The Song of Sourwood Mountain, by Ann H. Gabhart, is a stand alone Christian historical story that takes place in the early 1900’s. Mira has lost her parents and fiance and is now a school teacher who’s job has been cancelled and apartment is being taken over by the owner’s niece. At the same time, Gordon, a boy from her past, has come to town, asked her to marry him and and move to Sourwood Kentucky to teach in his mission school. With no where else to go, and feeling God’s hand in the situation, she eventually accepts.
This is a well written, easy to read and imagine, enjoyable story to read. I enjoyed how this story points out that God is in control and knows what is best for Mira and Gordon. I enjoyed the humor within the story of the way the people in Sourwood do things and speak. I also enjoyed how loving and caring they both are toward the people, especially the young orphaned girl. It is interesting to read how the people of the community look upon the young girl and how she is treated.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
About the Book
368 pages
Published May 7, 2024
Revell Publishing
ISBN 9780800741730
While the century began with such promise, it is 1910 when Mira Dean’s hopes of being a wife and mother are dashed to pieces. Her fiancé dead from tuberculosis, Mira resigns herself to being a spinster schoolteacher–until Gordon Covington shows up. No longer the boy she knew from school, Gordon is now a preacher who is full of surprises. First, he asks Mira to come to Sourwood in eastern Kentucky to teach at his mission school. Second, he asks her to marry him. Just like that. And all at once the doors that had seemed firmly shut begin to open, just a crack. With much trepidation, Mira steps out in faith into a life she never imagined, in a place filled with its own special challenges, to serve a people who will end up becoming the family she always dreamed of. From the pen of bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart comes a heartwarming story of the unexpected blessings that can come when we dare to follow the Lord’s leading.
About the Author
Ann H. Gabhart started writing at the age of 10. Her first writings were published in church perodicals. She has had over 30 novels published. She wants the readers of her books to feel good after reading her books and wish the story hadn’t ended. She wants to inspire people to “step into the sunshine of the Lord’s love” and realize the Lord is always there for us. She wants her readers to feel the joy of Christian living.
He’s a reporter determined to uncover the truth, but the secrets he finds could crush her family—and their second chance at love. Taken from her family’s farm to be raised by her wealthy aunt and uncle, Nora Armstrong has accepted that not only will she never realize her dream of becoming a teacher, she’d also rather be a spinster than submit to her cruel aunt’s society selection of a suitable husband. The one man who caught her eye betrayed her best friend. And she’s got enough on her hands, hiding her sister’s shameful secret from her aunt.
When the local home for unwed mothers burns down, the arson investigation brings big-city reporter James Cooper back to Stone Creek—and back into Nora’s life. James also has a meddling aunt who raises more questions than she answers about his past. Not to mention, he can’t figure out why Nora constantly rebuffs him. When his reporting casts aspersions on the local church and lays the blame for the fire and a series of robberies at the wrong feet, he risks losing his new position at the paper.
As they seek to unravel the town’s mystery, rescue endangered mothers and children, and navigate their own family secrets forced to light, James and Nora increasingly turn to each other for help. But can they overcome James’s lack of faith and the disapproval of Nora’s guardians to find a second chance at love?
Book Excerpt 2
When a squeak sounded under her light tread, she stopped and leaned back against the oak banister. Soft whiffling snores echoed off the high ceilings and came in concert from Aunt Gertrude’s and Uncle Edmond’s separate bedrooms. Ten more steps to the bottom of the grand staircase and she should make it without disturbing them.
“Miss?” Wrapped in a plain shawl, Eliza, the elderly maid, stood poised to defend herself on the edge of the shadows with a vase clasped tightly in her hand. Her white braid shone in the moonlight.
Nora put a finger to her lips. “I’m going for my morning walk early. Lots to do today.” She carried the sack beside her as she reached the Persian rug at the bottom of the stairs.
“With that?” The maid pointed.
