Saturday, December 15, 2018

Book Tour Grand Finale for Starving Hearts and Never Past Hope By Janine Mendenhall


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Starving Hearts and Never Past Hope
By Janine Mendenhall

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

Hello, bloggers and readers alike!

Many blessings to you and yours during this festive time of year! It's so encouraging to share this message of true love and forgiveness in Never Past Hope, Book #2 of my triangular trade trilogy, especially during the holidays. Besides a great Christmas scene including a little boy and a golden retriever-like puppy similar to mine, the story has some pretty serious struggles and conflict, and it may not be for the faint of heart...

Remembrancy - Excerpt from Starving Hearts

Argument between Annette and her mother regarding chaperon/arranged marriage

“No.” Mother turned and rubbed her chin, deep in thought. Calculating? What was she thinking? Planting her fists firmly on her waist, Mother returned with a fierce gaze. “My decision remains unchanged. No chaperon, no ball. And do not ask again. You know what could happen.”

“But Miss Haack will be there, as will you and Uncle and Aunt. Please, Mother, with everyone present, I thought I—”

“—Could find that extraordinary being you described some weeks ago? The charitable gentleman, who will overlook your faults and rescue you from the prison in which you believe you live?” Annette blinked and swallowed hard.


"From the first page, the reader's interest is immediately drawn into the tale. The adventure and intrigue continue mounting until the very end of the book. [Starving Hearts] is an outstanding, well-written story, during the time of abolition and beginning reformation. It, also, addresses he ignorance concerning some of the health issues and treatment of that time period." - Starving Hearts

"...it was still very well-written and the story line is quite creative. The adventure never ceases, although the "pace" of the tale is a little slower in this book. " - Never Past Hope

Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt from Starving Hearts

NOTE: In the forest, Peter finds Annette and her sketchbook filled with sketches of him. 

He stopped pacing and looked down at her. Was it Providence? Had the Lord something in mind by bringing them together once more? Peter seated himself on the bench. “It’s of no consequence. You needn’t apologize.” How he wanted to take her hands in his and tell her how many times he had thought of her since their last missed encounter. Oh, how he wanted to ask all of his questions, but he didn’t. 

“You needn’t be dishonest again. I have upset you, as it seems I am in the habit of doing.”

Splashes of Joy - Reviews

"Over all, this was an interesting and intriguing story to read. And really good writing for the author for a debut novel. There’s a lot going on in this book, many twists and turns that are not expected, making the book more entertaining, and keeping the interest of the reader to want to keep reading to find out what is on the next page." - Starving Hearts

"All in all, this book was a better read than the first, I think. . . . [if] you love a good Regency novel to engulf in, I would recommend “Never Past Hope” for your reading enjoyment!" - Never Past Hope

Simply Kelina - Spotlight

Handcrafted Reviews - Excerpt from Starving Hearts

Sketchbook scene closing

Torn between captivation and shock, Peter watched her put the sketchbook back inside her bag and slip the strap over her head. Then she looked up at him again.

“I told you, no one else knows about them. And they never will.” 

“Indeed.” 

“You do not trust me?” 

“That is not the issue.”

Reading Is My SuperPower - Excerpt from Never Past Hope

Miss Mary Hope Adsley should have kept her eyes on the door. She could see her bedchamber just a few steps down the hall, and candles lit the passage with its plush carpet and gold-leafed wall coverings. Except as she and Mother moved arm-in-arm, Mary Hope became distracted and glanced up at the ceiling.

Good heavens, even the shadows? She clenched her teeth. Lord, please hasten Mamá. I must get to my room. Because on this most dreadful day, the very shadows above mocked her, jeering and leaping overhead and along the walls, dancing as though in wicked delight.

At the threshold of the shelter Mary Hope so urgently required, Mother hesitated. “I suppose we are alone, again, except for the servants. They are still here—for now.”

Deal Sharing Aunt - Reviews

"This was an interesting read, I loved the time period and it was fun to get to know these characters." - Starving Hearts

"I liked that Mary thought she was destined to be with Steven and wanted to stand by him. When everyone else thought he was guilty, she was willing to defend him, and that is true love. Stephen's past and Mary's determination made for an interesting read." - Never Past Hope

Teatime and Books - Excerpt from Never Past Hope

Opening Scene (continued)

Mary Hope’s vision blurred as she slipped into her room. The metallic click of the bolt locking was her signal. Finally, she dropped her pretense, and all her gentle words and kind smiles, those nods and whispered reassurances—lies, every one of them—fell away. She staggered to the wing-backed chair by the fire, collapsing and pulling its woolen coverlet down around her shoulders, then huddling against its cushioned corner.

