November 14, 2022 by DK Stevens

Love Blooms in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard

Description

In the fourth Maidels of Morning Star novel by fan-favorite author Charlotte Hubbard, the five unmarried Amish friends who teamed up to transform an abandoned barn into the Morning Star Marketplace tackle the latest stumbling block to their success. When the elders vote to forbid any maidel to work after marriage, the rule forces one of them to make the choice between running the store she’s put so much effort into and the man she loves.

As Jo Fussner keeps the Marketplace humming, her heart dances with a joyous secret. Jo and Michael Wengerd, a shy nursery owner from a nearby town, have fallen hopelessly in love. When Michael buys a courting buggy, Jo is sure a proposal will follow. But she’ll have to work hard to gain her mother’s approval—because the widowed Drusilla Fussner is convinced that marriage will bring her daughter nothing but heartache.

To win Jo’s hand, Michael enlists his father’s help in convincing Drusilla to give the marriage her blessing—and perhaps even open her heart to new happiness of her own. . . . But just as Jo and Michael’s hope for their future grows, an even bigger obstacle looms. The Amish elders vote to forbid any maidel from working once she marries. Now Jo must choose between the beloved store she’s put her heart into, and the man she can’t live without. Conflicted, Jo will have to trust that anything is possible when true faith guides the way . . .

My Thoughts: Another Amish friend is featured in this Morning Star novel and I really enjoyed going back and visiting the Marketplace and the community that makes it such an interesting place to visit. Family, faith and the choices in life are what makes life interesting. I enjoyed how Jo keeps the Marketplace humming!

I received a copy through NetGalley and my opinion and review are voluntary.

July 9, 2017 by DK Stevens

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island by Carrie Fancett Pagels

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island by Carrie Fancett Pagels A little deception went a long ways in this wonderful story. A story of life of the rich being targeted by men and women looking for a marriage to success and wealth! A wonderful family story, with a little sweet romance! I really enjoyed this story and hope there will be a continuing series with these interesting characters..

About the book:

Moor your heart on Mackinac Island along with resident sweetheart Maude Welling, an heiress trying to prove her worth by working incognito as a maid at the Grand Hotel. Meet Ben Steffans, a journalist posing as a wealthy industrialist who has come to the island to uncover a story about impoverished men pursuing heiresses at the famed hotel. Will a growing love between Maude and Ben be scuttled when truths are revealed in this Gilded Age romance?

About the Author:

Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is an ECPA-bestselling award-winning author of Christian historical romance. Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn’t “cure” her overactive imagination! She resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia, which is perfect for her love of history. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time!

October 10, 2016 by DK Stevens

Newton & Polly by Jody Hedlund

Newton & Polly, A Novel of Amazing Grace. This story is inspired by the true love story of John Newton & Polly Catlett and what a story it is! I had known of the story of John Newton and the hymn that he wrote, Amazing Grace. The author, Jody Hedlund has done her research and the characters came alive in this true to life historical novel set in 1740’s England. This book touched me and is one I will long remember. Forgiveness, redemption and grace, woven into a truly inspiring story. I was gifted a copy from Blogging For Books. My opinion? I loved it!

About the book

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found…Now remembered as the author of the world’s most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life.

“Click Here” to download the first chapter of Newton and Polly by Jody Hedlund. Purchase a copy “HERE”

About Jody Hedlund

Jody Hedlund is a CBA best-selling and award-winning author of fourteen books. Among a variety of genres, she especially loves bringing long-forgotten women of history to life. She is the author of Luther and Katharina, which was awarded the ECPA Book of the Year Award in Fiction. Her other novels have won the Carol Award, the INSPY Award, and the Christy Award. She resides in Midland, Michigan, with her husband and five busy children.

You can read more about the author, Jody Hedlund “HERE”

May 20, 2016 by DK Stevens

Bearing Witness (giveaway)

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My Thoughts: As I read through this book, I found myself thinking about those who were persecuted for giving witness to their faith and what it cost them. In the past and what we see happening now, so heartbreaking yet inspiring. This continuing persecution many Christians are facing today.. anyone wanting to learn more about the history of Christianity and about those who died for their faith will want this in their library.

Bearing Witness: Stories of Martyrdom and Costly Discipleship From the stoning of Stephen in the first-century Jerusalem to Nigerian Christians persecuted by Boko Haram in 2015, these stirring accounts will inspire greater faithfulness to the way of Jesus, reminding believers what costly discipleship looks like in any age. Bearing Witness brings together dozens of accounts from around the world of Christians who gave witness to their faith in the face of intense persecution, even if it costs them their lives.

