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! 








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 HeiressThe Bound HeartThe 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






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 
               Resting Life 
              The World of the Writer 
              Authoring Arrowheads 
              Purely by Faith Review 
              Bekah’s Books 
June 11 – Clothed with Scarlet 
              Reveries Reviews 
June 12 – Chosen Vessels 
              My Purple Pen 
              Read Another Page 
June 13 – Once Upon an Ordinary 
              Maidens for Modesty 
              Yahweh Sisters 
June 14 – Honey Rock Hills 
              Life of Heritage Corner 
              Kaylee’s Kind of Writes 
June 15 – The Red-Hooded Writer 
              Blossoms and Blessings 
              Lit Aflame 
June 16 – The Left-Handed Typist 
              Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen 
              Peculiar Miss Darcy 
June 19 – Done in Love 
              Creating Romance 
June 20 – Keturah’s Korner 
              Rock and Minerals 4 Him 
              Christian Author: A.M. Heath 
              Views from the Window Friend 
              Hunting for Truth 
June 23 – Reading on the Edge 
              Summer Snowflakes 
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


Publication Date: April 1, 2018
Courante Publishing
eBook & Print; 291 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

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 FacebookTwitter, 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,’ Bess finished for him.
‘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.

Forsaking All Other






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!