Sputtering, she tried to control the ache of her shattered heart, but she could not. The saintly lady of means, Miss Mary Hope Adsley, with all her self-assurance and poise, felt as if she was drowning, and she could not imagine how things could improve by morning.

Min Reads and Reviews - Spotlight

Reading On The Edge - Excerpt from Never Past Hope

Stephen’s Reaction to Mary Hope visiting him in prison

Steven worked to stop the coughing as her lingering touch penetrated deep into his soul.

“Mr. Likebridge, you needn’t distress yourself so,” she encouraged. “All will be well.”

A whisper of concern. He noticed it under her gentle words. Of course, she would worry. She was always so sympathetic. But this wretched coughing, he must stop it. What if she took ill?


"Starving Hearts is a good beginning to the Triangular Trade Trilogy. I absolutely loved Annette and Peter. The story has some mystery and suspense. I mostly appreciated the historical details and found them to be quite interesting." - Starving Hearts

"I thought this was a pretty good read. I enjoyed Mary and Steven’s story. I had no problems wanting to keep turning the pages to see where they were headed to next." - Never Past Hope

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

Starving Hearts
(Triangular Trade Trilogy #1)
By Janine Mendenhall
Christian Historical Romantic Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 300 Pages
May 16th 2016 by Heritage Beacon Fiction

Carol Award Finalist
Selah Award Finalist

Plagued by nightmares, Annette yearns to find her anonymous rescuer — the man who saved her life from a near deadly assault. Deep inside she is starving for companionship and a mutually respectful relationship. When Mr. Peter Adsley, an abolitionist pastor dealing with his own emotional baggage, agrees to a clandestine meeting, the event appears providential. But self-doubt, deception, and the schemes of a mutual enemy threaten to keep the pair apart. A phantom adversary will stop at nothing to win Annette’s dowry for himself, even if it means killing Peter.

Praise for the Book

"Not only is this a delightful regency romance but it is also suspense filled mystery of the very best kind." - Amazon Review

"The author did a great job, maybe too great a job, describing the slave scenes. Spine tingling and suspenseful. I was biting my nails throughout much of this book." - Amazon Review


Never Past Hope
(Triangular Trade Trilogy #2)
By Janine Mendenhall
Christian Historical Romantic Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 308 Pages
September 10th 2018 by Heritage Beacon Fiction

Miss Mary Hope Adsley always considered herself to be the sensible one. But now, her sensibilities are unraveling around a man she thought she knew. After he attempted to marry her best friend—for money, no less—authorities charge Sir Steven Likebridge with masquerading as a gentleman and abduction. With his execution days away, Mary Hope desperately seeks to learn the truth about the man she loves.

Will the truth turn out to be worse than his lies?

Praise for the Book

"I thoroughly enjoyed this clean, historical fiction. . . enjoyed most that it is not the usual presentation of a regency novel." - Amazon Review

"A lovely story that shows how despicable each of us can be and yet God not only still loves us, but He was willing to die for us." - Amazon Review


About the Author


I love losing myself somewhere in time with Downton AbbeyPride and Prejudice or a number of other classics like Jane Eyre and Redeeming Love. I cry over most things Nicholas Sparks (because they usually end sadly) and Amazing Grace, both the movie and the hymn, because they lead to the Ultimate happily ever after.


Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive an Emerald Crown (picture is an example, may not be the same crown)Evening Khaki Lace Wrap, and a print copy of Starving Hearts
- US only
- Ends December 19, 2018

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Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Through the Autumn Air by Kelly Irvin



Book Description


The third book in the beloved Every Amish Season series by bestselling author, Kelly Irvin.

"Kelly Irvin’s Through the Autumn Air is a poignant journey of friendship and second chances that will illustrate for readers that God blesses us with a true love for all seasons." —Amy Clipston, bestselling author of Room on the Porch Swing

The past filled her mind even as her heart yearned for stories yet to be told . . .

The mother of ten and a widow of seven years, Mary Katherine is a bundle of energy, always willing to step in and help her friends around her Amish community. Now that her last child is married, she pours her abundant creative spirit into writing stories, even as she speaks aloud to her late husband every day. Her dream is to open a bookstore with an English friend, but the church elders want this wayward widow to work in an Amish-owned store instead. When her old school friend, Ezekiel, offers her a position as a cook in the restaurant he opened after his wife died, she knows she should accept. But does she really want to spend her time working over a hot stove?

