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Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama

The Shenanigans of a Bookish Mama journeying through Motherhood, Homeschooling and lots of Books!

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First Line Friday ~ The Hesitant Heiress

January 29, 2021


 

Happy Friday Friends!!

I am so glad it is Friday. This week has felt super long it didn't help that I had some kiddos with head colds so that made everything go to a standstill and go super slow. Not that I want things to go super fast either but still the week dragged on! But yay for another First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books. My first line today comes from my current read The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall. 



It's your turn!! Grab the book closest to you and drop the first line in the comments!

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Glory Falls by Janine Rosche ~ Book Review + Giveaway

January 26, 2021

 


 

ABOUT THE BOOK


Glory Falls

Title: Glory Falls
Series: Madison River Romance #3 
Author: Janine Rosche
Publisher: Berkley Books
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 12, 2021

Two people scarred by past trauma have a chance to write a new chapter in their lives, overcome loss, and find love in the third entry in the Madison River Romance series. 

Screenwriter Cecilia "Blue" Walker is victim to life's worst plot twists. Having lost her daughter to the depths of the Madison River and her husband to the arms of another woman, she finds herself yearning for something to restore her brittle faith and once-vibrant career. 

Hope arrives in the form of her childhood friend, Thomas Beck, a firefighter with a legacy of larger-than-life rescues who doesn't see himself as a hero. Haunted by his past, Thomas only agrees to a movie adaptation of his story if Blue, his longtime crush, is the screenwriter. 

However, as Blue and Thomas work together to bring his heroism to the big screen, the glitz and glamour of Hollywood threaten to shed light on secrets that could tear their fragile relationship and their lives apart.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES


MY THOUGHTS


What a lovely story of redemption, forgiveness and overcoming loss. This is book three in the Madison River series and I have to say that although I had not issue reading this as a stand alone novel I do want to read the first two so I get to know the characters a little better. This story focuses on Thomas and Blue and I was all for it!! Right from the start you meet them in the cutest and heart warming of scenes as they are both children and you right away are pulled at the heartstrings and are rooting for Thomas and Blue. 

Right away we meet Thomas who comes from a background in which his parents are less then ideal. He grows up way too soon and loses his best friend in the process as Blue goes off to college, marries and realizes her dreams of becoming a movie screenwriter. However she returns home grief stricken not only is she carrying the pain of her losing her baby but also losing her husband to a divorce and her life in California as a screenwriter. She comes home to get away from it all but in the process re-establishes her friendships.

The romance aspect of this story is at times swoon worthy! Thomas is the perfect guy, you cannot help but fall in love with him. He is a little slow when it comes to the romance department but its understandable as he doesn't want to lose the most important person in his life which is Blue. Seriously at times its comical when his friends tease him about it. 

Now both of them have past hurts and things that they need to deal with which makes these characters very relatable. It makes the story so emotional when they finally just lay it all down and make amends with God and fully start relying on Him. I won't ruin the story for you but boy there are definitely some characters (one in particular that you just want to slap over the head!) Trust me you will know who I am talking about as soon as you read it!

Overall I thought this story was a good one! It was my first by this author but definitely won't be my last! I have already added her to my TBR authors list!

My Review: 4 Stars/Really Enjoyed it/ Swoon worthy moments!

My Favorite Quotes/Musings:

"Of course you're going to hurt her. And she'll hurt you. We're fallen people - even the best of us. Our job is to try and then do everything we can to make things right when we fail. And if you love her and she loves you, that will be easy."

"I chose you. And I'll continue to choose you every day." 😍😍

"Christ's death on the cross and Resurrection promised hope and one day all would be made right."

I received a copy of this book through Just Read. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janine Rosche 

Prone to wander, Janine Rosche finds as much comfort on the open road as she does at home. This longing to chase adventure, behold splendor, and experience redemption is woven into her Madison River Romance series. When she isn’t writing or traveling, she teaches family life education courses to college students, takes too many pictures of her sleeping dogs, and embarrasses her four children and husband with boy band serenades.

