Never too Late to Dream by Linda Weaver Clarke Audible Version

I just finished listening to this wonderful autobiography by Linda Weaver Clarke that was narrated by Carolyn Kashner.  The story was a real joy to listen to.  It is an uplifting story of the life of Linda  Weaver Clark from childhood to adulthood.  It included hard times, good times and everything in between. 

The book is a Christian book with lots of good lessons to learn for anyone.  She tells about listening to the Still Small Voice as she comes to points in her life of decisions and even impending dangers.  

I was surprised to learn her major in college was basically the same as mine.  She had many trials to work through in her life, perhaps which would be enough to make others give up but Linda never gave up despite the troubles that gave her experiences in her life that probably made her the woman that she is today.

She writes about wanting to be a "normal" teenager.  And I think the experiences she writes about will help others in their trials that sometimes feel so unfair and unwanted.

This is a really interesting story to listen to as well as a good source for ideas in telling your own story for your children and their descendants.  Very enjoyable!

I received an Audible version of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

  

A Patchwork Past by Leslie Gould Plain Patterns Series book 2

 I really loved this book.  I enjoyed the present and past scenarios that were portrayed as Jane, the quilt shop owner tells Sophie the story of an ancestor who helped many during the time of the Chicago fire.  I loved the story and the historical aspects were a highlight for me.  I loved Sophie as she also has the goal to help the migrant workers she comes to know.  It's a very good book and there are some surprises at the ending.  It was a great book and I am so happy that I read it.

I received a copy of this book from BethanyHouse Publishing.  All thoughts are my own.

Just 4 Days Left to enter the Giveaway!!!! Winds of Change Series

 

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

March 15^th- https://www.thegrammarprincess.com/.../15/happy-release-day/

March 16^th –SwordOf Trust: Book Review, Author Interview, and Giveaway!! – Jessy(faithandbooks.com)

March 17^th –http://sunniereviews.blogspot.com

March 18^th –https://www.simplysusan.home.blog

March 19^th –Cross and Cutlass (marylutyndall.com)

March 20^th – https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/

March 21^st –Tome Reviews By Elizabeth (@t.r.b.e)• Instagram photos and videos

March 21^st –https://annepayne.blogspot.com

March 22^nd – https://theswordandspirit.blogspot.com/2021/03/sword-of-trust-finally-releases.html

March 24^th – Reading Is MySuperPower - BOOK REVIEWS, GIVEAWAYS, AUTHOR INTERVIEWS

Please leave your comments to be entered into the giveaway! 

The winner can choose an ebook of their choice.  If there are at least 10 comments, the winner will receive a book in the format of their choice! So tell your friends!  

Please be sure to leave your email address in a safe way, so you can be contacted if you are the winner!

The Dogwood Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels Audible Version

I enjoyed listening to the Audible version of this book.  A very talented narrator, Aletha Duncan did a wonderful job telling this excellent tale.  She included a cute southern accent which was very fun to hear.  The very nice voice made for a very entertaining listening time as she effortlessly changed voices among the various characters she portrayed.

The author has quite a way with words and the descriptions of the scenes you are reading about.  Makes you feel as though you were there experiencing everything personally.  This story of this southern plantation was an excellent read.  Cornelia was a fun and lively character who deals with many trials and sadness as the story develops.

The story has suspense and lots of trials and has many twists and turns. It is an excellently written historical fiction. There are sensitive parts to this book but carefully developed.  There are Christian themes in this book.  I enjoyed it very much.

I received a complimentary copy of this Audible book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Abigail's Triumph by J.E.B. Spredemann Amish Girls Series

 

This really was an enjoyable addition to the Amish Girls Series.  It is V. 6.  It is a book about trust in God and that even with tragedy, we must trust and accept help from others.  The book was well written as are all books from this author.  They all have Christian values which is wonderful for the YA readers that this book was designed for.

Annie's Decision by J.E.B. Spredemann

This was v. 5,  an enjoyable addition to this series of Amish Girls Series

This is a YA fiction series showing that the decisions made can affect our futures, and what people think of us as a result.  The Rumspringa years for Amish can be challenging for their families as they head out to experience all they feel that they are missing.  This was a really cute story and good for young women who also may be making decisions for their futures.

It was a book with forgiveness and second chances.  I am sure most young ladies will enjoy this series.

An Amish Barn Raising by Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin and Kathleen Fuller

I enjoyed this compilation so much.  Nice, enjoyable and sweet romance.  What could be better?!

I will do a short review on each of the three stories.

To Build a Dream by Amy Clipston

Very nice romance story of two Amish people finding that her father was opposed to them dating, forbidding contact between them.  This was a story of trusting in God and what he has in store for us.  I really liked the sweet feelings this book brought to me.  I really thought it was a well written and enjoyable story.

To Raise a Home by Kelly Irwin

This story was another sweet romance with some rough patches along the road.  Delilah returns to her home town after a year hoping that her situation with her special friend, Evan will continue as before.  But Evan has moved on.  It's a sweet heartwarming story and very enjoyable.

