A Daughter's Truth by Laura Bradford

ABOUT THE BOOK

Emma Lapp tries to be the perfect daughter, to earn the loving embrace of her family and her Amish community in Pennsylvania. Yet she can't quite win her mother's smile--or her forgiveness for a transgression Emma can't quite place . . .

Emma knows she's the source of her mother's greatest sorrow, having been born on the same day Mamm lost her beloved sister. The one bright spot has been the odd trinkets anonymously left at her aunt's grave each year on Emma's birthday--gifts Emma secretly hides because they upset her parents. But the day she turns 22, a locket bears a surprise that sends her on an unexpected journey . . .

Searching for answers, Emma travels to the English world and finds a kinship as intriguing as it is forbidden. But is this newfound connection enough to leave behind the future she'd expected? The answers are as mysterious, and as devastating, as the truth that divides Emma from the only family, and the only life, she's ever known . . . 

MY REVIEW

This is soooooooo gooooooood!!!! I feel that I can relate to Emma in so many ways. Her thoughts, feelings and especially on finding out the truth on who you really are. 
I really don't want to say much about this review because I don't want to give anything away. 
This is the 2nd book that I've read by this author and I think that so far this one will be my favorite!!
I think I"ll end my review here. I just can't wait for y'all to read this!! I recommend this for all my friends who were adopted because I think this will sum up our feelings perfectly!! 
A well rounded out story with awesome characters and we all know that Emma will be my favorite person!! 
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. No compensations were received and all opinions are my own!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

While spending a rainy afternoon at a friend's house nearly forty years ago, Laura Bradford fell in love with writing over a stack of blank paper, a box of crayons, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil.

Those early attempts at the craft had her writing and illustrating stories for young children. Wise beyond her years, Laura saved her first writing attempt in a hand decorated shoe box (complete with sparkly stickers) and moved on to her next idea. Her second book—O’Casey’s Wish—was so utterly brilliant, she sent it off to a well-known New York publishing house at the tender age of ten, confident she was on the verge of becoming the next Don Freeman (Corduroy) or Shel Silverstein (Giving Tree). 

Months later, she received her first form letter rejection.

While she wasn’t of the mindset to save that first crushing blow for posterity, Laura did save the original copy of this particular literary masterpiece in the event the letter was a mistake. 

Desperate to prove her flexibility as a writer, Laura soon found herself dabbling in jokes (for her Girl Scout troop’s newsletter), stories of angst (a somewhat autobiographical look at her teenage years), movie reviews (for the Xavier University Newswire), and countless news and feature articles (for newspapers in CT, SC, TN, and MO). 

It wasn’t until Laura was home raising children of her own though, that she was finally able to dust off that rainy day dream and bring it back to its original form—writing fiction. Today, she is a bestselling mystery author with Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin Publishing), and an award winning romance author with Harlequin American. She lives in New York with her family. 

Oh, and if you meet Laura at a book event in the future, ask her about O’Casey’s Wish. It tends to travel with her everywhere she goes.

The Memory House by Rachel Hauck

ABOUT THE BOOK

Embracing the future means remembering the past . . . 

When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that either.

Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share.

Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.  

"Accomplished Hauck demonstrates genre finesse as she blends inspirational romance with a cinematic style of storytelling, bringing empathic characters to life as they cope with grief in marriage and faithfulness, parenthood and adoption, death and tragedy. Challenging decisions, the blessing of finding love again, and the solace of a beautiful Victorian home all come together in this spellbinding, lovely novel." —Booklist 

MY REVIEW

I'm going to agree with quite a few other people. I don't know how this author or quite a few others that can write a duo time line and get away with it, plus add a spot of mystery and action within!

Rachel is a wonderful writer that can really make u feel like you are there with the NYPD Beck and Bruno.

When you read this story at first you're like what does present have to do with past? I loved reading this book to see how they weaved together!!

Beck and Bruno were truly amazing characters!! The author has brought them to life and I hated saying goodbye to them! They were like my best friends!!

A truly remarkable book!!

I received this copy from Netgalley No compensations were received and all opinions are my own!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times, USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Rachel Hauck writes from sunny central Florida.

A RITA finalist and winner of Romantic Times Inspirational Novel of the Year, and Career Achievement Award, she writes vivid characters dealing with real life issues.

New York Times, USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Rachel Hauck writes from sunny central Florida.

