A Christmas by the Sea ~ Review

A Christmas by the Sea
By Melody Carlson

It's that time of year again - time for another Melody Carlson Christmas book. You know without a doubt the ending won't leave you in the dumps and that there will be a touch of romance. Her Christmas books rank with Hallmark Christmas movies in my opinion. This year's offering is in the contemporary category and features Wendy Harper a struggling widowed mother to twelve-year-old Jackson.

Life since the death of her husband has been difficult struggling to make ends met while paying off all the bills (medical, student loans, etc..). But when she inherits her grandparent's summer cottage in Seaside, Maine, she sees a way out of her mounting debts. But Jackson has other plans he is determined to call Seaside home and get a fresh start away from everything.

Seaside isn't the same small seasonal destination Wendy remembers - it still has that small town feel and charm it's just a bit more grown-up than it used to be. But she still feels that selling the cottage after some much-needed work is her chance at getting a fresh start.

Seaside offers some unexpected surprises that tug at her heart making her wish to call it home but wishes cannot provide the financial support that she needs to provide for herself and Jackson. And then there is Caleb Colton a stranger to whom she feels a connection. Being a responsible adult is never easy and Wendy is determined to do what is best for the future and she has little time to decide where it will be.

If you are in the mood for an easy and quick read that leaves you ready for Christmas pick up A Christmas by the Sea - you just may want to find a seashell or two for this year's tree. At 166 pages you'll have time to get this one read without adding to the chaos that, for many, surrounds Christmas. This is a progressive story that moves along at a steady pace. Find a favorite corner and settle in with a cup of tea (or coffee or cocoa), and a cookie or two and some quiet instrumental Christmas music and immerse yourself in a seaside vacation.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Revell with no expectations except that I provide my honest opinion.


About the Book:
Wendy couldn't believe she was standing here discussing toilets with a perfect stranger. Not
that he was perfect--although he was rather attractive. But he was obviously enjoying her discomfort a bit too much.

He eased the bulky box from the shelf and onto the floor, leaning it against his leg. "So . . . you're new in town?"

"Not exactly." She watched as he easily picked up the container. Was he trying to be friendly or actually hitting on her?
When Wendy Harper inherits her family's beachside cottage in Seaside, Maine, she sees it as a way to finally pay off the debts that have mounted since her husband died. Her twelve-year-old son Jackson sees it as an exciting new start in a life that has grown rather gray without his father.

Before it can be sold, the neglected property must be renovated. Wendy and Jackson move in--temporarily, she reminds him--in order to fix the place up before Christmas. But the charming town, along with local craftsman Caleb Colton, pulls on Wendy. She knows that the most responsible thing to do is to sell the cottage and return to Ohio, but the lure of the sea--and a fresh start--is hard to resist.

Hidden Among the Stars ~ Review

Hidden Among the Stars
By Melanie Dobson

Austria has lost itself to the annexation of Nazi Germany and the lives of its people are about to be changed forever. Max Dornbach has lived the life of privilege but the hate that has taken hold of his country shocks him. Never able to stand suffering Max offers what help he can to his friends who are Jewish, hiding their valuables on his family's summer estate. But Max's greatest desire is the help the young woman that he cares for and her family to escape from Austria. But already the grip of Hitler's regime has made leaving the country nearly impossible.

When the unthinkable happens Max must rely on the friendships that he formed as a child with those living near the family's estate in Hallstatt. Annika Knopf has always cared for Max and would do anything to aid him. But as the daughter of the estate's caretaker, she has little hope of him seeing her as anything but the little girl he met years ago. But when Max brings Luzia Weiss to hide her away from the Nazis Annika's heart is tried.

When Callie Randall comes across an old come of Bambi she is determined to see if she can find the original owner Annika Knopf to whom the book is inscribed with a loving message from her mother. But finding any information about Annika Knopf is almost impossible. But Callie's inquiries do get noticed by Dr. Josh Nemeth who is on his own search for Annika because of an uncle who was stationed in Austria's lake country in 1945.

When Callie and Josh's search turns up another name - Luzia Weiss, a name that has ties to someone dear in Callie's life, the search becomes even more important to Callie. Important enough that she is willing to leave her safe world behind.

Hidden Among the Stars is a moving and at time heart-wrenching read. It is a powerful message about standing up in the face of evil and doing your own small part to thwart its destructive force. This story is one that spans 80 years one that has a mystery at its heart and seven people are at the center of it.

