Blog Tour: Enduring Love

Blog Tour: Enduring Love

About the Book

  Title: Enduring Love  
Author: Toni Shiloh  
Genre: Contemporary Romance  
Release Date: June 28, 2018

Belle Peterson is hiding a secret. Seeking sanctuary in the small town of Maple Run, she’s intent on starting her life over—one she hopes honors Christ. The plan was going great until an undeniable attraction to Micah has her wondering if she’s changed at all. Micah Campbell can’t understand why Belle is so uptight and wants nothing to do with her until the gentle whispers of God tell him to befriend her. He didn’t count on the feeling of protectiveness to rise up or that spark of attraction. Can love really conquer all or will Belle’s past be too much for Micah to handle?

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Thoughts

Enduring Love is Toni Shiloh’s third book in the Maple Run series, and having read the first two books, I enjoyed catching up with the characters and meeting new ones. As with all of the author’s books, the characters are well-developed and complex. Belle is a new believer, and her struggle to assimilate her faith with day-to-day living is realistic and endearing. Friends and acquaintances help her without being preachy or using platitudes. The issue from her past (won’t say what - don’t want to give any spoilers!) is serious, ugly, and difficult to overcome, and the author did a good job of addressing it. I could feel Belle’s pain, guilt, and shame. Micah is a “man’s man,” yet sensitive to God and his friends – a man any girl in her right mind could fall for! The story tied up suddenly with an epilogue to explain the resolution, and I would have preferred a fuller handling of the ending. Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book for free from CelebrateLit Publicity, and a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and president of the Virginia Chapter. You can find her on her website at http://tonishiloh.wordpress.com.

Guest Post from Toni Shiloh

Hey there, Reader Friends!

I’m so excited for the kickoff of Enduring Love. This is book 3 in the Maple Run series and features the story of Belle Peterson and Micah Campbell. You may remember meeting Micah in book 2 of the series, he is Luke Robinson’s best friend. I tell you, this book has a special place in my heart, one that brought out all the emotions in me.

Belle Peterson is living a life filled with shame and regret. She knows mentally that she’s been forgiven, but can’t reconcile the fact to how a redeemed life should look. And when Micah Campbell walks in her life, she’s certain that she has to stay as far from him as possible to keep from back sliding.

Y’all know our wants rarely meet with reality. I had fun throwing Belle and Micah together in Maple Run. Sometimes to their chagrin but always to my pleasure. J Characters from Buying Love (book 1) and Finding Love (book 2) will make an appearance, rounding out the family that has been created in my fictional town of Maple Run, Virginia.

As you take the time to read Belle and Micah’s story, I pray you keep this verse in your mind. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” – Romans 8:1 KJV

God does not want us to live a life of shame and guilt. Once we ask for forgiveness, He gives it to us freely. Walk in an abundant life, my friends, and bless others with the grace you so freely received. 

Blessings to you, Toni

Blog Stops

Here are Toni's remaining blog stops:

July 2: The Power of Words

July 2: Reflections from my Bookshelves

July 3: Blossoms and Blessings

July 3: Faithfully Bookish

July 4: Texas Book-aholic

July 5: Just the Write Escape

July 6: Carpe Diem

July 7: Big Reader Site

July 7: Debbie's Dusty Deliberations

July 8: Bibliophile Reviews

July 9: Remembrancy

July 9: Jeanette's Thoughts

July 10: A Baker's Perspective

July 11: Janice's Book Reviews

July 12: Proud to be an Autism Mom

July 12: Mary Hake

July 13: Karen Sue Hadley

July 13: Simple Harvest Reads

Giveaway

To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/d0f2/enduring-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Author Tracee Garner

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Author Tracee Garner

Linda:  Thanks for joining me today. Congratulations on the release of your latest novel Fatal Opposition. This is book three in the Parker family series. Did you set out to write a series, and where did you find your inspiration for this story?

Tracee: Thank YOU so much, Linda, for having me. Regarding my series, I wish I could say yes, yes, I had it all planned out but sadly nope, I didn't. I didn't set out to write a series. In fact I only recently consciously decided to do a series and do it right with a story bible readers may often hear writer's talk about. 

I really try to write standalone's often. Honestly, in  my defense however, I think it can be better for me, at least, that I don't initially set out to write a series simply because I can be assured with some mind trickery that this story cannot have a cliffhanger. I personally hate those so I likely wouldn't do it anyway but if I tell myself that I'm NOT writing a series, it seems easier for me to wrap up all the loose ends. The other reason I don't plan or know that I'm writing a series is because some of my readers have told me that they want to hear "so and so's" story. I'm like, really? Mouth hanging open, dimpled brow, "You want him (or her)? I hadn't thought about him or her initially..." and then it begins, that character seems to pester me and as soon as I start thinking about him/her, they kind of breathe life and I get the story. 