When a mysterious English stranger breaks into her house to make himself a sandwich one autumn night, Mary Katherine doesn’t call the sheriff. She turns to Ezekiel. They both see that Burke is need of more than a meal, and Ezekiel offers him the job at the restaurant.

As they set out to care for their new friend, Mary Katherine and Ezekiel find themselves often working together. Mary Katherine is drawn to Ezekiel, but she remembers the terrible risk of giving her heart to someone. Can two people in the autumns of their lives and so well-versed in the pain of loss put the past behind them and trust in the hope that comes with each new season?

“A moving and compelling tale . . . that reminds us how we become strongest in our most broken moments.” —Library Journal review of Upon a Spring Breeze.

My Review

Mary Katherine has been raising her family of 10 children since becoming a widow. Mary loved books, loves storytelling, was always very active and loved helping others.  Ezekiel is also widowed, and owns a diner that keeps him very busy. When a strange thing happened in her home, of course she wanted to help, so she talks  Ezekiel into working the stranger that came into her home, hungry, a job. As these two worked together helping their friend, attracting begin to develop between the two. But did Mary really want a relationship?

Again, Kelly Irvin always writes Amish fiction that her readers will love and adore, and this book is no different. I will say it did take me a little while getting into this book, but no stress, it will soon turn into the usually Kelly Irvin Amish story we all love. The characters are wonderful, and you will find yourself enjoying them more and more as the story goes on. If you enjoy a good Amish story, this third book in the Every Amish Season series. And I strongly encourage you to pick up books one and two to read as well, for many hours of enjoyment and entertainment. 

This book was given to me by BookLook Bloggers to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.





Monday, December 3, 2018

Holiday Amnesia by Lynette Eason

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With no memory, who can she trust?
A deadly Christmas in Wrangler's Corner
Robin Hardy survived an explosion in her university lab - but her memories are gone. With danger lurking behind every Christmas tree, she needs shelter from the attackers she can't identify. She'll trust fellow professor Toby Potter to safely hide her away. But when his secrets come between them, the truth could mean the difference between life and death this holiday season.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 
Another wow book from Lynette Eason. And don’t let Love Inspired stop you from reading this. Sadly I’ve heard people that don’t read LI and they sure don’t know what they are missing! This is on of the best from Ms. Eason! I stayed most of the night reading Holiday Amnesia because I didn’t want to put it down until it was finished.
Robin Hardy survived a shooting and an explosion at the University lab she was working. But when the FBI guy working in the case involving her got to her, he heard a hit for her life, and to make things worse, she couldn’t remember the last 6 months of her life. Who wanted Robin dead and why?
This is such an amazing story full of thrills and lots of emotions of all kinds. Since Robin couldn’t remember, she wasn’t sure she could trust Toby, but she had no choice. Someone wanted he off the planet, and she had no where to go, no means of supporting herself. But everywhere they went to hideout, someone attacks, is it an inside job? Are there dirty law enforcements inside hunting Robin down?
One thing for sure, this story takes readers on a chase they will long remember. At some point I get impatient and think, why don’t you just get this person any way you can? I mean can’t they shoot their tires out or shoot them to hurt not kill when they are chasing on foot? But then I realize there wouldn’t be any fun reading a book that’s half the pages, and no fun in reading all of the chases and different ways the evil people work. So I realize I don’t know it all! And I love all it all!!
Another thing I love about Ms. Easons Books is the way she weaves the Christian life in the lives of her characters. I don’t always mention this, but it’s why I love Christian fiction so much! And an author that can do this and not sound preachy is a professional that does her job well!
This is a really good Christmas fiction to read! I highly recommend Holiday Amnesia! I received this book from Love Inspired Suspense and Nergalley to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal  Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 
Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a Business Degree she used for a very short time, she moved to Spartanburg, SC to attend Converse College where she obtained her Masters degree in Education. She started her teaching career at the South Carolina School for the deaf and blind. In 1996, she met the man she would marry—the boy next door!
She is married to Jack Eason, who speaks, leads worship, and consults ministries around the country. They have two teenage children.
Lynette’s books have appeared on the ECPA and CBA bestseller lists and have won several awards. Lynette thanks God for giving her the talent and desire to spin stories that bring readers to the edge of their seat, but most importantly, to the throne of Christ.