“Oh, this? I thought I’d drop off some old gloves at the box outside the church. Please, don’t wake my aunt and uncle. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Her dishonesty sent a twinge of pain through her conscience.
“I suppose, miss.”
“Thank you.” Nora gave the older lady a peck on the cheek and caught Eliza’s smile in the dim light.
Missed Any Excerpts, Come back after May 24th.
About the Author
Kathleen Rouser is a multi-published, award-winning author of historical and contemporary Christian romance. She is a longtime member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writers. She resides in southeast Michigan, a location which she often uses in her novels, with her hero and husband of forty-some years and two sweet cats who found a home in their empty nest.
With Each Tomorrow, by Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse, is the second book in The Jewels of Kalispell series. This is a Christian historical fiction story that tales place in Montana in 1904. This is such a good story to read. It is well written and easy to read with wonderful characters. I enjoyed the father/daughter relationship and how Eleanor and her father look out for each other. I enjoyed the suspense behind the changing of the railway, how it affected the community and how they reacted to the possible change. It is interesting to see how the railroad was so important at that time in history. I appreciate the faith the characters have and how they are there to help and support each other.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
About the Book
ISBN: 9780764238994
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: May 21, 2024
Even in the midst of adversity, love and faith can flourish.
As the formation of Glacier National Park takes Eleanor Briggs and her conservationist father on a journey west to advocate for public lands, her heart carries the weight of a painful past. Since the death of her mother, she has spent her life traveling the country with her father and helping him with his work, but now he’s considering settling down and writing a book–and she’s not sure what that means for her future.
Carter Brunswick faces trials of his own when the Great Northern Railway’s departure threatens his family’s livelihood and the entire town of Kalispell. In the visiting conservationist’s daughter, Ellie, he finds a spirited woman who challenges his convictions in ways he never anticipated, and his own dreams for the future begin to change.
When tensions over the railroad’s departure boil over, Ellie and Carter are drawn together on a daring journey that tests the depths of their feelings and their faith in God.
About the Authors
Tracie Peterson is an award-winning, best-selling author of over 100 books. After giving her heart to Jesus at the young age of six, Tracie has felt called to some form of ministry, especially writing. She has speaks at writer’s conferences, and teaches at women’s conferences sharing her testimony and insight for Christian living. Her books have won numerous awards. You can learn more about her and the books she has written at https://traciepetersonbooks.com/.
Kimberley Woodhouse (www.kimberleywoodhouse.com) is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 30 fiction and nonfiction books. Kim and her incredible husband of 30-plus years live in the Poconos, where they play golf together, spend time with their kids and grandbaby, and research all the history around them.
Hunting Justice, by Lynette Eason and Sami A. Abrams is a well written, action packed Christian suspenseful read. The story is fast paced with several twists and turns. I especially enjoyed the characters Noelle and Jonah and how they cared for each other. I found it enjoyable to read as their relationship grew and they realized what their true relationship was. The story grabbed my attention right from the start and kept it to the very end. I found it hard to put this book down as it kept me guessing to the end. I admire Noelle’s character and the strength she has to move forward with her job as it brings back memories from her past. I found the faith aspect of the story to be mild yet inspirational.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
About the Book
Series: Elite Guardians: Savannah #2 Release Date: May 21, 2024 Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
A dark secret puts them in the crosshairs of a relentless killer…
Ex-detective and current Elite Guardian Noelle Burton survived a horrifying attack by a serial killer as a child. Now, determined to put the scars of her past behind her, she’s intent on helping the Elite Guardians set up shop in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. More, she’s wondering if her friendship with Dr. Jonah Harris, an ex-ER doctor turned medical examiner, might be more. But he has his own demons to fight—namely guilt over the death of his wife.
So, maybe not.
