The Girl from the Hidden Forest (Regency)

 

The Girl from the Hidden Forest

 (Regency) 

April 30, 2024

by Hannah Linder (Author)

The nightmares may free her … but destroy the man she loves.

Enjoy another Gothic Style Regency from Hannah Linder.

Eliza Ellis has stayed hidden in Balfour Forest for as long as she can remember. Perhaps her only friends are the trees, or her little dog, or her story-telling father called Captain. But at least she is safe from the cruel world outside, a world Captain has warned her against and protected her from.

That is, until a handsome stranger named Felton Northwood invades her quiet forest and steals her away. Why does he tell such lies? Why does he insist that her name is Miss Eliza Gillingham, daughter of a viscount, who disappeared fourteen years ago after the murder of her own mother? A murder Eliza is said to have witnessed.

When Felton returns Eliza to Monbury Manor and reunites her with a man who is told to be her father, all she remembers are the strange nightmares that have plagued her since childhood. Why have they suddenly grown worse? Are the answers hidden inside her own mind?

As danger mounts and lethal attempts are made on her life, Eliza and Felton must work together to uncover the identity of a killer who has stayed silent for fourteen years. When she finally uncovers the horrendous memories trapped in her mind, will divulging the truth cost her the man she loves--and both of their lives?

Marilyn's Thouhgts:    

The Girl From the Hidden Forest is one intense and gripping tale. Eliza’s true identity needed to be found after being recused; however, she was not cooperative except with Felton. There were multiple hidden secrets, mystery, greed and evil that played into the story. I discovered though there was a lack of a Christian message or the characters talking about their faith. Fans of Regency would probably enjoy this book even with all the darkness and evil involved that often times is not so prominent.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own thoughts.

Once Upon Nantucket: Encore Edition (Lighthouse Lane Book 1)

Once Upon Nantucket: Encore Edition

 (Lighthouse Lane Book 1)

They’ve loved and lost…
but does a new beginning await on magical Nantucket?

After fifteen years as a Coast Guard search and rescue specialist and a stint at headquarters, Lieutenant Craig Cole hopes to quietly finish out his career in his new assignment as commander of the Coast Guard station on Nantucket. But there’s nothing quiet about his clash with feisty red-haired charter fishing boat captain Katherine MacDonald, who does not appreciate a safety citation from one of the new hotshot commander’s underlings. As she and the commander go head-to-head, sparks fly…in more ways than one. But neither is ready for a heart-to-heart encounter. Yet as they come to know each other on magical Nantucket, might they find the courage to take a chance on love?

Publishers Weekly bestselling author Irene Hannon, described as “a master of character development” by Library Journal, has penned another tale of hope, healing, and love that will lift your heart and bolster your belief in happy endings—no matter the challenges that must be overcome. 

;

My thoughts:   My son is in the   Coast Guard so this book interested me.  I loved this story of two people who started at odds but ended up getting to know each other and becoming friends. There is a slight faith message, and a clean romance and nice leads to future books in this series.  I am a verified buyer and am looking forward to reading the rest.  Recommended.

The Wonder of God’s Hem and Hand By Sharon Musgrove #devotional

 

The Wonder of God’s Hem and Hand

By Sharon Musgrove

 

“You hem me in, behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” Psalm 139:5 ESV

When clothes shopping at a local discount store, I found a darling skirt that fit my shape perfectly and blended into my current wardrobe seamlessly.  It was as if this piece of clothing was the missing item in a coordinating set, the fabric and pattern matching multiple tops and sweaters in my closet.  What a find!  Immediately, I put that skirt to use, wearing it whenever possible and feeling great about the purchase.

And then I washed the skirt.

As I pulled the garment out of the delicate cycle, I noticed the bottom edge hanging awkwardly in multiple places.  On further inspection, I could see that the fabric had been finished off with glue rather than being hemmed with thread.  This lack of quality construction suggested that this piece of clothing was not made to endure daily use.

My heart sank.  I knew that I needed to repair the skirt before I could wear it again or risk the fraying of the fabric.  I no longer viewed this piece of clothing as a great buy, but as something cheap and haphazardly slapped together to make a quick buck.  I doubted creator of the garment had any regard for reliability or for the reputation of the label.

I am so glad that our Creator did not carelessly patch people together with a single use mentality!  Imagine if we fell apart at the slightest challenge; tossed away at our first failure! 

Psalm 139 is a beautiful Bible passage that sings praises to the God that formed us.  Unlike the cut and paste clothing I had purchased; this scripture reveals how meticulous our Heavenly Father was in His creation of every person. 

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:13-14 ESV

You and I are God’s wonderful works.  We are hand made with great attention to detail.  Genesis 1:27 (ESV) states that “God created man in his own image.”  We are patterned after the King!

Additionally, Psalm 139:5a says of the Father, “You hem me in....” (ESV)

In assembling a garment, the cut edges require a “hem”, a finished edge that keeps the fabric from coming unraveled with use.  Typically, the cloth is folded over onto itself and sewn together completely through from back to front.  This construction protects the integrity of the apparel from daily wear and tear on its most vulnerable “cut” side.  In Psalm 139:5, this word hem is translated from the Hebrew word tsuwr which literally means “to confine, bind, or enclose.” 

