The Story behind The English Lieutenant's Lady by Evelyn M. Hill and #Giveaway!!

While researching Oregon history for my debut release, His Forgotten Fiancée, I ran across a reference on a local county website that triggered my upcoming novel. British spies… in Oregon!

No, really. It’s true.

In 1845, Britain and America were both thinking of going to war. Both countries wanted to claim the Oregon Territory as their own. The British Colonial Office sent a couple of Army lieutenants into the Oregon Territory as spies. They posed as tourists, but their real mission was to put together a report on how much effort would be required to defend the territory against the Americans, if it came to war. They even drew up a plan to occupy the only large settlement in the area, Oregon City.

I researched further, and found records of the supplies that the lieutenants ordered from the local trading post at Fort Vancouver. These were items that the men were charging to their account as part of the mission. Their orders were to pass as gentlemen of leisure. To keep up the illusion, they dressed up as dandies. But some of the items on their list of supplies don’t fit with this image. One of spies, Lieutenant Vavasour, bought hair ribbons, lace, yards of silk, and even a pair of ladies shoes.

I could see him buying the silk and lace for a fancy waistcoat, perhaps, but ladies shoes? No. I think it’s a safe assumption that he was buying at least some these supplies to give them to a local lady. And he was charging them to his account as items he needed for his mission. Hmmmn....

That's how I came up with the idea for my next book, The English Lieutenant's Lady. The story of Geoff, an Army lieutenant who swore an oath not to reveal his identity, and Lia, a young woman struggling to survive on her own in the Oregon Territory.

Book Blurb:

"I'm not your enemy." He held her gaze, willing her to believe that lie.

It's 1845. Britain and America both claim the Oregon Territory, and neither side is willing to back down. As the two nations prepare for war, the British government sends Lieutenant Geoffrey Montgomery to Oregon City on a confidential mission. Doing his duty means lying to everyone--including the woman who catches his attention the moment they meet.

Lia Griggs needs to find a home for herself and her nephew. She has the chance to carve a niche for herself in Oregon City--so long as she is prepared to hide her past from everyone, even the Englishman who quickly becomes her friend and ally... and more.

To survive, Geoff and Lia both need to pretend to be someone they're not. The last thing either of them wants is to fall in love. And as the threat of war grows stronger, choosing to stay together could cost them everything they have.

Links:

His Forgotten Fiancée https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078SQ3YYQ

The English Lieutenant’s Lady  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078SQ3YYQ

Evelyn M. Hill http://www.evelynhillauthor.com

Author Bio:

According to family tradition, Evelyn M. Hill is descended from a long line of Texas horse thieves. (But when your family is not only Texan, but Irish, tall tales come with the territory.) This might explain why she devoted much of her childhood to writing stories about horses. Once she grew up, the stories naturally featured a tall, handsome cowboy as well.

She lives at the end of the Oregon Trail, where she gets to do all her historical research in person.

Evelyn is giving away an autographed copy of His Forgotten Fiancee to one commenter, USA only. Please include contact information.  

Missing Isaac

Paperback, ebook, hardcover, audiobook

January 2, 2018

by Valerie Fraser Luesse

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Revell 
• ISBN-13: 978-0800728786

Isaac believed in luck. But from Pete's point of view, Isaac's luck had all run out.

There was another South in the 1960s, one far removed from the marches and bombings and turmoil in the streets that were broadcast on the evening news. It was a place of inner turmoil, where ordinary people struggled to right themselves on a social landscape that was dramatically shifting beneath their feet. This is the world of Valerie Fraser Luesse's stunning debut, Missing Isaac.

It is 1965 when black field hand Isaac Reynolds goes missing from the tiny, unassuming town of Glory, Alabama. The townspeople's reactions range from concern to indifference, but one boy will stop at nothing to find out what happened to his unlikely friend. White, wealthy, and fatherless, young Pete McLean has nothing to gain and everything to lose in his relentless search for Isaac. In the process, he will discover much more than he bargained for. Before it's all over, Pete--and the people he loves most--will have to blur the hard lines of race, class, and religion. And what they discover about themselves may change some of them forever.