As far as Fatal Opposition, my inspiration for the story comes from the headlines often. I'm a news junkie and thus there is always something that I can use running with the story and my vivid imagination to create a beginning and an end. This story is about a football career gripping the rails of becoming great or a path that can also lead the hero, James Parker, awry. James is on the brink of being the leading QB on a team but he's dogged by his past, his biological family that he's looking for and digging could bring about shady characters he wishes he hadn't started looking for at all.

LM: The age old question for writers – are you a planner or a “pantser,” and what is your favorite part of the writing process?

Tracee: Definitely a pantser. In my eight books that I've written, I've  plotted only once. While I got to page 300 fairly quickly with that "plotting" try, the book has been sitting for almost five years and I haven't been back to it. So I think plotting hindered my ability to finish so I haven't plotted since. I will go back and finish the story and you would think it being so far along would entice me but sadly it doesn't. 

My favorite part is probably the end. It's hardest for me to wrap up all the loose ends and actually WRITE the end (because I do fret about it being strong enough sometimes), but it is sheer joy to see the number of pages I've amassed and realizing again that God has given me all of this.  

LM: Research plays a huge part in any book, and Fatal Opposition has several topics you probably had to investigate. How did you conduct your research, and was there anything unusual you found?

Tracee: I had to research about Football, I do like Football a lot, it's probably the only sport I really watch for the entire season, but I still didn't know a lot about it. I also had to research some mental health issues such as dementia and post-partum depression which James's mother has -which led or caused her to give him up as a baby. I mostly use internet and libraries, those are favorite go to sources. What's also wonderful now is the number of blogs that people have to share and gain support over what they're going through. I don't have children and so reading about birthing and some post-partum / mental health accounts added unique perspective and ideas that you don't get from national medical journals however respected, endorsed and accurate they are, they tell more of the clinicians approach for other doctors obviously rather than what someone really experiences. As writing and the internet has evolved, that's an exciting platform to add to ones research toolbox. 

LM: You’ve been writing for a while. How did you get started as a writer, and how did you decide to seek publication?

Tracee: I really wrote out of depression. I should say I asked God in my depression over poor grades in school to help me, and my exact words were: "give me something else in case this whole school thing don't work out". School was not easy for me, UNTIL I started writing. Once I felt I found something I was good at, I received recognition through winning a contest, I started getting A's and B's in school when I had been more of a "C-average" type of student. God really supplied, I entered my first novella I'd ever written into a national contest, won it and part of the wins were a trip to NYC to get an award at the luncheon, a 500 dollar advance and publication in the book with the three finalist. It was awesome and I simply kept going, kept writing and here I am now. 

LM: You live in my old stomping grounds, the Washington, DC area. What is your favorite thing about living there?

Tracee: I love that DC has all of the amenities you like without traveling far. I also feel we're some of the most progressive. I have a disability and every time I think about moving further south for the warmth, I feel like as far as my disability goes, (California would be the best place) I'd be hard pressed to feel as if I didn't travel a bit backwards and really have to rebuild the network of support I have here. Attitudes, acceptance, provision and access are really what keep me in the area and the Kennedy Center and every other live stage I frequent helps too. I love live theatre and hope to have a full length play some day. The Motown story will be at Wolf Trap this summer and it will be my third time seeing it. 

LM: Okay, here are some quickies:

Tracee:

Favorite color: it changes between red and turquoise    

Favorite vacation spot: home, I'm a staycation advocate 

Favorite movie: Dirty Dancing and Footloose - I love Dancing movies and many musicals.

LM: If you were to cast any actor (living or dead) to play your two main characters in Fatal Opposition, who would you select?

I'd actually love an actual football player to play the part of James, either Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks or Jordan Reed a tight end from the Washington Redskins (who the team is loosely based off in Fatal Opposition) only in my book they're the Washington Rebels of course. LOL 

The heroine could be played by Nia Long who I have watched for quite some time, since she was on my favorite soap opera Guiding Light more than twenty years ago. She seems nice and happens to be petite much like Cashell, the character and of course, she's just beautiful too. Nia Long, for any crime scene show fans, has recently got a recurring role on NCIS Los Angeles.

LM: What is your next project?

Tracee: Later this year, I'm planning to release the start of a new series about the Jameson Family, with four siblings each with their own book. Two of those in the series are reissues, released in my early twenties my second and third book in my career. Now the rights have been reverted back to me from my publisher. I'm finishing the second half of the series, thus two in the series will be new offerings but everything is new to someone. The first in the series, Whatever May Come, is about the youngest daughter, Tisha Jameson who moves to a small town in order to escape her overbearing family and a scandal that rocked the school where she taught kindergarteners.