There are times when God’s ways seem confining.  Occasionally, I wish I was free to let loose with a retaliatory word or return evil for evil.  But His word teaches that unloving behavior hurts me as it hurts others.  So, without keeping my raw edge in check, I would come undone.

But then the last phrase of this verse, referring again to the Father, brings so much comfort in rough times. 

“...and [You] lay your hand upon me.” Psalm 139:5b (ESV)

Have you ever had someone protectively lay their hand on you when you’ve been hurt?  It’s a move that says don’t worry, I’ll handle this.  God stepped in to repair the fabric of our relationships with Jesus, His son.  Christ’s death and resurrection was not a patch on the irreparable, but rather a reweaving of the threads themselves.  He makes us whole again.

I don’t have much sewing skill.  In fact, I thought I might purchase some fabric adhesive to rebind the hem of my skirt.  But then a friend suggested that I take my clothing to a tailor who is the one who can expertly mend the wrongs. 

Seeking help is the best answer.  Not just for a silly skirt, but for each tear that occurs in our hearts.  We need the One who put us together to keep us together.

Aren’t God’s works wonderful?!!!

Author Bio:

 

Sharon has been writing and teaching biblically based curriculum, Bible studies, and devotionals since 2007.    

 

She has had the unique position of writing curriculum and teaching for two private, Christ-based, residential recovery programs. Both programs primarily served women in the homeless community.

 

Sharon has traveled multiple times to Kenya, serving on medical teams and teaching in the rural Maasai communities. She’s been privileged to speak in Leadership camps intended on encouraging and empowering the impoverished, underprivileged, and often abused young women.

 

Within these ministries, Sharon has witnessed the transformative power of loving words spoken to the broken-hearted. Sharing God’s love and witnessing its transformative power has become her passion.

 

Sharon and her husband, divide their time between Oregon and Hawaii. They have two grown children. 

 

Currently, Sharon is encouraging others via her inspirational blog, but prefers sharing face to face. Additionally, she is working towards a degree in Ministry. 

 

~*~

Connect with Sharon:

Website: Sharonmusgrove.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sharon-Musgrove-Untethered-102208978041060

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonmusgrove_untethered/

 

 

Welcome to the Earning the Mountain Man's Trust Celebration Tour! #giveaway #historical

 

About the Book

Book: Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: April 9, 2024

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune.

Naomi Wyatt has finally given up on the man who once promised to love her for the rest of his life—then disappeared with no way to contact him. She’s now a single mother with a beautiful baby girl to provide for, a daughter whose red hair reminds her daily of the man she gave her heart to. She has to move on though, so when Jonah Coulter asks for her hand in marriage, she knows she would be hard-pressed to find a better husband for herself and father for her sweet daughter. He’s a Coulter, after all, and he’s proven to be a good friend during her darkest hours.

But when her first love rides onto the ranch property saying he’d been searching for her for months, her heart is shredded once again. Before she has time to catch her breath though, a new threat appears on the horizon. This time she has far more at stake than her heart, and only a Divine hand can turn this disaster for their good.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain family saga filled with a second chance romance, love triangles, hidden treasure, and love that heals wounded hearts.

 Marilyn's thoughts:  Earning The Mountain Man’s Trust is a love triangle with Naomi agreeing to

marry Jonah prior to the arrival of Eric at the Coulter brother’s ranch. This is a

story filled with strong characters, action packed scenes, a mystery theme of

who destroyed letters from the past, secrets, faith, and forgiveness. How will

Eric be accepted by the Coulter brothers while wanting to get to know his

young daughter? Who is the culprit of the pain, grief and suffering Naomi and

Eric experienced prior to his arrival in Montana?

There is a variety of emotions while reading as I knew one of the men would be

hurt but with God and faith nothing is impossible to find answers and new

beginnings in His timing. Beller has a gift with her gentle faith messages in

each of her tales.

I received an early copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and the author without

any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own thoughts.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

More from Misty

Storytelling vs. Historical Authenticity?

I’ve been a fan of historical fiction for as long as I can remember, all the way back to the Mandie books by Lois Gladys Leppard and the Sadie Rose books by Hilda Stahl. Does anyone remember those series?

When I started thinking about my first novel, there was no doubt it would be a Christian Historical Romance set in the west. By my second book in, I had narrowed my focus to frontier life in the Rockies. My happy place!

It can be challenging to write about a time I haven’t experienced and cultures that don’t exist in the same form anymore. I love reading first-hand accounts to help me bring a particular time period to life. I often visit historic forts and talk with those who have studied the time period and setting in greater depth.

Three years ago, My family and I set out on a 28-day epic road trip to tour many of the state and national parks across the country. We spent about half of our time in Wyoming and Montana, exploring Yellowstone and Glacier, and tour historic and ghost towns. We spent more than one night tent camping in primitive camping!

These experiences definitely make it easy for me to slip into that world as I write. The characters come alive in my mind, and I see the story like a movie in my head. Writing Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust was especially fun to write, as we return to the Coulter Ranch. I fell in love with not just Naomi and Eric, but also sweet little Mary Ellen, their one-year-old daughter who Eric meets for the first time in this book.