CONNECT WITH JANINE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Glory Falls prize package including a paperback copy of Glory Falls, a Society 6 Mountain Dusk Tote Bag, “Nevertheless She Persisted” Journal, Huckleberry Haven Candle, Kawaii Pen Shop Feather Bookmarks, and a $10 Amazon Gift Card! (total prize package value $60)

Glory Falls JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 25, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 1, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

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Quincy & Priscilla at the Lowell House ~ Book Review + Giveaway

January 25, 2021

 


About the Book


Book:  
Quincy & Priscilla at the Lowell House
Author: Caryl McAdoo
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Pages: 133

And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts . . .
Is Quincy even interested in a wife? Can the middle-aged chef cook up a romance with a beautiful, but spoiled, young woman? Priscilla definitely wanted no part of the arrangement. At the point though, what options did she have? Thrown together due only to friends’ and family’s unbeknownst interference, the widower and bereaved socialite make an unlikely pair, But God . . .

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

 


My Thoughts


In this story we meet  young Priscilla who has lost her father and in the process also her home. Her mother has hired a matchmaker. The matchmaker matches with a more mature prospect, the problem is that he has no idea she is coming. It was a sweet story although somewhat short. I love how the author interweaved the message of Christianity throughout the story.

This book is part of a series so you do see other characters from the previous books that being said this reads as a stand alone book. The only thing that was hard to get past for me was the cover of the book. I am very visual and on this cover you can tell that Priscilla is very young. I mean by this picture he could be her father and honestly that's what I thought before I read the summary of the book. In reading it definitely the description of Quincy doesn't fit the photo on the cover. 

My Rating: 3.5 - It was a cute story and a quick read


About the Author


Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling stories—over fifty 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-to-be grandsugars with Ron, high-school-sweetheart-husband of over fifty years, Caryl and Ron 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


Well, what’s better or more fun than a story with an improbable hero-heroine match! Neither ever even thought about hiring someone to find them a spouse! But a newly-widowed mother wanted a husband for her daughter, and a dear daughter wanted a wife for her widowed father.

 

The two believed they knew exactly what Quincy and Priscilla needed—to marry!

 

I love reading stories with connecting characters, so this one relates to my Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga. Downtown Dallas is the setting for QUINCY & PRISCILLA At The Lowell House, a hotel Morgan and Charity Lowell built . . . just as her little sister dreamed in book four, LEAVING TEXAS.

 

Once Charity ate Quincy’s cuisine, there was nothing to do but hire him away from the New York restaurant and sway him to come to Texas—no easy task. Morgan’s offer of partial ownership tipped the scales, and as time passed, Charity and his wife became fast friends, even going through pregnancies together.

 

Her Maisie came first, then when the second baby girl was born, the mother passed, leaving the chef a widower with a tiny daughter. Now eight years old, Rayne and Maisie pester the girl’s mother, her honorary Aunt Charity, into going in cahoots with them to find Quincy a wife—whether he wanted one or not.

Meanwhile, back in Chicago, Priscilla’s papa died suddenly, leaving her mother practically penniless. Behind her socialite daughter’s back, Mama schemed to get her daughter a husband. Men were scarce in 1866 after the war. Knowing her hard-headed girl would refuse any such proposition, she hired a matchmaker behind her back.

The match had been made, and she had to tell Priscilla! Mama tried at least fifty times and failed, but time was up. The family home had been sold, a new year was dawning, and she had train tickets in hand for the girl’s soon departure to Texas.

That’s where my story begins! Mama can’t force Priscilla to go, so what’s it going to take to get on that train? Then when she arrives at the Lowell House and her intended knows nothing of her . . .

I believe the journey will take the readers on a rollercoaster ride!




Blog Stops


Sara Jane Jacobs, January 20

Girls in White Dresses, January 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 21

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

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 24

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 25

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 25

Texas Book-aholic, January 26

Inklings and notions, January 27

As He Leads is Joy, January 27

For Him and My Family, January 28

deb’s Book Review, January 29

Splashes of Joy, January 30

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 30

Connie’s History Classroom, January 31

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 1

Pause for Tales, February 2


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/10625/quincy-priscilla-at-the-lowell-house-celebration-tour-giveaway




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First Line Friday ~ Glory Falls

January 22, 2021


Happy Friday!!!

I hope everyone has enjoyed their week and are ready for the weekend! I know I am! It has felt like such a long week that I am ready to sleep in if only just a little bit tomorrow. It's First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books and today my first line is coming from Glory Falls by Janine Rosche.


It's your turn!! Grab the book closest to you and drop the first line in the comments!