About the editors:
Charles E. Moore has compiled and edited several acclaimed books and Timothy Keiderling is a researcher for the Bearing Witness Stories Project. In selecting stories for this book, the editors focused on Anabaptist martyrs and others who suffered for their commitment to believer’s baptism and nonviolence.
Publisher: Plough Publishing House
Category: Christianity/History
Binding: Softcover
240 pages

***Please leave a comment if you would like to be included in the giveaway on one copy of Bearing Witness…

To purchase the book: http://www.plough.com/en/topics/faith/witness/bearing-witness-stories-of-martyrdom?s=i-fp
https://www.facebook.com/PloughPublishing/

Tweets by PloughBooks

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

May 1, 2016 by DK Stevens

For Richer or Poorer by Kari Trumbo (giveaway)

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Elizabeth Whitte finds herself on the frigid border of Minnesota and Canada as winter sets in. When her plans for finding a husband and rushing back to Kansas fall through, she has to stay and learn a few things…like how to care for others.

Robert is a Mountie in Fort Frances, Canada. When he meets Elizabeth, his first instinct is to send her home. He’s been burned by women like her in the past and knows his life isn’t suited for them. Elizabeth’s pull is strong, but he cannot leave his beloved Canada.

As Elizabeth matures in many ways, Robert must decide if sending her back to Kansas is still his best option. Could she learn to love him, and his beautiful home?

MY THOUGHTS: I enjoyed this story.. From Kansas to Canada on stagecoach! Elizabeth answered an ad thinking she could be a mail order bride and get the man to be the perfect solution to getting the inheritance of the ranch accomplished before her sister could! Wow, I thought this was such a different take on the mail order bride and the danger women took when they answered the ad.. It started out with a hard lesson and more hard lessons to come!

Oh wait! How exciting is this? A handsome Canadian Mountie riding to her rescue! But alas, when he becomes her next target but he won’t co-operate either. I found the next lessons for Elizabeth will teach her so much about herself, family, relationships and faith, that the romance was definitely worth waiting for!

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About the author: Kari Trumbo is a writer of Christian Historical Romance and a stay-at-home mom to four vibrant children. She does freelance developmental editing and blogging. When she isn’t writing or editing, she home-schools her children and pretends to keep up with them. Kari has written three novels in the Western Vows series and one prequel/novella; all should be released by fall of 2016. Kari loves reading, listening to contemporary Christian music, singing with the worship team, and curling up near the wood stove when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota with her husband of eighteen years, two daughters, two sons, and four cats.

GIVEAWAY:

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To celebrate her tour, Kari is giving away two wonderful prizes! The grand prize winner will receive a Kindle Fire. The first place winner will receive a copy of each of her books. This giveaway begins April 30 and ends May 9. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and entrants release any liability to this blog and Celebrate Lit.

Click HERE to enter. and Click HERE to buy.

Please follow the tour and find Kari’s guest post HERE.

I was gifted a copy to review and participate in the Celebrate Lit book tour.

April 23, 2016 by DK Stevens

Wonderland by Amily Shen, Adult coloring book

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About the book:
Follow the White Rabbit into this imaginative coloring book inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, featuring intricate pen-and-ink drawings by acclaimed artist Amily Shen. Meet the Cheshire Cat, attend the Mad Hatter’s tea party, and play croquet with the Queen of Hearts in this evocative tale that invites you into a strange and beautiful new world of coloring.

What a fun 80 page coloring book! The pictures lead you through the story with wonderful pictures and the Alice’s Adventures story to read too… I got to follow the White Rabbit into this delightfully illustrated coloring book. I got to meet the Cheshire Cat, attend the Mad Hatter’s tea party, and play croquet with the Queen of Hearts. Nice paper for coloring and a very nice book cover, makes for a very pretty display book. If you enjoy this new fad of adult coloring, this coloring book is indeed a WONDERLAND to enjoy!

I was gifted a copy to review from Blogging For Books.. You can purchase it HERE…

April 18, 2016 by DK Stevens

Mississippi Nights by D. M. WEBB

13394791 Wow, did these brothers have problems.. Fights, a tragedy, misunderstandings, alcohol dependency and guilty feelings were keeping them totally at odds. If you like real life situations handled with fists, accusations and it seems that only family love and prayers are holding the family together, you would like this one.. This is one that will have you shaking your head and at times holding your breath wondering just how bad this is going to get. This fireman, policeman and their families in real life made this one that brought out the bond of brotherhood and strength of a loving, praying family.
I was gifted a copy by the author and The Book Club Network for my honest opinion.

