Uplifting Reads: October 2018

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Read an exclusive excerpt from Legacy of Mercy by Lynn Austin

Welcome to the book tour for Legacy of Mercy, the second book in the Waves of Mercy series by Lynn Austin. Today I am sharing with you an exclusive excerpt from the book, as well as a preview of the first book in the series. You can find more excerpts, reviews, etc., if you follow the book tour below. And don't forget to enter the giveaway! There are multiple winners in this one.

Please note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Legacy of Mercy
(Waves of Mercy #2)
By Lynn Austin
Christian Historical Romance
Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 400 Pages
October 2nd 2018 by Bethany House Publishers

She Knew Her New Life Would Not Be Easy,
But Nothing Could Prepare Her For What Waits Ahead

Having returned to Chicago, young socialite Anna Nicholson can't seem to focus on her upcoming marriage. The new information she's learned about her birth mother continues to pull at her, and she hires Pinkerton detectives to help her discover the whole truth.

But as she meets people who once knew her mother and hears stories about the past, Anna soon discovers that some secrets are better left hidden. With pressure mounting to keep the past quiet, she discovers daily that her choice to seek God's purpose for her life isn't as simple as she had hoped.

When things are at their darkest, Anna knows she can turn to her grandmother, Geesje de Jonge, back in Holland, Michigan. Geesje's been helping new Dutch immigrants--including a teen with a troubled history--adjust to America. She only hopes that her wisdom can help all these young people through the turmoil they face.

Praise for the Book

"Varying points of view, well-placed clues, and an interesting subplot about Anna's grandmother welcoming Dutch immigrants to Michigan keeps the story interesting. Austin skillfully embeds her strong spiritual message into the actions of her characters, creating a wonderful historical tale that is naturally inspirational."--Publishers Weekly starred review

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Book Depository│Christianbook│Kobo│Bethany House

Read an excerpt:

“Anna,” Clarice calls to me. “Come and join us.” She has gathered near the buffet with a group of six other young women my age to nibble on refreshments. She looks stunning, as always, with her auburn hair piled high, and she’s wearing the very latest fashion accessories—a pleated frill on the front of her gown and a pleated belt and bow around her narrow waist. “How is your search going with the Pinkerton detectives?” she asks without preamble. Since they have been on my mind all morning, it’s as if she has been reading my thoughts. I have forgotten that I foolishly confided in Clarice. But why would she speak about such a private matter in front of all the others? She promised to keep my search confidential.

I am speechless as the women await my reply, so Clarice fills the silence. “The last time Anna and I spoke,” she tells the others, “the detectives had just found a record of her real parents’ marriage. Have you learned anything more about your real family since then?”

“Um . . . I believe the detectives have reached a dead end,” I mumble.

“I didn’t know you were adopted!” someone says. “How interesting!” The ladies move closer as if expecting me to divulge secrets. My cheeks feel warm, betraying my embarrassment as I fumble for something to say. Why, oh why didn’t I heed Jane’s warning not to trust Clarice? I feel foolish and naïve.

“I heard that you’ve recently recalled some memories of your real mother,” one of the women says.

My heart races. I am stunned that my private life is common knowledge. “Only a few,” I reply. “I was very young when she died.”

“But now you’ve met your real grandmother—an immigrant!” Clarice says. “What was she like?”

“Um . . . She’s a lovely woman.” How do they know all of this? And how do I make them stop questioning me? I don’t have the nerve to tell them to mind their own business and then walk away. Besides, that will make it seem as though I’m hiding something.

“What about your father?” Clarice asks, pretending to whisper. “Do they think he might still be alive?”

“I-I don’t know. I suppose it’s possible, but I—”

“If he is, maybe the detectives will able to locate him. Then you would have two fathers.”

Two of the other women begin to giggle. They couldn’t possible know about Jack, could they?

I clear the knot from my throat and hope they don’t detect a tremor in my voice. “As far as I’m concerned, I have only one father—the one you all know, Arthur Nicholson.”

“Is it true that he rescued you from a shipwreck?” one of them asks.

“Well, yes . . .”

“Tell us what that was like!”

“It . . . it was horrifying, as I’m sure you can imagine. It’s not something I care to relive by talking about it.”