Meanwhile, Jonah can’t ignore the growing desire he feels for Noelle. If only he knew he wasn’t going to destroy their friendship…
And then, tragedy strikes—the sudden death of a colleague rocks his world, and Jonah knows that there’s more to the incident than meets the eye. In fact, he may have been the intended target. Now he needs Noelle…not just as a friend, but as a protector.
Noelle will have to protect Jonah, while not letting their friendship spark into something more, and Jonah will have to unravel the threat that stalks him. Clues lead them down a dark path, revealing unsettling connections to a series of unsolved crimes. And when they stumble upon the chilling possibility of a serial killer lurking in the shadows, all Noelle’s nightmares come back to life.
Then the unthinkable occurs—the killer strikes again, targeting someone close to them. Noelle and Jonah race against time to expose the truth and capture the killer…and when their friendship becomes something deeper, it’s clear they have everything to lose.
Don’t miss this gripping story of resilience, trust, and the power of love in the exhilarating second book of the Elite Guardians: Savannah.
Purchase via @justreadtours profile link
About the Authors
Lynette Eason is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books including the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, the Hidden Identity series, the Elite Guardians series, the Blue Justice series, and the currently releasing, Danger Never Sleeps series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. Her Elite Guardians series, featuring strong, successful female bodyguards, has captured readers’ hearts and minds. Visit her at www.lynetteeason.com.
Award-winning, Bestselling author Sami A. Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn’t until her 30’s that she found authors that captured her attention. Now, most evenings, you can find her engrossed in a Romantic Suspense. In her opinion, a crime with a little romance is the recipe for a great story. Sami lives in Northern California, but she will always be a Kansas girl at heart. She has a love of sports, family, and travel. However, a cabin at Lake Tahoe writing her next story is definitely at the top of her list. Visit her at http://www.samiaabrams.com.
Abounding Hope, by Cindy Kay Stewart, is the first book in the Circle of Hope series. This story is a WWII story that begins in Poland and follows Irena and the children she is caring for as they travel to safety. This story is very well written and gives a look into what it might have been for the people of Poland as they fled to safety. Even though it is easy to imagine the story, I appreciate that Irena points out that there is no way for anyone to understand what she and the children lived through if they hadn’t lived through it as well. The author does a wonderful job of pointing out how dangerous it was for the people, especially leader, educators, and pastors. The story also shows how many people went out of their way, and risked danger for themselves, to help others. I really enjoyed reading this story and found it hard to put down. I enjoyed most of the characters very much. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
About the Book
Book: Abounding Hope
Author: Cindy Kay Stewart
Genre: Historical Christian Romance (WWII)
Release date: October, 2023
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. She resides in North Georgia with her college sweetheart and husband of forty-two years. Her daughter, son-in-law, and four adorable grandchildren live nearby. Cindy’s currently writing the Circle of Hope series set in WWII Europe.
More from Cindy
WWII is a fascinating time period—so many miracles took place in the midst of great tragedy. There has never been an era of history when so many people sacrificed so much to save the world from evil.
During my research for Abounding Hope, I uncovered many interesting and nearly unbelievable stories from the beginning of the war. Within the context of historical fiction, I had the opportunity to recast these true events through the lives of my fictional characters. I endeavored to remain true to history throughout the book, even with dates and places. None of the historical events and places in Abounding Hope are fictional.
Abounding Hope is set in Poland and Hungary at the beginning of WWII. The main characters, Jonathan and Irena, are Americans who have lived in Europe most of their lives. They’re also civilians who learn to surrender their expectations and trust the Lord through their harrowing experiences. In the end, they also find love. Their romance adds soft and intriguing elements to a story set during such a difficult time in history.