Saturday, December 1, 2018

Prism Books Grand Finale-A Clean Fun Romance for Christmas!

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Miracles are Golden
By Catherine Lanigan

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

Miracles are Golden is a different kind of Christmas story in just about every manner of literary pre-conceptions a reader could have. To follow with that unique place it holds not only in my heart, but on the roster of books I have written, this PRISM BOOK TOUR is different as well...


Jimmy Longwood pressed his face against the pet store window, not minding the cold. On the other side of the glass was an eight-week-old Golden Retriever puppy that Jimmy had named “Bubblehead” because the puppy’s head was unusually large. Bubblehead was just as eager to see Jimmy and jumped over his five brothers and sisters to stand nose to nose with Jimmy.

Jimmy’s heart leapt just seeing the adorable puppy.

“Did you miss me, boy? I missed you. Now that school is out for the holidays, I can visit you every day for as long as I want.”


Jimmy glanced at the clock once more as he followed his father into the kitchen where he sat on a wrought iron Tuscan influenced bar stool. He leaned on the granite counter top watching his father hiding presents in the pantry.

“Did you talk to your mother?” John asked.

“We began a discussion about Bubblehead and again I reminded her that Grandpa and Grandma gave me a hundred dollars for my birthday this year which puts me over the top for enough money to buy Bubblehead. Which we can do, Dad, if you’ll just get your coat and hat…”

“Jimmy,” John sucked in a long breath to cool his frustration.

“No.”

Among the Reads - Excerpt

A good night’s sleep did not help Jimmy’s disposition or settle his fears by morning. His mind was overwhelmed with emergency last minute plans to rescue Bubblehead. Unfortunately, all of his plans were bizarre visualizations worthy only as segments of the Extreme Sports Network.

Because he was a long way from sixteen and did not know how to drive a car, legally or illegally for that matter, even if he did break the pet store window with a rock, steal Bubblehead and make his escape, he could not drive a getaway car.

He conjured up a scenario involving a SWAT team and a helicopter rescue. He thought of calling the Mayor on the phone and involving him in his “Save Bubblehead” campaign.

All my plans are doomed!

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

Jimmy picked up the remote and turned on the television. As luck would have it, the first thing he saw after the in-house cable program promoting the hotel’s features and restaurants, was a Christmas ad in which three Golden Retriever puppies knocked over a plant and the owner had to use a special vacuum to clean the mess. Jimmy threw the remote high in the air and caught it on its way back down. “It’s a sign!”

He raced to the adjoining door and closed off his parents’ laughter.

“Yes!” he said to himself, watching the adorable puppies with tags around their necks. “There isa Santa Claus. I just have to believe. Maybe I will get a miracle.”


Though they moved quickly, the wind gusted at ever increasing speeds thrusting the cloud of blinding snow down the slope. It threatened to overtake them.

John knew that if they didn’t beat the squall, they would have to find shelter until the snowstorm passed. There was no telling how long that could be. If they were to remain this high on the mountain overnight, they could freeze. Realizing their predicament was more dire than he’d originally thought. John slowed and motioned for them to take another route to the left. “We need to go around the squall,” he yelled to them.

But the wind suddenly seemed more than wind. It didn’t howl anymore, it thundered.

John slowed down for Jimmy and Melanie to catch up to him.

It was then Jimmy saw the panic on his father’s face. “What is it?”

E-Romance News - Excerpt

Even though he didn’t have a body, Jimmy felt tears. He felt incredibly sad. “I could have done more to be a better kid. I wish I’d been more...loving.”

“Wonderful, Jimmy. You’re understanding a great deal.”

Sadness engulfed Jimmy’s soul. “But I did love them… I just…”

“Took them for granted?” Mr. Angel asked.

“Uh, huh.”

“So you see, Jimmy, we must send you back to earth. You must learn to give love with all your heart. It’s the only reason souls go to earth.”


"This is a sweet story including one of the things I love a lot and that is dogs. . . . I highly recommend this book to other readers."


There was a rustle of footsteps on the second floor. Jimmy heard voices.

“Do you think Santa has been here yet?” A woman’s voice said.

“Oh, yes, Mommy,” a weak, yet happy child’s voice replied.

“Well, come on, then,” a male voice said.

