Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Spotlighting Elaine Manders and a Amazon Gift card GiveAway

I'm a retired Air Force (civilian) accountant living with my husband, Robert, and bichon-poodle mix, Buffy, in Warner Robins, Georgia. My interests are varied. I enjoy reading and writing Christian historical romances and inspirational commentary, golf, sewing, crocheting, knitting, politics, history, science and mathematics. I attend church regularly, and God is the center of my life. I'm proud of the good job my daughter is doing rearing my three wonderful grandchildren. God and my family make up the inner circle of my life, but I want to reach out with understanding and love to others









Social links 
FB: https://www.facebook.com/elaine.manders.35 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ehmanders  
blog: https://elainemanders.wordpress.com 
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorElaineManders/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

Check out her books and then enter for a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card, Make sure to leave contact info.

Sunday, March 25, 2018

"The Innkeeper’s Daughter "by Michelle Griep Book Tour and GiveAway


About the Book

Title: The Innkeeper’s Daughter
Author: Michelle Griep
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction  
Release Date: March 1, 2018  
A London officer goes undercover to expose a plot against the Crown Dover, England, 1808: Officer Alexander Moore goes undercover as a gambling gentleman to expose a high-stakes plot against the king—and he’s a master of disguise, for Johanna Langley believes him to be quite the rogue. . .until she can no longer fight against his unrelenting charm. All Johanna wants is to keep the family inn afloat, but when the rent and the hearth payment are due at the same time, where will she find the extra funds? If she doesn’t come up with the money, there will be nowhere to go other than the workhouse—where she’ll be separated from her ailing mother and ten-year-old brother. Alex desperately wants to help Johanna, especially when she confides in him, but his mission—finding and bringing to justice a traitor to the crown—must come first, or they could all end up dead.

Click here to purchase your copy!
About the Author


Michelle Griep has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild). Keep up with her adventures at her blog “Writer off the Leash” or visit www.michellegriep.com.

Guest Post from Michelle Griep

Celebrating Oak Apple Day Spring is just around the corner, or maybe it’s in full bloom in your neck of the woods. Regardless, by this time of year, everyone is ready to celebrate. . .and nothing new is under the sun. For centuries people have been eager to welcome budding greenery and warmth. In my recent release, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, I incorporated a spring holiday that’s been around for over 500 years in England, one you may never heard of. Oak Apple Day. This ancient celebration dates back to the year 1651. At the time, Charles II escaped the Roundhead army by taking cover in an oak tree. Everyone loved ol’ Charlie and was glad he lived, so in his honor, a new national holiday was born—one that in some parts of England is still celebrated today. Another name for this annual event is Royal Oak Day and the festivities occur every May 29th. Celebration traditions vary from parades to the ringing of bells, but one thing that is standard is that it’s a day to pin an oak leaf on your lapel. If you fail to wear one, you could end up getting pinched. The hero in my latest release is kind enough to remind the heroine that she forgot to pin on her leaf, thus saving her from untoward pinches. Interested in hearing more about this gallant fellow and the forgetful miss? Here’s a blurb about The Innkeeper’s Daughter… Tension is high with the threat of a Napoleonic attack in Regency England, but risk from abroad means nothing when there’s danger at home. Officer Alexander Moore goes undercover as a gambling gentleman to expose a high-stakes plot against the crown—and he’s a master of disguise, for Johanna Langley believes him to be quite the rogue . . . until she can no longer fight against his unrelenting charm. All Johanna wants is to keep the family inn afloat, but when the rent and the hearth payment are due at the same time, where will she find the extra funds? If she doesn’t come up with the money, there will be nowhere to go other than the workhouse—where she’ll be separated from her ailing mother and ten-year-old brother. Alex desperately wants to help Johanna, especially when she confides in him, but his mission—finding and bringing to justice a traitor to the crown—must come first, or they could all end up dead. It’s a race against time for them both.


My Review:
"The Innkeeper’s Daughter" by Michelle Griep is a story about finding a traitor and true love. This book has many twists and turns. It has a lot of characters that I found myself thinking they were the guilty party. I was really surprised at the end. This book does not have a happy ever after ending for some of the characters. Ok. I can heard you saying, I want to know who doesn't have the happy ever after ending, well you know if I tell you that it would be a spoiler alert.

I am not sure if this book is part of a series or not but it does mention characters that might be from another book but if it is, I don't feel that I miss any background info that would have made the story better.

I like to share truths that I gain from books that I read so I am sharing these. "But broken things are always the beginning of better things. A plant could not grow without first the ground being broken. The most plentiful yields come from a field ravaged by a plow." and this one, "God is not sitting about, watching impassive. Our tears are His. You never ever cry alone. ".....You must bring your broken heart to God-or your broken heart will make you leave Him." and one more " Really God? All this time I could've walked free? ....."Is that not a picture of your life, child. " God did have everything in hand-and always had, even when she ran ahead of Him or lagged behind, trying to do things her own way."

This story has a few scenes that you might want to have a tissue close by to dry the water leaking from your eyes.