Love's Solid Foundation by Kathleen Fuller

Devon Bontrager's twin brothers have a unhappy past with Nettie Yoder and yet as Devon returns to his hometown, there is something there between them.  It is fun to see characters from previous stories come into play.  I love that!  And this was a story of  trust in God and others.

All three of the stories have a barn raising theme and there are all so fun to read.  

I received a copy of this book from the author and NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

Book Tour and Giveaway!

 Don't forget the book tour and book giveaway on my blog.  Click here for details!

Courage in the Mountain Wilderness by Misty M. Beller (Call of the Rockies Series, Book 4

 This was a great addition to the Call of the Rockies Series.  There was lots of adventure as they set forth to bring back a member of the Nez Perce tribe that was known to be with the Shoshones tribe.  Lots of accidents and tribulation as Otskai and Caleb and a few others set forth to make the long trip. And don't forget the danger!  It keeps you quite spellbound and you want to find our what happens to Otskai and also those that you meet from an earlier book.  I really enjoyed this book.  The author keeps you totally captivated as you travel along in the rough Rockies.

I received an ebook copy from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Abigail's Christmas Miracle by Murray Pura (Audible Version)

 

I just finished listening to this book that was in my personal library.  It was a Christmas novella, and although it was a Christmas book, I thought I would listen to it.  It was a very sweet Amish Christmas story of an Amish grandfather who was suffering from depression.  It was a very nice book about Abigail's efforts to help her grandfather, while also a blooming romance is starting with a young Amish man that she has known over many years. I enjoyed the reading by Scott Bryan whose pleasant voice was easy to listen to.

I enjoyed this book and it was an enjoyable read.

Blog Tour: Winds of Change Series and Author Guest Post with Giveaway!

Welcome to my blog Debbie!

I am happy to have a guest post by author Debbie Lynne Costello.  She is going to tell us about her Winds of Change Series.  

In my debut novel, Sword of Forgiveness, the hero has to work through the results of a border skirmish between his men and a Scottish village. He suffers with memories of the bloody battle until he is finds peace in the Lord. In the sequel, my new release, Sword of Trust, Bryce has his own problems with the border. It seems there is much reiving going on and he is forever having to deal with the stealing, burning, and destruction of property.

 England and Scotland have had a tumultuous past. Scotland is said to have been founded as a kingdom around 843. England became a sovereign state in 927. The two kingdoms have fought many a battle over land. Because of this, the border between the two countries fluctuated with the strength of a nation. If I counted correctly there were at least 35 wars and battles with just England!

 Because of this animosity between the two kingdoms, reivers arose who would go over the border and steal cattle, burn crops, raid houses and burn them. This type of activity went on during the end of the 13^th and turn of the 14^th century as well. The kings of both countries were tired of the battles and skirmishes that never seem to end and pretty much left it a wild and unforsaken land that the border lords tried to keep under control.

 In Sword of Trust, you’ll find Bryce, an English lord, going head to head with a strong willed female Scottish reiver, pretending to be a lad. She has been brought up to hate the English. Read Sword of Trust, a novel full of historical facts and step back in time to border conflicts, a country in turmoil, and a king about to be dethroned.

Get your copy here

Book 2 in the Winds of Change Series

Deirdre Mackenzie has spent her life hiding from her father and hating the English. However, when she is caught stealing from an English laird, his unexpected kindness begins to melt away her hatred and strums lonely heartstrings longing for love. Bryce Warwick discovers the “boy” caught with his livestock is actually a young woman. After several attempts to lure the truth from her, he determines she is as deceitful as his late fiancée who nearly cost him his life. But the woman is the least of his worries with the turbulence brought on by threats of another border war and by King Richard's distrust of the nobles.

With old wounds in need of healing and adversaries who would ruin their chances at true love, both must learn to trust in a way they never knew possible.

The stakes are high, secrets prevail, and treason is just a kiss away.

 Bio:

Debbie Lynne Costello is the author of Sword of Forgiveness, Amazon's #1 seller for Historical Christian Romance. She has enjoyed writing stories since she was eight years old. She raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories that had been begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and live in upstate South Carolina with their 4 horses, 3 dogs, a miniature donkey, and 6 pekin ducks.

Bride by Blackmail  Book 1 in Moonlight and Magnolia Series 
Sword of Forgiveness Book 1 in Winds of Change Series

Sword of Trust Book 2 in Winds of Change Series coming March 2021

Sword of the Matchmaker  Novella in the Winds of Change Series

The Perfect Bride  Novella in the Winds of Change Series

Shattered Memories Book 1 in The Charleston Earthquake Series

A Cup of Christmas Cheer(Guideposts Books) 

www.debbielynnecostello.com
www.theswordandspirit.blogspot.com
www.HHHistory.com

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

March 15^th- https://www.thegrammarprincess.com/.../15/happy-release-day/

March 16^th –SwordOf Trust: Book Review, Author Interview, and Giveaway!! – Jessy(faithandbooks.com)

March 17^th –http://sunniereviews.blogspot.com

March 18^th –https://www.simplysusan.home.blog

March 19^th –Cross and Cutlass (marylutyndall.com)

March 20^th – https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/

March 21^st –Tome Reviews By Elizabeth (@t.r.b.e)• Instagram photos and videos

March 21^st –https://annepayne.blogspot.com

March 22^nd – https://theswordandspirit.blogspot.com/2021/03/sword-of-trust-finally-releases.html

March 24^th – Reading Is MySuperPower - BOOK REVIEWS, GIVEAWAYS, AUTHOR INTERVIEWS

Please leave your comments to be entered into the giveaway! 

