Thursday, October 31, 2019

Jenny's Choice (Apple Creek Dreams Book 3)

Jenny's Choice 

(Apple Creek Dreams Book 3) 

ebook, paperback


I purchased this new edition directly from the author at an author event. I was under no obligation to post a review but have expressed my own sincere thoughts. 



Wednesday, October 30, 2019

No Ocean Too Wide



No Ocean Too Wide: A Novel 

Paperback – ebook, audible, audio CD

June 25, 2019

  • Paperback: 368 pages
  • Publisher: Multnomah
  • ISBN-13: 978-0525652939

Between the years of 1869 to 1939 more than 100,000 poor British children were sent across the ocean to Canada with the promise of a better life. Those who took them in to work as farm laborers or household servants were told they were orphans--but was that the truth?

After the tragic loss of their father, the McAlister family is living at the edge of the poorhouse in London in 1908, leaving their mother to scrape by for her three younger children, while oldest daughter, Laura, works on a large estate more than an hour away. When Edna McAlister falls gravely ill and is hospitalized, twins Katie and Garth and eight-year-old Grace are forced into an orphans' home before Laura is notified about her family's unfortunate turn of events in London. With hundreds of British children sent on ships to Canada, whether truly orphans or not, Laura knows she must act quickly. But finding her siblings and taking care of her family may cost her everything.

Fraser, a wealthy young British lawyer and heir to the estate where Laura is in service, discovers that this common practice of finding new homes for penniless children might not be all that it seems. Together Laura and Andrew form an unlikely partnership. Will they arrive in time? Will their friendship blossom into something more?

Inspired by true events, this moving novel follows Laura as she seeks to reunite her family and her siblings who, in their darkest hours, must cling to the words from Isaiah: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God"

My thoughts: NO OCEAN TOO WIDE is the first book I read by Carrie Turansky. Historical fiction isn't my genre of choice, especially when they start with the seemingly formula and mandatory death as this one does. That aside, Ms. Turansky writes vividly, welcoming  the reader into the characters' world with all the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes.

This is not a historical romance though there are some romantic moments, and the book ends without resolution so readers will want to read the second  book in the series (coming in January 2020, I think.)  There are some disturbing accounts of abuse... sensitive  readers beware.

Fans of historical fiction (especially ones based on a true story) will want to read NO OCEAN TOO WIDE. Ms. Turansky is most definitely a talented writer who will draw the reader in and leave them wanting  more.

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



Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Just in Case You Ever Wonder

Just in Case You Ever Wonder 

Hardcover – ebook, audible

August 6, 2019

Monday, October 28, 2019

The Timepiece

The Timepiece 

Paperback – hardcover, ebook, audible

September 17, 2019

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Tender Care by Heidi Dru Kortman



Text: Jeremiah 31:7-9

“This is what the Lord says: ‘Sing with joy for Jacob, shout for the greatest of the nations. Make your praises heard, and say, “Oh Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel.” See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind, and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor; a great throng will return. They will come with weeping, they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel’s father and Ephraim is my firstborn son.’”

Here’s a challenge for every day. How often is our attitude joyous? I am not overlooking the fact that much of every day is plain hard work, but do we do more grumbling than singing? According to this verse, we should be consistently full of joy, and expressing it, because of our identity as God’s remnant people.

In our eyes, a remnant seems unimportant, perhaps something to be discarded, but God has a much different perspective. His remnant is composed of people with true faith in his promises. No matter where we are on the earth, he knows us and provides what we need.

Although sadness and frustration of daily events can bring us to tears, the prayers that follow only enrich our relationship with God. As we live the days until we join God in heaven, he provides our physical necessities and the refreshing presence of his Holy Spirit, like a running stream. Our “path” to heaven is Christ, direct and smooth. If we remain on track with God’s will, our destination is a permanent home in his presence.

So how much praise do we express? Do the people who see us have any idea who we really are? Let’s not force the stones and dust to take over the work of praise we should be doing.