A RITA finalist and winner of Romantic Times Inspirational Novel of the Year, and Career Achievement Award, she writes vivid characters dealing with real life issues.

Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was made into an original Hallmark movie.

She loves to hear from readers. She also loves to encourage new writers and sits on the Executive Board of American Christian Fiction Writers.. 

A graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Journalism, Rachel is an avid OSU football fan. She hopes to one day stand on the sidelines in the Shoe with Ryan Day.

Visit her web site to find out more and click on the icons to follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was made into an original Hallmark movie.

She loves to hear from readers. She also loves to encourage new writers and sits on the Executive Board of American Christian Fiction Writers.. 

A graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Journalism, Rachel is an avid OSU football fan. She hopes to one day stand on the sidelines in the Shoe with Ryan Day.

Visit her web site to find out more and click on the icons to follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

ABOUT THE BOOK

As war approaches in 1939 Abby Stapleton’s safety is under threat. Her father, a British diplomat, insists she go back to America until the danger passes. Abby vows to return to her home in London—but where is home? With her family facing mortal danger so far away and feeling herself isolated, she finds it hard to pray or read the Bible. Did she leave God behind in war-torn London too? Abby becomes friendly with Jim, a gardener on her uncle’s estate.Jim can’t get Abby out of his mind. Did she have a sweetheart in England? Was it foolish to think she’d consider him? He curses his poverty and the disgrace of his father’s desertion and drunkenness haunts him. Can he learn to believe in love for alifetime and to hope for a happy marriage?Abby couldn’t know the war would last a long time, nor that she would fall in love withJim—soon to be drafted by the U.S. Army—or that she’d have to confront Henri, a rejected suitor, determined by his lies to ruin her reputation and destroy her faith in God’s providence. Will she discover the true meaning of home and find happiness with Jim? 

MY REVIEW

I really enjoyed this book. I truly love helping out new authors with their debut novels.

This one is no exception! 

Pat has done her research well and was able to make me travel back in time to World War 1. She was able to make me hear the sounds of the war and sometimes those sounds were able to make the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.

I love Jim and Abby!! I laughed at Abby at the way she did things sometimes because I'm the same way!! 

The Way of Glory by Patricia J. Boomsa

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The Way of Glory by Patricia J. Boomsma

Publication Date: November 14, 2018

Edeleboom Books

eBook & Paperback; 390 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

ABOUT THE BOOK

Cate, a teenage girl from twelfth century England, joins her brothers and aunt on a crusade to save Jerusalem that stops in Hispania to battle the Moors. Life on a battlefield strains the family’s closeness as they confront the terror and contradictions of holy war. Cate’s dreams of sainthood change to those of a husband and children when she falls in love with a soldier, but she finds no peace even after the family settles on land taken from the Moors. Cate’s friendship with a conquered Moor soon leads to impossible choices as she faces the cost of betrayal and the loss of all she’s known.

Praise for The Way of Glory

"One of the many impressive things about The Way of Glory is how lightly it wears its scrupulous research. This fine novel invites you to lose yourself to the compelling character and tumultuous life of a young woman trying to find God and love at the heart of a crusade rooted in greed and hate. This is a remarkable debut by a writer to watch." -Naeem Murr, author of The Perfect Man "The Way of Glory convincingly portrays a place, a time, and a people vastly different from our own. Historical fiction is a fantastically difficult genre to get right, but Pat Boomsma manages it with aplomb." -Pinckney Benedict, author of Dogs of God "The Way of Glory is a riveting read from first page to last, as it expertly traces the trajectories of several compelling characters caught up in the Crusades. As the protagonist, Cate will steal your heart; she's as complex a fourteen-year-old as you will ever meet, and the fate she struggles against is a complicated and often frightening vortex of forces, made ever richer by the intense evocation and very thoughtful depictions. This is a remarkable novel." -Fred Leebron, author of Welcome to Christiania

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MY REVIEW

This was an ok read. The historical part was really good!! The author made me feel like I was inside the chapel looking up at the ceilings. I could hear the crowds milling about and I could actually see young Cate and her brother Willard.

Cate is a very strong and courageous young woman. I was rooting for her and Aunt Mary through the whole story.

I was like Cate headstrong in her ways and rushing into things instead of listening to others. Sometimes it got her into trouble and I'm glad she finally learned the hard way.

Some of the male names I had a hard time pronouncing. But I still enjoyed the storyline.

I liked getting out of my comfort zone. 

