Wednesday, November 30, 2022

“Under The Hibiscus” by Chautona Havig

About the Book

Book: Under the Hibiscus

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Christmas Contemporary Romance

Release date: November 25, 2022

Do you have to give God two-weeks’ notice when you quit the ministry?

After a lifetime of being her father’s right-hand girl, Ezra gets a small taste of freedom during her friend’s honeymoon visit to the Suamalie islands and decides enough is enough. All she needs is to find a replacement secretary, teacher, project manager, accountant… et cetera.

In fact, what he needs is a wife.

Scott Keil intended to serve the Lord on St. Alyn Island for life. He just never intended to do it without his wife. So, when his daughter begins balking at being saddled with a ministry she never signed up for, he knows he needs to find a replacement for her. And well, she’s right. A wife who loves organization and serving the Lord would be the perfect solution.

But only one woman interests him and loves his ministry nearly as much as he does. Natalie Dershem—the event planner at St. Alyn’s newest resort. Why did she have to be nearly as young as his daughter… and so intriguing?

Under the Hibiscus is the introductory Christmas “noella” in the brand-new, Suamalie Islands Series from Celebrate Lit Publishing. Grab this May/December Christmas romance today.

Click here to get your copy!

This was a fun read and left me wanting to read more! This book features characters from the other books from the Island Series. I believe this is my favorite of the series written by Chautona Havig. This has a new business and a matchmaker. It is a different type of love story. There are characters from the other books in the series. I am eagerly awaiting the next book. This is a story that shows sometimes a person just needs to say no to something that God isn’t wanting for them.

I received a complimentary copy from

The author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are mine!

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author of Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

“I always wanted a son. But I wanted one a little younger than myself!” When Tevya said that to Lazar Wolf back when I was a teenager, little did I know that twenty years later, I’d say the same thing to my newly-minted son-in-law at my daughter’s reception.

It was a joke on me. I’d always said that I didn’t understand why people got worked up about age differences under twenty years. God called my bluff on that by sending me a son-in-law a year and a couple of months older than me and… nearly nineteen years (just shy by weeks) older than my daughter. People ask if I still think that it’s not a big deal. And I do. As I said back then, it all depends on the couple.

But May/December romances aren’t always popular. Some people don’t enjoy them. Maybe I do because my husband is seven years older than I am, my father is eight years older than my mother, and I have friends and family with eleven and fifteen years difference respectively. It’s just… normal in my experience. And as my dear friend said when she heard about people making snide comments about my daughter’s engagement, “Why would she want a boy her age when she can have a man?” And yeah. That is one of the lovely things about May/December romances.

Well, Under the Hibiscus definitely went that route—not because I specifically wanted an age difference for the couple but because two things jumped out at me. First, I couldn’t see Scott Keil with a woman his age. He’s such a young-at-heart-guy, and every woman his age my mind conjured… wasn’t. And I couldn’t see it!

But even more than that, I thought of Ezra and how it would feel to be a daughter whose father started dating someone nearly your own age. Especially since this wouldn’t be some socialite looking for a rich husband. Any woman interested in Scott Keil would have to love him and the Lord a great deal to be willing to accept such a large age difference. How would that go over with Ezra, and… what would their relationship look like. I mean, her stepmother would be a not-very-older sister’s age!

How does it all work out? Well… unfortunately, you’ll have to read to find out because right now? I don’t even know!