My thoughts:  I'm going to be honest here, which, of course, is what you're supposed to be with reviews.  MISSING ISAAC is not a book I would've ever picked up to read. In fact, I was dismayed when it showed up in my mailbox because it is not a book I wanted to read.  This book is a historical - to me, although I am not sure it would be considered one by the industry professionals, simply because it is set before my time. It starts with the mandatory historical book death, but moves on to an unlikely friendship between a  young eleven year old boy and thirty year old man, and a mixing of black and white.  Which in the sixties was pretty  much a very touchy subject. Never the twain shall meet, type thing. 

Okay, so while I wouldn't have picked this book up on my own, I did start reading it, and wow, I can see why the publisher bought it.  This is a topic that established authors would shy away from, and yet this brave debut author beat the odds with a book that some would consider a "hard-sell."  And because it is so awesomely written, even if the editor didn't like the topic (and I don't know if he or she did or not) they, if they are anything like me, was hooked. Sold. Yep, I would've bought this if I was the publisher. 

Young Pete is such a sweetheart, and so innocent. Isaac is stoic I guess is the word. He's used to others not liking him, treating him like so much trash because he's black, but Pete just doesn't get it. He sees Isaac as his daddy's best friend. A man to emulate, a man of honor. And despite Isaac's lack of formal education, he was a learned man thanks to his mama getting hands on books for him to read.  I loved Isaac. And Pete. And what Pete and his grand-daddy does at the end of the book is just so dog-gone sweet. 

Even if MISSING ISAAC is not a book you'd pick up, pick it up. These characters are so real they just walk right off the page and into your heart. And they are destined to stay there long after you close the pages of this book. 

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own. 

Interview with Katie Clark and #Giveaway!

Today we welcome Katie Clark to my blog. Katie is very graciously giving away winner's choice of one of her previous books. Please leave a comment to enter. 

 Katie, glad to have you stop by. 

~Hi Laura, thanks so much for having me! I’m thrilled to be here.

Can you tell me about the book, share the blurb

~My book is a YA romantic fantasy—light on the fantasy. It’s about a princess, her arranged marriage, and her true love. Here’s the blurb!

~When Princess Roanna Hamilton’s parents arrange a marriage with a prince of Dawson’s Edge—the mysterious and backwards kingdom to the south—Roanna reluctantly agrees, accepting that peace must be put ahead of her lifelong relationship with Prince Benjamin of Lox.

But when Roanna is introduced to Dawson’s royal family, strange mind-bending anomalies are awakened within her, and she discovers the Dawsonian royal family holds secrets of their own. 

Roanna becomes locked in a battle between kingdoms. Rebels wish to eliminate people who possess powerful anomalies. With threats growing daily, Roanna comes to realize the danger she is in—not to mention how her own family, and Benjamin’s, would react if her anomaly was revealed.

Tensions rise when Lox is attacked. If Roanna is to save herself and her future, she must stall her marriage and squelch the growing rebellion—all while discovering how deeply her power runs. But will Prince Benjamin and her family accept her when the truth of her heritage is finally revealed?

Where did you grow up and attend school? Are there any other authors in your family? 

~I grew up in a few places! I was born in Pennsylvania, spent my first couple years in North Carolina, my childhood years in St. Louis, and my teen years in Alabama. I attended a private Christian school in both St. Louis and Alabama. And nope, no other authors. I’m all by my lonesome on this one.

How did you get started writing? How old were you? What made you want to start? What did you enjoy reading as a child? 

~I have been writing stories for as long as I can remember, so I’m not sure what got me started. But I loved going to the library with my grandpa as a child, and I loved reading Choose Your Own Adventure books.

How and when did you and your husband meet? Was it love at first sight? What does he think about your being an author?

~We met at church as teens, and no I wouldn’t say love at first sight 😊. We were just kids! But I don’t know what he thinks of me being an author. It’s just the way it always was, you know?

