Friday, September 13, 2024

Book Spotlight: No Match for Love by Karen Thornell

About the Book:

Lucas Berkeley has a secret—one he cannot risk anyone discovering. After all, a future marquess belongs in drawing rooms, not underground boxing circles. Yet with a painful past and a need to control every aspect of his life, it is his only outlet. And when his brother begins to court the one woman who could ruin everything, Lucas needs the secret diversion more than ever.

Lydia Faraday is exhausted from living a life in which she has no say. When her taciturn guardian drags her to London intent on marrying her off, she determines to thwart his plans. If she is to have freedom in any aspect of her existence, it ought to be with whom she marries. And when a solicitor turns up with new information, she thinks that just might be possible. Or it may complicate her future further.

When Lucas and Lydia become entangled in a dangerous scheme, they cannot help but become closer, even as the obstacles between them grow. The last thing either is looking for is love. But their hearts have different plans.

About the Author:

Karen Thornell grew up reading when she should have been sleeping, but it wasn't until 2019 that she started writing. Tired of ending books and saying 'goodbye' to beloved characters, she wondered what it would be like to have her own characters that lived in her head always. It was probably a mark of sleep deprivation that she wanted people living in her head, but the idea was planted regardless.

Karen lives in Utah with her husband and kids. When not writing contemporary or regency romance, she spends her free time doing endless loads of laundry, playing board games, and, yes, talking to those characters in her head.

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Book Spotlight: The Cloverton Charade by Sarah E. Ladd

About the Book:

A long-held family feud reignites when two rival antiquities brokers arrive at the same house party in Regency England.

Olivia Brannon knows her goals are unconventional. As a young woman in Regency England, her best bet—according to society—is to marry well and secure a steady future for herself. But Olivia has never been interested in convention. She’d prefer to follow in her deceased father’s footsteps and journey to foreign lands in search of rare and valuable antiquities.

Eager to make a name for herself in the antiquities world, Olivia jumps at an invitation to join a wealthy widow at the famed Cloverton Hall to evaluate her private antiquities collection. Secrecy of the task is vital, and in order to conceal her efforts Olivia must pretend to be a house party guest to avoid suspicion and to explain her presence.

Lucas Avery, whose father was a rival of Olivia’s father, has also arrived at the Cloverton Hall house party, hired by the new master of Cloverton Hall—the widow’s nephew—to appraise the renowned Cloverton Hall collection. When Lucas discovers Olivia masquerading as a party guest while covertly conducting her own assessment, he’s keen to renew the family rivalry. But as their paths frequently cross, he’s unprepared for the effect the refreshingly honest—and beautiful—Olivia has on him.

Yet all is not as it seems. Both Olivia and Lucas are shocked by the astonishing discovery of counterfeit pieces, and when the unexpected occurs, everyone is a suspect . . . and Olivia and Lucas both must choose whom they will trust. Only the hidden treasure will allow Louisa and her sister to gain their freedom.

Sweet Regency romance set in the same time period as Bridgerton
Part of the Houses of Yorkshire series but can be read as a stand-alone novel
Book length: 83,000 words
Includes discussion questions for book clubs

About the Author:

Sarah E. Ladd is an award-winning, bestselling author who has always loved the Regency period—the clothes, the music, the literature, and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period, and she began seriously writing in 2010. Since then, she has released several novels set during the Regency era. Sarah is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. She lives in Indiana with her family. Visit Sarah online at SarahLadd.com.

Author Interview: Conversation Hearts by Marguerite Martin Gray

About the Book

Book: Conversation Hearts

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: July 30, 2024

Will she be able to save her father from the island’s magic before she falls victim to it herself?

When Megan Standish finds out about her father’s new relationship, she storms into the Suamalie Islands to rescue her father and carry him home to New Mexico. He’s firmly planted on Alexandre, however, but she refuses to let the island’s magic cast a spell on her decision. Even when a handsome islander and his daughter knock at her heart.

Jean Girard is a local with a flourishing transportation business taking passengers from island to island. When he encounters Megan’s stormy tirade on his boat, he promises to shelter his daughter and himself from her negative vibes. His concern continues to grow as he watches his daughter get attached to the American.

Either Jean will have to create an even bigger hedge of protection around his daughter and his heart from this pouty, controlling woman, or he will have to trust God to peel back the stubborn, hurting layers of the past and allow the miracle of His love again.

