Sunday, May 12, 2024

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Tennessee Wildcat: On the Trail of Laura Ingalls Wilders’ Mr. Edwards by Robynne Elizabeth Miller and J.D. Rushmore

Book: Tennessee Wildcat: On the Trail of Laura Ingalls Wilders’ Mr. Edwards

Authors: Robynne Elizabeth Miller and J.D. Rushmore

Genre: Nonfiction/Historical Biography/Literary History

Release date: August 24, 2023

Mr. Edwards … that colorful Tennessee Wildcat Laura Ingalls Wilder so deeply loved. He helped Pa build the family’s cabin, saved Christmas by carrying presents across a raging creek, and spit further than Laura thought possible. Though he was a little rough around the edges, Laura simply adored Mr. Edwards. Through her vivid, heartwarming stories, we came to love him, too.

But who was he? Virtually all Laura’s Little House characters were real people … even those whose names were changed to protect their reputations.

Mr. Edwards, however, wasn’t so easy to track down. In fact, he’s the sole Little House enigma … the only mentioned character that hasn’t clearly surfaced via historical records.

Was he fiction, for the sake of illustrating pioneer stereotypes? Was he a composite character, built from several men Laura knew during their time in Kansas? Was he a loose collection of memories and family lore, cobbled together for the sake of the narrative? Or was he a real man, whose full identity had previously evaded discovery?

We wanted to know the answer …

So, we dusted off our boots and headed out … hot on the trail of the wildcat from Tennessee!

Click here to get your copy!

I have enjoyed the Little House on the Prairie series since I was a little Girl. I was given the opportunity to read this book and it is Non-Fiction, which I found very interesting. Tennessee Wildcat: On the Trail of Laura Ingalls Wilders’ Mr. Edwards by Robynne Elizabeth Miller and J.D. Rushmore is based on research to discover the origin of the character Mr. Edwards.

WOW, I was really impressed by the EXTENSIVE Research that was put into this book. The Authors really dug deep and analyzed the times and surroundings to come to their conclusion. When reading the books as a girl the character of Mr. Edwards was intriguing and this book was definitely eye opening as to who he truly was. The History timeline, the ways of homesteading during those times, the family life were more in depth through this book then reading the Fiction books. I truly appreciate the facts and info laid throughout the book! I must say that if you are/were a fan of the Little House Books, this is a MUST READ!! GREAT BOOK!

Robynne Elizabeth Miller holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction and Fiction and a B.A. in English Literature. She’s the author of ten books and countless articles, including Tennessee Wildcat, From the Mouth of Ma, and The Three Faces of Nellie.

Along with speaking nationally, Robynne is a writing and publishing coach and mentor, a writing teacher at writers conferences, workshops, and retreats, the Writing Track developer and director for Unbound, and the director of the Vision Christian Writers Conference at Mount Hermon.

She’s passionate about helping writers bring their stories and messages into the world and delving into the real people and places which populated the stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

J.D. Rushmore is a history and genealogy buff, with a particular interest in American history before 1900. He’s enamored with the opening of the west, pioneers, the gold rush, the Oregon trail, etc. He’s particularly passionate about researching historical mysteries, especially when they relate to the Little House series of books.

He is a musician in his spare time, as well as an “at everything” father, husband, and friend. He prefers the smell of historic archives to fresh air (unless it involves poking around a remote historic cemetery!) and has a knack for reading handwriting on historical documents that is illegible to others. Nothing thrills him more than finding the one tiny detail that, after being overlooked for decades, or even centuries, changes EVERYTHING.

More from Robynne

If you’re a Little House fan like us, you know how risky it was to delve into Mr. Edwards. Rumors have flown for decades as to his real identity, and some folks have double-downed on who they believe he was … declaring a particular name with certainty.

But it just didn’t add up. Through all our team’s collective Little House research and general love of 1800’s history, the name that had been put forward just didn’t make sense.

So, we had a choice.

We could avert our eyes, go about our other writing projects, and leave this mystery untouched. Or, we could, with as much neutrality and meticulous research as possible, see if Mr. Edwards’ true identity could be established.

We risked two things: upsetting some people if our findings didn’t support their theories, and crushing our own hearts if Mr. Edwards turned out to be the one character who Laura Ingalls Wilder constructed purely from her imagination.

