Saturday, June 30, 2018
Friday, June 29, 2018
First Line Fridays
This week I thought I would share a different sort of book. As I was "window shopping" on Amazon, I came across this text, and I think it sounds simply delightful! It'a a recipe book, but not just any recipe book--a tea book that features Jane Austen--my two very favorite things! :) Raise your hand if you have either hosted a tea party or gone to one--yes, I can raise my hand to both. In fact, I even planned a tea party event for my best friend's bridal shower. It was so much fun! So please, have a cup of tea for me this afternoon--happy reading!
Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line!
Today I am going to post a line from:
Tea with Jane Austen
by Kim Wilson
And the first line is...
Breakfast with the Austens
"Jane Austen was in charge of making her family's breakfast every morning, including the most important part of breakfast: the tea."
Happy reading and happy Friday!
Let me know your first line in the comments & then head over to Hoarding Books to see who else is participating!
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Friday, June 22, 2018
First Line Fridays
I know so many people are going to be talking about this collection, because everyone is so excited to read it, but I really wanted to talk about these stories this week! :) I know all of these works are going to be wonderful, but I am especially excited to read Dawn Crandall's next book, Enchanting Nicholette. I read and reviewed the first four books in this series, and they were simply splendid.
You can read my reviews here: The Hesitant Heiress, The Bound Heart, The Captive Imposter, and The Cautious Maiden
Let me know if you picked up this collection, and which book you are going to read first. Happy reading!
Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line!
Today I am going to post a line from:
Timeless Love: Romantic Stories that
Span the Ages
by Kari Trumbo, Andrea Boeshaar, Misty M. Bellar, Stephanie H. McGee, Dawn Crandall, Pepper, Basham, and Sarah Monzon
And the first line is...
Enchanting Nicholette
by Dawn Crandall
"It was in looking up at him her aspect had caught its lustre--the light repeated in her eyes beamed first out of his."
--Charlotte Bronte, Villette
Boston, Massachusetts
Saturday, June 3, 1893
"I suppose you have a new wardrobe ordered from Paris?"
Happy reading and happy Friday!
Let me know your first line in the comments & then head over to Hoarding Books to see who else is participating!
Thursday, June 21, 2018
The Wedding Quilt Bride - My Review
The Love Inspired books are always so fun to read, and they are the perfect size to tuck away in your purse. My personal favorite has been the Love Inspired Historical adventrues, but it was nice to read a story from the main Love Inspired series. This story is set in Amish country and follows the life of Rebecca Mast. The reader finds Rebecca trying to discover a new path in a life, yet this new path is one from her past. Therefore, one hopes no complications will arise, yet difficulties seem to pop up anyway. Will the comforts of home be enough to override any of those issues? As the reader becomes more acquainted with Rebecca’s story, one will better understand her upsets, fears, and hesitations regarding embarking on an entirely new chapter--one that will ultimately alter her and her son's life.
Daniel King does what he can to assist those within his
community. In fact, his presence seems ever near
whenever someone might be in trouble—this is a fact Rebecca comes to believe but hesitates to follow. Why does he go above and beyond when
it comes to working on her home?
Especially, when she cannot pay him.
This independent streak in Rebecca is something Daniel cannot comprehend, because the woman in front of him is not the Rebecca he once knew. However, he does know she is holding onto some deep, dark secret.
A secret that must be too horrific to share—but how awful could it be? Daniel only wants to welcome her back but
wonders if Rebecca will ever open her heart to his friendship.
This story is perfect for the summertime, because it is a lovely,
light-hearted read—perfect for the beach.
Even though there are few intense moments, truth and honor must prevail. I recommend checking out this
new book by Marta Perry. Happy
reading!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to Love Inspired for my copy.
Feel comforted and at peace when you read these uplifting
romances of faith, forgiveness and hope from Love Inspired. There are
12 new books each month! Six from Love Inspired for those
who love contemporary romance and Six from Love Inspired Suspense
who like some danger with their romance stories.