Other Books in the Series

Waves of Mercy
(Waves of Mercy #1)
By Lynn Austin
Christian Historical Romance
Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
October 4th 2016 by Bethany House Publishers

Haunted by the Unknowns of Their Pasts,
Two Women Search for Answers Along the Shores of Lake Michigan

Chicago socialite Anna Nicholson retreats to the Hotel Ottawa in Holland, Michigan, after breaking her engagement with her wealthy fiancé. Filled with questions about her newfound faith and troubled by a recurring nightmare, Anna finds solace in Derk Vander Veen, a seasonal hotel worker who plans to go into the ministry.

Prompted by a request from her son, Geesje de Jonge begins to sift through memories of emigrating from the Netherlands almost fifty years ago. As she writes them down for the Semi-Centennial anniversary of the town's settlement, her story takes on a life of its own as she honestly and painfully recalls her regrets, doubts, hardships, and joys. Her story captivates Derk, who sees similarities between Geesje and Anna, and wishes to bring the two together.

Past and present collide as Anna and Geesje seek clarity, but neither expects the revelations that await them.

Praise for the Book

"Interlacing the past with the present-day lives of Anna and Geesje, Austin compassionately delivers a moving tale of family bonds, tests of faith, and abiding love."--Booklist starred review

"Austin has crafted an interesting, historically accurate portrait of two profoundly different characters: one looking back at life, the other taking her first faltering steps toward independence."--Publishers Weekly

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Book Depository│Christianbook│Kobo│Bethany House

About the Author

Lynn Austin has sold more than one and a half million copies of her books worldwide. A former teacher who now writes and speaks full-time, she has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and make their home in western Michigan. Learn more at www.lynnaustin.org.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

Tour Schedule

October 15th:
Launch
Cover Lover Book Review
An Indie Adventure
Author Kelly D. Scott
October 16th:
Romancing History
Uplifting Reads
October 17th:
The Power of Words
Hearts & Scribbles
October 18th:
Fiction Aficionado
Splashes of Joy
October 19th:
Wishful Endings
Stacking My Book Shelves!
Rockin' Book Reviews
October 22nd:
Among the Reads
Book by Book
October 23rd:
Jen Around the World
Heidi Reads...
October 24th:
Jorie Loves A Story
Radiant Light
October 25th:
Tell Tale Book Reviews
Locks, Hooks and Books
October 26th:
Reading Is My SuperPower
Remembrancy

Check out the Bookstagram Tour schedule October 22 - 26 here!

Tour Giveaway

One Grand Prize Winner will receive Waves of Mercy and Legacy of Mercy by Lynn Austin and tulip notecards.

Two additional winners will receive Waves and Mercy and Legacy of Mercy.

For US winners only—international readers may enter, but a $35 gift card will be substituted for their prize if they are chosen as winners.

Ends October 26, 2018

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Saturday, October 13, 2018

Sweet Home Montana by Lynne Marshall Grand Finale Blitz

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

I loved the book Sweet Home Montana by Lynne Marshall. I've already shared my review with you at my other blog Uplifting Reads, but there is so much more to see! Please enjoy this collection of excerpts and reviews from the entire tour to see why you need to download your own copy of the book. And of course there's a giveaway at the end!

Please note that affiliate links are present in this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission to help me to support my websites at no additional cost to you.

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Sweet Home Montana

By Lynne Marshall

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops

you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

I’m so happy to be back touring with Prism and am excited to share my new book Sweet Home Montana with everyone. This is book number three in the Charity, Montana trilogy for TULE publishing. It is the sweetest of all three books, in my opinion. Think Hallmark movies and you understand what I’m talking about. No angst or deep drama, but definite issues that both characters must face and “fix”, so they can move forward to a truly fulfilling life...

It's All About the Romance - Excerpt

She had been volunteering at The Acres, as the crew called it, for three years, and Dr. Anderson insisted it was time to move on. To finish that degree in business. Get a job that paid more. In the real world. For Erin, Healing Heart Acres was as real world as she wanted to be. Because it was the place that helped put broken people back together.

Maybe I should start telling her how much I love giving the tour and that I never want to work with the animals again. The absurd reverse psychology trick made her smile.

“Oh, glad to see you’re happy about your schedule,” Elsbeth Anderson said, stepping out of nowhere, catching Erin mid-grin.

Uplifting Reads - Review

"As Erin and Wade's lives weave together, there are naturally some bumps along the road. It's all about how they work through those struggles to understand each other and to nurture the relationship they find themselves embarking upon, in spite of their personal struggles.

