Sunday, February 13, 2022

Book Review and Giveaway-Crooked Paths Straight Author: Elizabeth Wehman On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Crooked Paths Straight

Author: Elizabeth Wehman

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release date: June 2021

This is a continuing story of the Baker family who settles in the Michigan Territory in 1833. Establishing the new settlement requires stamina, endurance, compromises with the natives, and most of all a strong trust in God and His provisions. Each character in Crooked Paths Straight is confident that their individual paths will lead to happiness and security, yet when trials arise…they soon realize that God’s path is best. This is the second book in the Newburg Chronicle series.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

This is Elizabeth’s sixth novel and her second complete historical which pulls out her love of research. Her books concentrate on Michigan history, especially in her county along the banks of the Shiawassee River. Elizabeth has lived in Michigan her whole life where she has raised three children and will soon welcome the birth of her first granddaughter. She loves capturing not only the early history of the state but the amazing aspects of living in the Great Lakes state.

More from Elizabeth

After working as a newspaper reporter, I soon realized that the best part of writing articles was the research. When I began writing historical fiction, I realized it pulled in that element to the extreme. I then fell in love with history but especially the elements of searching through a cemetery for a specific character, finding significant paragraphs in a newspaper article about a particular family, and then sitting down to fictionalize the details I found. It was fun to mix history with fiction.

The Baker family, in the The Newburg Chronicles series, came to life in an era that doesn’t always get much attention in the historical fiction scene…the 1830s. This was the beginning of many small settlements in Michigan due to the opening of the Erie Canal. Settlers would travel the canal into Detroit by steamboat and then purchase oxen in the city to move inland. Often they’d only have a map with their property outlined and would then have to blaze a trail west and north to find that property to build a home and farm the land…often sight unseen.

The trips inland were grueling and filled with many unknowns including Indians, rough river crossings, swarms of mosquitoes, and howling wolves. What they’d discover was a vast wilderness with trees to gird, cut, and use to build their homes. They’d then need oxen to help prepare the soil to plant crops. Daily chores were exhausting for not only the men but also the women and children.

How did they survive? How did families work together to establish a farm? Did they get help or were they all alone? If you enjoy learning about the early settlers of a new territory, The Newburg Chronicle series is for you!

My Thoughts

Crooked Paths Straight is book two in the Newburg Chronicles that is written by Elizabeth Wehman. I have read book one. This is a continuing story of the Baker family who settles in the Michigan Territory in 1833. We got to know them very well in the first book The Baker family moved to start a new life. I appreciate how much research went into the went into the story. I felt that it made the story as real as possible.

What the Baker family had to deal with while setting up that first establishment was a lot. The description of the fierce winter storms had me pulling up my blanket around me. I love how the family pitched in and tried to help everyone that came across their path.

The lesson in the first book was listening to God's prompting and following it. This book's lesson was treating people equally, helping them out and being welcoming to everyone despite how they may treat you. It also is a lesson in how important prayer is in our daily lives. I have enjoyed the Baker family and watching them establish in the Michigan Territory.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, February 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 6

Back Porch Reads, February 6

Texas Book-aholic, February 7

Inklings and notions, February 8

For Him and My Family, February 9

deb’s Book Review, February 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 12

Connie’s History Classroom, February 13

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 14 (Spotlight)

Pause for Tales, February 14

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 15

Lots of Helpers, February 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 17

CarpeDiem, February 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Elizabeth is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of Crooked Paths Straight and also a $50 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/19bc5/crooked-paths-straight-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, February 12, 2022

Book Review and Giveaway - Coercion at the Cow Palace Author: Caryl McAdoo On Tour at Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Coercion at the Cow Palace

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Historical Romantic Mystery

Release date: January 12, 2022

There’s more than a hundred witnesses in the room, but no one sees who shot the newspaper reporter. If not for an offhanded bet, Morgan and Charity would never have gotten involved; he’s not one to let a friend down. The truth of who and why DeeDee’s big engagement is wrecked might never be known if they hadn’t, and it still may not be if the Lowells can’t get the right man elected governor of Texas. Crooked civil servants and politicians who think they’re above the law thwart their every effort. It’s a historic mystery wrapped in redemption, love, politics, and coercion at the Cow Palace.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

GramiinFlowers Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling stories—over sixty published—delight Christian readers around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her; you may listen at YouTube. Sharing four children and twenty-one grandsugars (three are greats), Caryl and Ron, her high-school-sweetheart-husband of fifty-three years, live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas. The McAdoos wait expectantly for God to open the next door.

More from Caryl

I have so enjoyed writing these mystery stories with Morgan and Charity Lowell—from several books, but primarily LEAVING TEXAS, book four in the “Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga—as the wise and apt investigators! Of course, I have to throw in a little romance. I just can’t help it!

In COERCION at The Cow Palace, we take a little jaunt from Dallas over to Fort Worth and its Hell’s Half Acre. The city was incorporated in 1873, the year COERCION is set, but already acted as a hub for all the cattle drives coming north through Ft. Worth to the Kansas Railways.