How old are your children? Do they read your books? Have any of them got the writing bug, as well?

~We have three kids! Our middle is 8, and our youngest is 8 months. Big gap! Our oldest would be 11 now, but she is in Heaven. She passed away in 2016, but she definitely had the writing bug. And she loved hearing all about my stories (she was my brainstorming partner!). If there are books in Heaven, I am sure she reads them <3 .="" o:p="">

How do you research the communities and people you write about? Do you find yourself having do a lot of research? 

~Because I write sci-fi and fantasy, I mostly get to use my imagination. Little research required 😊.

Which is your favorite book? Do you have a character in your books you identify with the most?

~My favorite book always happens to be the one I’m working on. I don’t necessarily have a favorite character, but I have lots of book boyfriends. Haha!

Bio:

KATIE CLARK started reading fantastical stories in grade school and her love for books never died. Today she reads in all genres; her only requirement is an awesome story! She writes inspirational romance for adults as well as young adult speculative fiction, including her YA supernatural novel, Shadowed Eden, and The Enslaved Series. You can connect with her at her website, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Rejected-Princess-Katie-Clark/dp/1522300201/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1512410394&sr=8-2&keywords=The+Rejected+Princess

Smile for Me: International Summer Love in the Bahamas... A Christian Romance Novel

Vacation Sweethearts #1

ebook, paperback

by Jan Thompson

• Print Length: 438 pages
• Publisher: Georgia Press LLC
• Publication Date: July 4, 2016
• ASIN: B01I09Y4RW

She is laid back.
He is uptight.
Never the twain shall…kiss?

A deadline-driven workaholic assistant school principal who meticulously plans his schedule months in advance meets an easygoing art teacher and studio potter with no sense of time, living her life as the seasons come and go. When they cross paths again at the Summer by the Sea Day Camp sponsored by his church in Nassau, Bahamas, how can they get along if they cannot see eye to eye?

From USA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson comes SMILE FOR ME, book 1 in the Vacation Sweethearts collection of wholesome, sweet and inspirational Christian romance novels set in some of Jan’s favorite vacation places around the world.

A spin-off of Jan’s Savannah Sweethearts series, these Vacation Sweethearts novels begin with SMILE FOR ME, Byron and Tina and their summer romance in the Bahamas.

Tina MacFarland is laid back…

“Come to the Bahamas, they said. It will be fun, they said. Well, arriving in Nassau, I feel I could be okay if Byron’s not around. I made it! I’m here! That’s good enough for me, but apparently it’s not good enough for Mr. Uptight. Why does he bother me so? I don’t need his approval—Oh yes, I do. As a volunteer art teacher at the day camp, I have to answer to Byron for four weeks. Well, thank God it’s only for four weeks. And then I’m outta here, and he’ll be out of my hair. Surely I can last through day camp. What could possibly go wrong in a month? Nothing I can think of…”

—Tina MacFarland, Potter, Ceramic Artist, Art Teacher, Volunteer at the Summer by the Sea Day Camp in the Bahamas

Byron Moss is uptight…

“This is what I’ve always wanted, right? Then why does this assistant headmaster position hem me in? I feel constricted, restricted, afflicted. I fear I have taken a wrong turn in my career. What is God’s will for my life? And what does Tina think about—Tina? What does she have anything to do with my career decisions?”

—Byron Moss, Assistant Headmaster, Chapel by the Sea Christian School in the Bahamas

Never the twain shall…kiss?

Ah, Byron and Tina. How would they navigate the super-conservative work environment where office romance is frowned upon? Can they change the old rules? Or will the old rules change them? Let’s find out in the Caribbean, where the waters are blue, skies are pretty, and hearts are warm…

My thoughts:  I thought to pick out a nice short novella to fill in this day, since I'm under a tight deadline and no time to read a long book.  Lo and behold, this ain't no novella!  It is seriously long! 

I did skim this book a lot as it was more telling than showing and there was a lot of author intrusion, but there was a fun, innocent, humorous twist to this story that kept me interested and wondering what would go wrong or happen next.  

