“Autumn Frost” by M.D. Schlatter, book review

“Autumn Frost” by M. D. Schlatter, Seasons of the Heart Series #1

Autumn has had to just handle life for so long, and now she is quite an expert.  Her world fell apart when her mother died, and her father just could not cope.  She had to grow up way to soon.  And now she is ready to just leave and start over.  Alone.

Lady Cannon needs help.  The future is fast approaching and little Summer, her grand-daughter needs a guardian.  Not just anyone, someone extremely special.  As she seeks God’s direction in locating the right person, Autumn applies for the job.  While it is a bit unconventional, it might just work.

Landon Michaels is an attorney and is fortunate to work for Lady Cannon.  He also begins to fall in love with Autumn, but must keep a professional front.

This is an interesting story with a type of fairy tale and real life mix.  The characters are genuine, and sometimes a little hard to believe.  The theme of love, honor and forgiveness are woven throughout the whole store.  I enjoyed the book.  It kept my interest and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book from the author, as a member of BookCrash.  All opinions expressed are my own.

The Mosaic Collection, lots of great books

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Mosaic Collection, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE COLLECTION

For His glory…
The Mosaic Collection is an international community of women authors who use faith-based fiction to touch hearts with the good news that Christ’s finished work on the cross has made us one family, and to nurture affection for the people God has placed within our circles of influence, so that the grace and glory of God may become visible and personal to everyone we meet.

…and our good
We are sisters, a beautiful mosaic united by the love of God through the blood of Christ. We have experienced the redemptive, restorative power of God’s grace in our marriages and families, and we believe our God is able to heal, restore and redeem our brokenness. His love fills us with the courage to persevere, and to offer others a Christ-like compassion that is full of His wisdom and grace.

Visit the Mosaic Collection Website to stay posted on each new release & follow the collection blog for meaningful posts from the authors!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stacy Monson is the award-winning author of The Chain of Lakes series, including Shattered Image, Dance of Grace, and The Color of Truth, as well as her newest release, Open Circle. Her stories reveal an extraordinary God at work in ordinary life. Residing in the Twin Cities, she is the wife of a juggling, unicycling physical education teacher, a proud mom, and doting grandma.

CONNECT WITH STACY: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Cornerstone message from the collection: Our identity is found first and foremost in God. Made in His image, we bear His DNA. We are fully, unconditionally loved by our Creator. While society tells us we don’t measure up, we aren’t good enough, we need to conform, God tells us we are loved exactly where we are being who we are. He invites us daily to walk with Him, look to Him for whatever needs we have, and to trust Him no matter what happens to or around us because He is always there for and with us. Despite the negative messages that rain over us, His message shines through – you are loved.

Here is a little info about the author to give you some insight into her personality.

Favorite place to read: outside on the deck in warm weather; in the bathtub in the evening; snuggled near the fireplace in cold weather

Favorite book character from childhood: Trixie Belden – she was spunky, brave, and fun (which I wasn’t)

Favorite movie: Price & Prejudice (Keira Knightley) and The Greatest Showman

Favorite quote or Bible verse: Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:14)

Winner will receive an ebook of:

• Where She Belongs
• Pieces of Granite
• Lifelines
• Christmas on a Mission
• Vigilant
• Other Side of the River
• The Third Grace
• Carolina Grace
• The Benefit Package (a devotional)
• Dance of Grace
• When Love Calls

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 10, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on July 24, 2019. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally, but international winner will receive a gift card only *(may be substituted for a Book Depository gift card if winner cannot accept from US Amazon)

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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See tour landing page for a complete list of authors & book release dates.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Ever Faithful” by Karen Barnett, book review

“Ever Faithful” A Vintage National Parks Novel by Karen Barnett, book review

1933-Elsie has grown up as the Ranger’s daughter in Yellowstone National Park.  While in high school she as worked as a pillow puncher in the lodge.  She continued to work in the park after her friends left for college, saving her money so she can attend college too.

The Depression has hit everyone hard, but those in big cities like New York, especially hard.  After the death of his older brother, Nate tries to keep the family together.  When his little brother gets in trouble, Nate tries to take the fall.  However, instead of sending him to jail, he gets Nate signed up for the CCC.  This takes him to Yellowstone National Park to be on the work crew.  After a few days, Nate sees this as a wonderful place to start over.  But he has a secret that he hopes to keep under wraps.

This is a wonderful story set in a really beautiful place!!  The author captured the times and the life situations of the characters well, and the reader quickly becomes involved in their story.  I enjoyed it very much.  This is part of the Vintage National Park Series, but each book stands alone, the common theme is that the story is set in a National Park.

Disclaimer:  I received an Advanced Reader’s copy of the book from the publisher, Waterbrook Press.  All opinions expressed are my own.