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Tracee:  Please, visit my website at Teegarner.com, 

Twitter - @Teegarner, and

I've been giving some awesome live videos around writing tips on my Instagram page @teegarner, so follow me there and my Facebook pages are 

/TraceeLydiaGarner and 

/TeeGarnerWrites

Thanks so much for the opportunity, Linda!

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Alice K. Arenz

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Alice K. Arenz

Linda:  Alice, it’s so nice to have you. Thanks for joining me today. You’ve got a new book out which is always exciting. This one is titled The Wedding Barter. Where did you get the inspiration for the story and how did you come up with the title?

Alice: Hi, Linda, thanks for inviting me to join you.

Late last August I was asked if I would like to join a group of authors from my publishing house, Forget Me Not Publishers, in writing a novella for boxed set (now available on Amazon—Trying Out for Love). In the beginning, the stories were going to be joined together under the idea of a “bridesmaid’s auction,”—inspired by an article one author found in the paper. Not only had I never done a “piece of the story” like this before, but my genre has been mystery/suspense, so writing a romance was really a stretch for me. Though I found the idea intriguing, I really didn’t think it would be the right venue to pursue. But, after the scope of the novellas changed to stand alone books, I softened. Within a few weeks, the germ of an idea was gifted me after some time in prayer, along with the title. Gotta love how God works!

LM: Research is an important part of writing any book. What sort of research did you conduct for this book?

Alice: For a short novel—49,000 words—there was more research than I’ve ever done before. And it was mostly on the fly as I dictated—cold turkey, no notes or forethought—to my husband. It’s the first time I could actually call the Internet my friend! From the Army, to PTSD, IEDs, traumatic brain injuries in general, to getting the correct name for Avon pieces my children and I owned in the past, we were constantly looking things up and trying to learn all we could. I even got four or five books on barn architecture from our local library so I could learn a little about both the interior and exterior of the structures. I’d always wanted to know what to call my favorite style and quickly learned about the “gambrel roofed barn.” My publisher found the perfect example of it for Barter’s cover!

LM: You’re a prolific writer. How do you decide what project or genre to start next?

Alice: Honestly, I don’t know any other way than to let God lead me. If He isn’t on board, it’s not going to happen. Right now—after almost ten years—the third in The Bouncing Grandma Mysteries is on the agenda.  

LM: What is your favorite childhood book?

Alice: Books—The Black Stallion series

LM: Here are some quickies:

Favorite Color: most blues

Favorite vacation spot: Multnomah Falls, OR

Favorite season: any that isn’t too hot!

LM: What else would you like readers to know about you?

Alice: A good deal of what Riley—the lead character in The Wedding Barter—describes about her brain injury is from personal experience.

LM: What is your next project?

Alice: A cozy mystery called The Case of the Stolen Identity, a Bouncing Grandma Mystery.

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Alice: http://www.akawriter.com

About Alice: Though Alice K. Arenz is known for her cozy mysteries and romantic mystery/suspense novels, the Carol Award winning author has branched out with her newest release, The Wedding Barter, a romance that is both serious and funny.  Arenz is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Her first three novels were honored by two finals and one win in ACFW’s Carol Awards: cozy mysteries The Case of the Bouncing Grandma (a 2009 finalist), The Case of the Mystified M.D., (2010 winner), and mystery/suspense Mirrored Image (a 2011 finalist). These novels have been followed by An American Gothic, Portrait of Jenny, and short story, Home Cookin’.

About The Wedding Barter: Riley Carr has been best friends with Amy Lawton since they were toddlers.  While Amy awaits her discharge from the Army, Riley's been left in charge of helping to arrange "a very small, intimate ceremony with no fanfare" for Amy and her fiancé. But, Riley has something else in mind.

With the aid of two other friends, Riley presents her “wedding barter” idea to groom, David Herron. He agrees, providing best man, Mike Todd, stays in the loop to keep things from getting out of hand.

It doesn't help that the giant of a man is threatening, overbearing, and just doesn’t seem to like her or her ideas. But, when Todd gives Riley an ultimatum of producing results in three weeks or he’ll take over, she’s determined to prove him wrong. . .in more ways than one.