We hope our respect for previous researchers, and the strength of our newly discovered information, helped avoid the first worry. And, the second? We were thrilled to discover Mr. Edwards almost certainly wasn’t a work of fiction!

Alena Mentink, May 10
Lots of Helpers, May 10
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 11
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 12
Holly’s Book Corner, May 12
Lighthouse Academy Blog, May 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 14
Texas Book-aholic, May 15
Mary Hake, May 15
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 16
Blogging With Carol, May 17
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 18
For Him and My Family, May 19
The Lofty Pages, May 20
Life on Chickadee Lane, May 21
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 21
Connie’s History Classroom , May 22
Cover Lover Book Review, May 23
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 23

To celebrate her tour, Robynne is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Card, copy of Tennessee Wildcat and The Three Faces of Nellie, and a goodie bag of Laura Ingalls Wilder related gifts, including a piece of the actual Loftus Store, mentioned prominently in The Long Winter!!

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/2b591/tennessee-wildcat-celebration-tour-giveaway

Pin It

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Just Read Tours Blog Tour: Desert Manna Series by Karen Baney

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Desert Manna series by Karen Baney, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buy the Complete Series in One Volume

I had the opportunity to read the Desert Manna Series by Karen Baney and I will be giving me review of each book! I have become a fan of Karen Baney books in the last year or so, so I was excited to read this entire series.

The setting is 1871 in Prescott, AZ.

I really enjoyed Rebecca's and Perry's story. Rebecca Elliott was a widow trying to raise her son, Josiah, on a frugal income. She wasn't used to the frugal lifestyle as her parents had wealth and her lifestyle was lavish. Her only surviving family member, a brother, invites her to come to Prescott, AZ to live with him. The journey via StageCoach is treacherous, but that is where she meets Perry. Perry Quinn wasn't ready to truly say goodbye to his late wife, until there was a fire on his ranch and he lost everything. The stage coach saw the fire and rescused Perry and they helped transport him to medical care. I LOVE how Rebecca immediately saw that she could understand his loss and life upheavel. Rebecca and Perry had an immediate attraction toward one another. I really LOVE that Perry's spirit was uplifted as he grew to know Rebecca and his LOVE for her grew. He seemed quite unsure of life before Rebecca. I LOVE how they both rely on their faith throughout the struggles of life. The story is one of Loss, Second Chances, Faith, and new start in life. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance. GREAT BOOK!

The setting is 1872 in Prescott, AZ.

WOW, I truly enjoyed this book from the very first chapter. Grace Talbert has a passion for charitable organizations, including running the Women'a Aid Society, and helping the Poor and the Indians. She has a longing to eventually marry. I did not like that her father was trying so hard to find a suitor for her. I am so glad that she stood her ground and did not "settle" on the ones her father suggested. She meets Joshua Harrison when she becomes stranded on an Indian Reservation when she went to make a delivery. Joshua had recently returned to Prescott, his hometown, after working hard to build up his Freight Business. Joshua has been in relationships before that didn't work out. He does dream of becoming a husband and father, but it afraid to be in a relationship. I LOVE that Grace and Joshua meet and they feel safe with each other. The relationship between the pair begins slowly and they realize that they really are falling for each other. Both Grace and Joshua had some things from their past that they needed to work through. I enjoyed seeing how the relationship grew and their faith in God also played a part in their life. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance. FANTASIC BOOK!

The setting is 1873 in Prescott, AZ.

I enjoyed this book from the very beginning and did not put the book down until I finished the book. The story of 2 lawyers and their journey in the court room. Mel Larson is breaking barriers by being a Woman Lawyer. She has to retreat to Prescott, AZ where her mentor lives when her life is threatened. Alex Glassman is a successful lawyer and meets Mel when he goes to "head to head" with her in a court case. The 2 quickly realize that though they are going against each other in this case, they have admiration for one another. Mel truly likes Alex's work and his style the courtroom. I really LOVE how they both admit mistakes in the court case once the case if over. Alex knows he is falling for Mel, but he is also cautious to LOVE again. He has had many heartbreaks in the past. I really enjoyed how they got to know each other outside of the court room. Their faith in God allowed Alex to be able to LOVE again and heal some things from his past. I LOVE that Mel supported and encouraged him in so much. The book is about Healing, LOVE, Family and Faith. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance. WONDERFUL BOOK!

Karen Baney

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.