I grew up in Dallas and really hadn’t known that much of Fort Worth’s history, so the research proved so exhilarating! Army General William Worth proposed a string of forts to protect Texas’ new settlers but died with cholera before seeing this come to fruition. His successor named the fort for him thirty years before our story.

It had a booming population of over five thousand—plus almost another thousand slaves—before the Civil War. Afterwards, during the reconstruction, its citizenship dwindled to less than two hundred in the 1860s, but the following decade with the arrival of the railroad in 1976 firmly established “Cowtown, ” Fort Worth’s famous nickname.

I loved setting these characters in this famous Texas town. It’s been said that Fort Worth was where the West began! I say, “Let the fun begin as we figure out along with the Lowells who done it!”

Blessings, y’all!

My Thoughts

Caryl McAdoo is one of my most favorite authors. She writes across so many different genres. Coercion at the Cow Palace is part of the Cross Timbers Mystery series. I have read all the books in the series. It is not necessary to read them all, but Morgan and Charity Lowell are fun to read about. I love getting to revisit with some of her other series previous characters. We are in 1873 - in Dallas, Texas.

In this story, Morgan and Charity are trying to find out how a murder happened in front of hundreds of people, but NOONE saw it happen. As they start to investigate they find out that noone wants to talk, and they see that a crooked man may get elected governor of Texas. Morgan and Charity are authors, so people are afraid to talk to them. They know they could end up in the next book. As they go along, the author throws in some twists and turns.

The author always puts a Bible message into her stories. In this one we see people thinking that their sin is to big for forgiveness. I love this message. The author reminds us that no matter how heavy the chains are that bind us to the sin we have been dragging around, Jesus paid the ultimate price to set us free.

As always, the characters are well written. The story line is fun and engaging. Caryl always writes the best fun books to read. This book is an easy read, and is under 200 pages. Thank You to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this story. All thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 4

For Him and My Family, February 5

Texas Book-aholic, February 6

Through the Fire Blogs, February 7 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 7

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 8

Inklings and notions, February 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 10

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 10 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, February 11

Connie’s History Classroom, February 12

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 13 (Spotlight)

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 14

A Baker’s Perspective, February 15 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 16

Pause for Tales, February 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/19bc4/coercion-at-the-cow-palace-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Book Review and Giveaway - Magdelena’s Choice Author: Molly Jebber On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Magdelena’s Choice

Author: Molly Jebber

Genre: AMISH HISTORICAL ROMANCE

Release date: January 25, 2022

As the daughter of a wealthy rancher, Magdelena Beachy may not truly need her job at the Amish Charm Bakery, but she enjoys tending to customers, be they neighbors or curious Englischers. Only one thing would make life sweeter, and that’s if Toby Schlabach would court her. It’s not just his dimples and smile that warm Magdelena’s heart—she admires his kindness and values. Yet she worries their chance may slip away . . .

With his daed ill and his mother and sister depending on him, Toby can’t yet offer Magdelena the future she deserves. But even as he nears his goal, he learns her father has arranged a match with another suitor. Magdelena risks shunning if she goes against her family. Choosing a path will take courage as well as faith—in God’s plan, and in this steadfast, tender love . . .

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Molly Jebber is a best-selling and award-winning author of Amish Historical Romance. Molly’s books have been featured in Publisher’s Weekly Best Ten lists, USA Today’s HEA, featured in live video on Naples News, many media outlets across the U.S. You’ll find her books on most stores the first three months of their release across the U.S, UK, Canada, and more. She’s been interviewed on television, and she’s a touring speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, other women’s professional organizations, and she offers presentations on writing, agent or no agent, publishing, and marketing. She also speaks about the Amish lifestyles and traditions. She says the most rewarding part about writing stories is meeting wonderful readers who become friends through social media and at her speaking events. Please visit her website: http://www.mollyjebber.com for a full list of her books, speaking events and recipes.

She loves God, her family, and friends and Florida sunshine. She says yes to swimming, the beach, golf, and time with her family and friends, and no to coconut, onions, and skydiving!

More from Molly

Magdelena faces difficult decisions when having a difference of opinion with her parents. If she goes against them, she’ll face serious consequences. Sometimes we have family situations that arise, and they require us to search our heart for how to deal with them. Toby also faces hardship, tragedy, and being judged wrongly by others. Toby and Magdelena are sure God has a plan for their lives, but they’re not sure if they are following his will. They pray for guidance. You’ll enjoy their friends and how they come into play in this story. We all have friends we love, and memories we make with them. They root for us. The same goes for this couple. You’ll wonder what will happen next, and just when you think things are better, something else happens. I hope you enjoy the story. Don’t forget to sign up for a chance to win the grand prize at the end of this tour!

