Friday, September 24, 2021

A trio of Christmas novellas!

 I am a fan of all things Christmas and all things written by Karen Witemeyer, so this book was a must-read for me and such a great collection of stories!  This book is a collection of three novellas, the first being a Scrooge type story that is endearing and the main character's strong personality and spunkiness will have you laughing out loud at times.  The Archer family is one of my favorite fictional families and I loved spending Christmas with them in the second story.  The third story I had read last year and I just had to reread it and loved Ruth's story one again this year!  This is a sweet collection of historical Christian fiction set at Christmas time and although fall is just beginning, it is not too early to get in the Christmasy spirit and this book is just the thing to do that!

*Thanks to the author for a copy of this book; all opinions expressed are my own.*


"The Inn at Walker Beach"

 

"The Inn at Walker Beach" is one of the best books I have read this year for sure!  This is the first book in The Barefoot Sisterhood series by Lindsay Harrel; however the characters and the setting were introduced in the Walker Beach series that was published last year.  I have been waiting for Jenna's story to continue since meeting her in the first book I read set in Walker Beach and I was not disappointed at all!  This book is full of heart and amazing characters whom you cannot help but fall in love with and you will wish that you lived in the Walker Beach community.  When Jenna received the invite to join this sisterhood, she had no idea what or who was involved.  However, each lady has been invited for a reason and this group is exactly what they all need as well as the purpose of the inn.  Elise is one of my favorite people in this book and in this town and I loved getting to know her better in this book. I am looking forward to the second book and seeing where this series goes and the storylines advancing for this group of ladies.  

"Hangin' by a Moment" - a must-read addition to the Deep Haven Collection!

 

JPEG Image"Hangin' by a Moment" is the latest novel set in Deep Haven and it is written by Andrea Christenson and Susan May Warren.  I have absolutely loved this entire series and I love how each story keeps this town and community alive!  Boone's buddy has just been released from jail and Boone has convinced him that Deep Haven is the place to come heal and start living life once more.  After all, Deep Haven helped him.  However, he is not quite prepared to jump right into the community and be as involved as some would like him to be as they are trying to get their Crisis Response Team fully staffed and prepared.  Colleen grew up in Deep Haven and have been trying to live her own life away from her mistakes in high school; however she is forced into taking a longer break than anticipated back home and finds herself stepping in and helping out.  Colleen and Jack both are not planning to really make this town a permanent place for them; however neither can help the pull that they have to help out and the feelings of belonging that begin to take hold.  However, it is not that easy to forget the past or to forgive ourselves.  Will Deep Haven's community and their love work their charm once more to help these two who are hurting and adrift?  I highly recommend this book and this entire series; however I would definitely be sure to start at the beginning and read in order as you do not want to miss out on anyone's back story or the small town charm!

*Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy of this book; all opinions expressed are my own.*

Thursday, September 23, 2021

"Roar Like a Lion" review tour!

Roar Like a Lion JustRead Bookstagram + Review Tour 

"Roar Like a Lion" is a brand-new children's devotional book that is available now!  This book has 90 readings that are geared to help build up your faith so that hard things can be done.  I love the variety of topics and straight forward approach and easy to understand language that is used.  For example, one of the readings is about "turning off the dark."  The world is so dark, people are mean, yet we can help turn off the dark and turn on the light by sharing God's love with the world.  Each reading begins with a verse and also has a "did you know?" or a "get ready to roar!" section.  For this particular reading it is a  "did you know" talking about the moon.  The "get ready to roar" are little challenges or missions to do to help carry out and reinforce what was shared in the reading.  I also love the illustrations and just the use of color throughout this book.  It is very eye-catching, and an easy and appealing format for kids!

*I received this book from the publisher; all opinions shared are my own.*

Monday, September 6, 2021

"The Cryptographer's Dilemma" blog tour!

 

The Cryptographer

About the Book

9781643529516

Book:  The Cryptographer’s Dilemma

Author: Johnnie Alexander

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release date: August, 2021

A Code Developer Uncovers a Japanese Spy Ring

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

FBI cryptographer Eloise Marshall is grieving the death of her brother, who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor, when she is assigned to investigate a seemingly innocent letter about dolls. Agent Phillip Clayton is ready to enlist and head oversees when asked to work one more FBI job. A case of coded defense coordinates related to dolls should be easy, but not so when the Japanese Consulate gets involved, hearts get entangled, and Phillip goes missing. Can Eloise risk loving and losing again?