I pray the story comes to life for readers as much as it has for me! J

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , April 23

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 24

Pause for Tales, April 24

Madi’s Musings, April 25

Alena Mentink, April 25

Devoted To Hope, April 26

Texas Book-aholic, April 26

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

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 28

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, April 29

Wishful Endings, April 29

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 30

lakesidelivingsite, April 30

Cover Lover Book Review, April 30

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 1 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 1

Books You Can Feel Good About, May 2

For Him and My Family, May 2

Book Looks by Lisa, May 3

Melissa’s Bookshelf, May 3

Betti Mace, May 4

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 4

The Lofty Pages, May 5

Holly’s Book Corner, May 5

An Author’s Take, May 6

Blossoms and Blessings, May 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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/2b143/earning-the-mountain-man-s-trust-celebration-tour-giveaway

Set in Stone (Treasures of the Earth)

 

Set in Stone 

(Treasures of the Earth) 

March 12, 2024

by Kimberley Woodhouse (Author)

A dangerous scheme could bury their long-held dreams forever. . . .

From the time she was little, Martha Jankowski has been digging in the dirt, much to the dismay of her mother. Now she dreams of being a paleontologist and is determined to make her parents proud by uncovering the next big discovery. When Martha finds what she hopes to be a fully intact dinosaur skeleton--one that could win her an acclaimed exhibit--she learns another team is competing against her and could steal her chance at being recognized for this momentous discovery.

Paleontology student Jacob Duncan has fulfilled his dream of digging for dinosaur bones at last. In a race against time, he and his team are bent on unearthing a complete skeleton to claim a museum exhibit with their names on it. But when Jacob meets their charming competitor Martha and uncovers foul play within his team, love and danger grow hand in hand until a menacing ruse threatens to destroy it all.

My thoughts:   Ms. Woodhouse is one of my favorite historical writers. This one is a romantic suspense. I almost had the killer figured out, but couldn't decide between two people,  A great read, though I'd never want to dig through rocks to dig up dinasour bones! And a great romance.  Also a fantastic faith message.  i thoroughly enjoyed this book. Grab your copy today.  I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own

One Wrong Move (Jeopardy Falls)

 

One Wrong Move 

(Jeopardy Falls) 

February 6, 2024

by Dani Dani Pettrey (Author)

Taunting riddles.
A deadly string of heists.
Two broken hearts trapped in a killer's game.

Christian O'Brady was pulled into a life of crime at a young age by his con artist parents. Now making amends for his corrupt past, he has become one of the country's foremost security experts. When a string of Southwestern art heists targets one of the galleries Christian secured, he is paired up with a gifted insurance investigator who has her own checkered past.

Andi Forester was a brilliant FBI forensic analyst until her career was destroyed. She now puts those skills to work investigating insurance fraud, and this latest high-stakes case will test her gift to the limit. Drawn deep into a dangerous game with an opponent bent on revenge, Christian and Andi are in a race against the clock to catch him, but the perpetrator's game is far from finished, and one wrong move could be the death of them both.

Dani Pettrey captivates with . . .

"An intense blend of suspense, love, and faith."--Booklist

"Wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likeable characters."--Publishers Weekly

My thoughts:  ONE WRONG MOVE is a kind of creepy read--a series of robberies and murders and you will never guess wwho-dudn-it.  Plus the clues...i never would've figured them out.   And who was the intended victim?  Good grief.  A great read, cozy mystery and romance.  I was given a copy free and all opinions were my own.

The Mysterious Amish Bachelor: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Indiana Amish Market, 4)

 

The Mysterious Amish Bachelor: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance 

(Indiana Amish Market, 4)

April 23, 2024

by Vannetta Chapman (Author)

Amish Romance

See all formats and editions

---

He has a secret.

She’s set on discovering it.

After paying the price for a crime he committed ten years ago, Noah Beiler wants a fresh start—which means hiding where he’s been for the last decade from his Amish community. But Sarah Yoder is determined to uncover his past. As Noah and Sarah work together and grow close, Noah’s history is the only thing standing in their way. Will revealing the truth set them free, or are some secrets best kept buried?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Indiana Amish Market

Book 1: An Amish Proposal for Christmas
Book 2: Her Amish Adversary
Book 3: An Unusual Amish Winter Match
Book 4: The Mysterious Amish Bachelor

Marilyn's Thoughts: 

The Mysterious Amish Bachelor is the fourth book in Indiana Amish Market series by Vannetta Chapman. This book could be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the books in order to see the uniqueness of each of the five Yoder sisters and their father.

This is Sarah’s story along with Noah’s, who had return to their community. She is intrigued when her dad invited him to supper about Noah’s absence and his past. Her questioning became irritating but yet there was a connection between them while doing renovations at the Amish Market. What will it take for Noah to realize secrets shared can bring healing and freedom instead of loneliness?

Chapman always pens a delightful and touching story with messages of hope, forgiveness, faith, unexpected romance and new beginnings despite the past one may of suffered.

I received an early copy of this book from the author without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own thoughts.