My Thoughts

Magdelena’s Choice is part of the Amish Charm Bakery Series that is written by Molly Jebber. I have read most of the series, but not all of the books. This book is set in 1914. I love how much detail the author puts into making her story as accurate as possible. I did not realize how common that arranged marriages for the Amish Community was back then. This story focuses on Magdelena. She comes from a wealthy family. She has a crush on Toby. However, Toby does not come from a wealthy family. Toby however is a very hard worker and wants to get his nerves together to ask for permission to court Magdelena. His dad has been sick, and he has been trying to make sure he has enough money to support her the way she is used to.

However, a new family moves to town. This family is more aligned with Magdelena's. By this I mean they are more well off then Toby and his family. Magdelena's family hits it off with the new family - and Magdelena is arranged to marry one of their sons. Magdelena does not want to do this - and wants to marry Toby. Her family will not hear of it.

What would happen if Magdelena and Toby defied what their family wanted. Will Magdelena's family shun her? Will they force her into a marriage she does not want to be in?

I love how the author brought these characters to life. I really felt like I was watching everything unfold. She always does such a great job with this. Her characters are well written, well developed. I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, All thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, January 29

Bizwings Blog, January 29

Bigreadersite, January 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 30

She Lives To Read, January 31

Texas Book-aholic, January 31

Lighthouse Academy Blog, February 1 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Inklings and notions, February 1

For Him and My Family, February 2

Simple Harvest Reads, February 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 3

Older & Smarter?, February 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 4

deb’s Book Review, February 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 7

SusanLovesBooks, February 7

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 8

Connie’s History Classroom, February 9

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 10 (Spotlight)

Splashes of Joy, February 10

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Molly is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift!!

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/193cb/magdelena-s-choice-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Book Review and Giveaway - High-Wire Heartbreak Author: Anna Schmidt On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: High-Wire Heartbreak

Author: Anna Schmidt

Genre: Christian/Romance/History

Release date: January 1, 2022

In 1936–A party at the Ringling mansion Ca d’Zan in Sarasota, Florida, leads to a robbery–and possibly death.

A successful historical mystery writer, Chloe Whitfield comes to Ca’ d’Zan to research her next novel. Chloe’s fascination with the circus is rooted in family stories of her great-grandmother Lucinda Conroy, who reportedly was a trapeze artist of some renown. She’s heard hints of scandal—and perhaps larceny, but no details.

Chloe’s grandmother—rumored to be Lucinda’s only offspring—was raised in an orphanage and never knew her mother. Intrigued as she is, Chloe has no intent of writing about Lucinda until she sees a poster featuring Lucinda as the star performer for a 70th birthday gala for John Ringling in May of 1936. From there the trail goes cold.

Who was Lucinda and what happened to her?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Anna Schmidt is the author of over twenty works of fiction. Among her many honors, Anna is the recipient of Romantic Times’ Reviewer’s Choice Award and a finalist for the RITA award for romantic fiction. She enjoys gardening and collecting seashells at her winter home in Florida.

More from Anna

It’s hard to split time living between Wisconsin and Sarasota Florida and NOT get caught up in the circus world! The Ringlings are icons in Sarasota where a LOT of things are named for them! But the five circus brothers got their start right here in Wisconsin. So, when the opportunity to create a story for DOORS TO THE PAST came my way, it was pretty much a no-brainer that I would go with John and Mable Ringling’s incredible home, Ca ‘d Zan as the setting. Then somehow, I stumbled on this picture:

and I knew she was my character of Lucinda, the trapeze artist whose story would drive my novel. I hope you fall in love with her—and Chloe—as I did, and most of all I hope you’ll be in touch to let me know what you thought at http://booksbyanna.com.

HAPPY READING and all best wishes, Anna

My Thoughts

High-Wire Heartbreak is written by Anna Schmidt. It is part of the Doors to the Past series that is written by multi-authors but are tied together by the dual timeline theme. This book features a main back drop of John Ringling and CA' D'ZAN. I was pleased to know that the location is in Sarasota, FL which is about 6 1/2 hours from me. This book focuses on two characters - Chloe and Lucinda.

The dual-timeline set in 1936 and 2022. Chloe is our present day character. She is a best selling mystery author is is setting her new book at the Ringling mansion. 1936 main character is actually Chloe's great-grandmother Lucinda Conroy. Lucinda was a great Trapeze artist who performed a huge defying act at John Ringling's birthday party. Lucinda however has gotten herself caught up in a predicament that will damage her reputation. She has been deceived and left with child and is accused of stealing a precious item from John Ringling's mansion. Lucinda vanishes off all historical records. The child she gives birth to, is Chloe's grandma, who is left in an orphanage. Chloe is drawn to her great grandma and gets off track writing her next book. She is drawn to her great grandma's story. With the help of the museum's director, Dr. Flanner, Tilda, Darcy and other museum staff they will piece together lost and forgotten pieces of history to see what happened to Lucinda.

The characters are well written, fun to read and realistic. I have been fortunate enough to have read this whole series and this may be my favorite one yet. The book is well researched and will draw you in within the first few pages. I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own.