Coral Beads and Poppy Seeds by Ceil Weta Jensen

 

Here’s a little sneak peak for a book that will be launched in May!  It was written by a good friend, fellow Polish genealogist and author.  I can hardly wait!

Coral Beads and Poppy Seeds is a tale of four Polish women who meet on their voyage to America in 1890 and whose lives become entwined beyond their youthful imaginings.  Anna from Russian Poland, Julka from West Prussia, Marysia from Poznan and Beata from Galicia navigate their way in Detroit, a thriving hub of commerce and industry.  As they find jobs and husbands in the ethnic community, birth their babies, and bury their loved ones, they straddle the mores and prejudices of the old and new worlds.

Ceil Weta Jensen’s newest work was written to answer the questions she was asked by patrons during her career as a professional genealogist.  Coral Beads and Poppy Seeds uses the lives of four of her ancestors to answer these immigration and assimilation questions.  It is richly illustrated with Ceil’s artwork.

A dual book launch is scheduled for May 12 – American Mother’s Day and May 26 Poland’s Mother’s Day.

https://www.facebook.com/mipolonia/

 

Protecting the Mountain Man's Treasure by Misty M. Beller (Brothers of Sapphire Ranch Book 2)

Book 2 of this series did not disappoint.  I had a hard time tearing myself away from the book to take care of things I needed to do.  I loved this book.  It completely engaged me and I could see the events happening in my mind as the book described them.  The main characters are both good people and yet because of the circumstances, neither can immediately trust the other.  Yet there is a definite attraction between the two.  But will it be enough.  Jude can definitely not be with someone who does not have his Christian faith.  And Angela was not raised in the same beliefs.  As their journey together continues, there are many treacherous events that cause them to question the other person.  It's a great read and I really was captivated by it.  Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of the book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dig Deep For Murder: A Cozy crime whodunit mystery (Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series Book 11)

 A discovery of a body always brings Steve Smiley into action.  He is blind, but that doesn't stop him from solving a serious crime.  Although Clyde finds the murder victim  and it is his former girlfriend, Smiley and McBlythe start investigating to see what they can determine.  The mystery is enthralling and you will want to read this one.  The characters are interesting and well developed.  I already look forward to seeing what is next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Elmore, Minnesota Remembering The Way it Was by Roger L. Ripley

Many moons ago, I lived in this little town of Elmore, Minnesota.  It still lives vividly in my mind being as it was the place of my childhood years, my first friends, school and home in America.  Being a genealogist by profession, I like to collect memorabilia of my past and that of my ancestors.  I recently came across this book title in a Facebook group that I belong to for this town.  I still have many friends to this day of this charming Minnesota town.  When I saw the post, I knew that I would need to add this to my collection of memories of Minnesota life.  So I purchased it from the publishing company at this link.

I am glad that I did, as it brought back a whirlwind of memories to my mind of the many happy days spent living and growing here!  So if you are interested in this village and about it's past, this is a good purchase for you.

Again here is the link: Purchase here  

Release Day for Veil of Stillness!

 Amazon link

Vannetta Chapman's Kessler Effect Novels!

Amazing Series!

 

Veil of Stillness (Kessler Effect Book 4)

If you have read the first three books of this series, you know how fascinating these books are!  And book 4 is just amazing.  As you see the World events around us each day, you will see that this book is more realistic than ever.  It tells of a World that could happen.  How do people deal with it?  Some good and some definitely not so good.  You have to learn to trust and yet be cautious at the same time.  This book and the entire series is a real eye-opener.  The author did a wonderful job in creating the characters, the events, and survival trials that occurs.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Double Take by Lynette Eason (Lake City Heroes Book 1) A Christian Suspense Thriller with Mystery and Clean Romance

So if you want an exciting read, this is it!  Lainie Jackson is just getting beyond a horrible relationship which she thought was over to his death, when it appears he is back and after her. This is definitely a book that you do not want to miss if you are a mystery and suspense reader.  You will definitely not be disappointed in this one!  James and Lainie work together to try to determine what is happening and to keep Lainie safe.  Lots of drama in this book!  I am exhausted simply from staying up late reading this.  But so very worth it! Can't wait for book 2.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unlikely Match by Jennifer Beckstrand

The title was definitely an appropriate one, as the unlikely match was indeed unlikely.  As Mary starts her quilt design, called the Drunkard's Path, she has no idea that something will quickly change life as she knows it.  A handsome drunken driver crashes onto the family's property and into the barn.  Mary helps in his rescue and as he offers to pay for all damages, Mary's father feels it more important to have him learn a lesson than to simply have him pay for the damages.  So handsome Clay begins his time as barn repairman.  No one of the family knowing who this man really was.  

There are lots of twists and turns as a sweet romance starts between Mary and Clay.  As Clay becomes accustomed to the family, he also becomes a close friend.  As unexpected things start to occur, Mary finds out there is more to this man.  

I really enjoyed this read and there was some humor, as is typical for this author, but there is also lots of drama.   Each character grows in their own ways in the story and it is nice to see the changes that take place.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.  All thoughts are my own.

Her Chance at Family by Angie Dicken (Heartland Sweethearts)

This is a sweet story of Elisa, having been left at the altar and becoming the guardian of her two nieces.  She moves to a newly renovated house and brings along her sweet nieces.  She meets Sean, a landscaper working on her property.  This was a very enjoyable book for me.  I love the location because I grew up "across the street" from the Iowa border.  It's nice to bring back the small town feel memories of my youth.  I enjoyed the interaction of the characters and there is always something that changes the storyline to keep your interest. Elisa needs lots of help as she tries to juggle and balance family life and work life.  I recommend this great read and really look forward to more books from this writer.  I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Christmas with the Cowboy by Tina Radcliffe

I enjoyed this story very much. Emma is a young widow with twins.  Ranch life is keeping her very busy and when the brother of her late husband heads back from his life as a Navy SEAL, she finds a helping hand.  This story is a sweet reminder that God is watching over us. It is a  sweet Christmas story, but I think you can read this anytime and find it enjoyable.  It's a light read and I read it quickly.  

I won this book in a giveaway. 
 

A Small Town Do-Over by Melinda Curtis (A Feel-good, sweet romance) Love in Harmony Valley Book 10

Claudine Giordano is a chef who is back in town to help her grandma with her pizza restaurant.  Just across the street is Enzo, a cook at his family restaurant with whom Claudia had a relationship that didn't turn out well with as a teen. How will this competition of the two restaurants fare with Claudia and Enzo?

This was a cute novella that was very entertaining and a fun read.  The characters were great and the storyline was good.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Boy in Blue Denim by Patrick E. Craig

This book is a great mystery and will keep you turning pages till the very end.  I enjoyed the mystery and the continuation of the character, Jenny Hershberger, that I have enjoyed in past stories by this author.  The story has lots of  twists and turns.  I think you will enjoy this book.  It will keep you wondering throughout!