Jimmy looked up at the landing on the staircase and saw a mother, father and a child all dressed in flannel pajamas, robes and slippers descend the stairs. Behind this trio came an elegant woman dressed in an expensive red satin robe and matching satin slippers.

“I know Santa has been here, Robin and he’s brought something very special for you.”

Uplifting Reads - Excerpt

“Oh, thank you, Mommy! Thank you, Daddy!” Robin hugged his parents with weak arms.

“Thank your Aunt Daphne. She brought him all the way from New York City for you,” Hal said.

There was nothing weak about the brightness of the little boy’s smile as he approached the fireplace, his hands outstretched to cuddle Jimmy.

“Robin, do you think Santa remembered it right?” The boy’s mother asked.

Robin, I like your name. It’s like Robin Redbreast. The first sign of spring. The new life.

Harlie's Books - Excerpt & Review

The day after Christmas Jimmy was roused early, taken out the front door to potty in the bushes and then given breakfast, all before daylight.

What’s up with these people? Don’t they sleep in? What’s the rush?

“Here you go, Beau. Yum. Doesn’t this smell good?” Robin asked placing a dish of canned dog food in front of him.

Jimmy sniffed the food and jumped back.

They don’t expect me to eat this stuff do they? How about a rasher of that bacon? Or maybe a smidgeon of that hot cinnamon bun?

"...I loved this book. I think everyone should read it and discuss it with their family, friends, church group, etc. Ms. Lanigan could re-write the phone book and I would read it. Seriously. She is that good."

Colorimetry - Excerpt

The impact of Robin’s emotions on Jimmy was like two spaceships colliding in a Star Trek episode. It rocked Jimmy’s psyche.

He needs me! Not even my parents in my other life ever acted like they needed me!

“I love you, Beau.”

I love you, Robin. Jimmy gulped back a puppy tear.

I’m thinking fast here, kid. I’m not gonna let this thing, whatever it is, beat you...er, us. You’ve got me now. We can do it.

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

Suddenly, Jimmy’s mind went back to his time in heaven. The memories of some of the things he was taught there came back to him.

But he had to think. Think hard. Mr. Angel had told him that he was supposed to help people with the knowledge he’d been given. It had all come so easily to him in heaven. But now, it was as if his little puppy brain was going to burst with the effort. He thought and thought. But still he couldn’t remember what it was he was supposed to do.

He had the answers locked in his head. All he had to do was remember.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

Miracles are Golden
By Catherine Lanigan
Women's Fiction, Christmas
ebook, 100 Pages
February 2, 2016

This heartwarming story is about eight-year-old Jimmy Longwood, who has fallen in love with a Golden Retriever puppy. When his parents explain that their condo does not allow pets, Jimmy is heartbroken. While skiing in Aspen the entire family is killed in an avalanche. Jimmy goes to heaven and meets an angel who decides to send Jimmy back to earth as the very Golden Retriever he’d wanted for his own and to learn the one lesson all human beings must learn…unconditional love.


About the Author

Catherine Lanigan is the international bestselling and award-winning author of over forty-five published titles in both fiction and non-fiction, including the novelizations of Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile. Ms. Lanigan’s novels have been translated into over twenty-four languages. Lanigan was tasked by the NotMYkid foundation to pen a collection of compelling and informative true stories of teen addicts. Ms. Lanigan’s SHORES OF INDIAN LAKE series for HARLEQUIN HEARTWARMING includes LOVE SHADOWS, HEART’S DESIRE , A FINE YEAR FOR LOVE, KATIA’S PROMISE, FEAR OF FALLING, SOPHIE’S PATH, PROTECTING THE SINGLE MOM, FAMILY OF HIS OWN, HIS BABY DILEMMA, RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER and MY RACING HEART (2019).

Ms. Lanigan is a frequent speaker at literary functions and book conventions as well as inspiring audiences with her real stories of angelic intervention from her Angel Tales series of books. She is an outspoken advocate for domestic violence and abuse and was honored by The National Domestic Violence Hotline in Washington, D.C. She has been a guest on numerous radio programs including “Coast to Coast” and on television interview and talk show programs as well as blogs, podcasts and online radio interview programs. She writes a monthly blog for Heartwarmingauthors.blogspot.com.


Tour Giveaway


$50 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally
Ends December 5, 2018

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Soso and The Kako Leaf by Bella Disu

  Book Details: Book Title :  Soso and The Kako Leaf by Bella Disu Category :  Children's Fiction (Ages 6-...