A Picture of Hope (Heroines of WWII)

 

A Picture of Hope 

(Heroines of WWII) 

October 1, 2021

by Liz Tolsma  (Author)

A Photojournalist Risks Her Life to Save a Very Special Child 
 
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII. 
 
Journalist Nellie Wilkerson has spent the bulk of the war in London, photographing mothers standing in milk lines—and she’s bored. She jumps at the chance to go to France, where the Allied forces recently landed. There she enlists Jean-Paul Breslau of the French underground to take her to the frontlines. On the journey, they stumble upon a great tragedy, leaving a girl with special needs being orphaned. 
 
Can Nellie and Jean-Paul see the child to a safe haven while being pursued by the Nazis, who are pressed by the advancing Allies and determined to destroy all they can before they flee? 

 

 

Marilyn’s thoughts:  This story is a gripping, heartfelt and emotional story set during the resistance in France during 1944. Nellie’s and Jean-Paul’s story was will written with the author’s detailed to her research and sharing tidbits of the research with the readers at the end of this captivating tale that happened from the start.

 

Nellie dream of being in the midst of the fighting to report back to the Tribune was more than she had imagined. A meeting with Jean-Paul and others gave way to a tale that had me in the action of the fighting, running for their lives, caring for a young child and so much more. There’s a delicate weaving of a faith message among primary and secondary characters that brought a beautiful ending to lives that held their faith in God despite all the evil they had experienced and was witnessing in the present. 

 

I highly recommend this book to fans of history and the WWII era. I want to read the other books Barbour Publishing is releasing this series, Heroines of WWII.

 

Thank you to Barbour Publishing, Netgalley and the author for a complimentary copy of this book without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own opinion.

 

 

The World Is Awake for Little Ones: A Celebration of Everyday Blessings Board book

The World Is Awake for Little Ones: A Celebration of Everyday Blessings 

Board book – 

September 21, 2021

by Linsey Davis  (Author), Joseph Bottum Lucy Fleming (Illustrator)

This joyful journey through an ordinary day inspires children to be thankful for all of God’s blessings that surround them. From blooming flowers in the backyard to the roaring animals at the zoo … the world is awake!

Written by ABC News correspondent and bestselling author Linsey Davis and paired with lush, whimsical illustrations by Lucy Fleming, The World Is Awake for Little Ones: A Celebration of Everyday Blessings is a lyrical walk through a day filled with love as seen through the magnificent world of our Creator. Engaging and uplifting, this board book reminds young children they are safely cradled in the hands of God, surrounded by all his wonderful blessings.

This is the day the Lord has made. A butterfly floats through the sun and the shade, while dragonflies flit past the flowers and trees and grasshoppers hop in the soft morning breeze.

The World Is Awake:

• Combines ABC News correspondent Linsey Davis’s lyrical rhymes with Lucy Fleming’s whimsical art
• Is an inspiring and reassuring story for boys and girls about being thankful for the everyday blessings that surround them
• Is the perfect read-aloud board book for young kids

Awards and reviews:

• Winner of the 2019 Christopher Award, Books for Young People Category
• Named a Top 10 Children’s Picture Book by Focus on the Family in 2018

“This lovely book extends the uplifting sentiment of Psalm 118:24 by following a pair of siblings through their day, and framing the story with the Bible verse itself: 'This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.' A little brown-skinned girl and her brother (the boy narrates) look outside onto a yard alive with butterflies, dragonflies, grasshoppers, and bees…this is indeed an Edenic appreciation of the world.” - Booklist

“Together this trio has created a joyous book that communicates the beauty in everything, reminding readers to appreciate ordinary events and occasions, as well as Earth’s animals and other natural wonders.” - Publishers Weekly

My thoughts: this is an adorable little board book for preschoolers with lots of interesting pictures and animals and color and good text about God's blessings and how each day is a day that he has made. I enjoyed it and this would be a good addition to a nursery library or a daycare or preschool. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

 

 

Christmas at the Amish Bakeshop 

September 28, 2021

by Shelley Shepard Gray (Author), Rachel J. Good  (Author), Loree Lough (Author)

USA Today bestselling authors Shelley Shepard Gray, Rachel J. Good, and Loree Lough celebrate the spirit of the season, the warmth of simple traditions, and of course, the joy of holiday treats, with this faith-affirming collection of three connected holiday novellas about the Christmas surprises in store for those who work and shop at a charming Amish bakery.
 

As the most joyful holiday draws near, three couples discover the recipe for love includes faith, hope, and the sweetest blessings…

A CHRISTMAS CAKE FOR REBECCA by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard Gray
When carpenter Aden returns to Lancaster after twenty years away, bakeshop owner Rebecca is dismayed to find he’s still as handsome and kind as ever. He broke her heart when he left the community back then. Will a holiday emergency provide a second chance at love, this time forever?
 
BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER by USA Today Bestselling Author Rachel J. Good
When a lonely widower with a sick daughter and a new cake decorator meet at the bakeshop, they discover they were once childhood playmates. But as each of them helps the other care for family, their neighborly kindness inspires a gift that only love could make possible…
 
THE CHRISTMAS CUPCAKE by USA Today Bestselling Author Loree Lough
A builder who never learned to read believes he must hide his fond feelings for a kind schoolteacher. But after they run into each other at the bakeshop, she offers to teach him—and as Christmas approaches, each of them learns a lesson about the great gift of love…

 

 

Marilyn’s thoughts:   These three novella Christmas stories are sweet and filled with baking and romance with each centering around Rebecca’s Bake Shop.

 

Shelley Shepard Gray brought a lovely story between adults Rebecca and Aiden in A Christmas Cake for Rebecca. Their love story began before as young teens. Rebecca was known for her beautiful Christmas cakes. But what will happen right at Christmas when she becomes ill with all the long hours she had been working to fill so many orders?

 

The Best Christmas Present Ever by Rachel J. Good explored childhood friends Christian Yoder and Lizzie. Lizzie was an amazing cake decorator and had a heart for others. How will Lizzie minister to Christian and his young daughter who is in the hospital when they met at the bake shop? I enjoy this story as a dog brought joy to several characters.

 

Loree Lough contribution brought The Christmas Cupcake tale that found school teacher Tess buying cupcakes for her students to celebrate birthdays. When Asher Stuery became sweet on Tess how will he win her over when she feels an obligation to her abusive father and caring for him in their home. I enjoy her brother Noah and his determination to aid Asher.

 

These fun tales will bring smiles, a desire to bake and maybe experiement with making fancy cupcakes or a beautiful Christmas cake this upcoming holiday season.

 

Thank you to Keningston Books and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book.  Plus being a winner on Goodreads to win a final e-copy of delightful tale. I was under no obligation to write a positive review and have expressed my own pinon.

 

A Christmas in the Alps: A Christmas Novella

A Christmas in the Alps: 

A Christmas Novella 

September 7, 2021

by Melody Carlson  (Author)

After a time of heartache and loss, Simone Winthrop discovers a tantalizing letter from her French great-grandmother, which seems to suggest that she is heir to a family treasure. Ever practical, Simone assumes the claim is baseless, but her best friend encourages her to find out for sure. Despite her deep-rooted fear of flying, Simone boards a jet to travel to Paris at Christmastime to uncover the truth.

During the long flight, Simone meets the charming Kyle Larsson, who's on his way to France to become an apprentice clockmaker. Though they abruptly part ways, an unexpected rendezvous in the French Alps at Simone's family's clock factory may lead to the discovery of the family treasure . . . and so much more.

For anyone who is wearying of staying home, Melody Carlson invites you to spend Christmas with her in the beautiful French Alps this year. So pull on your mittens, tie your scarf tight, and prepare yourself for a magical mountain holiday.

My thoughts: Melody Carlson is an avid writer in almost all genres but what I really 

look forward to each year is her annual Christmas book. This one takes a grieving 

granddaughter away from the only home she's ever known to a foreign land where 

she doesn't even know the language in search of a treasure. What is the treasure? 

I had my suspicions but I was partly wrong and partly right. The heroine was sweet 

and naive, opening up to complete strangers and telling everything she knows which 

kind of made her unwelcome in some circles and welcomed in others. I loved the way 

the story came together and I loved the ending and the cover is absolutely gorgeous. 

I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

 

Dangerous Amish Showdown Kick-Off Package and #giveaway!!!

About the Book

Book: Dangerous Amish Showdown

Author: Mary Alford

Genre: Amish Suspense

Release date: August 24, 2021

Under siege in Amish country…

She must fight for their lives.

Gunshots shatter Willa Lambright’s placid Montana evening—and that’s before she discovers on-the-run lawman Mason Shetler on her doorstep. Willa hadn’t glimpsed her childhood friend since he’d turned his back on Amish country years before. Now the US marshal’s returned with an injured partner, a young witness he must protect at all costs…and vicious Mafia agents dead set on making sure none of them survive.

  

Marilyn’s thoughts:  This was an action packed suspense from the start to the end. US Marshall Mason Shelter and Erik Timmons are forced to seek coverage in West Kootenai Amish Country with their young witness. Mason knew the area from his younger years and found shelter at the Lambright’s house. He didn’t want to  endanger Willa and her ailing mother’s life but with the enemy out there he had no choice. The suspense and heart pounding scenes didn’t stop  but danger and evil men kept surrounding the property.  The primary characters had determination to fight till the end and save the young child who had been through so much already. Will they all be destroyed or will their faith and prayers bring backup to rescue them and capture the offenders?

