ABOUT THE BOOK

Munich, 1938. Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent as determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession as she is to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country--or worse. If she fails to truthfully report on major stories, she'll never be able to give a voice to the oppressed--and wake up the folks back home.

In another part of the city, American graduate student Peter Lang is working on his PhD in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party--to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can't get off his mind.

This electric standalone novel from fan-favorite Sarah Sundin puts you right at the intersection of pulse-pounding suspense and heart-stopping romance.

MY REVIEW

Sundin has brought history to life once again only this time bringing reporters and other events to life.

I like Sundin's style of writing. She pulls her readers into her stories with gusto and you'll not want to put the book down.

This book had my heart pounding the whole time! Some great suspense!

I know one thing, I'm glad I wasn't born back then. Too much unrest in Germany.  Germany has had a very interesting and sad history. I don't like how the Jewish people were treated. They're human just like us and even more sad was that Hitler was part Jewish himself. 

Another thing I loved was that I learned a few new things about Germany.  I won't say what they are because I don't want to spoil it for others. 

I enjoyed the banter between Evelyn and Peter. In my opinion, they made a great team!

Evelyn tickled me pink! I love that the author has made her strong, independent and yes sometimes stubborn. She was a delight and a woman before her time.

Yes, she did have her flaws but then don't we all? 

I'm not sure if this is a quote or not but I liked it. 

" If you stay on your side of the ocean, you let things settle as they should. But if you choose, you can tip the balance one way or the other. " That is why we need friends in America. "

Folks we need friends no matter where we are. 

I recommend highly. 5 stars!

My thanks for a copy of this book.

I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Sundin enjoys writing about the drama and romance of the World War II era. She is the bestselling author of When Twilight Breaks (coming February 2021),The Land Beneath Us (2020), The Sky Above Us (2019) and The Sea Before Us (2018), as well as the Waves of Freedom, Wings of the Nightingale series, and Wings of Glory series. Her novel The Land Beneath Us was a 2020 Christy Award finalist, The Sky Above Us won the 2020 Carol Award, The Sea Before Us received the 2019 Reader's Choice Award from Faith, Hope, and Love. Both Through Waters Deep and When Tides Turn were named to Booklist's "101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years."

A mother of three, Sundin lives in northern California and teaches Sunday school and women's Bible studies. She enjoys speaking to community, church, and writers' groups. Sarah serves as Co-Director for the West Coast Christian Writers Conference.

Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

It was called "The Titanic of the South." The luxury steamship sank in 1838 with Savannah's elite on board; through time, their fates were forgotten--until the wreck was found, and now their story is finally being told in this breathtaking novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis.

When Savannah history professor Everly Winthrop is asked to guest-curate a new museum collection focusing on artifacts recovered from the steamship Pulaski, she's shocked. The ship sank after a boiler explosion in 1838, and the wreckage was just discovered, 180 years later. Everly can't resist the opportunity to try to solve some of the mysteries and myths surrounding the devastating night of its sinking.

Everly's research leads her to the astounding history of a family of eleven who boarded the Pulaski together, and the extraordinary stories of two women from this family: a known survivor, Augusta Longstreet, and her niece, Lilly Forsyth, who was never found, along with her child. These aristocratic women were part of Savannah's society, but when the ship exploded, each was faced with difficult and heartbreaking decisions. This is a moving and powerful exploration of what women will do to endure in the face of tragedy, the role fate plays, and the myriad ways we survive the surviving. 

MY REVIEW

A powerfully written book about the steamship Pulaski. Just wow!

The author has done an amazing job in describing the sinking ship that I really "felt" the ship's pain as she "died." It made feel so sorry for the ship.

I can just imagine how the passengers felt as well. I could not imagine having to live after that. It'd be forever etched in my memory. I think at some point it would end up driving me crazy.

But, I think that I would also look at it like this. Only God knows how things will end. Only He knows the plans He has for us.

Lily's side of the story of course is my favorite. I love a good mystery.

The decision she made well.... honestly I'm not sure how I feel about that but yet at the same time I " get " it.

I really like this quote because it rings so very true and I think I've put this in another review before.

It's Oliver telling Evelyn that "_We can't change the past but it does have the power to shape who we are today." We can learn from our pasts.

I loved how the author didn't beat around the bush about Evelyn's anxiety. I think she has done Evelyn very well.

Grief really has no time limit. I know. You never get over missing that person. I totally admire Evelyn too.

Her occupation is just so interesting! I wouldn't mind doing that for a job myself.

Mystery is awesome! But yet at the same time it can also be damaging for the descendants.

I loved this story so much because I have learned new things and I now have a heathy respect for the steamship Pulaski. May she and her passengers rest in peace.