The Good Little Mermaid’s Guide to Bedtime, by Eija Sumner is an interesting children’s book. The story focuses on a little mermaid that does anything and everything to avoid going to bed. This is a cute story written for children with nice pictures that fit the story very well. I requested this story thinking it would be fun to read to a grandchild at bedtime. However, since it is a child that already avoids going to bed, I would keep this for a story to read just for the fun of it. It’s a cute story but in my case, I suspect it will give my grandchild more excuses to not go to bed. For that reason I will give this book a four star rating.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
About the Book
This little mermaid is too FIERCE and SCARY and FEROCIOUS to follow The Good Little Mermaid’s Guide to Bedtime . . . well, except the part about snuggling her shark stuffie. A hilarious picture book for kids ages 3 to 7 who are experts at resisting sleep.
Once upon an evening, a good little mermaid begins to get ready for bed. Once upon? No. Not once upon. I know what that means. And I’m NOT a good little mermaid. I am a PREDATOR!
Thus begins our story of a little mermaid who is anything but good. Sleep? Sleep is for guppies! This little mermaid is a TERROR of the DEEP.
Cleaning up and putting toys away? This little mermaid doesn’t need TOYS. The ocean is her playground, and everything in it is afraid of HER.
Brushing her teeth and flossing? Never! Well . . . maybe a little bit so they gleam like RAZOR-SHARP BLADES.
Cleverly told through a back and forth between The Good Little Mermaid’s Guide to Bedtime and a mermaid who is resisting bedtime at every turn, this story will delight readers with its hilarious illustrations and adorable but VERY SCARY main character. Will she ever go to sleep? Read on to find out.
About the Author
Eija Sumner has an MFA from Hamline University in writing for children and young adults. Crocodile Hungry, illustrated by John Martz, is her first picture book. Her next book, The Good Little Mermaid’s Guide to Bedtime, publishes March 2024. She lives in Idaho with her husband, three children, one dog, three cats, and one red-eyed bunny.
Until Our Tome Comes, by Nicole M. Miller takes place in Poland during World War II. This is a historical romance story that tells the true history of Janów Podlaski Arabian Horses. I found this story to be enjoyable and interesting. The beginning was a little slow going but once I got into the story I really enjoyed it. The story has great, strong characters and gives a look into what it may have been like for the people in Poland during WWII. I enjoyed the character of Adia very much. She was strong and did what she had to for the horses and her people. I especially enjoyed how she cared for Ewan and the bits of trouble he would get into with taking things. I admired her character as she went to great risk to help children escape Poland, as well as how she kept faithful to her friendship with Bret for so many years. I enjoyed this story and the great detail the author put into it making it an enjoyable story to read that focused on true events.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
About the Book
American horse trainer Adia Kensington is living her dream of working at the famous Janów Podlaski stables in Poland, where they breed the best Arabian horses in the world. But her plans to bring the priceless stallion Lubor to the US are derailed when the German army storms into her adopted country in 1939. Little does she know this is just the beginning of six long years of occupation that will threaten her beloved horses at every turn.
Major Bret Conway is at Janów Podlaski under the guise of a news reporter, but his true mission is intelligence gathering for the British. That and keeping Adia safe, which is harder and harder to do as she insists they must evacuate 250 horses to save them from being stolen, sold, or eaten by the invading forces. What follows will test their physical, mental, and emotional strength, as well as their faith in God, humankind, and each other.
Drawn from true events of World War II, this epic story of escape, capture, resistance, and love from debut novelist Nicole M. Miller will thunder into your heart like a herd of beautiful horses across a raging river.
About the Author
Nicole lives in Southwest Washington state with her husband and two sons, along with two purebred Arabian horses, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, and guinea pigs. As a long-time horse owner, she’s been involved in several horse organizations throughout her life, including serving as a Clark County Fair Court Princess and Miss Teen Rodeo Washington.
When she’s not writing or tending the animals, she works in human resources. A journalism major, she received several national and regional awards for my nonfiction writing from American Horse Publications and the Society of Professional Journalists.
Scandals and Mercies is the third book in Kathleen Rouser’s Stone Creek Brides series. This is an enjoyable, easy to read Christian historical romance that is well written and easy to imagine. This story does follow after the rest in the series with similar wonderful characters, so it is best to read them in order. In this story we meet Nora and James. Both have been raised by aunts who have a secret about their younger life that affects how they view others.