Blog Stops

By the Book, November 26

She Lives To Read, November 27

Texas Book-aholic, November 28

Blossoms and Blessings, November 28

Sylvan Musings, November 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 30

Inklings and notions, December 1

deb’s Book Review, December 2

For Him and My Family, December 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 4

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 6

Mary Hake, December 6

Simple Harvest Reads, December 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Lots of Helpers, December 8

Blogging With Carol, December 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/22dbc/under-the-hibiscus-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

“Passages Of Hope” by Terri J Haynes

About the Book

Book: Passages of Hope

Author: Terri J. Haynes

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance

Release date: November, 2022

Discover the Story Behind a Secret Passageway

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Gracie Kingston begins renovations on the Philadelphia house inherited from her grandmother and finds a secret room. It is connected to a house nearby, the home of William Still, the man known as the father of the Underground Railroad. As she researches, she discovers a mystery in her house’s ownership. In 1855, Olivia Kingston helps a mother and her young child by hiding them in a secret room in her home. As she helps, she learns that there may be an impostor conductor in their community. As Gracie’s and Olivia’s stories intertwine, they learn the meaning of sacrifice and love.

Click here to get your copy!

“Because we are here, her memory is here.”

This quote from the book absolutely broke my heart and made me glad at the same time! The book was a great read. It is a duel timeline about the Underground Railway and a granddaughter’s missing her grandmother. Again I had to put the book down a couple of times because of the grief in my own life. But I am glad I kept returning to it. The ending make my heart glad even through the above statement made the tears fall because it is so true about our loved ones and made me realize that My Son’s memory will never die because he will always be remembered.

I really like reading stories like this because it makes me realize what others have went through to help others and inspires me to be a better person to others struggling just to live and be happy.

If you like stories about the past mixed with the future then I really recommend this series. There are other books in this series but they are all stand-alones and can be read in any order.

This book made me go the library and check out the book “Uncle Tom’s Cabin. I have never read it.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

About the Author

Terri J. Haynes, a native Baltimorean, is a homeschool mom, writer, prolific knitter, freelance graphic artist and former Army wife (left the Army, not the husband). She loves to read, so much that when she was in elementary school, she masterminded a plan to be locked in a public library armed with only a flashlight to read all the books and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. As she grew, her love for writing grew as she tried her hand at poetry, articles, speeches and fiction. She is storyteller at heart. Her passion is to draw readers in the story world she has created and to bring laughter and joy to their lives.
Terri is a 2010 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis contest finalist, and a 2012 semi-finalist. She is also a 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarterfinalist. Her publishing credits include: Cup of Comfort for Military Families, Crosswalk.com, the Secret Place Devotional, Urbanfaith.com, Vista Devotional, and Publisher’s Weekly.
Terri holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology, a Master’s degree in Theological Studies and a certificate in creative writing and graphic design, meeting the minimal requirements of being a geek. She and her husband pastor a church where she serves as executive pastor and worship leader. Terri lives in Maryland with her three wonderful children and her husband, who often beg her not to kill off their favorite characters.
Website: www.terrijhaynes.com
Blog: www.inotherwords.terrijhaynes.com

More from Terri

Family, Underground Railroad, two strong Black women, and knitting in one book? Yes.

As an author, I explore my world with curiosity. I find many subjects interesting and it shows in this book. It’s not often that an author can combine such a range of topics in one novel. I’m so glad I got to do it for this one.

In addition to being an author, I am a knitter, crocheter, indie yarn dyer, business owner, unofficial historian, wife, mother, and sister. At first glance, all those things seem too different to combine in one book. But they weave together so perfectly.

Life is a tapestry of many colors knit together and my goal was to show that. That family and history, grieving and crafting, struggle and triumph, are all entwined threads. Their vibrancy can be combined to create a beautiful project, the pain and joy both add hue and color to life. This is what I hope you find in this book.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 29

lakesidelivingsite, November 30

Texas Book-aholic, November 30

Cover Lover Book Review, December 1

Inklings and notions, December 1

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 2 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, December 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 3

For the Love of Literature, December 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 5

Connie’s History Classroom, December 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 6

Holly’s Book Corner, December 6

Blossoms and Blessings, December 7

Mary Hake, December 7

Remembrancy, December 8

For Him and My Family, December 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 9

Lis Loves Reading, December 9

Through the fire blogs, December 10

Spoken from the Heart, December 10

Pause for Tales, December 11

Labor Not in Vain, December 11

Betti Mace, December 12

Marriage, Motherhood, & Homeschool, December 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terri is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/22cd0/passages-of-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, November 28, 2022

“Beneath His Silence” by Hannah Linder

About the Book

Book: Beneath His Silence

Author: Hannah Linder

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance

Release date: November, 2022

Will Seeking Justice Lead to Her Own Demise?