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
Blog Stops
Mommynificent, March 16
Among the Reads, March 17
Mary Hake, March 17
Karen Sue Hadley, March 18
Kathleen Denly, March 19
Remembrancy, March 20
Book by Book, March 20
Bookworm Mama, March 22
Vicky Sluiter, March 22
Carpe Diem, March 22
Pause for Tales, March 23
margaret kazmierczak, March 23 (Interview)
A Greater Yes, March 24
Simple Harvest Reads, March 26 (Mindy Houng Guest Post)
Pursuing Stacie, March 27
Bigreadersite, March 27
                                           The PhD Mamma, March 28

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize of a signed copy of The Innkeeper’s Daughter and a $25 gift card from Barnes & Noble!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cb72

Saturday, March 24, 2018

"The Heart’s Appeal" by Jennifer Delamere Book Tour and GiveAway


About the Book



Book Title: The Heart’s Appeal  
Author: Jennifer Delamere  
Release Date: March 6, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance
Strong-minded and independent, Julia Bernay has come to London to study medicine and become a doctor–a profession that has only just opened up to women. When she witnesses a serious accident, her quick action saves the life of an ambitious young barrister named Michael Stephenson. It’s only later that she learns he could be instrumental in destroying her dreams for the future. Coming from a family that long ago lost its status, Michael Stephenson has achieved what many would have thought impossible. Hard work and an aptitude for the law have enabled him to regain the path to wealth and recognition. His latest case puts him in the middle of a debate over the future of a women’s medical school. He’s supposed to remain objective, but when the beguiling and determined Julia reappears with an unexpected entreaty, he begins to question what he’s made most important in his life. But Julia may be hiding her own motivations. As the two are tangled into spending more time together, will their own goals be too much to overcome?

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Review


In 1874, Dr. Anderson co-founded the London School of Medicine for Women and "The Heart’s Appeal " by Jennifer Delamere is based on this historical fact. It is the second book in the (London Beginnings) series. A reader could enjoy this book as a standalone.
Julia Bernay wants to be a doctor and a missionary in Africa in 1881, She has a big problem because she is a woman.

This is a love story about a man and a woman from different sides of the tracks, can they finally put all the issues aside and listen to their hearts. The issues are plenty. I was kept reading from beginning to end.

This is a story of misplaced pride and people with money thinking they are above everyone that is poor. It is also a story about how women was just supposed to marry men with money and be good wives and not try to do "men jobs."

I really like how each character in this book grows to understand everyone has value.

Even though this story is Julie and Micheal's love story, my favorite character is David. I chose David because he shows what real love is all through the novel.I hope the way the book ends means a third book is coming.

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.

About the Author



Jennifer Delamere’s debut Victorian romance, An Heiress at Heart, was a 2013 RITA Award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, A Lady Most Lovely, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She’s been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.

Guest Post from Jennifer Delamere

Power couples? Perhaps that’s not a concept that initially comes to mind when one thinks of Victorian England! And yet, they did exist. I love to include real people from history in my books, and in The Heart’s Appeal, Julia Bernay meets two inspiring real-life couples who will make a positive impact in her life. In 1865, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson became the first woman to qualify as a physician in Britain. She did this through a legal loophole, but soon the laws were changed to open the medical field to all women. In 1874, Dr. Anderson co-founded the London School of Medicine for Women. She remained involved in the school in various capacities for the rest of her life, even as she continued to run her own busy practice. In The Heart’s Appeal, she becomes a mentor for Julia, opening doors for her education and introducing Julia to people who can help her succeed in medical school. Dr. Anderson’s husband, James Anderson (Jamie), was the joint-owner of a successful shipping line and also served on the boards of several organizations (including a children’s hospital). He was a handsome man, very much in love with his wife, and fervent in supporting her choice of a career. In a letter he wrote to her while they were engaged, Jamie explained his vision for their future—how they could keep their professional and private lives separate, yet still give each other plenty of love and support: “I think we had better lay it down once for all as a rule that I am under no circumstances to bring people ‘favorably under your notice’ or ‘exert any influence’ or anything of the sort. It will give people a wrong idea of you unless I take a decided line in this matter — and as I mean to be if I can a successful man of business, neither interfering with your pursuits nor being interfered with by you (but having our confidences on all feasible subjects at off times of the day and week and mutually advising and fortifying one another), I must let people know unmistakably not to come bothering me about your public affairs. Will you think about this, dearest?” Who couldn’t love a man like that? Jamie Anderson’s outlook on life comes into play later on in The Heart’s Appeal, when he provides advice and aid to Michael Stephenson, the book’s hero, at a critical time. Julia also has an inspiring encounter with Dr. Anderson’s sister, Millicent Fawcett. Millicent was married to a Member of Parliament and actively supported her husband’s career in many ways, including acting as a scribe for him since he was blind. She is most remembered for her role in the women’s suffrage movement. In fact, a statue of her will be placed in Parliament Square in London this summer. She was not a militant suffragette, but rather campaigned for suffrage under the banner “Law-Abiding Suffragists.” Both couples raised families, too, and their children’s successes in life show they were raised to have the same energetic and “can-do” attitudes that their parents had. Julia initially believes she must remain single to achieve her life’s goals. But soon she finds her heart drawn to successful barrister Michael Stephenson, who admires Julia’s intelligence and ambition. She learns that love and the freedom to pursue her dreams do not have to be mutually exclusive. A meeting of minds to spark a true romance? Yes, please! I hope readers will agree this can be the most satisfying of all.