I enjoyed reading of how Nora felt about her aunt and how she wasn’t able to obtain her dream of being a teacher. I found it interesting the extremes James would go to be able to advance in the newspaper field. I also enjoyed catching up with the other characters that have been introduced in the earlier books in this series. I appreciate how the author touched on the sensitive topic of unwed pregnancies, abuse and neglect.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
About the Book
Book: Scandals and Mercies
Author: Kathleen Rouser
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: April 23, 2024
He’s a reporter determined to uncover the truth, but the secrets he finds could crush her family—and their second chance at love.
Taken from her family’s farm to be raised by her wealthy aunt and uncle, Nora Armstrong has accepted that not only will she never realize her dream of becoming a teacher, she’d also rather be a spinster than submit to her cruel aunt’s society selection of a suitable husband. The one man who caught her eye betrayed her best friend. And she’s got enough on her hands, hiding her sister’s shameful secret from her aunt.
When the local home for unwed mothers burns down, the arson investigation brings big-city reporter James Cooper back to Stone Creek—and back into Nora’s life. James also has a meddling aunt who raises more questions than she answers about his past. Not to mention, he can’t figure out why Nora constantly rebuffs him. When his reporting casts aspersions on the local church and lays the blame for the fire and a series of robberies at the wrong feet, he risks losing his new position at the paper.
As they seek to unravel the town’s mystery, rescue endangered mothers and children, and navigate their own family secrets forced to light, James and Nora increasingly turn to each other for help. But can they overcome James’s lack of faith and the disapproval of Nora’s guardians to find a second chance at love?
Kathleen Rouser is a multi-published, award-winning author of historical and contemporary Christian romance. She is a longtime member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writers. She resides in southeast Michigan, a location which she often uses in her novels, with her hero and husband of forty-some years and two sweet cats who found a home in their empty nest.
More from Kathleen
Writing Scandals and Mercies: A Personal Spiritual Journey
By Kathleen Rouser
Scandals and Mercies has been my hardest story to write thus far. It seems that as I work through issues in my life it may come out in my characters. And I can relate to Nora Armstrong, my heroine. I can understand some of her struggles, her tender heart toward the Coping children, and figuring out who she is in Jesus. The challenges I had in writing this book are reflected in the theme which came through as I wrote it—identity in Christ. Then I became more purposeful in exploring the theme. Nora felt alone and had doubts at the beginning, but then she learned what it meant for her to trust in God despite her difficulties.
Though I’d been a believer for nearly forty years when I began writing Scandals and Mercies, I was—and still am—going through some difficult trials that forced me to really think about what my identity in Christ is. Who am I in Him? Will I depend on Jesus through one of the worst trials of my life? Or will I become bitter? I think of when Jesus said some hard things and many of His disciples deserted Him. He said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” And Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
Jesus is truly the only One who has the answers, the words of eternal life. Where else would I turn? And when He doesn’t directly answer, especially the way I want, it’s for me to trust in Him.
And it’s also about sharing in the fellowship of His sufferings, not that we can add anything to our salvation, but that trials and suffering are a part of the Christian life, meant to mold us and grow us in our faith. And if we allow it, to be changed more closely into the someone who projects the image of Christ to others. My husband likes to say we are “Jesus with skin on” for each other.
Working through all of that while writing how Nora grew in her faith took a lot of emotional energy, but God strengthened me and I finished her story, while He is still writing mine!
Shoot at the Sunset is the fifth book in Kathleen Denley’s Chaparral Hearts series. This is an interesting Christian historical romance to read. It is well written with wonderful caring characters. I found it interesting to read the background story of the siblings and as they return to be together . The love between the sibling is very visible in how they care for each other. While the older sibling is very private and doesn’t care to have strangers around, she is welcoming to the women and children that arrive from the home where her younger sister was raised. It is enjoyable to see how the couple that run the home make such a positive change in people’s lives.