April 5, 2016 by DK Stevens

A Treasure Concealed by Tracie Peterson

This full length historical gentle romance novel was set amidst a Montana gold rush in the 1890s and I enjoyed the Christian overtones. Emily was such a hard worker and the supplies meager. Her mother ill and her father obsessed with striking it rich made it hard but they had each other and their faith.. While Caeden had hard feelings for his father, a troubled upbringing and he absolutely had no plans of romance or marriage… He was finding that Emily’s family was teaching him what a loving family should be. Hardships, family, faith and the troubles just seemed to keep coming! Was I ever glad when the bad guy was finally revealed. I enjoyed this book and I’d certainly recommend it.

From the Back Cover:

There is more than gold to be found in these hills.

Emily Carver longs to have a home of her own, but instead she endures a transient existence in the gold mining camps of Montana, where her father’s hopes for riches lie endlessly buried. Promises of wealth from this wild land have brought only hardship and disappointment, causing Emily to wonder if her own modest dreams will ever see the light of day.

Caeden Thibault, a young geologist working for the government, is a man trying to escape the pain of his past, and the idyllic mountains of Montana serve his purposes well. In the course of his work, he has seen more than his share of starry-eyed gold seekers. So when Emily Carver catches his attention, he is intrigued by the fact that she isn’t pinning her hopes on striking it rich.

Will an unexpected discovery come between them or draw them together?

“Peterson produces a strong sense of the Wild West in this riveting story of life in the mining camps of 1890s Montana. With absorbing characters, a suspenseful plot, and foreboding tone, this new series is guaranteed to be one of her best.”–Library Journal

“Peterson paints a realistic and picturesque portrait of Montana mining life…Emily and Caeden are wonderful, fleshed out characters and their stories are equally touching, and at times, heartbreaking.”–RT Book Reviews

“The adventurous first book in a new series promises to deliver new insights into history and faith.”–CBA Retailers+Resources

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for

April 5, 2016 by DK Stevens

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly

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I was so drawn in to this book because it was inspired by the life of a real World War II heroine, and I absolutely found this to be a powerful debut novel revealing an incredible story of love, redemption, and terrible secrets that were hidden for decades. I’ve read other WW II novels and this is certainly one I will remember.. Three women who faced many different types of situations certainly made the horrors of this war all too real. Thank you Random House and NetGalley for a review copy, I would recommend Lilac Girls…

March 16, 2016 by DK Stevens

Playing the Part by Jen Turano (giveaway)

My thoughts…

When Lucetta Plum an actress on the rise in New York City, is forced to abandon her starring role when a fan’s interest turns threatening, the danger and well, yes, the fun too begins! There were dark dangerous moments and laugh out loud episodes. So, for instance, enter a seriously mad goat and then, hmm, is it the rumored ghost or just a Knight in armor? And both in her room on the top floor of the Castle no less! Mystery, suspense, secrets, kidnapping and just the right amount of romance kept me turning the pages to see what mischief would turn up next. If you like to be entertained.. you will like this book!

About the Book

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Lucetta Plum is an actress on the rise in New York City, but is forced to abandon her starring role when a fan’s interest turns threatening. Lucinda’s widowed friend, Abigail Hart, is delighted at the opportunity to meddle in Lucetta’s life and promptly whisks her away to her grandson’s estate to hide out.

Bram Haverstein may appear to simply be a somewhat eccentric gentleman of means, but a mysterious career and a secret fascination with a certain actress mean there’s much more to him than society knows.

Lucetta, who has no interest in Abigail’s matchmaking machinations, has the best intentions of remaining cordial but coolly distant to Bram. But when she can’t ignore the strange and mysterious things going on in his house, it’ll take more than good intentions to keep her from trying to discover who Bram is behind the part he plays.

Playing the Part by Jen Turano is a 352 page book in the Christian historical fiction genre. It is published by Bethany House Publishers and was released on March 1, 2016. To purchase your own copy, click here.

About the Author

Jen Turano is the best-selling, critically acclaimed author ofThe Ladies of Distinction series, and A Class of Their Own series, published through Bethany House Publishers. Her novel, After a Fashion, was chosen as a top pick from Romantic Times, as well as being named a top ten romance of 2015 from Booklist. It is also a nominee for Romantic Times 2015 Reviewers’ Choice Award. Her book, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, was chosen as a top ten romance by Booklist in 2013. Her seventh book, Playing the Part, will release in the spring of 2016, followed by a new four-book series, The Wallflowers. When she’s not writing, Jen spends her time outside of Denver with her husband and neurotic Cattle Dog, enjoying herself as an empty-nester since her son recently abandoned her for the college life. She can be found on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor/ or visit her on the web at www.jenturano.com. She is represented by Susan Brower of the Natasha Kern Literary Agency. Her books may be found in most fine bookstores, or follow the Baker House Publishing link to find additional places to purchase her work.