This was the perfect book to curl up with on a cold and rainy fall day."

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

Mid-chew, he glanced at the door, surprised, and very pleased, to see Erin come in. He smiled, watched, and waited as she made her entry…

With a toddler?

“Choc milk,” the little brown-haired girl said, all excited.

“Just like I promised.” Erin was completely at ease with the child, guiding her toward the counter to make their order.

Unexplained disappointment surprised Wade, along with a slew of questions about Erin. Was she married? He hadn’t noticed a ring. But, since the kid looked so much like her, she was obviously a mother.

Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt

A flashy silver sedan drove up and parked in the lot, and a father-son duo straight out of the pages of Gentleman’s Quarterly magazine got out. The son was sullen, casting a suspicious gaze, as if thinking this was the dumbest idea he’d ever heard of. Breaking with GQ chic, he wore a silly knit cap that stood out for two reasons, it wasn’t that cold, and there was a moose face on it. It took confidence to pull off the look.

The father seemed determined, as many parents were when they arrived, usually after having Healing Heart Acres recommended by someone in the professional community—a teacher, therapist, or pastor. The parents often arrived hoping to find the magic solution to help their kid. Erin knew the look, even though it was on an exceptionally young-looking father’s face.

Paulette's Papers - Excerpt

After the usual welcoming remarks for the acres each person introduced themselves. She saved the father and son for last.

“I’m Wade Conrad. Grew up in Charity, around an hour from here. Heard about Healing Heart Acres and wanted to check it out.”

He seemed pleasant enough, but got his story out fast, probably out of courtesy, unlike Mrs. Pimento who’d gone on and on. Yet, watching and listening to Wade excited Erin, a feeling she’d nearly forgotten where men were concerned. The immediate excitement he provoked in her, was also terrifying. Fortunately, she’d only have to deal with the younger version of him.

Colorimetry - Excerpt

Why did the man make her edgy? Probably because she’d rarely been around such a devastatingly handsome male. She glanced to Brent, sure to become as commanding as his father as he matured. He, unlike his attentive father, watched a ground squirrel instead of the corralled animals, probably not listening to a word she said.

She showed everyone how to hold grain on a flat palm, so the sheep only ate the food and didn’t nibble their fingers. Everyone always got a kick out of that, except Brent, who clearly wasn’t interested.

Getting Your Read On - Review

"If you are looking for a sweet, gentle romance to curl up with on a cool fall evening, then look no further. This book has all the feel good elements with likable characters and a believable story line."

Stacking My Book Shelves! - Excerpt

A sharp whistle pierced the air, the kind cowboys used on cattle drives. “Erin!” Wade’s voice called out before she stepped inside. She stopped, turned, waited for the tall, dark-haired and green-eyed man to reach her. Again, an unwanted reaction circled her skin. But she wasn’t here to swoon, she was here to be helpful. He obviously had a problem with his son.

Cover Lover Book Review - Review

"Sweet Home Montana encompasses sweet, gentle, unhurried romance. It's a story of personal growth—stepping out of complacency and exploring a deeper, more satisfying life."

underneath the covers - Excerpt

To keep communication open, nervous as Erin was to have a conversation alone with Wade Conrad, she smiled and widened her eyes. “Need some extra encouragement?” Hoping he couldn’t pick up on her reaction to him.

He was probably used to it with all women. How could he not be, growing up looking like that? He probably didn’t even notice anymore.

“How’d you guess?”

“I’ve been reading Brent’s body language. He’s not here voluntarily, is he.” It wasn’t a question.

Remembrancy - Review

"Lynne Marshall gives readers a taste of small-town Montana life (and made me crave some huckleberry pie in the process) in this sweet romance...

Sweet Home Montana is a read to snuggle up with in front of a fire or under that plaid flannel blanket. Get ready for a little romance this fall."

Nan Reinhardt's Blog - Excerpt

Once Wade took off, Erin recovered and wandered over to Brent, who sat on a bench staring at his boots. “Mind if I join you?”

He glanced up. Rather than answering, he tipped his chin up, as in yes.

She sat gingerly on the other end of the bench. “I guess I read you wrong.”

He tossed her a confused and perturbed glance. “He tell you I don’t talk to him because he doesn’t like being my brother?”

Book Lover in Florida - Excerpt

“What’s the point of this place? Why should I come here?” Brent asked.