 

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All That We Carried by Erin Bartels ~ Book Review

January 18, 2021

 
ABOUT THE BOOK



ALL THAT WE CARRIED
Author: Erin Bartels
Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: January 5, 2021
Pages: 368

Ten years ago, sisters Olivia and Melanie Greene were on a backcountry hiking trip when their parents were in a fatal car accident. Over the years, they grew apart, each coping with the loss in her own way. Olivia plunged herself into law school, work, and a materialist view of the world--what you see is what you get, and that's all you get. Melanie dropped out of college and developed an online life-coaching business around her cafeteria-style spirituality--a little of this, a little of that, whatever makes you happy.

Now, at Melanie's insistence (and against Olivia's better judgment), they are embarking on a hike in the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. In this remote wilderness they'll face their deepest fears, question their most dearly held beliefs, and begin to see that perhaps the best way to move forward is the one way they had never considered.


MY THOUGHTS

I have to be honest I have been stalling to write this review. I had heard so many wonderful things about this author that when Revell had this book for review I jumped at the chance in hopes that I would get picked and I did! Let me start with the good things because my aim is not to speak negatively about an author or even about a book but I do want to portray my feelings on it. After all this is just my opinion on it and as I have said before in previous posts the beauty of a blogger (especially a book blogger) its the vast differences in opinions out there and the beauty of being able to agree to disagree when needed. 

Erin Bartels is definitely a gifted writer. She takes you on journey and definitely paints such a picturesque setting that it's almost like you are there hiking in the Porcupine Mountains in Michigan. She did a great job at touching into the emotional part of the story and makes you feel the anger, hurt and frustration that these characters are going through. 

In this story we meet two sisters that have a very fractured relationship. They have not seen each other for ten years, since their parents death. They are extremely different from each other. Olivia has never looked back after leaving her home after her parents death. I found her to be extremely bitter and almost selfish. I know that when you lose a parent in which you think someone is at fault is extremely hard but the author provided some flashbacks about their childhood and her character seemed one of selfishness towards her sister. Olivia definitely carries a lot of burdens and doesn't want help from anyone. On the other hand her sister Melanie is the more empathetic one. She sees the world through rose colored glasses and her belief system is all over the place. She just wants to be happy and make everyone happy and feel good in the process. She is afraid of death which is understandable and feels abandoned by her sister. 

This story is full of what some may consider symbolism. Erin Bartels focuses on that theme of carrying your burdens, taking the right/wrong path which was a great way to do so and tied everything pretty much together but I must admit that this story left me completely empty. When I read a Christian Fiction book I want some type of resolution to the story. I want it to be clear that the end result is leading to a clear belief which is God. There were SO many good opportunities throughout the book to lead these two lost souls into a clearer path into salvation but all the leads fell completely flat. Even the person they meet in the hike Josh which I guess could of been a heavenly messenger/angel or even Jesus although I have a hard time believing that, because once again I think the end of result if that would have been the case would of been an amazing encounter with the Almighty. 

Now don't get me wrong I know books are also meant to be realistic and not everyone has those "come to Jesus" moments but I think that for this book it didn't even give you a definite resolve. Also the ending (and this may be a spoiler) but Olivia is back at the mountain and at the very end I am left aloof. Is she dead? The way it was written seems like it could be but again it wasn't very clear and I was left to wonder. 

Overall, I am not sure that I would pick up another one of her books, especially if her writing is full of allegories and symbolism. It's definitely not my type of writing as it makes it confusing and I would think that for a new Christian reading something like this it may be as well. 

My Rating: 3 Stars/ Liked it but definitely not my cup of tea. 

I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Affiliate Links
AMAZON | GOODREADS | CHRISTIANBOOK



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Erin Bartels is the award-winning author of WE HOPE FOR BETTER THINGS (a 2020 Michigan Notable Book, winner of the 2020 Star Award from the Women's Fiction Writers Association in both the debut and general fiction categories, and a 2019 Christy Award finalist), THE WORDS BETWEEN US (a 2020 Christy Award finalist and a 2015 Rising Star finalist from WFWA), and ALL THAT WE CARRIED (coming January 2021). Her short story “This Elegant Ruin” was a finalist in The Saturday Evening Post 2014 Great American Fiction Contest. Her poems have been published by The Lyric and The East Lansing Poetry Attack. A member of the Capital City Writers Association and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, she is former features editor of WFWA’s Write On! magazine and current director of the annual WFWA Writers Retreat in Albuquerque, New Mexico.