 My Review:

I was so looking forward to reading this book since I have read other books by Johnnie Alexander and loved them and I enjoy books set in the World War II era; I was not disappointed in the least!  Eloise is devastated after losing her brother and instead of having time to let her heart heal, she is busy at work as they are in the midst of war.  Eloise is brilliant, and has a strong analytical mind, and this where she feels led to be right now.  The letter that she is investigating does not seem to really be anything; however tensions rise, and when there is other involvement further complicating things, things are not as innocent as they first appeared.  Philip was all set to be shipped overseas, but he gets assigned to this one more case; not only is the situation intriguing but the cryptographer is as well.  As Eloise and Philip work together, not only are their minds involved, but their hearts as well.  I love the mixture of suspense and romance along with the historical details thus creating a sweet and powerful story.  

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

JohnnieAlexander

Johnnie Alexander creates characters you want to meet and imagines stories you won’t forget in a variety of genres. An award-winning, best-selling novelist, she serves on the executive boards of Serious Writer, Inc. and the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference, co-hosts Writers Chat, and interviews other inspirational authors for Novelists Unwind. Johnnie lives in Oklahoma with Griff, her happy-go-lucky collie, and Rugby, her raccoon-treeing papillon. Connect with her at www.johnnie-alexander.com and other social media sites via https://linktr.ee/johnniealexndr.

 

More from Johnnie

American Traitor in WWII

 

Not all secret messages involve substitution codes where random letters and numbers replace the original letters and numbers. Velvalee Dickinson, a doll collector who owned a doll shop on Madison Avenue in New York City, used jargon code to pass along information to the Japanese about the U.S. ships that had been damaged at Pearl Harbor.

 

Here’s an excerpt from one of the letters (as originally written):

 

The only new dolls I have are THREE LOVELY IRISH dolls. One of these three dolls is an old Fisherman with a Net over his back—another is an old woman with wood on her back and the third is a little boy….I can only think of our sick boy these days. You wrote me that you had sent a letter to Mr. Shaw, well I want to see MR. SHAW he distroyed Your letter, you know he has been Ill. His car was damaged but is being repaired now. I saw a few of his family about. They all say Mr. Shaw will be back to work soon.

 

Velvalee, who the FBI nicknamed The Doll Woman, wrote this letter on her Underwood typewriter. She used the return address and forged the signature of one of her regular customers, Mary Wallace of Springfield, Ohio. Then Velvalee mailed the letter to an address in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

 

Unknown to Velvalee, the Japanese had abandoned the Buenos Aires address as a drop point. The letter was marked “return to sender.” When Mrs. Wallace received it, she turned it in to the Post Office Director in Springfield who passed it along to the FBI.

 

Cryptographers determined that the letter was written in jargon code. To the casual reader, the letter is about dolls. But the intended recipient would have understood it’s about much more than that.

 

In this example, only one of five letters given to the FBI between February and August of 1942,

cryptographers decoded the message as follows:

 

  • Old Fisherman with a Net over his back ~ refers to an aircraft carrier which has anti-torpedo nettings on its sides.
  • Old woman with wood on her back ~ refers to an older battleship, one made of wood.
  • A little boy plus our sick boy ~ a damaged ship.

 

Cryptographers believed that the words Mr. Shaw and Your were purposely capitalized and that the word distroyed was purposely misspelled to draw attention to them. Mr. Shaw referred to the USS Shaw, a destroyer (distroy + your = destroyer).

 

The remainder of the letter says Mr. Shaw is ill but “will be back to work soon.”

 

The ship was in dry dock at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked. As the heroine in The Cryptographer’s Dilemma explains, “About two weeks before this letter was written, it [the USS Shaw] was undergoing repairs in San Francisco.”

 

In the novel, Eloise Marshall is a naval cryptographer who teams up with FBI agent Phillip Clayton, to find the person responsible for forging the signatures on the letters. Their search takes them from Washington, DC to the Springfield, Ohio, to the west coast and back again. On their journey, Eloise will confront an unexpected specter from her past and Phillip will risk his life to save hers.

