Friday Book Intros & Inspy 26.10.18

Hello Friday !

~ Welcome ~ to the weekend
& today's book sharing 
A historical fiction fan, I'm reading Sandra Byrd's New October Release

 Lady of a Thousand Treasures 
Here's the First Chapter First Paragraph Intro . . .

SEPTEMBER 1866 WATCHFIELD HOUSE, OXFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND
A threading of voices spooled throughout the expansive chamber wherein we waited, voices so decently quiet as to be murmurs.  All present quickened as lightning pierced the ground just outside the wide panel of windows, like a finger pointing deep within the earth  Perhaps it was the good Lord's way of informing us exactly where the soul of the recently departed had found its final resting place. I did not believe Lord Lydney had ascended.

* BOOK GIVEAWAY * Giveaway Info HERE *
*
and happily sharing it with Gilion 's Book Beginnings on Fridays
at Rose City Reader

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&
 First Chapter First Paragraph Intro linkup hosted by  Vicki at I'd Rather Be at the Beach ~

~ &
Carrie's First Line Fridays at Hoarding Books ~

~ * ~
What books have you been reading?
Ready to share ?
{ find more first line invitations and add yours to the mix too ! }
~
Thanks for Tweeting Pinning and Sharing !
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AMONG THE FAIR MAGNOLIAS: BOOK TOUR + GIVEAWAY! 28.7.15

Welcome to Today's Book Tour {with Giveaway!}
featuring the New Release AMONG THE FAIR MAGNOLIAS Four Southern Love Stories by four accomplished authors ~ Tamera Alexander
Shelley Gray
Dorothy Love
Elizabeth Musser

Published July 14.15 by Thomas Nelson Four Southern women stand at a turning point in history and in their own hearts. . .
* Don't miss this unique story collection ~ Highly anticipated,
I loved each author's story telling creativity!

To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander

Savannah Darby would do almost anything to revisit her family home.

When the new owner, Aidan Bedford, seeks to redecorate the house for his fiancée, an unexpected twist offers Savannah her opportunity. But can she find the treasure her father described hiding there during the war?  Before her assignment runs out?  Before she sees yet another battle lost on the home front---this time, a battle of the heart...
After loving Tamera's, TO WIN HER FAVOR, I appreciated being party to Savannah's own story, her siblings care, and the opportunity for both a life and a love of her own.  Definitely a wee bit of love for her worthy hero!  Delightful conclusion to the mystery search as well.

An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray

Seven years ago, a young Russell Champion was betrayed by the two most important women in his life. Russell returns home a changed man, but can he prove it to those he loves most?  With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past. 

Is it too late to make amends with his mother and find closure with his true love?  Wonderful story from a male point of view told with spare masculine dialogue I found authentic and refreshing.  The twists were reading pleasure!  And his willingness to act made me a cheerleader.

A Heart So True by Dorothy Love

Abigail Clayton hopes to reconcile with Dr. Wade Bennett and become his wife. But her father insists she marry her distant cousin Charles Kittridge so the plantations of the two families will be joined. With her wedding looming, Abby must choose between duty to her family and the yearnings of her own heart.  Such emotional responses to this story I was shocked at her father's actions and more than relieved with the final satisfying reveal... 

Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser

Emily Derracott values her childhood friend Thomas McGinnis, but she cannot marry a man who doesn't share her strong convictions about the freedmen. Besides, she harbours a secret love for another. But the prospect of becoming his wife is not only improbable---it is completely impossible.  The war may be over, but Emily faces her own battle in following her heart.  Definitely a satisfying conclusion to this insightful story.  And a delight to read a story by an expat living in Lyon France for our #ParisinJuly theme for this month!  Elizabeth's Lemon Filled Coconut Cake is a sure winner for any patisserie lover [recipe included] Merci Elizabeth!