I found this to be an very enjoyable story to read. It is filled with action and suspense. This is also a story of second chances for families that have been split apart.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
About the Book
Book: Shoot at the Sunset
Author: Kathleen Denly
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: April 9, 2024
Will love survive when truth takes aim at their secrets?
Sharpshooter Preston Baker has spent a lifetime confronting danger head-on. So when a heartfelt letter arrives from his big sister asking for help, he doesn’t hesitate to put his traveling show career on hold and journey to her remote desert ranch, determined to make amends for past failures. What he doesn’t expect is to discover his long-lost little sister and her best friend, Lucy, are both hard at work on the ranch.
Unbeknownst to anyone, Lucy Arlidge’s decision to travel to a remote desert ranch was born as much from desperation as friendship. Fleeing San Francisco may have saved Lucy’s life, but the decision left others in danger. To thwart the evil plans of those who pursue her and her family, Lucy must keep her new gem-mining operation concealed and her secrets safe.
Preston is drawn to the mysterious woman, despite her plans to marry the neighboring rancher. Lucy’s quiet strength and undeniable beauty beckon him like a campfire in the wilderness, offering light amidst the dark memories and deepest fears resurrected by the presence of his sisters. But as danger closes in, Preston and Lucy must confront their pasts to save not only their own futures, but the lives of everyone they love.
Kathleen Denly lives in sunny California with her loving husband, four young children, two dogs, and ten cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.
More from Kathleen
One of the primary themes of Shoot at the Sunset is secrets and the fears that sometimes drive us to keep them. Did I mention there’s even a secret signal used in the book? So today I thought it would be fun to play with a secret code. Using the key provided below, see if you can reveal the hidden message.
Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Desert Manna series by Karen Baney, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
My Reviews
The Desert Mana series, by Karen Baney, is a wonderfully written series that takes place mainly in Prescott, Arizona during the 1870’s. This is a well written series that grabbed my attention and held it to the very end. I found myself wanting to keep reading to get to know the new characters and catch up with old.
Beauty for Ashes is book one in the series. The local attorney, Alexander has invited his sister, Rebecca and nephew to live with him after the death of their mother. Prior to this they had been living very minimally following the death of her husband in the Civil War. While traveling to Prescott, the coach stops to get fresh horses and finds the horses gone, barn burned and the waystation manager, Perry, badly injured. Rebecca is very quick to help him. I enjoyed reading of how both Rebecca and Perry struggled with their grief and moving forward after the death of their spouses. I found it very interesting to read that Alexander had never returned home to his family, yet he build his home to replicate the one he grew up in.
Joy for Mourning is book two in the series. Alexander is seeing Grace with intentions to marry, but she breaks it off because they do not love each other. Shortly after, her mother dies; but before she does, she has the energy to tell Grace to marry for love, despite Grace’s father wanted her to make a good business match. While standing at the grave she sees a stranger come into town and eventually gets to know him. Joshua returns to town with his adoptive daughter to work locally with his freighting company. While Grace is very active with helping the nearby natives, Joshua will provide transportation for products but nothing else. I like this story the best of the three. I enjoy reading of how helpful Grace was to others and how strong she was to follow her heart even when it went against her father’s wishes. It is inspirational to read of how Joshua becomes an adoptive father and the feeling he and the young girl have for each other. It is easy to see how he would feel towards those who hurt and steal from others, when it affected him so drastically.
Oaks of Justice is the third book in the series. In this story we get to read of Alex’s personal and romantic life. We see how he has advanced in his career and how he fills his leisure time. Just when he feels he is meant to be alone, a female attorney arrives in town. Mel left town and studied under an attorney so she could work cases. She has become very good at it and now finds her life being threatened. This is an enjoyable story to read. It is fun to see how Mel enjoys time with her family and how out of character it is for Alex to do things her family does. Just the simple thing of dressing appropriately for their surroundings.