“Yours Truly, Thomas” by Rachel Fordham, book review

“Yours Truly, Thomas” by Rachel Fordham, book review

Penny reads mail everyday.  So many letters!  But none of them are addressed to her, personally.  Penny works in the dead letter office, where misdirected and incorrectly addressed letters and parcels end up.  Sometimes with a little detective style work, she can get the letter to the intended recipient.  In the mean time, she learns many interesting and sometimes very boring details of people’s lives.  Until the day she read a letter to Clara.

Thomas just has to get out of Alexandria!  So he joins a wagon train west.  Montana sounds like an place he can start over.  But when his axle breaks near Azure Springs, Iowa, he is forced to wait.  In the waiting, he writes to Clara, sharing details about his life and circumstances as well as expressing his feelings for her.

Penny and Thomas begin an unlikely friendship, when Penny searches for his precious Clara, only to discover she has died.

This is a wonderful story of forgiveness and new beginnings!  It is the second book in the series about folks who live in the fledgling town of Azure Springs, Iowa.  This book really stands alone, although some of the characters of the previous book show up.  There is a slight mystery, that in the end is solved by the characters in the story.  It is an easy read, great for the beach, pool side or plane ride of summer vacation.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of the book from the publisher, Revell.  All opinions expressed are my own.

“A Reluctant Belle” by Beth White, book review

“Reluctant Bell” by Beth White, The Daughery House Series, book review

The Civil War may be over, but the south especially is still dealing with so many issues that were caused by the war.  Men did not come home.  Houses, barns, farm , and property were destroyed.  But the southern folks are strong and the rebuilding has begun.

Joelle is working to restore her family’s plantation house into a resort hotel.  It is hard work, even for these strong southern belles.  At night, her real passion comes to life as she writes articles for the local paper regarding opening a school for Negro children.  This is not a popular stand to take in the south, and certainly not proper for a southern woman.  She she writes using a man’s name.  The articles are published.  But how long can she keep this all a secret?  And what will happen to her family if the truth becomes known?

This is a wonderful novel full of southern charm and history.  It is part of the Daughtry  House novel series.  I really enjoyed it.  It is perfect for summer reading on the plane or at the beach.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Revell.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 

“All Manner of Things” by Susie Finkbeiner, book review

“All Manner of Things” by Susie Finkbeiner

1967.  All the world is experiencing unrest, or so it seems to Annie.  She graduates from high school, but feels there is no money for college.  She is a waitress at the local diner.  Her older brother, Mike, enlists in the Army before he gets drafted.  Her younger brother, Joel, turns 14.  Her mother still works for the town doctor.

As the summer progresses, her elderly grandfather becomes too much for her grandmother to handle, and one evening just wonders off.  Everyone searches for him, and thankfully, he is found relatively unharmed.  After a couple of days in the hospital, he peacefully passes.  But then, Annie feels compelled to contact Frank, her father, who left 12 years ago.

When Frank arrives, no one quite knows how to handle it.  The news is full of race riots in Detroit, and racial tensions are felt even in the diner.

This is a coming of age story of Annie, as she navigates family, race, educational, economic and political issues, all from her small Michigan town.  While at first glance, this may seem boring, it is not.  The story is quite believable and gives the reader some insight into how people felt during this time.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Revell.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 

“Living Lies” by Natalie Walters

Living Lies by Natalie Walters, Harbor Secrets series

The title and cover give a good hint of the topic of this new novel by Natalie Walters.  Lies and secrets.  Both are just about to cripple our main character, Lane.  She returns home to the small town in Georgia following the death of her husband, with her five year old son.  She just wants to blend in, rest and heal.  But that does not work, as she finds a dead body!  Now she must interact with so many people, including the new deputy, Charlie Lynch.  Together, they work to find the truth about this murder.

This is a suspense filled book, with a lot of details shared about the murder, Lane’s anxiety and depression.  It is not a light read, but is very purposeful and through, with a hint of mystery and romance.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Revell.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 

“Wooing Cadie McCaffrey” by Bethany Turner, book review

“Wooing Cadie McCaffrey” by Bethany Turner, book review

Caddie has been with her boyfriend, Will, for four years.  FOUR YEARS!!  When is enough,  enough?  She has about decided that it is time to end it.  But Will has other ideas.  He turns to his guy friends and they all share their best “keep the girl” strategies and he tries them.  How will this all turn out?

This is a humor filled novel that is great for summer reading, taking to the beach or on the plane ride home.  Author Bethany Turner is a master at getting us to love the characters and want just the best for them.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Revell.  All opinions expressed are my own.

“The Number of Love” by Rosanna M. White, book review

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White with JustRead Publicity Tours! Follow along with the tour for a special inside peek at how The Number of Love is connected to the author’s previous book from another series, A Song Unheard.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Number of Love
Series: Codebreakers #1
Author: Roseanna M. White
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: June 4, 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Intrigue

Three years into the Great War, England’s greatest asset is their intelligence network—field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy that just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the too-intelligent Margot, but how to convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?