~*~ I'm drooling over the fabulous Southern recipes from each of the stories. How about a luscious Lemon Filled Coconut Cake ? Southern Peach Cobbler? No, I didn't think it was just me ! Here are the lovely authors offering these temptations... * Left: Tamera Alexander- best-selling author of A Lasting Impression and The Inheritance including many others. Two-time Christy Award winner, two-time RITA winner, and a recipient of the prestigious Library Journal Award. A native of west Tennessee, Tamera is found at her website, Twitter, Facebook  Right: Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero and Chicago World's Fair mystery series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), The Protector, recently made the New York Times best seller list. Connect with Shelley at her website, Twitter, Facebook ~

~ Left: Dorothy Love makes her home in the Texas hill country with her husband and their golden retriever. An award-winning author of numerous young adult novels, Dorothy made her adult debut with the Hickory Ridge novels. Find more at Dorothy's website, Twitter, Facebook  

Right: Elizabeth Musser, So pleased to find this Georgia expat now living in Lyon France, during our #ParisinJuly theme. Elizabeth is a novelist who writes what she calls 'entertainment with a soul.'  For over 25 years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in mission work with International Teams.  Join more of Elizabeth's adventures at her website, Twitter, Facebook

~*~
Free Delivery when you Order your paperback copy via
  Book Depository  or cd audio via Book Depository 
~*~

Join the authors in celebrating the release of Among the Fair Magnolias by entering to win their
Southern Hearts Kindle Fire Giveaway
and RSVPing to their
 August 13th author chat party!
*

 


One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD 6


• One copy of Among the Fair Magnolias


Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/13. The winner will be announced at the
Among the Fair Magnolias Facebook party.
RSVP for a chance to connect with Tamera, Dorothy, Shelley, and Elizabeth,
as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!




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RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the Giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning.
Hoping to see you on the 13th!

~ Thank you to Thomas Nelson  and Litfuse for providing a copy for reading and review without cost or obligation.

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* 200th Thursday Favorite Things *

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#SONGSonSUNDAYS: LIVING HOPE CD GIVEAWAY! July 26 - Aug 5th

WELCOME to #SONGSonSUNDAYS 

~ our last for this gorgeous summer month of July! I can't believe how this month has just flown by amidst an unusual mix of heat waves and thunderstorms here on the Prairies.
I hope you've been able to catch mostly sunny rays where you are... Today is definitely focused on HOPE and LIVING HOPE  a brand new album exclusive release via some people with very large and caring hearts.

On June 2, 2015, Pizza Ranch released a CD called Living Hope containing twelve songs - new music by many of our favourite Christian artists.  Most of the songs are brand-new and written exclusively for this CD around the theme of Hope.  Artists include Colton Dixon, Francesca Batistelli, Ellie Holcomb, Sidewalk Prophets, Kevin Max, Bart Millard, Passion Band featuring Kristian Stanfill, Michael W. Smith, and Mark Schultz.  

Here's Matthew West's back story on "DAY ONE", his contribution to LIVING HOPE

Isn't that a fabulous story?  Love it.  Such goodness and grace of God.

"Praised be God, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, who, in keeping with his great mercy, has caused us, through the resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah from the dead, to be born again to a living hope."
-   1 Peter 1.3 (CJB)

The CD is available to purchase for $5 plus tax
exclusively in Pizza Ranch restaurants or for download at Pizza Ranch
through August 31.  

plus...

You have the opportunity to Enter to WIN yourself a copy this week at FHC!
~*~

From Adrie Groeneweg, President & CEO of Pizza Ranch, Inc.: 
 "This album has a very special meaning for Pizza Ranch.  Although Pizza Ranch is not in the music business...doors have been opening for this album.  Through these events, I believe..God has been..putting it on our hearts to collectively create this project.  As such, we call this our miracle album, Living Hope.

​ I personally hope that you will enjoy the music, reflect on the words...sing loudly along with the artists and
make a joyful noise unto the Lord.

" I am one listener who is doing just that!

Francesca Battistelli gives us reason to sing of our FUTURE via LIVING HOPE for this edition of #SONGSonSUNDAYS ~

~ I love the entrepreneurial spirit that birthed this album venture just as when a 19 year old

Adrie Groeneweg had a dream in Hull, IA, in 1981. 
What was simple to Adrie,  "Why does everyone have to drive out of town to get a pizza?"
Would not necessarily have seemed simple to anyone else!
With just six specialty and single topping pizza recipes developed by Adrie's mother, Lorraine, Pizza Ranch was born.  Pizza Ranch's vision and mission is to glorify God by positively impacting the world. It's part of the reason they've put together the album.
They have 190+ locations across 13 states including Iowa, Minnesota, S Dakota, N Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado. Home of the Pizza Lover’s Pizza®, The Country’s Best Chicken®, and their famous cactus bread, Pizza Ranch prides itself on legendary service and quality food.