Blog Stops

Life of Literature, August 25

Where Faith and Books Meet, August 25

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 26

Reflections From my Bookshelves, August 26

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 27

Bizwings Blog, August 27

Daysong Reflections, August 27

Texas Book-aholic, August 28

A Baker’s Perspective, August 28

Inklings and notions, August 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 29

For Him and My Family, August 30

Simple Harvest Reads, August 30 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Older & Smarter?, August 31

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, August 31

Aryn the Libraryan 📚, September 1

Rebecca Tews, September 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 2

deb’s Book Review, September 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 3

Blossoms and Blessings, September 3

Mary Hake, September 3

Connie’s History Classroom, September 4

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, September 4

Sodbusterliving, September 4

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 5

Labor Not in Vain, September 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 6

Moments, September 6

Splashes of Joy, September 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 7

Pause for Tales, September 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Johnnie 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/1161a/the-cryptographer-s-dilemma-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, August 26, 2021

"Set Free to Live Free" - the latest must-read for women!

Set Free to Live Free JustRead Takeover Tour

Welcome to the Takeover Tour for Set Free to Live Free by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Set Free to Live Free
Title: Set Free to Live Free
Author: Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: August 17, 2021
Genre: Spiritual Growth / Women's Interest 

Breaking Through the 7 Lies Women Tell Themselves 

Imagine life with unlimited possibility, where fear, misconceptions, and insecurities don't have the power to rob you of your potential or your dreams. Many women have trouble seeing this vision because they are bound by lies that keep them from living free. 

In Set Free to Live Free, Saundra Dalton-Smith shows you how to break free from seven mental ties that hold you back and steal your joy, like striving for perfection, comparing yourself to others, and having an all-or-nothing attitude. Through compelling stories and inspirational writing, she encourages you to embrace spontaneity, be transparent, nurture your body, and cultivate a balanced life. 

"Finally a book that brings to light the lies that women have been fed since childhood--and how to break their emotional grip on our lives forever. Saundra Dalton-Smith shows us just how precious we are to God and how we can live empowered and drama-free lives."--Carol M. Mackey, author of the bestselling Sistergirl Devotions 

"Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith has captured the role of the Spirit in the healing process with clarity and love."--Jane I. Honikman, MS, founder of Postpartum Support International 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & NobleBook Depository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Saundra Dalton Smith

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a board-certified internal medicine physician, work-life integration researcher, popular speaker, and author of the bestselling book Sacred Rest. She transparently shares how her past pain has been redeemed through the practical application of God's word.

CONNECT WITH SAUNDRA: WebsiteFacebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive print copies of Set Free to Live Free and Stronger Every Day plus a $25 Amazon gift card!

Set Free to Live Free JustRead Takeover Tour Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 23, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 30, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Saturday, June 19, 2021

"Moms Raising Sons to Be Men" blog tour!

 

Moms Raising Sons to Be Men JustListen Audiobook Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the JustListen Blog + Review Tour for Moms Raising Sons to Be Men by Rhonda Stoppe, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Moms Raising Sons to Be Men
Title: Moms Raising Sons to Be Men
Author: Rhonda Stoppe
Publisher: Christian Audio
Release Date: March 9, 2021
Genre: Nonfiction / Christian Family / Christian Living

Mothers of boys have the special calling to shape future men of God. Popular speaker Rhonda Stoppe, mom to two sons, knows this opportunity is a challenge, a joy, and probably the most important work of a woman's life. Drawing from years of ministering to youth and to women and from her own parenting experience, Rhonda provides refreshingly relevant guidance, biblical and contemporary examples, and humorous insights to help each listener discover how to guide a son without hovering and smothering; how every action and choice can serve a godly goal; ways to communicate so a boy will listen and be heard; and God's power and grace to become-and give-her best.

Packed with practical help from parenting experts and other moms, this inspirational resource will revive the faithfulness and fortitude a woman needs to partner with God as they shape the character and heart of a future godly man. 

My Review:
This is a book that is a must-read for moms of boys as it is one that will encourage you throughout the years of raising your son.  I was given the opportunity to listen to this book and Rhonda is easy to listen to and it felt like I was listening to a friend chatting with me over a mug of coffee.  I never felt like Rhonda believed that she had all the answers and is an expert on being a perfect mother, but yet a friend who is sharing lessons that she has learned and wisdom she has found while studying God's word. What I loved most about this book is the gentle reminders to be sure that I am living in such a way that I am being a Godly example and not putting on a show with how I live, so that my son will strive to live an authentic Godly life as well.  My favorite chapters and ones that I felt like really spoke to me were Tools for Autonomy and Conversations that Matter; such important tidbits of wisdom packed in and chapters I am going to listen to again (and again) I'm sure!