Purchase Link: www.amazon.com/dp/B077TT1SSN

Blog Tour: The Heart's Appeal

Blog Tour: The Heart's Appeal

About the Book

Book Title: The Heart’s Appeal  
Author: Jennifer Delamere  
Release Date: March 6, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance

Strong-minded and independent, Julia Bernay has come to London to study medicine and become a doctor–a profession that has only just opened up to women. When she witnesses a serious accident, her quick action saves the life of an ambitious young barrister named Michael Stephenson. It’s only later that she learns he could be instrumental in destroying her dreams for the future. Coming from a family that long ago lost its status, Michael Stephenson has achieved what many would have thought impossible. Hard work and an aptitude for the law have enabled him to regain the path to wealth and recognition. His latest case puts him in the middle of a debate over the future of a women’s medical school. He’s supposed to remain objective, but when the beguiling and determined Julia reappears with an unexpected entreaty, he begins to question what he’s made most important in his life. But Julia may be hiding her own motivations. As the two are tangled into spending more time together, will their own goals be too much to overcome?

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Thoughts

Starting off slowly with what feel like lots of backstory, The Heart’s Appeal gains traction and tells an entertaining story of two people who struggle to get out of their own way trying to achieve their goals while fighting their growing attraction. The story is set in England, but at times the dialogue feels modern and American which I found distracting. The character development is well-done, and the relationship between Julia and Michael realistic and enjoyable. They are drawn to each other by more than physical attraction. Each appreciates the other’s intelligence, humor, and integrity which creates a solid foundation and authentic bond. Descriptions about attire and social customer immersed me in the era of the latter part of the 19^th century. I enjoyed the fact the author used the real location of the London ­School of Medicine for Women and its founder Dr. Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, and the information about them was interesting. I like a book that makes me want to do further research about a topic, and The Heart’s Appeal successfully intrigued me to find out more.

I was given a free copy of this book by CelebrateLit Publicity, and a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed area my own.

About the Author

Jennifer Delamere’s debut Victorian romance, An Heiress at Heart, was a 2013 RITA Award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, A Lady Most Lovely, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She’s been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.

Guest Post from Jennifer Delamere

Power couples?

Perhaps that’s not a concept that initially comes to mind when one thinks of Victorian England! And yet, they did exist. I love to include real people from history in my books, and in The Heart’s Appeal, Julia Bernay meets two inspiring real-life couples who will make a positive impact in her life.

In 1865, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson became the first woman to qualify as a physician in Britain. She did this through a legal loophole, but soon the laws were changed to open the medical field to all women. In 1874, Dr. Anderson co-founded the London School of Medicine for Women. She remained involved in the school in various capacities for the rest of her life, even as she continued to run her own busy practice. In The Heart’s Appeal, she becomes a mentor for Julia, opening doors for her education and introducing Julia to people who can help her succeed in medical school.

Dr. Anderson’s husband, James Anderson (Jamie), was the joint-owner of a successful shipping line and also served on the boards of several organizations (including a children’s hospital). He was a handsome man, very much in love with his wife, and fervent in supporting her choice of a career.

In a letter he wrote to her while they were engaged, Jamie explained his vision for their future—how they could keep their professional and private lives separate, yet still give each other plenty of love and support:

“I think we had better lay it down once for all as a rule that I am under no circumstances to bring people ‘favorably under your notice’ or ‘exert any influence’ or anything of the sort. It will give people a wrong idea of you unless I take a decided line in this matter — and as I mean to be if I can a successful man of business, neither interfering with your pursuits nor being interfered with by you (but having our confidences on all feasible subjects at off times of the day and week and mutually advising and fortifying one another), I must let people know unmistakably not to come bothering me about your public affairs. Will you think about this, dearest?” 

Who couldn’t love a man like that?

Jamie Anderson’s outlook on life comes into play later on in The Heart’s Appeal, when he provides advice and aid to Michael Stephenson, the book’s hero, at a critical time.

Julia also has an inspiring encounter with Dr. Anderson’s sister, Millicent Fawcett. Millicent was married to a Member of Parliament and actively supported her husband’s career in many ways, including acting as a scribe for him since he was blind. She is most remembered for her role in the women’s suffrage movement. In fact, a statue of her will be placed in Parliament Square in London this summer. She was not a militant suffragette, but rather campaigned for suffrage under the banner “Law-Abiding Suffragists.”

Both couples raised families, too, and their children’s successes in life show they were raised to have the same energetic and “can-do” attitudes that their parents had.

Julia initially believes she must remain single to achieve her life’s goals. But soon she finds her heart drawn to successful barrister Michael Stephenson, who admires Julia’s intelligence and ambition. She learns that love and the freedom to pursue her dreams do not have to be mutually exclusive. A meeting of minds to spark a true romance? Yes, please! I hope readers will agree this can be the most satisfying of all.

