Tag Archives: historical romance fiction

Mini-Audiobook Review — The Unbroken Song

6 Dec

December is for Christmas-y books, in my opinion. The Unbroken Song, a historical romance novella by new-to-me author Jennifer Q. Hunt, was the perfect accompaniment to walks on the treadmill and chores I just couldn’t avoid. 😉 This sweet story made the time fly by in a very agreeable way. Set primarily in Atlanta in the 1890s (there is a beginning and ending in the 1940s that introduces and concludes the story), this novella which is part of Hunt’s Sorrow And Song series, brought to life the burgeoning city still rebuilding following the Civil War. Sarah Fuller struggles with keeping her family together, taking on all the responsibilities of a homemaker at a very early age. Her Native American and impoverished roots, combined with a lack of formal education, make Sara believe she could not be worthy of a man like Boston-born John Sweet. John has struggles of his own, believing that he is a failure in his calling from God and never good enough for his family. Both grow to believe God truly does direct their steps regardless of their own abilities or lack thereof. I found The Unbroken Song to be a sweet love story with a strong spiritual message. While the story takes place over several months, it finishes with a very Christmas-y ending. As to the audiobook version, I enjoyed the pace and voice of the narrator — her reading of the book fit the style perfectly.

The Unbroken Song is for those who love a Christmas-y historical romance.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to the author for a copy of the audiobook. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Coming from opposite worlds, what could possibly unite them?

Rejected, frustrated, and no longer confident about God’s plan for his life, John Sweet takes a year-long assignment in Atlanta, Georgia. The city is bustling with preparations for the Cotton States and International Exposition to be held in the autumn of 1895. Sarah Fuller is also new to the city but trying desperately to make a home for her lonely father and motherless little sister. When a special assignment for the Exposition puts John and Sarah in close contact, they discover that while their pasts are completely different, their future dreams are much the same. As their families create obstacles and opposition, will they be able to find a way forward together?

At Christmas 1945, with her family still reeling from the changes brought by the Second World War, “Grandma Sarah” tells her teenage granddaughter about the year that changed her life. Can her simple story bring the healing and perspective they both need to embrace a different future than they had planned?

This standalone Christmas prequel to the Sorrow and Song Trilogy will transport you back to a Victorian Christmas, when the world was very different, yet the same longing for peace and purpose resounded in every heart.

A lifelong storyteller, Jennifer Q. Hunt has worked as a writer of both fiction and nonfiction, as well as an editor and ghostwriter. She has over twenty-five years of ministry writing experience for churches, pastors, and Christian ministries.

Jennifer writes fiction with faith and purpose. Her Sorrow and Song trilogy shows multi-generations as they wrestle with their place in history and following the Lord through challenging circumstances.

Back in north Georgia after several years away, Jennifer is a happy wife to Christopher and homeschool mother to four elementary-aged children.

For history tidbits, deleted scenes, and more “extras” as well as information about upcoming releases, visit jenniferqhunt.com or follow Jennifer on Facebook at Jennifer Q. Hunt, Author or Instagram at @jennifer.q.hunt.author.

Top 10 Tuesday — Hospitals!

5 Dec

Today is a TTT Freebie, s0 I thought I would tackle the depressing setting of hospitals. LOL! My husband laughed and rolled his eyes at me when I announced the topic. Surely I could have found a cheerier setting for the first TTT of December 2023? Probably, but I am in a rebellious mood. 😉 The books I am featuring all revolve around a hospital of some sort and encompass various time periods and genres. They are great for whatever ails you. Ugh!

For cheerier Freebie topics, check out That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Books Set In And Around Hospitals

Airborne by DiAnn Mills

Ghost Heart by Lisa Harris and Lynne Gentry

Hope Beyond The Waves by Heidi Chiavaroli

In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer

Step by Step by Candace Calvert

Surgeon’s Choice by Richard Mabry

Wedded to War by Jocelyn Green

When I Close My Eyes by Elizabeth Musser

With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden

With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin

Top 10 Tuesday — Boats!