Amidst biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them, but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save them all from the very secrets that brought them together.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | ChristianBook

 

My opinion of the book:  I really enjoyed this book.  When reading for pleasure, I enjoy books that have great character development, and this is the case here.  The author gives to much insight into the characters, their personalities and struggles.  But at the same time, the characters are so believable.  This book is the first in the series, but contains characters from the author’s previous three book series.  While the book stands alone, it will be so much more enjoyable if you read the others.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 

Except from the book:

Duty done, Margot spun away.

And nearly collided with Lieutenant Elton, who was, inexplicably, right behind her rather than where he’d been a moment before, two steps to the left. She sucked in a breath and sidestepped him. “Excuse me.”

He slid in front of her again. “Belgian?”

She lifted her brows. Her accent was scarcely noticeable anymore, she’d thought. Not nearly so pronounced as Lukas’s or Maman’s. Her English was as fluent as her French had ever been. She even dreamed in it, most of the time.

And what business was it of his? “Antarctican.” She prepared herself to stalk away . . . but there was something about the grin he gave her. Something that said he appreciated her answer.

Margot sighed. She’d always been drawn to anyone who actually enjoyed her sense of humor. She supposed she could stand to be friendly. For a minute, before her exhaustion fully caught up with her.

He held out a hand. “I’m Drake Elton. Have you a name?”

She blinked. It was a question stupid enough that it should have made her itchy. But he’d smiled at her Antarctica quip, so she’d keep playing along. “No, my parents forgot to give me one. It’s a great tragedy. I’ve been answering to ‘you, girl’ all my life.”

 

Title: A Song Unheard
Series: Shadows Over England #2
Author: Roseanna M. White
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: January 2, 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Intrigue

Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which make her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.

Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he’s won—until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father’s work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is in meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.

But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn’t—that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | ChristianBook

 

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself.

Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.

CONNECT WITH ROSEANNA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

Grand Prize: Shadows Over England series, The Number of Love, and the Decrypto board game, plus “Mi Alma” necklace (Necklace is 24″ chain with a 1″ pendant that says “Mi Alma” Spanish for “My Soul”. A term of endearment used throughout the book. Handmade by Bookworm Mama)

(3) additional winners of The Number of Love.

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight June 3, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm June 17, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

“A Song Unheard” by Roseanna M. White, book review

 

“A Song Unheard” by Roseanna M. White, book review

During war times people have to adjust and do extraordinary things to just stay alive.  This is the basis of this novel by Roseanna M. White.  One of the central characters is Willa.  She was abandoned as a child and forced to live on the streets.  She quickly found other street kids and they formed a “family.”  Living by their whits, they survived.  They became quite good at stealing and pick pocketing.  Now with the war, they have found a job working for the government, using their skills.

Willa is a talented player of the violin.  While she has never had formal lessons, she has taught herself to play and read music.  This gives her so much joy.

Another character in this book is Margot De Wilde.  She is the younger sister of Lukas, and has an extraordinary talent for numbers.  Her father recognized her talent early on and fostered her love for learning and mathematics.   Now with the war on, Margot has a secret weapon.  Actually, she is the secret weapon.  She is able to quickly decode numeric codes used by the enemy to send messages.  Both sides will stop at nothing to get their hands on her.

My thoughts on the book:  I enjoyed it.  The characters were developed well and the author really drew me into the story.  I kept reading when I should have put the book down to get chores done, as I wanted to make sure the character would be ok.  I look forward to reading the next book in this series.  This is the second book in the Shadows over England series, but I have not read book 1.  I am sure the story would be more interesting, had I read book 1, but it was quite enjoyable as a stand alone.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White with JustRead Publicity Tours!

Follow along with the tour for a special inside peek at how The Number of Love is connected to the author’s previous book from another series, A Song Unheard.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Number of Love

Series: Codebreakers #1

Author: Roseanna M. White

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: June 4, 2019

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Intrigue

Three years into the Great War, England’s greatest asset is their intelligence network—field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy that just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the too-intelligent Margot, but how to convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?

Amidst biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them, but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save them all from the very secrets that brought them together.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | ChristianBook

 

Title: A Song Unheard

Series: Shadows Over England #2

Author: Roseanna M. White

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: January 2, 2018

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Intrigue

Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which make her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.

Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he’s won—until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father’s work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is in meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.

But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn’t—that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | ChristianBook

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself.

Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.

CONNECT WITH ROSEANNA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

Grand Prize: Shadows Over England series, The Number of Love, and the Decrypto board game, plus “Mi Alma” necklace (Necklace is 24″ chain with a 1″ pendant that says “Mi Alma” Spanish for “My Soul”. A term of endearment used throughout the book. Handmade by Bookworm Mama)

(3) additional winners of The Number of Love.

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight June 3, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm June 17, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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