Review of Streams of Courage by Sandra Merville Hart

 

About the Book

 

Book: Streams of Courage

Author: Sandra Merville Hart

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 26, 2024

In a world turned upside down by war and betrayal…will his role as a spy bring them closer…or tear their future apart?

The war that Julia Dodd prayed to avoid is now reality, and with it, her world has been turned on its head. Her fellow citizens, who stood with her in their support of the union, have crossed firmly to the side of the south. And her mother, lost in her grief over the loss of her husband and children, can think of nothing but protecting Julia’s brother’s inheritance. She insists that her daughter seek a wealthier husband than Ashburn Mitchell.

Ash knows what his fellow citizens think of him when he refuses to fight for the Confederacy. Shouldering the accusation of being a coward and refusing to hide behind his limp, Ash remains in Vicksburg to support his family as a saddler while his two best friends join the fight. Struggling to increase his business so he can marry the woman he loves, Ash becomes a spy in support of the Union. He can’t fight for the South but won’t raise a musket against them.

As tragedy instigates Ash to risk greater danger to speed the end of the war, Julia can only pray it won’t cost them everything. She’s already lost her father and two siblings. Must she lose the man she loves too?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Sandra Merville Hart, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of inspirational historical romances, loves to discover little-known yet fascinating facts from American history to include in her stories. Her desire is to transport her readers back in time. She is also a blogger, speaker, and conference teacher.

 

 

 

 

More from Sandra

In Streams of Courage, Book 4 in my Spies of the Civil War Series, Julia, our heroine, has suffered several significant losses in her life, including her father and two siblings. Her mother’s insistence that Julia stop courting Ash, a saddler, and find instead a rich suitor makes no sense. Surely her father had provided for her.

Then she discovers that her parents have only provided for her younger brother, whom her mother had always adored. Julia will be penniless when her mother dies. The knowledge crushes her.

Ash is already supporting his mother and siblings. As Mama points out, adding a wife and children will stretch his income to the limits. Mama will not give her blessing should Ash propose. Julia, who had been raised in comfort, must find some means of support.

As I considered how Julia could make money in a war-time economy, it was clear her mother, as the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, would never condone her working in a shop. What can she do?

Tatting lace.

Her lace patterns have received compliments in the past. With fewer ships bringing goods into the city, lace is in short supply. Granted, the demand for lace has diminished because even dress fabric isn’t as available as before the war.

I enjoyed researching this skill that was once so prevalent among young ladies in society. I watched videos on making lace with a special needle called a tatting needle.

The most basic stitch is the double-stitch. There is a special way to hold the needle and thread so that the first stitch grabs thread from under the thumb and the second stitch grabs it from over the thumb. There is a rhythm to the stitching in the hands of a skilled lacemaker.

I watched videos that demonstrated making rings with picot trim. There is a variety of stitching. The variations create beautiful patterns. The lace is then rolled for storage.

Fascinating. It’s mesmerizing to watch the different patterns emerge.

Tatting is a small yet interesting aspect in the adventurous story. Ash has become a Union spy. For her and her family’s safety, he keeps his dangerous activities a secret from Julia.

Part of my research for this novel and the next two novels included a trip to Vicksburg, Mississippi. I toured the museums and walked the streets of the historic city. Though I wasn’t certain of my story at the time of my visit, I was inspired by the history.

Avenue of Betrayal, Book 1, is set in the Union capital of Washington City (Washington DC) in 1861, where a surprising number of Confederate sympathizers and spies lived. Boulevard of Confusion and Byway to Danger are set in Richmond, the Confederate capital in 1862. Actual historical spies touch the lives of our fictional family.

Through both real and fictional characters, this series highlights activities spies were involved in and some of the motives behind their decisions.

I invite you to read the whole “Spies of the Civil War” series!

MY REVIEW

The historical details in the story are well-researched giving the story its authenticity and creating a sense of being there. Part of the story is heartbreaking while other parts show courage and inspiration. The character of Ash is one such person.