Heidi Dru Kortman DTM

God's gifts and call are irrevocable.


Heidi Dru Kortman, a CWG Apprentice graduate, ACFW member since 2004, and Word Weaver member has published devotionals in various newsletters, and a collected volume of devotionals. Her poetry, flash fiction, and short stories have appeared in small magazines, and a website. She is applying herself to the task of writing smoothly polished fiction.





Saturday, October 26, 2019

Winds of Danger

Winds of Danger 

(Lantern Beach Romantic Suspense #4) 

Paperback – ebook

August 13, 2019

Friday, October 25, 2019

Stitches in Time (The Deacon's Family #2)

Stitches in Time 

(The Deacon's Family #2) 

Paperback – ebook, audio, hardcover

October 1, 2019

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Recovered Secrets

Recovered Secrets 

(Love Inspired Suspense) 

Mass Market Paperback – ebook

September 3, 2019

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

The Road Home (Apple Creek Dreams Book 2)

The Road Home 

(Apple Creek Dreams Book 2) 

ebook, paperback

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Interview with Kathy McKinsey about Millie's Christmas




Today we welcome Kathy McKinsey to my blog. Thanks for stopping by, Kathy. Tell us about the book – a brief blurb:

Millie’s Christmas

Ruthie says Millie will love Christmas. Ruthie is Millie’s best friend, so she’s sure Ruthie’s right, but why does Millie keep finding Ruthie and her brother Jake crying?

Millie, an orange kitten, shares about her first Christmas. Her best friend Ruthie, six years old, teaches Millie about Christmas—food, decorations, music, presents, and Jesus!

Millie’s friend Bruce, the family dog, also helps her celebrate Christmas, and sometimes gets her in trouble.

When Ruthie’s big brother Jake breaks his ankle, Millie learns about sad things, like divorce, when Jake can’t visit his mommy for Christmas. Millie watches Ruthie’s family love each other through the sadness, and find joy in Christmas.


Are any experiences in Millie’s Christmas based on personal experiences? Did you draw upon any stories or movies for inspiration for the novel?

I normally write women’s fiction, so this was new for me. When my kids were little, however, I loved reading to them and telling them stories. I once wrote a story where the main characters were dogs, and my daughter Rebecca liked that. That probably helped encourage me to write this in a kitten’s POV.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in Millie’s Christmas?

Trying to get dog and cat facts accurate. For example, can cats see colors?

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learned that I can write a children’s story. I enjoyed it a lot, and I may try my hand at it again. I also do believe this story can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Did you have to travel much for research for Millie’s Christmas?

No, not at all.

(If a series) What was it like coming back to the [certain characters] for the [numeral] novel in the series? Do you foresee any more stories for this family of characters?

This is not a series. However, it might be fun to tell another story about this family. Maybe from the point of view of the dog.

Who was your favorite character in Millie’s Christmas?

That’s tough. Probably Millie, but I also had a lot of fun with Ruthie, the little girl.

Was there anything in Millie’s Christmas that you did not enjoy writing about?

No. It started out as just an exercise, to get me writing every day. I had no plan in mind to start out with. But God gave this story to me as a surprise gift. It’s one of my favorite of all my stories.

Share your bio and links for social media and to buy:

Kathy McKinsey grew up on a pig farm in Missouri, and although she’s lived in cities for nearly 40 years, she still considers herself a farm girl.

She’s been married to Murray for 32 years, and they have five adult children.

She’s had two careers before writing—stay-at-home-Mom and rehabilitation teacher for the blind.

She lives in Lakewood, Ohio with her husband and two of her children. Besides writing, she enjoys activities with her church, editing for other writers, braille transcribing, crocheting, knitting, and playing with the cat and dog.


https://www.kathymckinsey.com








This Special Blessing for You Hardcover – Picture Book #childrensbook

  This Special Blessing for You  Hardcover – Picture Book, February 20, 2024 by  Eric Schrotenboer   (Author),  Meredith Schrotenboer   (Aut...