*

"To bless and benefit those around us is what makes us tick."  
You can learn more about it at their daily blog found at PizzaRanchServes.com " Please do Connect and Find More on the LIVING HOPE Project via their SOCIAL • C O R N E R  

* Twitter  @PizzaRanch  @PRServes * Facebook * Official LIVING HOPE Project Website *

YouTube Channel featuring artists and intros to their album contributions ~ ENTER to WIN a LIVING HOPE cd !

~ a Rafflecopter giveaway ~*~
Warmest Congrats to LuAnn !!
~ EnJoy the new LIVING HOPE music on its way to your mailbox ~


~*~ FIND MORE FHC on BOOK DEPOSITORY | PINTEREST | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | NETWORKED BLOGS | LIBRARYTHING
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BOOK TOUR + GIVEAWAY! : THE SECRET OF PEMBROOKE PARK by Julie Klassen 26.2.15

 WELCOME !
I've looked forward with pleasure to today's
Blog Tour Spotlight for this 5* novel

THE SECRET OF PEMBROOKE PARK Julie Klassen's newest release!
*

* Published by Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group] December 2. 2014  Genres: Regency Romance / Gothic Romance / Historical Fiction / Austenesque / Inspirational Fiction 
*

*

AudioBook Published by Recorded Books December 12. 2014

Narrator: Elizabeth Jasicki  ~  Length: 18 hrs 3 min  unabridged

*

Congratulations, Julie,
on your newest delivery !

* The storyline ...?

In the spring of 1818, twenty-four-year-old Abigail Foster fears she is destined to become a spinster. Her family’s finances are in ruins and the one young man she truly esteems has fallen for another woman — her younger, prettier sister Louisa. Forced to retrench after the bank failure of Austen, Gray & Vincent, the Foster family optimistically pool their resources for another London Season for her sister in hopes of an advantageous alliance. While searching for more affordable lodgings, a surprising offer is presented: one twelvemonth's use of a country manor house in Berkshire, abandoned for eighteen years. Abigail and her father journey to the imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left. Tight-lipped locals and the handsome local curate offer a stern warning: Beware trespassers drawn by rumours of Pembrooke Park's secret room filled with treasure. . . Eager to restore her family fortune - and her dowry - Abigail begins her search into the heavily veiled past with spirited determination and the aid of cryptic journal pages postmarked Brighton from an unnamed resident. But eerie sounds at night and footprints in the dust reveal she isn't the only one secretly searching the house.   As old friends and new foes come calling at Pembrooke Park, secrets come to light. Will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks...or very real danger? *

Here's author, Julie Klassen, hosting a wee tour for us,  providing a peek into Great Chalfield Manor,
the English manor {and church} inspiring the story ...

* I absolutely love the unique oriel and stained glass window features, gardens of wisteria and tulips, pathways, and stairway scenes in the book from  this spectacular property.
What a delight to share the tour with Julie!
Thank you, Julie, for including us in bringing the story to life via your firsthand experiences.

I loved the suspense, romantic twists, and variety of characters in this novel.
Truly a pleasure to read !  and a strong 5* recommendation.

*

AUTHOR BIO: Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her books have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance.  She has also won the Midwest Book Award, Christian Retailing’s BEST Award, and has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards, Minnesota Book Awards, and ACFW’s Carol Awards.  Julie blogs at inspiredbylifeandfiction Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of
St. Paul, Minnesota.