“How about, for starters, for the sake of a new experience?” Erin replied. “We offer a chance for people to learn about themselves by participating in activities like daily care routines with our animals. It’s a chance to do something good, too. Then all we do is talk about it afterward.” She carefully left out the part about talking about their feelings. “It’s no biggie.” She played it down, knowing how resistant some teens were about anything they were uncomfortable with. “A lot of teenagers wind up really enjoying it. By the way, the horses would rather hang out with their peers, too.”

Becky on Books - Review

"I really enjoyed Erin and Wade’s story, and was rooting for them to work things out from the very first page. The complications along the way were believable, and though resolved a bit easily, everything was still plausible. The secondary characters–including Brent, Rosie, and Diana–made the story feel well-rounded and Charity, Montana seem like a place I’d love to visit–and eat some pie."

Locks, Hooks and Books - Review

"I enjoyed this sweet story. I felt connected to Erin Chase from the start. I love that she worked at a horse therapy center. What a unique profession!"

Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader - Review

"This book is gentle and sweet. Erin and Wade are wonderful."

Teatime and Books - Excerpt

Wade stood in the back in the main house as the video history about Healing Heart Acres and equine therapy played. Instead of paying attention, he thought about how he’d wound up back home.

After a long pause in communicating with his father, Wade’s excuse being he was too busy, always too busy, his dad had called, and Wade had thought the worse.

“Dad? Is anything wrong?”

“No, Son, everything’s right, I mean great. It’s been ages since we’ve talked.” So true, and unacceptable, and that made his calling suspicious and Wade’s guilt-o-meter whirl.

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"This is a sweet & cute romance set in more than one delightful small town with gorgeous scenery and a quirkiness apparently inherent to Montana. There is more ‘telling’ than i like (rather than showing me) and some of the Montana-isms felt a bit awkward with the flow of the story. But overall these characters will quickly win you over, and so does their story – thanks to Marshall’s warm writing voice and sweet plot. If you’re a fan of Hallmark movies, this is a great pick for your reading list!"

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

Sweet Home Montana
(Charity, Montana Book #3)
By Lynne Marshall
Contemporary Romance
Print & ebook, 278 Pages
September 27th 2018 by Tule Publishing

Entrepreneur Wade Conrad is called home to act as a temporary guardian for his teenage half-brother, who’s acting out and needs strong guidance. Wade feels they are both floundering, so he seeks help for Brent at Healing Heart Acres, an equine therapy center.

Erin Chase has been working as an equine therapist since her fiancé called off their wedding with no explanation three years ago. She personally enjoys the peace found through animal therapy and believes in passing on the gift. When Erin meets Wade, she’s instantly drawn to his concern for his brother, as well as his kindness and charm.

Wade treasures time spent with Erin. They both long for more, but Wade’s leaving for California soon and his brother’s needs come first. Will he take a chance on love before it’s too late?

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│iBooks│Kobo│GooglePlay

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Lynne used to worry she had a serious problem with daydreaming, then she discovered she was supposed to write the stories in her head. A late bloomer, Lynne came to fiction writing after her children were nearly grown. Now she battles the empty nest by writing stories which always include a romance, sometimes medicine, a dose of mirth, or both, but always stories from her heart. She is a Southern California native, married for almost thirty years, has two adult children she is super proud of, is a dog lover, cat admirer, a power walker, and fellow traveler on this wild road called life!

Website│Goodreads│Amazon│Facebook

Tour Giveaway

2 winners will receive ebooks of Her Baby, His Love and Their Christmas Miracle

Open internationally

Ends October 17th

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Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Jerusalem Stone by Susan Sofayov

Jerusalem Stone

On September 15, 2008, Julie Wasserman’s life collapsed. In the morning, she lost her job at Lehman Brothers. That afternoon, she lost her twin brother, Jack, in a car crash. A year and a half later, she returns home to Pittsburgh to start a new job and live up to a pledge to visit her brother’s grave every day. With six weeks to wait before the start of the new job, she steps out of character and purchases a plane ticket to Thailand, the one place her brother dreamed of visiting. She arrives in Thailand, focused on trying to figure out how she is going to live in the world without her twin brother and best friend. But an interruption in the form of a sexy Israeli, Avi, distracts her from this goal. As he tries to make her see that their meeting was beshert, meant to be, she insists that she must return home to live up to her promise to Jack. Feeling responsible for Jack’s death, Julie believes that he wouldn’t want her to be happy, but would expect her to mourn for the rest of her life. Can Avi find a way to convince her they are bashert and Jack wouldn’t want her to stop living, or is Julie doomed to a life of guilt and unhappiness unless a higher power steps in?