I highly recommend this book. I know you will enjoy it like I did! Especially unraveling the past! Yes!

There is some mild swearing but that didn't deter me. I wanted to see what happens at the end I wasn't disappointed.

My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

Five stars!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patti Callahan Henry is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling novelist of fifteen novels, including the historical fiction (writing as Patti Callahan) BECOMING MRS. LEWIS—The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis. In addition, she is the recipient of The Christy Award—A 2019 Winner "Book of the Year.” ; The Harper Lee Distinguished Writer of the Year for 2020 and the Alabama Library Association Book of the Year for 2019, and the RNA UK finalist for Romantic Historical Fiction.

Her newest novel SURVIVING SAVANNAH will be released on March 9, 2021 by Penguin Random House/Berkley Publishing.

She is also the co-founder of the Facebook weekly show Friends and Fiction.

The author is also the host of the popular seven-part original "Behind the Scenes of Becoming Mrs. Lewis Podcast Series" launched, October 2019. The podcast audiobook collection including bonus material was released January 2020, and available now. The new expanded Becoming Mrs. Lewis paperback edition was released March 2020, and available now.

On March 9, 2021, SURVIVING SAVANNAH—a new historical fiction novel based on the true story of the Steamship Pulaski wreck will be released and available for pre-order now.

THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER (writing as Patti Callahan Henry—Southern Contemporary Fiction) was launched in June 2019, and THE PERFECT LOVE SONG—A Christmas Holiday novella released October 2019.

Patti Callahan is the co-host and co-creator of the popular weekly Friends and Fiction Facebook Live Show and podcast, featuring the five bestselling authors Mary Kay Andrews, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Kristin Harmel, and Mary Alice Monroe with endless stories, special guests, and a way to connect readers and writers.

A full-time author and mother of three children, she now resides in both Mountain Brook, Alabama, and Bluffton, South Carolina with her husband.

Patti's Story

Growing up in Philadelphia as the daughter of a Presbyterian minister, Patti learned early the value of storytelling. At the age of twelve, her family moved to South Florida where Patti found the sanctuary of libraries and began her slow but steady journey into understanding the power of story to navigate confusing times in life.

Patti attended Auburn University for her undergraduate work, and Georgia State University for her graduate degree. Once a Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, she now writes full time. The mother of three children, she now lives in both Mountain Brook, Alabama and Bluffton, South Carolina with her husband.

A Splendid Ruin by Megan Chance

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

“This is a spellbinding page-turner of a book.” —Kristin Hannah, New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale.

A mesmerizing novel of dark family secrets and a young woman’s rise and revenge set against the backdrop of the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

The eve of destruction. After her mother’s death, penniless May Kimble lives a lonely life until an aunt she didn’t know existed summons her to San Francisco. There she’s welcomed into the wealthy Sullivan family and their social circle.

Initially overwhelmed by the opulence of her new life, May soon senses that dark mysteries lurk in the shadows of the Sullivan mansion. Her glamorous cousin often disappears in the night. Her aunt wanders about in a laudanum fog. And a maid keeps hinting that May is in danger. Trapped by betrayal, madness, and murder, May stands to lose everything, including her freedom, at the hands of those she trusts most.

Then, on an early April morning, San Francisco comes tumbling down. Out of the smoldering ruins, May embarks on a harrowing road to reclaim what is hers. This tragic twist of fate, along with the help of an intrepid and charismatic journalist, puts vengeance within May’s reach. But will she take it?

MY REVIEW

When I seen this advertised on Facebook and what it was about I knew I wanted to read it. I finally found it on Netgalley.
There are some sexual scenes so I skipped over those but other than that it was a fantastic read! I finished it in one night. I couldn't help myself. I just had to keep turning the pages until the story was done!
The author did such a good jib that I felt the earthquake and "heard" the noise that it makes. I could just imagine the destruction. I'm like wow!
I'm truly amazed with May. She's my heroine. I felt her pain and it broke my heart. But, despite all the things she's been through let's just say that I found myself rooting and cheering for her.
Some if the things that were going on in this book I felt the injustice of it and I felt God at work here even tho He wasn't mentioned.
He works in mysterious ways.
A book well written that left my heart feeling full and satisfied and still thinking about these characters long after the story is over..
5 stars for this amazing story.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Megan Chance is the bestselling, critically acclaimed author of several novels. Booklist calls her writing “Provocative and haunting.” Her books have been chosen by Amazon's Book of the Month, Borders Original Voices and IndieNext. A former television news photographer with a BA from Western Washington University, Megan Chance lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband. Visit her at www.meganchance.com 

When Dignity Came to Harlan by Rebecca Duvall Scott

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

From bestselling and Amazon Top 10 Hot New Release author, Rebecca Duvall Scott, comes the first Christian historical fiction novel in the Dignity Series, When Dignity Came to Harlan.