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, and Bring Me Near– Revolutionary Faith Books One, Two and Three. Besides researching her historical novels, she enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Marguerite is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Abilene Writers Guild, Daughters of the American Revolution, South Carolina Historical Society, and Preservation Society of Charleston. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and Cleo, her cat. Her two adult children keep her up to date and young.

Author Interview with Marguerite

Q: What inspired you to write this story?

Marguerite: Conversation Hearts is part of a multi-author series. I love the setting, reminding me of Maui and my vacation there. I am mostly the writer of historical fiction, but this contemporary series pulled me in because of the vast potential and room for imagination. I wanted to write a story of second chance and how that could change many lives. It’s fascinating to watch the characters exist on an island, far from my own landscape.

Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?

Marguerite: As a preteen, I lived in England for two years where I learned French and fell in love with history and traveling. My first boyfriend Colin was in my class. I even dedicated one of my novels to my teacher.

Q: What are you reading now?

Marguerite: I am reading many books at the present, mostly historical fiction. Here’s my list: The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin (very intense), Mystery in the Highlands by Lydia Travers, and Something New by Rebecca Connolly (beloved Cornwall).

Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Marguerite: Hands down—Traveling. I don’t have to leave my house to feel like I’m traveling with all my books and unique setting. But physical travel is such a joy to me. I’m constantly planning a trip with family or friends or my husband or by myself. This summer I’m off to Spain with my daughter, the mountains with my husband, and a fall trip to England with an author friend.

Also, I’m an avid reader who loves to walk and hike.

Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your book?

Marguerite: I am many places on social media including:

Newsletter: https://eepurl.com/gF-3I1
Website/Blog: https://www.margueritemartingray.com
BookBub: https: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marguerite-martin-gray
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1408197086342364
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14836211.Marguerite_Martin_Gray
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gray8864/books-and-more-books/ & https://www.pinterest.com/gray8864/suamalie-islands-series/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margueritemgray/ & https://www.instagram.com/travelsnippets80/

More from Marguerite

I have enjoyed this series and the relationships forming as the characters find new ways to communicate on the journey. Are you a good communicator? Introvert or extrovert? Conversation is so very important. Think about how we use it every day: directions, warnings, concerns, prayers, instructions, disciplines. Even though I teach online, my words of concern and instruction are needed to spur the students toward success. Somehow, I have the words to communicate well in so many areas of my life.

Then what about the heart? I think of the Valentine’s candy hearts—Conversation Hearts! As relationships develop between characters in Room for Love and Conversation Hearts, the heart becomes more and more a major component with all the characters. Yet, sometimes we fail to really say what we think in order to protect our hearts. There are many lessons to learn about being honest in relationships. Sometimes we avoid the conversation part and miss out on the wonderful relationships.

I embrace the conversation of the heart in my life through love, decisions, marriage, job, God appointments, children, and difficult circumstances. Explore different facets of important conversations with Amy and Walker and their families as you read this installment of Suamalie Islands series.

Happy Reading!

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 30

Stories By Gina, August 31 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 31

She Lives to Read, September 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 2

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 3

A Reader’s Brain, September 4 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 5

Back Porch Reads, September 6 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 6

Karen Baney Reviews, September 7

Simple Harvest Reads, September 8 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Artistic Nobody, September 9 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, September 10

Holly’s Book Corner, September 11

Beauty in the Binding, September 12 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marguerite 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.

Link for giveaway: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5429

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Book Spotlight:Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse by Kate Tompkins

Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse by Kate Tompkins, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse
Author: Kate Tompkins
Publisher: ‎ The Matthewsburg Manse
Release Date: October 26, 2023
Genre: Short stories/Poetry, Christian fiction, general fiction, rural fiction, wholesome fiction

When city girl Viv's husband Mark accepts his first pastoral charge in rural Matthewsburg, she wonders what to expect, and what will be expected of her. This collection of connected fiction stories, some humorous, some suspenseful, some even romantic, explores Viv's new life as she tries to find her place in the community while dealing with local gossip, old rivalries, suspected murder, sabotaged car shows, and more. Who says life in a small town is boring?

"This book entertains us with our own humanity, we laugh at human foibles, nod our heads in the mutual pains of life's adventures. Interspersed are poems expressing poignant moments. These provide a place to rest, ponder and even smile before we are once again taken on the life journey of being a spouse in a small town parish. I found myself laughing out loud on occasion. This book is a wonderful read and leaves us with the feeling that life is good." - Nita Kotiuga, retired pastor, Director of Spiritual Formation at Bakke Graduate University.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Excerpt From "Another Man's Treasure"

As we pulled into the Front Street Mall, Mark said, “Do you have any cash on you? I gave the last of mine to Jillian Stephenson to reimburse her for the prizes.”

