Monday, July 17, 2023

A Summer At Thousand Island House by Susan G Mathis

About the Book

Book: A Summer at Thousand Island House

Author: Susan G. Mathis

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 25, 2023

She came to work with the children, not fall in love.

Part-nanny, part entertainer, Addison Bell has always had an enduring love for children. So what better way to use her creative energy than to spend the summer nannying at the renowned Thousand Island House on Staple’s Island? As Addi thrives in her work, she attracts the attention of the recreation pavilion’s manager, Liam Donovan, as well as the handsome Navy Officer Lt. Worthington, a lighthouse inspector, hotel patron, and single father of mischievous little Jimmy.

But when Jimmy goes missing, Addi finds both her job and her reputation in danger. How can she calm the churning waters of Liam, Lt. Worthington, and the President, clear her name, and avoid becoming the scorn of the Thousand Islands community?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C29XF9KS?storeType=ebooks&qid=1685041223&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=celelit-20&linkId=4e4b8f9efec36a4f88fb52abafbfa5f9&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

A Summer At Thousand Island House by Susan G Mathis is a great summer read.Addison Bell is a teacher hired to watch children for guests at the Thousand House resorts but she does much more than watch them. She actually teaches them. I loved this story. This is the 4th book in this series but they can be read as stand alones. This one is my favorite. But, I recommend reading them all. They are all short reads. This book has children that I as a lover of children want to jump in and give them all a hug.

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

About the Author

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than twenty-five times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has eleven in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Peyton’s Promise, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment and A Summer at Thousand Island House. Her book awards include three Illumination Book Awards, four American Fiction Awards, two Indie Excellence Book Awards, and four Literary Titan Book Awards. Reagan’s Reward is a Selah Awards finalist. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to enjoy the Thousand Islands. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.

More from Susan

BEHIND THE SCENES AT A SUMMER AT THOUSAND ISLAND HOUSE

I’ve been writing about the Gilded Age for several years now. A Summer at Thousand Island House is my eleventh published story, and I had so much fun creating it. The American Gilded Age was a time of rapid technical advances, industrialization, and thousands of new inventions from about 1870-1910. Mark Twain coined the term in his 1873 novel The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today that satirized the era of social problems that were masked by a layer of thin, gold gilding.

It’s a fascinating time in history, especially in the Thousand Islands. I grew up just twenty minutes from the Thousand Islands in upstate New York. Actually, half of the 1,864 islands are in NY and the other half in Ontario, Canada. All of my books are set during the Thousand Islands Gilded Age, when the wealthy came and scooped up the islands and built lavish summer homes, mansions, and castles.

It was an era of economic growth and wages were higher than Europe, so massive immigration drew about twenty million to the U.S. shores. Unfortunately, it was also a time of unequal distribution of wealth where the rich got richer and the poor working class suffered.

Many young women worked as servants until they married, and that’s what my stories are about—those nameless, faithful women who cooked and cleaned and served tables for the rich and famous. These “downstairs” women had fascinating stories to tell, and I plan to tell many of them.

All my novels are based on a specific place in the Thousand Islands and are the true stories of the owners of that island. So, my plot is generally true. There really was an entertainment pavilion on Staple’s Island where the patrons of Thousand Island House enjoyed all kinds of amenities, including a daycare. And US Presidents, including President Grant and President Chester Arthur (whom you meet), vacationed at Thousand Island House.

Then I overlay the storyline of the fictional servants to create the story. This makes my stories a bit more challenging, but I love a good challenge. Addison Bell cares for children. Liam Donovan manages the pavilion and Navy Officer Lt. Worthington, a lighthouse inspector and single father, comes and goes.

And all of my Thousand Islands’ stories have hope as the central theme. Hope for a better future. Hope for love. Hope for healing. A Summer at Thousand Island House also focuses on healing broken hearts and embracing God’s redemption.

Mathis’s attention to detail and rich history is classic Mathis, and no one does it better.—Margaret Brownley, N.Y. Times bestselling author

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 18

Alena Mentink, July 18

Karen Baney Reviews, July 19

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 20

She Lives To Read, July 20

Texas Book-aholic, July 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 22

Connie’s History Classroom, July 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 23

Book Looks by Lisa, July 24

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 25

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 26 (Author Interview)

Back Porch Reads, July 26

The Book Club Network, July 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 28

Holly’s Book Corner, July 28

Cover Lover Book Review, July 29

Blossoms and Blessings, July 30

Blogging With Carol, July 31

Pause for Tales, July 31

For Him and My Family, August 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize package 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/26b9c/a-summer-at-thousand-island-house-celebration-tour-giveaway

Managing Millie by Susan Pope Sloan

About the Book

Book: Managing Millie

Author: Susan Pope Sloan

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 11, 2023

In a time of war, love has to fight for a happily-ever-after.