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christian Audio | Christianbook | IndieBound | BookBub

FACEBOOK SUMMER BOOK CLUB

Listen to (or read) one chapter per week and join Rhonda live on Wednesdays at 11 am Pacific to chat about the chapter & help YOU apply insights to raising your son. Rhonda will answer your questions in the comments too! Join the Summer Book Club Facebook Group.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rhonda Stoppe

Rhonda Stoppe is a popular Christian speaker and author of 6 books. She’s a favorite radio and podcast guest, appearing frequently on Focus on the Family. With over 30 years experience of helping women build a No Regrets Life. Rhonda helps women to discover significance and purpose for their lives, impact the moral fiber of the next generation by raising children with integrity, find victory over people-pleasing, parent without regrets, enjoy a marriage others dream about, build an incredible legacy, and become more influential than they ever dreamed possible.

Join Rhonda’s FREE NoRegretsWoman Community by signing up for her newsletter. To learn more about Rhonda’s books and schedule her to speak at your event visit: NoRegretsWoman.com

CONNECT WITH RHONDA:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of Moms Raising Sons to Be Men and a code to download the free audiobook
AND
(1) winner will receive a 15-minute boy-mom coaching call with Rhonda Stoppe

Moms Raising Sons to Be Men JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 15, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 22, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

"I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.”

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

"The Heart's Charge"

 

"The Heart's Charge" is the 2nd book in Karen Witemeyer's Hanger's Horsemen series and it is so good!  Do yourself a favor and read the first book first if you haven't yet though, it is good and you will have background information on the main characters and a few that you meet near the end of the story.  
Mark and Jonah are delivering a steed and prepared to head home when they hear a women's cry and end up staying in the area much longer.  After helping deliver a baby and learn that the baby's mother cannot care of her at this time, they head off to Harmony House to leave the baby there.  Mark cannot believe his eyes when he sees a woman who he was prepared to marry years ago, but they went their different ways due to the circumstances at the time.  And Jonah is intrigued by the other woman running this home, and after a child seeks his help as there is kid-snatching going on, the men know that they have to stay to investigate.  As Mark and Jonah ask questions and seek answers, they also work their magic on repairs at the home and also in the hearts of the women.  However, the ones they believe they can trust may in fact be the ones that can do the most harm and the rest of the Hanger's Horsemen quartet is summoned.  
This book is so well-written and the setting and characters come to life so well!  The men's commitment to justice and doing what is right is admirable.  Some of the my favorite moments in the book are their conversations with some of the children at Harmony House.  Katherine and Eliza also were immediately likable and I found myself empathizing with them and loving their mission and the strength that they have, even though they may not always believe it.  Karen does a great job with telling the story and weaving the characters' history and backstory through it as well.  I wanted to keep on reading to find out what would happen next, but at the same time I did not want the book to end.  I am looking forward to book #3 in the series!  

*Thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book, all opinions expressed are my own.*

Monday, May 31, 2021

"Crazy for You"

 




My Review:

Ronnie gave up her life in the military to come home and care for her younger brother; however living in Minneapolis is not working out as Tiago has found himself in some serious trouble.  Former teammate Cole has talked up Deep Haven and has worked to get Ronnie a position on the newly formed Crisis Response Team.  However, not everyone in the community is happy about an outsider coming in when they believe one of their own should have gotten the position.  And Ronnie's attitude and mannerisms does not exactly win over several community members during her first interaction with them during an emergency.  Peter is constantly finding himself being pulled between two families, his biological father's family and his step-father's family.  Having some major decisions and a vote coming up puts even more pressure on Peter.  As the tensions rise within the families, and the community, more and more of the young people are finding themselves getting into trouble, with Tiago in the midst of it.  As Ronnie struggles to find her footing in her job, in the town and at the same time trying to protect her brother, she is not sure that this town in the place for them.  

This book is such a great addition to the Deep Haven Collection series.  There are so many characters who have been part of the original Deep Haven series and this new series as well that it feels like coming home while reading.  Peter has been mentioned in previous books and I was so happy to have him finally be a main character and have his story be told!  Also, Cole and Megan's story was told recently and I loved seeing how their lives are going following the end of that book.  "Crazy for You" weaves together so many characters, so many storylines and seems to be paving the way for more stories to be told in the future (so excited that Vivien's story is next!).  There is mystery, family drama, current societal issues and concerns and romance all woven together in this book making it a quick and great read!  This is one not to be missed!  