Tina is a flighty heroine, colorful, flamboyant, in your face clueless, and oh so clumsy.  Brian is straightlaced, a rule-follower, ten minutes early or he's late, and oh so chained to a planner.  Tina drives him nuts. Bryon drives her nuts. Is there any hope at all for this couple?

I liked how Bryon has to mentally adjust his thoughts and thinking about Tina, determined to think positively about her since she is volunteering as a missionary. And how Tina tried to work with Bryon's schedule instead of deliberately antagonizing him.  

A good read. I would read more by this author. I like the humor. 

I bought a copy in the Whispers of Love collection. No review was required 

VACATION SWEETHEARTS

The Vacation Sweethearts novels are a spin-off of Jan Thompson’s Savannah Sweethearts series.

• Book 1: Smile for Me
• Book 2: Reach for Me
• Book 3: Wait for Me
• Book 4: Look for Me
• Book 5: Cheer for Me

SAVANNAH SWEETHEARTS

Savannah Sweethearts is a collection of clean and wholesome, sweet and inspirational contemporary Christian romances set on the beaches of Tybee Island and in the city of Savannah, Georgia.

• Book 1: Know You More
• Book 2: Tell You Soon
• Book 3: Draw You Near
• Book 4: Cherish You So
• Book 5: Walk You There
• Book 6: Love You Always
• Book 7: Kiss You Now
• Book 8: Find You Again
• Book 9: Wish You Joy
• Book 10: Call You Home

SEASIDE CHAPEL

A sister series to Savannah Sweethearts, Seaside Chapel chronicles the lives of Seaside Chapel churchgoers on the beach town of St. Simon’s Island, Georgia.

• Book 1: Share with Me
• Book 2: Step with Me
• Book 3: Sing with Me

Your Own Beautiful: Advice and Inspiration from Chelsea Crockett

Paperback, ebook, audio, MP3 cd

October 24, 2017

by Chelsea Crocket

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan 
• ISBN-13: 978-0310762362

Inspired by Chelsea Crockett’s popular YouTube channel, Your Own Beautiful is a life, faith, and beauty guide, filled with her trademark tips on makeup and style alongside full-color photos, how-tos, and more to help young women with all the big issues they face—from self-confidence and friendship to following your dreams. With her signature grace and wit, Chelsea tackles tough questions through uplifting messages influenced by her faith and life experiences in Your Own Beautiful.

“Funny, helpful, and inspirational! This book reveals the secrets to finding inner beauty and happiness.” CHARISMA STAR, Beauty vlogger

My thoughts: (reviewed by Jenna) YOUR OWN BEAUTIFUL is a really good book, and I'm happy to know there is such a thing as a Christian vlogger on the internet. I didn't know such a thing existed. 

I don't watch Chelsea because she is a beauty vlogger and I don't wear makeup (yet) but she sounds very interesting.  I really really like how she shares her Christian testimony with her videos. 

YOUR OWN BEAUTIFUL has pictures and beauty tips that not only includes makeup but also clothes, hair, and the all important inner and spiritual beauty.   

I highly recommend this book and am keeping it for future use. 

The Vew from Rainshadow Bay

 (A Lavender Tides Novel) 

Paperback, ebook, hardcover, digital, audio, MP3 CD

 January 23, 2018

by Colleen Coble 

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• ISBN-13: 978-0718085766

"Prepare to stay up all night with Colleen Coble. Coble's beautiful, emotional prose coupled with her keen sense of pacing, escalating danger, and very real characters place her firmly at the top of the suspense genre. I could not put this book down." --Allison Brennan, New York Times bestselling author of Shattered

“…The View From Rainshadow Bay, opens with a heart-pounding, run-for-your-life chase. This book will stay with you for a long time, long after you flip to the last page.” - 4 STARS, RT Book Reviews

After her husband, Jack, dies in a climbing incident, Shauna has only her five-year-old son and her helicopter charter business to live for. Every day is a struggle to make ends meet and she lives in constant fear of losing even more than she already has.