A Gothic-Style Regency Romance from a Promising Young Author

Second daughter of a baron—and a little on the mischievous side—Ella Pemberton is no governess. But the pretense is a necessity if she ever wishes to get inside of Wyckhorn Manor and attain the truth. Exposing the man who killed her sister is all that matters.

Lord Sedgewick knows there’s blood on his hands. Lies have been conceived, then more lies, but the price of truth would be too great. All he has left now is his son—and his hatred. Yet as the charming governess invades his home, his safe cocoon of bitterness begins to tear away.

Could Ella, despite the lingering questions of his guilt, fall in love with such a man? Or is she falling prey to him—just as her dead sister?

Click here to get your copy!

I loved this story but it was sad. It has lot of death but I loved the ending. Yes, I had to put it down a couple of times to be able to finish reading. But, I am glad I finished it. My heart ached for Peter. I wanted to jump in the book and give him lots of hugs. There were a couple of scenes that made me sit on the edge of my seat. There is a little faith element in this story without being preachy so I believe that unbelievers would enjoy this story as well.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

About the Author

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award finalist, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and International bestsellers. She is also a local photographer and a self-portrait photographer. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, and ukulele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. To follow her journey, visit hannahlinderbooks.com.

More from Hannah

People always ask me what inspired a story. Where did I get the idea? Who was my inspiration? What true-life event motivated these characters into existence?

And the truth is, I don’t know. I’ve never known. When I was younger, I’d look clueless and shrug my shoulders. A few years ago, I would have probably answered “people”—and maybe there’s truth in that. People do inspire me. The way they walk, the places they go, the things they do, the way they dress.

But lately…well, I think it’s more than that. I don’t think it’s people so much as feelings. The nitty-gritty. The raw emotions, caught deep in someone’s chest, at the most pivotal points in their life.

Like the old man seated at a booth, alone in a restaurant, with his veiny hands cupping a mug of coffee. It’s not his shabby fedora that inspires me. Or the knotty cane leaned against his seat. Or the envelope stuffed into the pocket of his woolen overcoat.

It’s the look on his face. The slow blinking, the red nose, the flash of moisture as he takes another sip of coffee. Why does he sit alone? Who left him? Who caused the tears? What emotions render that lost, helpless, longing expression—and how will he cope?

If you would ask me what inspired Beneath His Silence, I probably wouldn’t have much of an answer. No concrete idea or moment would rush to remembrance. If anything, inspiration for Beneath His Silence was nothing more than a small thought. A feeling.

I wanted to write about a girl who learned to love someone she hated. I wanted to explore every aspect. The poison of her hate. The weight it pressed into her heart. The process—slow, startling, and healing—that sucked out that poison and replaced it with something unexpected. Love.

I guess that’s what I love about writing. Not the people. The characters. Not even the storylines and the plot twists and the fun settings.

I love the emotion. That’s what inspires me.

And if you find yourself in the pages of Beneath His Silence, I hope it will inspire you too.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 28

Genesis 5020, November 28

Texas Book-aholic, November 29

To Everything There Is A Season, November 29

Where Faith And Books Meet, November 30

Inklings and notions, November 30

Lily’s Book Reviews, November 30

Book Looks by Lisa, December 1

deb’s Book Review, December 1

Betti Mace, December 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 2

Remembrancy, December 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 4

Connie’s History Classroom, December 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 5

Rebecca Tews, December 6

Simple Harvest Reads, December 6 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Blogging With Carol, December 7

For Him and My Family, December 7

Through the Fire Blogs, December 8

Holly’s Book Corner, December 8

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 9 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Blog, December 9

Melissa’s Bookshelf, December 9

Pause for Tales, December 10

Cover Lover Book Review, December 10

Mary Hake, December 10

Labor Not in Vain, December 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Hannah is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/22ccf/beneath-his-silence-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tour

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

“Returning To Breakers” by Rachel Skatvold

About the Book

Book: Returning to Breakers

Author: Rachel Skatvold

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: October 25, 2022

Sometimes God’s “why” comes too late… and just in time.