28 Nov

Today’s TTT topic is basically a setting freebie. I chose to feature books in which a boat of some kind plays a significant role in the story. From ocean liners to yachts to rowing sculls — these books have it covered.

For more fabulous settings, check out That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Books Featuring Boats

Anna’s Crossing by Suzanne Woods Fisher

A Bridge Across The Ocean by Susan Meissner

The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh

The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall

The Maggie Bright by Tracy Groot

The Magnolia Duchess by Beth White

Magnolia Storms by Janet W. Ferguson

The Mayflower Bride by Kimberly Woodhouse

Port of Origin by Lisa Harris and Lynne Gentry

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin

Holiday Reading List

24 Nov

Are you a Black Friday shopper? Me, not so much. I prefer to snuggle in with a holiday-themed book from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. My list this year is filled with the authors who will be attending the Turning A New Page Book Festival in Perry, Georgia. Most are novella-length and perfect for reading between shopping, baking, parties, school and church events — you know you need a break! The list covers a variety of genres — romance, historical, suspense, mystery — so there should be something for you! Note: many are available through Kindle Unlimited. Look for KU after the author’s name.

Holiday Reading List

Candy Canes, Canines, And Crimes by Kathy Manos Penn (KU)

Destination Christmas by Pam Hillman (KU)

Last to Know by Brandy Heineman (KU)

Magnolia Mistletoe by Lindsey Brackett (KU)

One Winter Kiss by Lindi Peterson (KU)

Prevail by Linda Rodante (KU)

Snowbound with The Rodeo Star by Tanya Agler

The Unbroken Song by Jennifer Q. Hunt (KU)

You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Toni Shiloh

Whiskers, Wreaths, and Murder by Kathy Manos Penn (KU)

The Winter Reunion by Rhonda McKnight

First Line Friday — Abounding Hope

24 Nov

Happy Black Friday! Are you bustling around getting those great Christmas shopping deals? Or are you like me, hunkered in with a good book. 🙂 Today I am featuring Abounding Hope, a debut novel by Cindy Kay Stewart. Set in early days of WWII, this is the story of two Americans caught amidst the conflict. Cindy will be joining the historical romance panel at the Turning A New Page Book Festival in Perry, Georgia in January 2024. If you live anywhere near the middle Georgia area, come hear Cindy and the other fabulous authors speak on their writing journeys.

Here’s the first line:

Not a sliver of moonlight lit their path to the riverbank.

Poland’s looming defeat forces an American teacher to escape with children wanted by the Nazis. 

It’s late August, 1939, and the world is on the brink of war. The Nazis are threatening Poland, but American teacher Irena Simmons refuses to flee to safety. She’s dedicated her life to serving in her church and school, and she’s watching over the little German boys she whisked to safety the year before. When her former classmate, Jonathan, surprises her in Lvov and insists she leave with him before the war starts, Irena balks. Nothing will interfere with her work—especially a man making demands.

American shipping magnate Jonathan Huntwell had a crush on Irena in school. When their former classmates select him to travel to Poland and escort her out before it’s too late, he doesn’t expect the inner turmoil she ignites in him. Although honor-bound to aid any friend in trouble, Jonathan acknowledges that Irena is more than an obligation to him. However, he must keep his feelings hidden, or he’ll jeopardize their friendship.

Irena soon discovers that the Gestapo agent she successfully evaded in Germany has found her in Poland, and he’s after her young charges. When the Germans invade, Jonathan is in Denmark on business, too far away to help. As the rising danger threatens everything Irena holds dear, she must find a way to protect those she loves.

Based on true events and backed by extensive research, Abounding Hope is sure to delight fans of WWII adventure cloaked in sweet romance. Come to the place where the war began and discover hope in the darkest places.

Cindy Kay Stewart, a retired high school social studies teacher and current church pianist, writes stories of hope, steeped in love, and anchored in faith. Her manuscripts have won the Touched by Love Award, the First Impressions contest, and the Sandra Robbins Inspirational Writing Award. They’ve also finaled in the Maggie Award of Excellence and the Cascade Awards and semi-finaled in the Genesis contest. Cindy is passionate about revealing God’s handiwork in history.