When her business partner is murdered, his final words convince Shauna that she’s in danger too. But where can she turn? Zach Bannister was her husband’s best friend and is the person she blames for his death. She’s barely spoken to him since. But right now he seems her only hope for protecting her son.

Zach is only too happy to assuage his guilt over Jack’s death by helping Shauna any way he can. But there are secrets involved dating back to Shauna’s childhood that more than one person would prefer to stay hidden.

In The View from Rainshadow Bay, suspense, danger, and a longing to love again ignite amid the gorgeous lavender fields of Washington State.

My thoughts: I love Colleen Coble's books - she's a must read author for me. THE VIEW FROM RAINSHADOW BAY is a wonderful example of why.  Zach is an ex-Coastguardsman, a hotdogger and he works flying into Alaska and back with medical patients.  Shauna is trying to recover from losing her husband -- a tragedy she blames Zach for because Zach is into extreme sports. 

Shauna is definitely hurting, her son is adorable, and she just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when a man gives her a package and tells her to send it to his estranged wife.  She agrees and is leaving when the man's house blows up from a bomb....  

I loved how sweet Shauna is and how she was willing (with reservations) to allow Zach to try to protect her and Alex, and I also loved Zach. He's a doll. 

Ms. Coble writes real characters, with real emotions that I easily can identify with, and draws me into her stories, hook, line, and sinker. I had a  hard time putting the book down to attend to my own jobs.   

There isn't much of a faith message, but the suspense is top-notch. I know how suspense works, and from the beginning tried to figure out who-dun-it.  I didn't have it figured out until it was revealed, but my suspicions was running in the right direction. 

A great book. If you love romantic suspense, you will love THE VIEW FROM RAINSHADOW BAY. 

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own. 

A Parents' Guide to Understanding Children's Dreams and Nightmares

ebook, Paperback 

November 14, 2017

by Recie Saunders (Author),‎ Diane Jackson (Foreword)

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Whitaker House 
• ISBN-13: 978-1629119502

"This book will help you value dreams—and maybe set the stage for a child’s receptivity to God’s truths.”
--Diane Jackson
Wife of John Paul Jackson, founder of Streams Ministries and creator of the TV program Dreams & Mysteries

A child with regular nightmares can easily be dismissed by professionals as just overly imaginative or too sensitive. But for any parent at their wits' end over their child's suffering from dreams and nightmares, a deeper understanding is needed. Is it possible that a spiritual dimension is at play?       //        

A Parents' Guide to Understanding Dreams and Nightmares by Recie Saunders offers help to concerned parents. With a clear, easy-to-read style, it is an invaluable resource for all parents who want to help their kids know whether a dream is from God, interpret their nightmares, find security in God’s control, and hear God’s voice in the night season as well as the day.       //       

Drawing on his extensive research on the prophetic, visions, and dreams, Recie differentiates between dreams and visions, provides creative ideas for encouraging kids’ faith, explains lucid dreaming, and lists the most common images and symbols that come through dreams. Throughout this approachable book is Recie’s tender, fatherly passion that the kingdom of heaven belongs to the “little children.” Includes a Dream Dictionary and a Dream Journal.

My thoughts: A PARENTS' GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING CHILDREN'S DREAMS AND NIGHTMARES is  probably a life-savior for a parent whose child suffers from nightmares. Filled with scripture and the author's understanding of dreams and their meanings, he gives helpful information to differentiate between dreams and visions, how to increase your child's faith, and explains the most common images and symbols that come through dreams (as stated above in the description).  

If you are interested in dreams, visions, and nightmares and want to help your child this would be a helpful book.  Includes a journal, footnotes (for more information if you care to look it up) and a dream dictionary that explains whether a dream (vision or nightmare) is from God or demon forces based on topic and colors. 

Interesting reading and a friendly tone ensures you won't get bored with this book. 

I was given a copy free. All opinions my own. 

Interview with Sherri Stone and #Giveaway!!!