I loved the budding romance between Ash and Julia. Julia is steadfast in her faith and love of family as well as Ash. The story shows the hardship the people of Vicksburg endured, but also their ability to overcome. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and willingly chose to review it. All opinions are my own

                   Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 17

Alena Mentink, April 18

Connie’s History Classroom, April 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 19

Bizwings Book Blog, April 20

Holly’s Book Corner, April 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 21

Texas Book-aholic, April 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 23

Betti Mace, April 24

Pause for Tales, April 24

Cover Lover Book Review, April 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 26

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 27

Lights in a Dark World, April 27

For Him and My Family, April 28

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 29 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, April 29

Blossoms and Blessings, April 30

                  Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sandra is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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/2afa6/streams-of-courage-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review of The Vanished by Cara Putman

 

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Vanished by Cara Putman hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Vanished 

Series: Secrets to Keep #1 

Author: Cara Putman 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: April 16, 2024 

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

Janae Simmons left the small town of Kedgewick, Virginia, ten years ago to pursue her legal career and never looked back--until a professional mistake leads her to her grandmother's historic carriage house and to the town where her past threatens to find her. The quiet streets echo with her grandfather's sterling reputation, one that conflicts with fresh questions that claw at Janae, launching her on a reluctant journey to unearth his secrets. When her new job at a local law firm doesn't live up to expectations, she wonders if coming home was the right decision.

Carter Montgomery starts his art preservation career with the only job he can get--director at the Elliott Museum of Art. At least Kedgewick is a nice enough town to provide him and his nephew with a safe place to grieve the loss of Carter's sister. But Carter's calm days disappear when an elderly woman claims two paintings in the museum's collection were stolen from her family during World War II. 

Carter enlists Janae's help to unravel the legal labyrinth of art ownership, and the peaceful facade of Kedgewick morphs into a hot bed of secrets. When an attorney turns up dead and Janae uncovers another painting, what began as a simple legal issue spirals into a race against time. As the web of intrigue tightens, the duo must confront a looming question: What dark truths lie beneath the surface, waiting to be exposed? 

"Putman's legal expertise shines in this compelling and intricately plotted romantic suspense. Highly recommended!" --Colleen Coble, USA Today best-selling author 

"Cara Putman has once again created an exciting cast of characters. I was immediately drawn in by Janae and Carter's unique chemistry. This is one story you don't want to miss." --Rebecca Hemlock, award-winning author of Fury in the Shadows

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

MY REVIEW

I was drawn into the story from the beginning. The main characters of Janae & Carter are well-developed with lots of layers. Each character has their own set of challenges, but along the way, they find themselves together fighting for change. I found myself drawn to them from the beginning.

It's a tale of stolen and lost art from WWII combined with deceit, danger, and lots of twists that I didn't see coming. The historical details interwoven with the legal aspects were well-interspersed throughout the story. A budding romance completes the story with everything you would want. It is highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

More Books in Series

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About the Author

Cara Putman is the award-winning, best-selling author of more than thirty-five novels, including the Cornhusker Dreams series and the Hidden Justice series.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of the book, art-themed notebooks, and stickers that inspired the art stolen in the book!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 17, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 24, 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 the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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

New Release- A Love Restored by Dora Hiers

 

At fifty years old, a person should already know what they wanted to do with their life, right? Trouble was, Brock Lewiston knew. It just wasn't what his father expected of him after grooming Brock from birth to take over the helm of Lewiston Vacation Rentals. Now that Brock's son has assumed responsibility for the family business, Brock can finally focus on building his own company, designing and creating metal pieces of art. He just wished he'd told his father how he really felt years ago. Maybe then he'd still be married to the love of his life…

The toughest decision Macy Grove ever made was to leave her husband. Oh, how she loved that man! But her ex put his job over his dreams and their own little family. Living with the constant demands of a company that catered to wealthy vacationers, they never had an opportunity to take a vacation of their own! She couldn't stand by and watch him self-destruct. Besides, she wanted a husband who shared her faith and loved her unconditionally. A partner who chased his dreams, and who was happy doing it. Not…unfulfilled and bitter because he was too busy doing for everyone else and allowing them to control their lives.

When their son's wedding draws Macy back to Butterfly Bend, will she see the difference in her ex-husband? With Brock finally living out his purpose and his faith, can their love be restored, or will Macy leave him a second time?

To Purchase

My Review

A Love Restored is a wonderful, heartwarming story about second chances. I loved Brock's spiritual growth and the relationship of Brock & Macy, even after ten years. Brock has become a strong and honorable man since his dedication to Christ.