A native of Southern California, Cindy has lived on both coasts, including a sojourn in between. She’s currently happy to make her home in North Georgia and enjoy the peaches. Cindy graduated from Bob Jones University, where she went for her “Mrs.” degree. She was successful, and after forty-two years, her husband still puts up with her. While at BJU, she also earned a bachelors in elementary education. She later earned a masters degree in secondary education/history from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and School Leadership Certification through Kennesaw State University.

Spotlight On Historical Romance (+ Giveaway) — Knowing You

15 Nov

Knowing You JustRead Takeover Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Knowing You by Tracie Peterson hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

Knowing You

Title: Knowing You
Series: Pictures of the Heart #3
Author: Tracie Peterson
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: November 7, 2023
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Could a captivating art exhibit hold the key to truth–and love?

Budding artist May Parker is captivated by the Japanese exhibits at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition and longs to know more about her mother’s heritage–which her mother refuses to speak of because of the heartache she left behind in Japan. Wanting to experience more of the exhibits, May works as a Camera Girl–but her curiosity leads her into danger when a suit of samurai armor becomes the target of an elusive art forger.

After ten years apart, May is reunited with her childhood friend Lee Munro, a police detective assigned to keep a watchful eye on the exposition. Their friendship immediately begins to blossom with hints of something more, but when they become entangled in a dangerous heist involving the samurai armor and their love is threatened, can they overcome the odds against them?

Excerpt

Seattle, Washington May 1899

Leave her alone!”

Thirteen-year-old May Parker hurried to get to her feet. She dusted off the skirt of her dress and scurried to stand behind Leander Munro.

“Why are you standing up for her, Lee? She’s Japanese.” 

“She’s also my friend, and if you bother her again, I’ll knock your teeth out. All of you.”

May’s three attackers stood their ground. “There’s three of us, Lee, and just the two of you.”

“Bradley Anderson, I don’t care if there are six of you. I can hold my own and take you all on. You’ve seen me fight, and you know I can do it. Leave her alone, or I’ll make sure you never bother her again.”

“I don’t understand why you’d stand up for her. She’s not one of us.”

May peeked around Lee. “I’m half white.”

“Yeah, but you’re also half Japanese,” Bradley replied and spit on the ground. “You people were banned from Seattle, and I don’t know why you’re still here.”

From Knowing You by Tracie Peterson / Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group © 2023 used by permission.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Christianbook | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in Series

Remember Me Finding Us


About The Author

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling author of more than 100 novels, both historical and contemporary, with more than 6 million copies sold. She has won the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award and the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.

Connect with Tracie by visiting traciepeterson.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a copy of Knowing You and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Knowing You JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 15, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 22, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Spotlight On Regency Romance — The Lord And The Lady Astronomer

6 Nov

The Lord and the Lady Astronomer JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Lord and the Lady Astronomer by Alissa Baxter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

The Lord and the Lady Astronomer

Title: The Lord and the Lady Astronomer
Series: The Grantham Girls #3
Author: Alissa Baxter
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing
Release Date: November 1, 2023
Genre: Regency/Historical Romance (Sweet, wholesome)

Can wishing upon a star ever come true?

Abigail Grantham has always taken a keen interest in astronomy since her brother Sir John Grantham enlisted her aid as a young girl to keep records of his astronomical discoveries. Abigail is delighted when her uncle, Lord Longmore, invites her to stay at Longmore Hall in Buckinghamshire as he needs her assistance to compile a star chart.

When Abigail arrives at the Hall, her Aunt Longmore introduces her to local society. However, Abigail also spends a great deal of time in her uncle’s observatory, viewing the night skies alongside her uncle’s neighbor, fellow astronomer William, Viscount Rochvale.

Lord Rochvale is intrigued by Abigail, and when he discovers that they share an interest in ancient buildings and Roman history, he contrives to become better acquainted with her away from her uncle’s observatory, taking her to places of archaeological interest with a view to winning her heart. But the astronomical project they are working on makes courtship difficult, and William’s plans are further frustrated by his rakish cousin Gerald Burnby, who becomes a frequent visitor to Longmore Hall, seeking out Abigail too.