Today we welcome Sherri Stone to my blog. Sherri is very graciously giving away a kindle copy of her new book. To enter, leave contact information in the comments.  Sherri, good to have you. Can you tell me about the book, share the blurb

Here is my blurb for The Confession of Tobias Tucker:

Grace Tucker’s father took a dark secret to his grave. Now the grandfather she's never met reaches out to her for help. He'll tell her the secret - if she promises to help him make things right. It's a temptation she can't refuse, but before the sun sets on her first day there, heart-stopping revelations and murder turn her visit into a nightmare. Everyone, including the Sheriff, thinks she's after her grandfather's money. Worse, she doesn't know the secret, but someone out there isn't taking any chances. They're determined to bury the secret once and for all, and Grace along with it. With her life and sanity on the line, the wise, old saying comes back to haunt her with a twist: be careful what you wish for, it just might get you.

Where did you grow up and attend school? Are there any other authors in your family? 

I’m a preacher’s kid, so I grew up in three different places in south Florida: Cape Coral, Pompano Beach, and Sarasota. There are no other writers in my family, however, when I first told my parents I was writing a book, my mom told be she’d always wanted to do that. After 57 years of being a preacher’s wife, I think she could write some very encouraging words for the next generation. She is a very active 80 years old, so I’m going to keep encouraging her to do it.

How did you get started writing? How old were you? What made you want to start? What did you enjoy reading as a child? 

I’ve always enjoyed writing, but never actually started writing with the intent to finish a novel until I was in my thirties. I played around with it for a while, but I was 50 before completed my first story. I did and still do enjoy reading anything I can get my hands on, including the back of a cereal box or tube of toothpaste. There’s just always been something very calming to me about picking up a book and getting lost in the story for a while. It’s my favorite thing to do – even more than eating, and that’s saying a lot! :)

How and when did you and your husband meet? Was it love at first sight? What does he think about your being an author? 

The first time I saw my husband he was walking down the hallway in my office building. It wasn’t love at first sight, but I think something in me knew…  We were friends for a while, and by the time we officially started to date, I think we both knew this was it. We just celebrated 19 years last October, and it just keeps getting better, and better. He is my biggest fan and supporter, not just for writing, but in life. God knew exactly who I needed.

How old are your children? Do they read your books? Have any of them got the writing bug, as well?

Our only child is furry and four-legged, and more spoiled than any human child I would ever put up with!  :P He’s quirky and weird and we love him. He’s the second dog we’ve had, and we were only dog-free for the first two years of our marriage. It’s about time to send him to college, I think.

How do you research the communities and people you write about? Do you find yourself having do a lot of research? 

I haven’t done much research for my first two books, but in the next series I’m planning I’ll be writing about some professions that are not familiar to me. I’ve started researching on line, but I’d also like to get a first-hand experience with some of them. In February, I’m going to visit a tattoo shop. Should be fun, as long as they don’t come at me with a needle. I plan to leave as pale and plain as I go in!

Which is your favorite book? Do you have a character in your books you identify with the most?

My first book, Sacred Ashes, will always be special because it’s the one I cut my teeth on, and worked so hard for. I wrote it before I knew anything about writing fiction, or critique groups, or head-hopping (which apparently I excelled at!). I had so much work to do to make it ready to publish, but I love how it turned out. Dani is a preacher’s kid so I relate to her well. In Tobias Tucker, I admire, and even envy, Grace’s pluck and grit. I think I’d like to be like her when I grow up.

Share your bio

Sherri has been a social worker for twenty-five years in the fields of mental health, hospice, and now home health. She and her husband, Jeff, are working on their house, a never-ending project, and busy being the keepers of a very naughty terrier named Riley.  They live in the panhandle of Florida which is not nearly as warm as it should be at the moment. Looking forward to spring!!

Links to buy and social media

Both books are available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback format:

Sacred Ashes: 

The Confession of Tobias Tucker: 

My website is: www.sherristone.net

Facebook:  facebook.com/sherrilynnestone.