For those who have read Catching the Wind, this book is equally well-written perhaps a bit more brutal as there are more scenes dealing with the Nazi aggression. I like the following quote that was in the book "Anyone who saves a life is as if he saved an entire world." I feel as if this quote from The Talmud sums up this book. When the world is falling down around you will you give your all to save another's life? 

Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations except that I give my honest opinion ~ all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A gripping time-slip mystery about hidden treasure, 

a castle, and ordinary people who 

resisted evil in their own extraordinary way.

The year is 1938, and as Hitler’s troops sweep into Vienna, Austrian Max Dornbach promises to help his Jewish friends hide their most valuable possessions from the Nazis, smuggling them to his family’s summer estate near the picturesque village of Hallstatt. He enlists the help of Annika Knopf, his childhood friend and the caretaker’s daughter, who is eager to help the man she’s loved her entire life. But when Max also brings Luzia Weiss, a young Jewish woman, to hide at the castle, it complicates Annika’s feelings and puts their entire plan—even their very lives—in jeopardy. Especially when the Nazis come to scour the estate and find both Luzia and the treasure gone.

Eighty years later, Callie Randall is mostly content with her quiet life, running a bookstore with her sister and reaching out into the world through her blog. Then she finds a cryptic list in an old edition of Bambi that connects her to Annika’s story . . . and maybe to the long-buried story of a dear friend. As she digs into the past, Callie must risk venturing outside the safe world she’s built for a chance at answers, adventure, and maybe even new love.

Connect with the Author:

Find Melanie on Goodreads

Visit Melanie's Website

Follow Melanie on Twitter

Visit Melanie on Facebook

Get a sneak peek at the book

Sons of Blackbird Mountain ~ Review

Sons of Blackbird Mountain
Blackbird Mountain #1
By Joanne Bischof

Aven Norgaard is making a new life for herself leaving Norway and her old life with its pain and sorrow to joining her late husband's Aunt Dorothe and cousins in Blackbird Mountain, Virginia. But what she finds isn't quite what she expected from the letters that she had exchanged with Dorothe.

Yes, there is a family with sons that could use some tending but they are not the children she had anticipated helping to tend. Rather the Norgaard boys are men who are her age or older. There is Jorgan, the eldest, who has a steady head and is soon to wed. The second son, Thor is deaf and mute, dealing daily with a silent pain that has held his heart in its grip since his mother's death. The youngest Norgaard is Haakon, who is bold and brash and carries a pain of his own.

Adjusting to her new life is complicated by the fact that the Nogaards support themselves through the brewing of hard cider and Aven, well aware of the issues her late husband had with liquor, is understandably concerned about the Norgaards, especially Thor. Thor longs to be free of the grip drink has on him but his past attempts have ended in failure. As the crafter behind the cider, Thor is daily tempted by his brew, a brew that brought his own father down. But Aven's arrival gives Thor the motivation to attempt to break its hold one last time.

The ruggedly beautiful and mountainous Virginia of the 1890s is a land still caught in the pain that was wrought by war - a war that divided a nation and changed the lives of so many. Many seeking to hide their pain and anger in the warm and addictive embrace of liquor. And those around them paid the price of liquor's cost - beatings, lack of necessities (food, clothing, etc.), and worse. This is the world of the Nogaards of Blackbird Mountain. This is the world that offers Aven Nogaard refuge following the death of her husband.

The Nogaard brothers are tightly knit with a close relationship but there is a secret pain that has driven a small wedging sliver between Thor and Haakon, one that has kept them from the relationship that they could have had. Aven's arrival is about to further test their bond as both men find their hearts turning to a red-haired Irish beauty with a caring and compassionate spirit.

I have to admit this was an interesting look at how those without hearing have been treated and the way that they are able to communicate. The opinions of some that signing was uncultured and primitive is not surprising and yet at the same time is. It is amazing how differences have always been a way to put down some while raising others. Differences should not be seen in such a light but rather as the unique gift we have each been given and from which we are to grow.

This book would be an excellent book club selection and I for one would be wondering what gem each person would glean through their reading. Would it be the post Civil War era, a particular character, or just the effort and care put forth in the making of a drink?

I received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through TLC book tour with no expectations but my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A Tale of Family, 

Brotherhood, 

and the Healing Power of Love

After the tragic death of her husband, Aven Norgaard is beckoned to give up her life in Norway to become a housekeeper in the rugged hills of Nineteenth-Century Appalachia. Upon arrival, she finds herself in the home of her late husband’s cousins—three brothers who make a living by brewing hard cider on their three-hundred acre farm. Yet even as a stranger in a foreign land, Aven has hope to build a new life in this tight-knit family.