I jammed on the brakes. “You what?”

“Have I messed up your accounts? She said she needed the money for lunch.”

Someone behind me honked, and I eased into the nearest parking spot. “Something’s not right. She asked me for reimbursement this morning, too. Did she give you a receipt?”

“No. Said it was in the box with the prizes.”

“How much did you give her?”

“Thirty dollars. It’s all I had on me. You?”

“Twenty-five. Do you suppose she spent sixty? She told me they’d given her a deal, but that seems like a lot for prizes.” I stared uneasily through the windshield at the shoppers going in and out of the mall. Maybe the newest committee member wasn’t such a find after all.

“We’ll ask at the dollar store after lunch,” Mark said. “I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation.”

So was I, but it wasn’t one I liked. “Let’s do it before lunch.”

About the Author

Kate Tompkins

Kate Tompkins lives in Montreal’s West Island, where she shares a small house and a big backyard with her husband and the latest in a series of very spoiled cats. She writes short stories, poetry (yes, the non-literary, rhyming kind), and the occasional essay. When not hanging out with her church’s writing group or getting lost down an internet rabbit hole, she can be found trying out recipes from old cookbooks for her cooking blog, Kate’s Virtual Kitchen, or outside keeping the flowerbeds in order.

Connect with Kate by visiting katetompkinsbooks.ca to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 11, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 18, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Sunday, September 8, 2024

Book Spotlight: Penny Preaches by Amy Dixon & Rob Dixon

About the Book:

Penny loves the sermon on Sunday because she loves to think about big things. But when preaching from the front porch to her friends doesn't turn out quite as she expected, Penny wonders if she was wrong to want to teach others about God. Written by Amy and Rob Dixon, Penny's story reminds us that God gives good gifts to everyone!

Look Inside and Purchase: https://www.ivpress.com/penny-preaches

Amazon Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Penny-Preaches-Gives-Gifts-Everyone/dp/1514008580

Q&A with the Authors, Amy Dixon and Rob Dixon:

Q: What inspired you to write Penny Preaches?

Amy Dixon: We want to normalize girls being able to imagine themselves in leadership roles in the church. We have four kids: a boy and three girls. Because of Rob’s work in the egalitarian field, we’ve always been really intentional about wanting our kids to know that girls and boys are both equally loved and valued by God. We’ve wanted our girls to be able to see themselves doing anything God calls them to in the church and beyond. But finding models for them has been difficult. In addition to that, as a female in ministry in my twenties, I had my leadership questioned more than once because of my gender, and I pray that we are forming a church in the future where that isn’t a problem anymore.

Rob Dixon: I’m fortunate to have lots of motivation sources. I think about our girls and what kind of church I want them to inherit. I think about this from a justice angle—it’s unjust when the church doesn’t permit women to use their gifts. I think about this from a missiological angle—for two centuries the church has been trying to fulfill the great commission with half the team on the bench; let’s try something different! And, pragmatically, I spend a lot of my time trying to convince boomers and Gen Xers to change their theology and practice regarding gender equality, and I hope Penny influences the younger generations such that we don’t have to change their minds later on, when it can be more challenging to rethink your paradigms.

Q: Briefly summarize the main theme of Penny Preaches. What is distinctive about your approach?

Amy: God gives good gift to everyone. We wanted there to be a faith-based book that empowers girls to exercise their teaching gifts in the church. That is the unique thing about this book.

Rob: God gives good gifts to everyone! What’s distinctive about our book is that we are illustrating that thesis using a little girl who aspires to preach. Go, Penny, go!

Q: What do you want readers to take away from your book?

Amy and Rob:

God speaks to us.
God has given each of us gifts.
God’s gifts aren’t allocated by gender, with a list for men and another for women.
We’re each called to use the gifts God has given us to expand the kingdom.

Modeling is important—it’s going to be hard for a girl like Penny to become a preacher if she can’t see it modeled for her, so shout out to Pastor Sarah!

Q & A from Penny Preaches press kit. Used with permission.

Links of Interest:

Read more from the authors at: https://www.ivpress.com/pages/content/god-gives-good-gifts-to-everyone

Print an book-related activity sheet: https://www.ivpress.com/Media/Default/Kids/A0858-activity.pdf

Watch a behind-the-scenes video as Penny Preaches illustrator Jennifer Davison shows her process for creating the art for the book: https://www.instagram.com/p/C9u-FIyoqo9

Author Interview: Muldoon’s Misfortunes by EV Sparrow

About the Book

Book: Muldoon’s Misfortunes

Author: EV Sparrow

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: July 16, 2024

A cursed widower forsakes his faith to ensure his hope.