After a valuable Roman urn disappears from Longmore Hall, a series of mysterious occurrences unravel, presenting a puzzle Abigail has no idea how to solve. However, when events escalate into peril, Abigail discovers that it is the night sky that holds the secret to the missing urn—as well as to her stolen heart.

Excerpt

Abigail traveled in the same carriage as Henrietta and Great-aunt Mildred, who seemed to shed a dozen years in as many minutes as she chatted in quite an animated fashion to her great-nieces, who sat across from her. “I always did enjoy charades,” she said as they bowled along. “Somehow, when one dresses up in character, it frees one from the role one assumes in everyday life. Last year I went as Anne Boleyn. I confess I was quite tearful by the end of the evening as I contemplated her imminent beheading. So, this year I decided it would be best to go as a shepherdess so that I could mind my own business . . . and my sheep of course.” She nodded in their direction.

“We’re your sheep, Great-aunt?” A laugh trembled in Henrietta’s voice as she looked across at the old lady.

“Well, more like my lambs, I suppose. But definitely in need of minding so pretty as you both are.” She turned her somewhat myopic gaze on Abigail. “In fact, your dear grandmama has asked me to ensure that you do not fall into any scrapes, dear, and I have assured her that I shall shepherd you to the best of my ability.” She appeared suddenly struck. “Shepherd . . . that must be why I chose this costume. It has been in the back of my mind all along.” She gave a slow nod. “Do assure me, Abigail, dear, that I shan’t end up as Little Bo-Peep by the end of the evening. Naiads may be free spirits, but I cannot have you drifting away.”

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More Books In This Series


About The Author

Alissa Baxter

Alissa Baxter wrote her first Regency romance during her long university holidays. After travelling the world, she settled down to write her second Regency novel, which was inspired by her time living on a country estate in England. Alissa then published two chick lit novels before returning to her favourite era with her Linfield Ladies Series, a trio of Regency romances that feature women in trend-setting roles who fall in love with men who embrace their trailblazing ways… at least eventually. Her new Dragonblade trilogy, The Grantham Girls, continues this inspiring theme.

Alissa currently lives in Johannesburg with her husband and two sons.

Connect with Alissa by visiting alissabaxter.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card!

The Lord and the Lady Astronomer JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 6, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 13, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Spotlight on Historical Romance — The Restless Wrangler

4 Nov

About The Book

Book: The Restless Wrangler

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Christian Western

Release Date: March 8, 2023

A Prodigal Son, Surprise Baby Christian Historical Cowboy Romance. Compelling love story full of heartache and redemption set in Ash Fork, Arizona Territory in 1893-1894.

Preston Colter felt like he was the forgotten son. Years of drinking and drifting finally catch up to him. When a near-death experience recharts the course of his life, he finds himself face-to-face with an old flame. Will he prove he is a new and different man, or will he fall back into his old destructive ways

Years ago, Hetty Clark made one bad choice to follow her attraction to a man she loved which led to the birth of her son out of wedlock. After she inherits her father’s ranch, an older man offers her security for her son’s future if she marries him. When the man from her past shows up on her doorstep, she is faced with a difficult decision. Will she choose a loveless proposal to secure her son’s future? Or will she risk her heart on a man she doesn’t believe has really changed?Click here to get your copy!

About The Author

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona in the late 1990s, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

More from Karen

What was the inspiration behind Preston Colter’s character?

I love a good prodigal story—partly because I was one. I also figured in a family with five boys and one daughter, at least one of them had to have a rebellious streak. Very early in developing the series, I felt like this role would be perfect for a fifth son.

Why did you write the series in the first person?

A few years ago, I read a historical series by Tess Thompson where she wrote the hero and heroine in the first person. I had enjoyed how the point of view felt deeper when written in the first person, so with the Colter Sons Series, I decided to give it a try. Since then, I’ve loved hearing from many readers how much they’ve enjoyed it.

If you’re a little nervous about reading something in the first person, please take advantage of the sample download feature available on most ereaders, including Kindle. The point of view characters are clearly marked at the beginning of the chapter and whenever the point of view changes.