Available on Amazon

About Susan Sofayov

Susan Sofayov lives in the occasionally sunny Pittsburgh, PA with her husband and the most hated dog in the neighborhood. She has three adult children and lives for the times we’re all together.

Susan formerly held the position of vice president of child care for a large non-profit organization but doesn’t like talking about that. Together with her husband, sons, they run a real estate development company. Working with your spouse isn’t always the best idea—she has been begging to be fired for years.

Susan has a BA in English Literature and Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh and an MA in Teaching from Chatham University. Prior to settling in Pittsburgh, she spent two years in Tel Aviv bonding with her husband’s wonderful large family.

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this book. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers. Please also note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Read an excerpt from Our Secret Powers by Terje G. Simonsen

Welcome to the blurb blitz for Our Secret Power by Terje G. Simonsen, a book about the history of the paranormal and its place in our real life. I have an excerpt and a giveaway for you today. If you follow the rest of the tour, you have more chances to win as you read the excerpts, a few reviews, and leave questions and comments for the author along the way.

Please note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Our Secret Powers

Is the paranormal normal?

Many readers will be surprised when learning that reputable scientists, among them several Nobel laureates, have claimed that telepathy is a reality. Their curiosity will increase when reading that Cleopatra’s lost palace and Richard III’s burial place were recovered by means of clairvoyance. And some will think it to be science fiction when finding out about Stargate—the espionage program where the American military and CIA engaged in the development of psychic spies!

Simonsen, a Norwegian historian of ideas, introduces an array of entertaining paranormal tales from history, archaeology, anthropology and psychology, and presents scientific research that has provided fascinating results. He argues that the stories we hear about telepathy, clairvoyance and precognition ought not to be dismissed as superstition

In step with spiritual and occult traditions, the author suggests that consciousness is not limited to our own head. Rather he thinks that all humans (and perhaps all living beings) are linked together in a “Mental Internet.’ Via this network we may exchange ‘telepathic emails’ with friends and family and make clairvoyant ‘downloads’ of information. Thus perhaps what we usually call ‘supernatural’ is completely natural but little understood communications via this Mental Internet?

Our Secret Powers gives us a engaged and entertaining analysis of a controversial subject and would make an excellent travel companion.

"Superb survey of the paranormal... Although serious in content, it is written in a light, often humorous, style which is a delight to read. As someone who has myself made a lifelong study of the paranormal, I cannot recommend it highly enough." ~ fantasy author, Herbie Brennan

"Simonsen describes his book as "A travelogue from the twilight zone,"but he is far too modest. Our Secret Powers is a sprawling work, meticulously researched, in which the author deftly, and with engaging wit, pulls together the various strands of "psi"--telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition,telekinesis, and healing--and presents them for our consideration." ~ Pulitzer-prize winner, Teresa Carpenter

Buy links

Amazon / Amazon UK / Pari Publishing

Read an excerpt:

Based on this idea, we launch a quite simple model, called the “Mental Internet.” The basic metaphor here is that somewhat in the way our computers are linked together via the Internet, the ‘consciousnesses’ of all humans, and perhaps all living beings, are linked together via some sort of Mental Internet. Consciousness, like the Internet, is—on some level—something that we are all doing together; it is networking. And telepathy is the communication that drives this network.

I therefore invite the reader to engage in a little thought experiment throughout the book: namely that an Internet Model of consciousness may have some relevance. Galileo once invited the Inquisition to look through his telescope in order to see what he himself had seen. But, as we know, the inquisitors were not very keen on having their horizons expanded and instead muttered murkily of ‘the work of the Devil.’ However, I take it for granted that the reader has a radically more open attitude than those darkened souls, and I am therefore confident that my invitation will be well received.

I find it intriguing to think that our everyday perception of Space and Time may, in some respects, be merely a mental frame, a habit. And therefore it might be possible to think outside the box in a more radical way. The proposed thought experiment about a Mental Internet allows for this, and telepathy can then be considered as the ‘emails’ sent and the ‘downloads’ made via this mental network. Many phenomena that otherwise would appear inexplicable will in light of this model fall quite nicely into place. More (much more) about this later!