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and was under no obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own opinion.

 

 

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author Mary Alford loves giving her readers the unexpected. Her titles have appeared on the USA Today list, Publisher’s Weekly bestseller list, and have finaled in the Daphne Du Maurier award of excellence in mystery, The Beverly, The Maggie, and The Selah Awards.

Mary is an avid reader. She loves to cook, can’t face the day without coffee, and her three granddaughters are the apple of her eye. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two spoiled cats and a dog who thinks he owns the place.

 

More from Mary

When I first heard of the title for my latest Love Inspired Suspense, I smiled. Dangerous Amish Showdown reminds me of the old westerns where the good guys face off with the bad guys and always win. As a child I loved watching them, mostly because my dad loved them so much, and yes, a big draw for me besides sharing the time with him, was seeing the good guys win. It’s what I try to put into every single book I write, and it’s exactly what happens in Dangerous Amish Showdown.

Lately, I find myself reminiscing a lot about childhood things such as watching old westerns with my dad, and smiling at those simpler times.

In Dangerous Amish Showdown, it takes coming back to his simple childhood Amish community for Mason Shetler to realize how special that life once was for him. Through the courage found in a little girl who has lost everything, and the strength of a woman whose future is uncertain, Mason discovered what he had been searching for all along.

I truly hope you enjoy Mason and Willa’s fight to protect young Samantha and the love they find along the way. And I hope their happy ending leaves you with a smile on your face, and maybe takes you back to a simpler time in your life.

Blessings always,

Mary Alford

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 22

Maureen’s Musings, September 22

Hebrews 12 Endurance, September 23

The Avid Reader, September 23

Genesis 5020, September 23

Texas Book-aholic, September 24

Vicarious Living, September 24

Inklings and notions, September 25

Blossoms and Blessings, September 25

Betti Mace, September 26

For Him and My Family, September 26

Lighthouse Academy Blog, September 27 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

deb’s Book Review, September 27

Older & Smarter?, September 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 28

Bizwings Blog, September 28

For the Love of Literature, September 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 29

Living the Good Life, September 29

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 30

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 30 (Author Interview)

She Lives To Read, October 1

Bigreadersite, October 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 2

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 2

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 3

Mary Hake, October 3

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 4

Simple Harvest Reads, October 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 5

HookMeInABook, October 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/11b56/dangerous-amish-showdown-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

 

Not Me, Lord by B J Bassett #Devotional

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

And God said, “I will be with you.” Exodus 3:11-12 NIV

 

Who? Me, Lord? No way.

Moses lacked confidence, not unlike many of us. There’s no way I can get up in front of people and speak, Lord. There’s no way I can write a book. I got a “C” in English. And I can’t spell. How could I ever write a book? I’m not good enough. Someone else is better qualified than I am.

Yet, God knows what He is doing. He works through us. We are His vessels. Some of us are squatty pots, and others are elegant vases.

Are we low on confidence? That’s the kind of servant God is looking for. So let’s pull up our big-girl panties, let God mold us into His vessel, fill us afresh with His Holy Spirit, and use us. He said to Moses, “I will be with you.” He is also with us.

Lord, it’s terrifying to do the things I don’t feel qualified to do. Help me be Your vessel. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and use me for Your glory, I pray. Amen.

 

B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story; and coauthor of a children’s devotional My Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000 copies sold.

 

As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 - February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.

 

Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper publishers include Focus on the Family, Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace, WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).

 

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published book.

 

Memberships: ACFW and Oregon Christian Writers (OCW).

 

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea.

 

 

 

  

Shielding the Amish Witness (Love Inspired Suspense) 

April 13, 2021

by Mary Alford  (Author)

 Seeking refuge in Amish country

puts everyone she loves in danger.

On the run after discovering her brother-in-law was behind her husband’s murder, Faith Cooper can think of only one safe place—her Amish grandmother’s home. But when danger follows Faith to the quiet Amish community, her childhood friend Eli Shetler is her only protection. And their survival depends on outlasting a relentless killer…one who has nothing left to lose.

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Mary Alford

From Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My thoughts: Mary Alford iis a top Amish romantic suspense author, this is 

formula romantic suspense which has non-stop action but is kind of predictable 

because you know what will happen. It does keep the pages turning though as 

you wonder who done it and why. I  liked  the main characters and if you like 

romantic suspense  Amish fiction  you will likely enjoy this book. I was given a 

copy free and all opinions are my own