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.*




Saturday, May 22, 2021

"At Lighthouse Point" Blog Tour!

 


About the Book


Book:  At Lighthouse Point

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: May 4, 2021

Blaine Grayson returns to Three Sisters Island with a grand plan–to take Camp Kicking Moose to the next level. Her dream starts to unravel when she discovers Moose Manor’s kitchen has been badly remodeled by her sister, Cam, who doesn’t know how to cook. Added to that blow is the cold shoulder given by her best friend, Artie Lotosky, now a doctor to the unbridged Maine islands.

As old wounds are opened, Blaine starts to wonder if she made a mistake by coming home. Little by little, she must let go of one dream to discover a new one, opening her heart to a purpose and a future she had never imagined.

 My Review:

This book is such a beautiful story that is so well-written and draws the reader in right from the very start.  I'm thinking most of us have gone away and when we return home there is just something about that moment, the comfort, the familiarity, just that feeling of home, that really cannot be fully described.  Blaine is experiencing that after returning home from 2 years in Europe.  She has several reasons for returning home, one being to do a kitchen remodel, but she quickly realizes that has been done without her and done very wrongly.  Like Blaine we can have high expectations to only have them ruined and our plans completely shattered, making us question if we've made a mistake.  But what if our own plans are not really what is the best for us?  

Suzanne Woods Fisher does such an excellent job with creating characters who come to life as well as the settings of her stories.  I felt as if I were there on the island with this family.  I could smell the salty air, hear the waves and the Maine accent.  I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, although I may have say that this book is my favorite in it, although that could be because it is the one I have read most recently!  Before you read this book, be sure to read books 1 and 2 in this Three Sisters Island series, you will not be disappointed and you do not want to miss out!

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author


Award winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected. With more than one million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the bestselling author of more than 30 works, ranging from novels to non-fiction books to children’s books. Currently, she lives with her very big family in the East Bay.

 

More from Suzanne

10 Curious Facts about Lighthouses

 

 

People love lighthouses. There’s just something special about those sturdy sentinels with their beacons of light, patiently sweeping the water, their mournful and haunting wail of a foghorn. Longfollow’s poem, The Lighthouse, written in 1850, captured the allure so well:

 

And as the evening darkens, lo! how bright,
Through the deep purple of the twilight air,
Beams forth the sudden radiance of its light,
With strange, unearthly splendor in the glare!

 

“Unearthly splendor.” Wow, doesn’t that hit the nail on the head? A lighthouse, to me, represents a spiritual truth: Someone’s watching out for us, looking out for the dangers ahead, and always glad to welcome us home.

 

 

Here are 10 facts about lighthouses that you might not know:

 

  • THE FIRST KNOWN LIGHTHOUSE was Egypt’s Pharos of Alexandria, Egypt, built in the third century B.C. The lighthouse was made from a fire on a platform to warn sailors of the port’s entrance. This lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

 

  • THE OLDEST EXISTING LIGHTHOUSE IN THE WORLD is considered to be La Coruna in Spain that dates from ca. 20 B.C. A Roman lighthouse is located on the Cliffs of Dover in the UK that was constructed in 40 A.D.

 

  • THE UNITED STATES IS HOME to more lighthouses than any other country.

 

  • THE FIRST LIGHTHOUSE IN AMERICA was at Boston on Little Brewster Island (1716). The first keeper was George Worthylake who, sadly, was drowned, along with his wife and daughter, when returning to the island in 1718.

 

  • THE TALLEST LIGHTHOUSE is on Cape Hatteras, NC. Built in 1872, it reached 196 feet tall.

 

  • THE FIRST WEST COAST LIGHTHOUSE was built on Alcatraz Island in 1854.

 

  • DAYMARKS are the painted colors and patterns (diamonds, spirals and stripes) on lighthouse towers to distinguish them from each other.

 

  • LIGHTHOUSE KEEPING was one of the first U.S. government jobs available to women, as far back as the 19th century. Most obtained their position when their husband died or became incapacitated.

 

  • THE RANGE OF THE LIGHTHOUSE LIGHT produces a light seen 25 miles at sea.

 

  • ABOUT 700 LIGHTHOUSES are still in active use in the United States.