(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.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Pin It

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Case of the Bayfront Murder by S.K. Derban

Case of the Bayfront Murder JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Case of the Bayfront Murder by S.K. Derban, hosted by

JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Case of the Bayfront Murder
Series: A Macaroni on Wheels Mystery #1
Author: SK Derban
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: March 27, 2024
Genre: Cozy Mystery

Little Italy in San Diego, once a thriving fishing community, has blossomed into a prominent tourist destination. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant neighborhood, both travelers and residents find the Tiepolo Mercato a favorite spot to stop and shop. Ezio and Benedette Tiepolo are the proprietors of the Mercato, while their daughter owns Macaroni on Wheels, the catering company located directly next door.

There’s more than pasta cooking in the Macaroni on Wheels kitchen. Meet Terza Tiepolo, a feisty Italian caterer who fills her free time solving crime. She belongs to a local murder mystery book club, and leads the other participants in their monthly whodunnit contest.

Terza also works diligently to grow her catering business. But when a prominent doctor hires Terza’s company to cater a dinner party, she never expects murder to be on the menu. The prestigious bayfront event should enhance the Macaroni on Wheels portfolio, and Terza anticipates meeting many potential new clients. On the day of the party, Terza arrives early to prepare, only to discover her grand expectations are as dead as the body on the kitchen floor.

Fans of cozy mysteries will revel in solving the murder along with Terza, and will appreciate her zest for life. Readers will also treasure the introduction to her vibrant Italian relatives. They will enjoy getting to know the Tiepolo family, and will smile at the special relationship Terza has with her mother and father. The fun never stops when the animated relatives join together each Sunday for dinner. Consider this your personal invitation!

I really enjoy "Cozy Mystery" novels. The Case of the Bayfront Murder by S.K. Derban is the latest in this genre that I have read. S.K. Derban is a new to me author and I LOVE when I come across authors that I have not books from before.

WOW, this book really intrigued me from the first chapter. The story takes place in Little Italy of San Diego. The main character is Terza Tiepolo. She enjoys 2 things in life, Cooking and Solving Mysteries. She is involved in a local Murder Mystery Book Club and she also owns a Catering Business. Her excitement when she gets hired for a BIG event on the Bay is radiant. The book gets really COZY when she Catering assignment turns into a Murder Mystery. She instantly wants to help solve the Murder Mystery and her best friend and Mystery Book Club member, Moheenie and her husband Ranger also help with the case. I LOVE the relationship between Terza and Detective Nico. I truly LOVED this book from beginning to end. It is filled with Family, Friends, Mystery, Romance and Faith. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys "Cozy Mysteries" and Romance! GREAT BOOK!

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

S.K. Derban

S.K. Derban resides with her husband in Southern California. Although born in the United States she moved to London within the first three months, and remained in England until the age of five. Her father, an American citizen, was a decorated veteran of the Second World War. Her British mother was involved with the London Royal Ballet Company, and a great fan of the arts. After returning to the United States, Derban’s life remained filled with a love of the theatre, and a passion for British murder mysteries.

S.K. Derban’s personal travel and missionary escapades are readily apparent as they shine through into her characters. Readers are often transported virtually across the globe. She has traveled to Hong Kong on five separate occasions to smuggle Bibles into China, and has been to Israel on seven missionary trips. Derban’s other adventures include visits to Bangkok, Greece, Egypt, Italy, and the Caribbean.

Beginning with her faith in the Lord, S.K. Derban relies on all aspects of her life when writing.

She hopes her books will allow readers to go on holiday without having to pack!

Connect with S.K. at childofthecarpenter.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

(1) winner will win an Italian Style Kitchen Goodies prize pack which includes Red and White Dish Towels, Oneida Spatula Set of 3, Oven Mitt, Pot Holder, Silicone Whisk, and Imported Italian Pasta!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 7, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 14, 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.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Pin It

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Courting an Amish Bishop by Mindy Steele

Book: Courting an Amish Bishop

Author: Mindy Steele

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Release Date: April, 2024

No One Is Ever Too Old to Love Again

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

Simon Graber became a widower and a bishop early in life. His focus is solely on his very close-knit Old Order Amish community—not entertaining the idea of marriage, despite what many of the elders think. When sickness comes to Cherry Grove, Kentucky, Simon reaches out into the next community for help. But help is beginning to look a lot like a second chance when Stella Schmucker agrees to offer her vast herbal knowledge to the sick. Can it be that these two, who have been too busy serving others to entertain the idea of love, have met at just the perfect time for an unlikely courtship?