But her unassuming beauty disrupts the bond between the brothers. The youngest two both desire her hand, and Aven is caught in the middle, unsure where—and whether—to offer her affection. While Haakon is bold and passionate, it is Thor who casts the greatest spell upon her. Though Deaf, mute, and dependent on hard drink to cope with his silent pain, Thor possesses a sobering strength.

As autumn ushers in the apple harvest, the rift between Thor and Haakon deepens and Aven faces a choice that risks hearts. Will two brothers’ longing for her quiet spirit tear apart a family? Can she find a tender belonging in this remote, rugged, and unfamiliar world?

A haunting tale of struggle and redemption, Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a portrait of grace in a world where the broken may find new life through the healing mercy of love.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes and Noble | iBooks

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About the Author: Joanne Bischof

A Christy and Carol Award winner, Joanne Bischof writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the reader’s heartstrings. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her three children.

Connect with Joanne

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Joann Bischof’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Monday, August 20th: Black ‘n Gold Girl’s Book Spot
Tuesday, August 21st: Let Them Read Books
Friday, August 24th: What is That Book About – author guest post
Monday, August 27th: Read Till Dawn
Tuesday, August 28th: Running Through the Storms
Wednesday, August 29th: Cheryl’s Book Nook
Thursday, August 30th: Read Eat Repeat
Tuesday, September 4th: The Lit Bitch
Wednesday, September 5th: Blooming with Books
Thursday, September 6th: @createexploreread
Monday, September 10th: Broken Teepee
Tuesday, September 11th: Splashes of Joy
Wednesday, September 12th: Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen
Thursday, September 13th: View from the Birdhouse
Friday, September 14th: The Sketchy Reader and @thesketchyreader

Chasing the Hunter ~ Blog Hop with Interview

In 1788, Aria Stonewood is chased from her home in the New England colonies after being accused

of murder and abducting twin baby girls.

Hiding a secret, Aria travels west deep into the north-woods of the Minnesota territory. She seeks shelter at a French trading post that is run by a former priest and meets Francois Marcks; both of whom distrust her and do not want her staying there. But with the dangers of winter coming they have no choice but to reluctantly let her stay unaware of what the coming winter will bring to their door.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

About the Author:

Growing up in Northwestern Minnesota, Emily spent the long winter days dreaming and creating stories. She loves the mild summers and cold, wind swept state so much that she incorporates the landscape and small towns into her stories. A life-long book dragon, Emily is fulfilling her dream by writing novels.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | WEBSITE

Author Interview (via SLB)

1. Who or what inspired you to become an author?
I was raised with a family of avid readers and storytellers, Momma, Mimmie (Grandma) and Pappaw (Grandpa) always seems to have a book hidden somewhere close by just in case. I followed in their footsteps. Though the person who inspired me the most is Momma. She always encouraged creative thinking and writing. After all she did name me after three of her favorite writer’s: Emily Bronte, Anne Bronte, and Emily Dickerson. Perhaps she knew something even back then.

2. When did you first start writing?  When was your first novel published compared to when you first started writing?
According to family member’s I have always been able to create elaborate tales at a moment’s notice. I wrote my first story when I was in second grade in my school notebook instead of doing the assignments. My first book was not published until 2016, A Whippoorwills Song, which is still available. So, I spent quite a few years, practicing my writing with several unfinished or poorly told stories safely hidden away and reading anything I could get my hands on.

3. How do you deal with publisher rejection letters?
As an Indie author this is not something I’ve had to deal with much. I did start out wanting to be traditionally published. Even sent my first novel to several publisher’s and got rejected by all of them. How’s the saying go ‘when one door closes, you open a window. That is what I did, when tradition publishing didn’t work out of me, I turned toward indie-publishing and so far it has worked out fine for me.

4. What authors would you recommend to your fellow readers?
Oh, my giddy aunt. I have SO many favorite’s that I enjoy reading that it would be a very long list. My top 10 that I would recommend in a heartbeat, since I’ve read all or at least most of their books would be (in no particular order): Jody Hedlund, Melanie Dickerson, Mary Lu Tyndall, Cathy Marie Hake, Mary Connealy, Jen Turano, Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, Tracie Peterson, and Tessa Afshar.