 

As I wrote the third book in the ‘Three Sisters island’ series, I just had to give that little charred lighthouse its day in the sun. It had patiently played a role in the first two books, waiting for its turn on center stage. Not only did its setting provide a very unexpected “WHAT? How did that happen?” conclusion to the series, it even stole the headline! The undisputed title: At Lighthouse Point.

 

Do you have a favorite lighthouse? If so, please add your picture in the comments below. Don’t forget to include its location.

 

Thanks for reading! Stay well, stay home, and read.

 

Suzanne

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, May 11

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 11

Wishful Endings, May 11

The Avid Reader, May 12

Just Writing, May 12

The Write Escape, May 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 12

By The Book, May 13

HappyWhenReading, May 13

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, May 13

Texas Book-aholic, May 13

Inklings and notions, May 14

Cultivating Us, May 14

Blogging With Carol, May 14

Batya’s Bits , May 14

Betti Mace, May 15

Bizwings Blog, May 15

Southern Gal Loves to Read, May 15

For Him and My Family, May 15

deb’s Book Review, May 16

Jeanette’s Thoughts , May 16

HookMeInABook, May 16

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 16

Connie’s History Classroom, May 17

Lighthouse-Academy, May 17

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, May 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 18

Godly Book Reviews, May 18

Daysong Reflections, May 18

Mary Hake, May 18

Artistic Nobody, May 19 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 19

EmpowerMoms, May 19

SusanLovesBooks, May 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 20

Older & Smarter?, May 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 20

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 21

Simple Harvest Reads, May 21 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Splashes of Joy, May 21

Blossoms and Blessings, May 21

Through the Fire Blogs, May 22

Vicky Sluiter, May 22

Pause for Tales, May 22

Moments, May 22

She Lives To Read, May 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 23

Labor Not in Vain, May 23

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 24

Life, Love, Writing, May 24

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 24

Remembrancy, May 24

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/10bb6/at-lighthouse-point-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, May 14, 2021

"To Save a King" blog tour!

 


About the Book


Book:  To Save A King

Author: Rachel Hauck

Genre: Christian Royal Romance

Release date: May 8, 2021

A modern-day fairytale of rescue and hope from NYT bestselling author Rachel Hauck

Growing up in small town Hearts Bend, Tennessee, Gemma Stone had big dreams. So she headed to Hollywood to make her mark in the world.

But dreams have a way of becoming nightmares. When she returns home twelve years later, she’s limping through life and harboring a dark secret.

Running a rescue ranch and raising her friends’ orphaned daughter is her sole mission now. All the while she’s well aware these defenseless ones are also rescuing her.

HRH Crown Prince John has learned a royal title cannot shield him from heartbreak. He had the perfect life as heir to the revered House of Blue, the royal dynasty of Lauchtenland, and married the love of his life. Then tragedy changed everything. Is there any way to be saved from a life of grief?

When he finds himself in Hearts Bend on a mission for his mother, Queen Catherine, he catches up with a good friend–country music great Buck Mathews. He has no intention of joining the 4th of July fun until he’s cajoled into a three-legged race with the beautiful Gemma Stone.

The disastrous race leads to a quick friendship. They are easy and comfortable around one another because love is absolutely not an option.

John desperately wants to hold onto the memories of his wife while Gemma refuses to trust her heart to any man. Even a prince.

When trouble in Lauchtenland calls the prince home, he realizes how much Gemma has rescued him. Saved him and restored his hope for his role as future king.

For Gemma, falling in love with the prince must be quenched. If it weren’t for her past, she’d give him her heart in a second. How could she risk bringing her shame to the House of Blue and the world stage?

However, she’s not the only one who can rescue and heal the wound. If she saved Prince John, why can’t he save her? And when he tries, will she have the courage to say yes to the best role of her life?

“Another compelling royal story by the master of princely tales!”  Susan May Warren, USA Today bestselling, RITA award-winning novelist

 My Review:

Rachel Hauck has become one of my must-read authors and I am loving this series from her (and am anxiously awaiting book #3)!  "To Save a King" focuses on Prince John's story; however there are so many other storylines taking place and continuing from the first book in the series.  The Queen sends John to America to make a connection with his half-sister, and also to hopefully find some healing following the death of his wife.  John knows that Holland was his love and  he is not looking for another one to love even if he cannot become King as a result.  However when John is paired up with Gemma in a three-legged race, he realizes that there may be room in his heart for another.  Gemma returned home a different person, and wanting to put the past few years just there, in the past.  However, it is not easy for her to forget her past or to forgive herself.  And she knows she is not a good person to become involved with a prince.  