Blog Stops

Here are the remaining blog stops:

March 24: Redheaded Book Lady

March 24: Debbie's Dusty Deliberations

March 25: The Power of Words

March 25: Mary Hake

March 25: Remembrancy

March 25: Janice's Book Reviews

March 26: Cordially, Barbara

March 26: Genesis 5020

March 26: Moments Dipped in Ink

March 26: Jeanette's Thoughts

March 27: Kat's Corner Books

March 27: Fizzy Pop Collection

March 27: Maureen's Musings

March 27: Carpe Diem

March 28: Reflections from My Bookshelves

March 28: Seasons of Opportunities

March 28: Singing Librarian Books

March 28: A Baker's Perspective

March 29: Baker Kella

March 29: All of a Kind Mom

March 29: Inklings and Notions

March 29: Simple Harvest Reads

March 30: Pause for Tales

March 30: Cafinated Reads

March 30: Have a Wonderful Day

March 30: Pursuing Stacie

March 31: Looks, Hooks, and Books

March 31: Reflecting on Days Gone By

March 31: Book by Book

March 31: Big Reader Site

April 1: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses

April 1: Neverending Stories

April 1: Ladybug Chronicles

April 2: Smiling Book Reviews

April 2: Two Points of Interest

April 2: Vicky Sluiter

April 3: Kaylee's Kind of Writes

April 3: Proud to be an Autism Mom

April 3: Bibliophile Reviews

April 4: Karen Sue Hadley

April 4: Live Love Read

April 4: Stories Where Hope and Quirky

April 4: Faery Tales are Real

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away a grand prize package of that includes All four March Bethany House historical releases (The Heart’s Appeal, plus A Most Noble Heir by Susan Anne Mason, A Chance at Forever by Melissa Jagears, In Places Hidden by Tracie Peterson) and a $20 Starbucks gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cacd

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Tamera Kraft

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Tamera Kraft

Linda:  Thanks for joining me today. You’ve got a new book which is always exciting! This one is the first in a series called The Ladies of Oberlin. What made you choose this time period and location, and where did you find your inspiration for this story?

Tamera: I was researching women ministers and Christian women who made a difference in the 1800s for some blog posts. Oberlin College kept coming up. It was the first college that allowed women to get a college degree and one of the first that allowed blacks to attend before the Civil War. It also had Second Great Awakening Evangelist Charles Finney as its president for a number of years. I found out most to the women involved in the abolitionist movement, missionary movement, women's suffrage, and prohibition were connected to Oberlin in some way. I knew then I wanted to write a series of novels about women students at Oberlin.

LM: In addition to your work in children’s ministry, you also help other authors by running monthly group Facebook Parties. How did you get started in that?

Tamera: I was involved in a few FB parties, and I really enjoyed them. I also found that the parties that were more successful were the ones where multiple authors joined together around a theme. I decided to start having these parties to help other authors and also effectively promote my own books. I charge a small fee to go toward the grand prize and advertising. It's a win-win situation. For any authors interested, they can find out more at this link. 

http://tkrafty.wixsite.com/tameralynnkraft/themed-book-lovers-facebook-parties

LM: Lots of research goes into writing a book. Do you have an unusual research story to share…something you did or found?

Tamera: Every time I research a book, I find lots of research that surprises me in some way. Many times, critique partners and editors tag me for being too unbelievable when I include those historical facts. One such incident happened in Red Sky Over America. I was reading a journal written by an abolitionist preacher who went to the home of a slave owner pastor. The pastor introduced his slave mistress and slave family without any shame at all. He felt, as a slave owner, he had the right to commit adultery with his slave. He even used the Bible to justify it. I had to tone down the story to include it in my novel because nobody who critiqued it believed this could really happen. Truth is much stranger than fiction.

LM: What is the quirkiest thing you’ve ever done?

Tamera: I've done some pretty quirky things. I don't want to reveal all of them in a public forum though. LOL. One thing my husband thought was quirky was when I told him I couldn't stop writing now because I wanted to see what happened next. He looked at me in bewilderment and said, "But you're writing it." Another quirky and somewhat dangerous thing I did in the early days of children's ministry was to go door to door in the worst neighborhood in Akron inviting children to church. I didn't think about how dangerous it was until later. What I didn't know was the reason everybody was so nice to me was because one family put out the word I was under their protection. I believe God urged them to do that.

LM: Wow! God is good. Okay, here are some quickies:

Tamera:

Favorite color: Red

Favorite food: Yellow cake with chocolate buttercream icing.

Favorite time of year: Early summer before it gets too hot.

LM: What is your next project?

Tamera: My next project is Book 2 in the Ladies of Oberlin Series, Lost in the Storm, due to be release in November, 2018. Here's a blurb about it: 

During the Civil War, Lavena challenges a profession ruled by men to become a war correspondent, but will she keep her job by destroying the man she loves?

LM: Sounds intriguing! Where can folks find you on the web?