Over all, I enjoyed reading this series. The characters are strong helpful characters that are well introduced. I also enjoyed how the stories touched lightly on characters from other stories written by the author. This is an enjoyable Christian historical fiction series that shows the faith the characters have and how they help others.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this series, this is my honest review.
About the Books
Title: Beauty for Ashes Series: Desert Manna #1 Author: Karen Baney Publisher: Desert Life Media Release Date: March 7,2022 Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Uplifting Historical Christian Romance Fiction set in Prescott, Arizona in 1871.
As a widow who lost her husband in Sherman’s fiery march to the sea, Rebecca Elliot struggled to provide for her son. When she hears from her brother in Prescott, Arizona, she makes the journey west to start over. An unexpected tragedy on the last leg of her travels changes the trajectory of her heart and life as she never could have imagined.
Perry Quinn finally said goodbye to his late wife when his life is turned upside down. When he loses everything that he worked hard to accomplish, he must humble himself and start over while trying to find the answers to why he lost everything. Along the way, a kind woman steals his heart and reminds him that there is beauty in the middle of the ashes of his life.
Will he let go of his grief to find true love?
If you like these authors, you’ll enjoy this book too: Tracie Peterson, Tamera Alexander, Karen Witemeyer, Lacy Williams, Jodi Hedlund, Misty M. Beller
Title: Joy for Mourning Series: Desert Manna Series #2 Author: Karen Baney Publisher: Desert Life Media Release Date: April 25, 2022 Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Historical Christian Romance Fiction set in Prescott, Arizona in 1872.
Grace Talbert spurns every suitor her father finds. She longs for the spark of romance and is unwilling to settle for something less. Her passion is running the Women’s Aid Society, which organizes many charitable events to help the poor and the Indians. When a trip to deliver goods to the reservation leaves her stranded with a handsome stranger, she discovers the love she longed for.
After many years of wandering and building up his freight business, Joshua Harrison decides to return to Prescott. As bachelor, he is ill-equipped to raise the orphaned daughter of a friend. He hopes the stable life of a small town will bring what he needs to become a good father. Having failed at love twice, he is afraid to try again, until he is stranded with the unconventional and beautiful Grace Talbert.
Can he move past his heartache to open himself to love again?
If you like these authors, you’ll enjoy this book too: Tracie Peterson, Tamera Alexander, Karen Witemeyer, Lacy Williams, Jodi Hedlund, Misty M. Beller
Title: Oaks of Justice Series: Desert Manna Series #3 Author: Karen Baney Publisher: Desert Life Media Release Date: June 24, 2022 Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Gripping Historical Christian Romance Fiction set in Prescott, Arizona in 1873.
Mel Larson is used to being underestimated as a female attorney. When her life is threatened, her mentor takes her home to Prescott. As the defense attorney for her innocent client who is on trial for murder, she goes head-to-head with the new District Attorney. When she apologizes to him for using some unconventional tactics, sparks fly, and she finds a love she had not been looking for.
Alex Glassman was ready to settle down but after a failed courtship, he doubted if he would ever find the right match. When a major court case falls into his lap, he is unprepared to argue the case against a fiery red headed woman. When the case is over and he humbles himself to admit his mistakes, his heart is captured, and he dares to hope that she could be the one.
When Mel’s life is threatened, can Alex save her in time?
If you like these authors, you’ll enjoy this book too: Tracie Peterson, Tamera Alexander, Karen Witemeyer, Lacy Williams, Jodi Hedlund, Misty M. Beller
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, 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.
Connect with Karen by visiting karenbaney.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
Tour Giveaway
(2) winners will each win signed copies of all 3 books in the Desert Manna series plus a $25 Amazon gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 6, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 13, 2024. 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.
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