Erin lives in the beautiful, water-defined state of Michigan where she is never more than a ninety minute drive from one of the Great Lakes or six miles from an inland lake, river, or stream. She grew up in the Bay City area waiting for freighters and sailboats at drawbridges and watching the best 4th of July fireworks displays in the nation. She spent her college and young married years in Grand Rapids feeling decidedly not-Dutch. She currently lives with her husband and son in Lansing, nestled somewhere between angry protesters on the Capitol lawn and couch-burning frat boys at Michigan State University. And yet, she claims it is really quite peaceful.

Erin is represented by Nephele Tempest of The Knight Agency. Find her on Facebook @ErinBartelsAuthor, on Twitter @ErinLBartels, or on Instagram @erinbartelswrites.

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The Piano Teacher by Kristie Self ~ Book Review

January 16, 2021


ABOUT THE BOOK

THE PIANO TEACHER
Author: Kristie Self
Series: The Ladies of Roderick Glen, Book 1
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Publisher: Private
Release Date: January 19, 2021
Pages: 461
 

She longs to escape a dreadful secret from her past, but can she ever run far enough to truly forget?
Melody Creston is left penniless following the death of her father. Desperate to escape the threat of an unwanted and dangerous marriage, she flees to the small village of Roderick Glen in the English countryside to begin life anew as a pianoforte teacher. She is hired to teach the daughter of the Earl of Rockingham and soon falls in love with the quaint village and its quirky residents. Despite her newfound freedom, she is haunted by the secrets of her past, as well as the constant fear that she will be discovered and forced to return to London.

Lord Henry Roderick is the younger son of the Earl of Rockingham and has no desire to obey his father’s wishes and help his brother attend to their family’s estate, Cheswick Park. Carefree and fun-loving, his reputation as a scoundrel often hides the true nature of his heart. Upon meeting Melody, he is instantly captivated by the beautiful piano teacher, and is determined to do whatever it takes to win her heart and become the man she needs.

Melody is intrigued by Henry and encourages him to follow his own path as he searches for his purpose in life. Shy and reserved, she is reluctant to admit her feelings for him, but as they grow closer, he begins to break through the barriers of fear and mistrust that surround her heart. As their love deepens, she becomes increasingly afraid of what will happen when he learns the truth of her turbulent past. Can love forgive a secret hidden in the shadows when it is exposed to the light of day?
Brimming with laughter, love, emotion, and heart, this first book in The Ladies of Roderick Glen series introduces us to the citizens of Roderick Glen as they follow their dreams and discover that one’s heart is always happiest near the friendly faces of home.


MY THOUGHTS

I completely enjoyed this story and I was captivated from the very first chapter! One of those books that I just had to know what happened and couldn't put it down. It was so very well written and you can tell that the author put her absolute all into it. This story is full of amazing characters that take you into a journey that you never want to leave! There is a lot happening in this story and there is definitely an introduction to quite an array of characters but it was definitely easy to follow and get connected to them. 

This story focuses on Melody. A young girl whose passionate about playing the pianoforte. She is also a wounded girl in the aspect of she has been taken advantage of by Fenwick Peele, which happens to be her father's advisor. Her father doesn't show any affection towards her and leaves her in a destitute state when he passes on. She has a confidant and supporter in her housekeeper Maria who is truly like a mother to her. Throughout the story we see her develop strength and cast out the fear that she has lived in for quite some time. 

Of course there is a love interest in Henry Roderick. He also has his own story to tell. Although he comes from a wealthy family he wants to be able to choose for himself what he does with his life and whom he chooses to marry. I really enjoyed seeing the growth he goes through develop throughout the story. His love story with Melody is quite lovely and I know you will enjoy it. It tugged at my heartstrings and I think they will do the same for you.

The other characters we meet that I hope to see in the next book are Fiona and George, Marigold and of course Lady Victoria. Goodness Lady Victoria's antics had me giggling but her stance of also becoming independent and fighting for women to be heard was great as I am sure many in that time period must have felt the same but could not voice it. I am ready to see what happens next for all of them. The town of Roderick Glen is fabulous and jovial. I loved all the townspeople we meet and how they all knew everything about each other. Quite comical at times!

Kristie Self did a phenomenal job on her debut novel. It was engaging, heartfelt and well written. The message of God's redemption and overcoming fear is interwoven throughout the story. This author is definitely someone to look out for as she continues her writing. 

My Rating: 5 Stars/Absolutely Loved it!