Tamera:

Website: http://www.tameralynnkraft.net

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cdybpb

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7334438.Tamera_Lynn_Kraft

Word Sharpeners Blog: http://tameralynnkraft.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/tameralynnkraft

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tamerakraft

Purchase link: www.amazon.com/dp/B079GQQ9KY

Blog Tour: Across the Blue

Blog Tour: Across the Blue

About the Book

  

Title: Across the Blue  
Author: Carrie Turansky  
Genre: Historical romance  
Release Date: February 20, 2018

Love soars to new heights in this Edwardian romance filled with adventure, faith, and inspiration, but how much will it cost Bella and James to follow their dreams? Isabella Grayson, the eldest daughter of a wealthy, English newspaper magnate, longs to become a journalist, but her parents don’t approve. They want her to marry well and help them gain a higher standing in society. After she writes an anonymous letter to the editor that impresses her father, her parents reluctantly agree she can write a series of articles about aviation and the race to be the first to fly across the English Channel, but only if she promises to accept a marriage proposal within the year. When James Drake, an aspiring aviator, crashes his flying machine at the Grayson’s new estate, Bella is intrigued. James is determined to win that race across the Channel and gain the prize Mr. Grayson’s newspaper is offering. He hopes it will help him secure a government contract to build airplanes and redeem a terrible family secret. James wants to win Bella’s heart, but his background and lack of social standing make it unlikely her parents would approve. If he fails to achieve his dream, how will he win the love and respect he is seeking? Will Bella’s faith and support help him find the strength and courage he needs when unexpected events turn their world upside down?

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Thoughts

Wrapped around the first attempt to cross the English Channel by airplane, Across the Blue is a fascinating account of the infancy of aviation and includes historical figures Louis Bleriot, Herbert Latham, and Count de Lambert which adds depth to this interesting novel. I enjoyed that the main protagonists each had a major plotline: James’ dream as a pilot and Bella’s to be a journalist. These goals would be challenging in any era, but are especially so in the early 1900s. Bella is feisty, and she struggles to balance her headstrong desires with accepted social mores. Extensive description gives the reader a look at the food, fashion, and hierarchy of Edwardian England. The story tied up a little too quickly for my taste, with Bella’s parents changing their attitudes somewhat suddenly. Themes of forgiveness and grace are woven into the story without being preachy or heavy-handed. A sweet story about likeable characters.

I received a copy of the book for free from CelebrateLit Publicity, and a positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Carrie Turansky has loved reading since she first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. Her love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of nineteen inspirational romance novels and novellas. Carrie and her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, author, and speaker, have been married for more than thirty years and make their home in New Jersey. They often travel together on ministry trips and to visit their five adult children and five grandchildren. Carrie leads women’s ministry at her church, and when she is not writing she enjoys spending time working in her flower gardens and cooking healthy meals for friends and family. She loves to connect with reading friends through her website, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Guest Post from Carrie Turansky

Following your Dreams By Carrie Turansky In Across the Blue, Bella Grayson and James Drake both go to great lengths to pursue their dreams. Bella longs to become a journalist and write for one of her father’s newspapers, but in 1909 England, aristocratic young women did not work as journalists. A young woman’s path was set by the unwritten rules of society. At eighteen she was presented at court, and then she took part in the London social season and hoped for a marriage proposal from a young man from a wealthy family, with an estate and title. Marriage, having children, and taking part in social and charitable events was the prescribed course for their lives.


But Bella has a different future in mind. She wants to marry for love, and she won’t settle for anything less. She also wants to write articles about the important events of the day that will inform and inspire people. She wants to be a world changer, and that is a very unique role for a woman in England in the Edwardian Era. At that time women didn’t have the right to vote yet and very few pursued any kind of career.

James is an aviation pioneer, and his dream is to build an airplane that will allow him to be the first to fly across the English Channel. This is no easy accomplishment, and he faces many challenges as he pursues his dream. Aviation is brand new. Wilbur Wright demonstrated his airplane in France the year before and stunned Europeans with his skill. With the help of his mentor, Professor Steed, James conducts experiments, refines his design, and makes countless test flights. It takes great courage and determination to overcome setbacks and make it through near fatal crash landings, but James has his heart and mind set on perfecting his airplane and reaching his goal.

What about you? What hopes and dreams do you have for your future? What goals would you like to accomplish? As you think about your dreams and future plans I hope you’ll gain some insight from James and Bella’s experiences in Across the Blue. When they considered the cost of pursuing their dreams they realized their plans and choices impacted others as well as themselves. James and Bella believed striving for their dreams is important, but they learned it must be balanced with commitments to family and friends, and most of all a commitment to following the Lord on the path He has for them.

