbands and give up their freedom. Her parents are pressuring her to be married. Her friend, Elizabeth wants to set her up with Reverend Joseph Bennett. Both of them are dead set against getting married. 

At first, Savannah decides to turn on her charm. What she does not count on is the instant attraction she feels towards Joseph. Joseph also feels it. Joseph stands out in the high society. As a Reverend, he feels the wealthy are not helping and being the hands and feet of Jesus. He ruffles some feathers at the resort. Savannah is drawn to it - she wants to hear more about Jesus who considers her equal with men. 

Savannah and her friendship with Joseph helps to pave the way to Jesus. She is also dealing with some life changing questions and is in desperate need of Jesus. I really loved how the author had Joseph preach some messages that were deemed controversial. 

This book is well written, the storyline is intriguing. It's a nice easy read at 168 pages. 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

Texas Book-aholic, November 1

Splashes of Joy, November 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 2

lakesidelivingsite, November 3

Exploring the Written Word, November 3

Lighthouse Academy Blog, November 4 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 5

Blossoms and Blessings, November 5

Blogging With Carol, November 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 7

Pause for Tales, November 7

Book Looks by Lisa, November 8

Cover Lover Book Review, November 9

Connie’s History Classroom, November 9

Simple Harvest Reads, November 10 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, November 11

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 12

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 13 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 13

She Lives To Read, November 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Blossom 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/28b2a/a-christmas-at-jekyl-island-club-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

My Thoughts - Saving Madonna by Kate Bristow

 

Blog Tour: SAVING MADONNA by Kate Bristow

 

Saving Madonna

by Kate Bristow

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GENRE
: Historical Fiction

 

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BLURB: Is a painting worth dying for?

 

Inspired by real events, an unforgettable story of love, courage and sacrifice to save a country’s heritage.

 

Italy 1943. As the Allies bomb Milan, Elena Marchetti reluctantly gives up her coveted job as an art curator in the city to return to her family farm near Urbino. She takes up a new role assisting Pasquale Rotondi, the Superintendent of Arts in the region, in protecting works of art from all over Italy that have been hidden in the relative safety of the countryside.

 

At a family celebration, Elena reunites with Luca, a close childhood friend. A shattering event instigated by the occupying Germans deepens their relationship, and they start planning a life together. When rumors surface that Italy’s art is being stolen by the German occupiers, Pasquale hatches an audacious plan to rescue the priceless paintings in his possession. Elena and Luca are forced to make an impossible decision: will they embark on a dangerous mission to save Italy’s cultural heritage?

 

 

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Excerpt One:

 

Marco looked beyond his home to a small wood that stretched out from the rear of the property down to the narrow white road snaking through the valley toward the distant hilltop town of Peglio. His home was called Ca’Boschetto (House of the Copse) because of these trees, and Marco knew it would soon be time for his father and uncle to gather their friends and bloodhounds for the annual truffle hunt. Their small wood was known far and wide as a fruitful location for the illusive and highly sought-after fungi, and the truffle hunt was one of the highlights of the season.

 

Beyond the wood, a patchwork of fields that had been parched brown after the harvest in the heat of August was beginning to turn into shades of green from recent rain. Marco spotted a couple of deer making the most of the fresh grass. Something else caught his eye as it glinted in the distance. Marco lifted his hands to his brow to deflect the glare of the autumnal sun. Whatever was flashing in the sunlight was moving toward their farm. The ox-drawn carts that often made this journey on the back road couldn’t move that quickly. He squinted. Something was not right.

 

“Luca! Luca! I can see a car coming. Look at the road!”

 

His older brother turned away from the flock and walked over to where Marco was standing. Luca stared at the distant vehicle for a minute and his face darkened. “Marco, Gianni, run down to the house and tell Papà that there might be Germans coming. Move!”


 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 


Kate Bristow was born in London. She fell in love with reading when she got her first library card at the age of four. Her first attempt at writing and publishing for a wide audience was a local newspaper typed laboriously at home on her mother’s typewriter while at primary (elementary) school in north London. It is surely a loss to cutting-edge journalism that only one issue was ever produced. Kate divides her time between her small-but-perfectly-formed modern home in Los Angeles and her five-hundred-year-old farmhouse just outside Sassocorvaro in Italy.

 

 

Author Links:

 

Website: https://www.katebristow.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katebristowauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katebristowauthor/

 

Universal Buy Link: https://1link.st/katebristow

 

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My Thoughts 


Saving Madonna is written by Kate Bristow. This is a beautifully written story about how Italians tried to save their village and their art from the Nazis. I’ve read a lot of really good World War II books recently, but not one that showcases Italian citizens. 


This is the story of Luca and Elena. Luca is a farmer that is trying to keep his families crops alive. Elena is an art curator. Elena wants to save treasured artwork from the hands of the Nazis. To do so there is a string of individuals that will need to be trusted and brave to move things around. 


The book is well written. The characters are developed well. I loved that it focused on preserving artwork. The author did a great job in writing her scenes so that you feel like you’re there watching it unfold. 



Thank you to the author, publisher and Goddess Fish Promotions for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. 

GIVEAWAY 

 

Kate Bristow will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.