Hetty Clark is a rancher?! What inspired you to choose that profession for her, especially since the book is set in 1893?

One of my favorite research sites for Arizona territorial history is the Sharlot Hall Museum’s online archives and “Days Past” articles. I read several articles about the early days of Prescott, Arizona’s Independence Day Celebrations. These were HUGE events for the town and surrounding communities, which eventually expanded into Cowboy Tournaments (aka Rodeo).

After reading an article about the women winners in the Cowboy Tournament in 1888, I dug deeper into what competitions the women participated in. I was surprised to learn that many of the women worked on ranches right alongside their husbands or brothers.

I enjoy writing strong female characters in unconventional roles, so making Hetty Clark a bronc rider and a ranch manager fit perfectly with the type of woman I pictured for Preston.

Q & A With Karen Baney

Many authors say that they have always been a writer — making up stories as a child. When did you first become a writer?

I always had a vivid imagination. I made up stories in my head or even with my brother or sister as we played. In Junior High, my creative outlet quickly became drawing and painting. The very first “book” I wrote was in the eighth grade as part of an English class assignment. I was so excited to use both my drawing skills and creative
writing skills. My teacher gave me 100% grade on the final version which built my confidence, even though it was several decades later before I started pursuing a writing career.

Why did you choose Christian Historical Romance genre?

I grew up reading Janette Oke books which I loved. Her characters inspired. So as an eighth-grader (clearly a pivotal age for me), I wrote her a sweet letter about how much her books bolstered my faith. You know the crazy thing? She wrote me back! I still have that letter. When I decided to write, I wanted readers to experience what I experienced through Janette’s books. I also love history and I knew very little about Arizona history. The process of researching the history of my current home state inspired my first novel and has continued to influence everything since.

What types of research do you pursue? Books, on-site visits, etc.

For my historical novels, I love reading books and visiting museums to research the background, events, and culture of the time period. I also like visiting the location, when possible, and finding photos of the location during that time. One of my favorite finds was a limited-edition book on the Santa Fe, Prescott, & Phoenix Railway. This book led to me choosing Ash Fork as the setting for The Restless Wrangler. It was also one of my primary sources for most of the books in the Colter Sons Series. I would have never thought to pick surveying as a career for one of the Colter Sons (Boone in Book 2) without this source.

What does a typical writing day look like? Are you structured or informal in your writing schedule?

I’m a dual career woman, so my writing time varies dramatically. Sometimes it’s squeezing in a chapter or two after a long workday. Other times, it’s planning a weekend of 5,000 to 10,000 words (which is a lot for a weekend with other activities). I also like to re-read my story if I haven’t touched it for a few weeks, so I try to plan that for weeknights so my weekends are as productive as possible. Outlines and story ideas can happen anytime. I carry an electronic notebook with me so I can jot down or work on planning whenever and wherever.

How long does it usually take to craft your books? (from outlines/first drafts to final edits)

I outline when the ideas come even if I might not start writing the book for years. The harder part is choosing what becomes a novel and when. Over the past two years, I usually write a first draft in six to eight weeks if I have a few dedicated weekends in there. Editing takes as long as it needs to. Sometimes it’s several weeks. Sometimes I let a story “percolate” for a month before I come back to editing so I see it with fresh eyes. Most of my novels run about 3-5 months total. I also have several novels in progress at one time, so when I get writer’s block, I move on to another novel and come back to the original when I’m ready.

Can you tell us a little about what inspired your latest novel?

The Restless Wrangler was one of my favorite books to write. I love a good Prodigal Son story and mashing that with a second-chance trope? Fun, fun, fun!

The setting and year was inspired by my research. But the meat of the story came from a desire to remind us that God’s grace is sufficient for every one of us, no matter how much we mess up our lives.

What do you want your readers to take away with them after finishing one of your novels?

Regardless of what topics I write about or how the romance unfolds, I hope readers will see some aspect of who God is and his deep abiding love for us in every novel I write. There is no person too far gone. God loves and forgives us all. Now if we could just get that forgiving ourselves thing down, imagine what we could do!

Readers always want to know what is next for an author. Do you have any works in progress you can share about?