Following our dreams and working toward accomplishing our goals, especially those the Lord puts on our heart, is important. However, sometimes we may have to put our dreams on hold and wait for the right time and season. We don’t need to be discouraged when this happens. As we listen to the Lord and ask Him to guide and direct us He will show us the right path at the right time to follow it. 

Just like James and Bella I hope you’ll pursue your dreams but also hold them with an open hand, allowing the Lord to guide and direct you each step of the way. When you do I’m confident you’ll be headed toward seeing your dreams become reality in His time and in His way. “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord; plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 With that wonderful promise in mind, I hope you’ll enjoy reading Across the Blue and joining Bella and James as they they pursue their dreams. You’re in for high-flying adventure, romance, and inspiration, and I can’t wait to share this new story with you. Happy reading to you!

Blog Stops

Here are Carrie's Remaining Blog Stops:

February 25: The Power of Words

February 25: D's Quilts and Books

February 26: Maureen's Musings

February 26: Rachel's Back Talk

February 26: Smiling Book Reviews

February 27: Radiant Light

February 27: Faithfully Bookish

February 27: The Fizzy Pop Collection

February 28: Bibliophile Reviews

February 28: Remembrancy

February 28: Two Points of Interest

March 1: Tell Tale Book Reviews

March 1: Book by Book

March 1: Big Reader Site

March 1: Proud to be an Autism Mom

March 2: Pause for Tales

March 2: Have a Wonderful Day

March 2 (interview): Margaret Kazmierczak

March 3: Pursuing Stacie

March 3: Neverending Stories

March 3: Debbie's Dusty Deliberations

March 4: Texas Book-aholic

March 4: Janice's Book Reviews

March 4: Jeanette's Thoughts

March 4: Simple Harvest Reads

March 5: Moments Dipped in Ink

March 5: My Writer's Life

March 5: Baker Kella

March 6: Kat's Corner Books

March 6: A Greater Yes

March 6: A Baker's Perspective

March 7: Romances of the Cross

March 7: Henry Happens

March 7: For the Love of Books

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away a grand prize of an autographed copy of Shine Like the Dawn and $30 gift card to Christianbooks.com!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c987

Talkshow Thursday: Award-winning Author Hallee Bridgeman

Talkshow Thursday: 

Award-winning Author Hallee Bridgeman

I'm thrilled that Hallee Bridgeman took time from her busy schedule to sit down with me and tell us a bit about herself and her latest release. Pull up a chair and get to know this interesting lady.

Linda:  Thanks for joining me today. Your most recent book is part of a collection of connected stories. How did that come about and where did you get the inspiration for the plot?

Hallee: Thank you for having me! Author Amanda Tru is the brainchild of the Out of the Blue Boxset Collection. She came up with an idea to have several novellas about misdelivered flower deliveries, and then have her book be the last in the collection and have it be about the florist who has all of the delivery issues.

That was the only criteria for our books: they had to be Christian romances, take place in November, and be contemporary in setting. Amanda worked around everything else.

LM: You have published lots of books. What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Hallee: Getting to the end. I struggle with insecurities in the beginning of every book. Can I do it again? Is the story going to be good enough? By the time I get to the end of a book, I know I’ve done it again, and that the story is good enough.

LM: You have written contemporary and historical fiction which require different types of research. Can you describe a time you had an “aha” moment?

Hallee: I had written my book A Carol for Kent who is a prosecutor in the city of Richmond, Virginia. In talking to an attorney friend about the book, I found out that prosecutors don’t go to crime scenes. My entire book needed her to be at crime scenes, and I was very frustrated with trying to figure out how to put her there without it feeling like a convenient coincidence. I talked to another attorney friend and another, and they all backed what my original friend said – prosecutors don’t go to the crime scenes.

I finally went to Richmond, Virginia, and spent the morning interviewing the woman who does my character’s job. She told me that Richmond is different from other cities in that she gets called to the crime scene as the police are called, and she’s on the ground floor of all of the investigations. PERFECT! I was able to go home and finish the book with confidence.

LM: What do you do to prepare yourself for writing? For example do you listen to music or set up in a specific place?

Hallee: I write every day that my kids are in school. After I drop them at school, I walk my two dogs for two miles and use that time to pray, listen to my Bible, or think about my current book. When I get home, I sit at my desk and pray again, asking God to work through me and speak through my fingers on the typewriter.

I listen to classical music when I write. It’s the least distracting, and drowns out the sounds from the neighborhood.

LM: As an Army brat, you probably traveled to countless locations. Now, you live in central Kentucky, a beautiful area of the country. If money were no object, what is your idea of the ultimate vacation?

Hallee: My husband and I are travelers – we often talk about retirement being a motor home and the open road. Both of us dream of a long stretch of vacation in the British Isles. I would also love to visit Israel during the Passover.