Widow Rebecca Mast returns to her Amish community with her
son and a dream—to own a quilt shop. Carpenter Daniel King is determined to
help Rebecca and revive their childhood friendship. But as he bonds with her
son, Rebecca’s afraid the secret she’s been keeping will be revealed. Can
Daniel convince Rebecca he’s a man she can trust—and love?
Marta Perry realized she wanted to be a writer at age eight,
when she read her first Nancy Drew novel. A lifetime spent in rural
Pennsylvania and her own Pennsylvania Dutch roots led Marta to the books she
writes now about the Amish. When she’s not writing, Marta is active in the life
of her church and enjoys traveling and spending time with her three children
and six beautiful grandchildren.
Visit her online at: www.martaperry.com
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Quest for Leviathan - My Review
Are sea monsters a real thing? What about fire-breathing dragons? According to the Bible, there is a fire-breathing sea creature who really existed: the leviathan. Amanda Tero brings this dragon to life in her newest short story, "Quest for Leviathan." Join Anath and his crew of ninety-nine rowers as they face the waves of the Mediterranean Sea and the power of Leviathan.
Leviathan took the life of his father.
Anath has spent three years preparing for the voyage that will end the threat of Leviathan. Yet as the Valor launches into the depths of the Mediterranean, an inward quest also begins, taking Anath to depths he is not willing to face.
Purchase an e-copy on Amazon or order a paperback.
Add to your Goodreads shelf.
Amanda Tero began her love for words at a young age—reading anything she could get her hands on and penning short stories as young as age eight. Since graduation, she has honed her writing skills by dedicated practice and study of the writing craft. She began her journey of publication with a few short stories that she had written for her sisters and continued to add to her collection with other short stories, novellas, and novels. It is her utmost desire to write that which not only pleases her Lord and Savior, but also draws the reader into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
Connect with Amanda
Email: amandaterobooks@gmail.com
Website: http://amandatero.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandateroauthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amandaruthtero/
Amanda Tero’s new story Quest
for Leviathan places an interesting spin on a Biblical passage. Tero based this tale on Job 41, and I love
how authors become inspired to write a story connected to something they love
or something they have read themselves.
It helps the reader to better identify with the original text or a
specific part of history.
There are so many scars in Anath’s life, including Leviathan--the
sea monster he feels he must fight. Anath
battles yesterday’s pain on a daily basis, but he also holds so much grudge within
his heart. Will there every be a moment
when he knows what to do with all of this hurt?
Can he be still long enough to let go and to let God take over his
life?
This is a short story, but it holds such an excellent lesson
for the reader. No matter the storms of
life, the Lord will be there to fight the battles (Deuteronomy 1:30). There is nothing in life He does not
understand, because He knows each and every moment of our lives—every time we
have ever experienced pain or fear. Hopefully,
Anath will come to comprehend this truth throughout his own journey.
I recommend giving a copy of this book to any young person
who might be facing their own giant.
Take heart—the Lord is with you!
Happy reading!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my copy.
1. It's such an amazing accomplishment to be able to sit down and write a story—in regards to the writing process, what helps you achieve your literary goals?
Wow… well, time is a valuable
commodity. ;) But apart from the obvious, reading other fictional books and
then books on the writing craft has helped me immensely. Above that, getting my
own writing critiqued by other writers and readers has pointed me in the right
direction.
2. What advice would you give to writers who want to
become published authors one day?
I could give a lot of advice
from mistakes I’ve made. ;) Top piece of advice, though, is to be sure you’re
following God every step of the way! Then, don’t be too proud to learn. Always
try to actively learn as you write. Anyone can get an idea, and anyone can jot
down words…but I personally believe that as Christian authors, our quality is a
testimony of our diligence to develop the gifts that God has given us.
3. After your initial inspiration comes, how do you
transform that idea into reality?
It is different for every
work. Sometimes, I just sit down and write. More lately, I’ve become more of a planner
(a result of me realizing that my stories usually lack any depth in the first
draft). I will bounce the idea off a friend, think about it, pray about it,
keep an ongoing idea-file on my phone in which to jot down different fragments
of thoughts or quotes, and research (amazing inspiration comes by just
researching the era!).