About Terje G. Simonsen

Terje G. Simonsen is an author with a Ph.D. in the History of Ideas. He has increasingly focused his attention on the esoteric and occult traditions and on paranormal phenomena, as telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, telekinesis, healing etc. Recently he published the highly acclaimed Our Secret Powers, based on his extraordinary knowledge within this field. Elegantly and with great personal wit and insight, he discusses parapsychological phenomena such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition.

Simonsen has had his work praised by several of the world’s most renowned experts on the paranormal: The bestselling parapsychologist, Dean Radin, chief scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences, says: ‘As an encyclopedic introduction to the psychic side of the fascinating but puzzling domain known as the paranormal, there is no better choice than Our Secret Powers.” And Stanley Krippner, expert on hypnosis, shamanism and altered states of consciousness, former leader of two departments in the American Psychological Association, says: “This is an outstanding book and it deserves all the attention it can get. Not only is Our Secret Powers a book for all seasons, it is a book for all reasons!’”.

http://www.paripublishing.com/authors/terje-gerotti-simonsen/

Author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/terjesimonsen

Terje G. Simonsen will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, October 5, 2018

Read an excerpt from Simple Christmas by Charlotte Hubbard with Giveaway

Welcome to the book tour for A Simple Christmas by Charlotte Hubbard. I absolutely adore Amish novels, so today I am sharing an excerpt with you. If you follow the tour, you can also read more excerpts, plus some reviews, and learn a bit about Amish culture along the way. Please also be sure to leave the author a question or comment and enter the giveaway at the end!

Please note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Simple Christmas

The rustic beauty of a country Christmas fills the Simple Gifts crafts shop, while the Amish residents of Willow Ridge pull together in uncertain times—and in the face of an unexpected homecoming.

Nora Hooley’s shop is abuzz with preparations for the holiday open house, and Rosalyn Riehl is handcrafting wreaths from evergreen boughs, pinecones, and other natural materials. The work is a welcome diversion for the only unmarried daughter of Cornelius Riehl: her gruff dat has been receiving envelopes marked Past Due, leaving dutiful Rosalyn to manage the household’s inexplicably shrinking budget. Then another distraction swaggers into Simple Gifts—blue-jeaned and leather-jacketed, with a reputation that precedes him.

Marcus Hooley hightailed it to Willow Ridge on a wing and a prayer—not that he’s the praying type. He rejected his Amish roots long ago. But behind the bad-boy attitude is a gifted horse trainer who’s counting on some bent-but-not-broken family ties to throw him a lifeline. He can’t erase his past, but a sparking attraction with strong, spirited Rosalyn holds the promise of a second chance . . . and of shedding light on shadowy secrets to build a bright tomorrow.

Read an excerpt:

When Rosalyn opened the door to enter Nora Hooley’s shop, however, the merry tinkle of the bell above the door and the rich scents of bayberry and vanilla candles drove away her gloomy thoughts. It was impossible to feel grumpy as she carefully pulled her wagon between the beautiful displays of glossy walnut furniture, sets of pottery dishes, unique three-dimensional quilts, and the other lovely merchandise that had been handcrafted by Plain folks from around central Missouri.

Nora called out to her from the loft, where she was arranging an evergreen garland along the railing. “Gut morning, Rosalyn! I can’t wait to see your wreaths and hang them around the store—not that we’ll have them for long!”

Rosalyn couldn’t help smiling. What a joy it was to work for Nora, whose encouraging words and freckle-faced smile lifted her spirits. “I’ve got eight of them here,” she replied as she stopped beside the office door. “We sisters had a work frolic on Monday, so Loretta will have another rug or two and Edith will have some baskets ready to sell in time for the open house on Saturday.”

“You girls are amazing,” Nora remarked happily. She fastened the end of the greenery garland to the railing and then started downstairs, her feet tapping a happy rhythm on the wide wooden stairway. Her deep orange corduroy dress was set off with a paisley apron of earth tones, perfect for autumn and Thanksgiving. “And how’s Cornelius? Is he accepting the way you and Loretta are trading off days that you work for me?”

Rosalyn sighed. What good would it do to spoil Nora’s cheerful mood by repeating the lecture Dat had delivered at the breakfast table . . . or to mention that yesterday’s mail had brought them two more mysterious envelopes marked Past Due?