The winner can choose an ebook of their choice.  If there are at least 10 comments, the winner will receive a book in the format of their choice! So tell your friends!  

Please be sure to leave your email address in a safe way, so you can be contacted if you are the winner!

The Sword of Trust Launched today!

 Just launched today!  Get your copy soon.  It is so very good!

Get yours at these links:

Amazon

Bookbub

The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli

This was the first book that I have read from this author.  It was a bit different than I had expected it to be. having been a Louisa May Alcott fan.  It did take me a while to get into the book maybe because of the time-slip factor.  I did enjoy it as I got into it a bit further.  There are some sad parts as Johanna, Taylor and Victoria struggle with their personal problems, some very serious scenes to read.  

It was interesting, but I had hoped it would be a bit different than it was.

An Unexpected Amish Proposal by Rachel J. Good

I really enjoyed this sweet Amish read.  The story revolves around a group of people who have worked in a market place for many years and with even older family generations who previously sold their wares in their own booths.  They are friends who are suddenly surprised with space rental price increases that appears to be a way to push them out of business.

There are lots of issues that occur as a result of this, as well as a blossoming relationship.  There are struggles with personalities in the story that unfolds and some "villains" and some absolutely wonderful people, with loving and Christian values.  It's a great book and I recommend it!  I have enjoyed all the books I have read written by this author. 

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

Tales of Willow Valley by Linda Weaver Clarke Audible Version

I enjoyed the listening time spent on this very sweet book.  The narrator, Carolyn Kashner, did a very nice job, both with expression and the different characters that were portrayed.

This full length book entails five historical short love stories. The author is well-known for her sweet romances and these are stories of some of her ancestors and written into a sweet romance, with some excellent details of the time period, the struggles that the people of those days went through as well as everyday life. All with enjoyable storylines...

I am a genealogist, so the fact that she writes tales of her ancestors is a real plus for me as I try to think back and reflect on earlier years and how things change and yet how things also stay the same.

The stories are refreshing tales of good people working through life as do we today, as well. The title of one of the stories which gives me hope for the struggles we are going through now,  "The Light at the End of the Tunnel".  God is always watching out for us and there are good things yet to come.

I found these happy stories just what I needed in these trying days.  I recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this Audible book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Sword of Trust by Debbie Lynne Costello Winds of Change Book 2

 This was such enthralling book.  I absolutely connected with this book.  I felt like I was right there in the woods, in the castle, in the village.  This book does that to you.  Ms. Costello has a definite talent for bringing the reader right into the center of her story.  You become a part of it.  The story is so well written and the events come together so perfectly.  The author has a wonderful command of medieval history and terminology.  

This was a well written book which keep you guessing as to what happens next.  I highly recommend this excellent book.

Complete with all the medieval details, charm and wonderfully strong characters, this book has it all.  Secrets, betrayal, forgiveness and trust… It’s a book you want to read to the end, but yet, never want it to end! 

I received an ebook copy from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Miriam's Song by Jill Eileen Smith

I enjoyed this new book by Jill Eileen Smith so much!  It tells the story of the sister of Moses who laid his woven basket into the Nile in hopes of saving him from death.  I love how the author interweaves the actual historical events and the fiction to bring the life of Miriam into an interesting and gripping story.

Miriam is presented as a loving and faithful sister to Moses throughout her life despite the trials that the Egyptians place upon her and the people of Israel.  The book is written in a very easy to read and understandable format making the Biblical story truly come to life.  I felt that the book was so interesting and engaging that it was hard to put it down.  It became one of my favorite books quite quickly.  I hope to read many more of this author's books.  

Miriam becomes very real and you can feel her feelings throughout the book.  It made this historical person very easy to understand and she became a real important and supportive person in these important historical events and times.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing.  All thoughts are my own.

September Shadows by Debbi Migit

This is the first book from this author that I have read.  It is also the first book in a series.  The book is about family, healing and overcoming.  The deaths of their parents is difficult as the children struggle with unexpected troubles and  suspense to keep you reading. I enjoyed this novella length mystery.

I received an ebook from the author.  All thoughts are my own

A New Love For Charlotte by Amy Lillard (Wells Landing Series)

 This is another wonderful read by Amy Lillard.  You can't go wrong choosing one of her Amish stories.  They are always so good.  I have read the other books in this series and I have loved getting to know all the characters that carry through in the various books.

It was a great book, I loved the story and can't say enough good things about it.  You will love it!  Charlotte has some decisions she needs to make and this book identifies with the fact that God has his own timing for things and often we need to be patient for things to come together for her.  This book shows many feelings of love and family.

I received an ebook copy from the author and NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.