4. Do you ever feel like abandoning the writer's pen?
Sadly, yes. It is never
because of a lack of desire, but a lack of time. Lord willing, this fall I’ll
be attending college for the first time to pursue a music degree. Because it’s
a completely different field than writing, and I’ll still be teaching several
piano/violin students, I’m not so sure how much writing time I’ll be able to
squeeze in. I’m hoping and praying that I can keep jotting down short stories
to hone my skill and keep in practice, but we’ll see.
5. What encouraging words would you give to a writer who
may feel discouraged in their literary journey?
If this is what God has led
you to do, and you are certain beyond any doubt that you’re supposed to be
here, KEEP ON! There are ruts and valleys and dry spells in writing, just as in
everything else. But you’ll get through it. No one stays there forever!
6. Who or what in your life inspired you to become an
author?
This is a difficult question to answer. In some ways, my mom
was a big inspiration. She was my teacher (we were homeschooled) and helped us
to develop a love for reading. Above that, when she saw that I was interested
in creative writing, she steered my schooling to go in that direction and was
brutal in editing my papers (don’t worry, I survived and my readers all thank
her for it ;) ). So that, plus having bookshelves full of well-written books
helped my desire in becoming an author.
Amanda is giving away TWO print copies of "Quest for Leviathan" to one winner -- one for you, and one for your friend!
Click on the Rafflecopter link below!
June 8 – With a Joyful Noise
June 9 – Victoria’s
Book Nook
June 11 – Clothed
with Scarlet
June 12 – Chosen
Vessels
June 13 – Once
Upon an Ordinary
June 14 – Honey
Rock Hills
June 15 – The
Red-Hooded Writer
June 16 – The
Left-Handed Typist
June 18 – Great Books for God’s
Girls
June 19 – Done
in Love
June 20 – Keturah’s
Korner
June 21 – A
Baker’s Perspective
June 22 – Writings,
Ramblings, and Reflections
June 23 – Reading on
the Edge
June 25 – With
a Joyful Noise
Friday, June 15, 2018
First Line Fridays
This week I thought I would highlight a book by someone I grew up watching. I always loved tuning into Full House when I was a kid, and I desperately wanted Candace Cameron's hair. Who didn't?! And yes, I copied her phrase--"Oh Mylanta"--which I have been saying for years. :)
Cameron has written several books, but I wanted to showcase her latest work this week. Make sure you check out her amazing Hallmark movies too. I especially enjoy the mystery ones. :) Happy reading!
Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line!
Today I am going to post a line from:
Kind is the New Classy
by Candace Cameron
And the first line is...
"Not a day goes by that I'm not thankful for the amazing job I have. I get to entertain people through comedy, romance, drama and heartfelt storytelling by acting my way through your television screens."
Happy reading and happy Friday!
Let me know your first line in the comments & then head over to Hoarding Books to see who else is participating!
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Forsaking All Other - Spotlight Book Tour
Courante Publishing
eBook & Print; 291 Pages
eBook & Print; 291 Pages
Love is no game for women; the price is far too high.
England 1585.
Bess Stoughton, waiting woman to the well-connected Lady
Allingbourne, has discovered that her father is arranging for her to marry an
elderly neighbour. Normally obedient Bess rebels and wrests from her father a
year’s grace to find a husband more to her liking.
Edmund Wyard, a taciturn and scarred veteran of England’s
campaign in Ireland, is attempting to ignore the pressure from his family to
find a suitable wife as he prepares to join the Earl of Leicester’s army in the
Netherlands.
Although Bess and Edmund are drawn to each other, they are
aware that they can have nothing more than friendship. Bess knows that Edmund’s
wealth and family connections place him beyond her reach. And Edmund, with his
well-honed sense of duty, has never considered that he could follow his own
wishes. Until now.
With England on the brink of war and fear of Catholic plots
extending even into Lady Allingbourne’s household, time is running out for both
of them.
You can read the first chapter here.
The beautiful cover for the novel was designed by Jennifer
Quinlan of Historical Fiction Book Covers.
Catherine Meyrick is a writer of historical fiction with a
particular love of Elizabethan England. Her stories weave fictional characters
into the gaps within the historical record – tales of ordinary people who are
very much men and women of their time, yet in so many ways not unlike
ourselves.