The theme of the story was even more centered on God and redemption. My heart was moved by the love, reconciliation, and what happens when people put God first in their lives which came through the storyline well. I feel this is the best book in the series and brought forth lots of emotions as I followed along on their journey.  Highly recommended.

I was given a complimentary ARC and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Review of New Release- Heart of Trust by Kristina Hall

 

Book Blurb

Two cattle barons, a rancher, and his wife, and the piece of land they all want.

When Jake Aymes purchases the ranch he’s long dreamed of, he doesn’t expect that he’s bought a tract of land desired by two other ranchers. Those ranchers resort to intimidation, and Jake begins to think he’s put his wife in harm’s way.

Georgia Aymes shared her husband’s dream of moving West, but the threats prove to be a constant source of stress. She fears that she and her worries have become nothing more than a burden to Jake.

Will she and Jake trust God as they face what might be the worst trial of their lives?

Purchase link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNHQ1PGX

Author's Bio

 Kristina Hall is a sinner saved by grace who seeks to glorify God with her words. She is a homeschool graduate and holds a degree in accounting. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, arm wrestling, lifting weights, and playing the violin.

My Review

Heart of Trust has a storyline filled with adventure, new beginnings, and unexpected hardship filled with fear. The story is set in Texas, 180. Georgia and her husband, Jake move from Tennessee hoping to buy a ranch. Finding one soon doesn't go as they thought.

The writing style was easy to read. The main characters were likable from the beginning and courageous in times of trouble. Their faith is what brought them through adversity.

Good ending that wrapped up everything nicely showing God at work. Another great read.

I received a complimentary ARC from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Review of Love's Winding Road by Susan F. Craft

 

 

About the Book

 

Book: Love’s Winding Road

Author: Susan F. Craft

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 27, 2024

They were forced into this marriage of convenience, but there’s more at stake than their hearts on this wagon train through the mountain wilderness.

When Rose Jackson and her Irish immigrant family join a wagon train headed for a new life in South Carolina, the last thing she expects is to fall for the half-Cherokee wagon scout along the way. But their journey takes a life-changing turn when Rose is kidnapped by Indians. Daniel comes to her rescue, but the effects mean their lives will be forever intertwined.

Daniel prides himself on his self-control—inner and outer—but can’t seem to get a handle on either when Rose is near. Now his life is bound to hers when the consequences of her rescue force them to marry. Now it’s even more critical he maintain that self-control to keep her safe.

When tragedy strikes at the heart of their strained marriage, they leave for Daniel’s home in the Blue Ridge Mountains. As they face the perils of the journey, Rose can’t help but wonder why her new husband guards his heart so strongly. Why does he resist his obvious attraction for her? And what life awaits them at the end of love’s winding road?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Susan F. Craft retired after a 45-year career in writing, editing, and communicating in business settings.

She authored the historical romantic suspense trilogy Women of the American Revolution—The Chamomile, Laurel, and Cassia. The Chamomile and Cassia received national Illumination Silver Awards. The Chamomile was named by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance as an Okra Pick and was nominated for a Christy Award.

She collaborated with the International Long Riders’ Guild Academic Foundation to compile An Equestrian Writer’s Guide (www.lrgaf.org), including almost everything you’d ever want to know about horses.

An admitted history nerd, she enjoys painting, singing, listening to music, and sitting on her porch watching geese eat her daylilies. She most recently took up the ukulele.

More from Susan

Colonial American medicine fascinates me. The shortage of doctors made it critical for women to maintain medicine kits that included remedies brought with them from Europe as well as those shared with them by Native Americans.

In Love’s Winding Road, my character Rose falls into river rapids and suffers serious scrapes and bruises. Daniel, the half-Cherokee scout of her wagon train, rescues her and makes witch hazel flowers into a paste.

With gentle movements, he spread the ointment on her arms, legs, and neck. When he dabbed some on several raw places on her scalp where her hair had been ripped out, Rose clenched her teeth until her face hurt. With her hand trembling, she reached up to touch her hair.

“Don’t worry. It will grow back. Just thank the good Lord, for though it may be distressing and painful to have lost some of your hair, the strands helped me keep track of you.”