I gave this 4 stars because I felt some of the scenes were drug out too long while others were just wonderful.

I received this book from the publisher with no compensations received. All opinions opinions are my own

About the Author

I grew up in a far southwestern suburb of Chicago among the trees and sloughs of the Cook County Park District, then attended college in Michigan. After graduating, I dreamed of an academic life teaching English literature and began a Ph.D. program at Purdue University. There I concentrated on medieval studies, receiving a Master's and continuing on for four more years before realizing that no one I knew was finding a permanent, let alone tenure-track, position. So, instead of writing my dissertation I went to law school. I moved to Arizona to escape the brutal midwestern winters and have been practicing law there for over thirty years. My first novel, The Way of Glory, is, in part, an extension of my love for all things medieval.

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Blog Tour Schedule

Friday, March 15 Interview at The Book Connection Saturday, March 16 Feature at Maiden of the Pages Monday, March 18 Guest Post at Historical Fiction with Spirit Tuesday, March 19 Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views Wednesday, March 20 Guest Post at Among the Reads Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads Friday, March 22 Review at Locks, Hooks and Books Excerpt at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots Saturday, March 23 Feature at CelticLady's Reviews Monday, March 25 Review at History from a Woman’s Perspective Tuesday, March 26 Feature at Coffee and Ink Review at Red Headed Book Lady Thursday, March 28 Feature at Passages to the Past Saturday, March 30 Review at Impressions In Ink

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we will be giving away a paperback copy of  The Way of Glory! To enter, please use the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on March 19th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open to the US & Canada only. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. The Way of Glory

ABOUT THE BOOK

As war approaches in 1939 Abby Stapleton’s safety is under threat. Her father, a British diplomat, insists she go back to America until the danger passes. Abby vows to return to her home in London—but where is home? With her family facing mortal danger so far away and feeling herself isolated, she finds it hard to pray or read the Bible. Did she leave God behind in war-torn London too? Abby becomes friendly with Jim, a gardener on her uncle’s estate.Jim can’t get Abby out of his mind. Did she have a sweetheart in England? Was it foolish to think she’d consider him? He curses his poverty and the disgrace of his father’s desertion and drunkenness haunts him. Can he learn to believe in love for alifetime and to hope for a happy marriage?Abby couldn’t know the war would last a long time, nor that she would fall in love withJim—soon to be drafted by the U.S. Army—or that she’d have to confront Henri, a rejected suitor, determined by his lies to ruin her reputation and destroy her faith in God’s providence. Will she discover the true meaning of home and find happiness with Jim? 

MY REVIEW

I enjoyed this book. But then again I enjoy any historical book where I can learn new things about our past that I never knew about. I love how the author can make the past come alive for us readers.

Pat has done a remarkable job in doing her research and is a wonderful storyteller! 

Jim and Abby are proof of that.

I love how Abby does things sometimes because she's just like me in that regard. I love her too for being a red head. After all, us redheads have to stick together!! 

Jim is ok too. I think I like him. He's handsome and perfect for Abby.

I love to read debut books and helping out new authors. I look forward to reading what the book has to offer. I especially like books about history. We're never too old to learn something new!! 

I just love the cover of this book!! It never ceases to amaze me how they can come up with some awesome covers!! 

Love is a strange thing. It can sneak up on you or sometimes if you're meant to be together it has a way of working out whether our folks want it to or not. Love can happen anywhere even in the midst of a war!  

Abby's aunt is ok. I almost feel kind of sorry for her but in a way I still like her. She's a good supporting character. I think in a way I'll always remember. I think it's because of her tough love for Abby and taking care of Abby even tho she didn't really want to. Abby's aunt is just like me in ways too!! I can always tell when something is out of place lol!! Especially one of my books!! 

Uncle Willard is special. He understand Abby. I think I would want him to be my uncle for sure!! I can see him smile and hear him laugh even now. 

Y'all there's a special surprise at the end of this book but I won't tell you what it is because I want you to pick it up and read it. 

I will reread this book again because I love the events that surround it. I received a copy of this book with no compensations received and all opinions are my own!! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pat writes from her home in Philadelphia, Pa. She enjoys gardening, genealogy research and travelling with her husband. Her work appeared in Guideposts, The Lookout, Bible Advocate, Faith & Family, GRIT Magazine, Ruby For Women Magazine, A Woman Saved Online Magazine, Sasee Magazine, Woman Alive and Chicken Soup for the Soul books.