Tiffany Hill is a master at concealing her emotions. She can’t admit she has her own questions about God—like why He allowed her Marine husband to die in action. A single mom with three children to care for and the general store on Merriweather to run leaves little time for philosophizing. She has more pressing issues to deal with. Like how her dream of running the family business has become a burden.

Is keeping the business afloat even worth the effort anymore?

After high school and an unfortunate falling out with his father, Liam Hadler left Breakers Head, determined never to look back. He failed on that one, and one of many regrets was leaving his high school sweetheart behind to chase an impossible dream.

When his mother calls after his father suffers a stroke, Liam has a tough decision to make. Will he return to a place he’s avoided for sixteen years, and is making amends with his father even possible?

A chance encounter with Tiffany after so many years never occurred to him, but memories of their time together rekindles something he thought he’d lost. What’ll it take to persuade her to give him a second chance?

This Breakers Head novel is Rachel Skatvold’s final book in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

This was such a sweet story of forgiveness and a second chance of love. I loved the ending. if you haven’t read this series then I recommend that you do because they will leave your heart smiling.

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

About the Author

Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing Christian romance and devotionals. Rachel has published over a dozen novels, including books in the Hart Ranch Series, set in the Montana wilderness and the Ladies of Ardena Series, set in medieval times. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming and Brides of Pelican Rapids Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons. You can find more information about Rachel and her books on her website: www.rachelskatvold.com.

More from Rachel

Thank you for following the Returning to Breakers Celebration Tour with Celebrate Lit. Writing in the Independence Islands Series has been an incredible journey and since this is my last book in the series, it’s bitter sweet to say goodbye to these wonderful characters. Although some of them may show up in the sister series, Suamalie Islands…hint, hint, hint!

It has also been a joy to work with Sandra Barela, Chautona Havig, Denise Barela, and everyone else on the Celebrate Lit team. Thank you to them and the wonderful authors I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with. You all have been amazing.

Returning to Breakers features two sets of characters. First, Tiffany and Liam, but also, Kendall and Tyler. Along with Tiff’s story, I do hope you also enjoy the conclusion of the love story between the two main characters from my first book in the series.

In this book, we find Tiffany overwhelmed and ready for a fresh start. As a single mom of three kids and a business owner, she has to wear about every hat imaginable. She has always been an advice giver to everyone else, but now she desperately needs advice herself. Should she sell the family store? It’s one of many questions plaguing her soul. When her friends realize Tiff is floundering, they know she needs a lifeline in the form of some R&R. They arrange for her and the kids to stay at a local resort on Mimosa. Tiffany is reluctant at first but ultimately gives in, quickly realizing how much she needed to rest and reconnect with her kids. However, when an old love from the past returns to the islands, will Tiff’s relaxing vacation be swept away in the tide?

This book is close to my heart because it is dedicated to my oldest sister, Becky. Growing up, she was a great person to go to for spiritual advice, similar to Tiff in this book. She always has wisdom to impart and quotes Bible verses of encouragement even to this day when I need advice.

This book was also inspired by a verse from Philippians 4:6-7, which says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” When we go through something difficult in life, sometimes it is easy to forget to pray. However, if we leave our worries and anxieties with God, He will take them from us and in return, give us peace. This is one of the lessons Tiff learns during this story and it is also a wonderful reminder for me during trials I have been facing recently.

Blessings.