* ~ Find and Follow Julie online ~ Julie's Website Julie Klassen Facebook  Julie on Goodreads  Julie Klassen Twitter  @Julie_Klassen, @Bethany_House Tweet the Tour hashtags:
#PembrookeBlogTour, #JaneAusten, #HistoricalFicton, #RegencyRomance, #Reading, #GothicRomance, #Austenesque

* Purchase Links ~ Book Depository  * Barnes & Noble *  ChristianBook *  *   Indie Bound  *  Amazon *  Audible Audiobook * * Add it at Goodreads  + the next 2 due later this year ~ Lady Maybe  and   The Painter's Daughter

My thoughts on Julie's novels include ~ The Maid of Fairbourne Hall   *   The Dancing Master  The Tutor's Daughter
*

* Award winning historical romance author Julie Klassen tours the blogosphere
February 16 through March 2 to share her latest release, The Secret of Pembrooke Park. Twenty five popular book bloggers specializing in historical and Austenesque fiction will feature guest blogs, interviews, book reviews and excerpts of this acclaimed gothic Regency romance novel.
A fabulous giveaway contest, including copies of all of Ms. Klassen’s eight books and other Jane Austen-themed items, is open to those who join the festivities.    * ~ Grand Giveaway Contest ~ *

**Win One of Four Fabulous Prizes** In celebration of the release of The Secret of Pembrooke Park,
4 chances to win copies of Julie’s books and other
Jane Austen-inspired items are being offered.  Three lucky winners will receive one trade paperback or eBook copy of The Secret of Pembrooke Park, and one grand prize winner will receive one copy of all eight of Julie’s novels:
*
Lady of Milkweed Manor
The Apothecary's Daughter
The Silent Governess
The Girl in the Gatehouse
The Maid of Fairbourne Hall
The Tutor’s Daughter
The Dancing Master and
The Secret of Pembrooke Park
one DVD of Northanger Abbey (2007)
and a Jane Austen Action Figure

*

To Enter the giveaway contest :
simply leave a comment on any or all of the blog stops on
The Secret of Pembrooke Park Blog Tour starting
February 16, 2015 through 11:59 pm PT, March 9, 2015. Winners will be drawn at random from all of the comments and announced on Julie Klassen’s website on March 16, 2015. **Winners have until March 22, 2015 to claim their prize. The giveaway contest is open to residents of the US, UK + Canada. [Digital books will be sent through Amazon or Barnes & Noble]. 

Good luck to all!
Be sure to hit the G+ button to spread the word - TY!!
[bottom of post]

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FIND and FOLLOW 

THE SECRET OF PEMBROOKE PARK
 BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

at

Julie's Events Page

*

And don't forget to comment here at FHC for your 

GIVEAWAY entry

through 11:59 pm PT - March 9. 2015

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BOOK TOUR & GIVEAWAY: DAISIES ARE FOREVER by Liz Tolsma 15.5.14

Welcome to
DAISIES ARE FOREVER BOOK TOUR First Stop here at FHC !

* New York Times Best Selling Author, Liz Tolsma,
provides  a video peek into the story's background *

*

Editions:   Paperback, ebook - 352 pages

Series:      Women of Courage book 2

Published: May 6. 2014 

Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers

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Description:

From author, Liz Tolsma ~

"It's the real story of two very courageous women. I've taken the true accounts and fictionalized them, but much of what happens in the book did happen. I cannot imagine living during that time, either on the run for my life or hiding for my life. Wondering if each breath would be my last. Praying that the bombs would stop falling while praying at the same time that they would keep falling. I hope the story touches you the way it touched me."

*

As Liz Tolsma describes, this is a story based on true events of WWII.  Gisela Cramer is an American living in eastern Germany with her Opa and cousin,
Ella Reinhardt. When the Red Army invades, they must leave their home to escape to safety in Berlin.

However, both the elderly grandfather and cousin Ella, a nurse, refuse to leave, sending her young daughters with Gisela.
During their journey, Gisela meets Mitch Edwards, an escaped British POW. She pretends she is his wife in order to preserve his safety among other Germans.  One wounded German soldier, Kurt, has suspicions about Mitch’s identity. Kurt also has feelings for Gisela and tries to uncover the truth about her “marriage.”

Their journey to Gisela’s mother in Berlin is riddled with tragedy and hardship, but they strive to keep Ella's daughters safe so they can reunite with their mother. During the journey Gisela and Mitch begin to develop feelings for one another beyond friendship. They reach Berlin, but their struggles are far from over.