I made up my mind right then and there that I would just have to wade into this move like wading into a pond or lake I'd never seen before - slow and steady, feeling around for my footing and trying to avoid the sharp edges at the bottom that you never see coming.

***

News of what really happened to me - to us - spread through town like wildfire. It caught from one dry gossip tree to another and burned them to the ground with shame.

***

"Y'can do this, child - show 'em why I call y'Dignity," my old friend winked at me.

Skillfully written and sure to draw you in to its pages, When Dignity Came to Harlan is set in the early 1900s and follows twelve-year-old Anna Beth Atwood as she leaves Missouri with her family dreaming of a better life in the coal-rich mountains of Harlan County, Kentucky. Anna Beth's parents lose everything on the trip, however, and upon asking strangers to take their girls in until they get on their feet, Anna Beth and her baby sister are dropped into the home of Jack and Grace Grainger - who have plenty of problems of their own. Anna Beth suffers several hardships during her time in Harlan, and if it wasn't for her humble and wise old friend who peddles his wisdom along with his wares, all would be lost.

Based on a true family history, this is a story of heartbreak and hope, challenges and perseverance, good and evil, justice and merciful redemption. It exemplifies the human experience in all its many facets and shows what it means to have real grit.

Take the journey with us and see how, with the unseen hand of God, one girl changed the heart and soul of an entire town.

MY REVIEW

“I guess in m’case, though, it was easier t’find God outside in his great creation. M’case is jus’ diff’rent , I reckon. Maybe God wanted me t’be a wanderer… people can worship ‘im anywhere if they’ll jus’ humble their hearts, Dignity.” He slowed the truck to a stop in front of the white picket fence.

You know sometimes I feel this way too. I mean, God's everywhere no matter where you are. Not just inside church wall although it's nice to fellowship with other believers.

I find this story so fascinating because it's pretty cool to have a family history. I love stories of pioneering to new places.

Scott has done just this. I was immersed in this story from the beginning.

I also loved that she tells the story from Anna Beth's point of view. I connected with her that way. Her thoughts, feelings came out across the pages to me loud and clear and Anna Beth being happy were all that mattered to me

Little Olivia stole my heart though. Cuteness overload.

I'm very happy to say that I used to live almost two hours away from Harlan one way and two hours from Edmondson Co. How cool is that?

I enjoy reading stories that use Kentucky or Ohio as a backdrop.

I really enjoyed this story and was sad to see it come to an end.

I'm still thinking about these characters long after the story is over.

The author has done a fabulous job in bringing back the people of the past.

My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca Duvall Scott is an accomplished author and the recipient of numerous awards. Her first published work and best-selling memoir, Sensational Kids, Sensational Families: Hope for Sensory Processing Differences, chronicles the research, interventions, and mindset shifts that successfully brought her family through her son’s SPD diagnosis. While she values her special needs initiative, her heart also belongs with Christian historical fiction. Her long-awaited novel, When Dignity Came to Harlan, is based on her great-grandmother’s childhood. Rebecca lives with her husband and their two children in Kentucky and plans to write more in both the Dignity and Sensational Kids series.

The Mulberry Leaf Whispers by Linda Thompson

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Mulberry Leaf Whispers by Linda Thompson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Mulberry Leaf Whispers 
Series: Brands from the Burning #2
Author: Linda Thompson
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: December 15, 2020
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

A WWII Japanese naval officer. The teenage daughter of a legendary Christian samurai. Three centuries separate them, but a crucial question binds their destinies together. 

Which lives have value? 

 In the highly anticipated sequel to her award-winning debut novel, The Plum Blooms in Winter, Linda Thompson provides a riveting story inspired by true events. 

"Splendid story!... Rivals Shogun with its sweeping story of passion and faith, of survival and hope.... Be prepared to be enriched, moved and deeply satisfied." - Jane Kirkpatrick, award-winning author of Something Worth Doing 

"Gorgeous... not-to-be-missed..." - Sarah Sundin, bestselling and Carol Award-winning author of When Twilight Breaks and the Sunrise at Normandy series 

1587. Bartered off in a peace agreement to the ancient enemies of her illustrious house, is Sono a war prize, a hostage, or a bride? One hope sustains her. If she can provide an heir to the dashing husband she just met, she'll ensure decades of peace for the beloved family she was forced to leave behind. But when a dark secret threatens her desperate bid to purchase their security, she must rise to a battle she never dreamed she'd fight. 

1942. Akira Matsuura’s naval vessel explodes under enemy fire. Everything he has lived for disappears in flames with it. His command, his crew, his future—all lost. Worse, his honor is eternally decimated. A prisoner’s life is of value to no one. Least of all to himself. But a stunning twist reveals his family’s secret shame. Can a long-buried truth provide the vital spark that reignites his will to

MY REVIEW

This is a hard to put down novel and my first by this author. One that I really enjoyed.