5. What does “a day in the life of Author Emily Yager” look like?
My day starts with a cup of coffee with butter in it, then spend the rest of the morning catching up on everything, phone calls, mail, email, social media, Family, housekeeping (sometimes), and time with my dog. Then after lunch It try and leave most of my afternoons flexible to be able to hang out with family or going places, occasionally writing or research. After supper, is my main writing time. I tend to write late into the night. It’s not uncommon that I am up until one or two (sometimes later or would it be earlier?) in the morning. That’s an overview of a typical day for me.

6. When you are not writing, what hobbies do you enjoy?
Besides reading, I enjoy cooking and/or baking, arts and crafty things like drawing, crocheting, scrapbooking, cardmaking, sewing and quilting. I love music, whether it be listening to it, singing, playing an instrument (or try to). I play several instruments including piano, banjo, ukulele, penny whistle, and bodhran. Other hobbies I enjoy are gardening, hiking, canoeing, and archery.

7. What inspired the idea for Chasing the Hunter?
As a history geek, I love learning about the history of Northern Minnesota (where I grew up and currently live) I saw this exhibit on the French Fur Traders in Minnesota and the thought hit me: I have never seen nor read a book about the fur traders that wasn’t a documentary, essay, or a dry factual history book. I even Googled the topic to prove it. So, I told myself that I would be the one to change that and since I love canoeing and drifting down the river it just made sense.

8. What did you as an author take away from writing Chasing the Hunter?
I think the biggest thing that I learned or at least relearned while writing this book was to be more forgiving and to be willing give people the benefit of doubt when something bad happens or something from their past comes up. Because we don’t always know what happen to a person in the past or what caused them to do what they did. That it is something that, as a Christian especially, we need reminded of from time to time. I know I certainly do.
​
9. What is your current WIP?  What can you tell us about it?I just finished book two in the Pursuing Voyageurs series “Coaxing the Clerk” which will be released in mid- October. And I am about half-way through writing book three in the series “Catching the Nor’wester” They continue to showcase the difficult life that the Fur Traders endured as they lived and working in the Northwoods. Each book is about a different ‘couple’ and their own struggles. Book two feature’s Allis and Stefan’s story, book three is about Calliope and Etienne’s. Beyond that I can’t really say anything else yet.

Giveaway

Enter the giveaway HERE.

Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.

Blog Hop Schedule:
September 3-Britt Reads Fiction
September 4-Blooming with Books
September 5-Robin’s Nest
September 6-cherylbbookblog
September 7-Among the Reads
September 8-ReadingIsMySuperPower
September 10-Remembrancy
September 11-Singing Librarian Books
September 12-Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic
September 13-Edits and Reviews by Leslie
September 14-Tell Tale Book Reviews
September 15-Life Is What It’s Called

Crack Yourself Up Jokes for Kids ~ Review

Crack Yourself Up
Jokes for Kids
By Sandy Silverthorne

Kids of all age love telling jokes but finding good clean joke books can be a challenge. Well have no fear Crack Yourself Up Jokes for Kids is here to feed your joke telling hobby. This book is a mix of jokes, knock-knocks, and silly stories that may or may not make you laugh but you'll be sure to roll your eyes a time or two. With a scattering of illustrations to add to the book, kids will be sure get in a few giggles while sharing the hilarity with those around them.

Some jokes are standards one would expect in any joke book such as the "How do you keep a blank from charging?" "Take away his credit card." While others are a bit more unique such as Q: What did the elevator say to the other elevator? A: I think I'm coming down with something. And then there are reverse jokes which give the answer before the question which could result in some outrageous hilarity as others try to come up with the correct question. 

There are 138 pages with 130 pages for the jokes and the book is small enough to take with you almost everywhere - though I wouldn't recommend taking it into the tub as it has an aversion to water, though there is a joke about Noah's ark and one about the ocean.

Recommended for kids 6 - 12 years of age though, in my opinion, other age will enjoy the jokes as well. This book would be a great way to get a party off to a great start with an air of jocularity that can break up any awkwardness.

I was provided a complimentary copy by Revell with no expectations but my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Why are dogs such bad dancers? 

They have two left feet.

Knock, knock. 

Who's there? 

Alex. 

Alex who? 

Alex the questions around here.

What's red and goes up and down? 

A tomato in an elevator.

Any kid can be a comedian with a little help from Crack Yourself Up Jokes for Kids. This zany collection of one-liners, knock-knock jokes, riddles, puns, funny lists, and hilarious illustrations promises hours of fun. Just be careful. These are the kinds of laughs that make milk come out your nose--so don't drink and read!