Millie Gibson has loved Troy McNeil for years. So when he suddenly confesses his attraction to her, she’s ecstatic, even if their time together is limited as Troy must stay on the move to avoid the Confederate army. When Troy rescues her from an attacker, Millie begs him to replace the awful memory with one of love. But will that love last when he learns their time together produced lasting consequences?

Dodging the Rebel army has kept Troy apart from Millie for months, but he can’t forget their last hours together. The last thing he expects upon his return is to find her surrounded by Union soldiers, and now he’s been apprehended as a possible spy and sent to a Union prison. With his fate in the hands of others, only God can orchestrate hope from the chaos of war.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

This is a book filled with surprises and twists that I didn’t see coming. I recommend recalling all three books in order to get the full story. This series would be good for readers who likes stories that took place during the Civil war. It is tale of forgiveness and love.

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

About the Author

Born into a family of storytellers, Susan Pope Sloanpublished her first articles in high school and continued writing sporadically for decades. Retirement provided the time to focus on writing and indulge her avid interest in history. Her Civil War series begins (and ultimately ends) in her home state of Georgia with references to lesser-known events of that period. She and husband Ricky live near Columbus where she participates in Word Weavers, ACFW, and Toastmasters.

More from Susan

Millie and Troy captured my heart while writing *Rescuing Rose*, and I knew their story had to be told. It was inspired by people close to me—but generations apart–who had a similar experience. *Managing Millie* is loosely based on those.

The challenging part for me was remembering that these characters are very young (16 and 19) and thus plagued by a wide range of volatile emotions and hormones. The decisions they make seem to defy logic at times. Like many young women, Millie tries to grasp control of her life amid difficult situations. Troy is more easy-going, merely trying to stay one step ahead of the Confederate Army until he ends up in a Union prison. Suddenly forced to face his responsibilities, he learns to “man-up” and take charge. His
greatest task, of course, is learning to “manage” Millie without destroying their love for each other.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 17

Texas Book-aholic, July 18

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 19

Lighthouse Academy Blog, July 20 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Connie’s History Classroom, July 21

The Book Club Network, July 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 23

Christina’s Corner, July 23

Blossoms and Blessings, July 24

Cover Lover Book Review, July 25

annette_reads_daily, July 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 27

For Him and My Family, July 28

Holly’s Book Corner, July 29

Splashes of Joy, July 29

Pause for Tales, July 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan 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/26b9a/managing-millie-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, July 6, 2023

"Facing The Darkness" by H.L. Wegley

She scuttled the CCP's biowarfare plans. When they catch her, she will pay.

Dr. Meiling Chen is a brilliant young virologist with a groundbreaking discovery that could change the face of biowarfare. But when she discovers the Chinese Communist Party's plans to misuse her work, she knows she must act - even if it means risking her own life. On the run from CCP agents, she must find her way to America while staying one step ahead of her pursuers.
Ryan Adams, a meteorologist and well-known blogger in Bend, Oregon, is desperate for reliable information on China's bioweapons program. But when Meiling's path crosses his, he finds himself in the middle of a deadly game of cat and mouse. With the CCP agents in hot pursuit, Meiling and Ryan must find a way to keep the truth and their lives from slipping away.
Facing the Darkness is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoyed the suspense of Robin Cook's medical thrillers, like Outbreak, you'll love Facing the Darkness. Buy now before the price changes!
Note: H. L. Wegley's thrillers are gripping but never contain gross, graphic, or gratuitous content.

About the Author

H. L. Wegley served in the US Air Force as an Intelligence Analyst and a Weather Officer. He is a Meteorologist who, while working as a forecaster and a Research Scientist in Atmospheric Physics, published extensively in the scientific literature. After earning an MS in Computer Science, he worked more than two decades as a Systems Programmer at Boeing before retiring in the Seattle area, where he and his wife enjoy small-group ministry, their grandchildren, beach hiking, and where he writes inspirational thrillers and high-action, romantic suspense novels. His Against All Enemies Series won Gold and Silver in the 2017 Readers Favorite Book Awards.