For the next year or so, I’m working on several contemporary romance stories. The Air I Breathe just released in August and it kicks off a new urban contemporary romance series called Steadfast Love. It follows a single mom starting over in Arizona. She makes some mistakes with her boyfriend and they both must navigate it and accept God’s steadfast love and forgiveness. In November, I’m kicking off a contemporary cowboy romance series. Falling for a Real Cowboy is the first book in the Vargas Ranch series set in Wickenburg, Arizona. She’s trying to resurrect her writing career. He’s given up on love. Will this city-vs-country duo discover love along the way?

Blog Stops

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 2 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 3

By The Book, November 4 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 6 (Author Interview)

lakesidelivingsite, November 7

Sylvan Musings, November 8 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 9

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 10 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Book Blog, November 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 11

Artistic Nobody, November 12 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, November 12

Simple Harvest Reads, November 13 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Guild Master, November 14 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 gift card with signed paperback 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/28b2b/the-restless-wrangler-celebration-tour-giveaway

Spotlight on Historical Romance — Promise Me Christmas

4 Nov

About The Book

Book: Promise Me Christmas

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Christmas

Release Date: October 17, 2023

Would Amy ever see him as anything other than a former Loyalist who destroyed her home? 

One more building, one more road, one more disaster reconstructed.

But George Elliot remains trapped in the past, reliving his role in the destruction of Charles Town. Through the support of his family and two Patriot generals, he is allowed to pursue a life among them but struggles to find purpose. Forgiveness lurks but has not quite settled his unsteady heart.

Amy Engle strives to help the men who are alive but hurting through her work at the hospital. Some men fail to grasp God’s forgiveness and struggle to heal mentally from the brutality of war…George Elliot being one of them. These men need a place to heal, and Amy proposes to open a mission to do just that with George at the helm. Amy’s prayer is that this will give George purpose and confidence.

What she didn’t count on was her heart’s commitment to the man.

With the devastation of war that left nothing unscathed, the people of Charles Town could use a dose of Christmas miracles. If there are any that remain after the devastation of war.

Can they determine in their hearts to find comfort in love, promises, and forgiveness?Click here to get your copy!

About The Author

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, Bring Me Near, Draw Me to Your Side, and Wait for Me– Revolutionary Faith Series Books 1-5, Labor of Love and Promise of Purity, Gardens in Time Series Books 1 and 2, and Room for Love, Suamalie Islands Year One. Besides researching her novels, she enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish online. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and rescue pets. Her two adult children and two grandsons keep her up to date and young.

More from Marguerite

I have desired to revisit my beloved characters and charming Charles Town. The Lestarjette family and their potential adventures sprout to life in my imagination if not on paper. Marriages, jobs, children, new nation?

In Promise Me Christmas I get a glimpse into the colorful lives of familiar heroes and heroines, villains and enemies, major and minor roles as after war scenarios surface. As minor, supporting characters make their presence known, I realize in life there are no minor roles. Each human being has a purpose and a God-given mission.

Think about all the people who stand in the peripheries of your life. They are as important in the scheme of life as your close family and friends. In this novella, I hope to emphasize God’s promises and hopes through people who are flawed, hurting, healing, and making efforts to exist and prosper in a town devasted by war, death, and poverty.

We might not have gone through a war, siege, and occupation by enemy forces, but we can grasp the hopes and promises of Christmas through the lenses of sickness, death, broken relationships, financial woes, and natural disasters.

I hope you enjoy this Christmas novella from my heart of hope and promises to yours.

Q & A with Marguerite Martin Gray

Was there a special someone, such as a teacher, parent, or other relative, who encouraged you to pursue writing?

I have three teachers who encouraged me beginning in the fifth grade in England. Mr. Lawrence taught me all subjects including French and English. I started journaling in his class and have not stopped. My 10th grade Journalism teacher gave me all the skeleton rules for writing with many opportunities to write. In 12th grade I had a wonderful history teacher who encouraged me to start reading historical fiction. I combined all their lessons in my writing and research. I was blessed to have them in my education.

Why did you choose the historical genre?