LM: What is the quirkiest thing you’ve ever done?

Hallee: I flew to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, alone. I was meeting my husband, who’d been in Afghanistan for a couple of years. He was waiting for me on the other side of customs, but I had to go through customs, entering a Muslim country, as a white woman traveling alone. I’d taken off my cross necklace and had a hijab (head covering) in my bag in case I encountered any issues.

A couple of months later, I did the same thing – but flew into Kuwait instead. It was a little less nerve wracking, because it was the 20^th anniversary of the American’s liberation of Kuwait during the first Gulf War (my husband was part of the front wave of that liberation), so it was cool that I got to be there for that.

LM: Here are some quickies:

Favorite Color: Green

Favorite Food: Salad bar (I know that’s cheating, but it’s an honest answer – lol)

Favorite Season: Summer

LM: What is your next project?

Hallee: I just released a book last week that takes place during the Winter Olympics. My character is a hockey player for Team USA. Now, I’m starting the next book in my Dixon Brothers Series – Book 1 is Courting Calla – the book about the misdelivered flowers. This book is Valerie’s Verdict – the story of Brad Dixon and Valerie, the woman he’s loved since they were children.

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Hallee:

Website: http://www.halleebridgeman.com

Talkshow Thursday: Say Hello to Jenna Brandt

Talkshow Thursday: Say Hello to Jenna Brandt

I'm sitting down today with author Jenna Brandt who saw a need for readers and did her part to fill it. Draw up a chair and get to know this interesting lady!

Linda:  You are part of an anthology of Christmas stories titled Under the Mistletoe. How did that collection come about?  

Jenna: I’ve noticed in the book industry, anthologies are a great way for readers to get to know new authors as well as for authors to share the work with a wider audience, but it wasn’t being used as often in the Christian writing world. I decided I wanted to create one for the Christmas season: romances themed around Christmas all with HEAs. I asked my good friend and critique partner, Lorana Hoopes, if she would be interested and she came into the project as my co-creator. We then put out a call to any writers who were interested in a couple of Facebook groups we both were in and narrowed it down to 8 authors total-featuring 2 historical novellas and 6 contemporary.

LM: Where did you find your inspiration for your story The Christmas Bride?

Jenna: It centers around a couple that was introduced in my series, Window to the Heart Saga. They are friends of the main characters in the fourth book, The Oregon Pursuit, which takes place in 1870 West Linn, Oregon.

LM: You obviously have a love for history. Your books range from the Victorian to the WWI era with the Old West tossed in for good measure. Which time period is your favorite and why?

Jenna: Oh, my, that’s like asking me to pick a favorite child (I have four of those too). I love each of them for different reasons. I think I love reading the Victorian era, and Regency was my first introduction to historical romances. As a matter of fact, my current work in progress is set back in England during the Victorian era with characters from The Oregon Pursuit and The Christmas Bride. I love mixing sub-genres and having fish out of water scenarios. However, researching WWI was so much fun. Honestly, I don’t think I can pick. I love them all for different reasons.

LM: Lots of research goes into each story to ensure historical accuracy. What is your method for researching a story, and how much time goes into that before you begin to write?

Jenna: I research the era and the location extensively so I have a feel for the time period. For instance, The Christmas Bride and The Oregon Pursuit both take place in West Linn, Oregon at the end of the Oregon Trail. I have lots of tidbits of truth woven throughout the stories to make the book historically accurate. I also research as I go for descriptions and pictures so I can visualize an area where my book takes place.

LM: Have you ever experienced writer’s block, and if so, what did you do to push through it?

Jenna: I think every writer does experience writer’s block. Personally, I might set it aside for a couple of days if I’m not on deadline. If I am, I just force myself to keep writing. I may not like what I’m writing but I can always go back and edit it later. The key is to keep pushing through. Also, starting at the end and working backwards helps if the plot has already been figured out and I know the end.

LM: What is your next project?

Jenna: As I mentioned, I am currently working on the next book in my series called The Viscount’s Wife, featuring characters from my West Linn books which I hope to release in late January. I also have two other projects I’m working on-one coming out in March and June, respectively.

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Jenna:

Website: http://www.jennabrandt.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jenna-Brandt/e/B0711MSFXW/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JennaBrandtAuthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JennaDBrandt

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jennnathewriter/

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jennnathewriter/books-blogs-and-writers/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16847426.Jenna_Brandt

Go to https://www.wattpad.com/user/JennaBrandtAuthor to get the first two chapters of all my books for free!

Here's the buy link for Under the Mistletoe: www.amazon.com/dp/1979713073

LM: Thanks so much for stopping by!