This new to me author has done a fabulous job with the time slip novel allowing me to travel back in time to WW2 Japan.

This story has it all, faith, love, hope and survival of the fittest.

There are secrets that threaten the peace and security that adds more excitement to the story.

Sometimes we must battle to keep the things we hold dear to us.

I loved these two women that time has separated but yet their courage, and the things they must sacrifice encourage us women to keep on going even today. I think that this book offers courage. Courage for what must be done I feel that everyone should read this book. This book is an excellent lesson for all of us.

My thanks to Just Reads tours for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Linda Thompson stepped back from a corporate career that spanned continents to write what she loves—stories of unstoppable faith. Her debut novel, The Plum Blooms in Winter, was a Cascade Award winner and a Christy- and Carol-Award finalist. Linda writes from the sun-drenched Arizona desert, where she lives with her husband, a third-generation airline pilot who is also her Chief Military Research Officer, one mostly-grown-up kid, and a small platoon of housecats. When Linda isn’t writing you’ll find her rollerblading—yes, that makes her a throwback—taking in a dramatic desert moonrise, or enjoying their first grandbaby.

CONNECT WITH LINDA:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of the soon-to-be-released audiobook for Linda’s award-winning debut novel, The Plum Blooms in Winter, her latest release, The Mulberry Leaf Whispers, in winner's choice of Kindle or paperback format, plus a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 4, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 11, 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

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Acres of Promise

(Single Again #2)

By Lisa Renée

Christian Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 208 Pages

January 1, 2020 by The Collaborative Press

Join the journey with Chantelle Anderson as she actions all in her power, to prevent her teenage son falling into a life of crime and drugs.

Along the way, in her vulnerable state, she struggles to find a suitable life partner. With the trials she's experiencing with her son, who'd want to take on the whole package? Unless, God intervenes and shows He hasn't forgotten Chantelle's desperate situation.

Acres of Promise is a beautiful story of how God restores what was lost and stolen, replacing it with more than we can ask or imagine.

Read the first six chapters free HERE.

Read an Excerpt from the book here:

“Man, you had us worried. And no wonder, you could’ve died in that car accident.” Andrew hugged him again. “We’re glad you’re safe.”

Noah clung onto him, and when he stood back, his wet cheek glistened.

That was all she needed to set her off. Her vision blurred, and she blinked away the tears, stepped in and hugged Noah. Andrew wrapped his arms around both of them. Then her body shook as the release came in full force. Too bad if she looked emotionally unstable. Her son nearly died, and now she had another chance to make things right between them.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | Book Depository

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

About the Author

Lisa Renée is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Omega Writers, Australia.

Lisa adores babies enough to have seven of her own. Recently, Lisa has taken up breeding Ragdoll cats instead of breeding humans.

The tribe lives in Australia, where Lisa and her husband enjoy their writing projects and publishing ventures.

Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive an ebook of the first book in the Single Again series, More Than a Second Chance and a $10 Amazon gift card (open internationally to those who can use one of Amazon's branches)

Ends January 20, 2021

ENTER HERE

The 2nd half of my 2020 reads. I found I wanted to add a few more to my list but I'm not going to be as descriptive this time. I wanted a different look so we'll see how it goes.

Amish fiction is my most favorite of all so here goes.

1. The Amish Christmas Miracle

2. The Amish Baker's Rival

3. The Amish Quiltmaker's Unexpected Baby

4. THE AMISH MIDWIFE'S HOPE

5. SOFTLY BLOWS THE BUGLE

6. THE BLENDED QUILT

7. PICTURE OF LOVE

8. PIECING IT ALTOGETHER

9. LIGHT SHINES ON PROMISE LODGE

10. LOVING JENNA

HISTORICAL FICTION

1. A GILDED LADY

2. LINE BY LINE

3. MOSAIC OF WINGS

4. THE SOCIALITE

5. AT LOVE's COMMAND

6. THE BOOK OF LOST FRIENDS

 7. UNYIELDING HOPE 

 8. VEILED IN SMOKE

9. OUT OF THE EMBERS

A FEW Of MY OTHER FAVORITES FOR 2020 THAT I REALLY ENJOYED

1. IF FOR ANY REASON

2. THE KEY TO LOVE

3. THE SOWING SEASON

4. SET THE STARS ALIGHT

5. HOW SWEET IT IS

6. THE HAPPY CAMPER

7. BEFORE I CALLED YOU MINE

THIS COMPLETES MY LIST FOR 2020. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT'S IN STORE FOR US READERS THIS COMING YEAR!