Perfect for kids ages 6-12.

A Defense of Honor ~ Review

A Defense of Honor
Haven Manor #1
By Kristi Ann Hunter

Katherine FitzGilbert has turned her back on London society after being caught up in a scandal - one that ruined her reputation and that of a dear friend. What started out as an errand of mercy to the unwanted and castoff children of society has turned into a mission of vengeance. And this time Kit finds herself in trouble having to hide within the very society that she has scorned. Unfortunately, her hiding place doesn't hide her from the all too bored eyes of Lord Wharton (aka Graham). Intrigued by the glimpse of a woman hiding in the foliage at the edges of the ballroom he meets a mysterious woman who disappears as quickly as she darted in.

Kit has a secret that she is determined none shall uncover - she is The Governess. A title that strikes fear into the hearts of gentlemen who allow themselves to ruin the reputations of young ladies. And The Governess makes them pay for their children that she cares for.

But someone is seeking The Governess threatening all that Kit and those aiding her have created in an abandoned estate in a small village that no one pays any mind to. When Graham unexpectedly shows up Kit fears that he may discover what they are hiding and reveal what he learns. But the children touch his heart and his short stay offers the children a break from the tedium of their life bringing laughter to their home.

Seeking to help a friend Graham never expected to see the mysterious woman from the ball when they set out to find his young sister. But an unguarded comment set him off leading him to Haven Manor and leaving him with questions - questions that could answer the one that he seeks "Where was Priscilla?"

When confronted about her lack of trust in God to provide for the children and her need to exact vengeance Kit is left in turmoil. Could she have been wrong all these years? Should she have given the fathers from whom she has been collecting financial support the opportunity to do the right thing by their children? 

A Defense of Honor is an interesting look at London Society and what the consequences to those who fall prey to their passions and their children must endure. A firstborn son who will never inherit. A daughter who will never have a season. Children whose only future is one of labor and not one of society. I really liked Graham and his friend Aaron Whitworth, who was one of society's castoff children who was known to his father and supported but not accepted by society.  Fans of Kristi's Hawthorne House series should enjoy this one too.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher via their blogger program with no expectation but an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:
When Katherine "Kit" FitzGilbert turned her back on London society more than a decade ago, she determined never to set foot in a ballroom again. But when business takes her to London and she's forced to run for her life, she stumbles upon not only a glamorous ballroom but also Graham, Lord Wharton. What should have been a chance encounter becomes much more as Graham embarks on a search for his friend's missing sister and is convinced Kit knows more about the girl than she's telling.

After meeting Graham, Kit finds herself wishing things could have been different for the first time in her life, but what she wants can't matter. Long ago, she dedicated herself to helping women escape the same scorn that drove her from London and raising the innocent children caught in the crossfire. And as much as she desperately wishes to tell Graham everything, revealing the truth isn't worth putting him and everyone she loves in danger.

The Mission League series ~ Cover Reveal

The Mission League series is coming to an end. 

Today the final book cover of Jill Williamson's series is revealed.

Are you curious?

I'm sure you are.

First I'll let you in on a little secret...

The title,

after all, every book needs a name.

The Profile Match

Yes, I can see that you are intrigued.

You're wondering just what sort 

of mission Spencer Garmond

is about to get caught up in this time.

Well, wonder no more

because

here

is 

the 

book

synopsis

When Spencer Garmond’s friend is kidnapped, the young Mission League agent-in-training decides he’s had enough. Determined to stop the criminals he suspects are responsible, he petitions the Los Angeles Field Office to give him the lead on the case. Now he’s investigating his favorite actress, the movie director who pretended to be his dad, and even his own uncle. Weird much?

As he struggles to find the connections between this unlikely group of suspects, he uncovers a clue that could create a worldwide scandal. When the Field Office steps in, Spencer realizes he’s not really in control of the investigation at all. Can Spencer trust God to bring about justice, or will his need to be in control jeopardize the very people he's trying so hard to protect?

Don’t miss this final installment in the award-winning Mission League series by author Jill Williamson.

Are you sufficiently intrigued?

Well 

here 

is 

the

cover.

Amazon.com pre-order page: https://amzn.to/2Ny3lEa

The ebook is on a pre-order sale for $2.99 for the month of September so don't delay.

Add the book to your Goodreads to be read list: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41570561-the-profile-match