Click here to get your copy!

Amish Fiction is my favorite Genre of books. Courting an Amish Bishop by Mindy Steele is Book 4 in The Heart of the Amish Series. The series is written by various authors and this is the 2nd book in the series written by Mindy Steele. I have enjoyed the series from Book 1 and was excited to read this book also.

Simon Graber is a Bishop in the Old Order Amish in Cherry Grove, Kentucky. He was widowed at a young age and his focus has been on the Amish Community and not in marrying again. The elders of the Amish community want to see him married again. Major illness comes to the community and Simon goes to the Amish community in a neighboring area to seek help for the sick. Stella Schmucker is very knowledgeable in Herbal Medicines and offers her help. Stella has never been married and enjoys being the DOK of her Community. Simon and Stella take a liking to one another quickly, even though they seem to be opposites. Will Stella be able to help Simon's community with her Herbal Medicines? Will there be a romance between Simon and Stella?

WOW, Simon and Stella's story is so beautiful. I really like that both Simon and Stella are in their 30's, something that I don't really experience in Amish Fiction books. Simon and Stella both are "career focused" and not romance focused. I was a little shocked to read that an Amish woman had not married by the age of 38, but I also thought that was a little admirable. Simon doesn't want to remarry after losing his wife and 2 children years ago. His and his teenage son are content in the community and Simon being the Bishop of his Amish community. I really enjoyed Simon and Stella's journey into discovering they just might be a unlikely but lovely couple! The book is one of trust, romance, healing from the past and so much more! I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Amish Fiction! FANTASIC BOOK!

Mindy Steele is the award-winning author and bestselling author of over a dozen novels and novellas in Christian fiction. Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele has been writing since she could hold a crayon on the wall and lives in northeastern Kentucky—where many of her stories are set.

More from Mindy

The Story Behind the Story with Mindy Steele

Courting an Amish Bishop

Sometimes the smallest detail can spark the greatest story. It can be a laugh, a flower petal, or even a cup of tea. I have always been drawn to little details and there are times when I felt God tapping on my shoulder, saying pay attention to this. So from a brief chat or set of bones found on a wooded path, stories have taken root.

For this story, it was a cup of elderberry tea late one evening that sent my thoughts to wander. I grew up on the edge of Appalachia and had learned a few herbal remedies to quickly ward off the flu or stop poison ivy before the first itch. As an Amish fiction writer, I wondered if the Amish resorted to the same such natural ways. I knew my neighbors used charcoal internally at times, as well as stockpiling burdock leaves to dry in their attic for burns and wounds, but I wanted to know more.

There is a strong belief among many that the Amish refuse modern medicine. This is simply not true. Most prefer modern medicine as a last resort. Though I once had an Amish neighbor who’d run to the doctor quite often for the least little thing.

Coincidentally, I had gone on to a summer book tour in southern Kentucky, and crossed paths with an Amish healer. She was a remarkable woman, full of wisdom and information. I have also been blessed to have Doc Sam, an Amish man, living just down the road, as well as a few Amish women willing to share their thoughts with me.

Healers have a vast knowledge that is not limited to just one thing. An Amish midwife is often sought after for more than when a child is ready to be welcomed into the world. A chiropractor, or muscle stretcher as they are called since no degree has been obtained, can tell you the best remedy for burns, womanly issues, or how to detox your liver.

Stella Schmucker was my most interesting character to write. As a woman who needed healing in her own life, it was by God’s grace she became one. As I got to know her, I knew a Bishop had to play a major part in her journey. We often think of men in such positions as stern, authoritarian, and well…old. But a man may draw the lot at as young as 30 if he has already held a position of a deacon or minister. I have seldom read a story where the bishop isn’t stern and always reminding us to follow the rules, but what we don’t see is the man under the hat! Simon reveals an outer and inner man, one struggling with loss, yet faithful in helping others. I have been waiting to write a Bishop’s story for some time, and once Stella’s life was laid out in front in me, the match was made.

I hope you enjoy this story and getting to know Ellie, my silver lab Stella borrows to entertain you. Who knows, you might even learn a few herbal remedies too.

Many blessings and good health,

Mindy