Gisela and Mitch must learn to live for the day and find hope in the darkest of circumstances.

In this moving, historically accurate portrayal of WWII Germany, the characters learn that, even with destruction all around them, some things last forever and they must hold on to hope and love despite all odds in the midst of a war-torn country.

*

*My thoughts?
From the one hour window of decision to departure in the face of the army's approach, the intensity of this story didn't let up until its conclusion. * "She clutched her chest, finding it hard to breath, and snapped back to the present.  They had to run. An hour. They would leave in an hour. She drew an unsteady breath and steeled herself. "We can't let them catch us."" * Authentic characters living life as was the norm at the time, now encountering extreme life situations at every turn was overwhelming to read, let alone imagining the scenarios Ms Tolsma so realistically painted. Continual pressure of making decisions with far-reaching effect yet without time to fully consider consequences. * "Thoughts whirled like a snowstorm through Gisela's mind... The pictures...rattled on the wall as another shell hit its mark. They had no time to waste. " * Caring for and carrying two young children from one horrific setting in succession after another - my heart was pounding  in a continual state of alarm. * Gisela discovers their only transportation - a bicycle - has been stolen during their first night of the move west.  How pleased I was when escaped Brit POW, Mitch Edwards, arrives on the scene, anticipating him to offer some physical assistance, yet without grasping the hazard he now becomes to those of Gisela's immediate group. His presence as escaped POW, language and accent,
jeopardizes their anonymity just by opening his mouth to speak. * The magnitude of these desperate masses of people fleeing capture are vividly drawn by Ms Tolsma. Each scenario tangibly descriptive and emotionally evocative. * "She folded the cash and slipped it into a pocket sewn on the inside of her dress, along with a handful of cigarettes from the tin. They were like gold, barter for whatever they needed. Anyone would sell anything for a cigarette." * Travelling on foot, hauling belongings by cart without rest  and for endless miles, with bombers attacking from above, I despaired for their survival and protection. Every emotion heightened and fully engaged in the outcome of this young woman and her charges. When a one armed soldier pulls her to the last spot of safety in the final departing army transport, Gisela has no way of knowing what lies ahead... * Bright moments of miraculous provision of food,  catching train space, help from fellow travellers, strangers, and the comic relief of two elderly sisters  living in a world from their past, all serve to provide some cushion  for the reader from the constant onslaught of darkness that is war. *
In the midst of this exterior darkness, Gisela works and reworks the interior darkness resulting from her past actions regarding two cousins for whom she feels responsible. Faith plays out in resolution of her distress and a maturity I was looking for on her behalf. * Relief at the joys of reuniting once they reach Berlin are soon exchanged for an entirely new barrage of emotions when the Allied forces escalate their bombing in the final days of the war, targeting more than the headquarters to bring down the Third Reich. The advance of the Russians into the area bodes new evils depicted by Ms Tolsma  and we're plunged into horrors that take our breath in new ways. *  Personal tension between the main characters, Gisela and Mitch, increases as the love triangle manufactured by German soldier, Kurt, plays out to the music of his own imagination. Ms Tolsma enriches readers' understanding with excellent insights into Kurt's thinking that colours his actions. * A well researched, encompassing story that relieves the suspense   with a satisfying conclusion. *

“No what-might-have-beens.
If God says not to worry about tomorrow,
I would think the same applies to yesterday.
There's enough trouble in the here and now
to worry about how differently things could have turned out.” 

― Mitch Edwards - Daisies Are Forever

* * Thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing an ecopy to read and review via Litfuse without cost or compensation. *

Author Bio:

Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband, their son, and their two daughters. All of their children have been adopted internationally one has special needs.

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Her novella, Under His Wings, appeared in the New York Times bestselling collection, A Log Cabin Christmas. Her debut novel, Snow on the Tulips, released August 2013. Daisies Are Forever releasedMay 2014.
When not busy putting words to paper, Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family.
Please visit her blog at liztolsma.  Follow her on Facebook and Twitter @LizTolsma.
Liz is also a regular contributor to the Barn Door blog.

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**FOLLOW More Stops on the   DAISIES ARE FOREVER TOUR 

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