My father is an architect with a strong love of history. We lived in England for two years and visited churches, cemeteries, houses, and castles in many countries. History lessons abounded and my love blossomed. Although, I read across genres, historical is my favorite. I want to learn facts and stories about history whenever I can. Recently, I wrote my first contemporary novel which stretched me out of my comfort zone. I love the challenge of research and writing a compelling story that is fresh even though in a historical period.

What types of research do you pursue? Books, on-site visits, etc.

Fortunately, I LOVE research. The first thing I do is visit the setting and tour all the historical places that I might want to include. Then I purchase the first books that I need to start my research with highlighting and ample note taking. I use on-line websites for quick research questions. I use both fiction and non-fiction resources. I listen to music from the period, try recipes, study the fashion, read the literature of the time, and watch movies. Research takes months before I write the first word.

What do you want your readers to take away with them after finishing one of your novels?

My motto for writing is Entertain. Educate. Encourage. I aim for the reader to be entertained through fiction and enjoy the characters and the plot. While reading, I want the reader to learn something about the period, an interesting fact about the environment. Because my writing is Christian fiction, I desire for the reader to walk away with something to boost their faith—forgiveness, love, compassion, trust, praise.

Readers always want to know what is next for an author. Do you have any works in progress you can share about?

I am always writing and researching for the next project. I am finishing book four in the Gardens in Time, Flames of Faith, set in 1870 Switzerland. The research has taken me to the Victorian era and the time of the train and tourism. I’ve loved being a passenger on the way to Switzerland during a time of progress.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 25

Texas Book-aholic, October 26

Betti Mace, October 27

Bliss, Books & Jewels, October 28 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 28

Connie’s History Classroom, October 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 30

A Reader’s Brain, October 31 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 1

She Lives To Read, November 2

For Him and My Family, November 3

By The Book, November 4 (Author Interview)

Splashes of Joy, November 4

lakesidelivingsite, November 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 6

For the Love of Literature, November 7 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Margeurite is giving away  the grand prize package of a $25 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/2896e/promise-me-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway

Spotlight on Historical Romance + Author Interview — Texas Times

29 Oct

About The Book

Book: Texas Times

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: September 8, 2023

A prim and proper country girl is thrown into a mayhem of madams and mercy killing when Alexandria Bell inherits her estranged uncle’s portion of a big city’s premier newspaper, the Texas Times. She does find the pickin’s better in Dallas as before she knows it, three suitors vie for her attentions. One makes her laugh, one speaks to her heart, and the third possesses such a way with words, he make her envious of his talent . . . but she’s his boss. Come along on Alex’s new career adventure and see if any are successful in winning her heart and hand.Click here to get your copy!

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About The Author

Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling tales—coming up on seventy titles now published—delight readers all around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her; you may listen to those at her YouTube channel.

She loves working in the yard at The Peaceable, her home tucked away on twenty acres, mowing and planting flowers. She lives there with Ron, her high school sweetheart and husband of fifty-five years, five dogs, two dairy goats she milks daily, a flock of chickens, and a plethora of barn cats.

The couple shares four children and twenty-seven grandsugars, six are greats. Caryl and Ron love their quiet, country life in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas and wait expectantly for God to open the next door so they may do His will.

More from Caryl

I can’t imagine the Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga coming to an end anytime soon, but I’m up to nine books in it! I love these characters so much and the fact that some of those beautiful fictitious people I love from my first family saga (Texas Romances) show up from time to time—I mean they all live in Texas so . . . !

This book nine, TEXAS TIMES has been so much fun because of its background setting—a Dallas newspaper in 1877. It lends itself to anything happening at any time, so the adventure and pace of the story know no bounds!

I introduce a new female character as my heroine in TEXAS TIMES, Alexandria who is moving to Dallas from the tiny Texas Hill Country community of Spicewood to assume a new position at the newspaper there after inheriting a forty-five percent ownership of it.

The Cross Timbers’ characters show up in TEXAS TIMES as the heroes. There’s Amos Humble, the paper’s star reporter and son of Landry and Arlene Humble (book three TEXAS TEARS) and Stephen O’Neal, the first class fiddler son of Flynn and Alicia (book one GONE TO TEXAS.) So I’m still in the third generation with no telling how many more books to go!