On a verdant island beset by poverty and death, Mick Muldoon dares to escape his misfortunes. Is working a farm and raising a family such an impossible thing to ask? Wasn’t God supposed to answer prayers—not turn a deaf ear?

After surviving the treacherous voyage to America, Mick discovers the rumors of ample opportunity aren’t exactly true. His defective body hampers employment and keeps him dependent upon his peculiar sister. However, an unexpected invitation to move to the heartland guarantees his dreams.

Mick’s own dreadful choices hamper his hopes when he accepts work as a widow’s farmhand. Unbeknownst to him, there’s deception afoot. Mick’s inattention to love causes catastrophe as single fatherhood cruelly shatters his family. Will God miraculously hear his prayers this time?

In Book 1 of Those Resilient Muldoons series, this misguided, wayward widower encounters God’s unexpected presence.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Sparrow has served on missions, worship, and prayer teams and in Divorce Care and Single’s Ministry. She’s now a published short story writer turned novelist. Sparrow offers readers encounters with God’s unexpected presence through her character’s adventures. She once bought a one-way ticket to Israel to work on a kibbutz and spent a weekend hopping a freight train. As Grammy to seven grandchildren, they ask why she always buys them books.

Author Interview with EV

Q: What inspired you to write this story?

EV: Before I wrote books, I wrote fictionalized short stories based on my true travel experiences. My critique group said I’d found my lane as an author with my short story as told to me by my grandfather. I had certain facts and fictionalized the rest. It delighted me. That story, South Dakota Foreman, was the catalyst for my book series, Those Resilient Muldoons. Muldoon’s Misfortunes is Book 1 and a new release in July. A prelude novella to the series is available as well.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote from this book?

EV: Oh dear. Just one? “The crucifixes on our walls are the rumor of His love.” I cannot count how many times I’ve heard people comment they know God loves them, yet they’ve never seen it in their lives. It saddens me.

Q: What do you hope readers take away from this story?

EV: No matter how far you’ve wandered away from God, whatever you’ve misunderstood about Him, or what you’ve done, He will still forgive you. Ask Him, and He will embrace you again as His child.

Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?

EV:I once hopped a freight train for the weekend with friends. Our leader was experienced with this, so don’t attempt it on your own!

Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your book?

EV: I’m active on my Facebook Page, Instagram, and I also have a blog. They can request to join my private reader’s group where I daily interact with my readers and do giveaways. https://www.facebook.com/groups/645009377108035

My linktr.ee has all my social media links: https://linktr.ee/ev.sparrow

More from EV

Muldoon’s Misfortunes is Book 1 in Those Resilient Muldoons historical fiction series.

In Ireland’s history, there was a time when it was wild, fraught with peril, and without knowledge of God Almighty. Then came St. Patrick, a real man, determined to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to that pagan island. The transformation of that country from the spiritual darkness it worshiped was phenomenal. Yet ancient superstitions remain.

Certain aspects of my great-grandfather’s life in the 1800s inspired my Irish main character, Mick Muldoon. Mick’s faith is a traditional type and a profound piece that holds together Irish communities. He often secretly doubts God cares anything about him. He could be invisible for all the attention He pays to Mick’s prayers. But God, being who He is, won’t allow that misconception forever. Mick encounters God’s unexpected presence several times without recognizing it. God persists in pursuing him.

When we’re brokenhearted, we can easily miss the signs of His presence. We may grapple with our beliefs or more intimacy with God in the modern world as well. Do we believe our God can’t see us, or hear our prayers, or that He struggles with drawing close to us because we’re unworthy and He is holy? Do we make choices because of our misbeliefs that can unbalance the God ordained, spiritual strength triangle of faith, hope and love?

Mick’s faith weakens further with his disappointments and influences of the wild and lawless lands during the Gilded Age. He sets damaging things into motion that he could’ve avoided. He’s glad to be finally free of the religious culture of Ireland and living like his chums, and what’s wrong with that?

Because he believes God didn’t pay any attention to him, he doesn’t expect any consequences. He’s in control of his own life now. The results of his choices bring him face to face with his choices, and a holy God He thought ignored him, and the blessings He bestows despite Mick’s misbeliefs.

I hope readers will find more faith in a loving God from Mick’s story as well.