“He’s still cranky about us working for you, and I suspect that’ll never change,” she hedged. “Dat’s a man who hangs onto the past and the Old Order ways, after all.”

Buy links

Ebook:

Kindle US / Kindle UK / Kindle Canada / Kindle Australia / iBooks US / iBooks UK / iBooks Canada / iBooks Australia / iBooks New Zealand / Nook / Kobo / Google Play

Print:

Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon Canada / Barnes and Noble / Books-a-Million / Chapters Indigo / IndieBound / The Book Depository

About Charlottle Hubbard

Charlotte Hubbard is the acclaimed author of Amish romance and fiction that evokes simpler times and draws upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi. Faith and family, farming, and food preservation are hallmarks of her lifestyle—and the foundation of all her novels. A deacon, dedicated church musician and choir member, she loves to travel, read, try new recipes, and crochet. A longtime Missourian, Charlotte now lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her husband and their border collie, Vera.

Please visit Charlotte online at www.CharlotteHubbard.com.
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Charlotte.Hubbard1

Charlotte Hubbard will be awarding $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, October 1, 2018

Review of Sweet home Montana by Lynne Marshall with Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to the book tour for Sweet Home Montana by Lynne Marshall. This is the third book in the series, but can easily be read as a standalone. I curled up with this heartwarming romance on a cold, rainy fall day. Please enjoy my review and then download your copy from your favorite platform. There's also a giveaway at the end!

Please note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Also note that I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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**My thoughts**

Lately I have been in a phase of reading sweet romances that take place in a more country environment. There's just something so warm and inviting about those. This one was no exception. You start with that cover of the couple cuddling along the shoreline in their blanket, and you're already feeling warm and fuzzy. And then meeting all of the characters at an equine therapy center just adds to the warmth and beauty of the story that you know is going to come.

Erin is getting over a failed romance and is learning how to trust again. She's working as an equine therapist, as that helped her through her life turmoil of being left before her wedding. She is also helping to care for her young niece, as her sister has been injured and is on crutches with a full-leg cast. Walt has never forgiven his parents for getting divorced, especially not his father for moving on and starting a new family. His little half-brother Brent has a chip on his shoulder from being essentially abandoned by his parents so that his mother can fulfill her dream of being a star actress. Walt is forced into acting as his guardian, and the two barely know each other at this point. Teenagers are already a tricky breed, let alone having this wrinkle in their relationship.

Erin is 25, adorable, seemingly independent with a good head on her shoulders, and right smack in between the two brothers age-wise. Naturally both of them develop a crush on her. And of course, because a relationship between a 25-year-old and a 15-year-old is completely inappropriate, she inadvertently breaks Brent's heart as he has a huge crush on her. Not helping is the immediate attraction between Erin and Walt.

The two of them come from two different worlds. Not only is there a decade of difference in their ages (which really isn't a factor in good relationships in the adult world), but also he has not been a part of the small town life for a while and works mainly online with his internet business. She is a more hands-on kind of a person, though she was a part of the business world in her former life. And she is aching to get back to what she considers a sense of normalcy.

As Erin and Wade's lives weave together, there are naturally some bumps along the road. It's all about how they work through those struggles to understand each other and to nurture the relationship they find themselves embarking upon, in spite of their personal struggles.

This was the perfect book to curl up with on a cold and rainy fall day. I also kind of wish I would have had one of those Montana Mules to sip while reading along. Perhaps I shall make some when I check out the rest of the series, because now I want to know more about Charity, Montana.

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

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Tour Schedule

October 1st:
Launch
It's All About the Romance
Uplifting Reads
October 2nd:
Kimber Li
Wishful Endings
October 3rd:
Hearts & Scribbles
Paulette's Papers
October 4th:
Colorimetry
Getting Your Read On
October 5th:
Stacking My Book Shelves!
Cover Lover Book Review
October 8th:
underneath the covers
Remembrancy
October 9th:
Nan Reinhardt's Blog
Becky on Books
October 10th:
Book Lover in Florida
Rockin' Book Reviews
October 11th:
Locks, Hooks and Books
Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader
October 12th:
Teatime and Books
Reading Is My SuperPower
October 13th:
Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

2 winners will receive ebooks of Her Baby, His Love and Their Christmas Miracle

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Ends October 17th

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