Pat writes historical inspirational novels and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Historical Novel Society. Her debut historical romance novel “When Valleys Bloom Again” released in February 2019 with Elk Lake Publishing. This story is set in America, England, and France during the dark days of World War II. She loves to hear from her readers. 

Please visit her at https://www.patjeannedavis.com While there sign up for her newsletter with updates and contests. 

Far Side of the Sea by Katie Breslin

ABOUT THE BOOK

In spring 1918, Lieutenant Colin Mabry, a British soldier working with MI8 after suffering injuries on the front, receives a message by carrier pigeon. It is from Jewel Reyer, the woman he once loved and who saved his life--a woman he believed to be dead. Traveling to France to answer her urgent summons, he desperately hopes this mission will ease his guilt and restore the courage he lost on the battlefield.

Colin is stunned, however, to discover the message came from Jewel's half sister, Johanna. Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence, found Jewel's diary and believes her sister is alive in the custody of a German agent. With spies everywhere, Colin is skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust begins to grow between them.

When their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot, danger and deception turn their search for answers into a battle for their lives 

MY REVIEW

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Katie did not disappoint. I love her writing and the research that goes into making a wonderful story.

I loved the lessons and Spiritual messages that are in this book.

There is also action that will make you reel and that is what I like. 

Pigeons are annoying. I do not like them because if you're under one or if they fly over you they will poop on you. However; from this book I learned differently even though they're still annoying to me. 

I love Colin and Johanna. Even though Colin sort of annoyed me. I'd still like to have him as my protector.

I love how the author shows us that even men can be vulnerable too at times. It just shows that they're human.

Johanna is a woman after my own heart. I love her adventurous side. At least she didn't scream like Spiderman's dumb girlfriend did at everything. Johanna knew what needed to be done and went after it.

I had fun reading this book. I went after a copy from Netgalley since my book hasn't gotten here yet. My nose was hurting me to see what was inside lol. Thank you Netgalley!

I like how God closes one door and opens another even though that may not be what we want. Sometimes what he does is better!! 

And yes, it can hurt but with time who knows what adventures lie ahead!!

I strongly recommend this book.

I received a copy from Netgalley and no compensation were received. All opinions are my own!! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Former bookseller-turned-author Kate Breslin enjoys life in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and family. A writer of travel articles and award-winning poetry, Kate received Christian Retailing's 2015 Best Award for First Time Author and her first novel, For Such A Time, won American Christian Fiction Writers 2015 Carol Award. Kate's third novel, High As The Heavens, released in June, 2017. When she's not writing inspirational fiction, Kate enjoys reading or taking long walks in Washington's beautiful woodlands. She also likes traveling to new places, both within the U.S. and abroad, having toured Greece, Rome, and much of Western Europe. New destinations make for fresh story ideas. Please visit her at www.katebreslin.com

The White City by Grace Hitchcock

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mysterious Disappearances Taint the Chicago World’s Fair

Step into True Colors -- a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for bodyguard.

Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim

MY REVIEW

I love historical novels that use the Chicago World's fair as a backdrop.

Can you imagine the crowds that visited it daily?! Wow!!

Since I'm assuming that this is her debut novel she has done an amazing job with her research and has excellent characters that are well suited to the story.

Winnifred is a girl after my own heart!! She's in my opinion in the wrong time and place and I admire her for that. She's bold and beautiful which is a definite no no for socialites. S

someone very special loves her for who she is. I love that in a man dont you?

In some ways Jude aggravated me

He aggravated me because he didn't see what was in front of him.

The way I see it, if two people are meant to be together and if it's God's will then other people shouldn't step in the way of God's bigger picture.

I really don't think I could handle being Winifred. I see why she did what she did in some places of the book. She didn't like the Socialites on her class. Way too stuck up for me!!

I love the who done it because it makes for an interesting story and you will want to keep reading until you do find out.

I didn't think I'd like story when I first opened the book but now I"m glad I did!! You won't believe who done the crime!! It will rock your socks!! 

Wow ! I just loved this book!! Well done Grace!! Keep em coming!! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and no compensations were received. All opinions are my own!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Grace Hitchcock is the author of The White City and The Gray Chamber from Barbour Publishing. She has written multiple novellas in The Second Chance Brides, The Southern Belle Brides, and the Thimbles and Threads collections with Barbour Publishing. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in southern Louisiana with her husband, Dakota, and son. Visit Grace online at GraceHitchcock.com.