Favorite Quotes/Musings: 

"But running away does not solve one's problems. Sometimes we must face them head on. And I've lived long enough to learn that life is mostly a series of battles we must wage against the devil. This is just one more. If you run away, the devil will succeed in his efforts."

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.


Affiliate Links
    AMAZON | GOODREADS
Also available on Kindle Unlimited




ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Kristie Self has always had a love for books and has been writing since she was a child. She combines her love of history and romance to write faith-filled love stories with memorable characters and intriguing plots. A banker by day, she spends most of her nights and weekends focused on writing. She enjoys traveling, watching movies, and curling up with a good book. An avid lover of music, she plays several instruments and also teaches piano. She is a graduate of Howard Payne University and lives in Lott, Texas, with her cat, Arlo.

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First Line Friday ~ Quincy & Priscilla: At the Lowell House

January 15, 2021


 Happy Friday!!

What is everyone up to this weekend? We are organizing and working on updating the pantry. So boards need to be stained and painted. Hopefully we can make good progress on that! It's another First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books and today my line comes from Quincy & Priscilla: At the Lowell House by Caryl McAdoo.


Your turn! Grab the book closest to you and drop the first line in the comments!

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A Heart's Gift by Lena Nelson Dooley ~ Book Review + Giveaway

January 13, 2021

 


About the Book


Book:  
A Heart’s Gift
Author: Lena Nelson Dooley
Series: Love's Road Home, Book 1
Genre: Christian historical romance
Publisher: Wild Heart Books 
Release Date: January 12, 2021
Pages: 358


Is a marriage of convenience the answer?

 Franklin Vine has worked hard to build the ranch he inherited into one of the most successful in the majestic Colorado mountains. If only he had an heir to one day inherit the legacy he’s building. But he was burned once in the worst way, and he doesn’t plan to open his heart to another woman. Even if that means he’ll eventually have to divide up his spread among the most loyal of his hired hands.

When Lorinda Sullivan is finally out from under the control of men who made all the decisions in her life, she promises herself she’ll never allow a man to make choices for her again. But without a home in the midst of a hard Rocky Mountain winter, she has to do something to provide for her infant son.

A marriage of convenience seems like the perfect arrangement, yet the stakes quickly become much higher than either of them ever planned. When hearts become entangled, the increasing danger may change their lives forever.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 


My Thoughts


I am a sucker for the marriage of convenience trope and this was definitely one of those. I really enjoyed this story. The characters were very well done and so is the plot. The story is about Lorinda and Franklin. Lorinda is a sweet, innocent young woman living in the mountains of Colorado. She has past hurts of abuse from her father and marries Mike who although keeps his hands to himself but believes that women should not really have a say in things more of the barefoot and pregnant kind of man. When tragic news comes at her door she has to make a decision on what to do, especially since she is with child.  She decides the best thing to do is leave and stay with Franklin Vine in his ranch along his housekeeper. 

Franklin feels a pull towards Lorinda and he cannot explain it. I absolutely loved the conflict within him as he tries to figure out why he is feeling this way. (Also the way the author describes him, he sounds absolutely yummy... definitely swoon worthy material!) He has been hurt before and wants no part of it but at the same time he wants an heir for his ranch. Goodness the way he is with the baby is heartwarming. You definitely fall for him immediately and are rooting for him the entire time. Although there are times you want to bop him upside the head as he keeps his feelings for Lorinda inside instead of just letting her know. 

There are some surprising elements that I was not expecting in this story which were great! It definitely kept me reading. I loved how the author weaves faith through out the whole story but its not preachy. This is also one of the first books that I have read that addresses nursing/breastfeeding so openly. I enjoyed this aspect of the book very much as you don't see that very often. 

I wish that we would of read more of Lorinda letting Franklin know why she was so reserved and her back story with her father so that's the only thing that was missing for me. Despite that I thought the story was very good and I will definitely be reading more from this author. 

(I received a copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)





About the Author


Lena Nelson Dooley has been an author for 36 years. Her 51st book released in June 2020. Raised in Arkansas, she married a Texan 56 years ago. They have lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex for decades. She is an active member of ACFW and one of the founding members the DFW local chapter. She’s often been a speaker for other writers’ groups and conferences, both as a keynote speaker and a workshop teacher. Her fans love reading her books filled with characters who grip your heart.