This story covers a lot. Forgiveness of others and one’s self, God’s supernatural miracles, His giftings, His plans and purposes for our lives, the importance of truth… I could go on and on. I pray you all will enjoy this fast-paced story and that it gives God glory!

BLESSINGS!

Q & A with Caryl McAdoo

Was there a special someone, such as a teacher, parent, or other relative, who encouraged you to pursue writing?

My husband Ron was always a reader, and after finishing a book called Noah, he thought it was so bad and had nothing to do with the Biblical hero, that if that lady made it to print, he and I could write a book and get published!

We hand wrote a 380 page manuscript that was rejected, rejected, rejected. The Lord led us to the DFW Writers Workshop where we learned the craft and six years later, our first book ANTIQUING IN NORTH TEXAS, a non-fiction, debuted!
 

Why did you choose historical Christian Romance genre?

Almost ten years after joining the workshop and nine titles later, we met our New York agent, Mary Sue Seymour (would you believe her maiden name was McAdoo? It was definitely a “God-thing”), and she told us if we would write a historical Christan romance set in the 1800s, she’d sell it.

Nine weeks later, she signed us to a contract after we sent VOW UNBROKEN to her. Two moths after that, she sold it to Simon & Schuster! We loved the genre and now have three family sagas and many more (39 in the genre)! They are never outdated, I love the research, and the sweeter, more moral times.

What types of research do you pursue? Books, on-site visits, etc. 

Most of our research is done online. Why wouldn’t it be? It’s so very convenient! An author can think up any bit of information to put in their book like what games did children play with or what were some slang words used in the 1880s or how much did it cost to mail a letter in 1865?

Ask Google, and voila! The answer is at your fingertips. And while you’re reading one thing, you most always come across other interesting information! It reminds me of the Scripture that says knowledge will increase in the end days—which I totally believe we are living in now!.

What does a typical writing day look like? Are you structured or informal in your writing schedule?

Ron ad I usually write early in the morning and on his computer. He goes over what I wrote the day before, then takes the story on, telling me I’m behind when he’s through. I sit in his chair, go over what he’s written, and continue the story. 

This goes back and forth from the beginning to the end of the manuscript. We hardly ever go back to change or add something. He has final say on male dialogue and actions and I have same foe the feminine characters! We average writing a thousand words a day (4 pages). That’s usually all done by nine or ten o’clock.

We say we write for discovery. We have an idea of our heroines and hero’s background information—we decide it through discussion—to know how they’ve gotten where they are and who it’s made them. Past that, we have no idea where the story is going or what will happen to our characters until we write it.   

Readers always want to know what is next for an author. Do you have any works in progress you can share about?

Well, we just finished writing THE GINGERS LOVE THEIR MYRRH, book one of a new multi-author project I’ve organized “Grandmothers Know Best” that launches in January 2024. 

Though the writing is complete, it is still a work in progress as many things must happen before it’s a book. Editing (I have several editors who go over it), making corrections, working with my cover designer Randi Gammons, formatting (designing the interior of the book), then bringing it all together and uploading it at Amazon.

ANSWERING THE CALL is the story we’re actually writing right now. It will be book three in my New Beginnings Family Saga, but first, the “episodes—rather than chapters—are published at Kindle Vella as Season Three, same name.

As soon as it’s finished, and it will be soon, we’ll be starting on MAIL-ORDER SHEPHERD, a part of the “Husbands of Honor” Collection, multi-author project being organized by another author. The twist is a lady needs the help of a man and places an ad.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 18

An Author’s Take, October 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 20

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 21 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 23

Texas Book-aholic, October 24

ABBA’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 25

Pause for Tales, October 26

Sylvan Musings, October 27 (Author Interview)

The Lit Lady, October 27

For Him and MY Family, October 28

By The Book, October 29 (Author Interview)

Exploring the Written Word, October 29

Holly’s Book Corner, October 30

Cover Lover Book Review, October 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away the prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and signed 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/28798/texas-times-celebration-tour-giveaway