"Facing The Darkness" by H.L. Wegley is a short read but it keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is a full tale of a gripping thriller. I really like His books because they never contain swear words and the terror is never too graphic and never have sex scenes, even through romance is part of his tales. 

This first book in the series is about a Chinese scientist escaping China because the Chinese want to use bioweapons to infect virus on the world to control it. Can she keep herself and others that are helping her safe. Her research is put to the test when the enemy releases a delay virus and it hits one of her helpers who is turning into someone that is more than a helper. This book also shares a little of the Gospel about forgiveness as Dr. Meiling Chen finds it hard to forgive herself for things that she has done why working in the Chinese lab. I was so disappointed when the book ended I wanted to read more, so I guess that means I have to read the next book as as I can.  If you want a short, compelling read that you can't put down till the end then I suggest you get a copy of"Facing The Darkness" by H.L. Wegley. I don't think you will be disappointed. 

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

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

"A Murder of Aspic Proportions" by Amy Lillard

The award-winning author’s brand-new Sunflower Café Mystery series, set in small-town Kansas, features a twenty-something advice columnist turned café manager and sleuth, her loyal Yorkie, farm-fresh produce—and murder. Will appeal to fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Molly Jebber, Susan Lantz Simpson, and Kelly Long.

Twenty-something Sissy Yoder never imagined herself running her Aunt Bethel’s café, but her help is needed, so she’s making a go of it. And she must admit that life in tiny Yoder has been anything but
dull–she’s already solved one homicide—after being named the prime suspect in the case! Enjoying a peaceful respite after all that excitement, Sissy just wants to write her advice column, hang out with her loyal Yorkie, Duke, and procure some of local farmer Walt Summers’ scrumptious “To Die For” tomatoes for the Sunshine Café’s menu. But when the unsavory Summers–resented by just about everyone in town–turns up murdered in his garden shed, it’s up to Sissy to roll up her sleeves, dig for some clues, and weed out the culprit . . .

“A promising new sleuth whose lo
vable dog and incipient love interest combine nicely with Lillard’s trademark Amish lore.”
--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Amy loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family...and maybe homemade tacos...and nail polish. But reading and writing are definitely high on the list. 
Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, two spoiled cats, and one very lazy beagle. Oh, and don't forget the stray kitty that has taken up residence on her front porch. ^..^
When she's not creating quirky characters and happy endings, she's chauffeuring her prodigy to guitar lessons, orchestra concerts and baseball practice. She has a variety of hobbies, but her favorite is whatever gets her out of housework.
Amy also writes contemporary romances under the pen name Amie Louellen.
An award winning author, Amy is a member of RWA and ACFW. She loves to hear from readers. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest. For links to the various sites, check her website: www.amylillardbooks.com.

Monday, July 3, 2023

Convergence by Rena Groot

About the Book

Book: Convergence

Author: Rena Groot

Genre: Apocalyptic Fiction based on the Book of Revelation

Release date: 2021

Convergence-A Window Into Eternity offers a glimpse into an apocalyptic world that was foretold thousands of years ago. As the climactic showdown between good and evil approaches, the convergence of prophetic signs is accelerating at an alarming pace. Yet, beyond the nightmare, a time of beauty, peace, and love awaits. The book invites readers to witness the unfolding drama as the curtain is pulled back. Within its pages, there are numerous messages to ponder—from trusting God no matter the circumstances to being strong and courageous in the face of adversity. The book reminds us that this life is fleeting, and eternity is at stake. The chapter called The Bride Price describes what Jesus endured to purchase our freedom. The book also reveals the despicable nature of Satan and offers a glimpse into the potential future under the rule of the Antichrist. Most importantly, Convergence-A Window Into Eternity showcases the beauty of Heaven and what it could be like to see Jesus.

Click here to get your copy!

My review:

This book covers the end times and tells John’s writings on the island of Pathmos. It continues the story told in the other 2 books of the series. I recommend reading the series in order. These books are fiction but they are a good start for someone that has no idea what the Bible says about the end of the world. This book has the Scripture listed so a reader can look it up if they want to.