 

More from Lena

The Story Behind A Heart’s Gift

I’ve been a lover of history for decades. In college and graduate school, all my elective courses were history. Of course, I chose the countries and eras I wanted to learn about. When I began writing novels, my first one was a contemporary story. After that at least 75% or more of my novels have been historical, from 1805 through the early 20th century.

I’ve always been fascinated by the relationship between Joseph and Mary the mother of Jesus. The Bible doesn’t give us a lot of information about their relationship. But by his actions, we can assume that Joseph believed the angel and Mary about her baby. He didn’t do the usual thing and put her away quietly. Instead, he protected her, and from the day He was born, he became the earthly father of Jesus. I’ve often thought about what that meant for Joseph and for Mary. When I wrote a story of a marriage between a man and a single mother, I used the emotions that I feel God has revealed to me about their relationship.

The first time I read a marriage of convenience novel, I loved it. And I’ve read quite a few. I’ve also written a few. A Heart’s Gift is one of them. This book was an easy and interesting book to write.

I’m what’s called in the industry a seat-of-the-pants author, more or less. I do have the complete outline of the story in my head. When I sit down to write, I know where I’m going, but I don’t have every single scene plotted out as some authors do. And I pray a lot. During the time I’m writing a book, God drops ideas into my mind. Not just while I’m writing, but other times, too. That’s the exciting thing about writing. This keeps it fresh for me.

During the writing of A Heart’s Gift, there’s a place where I just stopped and said, “God, what am I going to do now?” When you get there, you’ll know what scene I mean, but I don’t want to give a spoiler.

I never dreamed that the book would turn into a suspense novel in the last quarter of the book, but God knew. And it made it a better book.



Blog Stops


Connie’s History Classroom, January 13

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 14

Maureen’s Musings, January 14

Reviewingbooksplusmore, January 15

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 15

Inklings and notions, January 16

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 17

Writing from the Heart Land, January 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 18

Betti Mace, January 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 19

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 19

Artistic Nobody, January 20 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, January 20

Older & Smarter?, January 21

lalkesidelivingsite, January 21

For Him and My Family, January 22

Labor Not in Vain, January 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 23

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 23

Texas Book-aholic, January 24

To Everything There Is A Season, January 24

deb’s Book Review, January 25

Lis Loves Reading, January 25

Splashes of Joy, January 26

Pause for Tales, January 26

Mary Hake, January 26


Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, Lena 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/105a2/a-heart-s-gift-celebration-tour-giveaway




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Texas Witness Threat by Cate Nolan ~ Book Review

January 12, 2021


 


ABOUT THE BOOK


Texas Witness Threat

Title: Texas Witness Threat 
Author: Cate Nolan
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: January 1, 2021
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Pages: 224

She saw something she shouldn’t have… 

Assistant US Attorney Christine Davis is positive she witnessed a murder, but with no body, the police aren’t convinced. Now someone wants her dead, and Texas Ranger Blake Larsen is the only one who believes her. For Blake, protecting Christine must stay more important than their growing feelings for each other. But can he keep her safe from an unknown enemy who wants her silenced?






MY THOUGHTS

If suspense is your type of book then this is for you as as soon as you start reading you are immersed into it. Christine is at the wrong place at the wrong time... or is she? She is caught in the middle of witnessing a murder and Texas Ranger Blake Larsen comes to her rescue and offers his help and protection. This book definitely delivers on the suspense and mystery. It keeps you guessing on who the culprit could be and when you find out everything is somewhat tied together to a past crime it gets even more intriguing. Of course I am not going to tell you all the nitty gritty as you should definitely pick this one up and I don't want to ruin it for you!

As always the romance of these Love Inspired Stories moves quickly but I found it appropriate for this setting. Blake is definitely swoon worthy and has met his match with very stubborn Christine. I totally understand the why she is so set in being independent although I warn you it does get a bit annoying at times. You just want her to stay put! 

This was my first book by Cate Nolan and I would definitely pick up another one of her books and read it. I thought she did a great job on this quick read. I recommend it if you want a dose of suspense and you have a short period to read in! 

My Rating: 4 Stars/ Liked it very much! Perfect suspense and romance combo! 

(I received a copy of this book through Just Read. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Cate Nolan 

Cate Nolan lives in New York City, but she escapes to the ocean any chance she gets. Cate loves to leave her real-life behind and play with the characters in her imagination. She's got that suspense writer gene that sees danger and a story in everyday occurrences. She particularly loves to write stories of faith enabling ordinary people to overcome extraordinary danger.

CONNECT WITH CATE:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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