Rose’s father suffers from arthritis in his hands, so he chews on the twigs of black willow trees (not weeping willows) and drinks the tea his wife prepares from the bark also used to treat back pain, headaches, and inflammatory conditions.

When a mountain lion attacks Daniel, Rose stitches the laceration. She cleans the area with whiskey and offers it to him as a painkiller.

She threaded her needle with her finest flax fiber, and holding her breath, she began the first tiny stitches. Think of it as cloth. Think of it as cloth. She repeated the words over and over in her head.

Sometimes doing research can be amusing.

The night before I was to see my doctor, I’d read a resource book, Indian Doctor – Nature’s method of curing and preventing disease according to the Indians. I showed my doctor the Indian cure for my problem.

What a hoot! We had such fun looking through the book. Seems as if every cure involved mixing something with wine, ale, beer, or liquor. We came to the conclusion that with enough alcohol, even if you still had the problem, you wouldn’t care anymore.

Two weeks later, I saw my doctor for an earache. Of course, we looked up the Indian cure. It involved lily onions, marsh mallows, oil of violet—all taken with wine. And then, bleeding.

I’ll stick with antibiotics.

I pray that my Great Wagon Road series honors the Lord and the gifts He has given me and that you will love my characters as much as I do. Soli Deo Gloria.

MY REVIEW

A very heart-warming, but a times gut-wrenching story about Rose Jackson & Daniel Fordham. Rose is of Irish descent and Daniel is half-Cherokee and a scout. The story is a page-turner with descriptions of the countryside and Native American life so vivid that I felt as though I was there.

The storyline has times of struggle and survival where Rose has to dig deep inside for courage and offer up prayers to God for protection. I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the many twists in the story that kept me on the edge of my seat.

I can't wait to read more in the series. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

                   Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 3

Simple Harvest Reads, April 3 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

lakesidelivingsite, April 4

Pause for Tales, April 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 5

For Him and My Family, April 5

Lighthouse Academy Blog, April 6 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 7

The Lofty Pages, April 7

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 8

Bizwings Book Blog, April 9

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 9

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 10

Texas Book-aholic, April 11

Connie’s History Classroom , April 11

Cover Lover Book Review, April 12

Batya’s Bits, April 13

Holly’s Book Corner, April 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 14

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 15

Blossoms and Blessings, April 15

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 16 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 16

                     Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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/2ac74/love-s-winding-road-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review of Lethal Danger by Jerusha Agen (Guardians Unleashed Book #4) Releases April 25th

 

This K-9 team is trained to eliminate threats. This threat could eliminate them.

Being a loner is getting old. Jazz Lamont still can’t fit in at the Phoenix K-9 Agency, and she’s losing her best friend. At least providing security with her K-9 partner at the Tri-City Fair will mean revisiting the only place where she once belonged. But a series of accidents threatens her beloved fair and puts lives at risk.

Thriller author Hawthorne Emerson suspects foul play after the first “accident.” Moonlighting as fair security to investigate the death of his sister’s boyfriend, he’s eager to find the truth. He doesn’t expect the task to lead him to the cult he escaped.

Finding the culprit behind the sabotage is personal for Jazz and Hawthorne. But someone else has a personal stake, too. Someone who wants Jazz dead. When everything she thought was true is dismantled, can Jazz risk trusting others—including God—to survive?

Lethal Danger continues the thrilling story of the elite Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency that began with Hidden Danger (Guardians Unleashed, #1 ) 

 (Each book can stand alone or be read as series installments.)

To Preorder

http://lethaldanger.com

http://jerushastore.com

WEBSITE:    http://www.jerushaagen.com

NEWSLETTER SIGN UP:   https://jerushaagen.com/newsletter-and-blog-subscription

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JerushaAgenAuthor

INSTAGRAM:   https://www.instagram.com/jerushaagen

My Review

Lethal Danger is an intense story filled with well-fleshed-out characters with flaws, but still have extreme strength. The story is about family, deception, danger, and an element of twists and turns you won't see coming.

I loved Jazz and Hawthorn's slow-building romance and enjoyed their playful banter. The story is a page-turner and I couldn't put it down and consumed it in one sitting. This one was even better than the last one in the series.