I absolutely loved this book as it weaves together so many storylines, places, and characters and yet it all flows together so nicely.  Rachel does not shy away from hardship or difficult topics, yet she addresses them and presents the characters in a realistic light so that they become so real and relatable for the reader.  The down to earth, home living in Tennessee is such a different world than life for the royals and yet each and every person is living life, dealing with regrets, trying to right past wrongs and have a life with love. 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author


Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner. Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie. Three more of her titles are under film contract.

Rachel was awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.

A retired member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Executive Board, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.

In the real world, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.

A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.

She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.

 

More from Rachel

One of the biggest challenges in a series is keeping the reader interested. Even more of a challenge is writing in a trope like royals.

I never set out to write a second royal series. With five stories in the Royal Wedding Series, I thought I’d explored the topic to my satisfactions.

Yet when readers asked for more, and when I found myself in a season to produce my own stories, another royal series seemed like the perfect fit.

But can I be honest? Really honest? Come close. I’ll tell you a secret. Closer…

Royals can be a bit boring. At least to write. You laugh but I’m serious.

What do we really know of their day to day lives? They attend national functions, patron charities, represent the nation on walkabouts around the world. They are ambassadors with no real political agenda. They champion causes.

But what exactly do they do with their days? What are the inner workings of palace life? What are the real expectations? Do they call the queen “her majesty” when talking among themselves? When talking to her? Are they as formal as it seems on television?

Yet royals are the most documented people in history. So there is a lot to glean from when I make up my worlds.

But at the end of it all, they key for me in writing royal characters is to make them real, everyday people. The prince is the kind of chap you want to chat with over tea. The heroine is the sort of girl you’d love to see become a princess. Maybe even see a bit of yourself in her.

In To Save A King, Crown Prince John is trying to emerge for a year of grief. Gemma Stone is desperate to escape her past.

Gemma’s story has some what of an edge to it. In her attempt to achieve her goals, she walked a path she never thought she’d walk when she was a girl growing up in Hearts Bend, Tennessee. And it proved her undoing.

While we may have never faced a past like Gemma’s, we can all relate to personal betrayal of our values from gossip to immorality. I hope Gemma’s story reminds us the nearness of love and forgiveness.

On a lighter side, I recently learned British society has moved away from chap and bloke, replacing it with the American term “guy.” Isn’t that funny. Louise Lee, my narrator, said it was funny to read those words in To Love A Prince since there were more her parents’ generation. Ah, the signs of a more global society.

Well, I didn’t care if they have gone out of style for young people. I used them anyway. I like them. Maybe we should adopt “chap” and “bloke” over here. What do you say, guys?

I hope you enjoy To Save A King, book two in the True Blue Royal series and find your heart cheering on broken, wounded characters to a happily ever after worthy of a prince and princess.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 8

Godly Book Reviews, May 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 8

Britt Reads Fiction, May 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 9

Blogging With Carol, May 9

Worthy2Read, May 9

For Him and My Family, May 10

Genesis 5020, May 10

The Book Chic Blog, May 10

CarpeDiem, May 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 11

Hebrews 12 Endurance, May 11

Splashes of Joy, May 11

Cultivating Us, May 11

Texas Book-aholic, May 12

Just Writing, May 12

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 12

Kayem Reads, May 12

Blossoms and Blessings, May 13

Betti Mace, May 13

Inklings and notions, May 13

deb’s Book Review, May 14

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, May 14

Inside the Wong Mind, May 14

Moments, May 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 15

Rachael’s Inkwell, May 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 15

Connect in Fiction, May 15

The Christian Fiction Girl, May 16

Kathleen’s Blog, May 16

Remembrancy, May 16

Mary Hake, May 16

Where Faith and Books Meet, May 17

She Lives To Read, May 17

Wishful Endings, May 17

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 18

Back Porch Reads, May 18

All-of-a-kind Mom, May 18

Livin’ Lit, May 18

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 19

Simple Harvest Reads, May 19 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Bizwings Blog, May 19

Mamma Loves Books, May 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 20

By The Book, May 20

The Sacred Line, May 20

Daysong Reflections, May 20

Through the fire blogs, May 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 21

Artistic Nobody, May 21 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize of a Kindle Fire!!
*May be different than one pictured.

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/10bb0/to-save-a-king-celebration-tour-giveaway