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

About the Author

Hi. My name is Rena Groot. I am an artist, writer, online course creator (Broken to Beautiful…rena-groot.mykajabi.com), BnB host, have been a teacher in Canada and China, a tour manager from the Rockies to the Pacific, and a missionary to the ends of the Earth. God has given me the honor of being an ambassador with “The Department of Eternal Affairs” to so many surprising places. I prayed with a voodoo queen in Haiti, led a dying woman to Jesus in a hut in a jungle village in Belize, helped with “Sidewalk Sunday Schools” in the Ghetto in NYC, took food and clothing to persecuted Christians behind the Iron Curtain in Poland and Romania, volunteered in Israel… just to name a few amazing things God led me to do. I started a blog to bless, encourage, and sometimes challenge people. Here’s the link. renagroot.com

More from Rena

Get ready for a thrilling adventure that will take you on a journey like no other. The Narrow Path Trilogy is an epic drama based on the book of Revelation that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The series explores some of the deepest issues we face in today’s turbulent times. As fear grips many, the trilogy offers a glimmer of hope by helping readers develop a deeper faith and trust in God. If you enjoyed the Left Behind series, you’ll love this dystopian trilogy that delves even deeper into what Christians could face in the future. The chapter called ‘The Bride Price’ may make you cry. Convergence describes the merging of prophetic signs John the beloved disciple saw in visions while stranded on the Isle of Patmos. It points us to the accelerating culmination of human history and ushers the reader through the portals of time and into eternity.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 1

Christina’s Corner, July 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 3

Artistic Nobody, July 4 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Book Reviews, July 5

Texas Book-aholic, July 6

Guild Master, July 7 (Author Interview)

The Lit Lady, July 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 8

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 9

Through the Fire Blogs, July 10 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 11

Stories By Gina, July 12 (Author Interview)

Scott’s Book Reviews, July 12

Blogging With Carol, July 13

Splashes of Joy, July 14 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rena is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed 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/26793/convergence-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep

About the Book

Book: Man of Shadow and Mist

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: June, 2023

“The world seems full of good men—even if there are monsters in it.”

–Bram Stoker, Dracula

England, 1890

Vampires are alive and well in North Yorkshire, leastwise in the minds of the uneducated. Librarian Rosa Edwards intends to drive a stake through the heart of such superstitions. But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. The townsfolk say he is cursed.

James hates everything about England. The weather. The rumours. The scorn. Yet he must stay. His mother is dying of a disease for which he’s desperately trying to find a cure—an illness that will eventually take his own life.

When Rosa sets out to prove the dark gossip about James is wrong, she discovers more questions than answers. How can she accept what she can’t explain—especially the strong allure of the enigmatic man? James must battle a town steeped in fear as well as the unsettling attraction he feels for the no-nonsense librarian.

Can love prevail in a town filled with fear and doubt?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

I really liked this book. I was kept reading till the last page. This book was a surprisingly read. I read the book blur and thought oh no I am not going to like this book but I was so wrong. It is really about people believing rumors. There were a few surprises that I didn’t see coming in the book. I would recommend this book to readers that romance and part History and a little Scriptural. I believe that non Believers would like this book because the Gospel isn't a big part of the story.

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

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

And guess what? She loves to hear from readers! Feel free to drop her a note at michellegriep@gmail.com.

More from Michelle

A Visit to Whitby

Every time I skip across the pond, I make it a point to visit Whitby. What’s the draw? This northern Yorkshire town is steeped in history and is every bit as magical today as it was back in Bram Stoker’s day…when he went to visit and was inspired to set much of his Dracula tale there. In fact, that is exactly where he got the inspiration for the name Dracula when he visited the library and did a bit of research.

Sound interesting? Then come along with me on a virtual visit with pictures from my last trip.

When walking the windy, narrow roads of Whitby, you can’t help but let your imagination wander because it’s as if you’re there in the nineteenth century. Can’t you just see a long-gowned heroine glancing over her shoulder at you as she flees down this lane?

And overlooking these lanes is the infamous abbey ruins, an eerie sentinel that sits atop the cliffs. It is rumoured a ghostly woman appears in the window, but I didn’t see her.

Still in operation today is this old coaching inn, which of course I had to use in one of my scenes.

There are still fishermen who ply these waters for trade, but this harbor isn’t nearly as active as it was centuries ago.

Twice I’ve made the coastal hike from Whitby to Robinhood’s Bay. This is where I imagined librarian Rosa Edwards riding her bicycle delivering books.

And yes, indeed, the sea mists are a very real thing, sometimes so thick it’s disorienting.

So, see what I mean? Whitby is a magical place, well worth the effort to get to if you ever venture over to England. And if that doesn’t quite fit into your budget or schedule, never fear.