I received a complimentary ARC from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Review of Up Toward the Light by Granger Smith

Through a simple conversation between a boy and a tree, country-music star Granger Smith shares an incredibly powerful and deeply moving story filled with life lessons on loss, grief, and the strength gained in finding the light and the will to move forward with joy and purpose.

In this wonder-filled and inspiring story of surprising loss but found strength, a boy encounters a red oak who shares forest wisdom about the rich soil and the nourishing sun, pointing the boy toward a simple truth about moving on: we must grow toward the light. With breathtaking artwork from Laura Watkins, this picture book

• is for ages 4 to 8;
• is a message of hope and strength that is passed through generations;
• shares the value of pain, grief, and reaching out of the darkness toward the light; and
• is perfect for fans of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse; The Velveteen Rabbit; The Invisible String or other beloved stories that teach life lessons through simple but profound moments.

As you settle into the soothing nature of Granger's storytelling, let this meaningful interaction between a boy and a tree guide you toward the purpose and goodness of life.

To Purchase on Amazon

My Review

The story of Up Toward the Light is very well-written and illustrated. It is a book explaining a sensitive subject with children but done in such a way that will help ease the pain of family loss.

The beautiful illustrations put in bold autumn colors enrich the pages as the story unfolds. The nature pages are soothing as well as the message. This would make a great addition to your children's library.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Review of the Ark and the Dove by Jill Eileen Smith

 

Zara and Noah have walked together with the Creator for their entire lives, and they have done their best in an increasingly wicked and defiant world to raise their three sons to follow in their footsteps. It has been a challenge--and it's about to get much, much harder.

When the Creator tells her husband to build an ark to escape the coming wrath against the sins of humankind, Zara steps out with him in faith. But the derision and sabotage directed their way from both friends and extended family are difficult to bear, as is knowing that everyone she interacts with beyond her husband, her sons, and their wives is doomed to destruction. And when the ark is finally finished and the animals have been shut up inside, Zara and her family embark on an adventure that will test their patience and their faith as they await deliverance and dry ground.

Experience the story of Noah and the flood like you never have before. With bestselling and award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith as your guide, you'll never look at a rainbow the same way again.

Purchase on Amazon

My Review

The Ark and the Dove is a well-written story of Noah and his family that survived the flood. The author's descriptions of the Biblical setting and people of their time, made the story come alive for me.

The building of the ark and filling it with needed supplies and animals was exciting. To learn of their struggles made the book seem more real. There were parts of the story that moved me to tears and others that I rejoiced in the love of God.

It's an inspirational story that even though the Biblical version was written years ago, it is still relevant today and the story is a reminder. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher Revell. A positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Review of Wombat and the Family Tree by Marietta Apollonia

Spark curiosity in children about family history, genealogy, and their place within that legacy as Wombat's family tree project grows into an exploration of his relatives' wisdom as well as what talent he can add to his community.

Wombat's family tree assignment turns sour when he realizes that every ancestor has a special something they are good at--everyone except him. He tries all the talents he's learned about from his family members, from music to carving to cooking, but nothing fits. Then, with a nudge to try again, the family tree branches out to grow into Wombat's very own something.

Wombat and the Family Tree by Marietta Apollonio is for children aged 4 to 8 and features

• a heartfelt and fun exploration of what a family tree is while finding a sense of self within your heritage,
• a sweet and energetic main character who wants to do his best,
• a supportive family who encourages Wombat to keep trying despite disappointment,
• whimsical and nostalgic illustrations that enrich the story with delightful details,
• a note from the author about her own adventures in genealogy, and
• a blank family tree for children to fill in that allows room for a variety of family structures and caregiving situations.

Join Wombat for an adventure in self-discovery as he answers these questions: Where do I come from? What can I learn from people who have come before me? What are my special skills that I can contribute to my family and community?

https://www.amazon.com/Wombat-Family-Tree-Marietta-Apollonio/dp/1400246180

MY REVIEW

The book is a nice hardcover with bright colors and illustrated well. It will catch a child's attention to have a look inside. The inside leads you into the wombat's story as he discovers his family tree and what each member is good at.

This story will pique a child's curiosity about his family tree and discover what his interests are. It's a sweet read illustrated in bright colors with a section in the back for the child to do his family tree.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.