Although she grew up in regional Victoria, Australia, she
has lived all her adult life in Melbourne. She has worked as a nurse, a tax
assessor and finally a librarian. She has a Master of Arts in history and is
also a family history obsessive.
For more information, please visit Catherine Meyrick’s website. You can also
find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Bess
felt a prickling along her spine and turned to find an elderly man standing
close.
Askew beckoned to him.
‘Bess, you will remember Master Litchfield.’
The old man simpered as he
bowed and took her hand. Bess did remember him. He had been one of those too
friendly men who always had an apple or a sweetmeat ready for any child. Her
father, like so many others, had seen him as a kindly man yet she and Ann had
not warmed to him. Bess supposed he was approaching the allotted span of three
score and ten. Time had not been gentle. He stepped forward and kissed her. His
breath was rank and his lips moist. Bess resisted the urge to wipe her hand
across her mouth.
His smile was unnerving.
‘Mistress… Ahhh…’
‘Stoughton
‘No need for formality,
Dick,’ Askew beamed. ‘You have known Bess since she was a baby.’
‘Bess,’ he said, still
holding her hand, ‘you have grown indeed.’ When his eyes finally settled on her
face, he said, ‘I was sorry to hear of your loss.’
‘Thank you, Master
Litchfield.’ She wriggled her fingers free.
‘And you still serve Lady
Allingbourne?’
‘Yes.’ Bess was surprised he
knew so much of her life.
‘A lively household, no
doubt.’ His eyes once more travelled over her body. ‘No doubt you have many
young men dancing after you. You’ll be married again in no time.’
Bess opened her mouth to
speak but, in face of his unwavering lascivious gaze, could think of nothing to
say. All her training had deserted her—the ability to make light conversation,
to lead it away from uncomfortable or unpleasant subjects without making the
other party feel reproof.
‘Your…, your family, Master
Litchfield,’ she stuttered, ‘how…, how are they?’
‘Ah Bess, I am quite
deserted.’ His eyes moistened. ‘Both my daughters know nothing of their duty.
Once married, they have never visited me. It has been nigh on fifteen years
since I have seen either. I know only of their fortunes through others.’ His
pale face was narrow, his sparse hair combed across his balding pate. He had
made Bess uneasy as a child and nothing had changed. Her mother had no liking
for him, declining all invitations for Bess and Ann to stay when his wife had
been alive.
‘I visited my Joan once,’ he
said. ‘Her husband was away. She barred the door against me, would not let me
enter under her roof.’ He smiled his oily smile again. ‘But you are a dutiful
daughter, Bess, you come at your father’s bidding. You follow his direction, do
you not?’
‘I suppose I do,’ Bess said.
She looked for a way of escape. Her father had disappeared, but she caught the
eye of Maggie Drayton.
‘And you have no children,
do you?’ Litchfield asked.
‘No.’
‘So sad. A young woman in
her prime, so ripe…’
‘Dick,’ Maggie broke in,
‘you will have to excuse me, there is someone Bess must meet.’
‘’Till tomorrow,’ he
smirked.
During the Blog Tour we will be giving away 2 paperback
copies of Forsaking All Other! To enter, please enter via the Gleam
form below.
Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on June 18th. You must be 18
or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
– Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
Saturday, June 9, 2018
Friday, June 8, 2018
First Line Fridays
I have read several books by Deborah Hale through the years, and each one has been very good. Of course, most of them have been set in England, which as you know, is always the beginning of a very good story. :) The book I'm highlight this week caught my eye, because it is set during the Romantic era in England, and as I said earlier, this must be a good book. :) Happy reading!
Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line!
Today I am going to post a line from:
The Nobleman's Governess Bride
by Deborah Hale
And the first line is...
The Cotswolds, England
1814
"'Miss Leaonard, I presume?' The question, posed in a rich, firm baritone voice, startled Rebecca Beaton as she stooped to pluck a fragrant purple hyacinth in the garden at Rose Grange."
Happy reading and happy Friday!
Let me know your first line in the comments & then head over to Hoarding Books to see who else is participating!
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