Blog Stops

                                              [Reading Is My SuperPower, March 22
A Greater Yes, March 23
Among the Reads, March 23
Splashes of Joy, March 23
Mary Hake, March 25
Remembrancy, March 25
Genesis 5020, March 26
Carpe Diem, March 27
Baker Kella, March 29
Simple Harvest Reads, March 29 (Guest post from Mindy)
Pause for Tales, March 30
Cafinated Reads, March 30
Pursuing Stacie, March 30
Book by Book, March 31
Bigreadersite, March 31
Vicky Sluiter, April 2
Live Love Read, April 4

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away a grand prize package of that includes All four March Bethany House historical releases (The Heart’s Appeal, plus A Most Noble Heir by Susan Anne Mason, A Chance at Forever by Melissa Jagears, In Places Hidden by Tracie Peterson) and a $20 Starbucks gift card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cacd

Thursday, March 22, 2018

"The Tempering Agent" by Victoria Pitts Caine Book Tour and GiveAway


About the Book



Book Title: The Tempering Agent

Author: Victoria Pitts Caine

Release Date: February 14, 2014
Dr. Priscilla Hackling finds herself thrown back into the murder investigation of her fiancé, Trey Whittington. While she was a suspect three years ago, she’s now working with the police to find the murderer, Egyptian artifact trafficker, Zarka El-Din. During a sting operation in Siwa, she and Agent Donnie Barnes are drawn to each other but Priscilla, overcome by personal ghosts from her past, decides a relationship isn’t possible. Priscilla realizes she’s the bait in the ruse and uncovers others involved with El-Din. Will she and Donnie reconcile and unravel the reason behind Trey’s death before El-Din kills her, too?

Click here to purchase your copy!


My Review

"The "Tempering Agent" by Victoria Pitts Caine is a really good book about mystery and finding love and betrayal. The characters are in other books by the author but I didn't realize that until I read the guest post from the author on the blog tour. I usually have to read the books in order to get the whole story but this book was easy enough to follow and a complete read, like I previously posted I had no idea they were characters  in other stories, but now that I know I have added them to my to be read list.

This story shows that when something tragic happens to you, you need to take time to grieve and heal. It is also a story of good people going bad, a fact that is sad, but that happens all too much.

I really enjoyed reading all the twists and turns these characters find themselves in while trying to capture the thieves of the artifacts.

I kept trying to figure out the guilty person or persons and really had no clue until the book actually revealed them. 

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.



About the Author



Victoria Pitts Caine is a native Californian and lives in the central portion of the state. Her varied interests include genealogy and exotic gemstone collecting both of which she’s incorporated into her novels. The author has received recognition in both fiction and nonfiction from: Enduring Romance top 10 picks for 2008, William Saroyan Writing Conference, Byline Magazine, Writer’s Journal Magazine, Holt International Children’s Services Magazine, and The Southern California Genealogical Society. Her first novel was published in 2007 followed by two more as well as novellas and short stories in anthologies. Victoria is a former staff technician in air pollution control. She is the mother of two daughters. Now retired from the work force, Victoria and her husband enjoy travel, cooking, and are self-appointed “foodies”.

Guest post from Vicki Caine

Since childhood, I have been interested in genealogy and ancient Egypt. Two of my prior novels, Alvarado Gold and Cairo, let me follow my fantasies into those two areas. Donnie the hero in The Tempering Agent is also in the other two books, and it was his turn to find his own romance. When archaeologist Dr. Priscilla Hackling finds herself drawn back into the murder investigation of her fiancé and the missing breast plate of the high priest, Agent Donnie Barnes, is just the man to help her out, even if she doesn’t think so. Traveling along with Priscilla and Donnie, I discovered some interesting facts about ancient Egypt, from the ruins in the Siwa Desert to the mystery of the Valley of the Kings. The genealogy factor in my novels is Donnie is loosely based on my cousin. Alvarado Gold tells the story of my family while Cairo and The Tempering Agent fueled my inquisitiveness about Egypt.

Blog Stops







Multifarious, March 23




Bigreadersite, March 25

A Greater Yes, March 26






Carpe Diem, March 29

Pause for Tales, March 30


Mary Hake, March 31

Simple Harvest Reads, March 31 (Guest post from Mindy)



Among the Reads, April 2

Pursuing Stacie, April 2

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Victoria is giving away
Grand prize: Murano type heart necklace with lampwork bracelet and $25.00 Amazon gift certificate
1st Place: Green and white lampwork pendant and earrings
2nd Place: Set of three lampwork earrings
3rd place: Set of three holiday themed earrings
4th place: One ten $10 Amazon gift card
5th place: One ten $10 Amazon gift card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c9e1