Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Bitter Eyes No More

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Bitter Eyes No More

About the Book

 

Name of book: Bitter Eyes No More  
Author: April W Gardner  
Genre: Historical Romance  
Release Date: Feb, 2017  

A man of abiding honor, tested by a woman of ruinous passion. A woman of unspeakable sins, pursued by a God of unquenchable mercy. Spanish Florida once sheltered Lillian McGirth from her fears. Now, it feeds them. Mercy is for the deserving; for Lillian, an unwed mother accused of treason, there is only battering and defeat, but her fall breaks softly in the arms of an unexpected arrival, a man too beautiful of soul to stain with her lost character. Captain Marcus Buck sails in on a pledge to save Miss McGirth from herself and from her child’s father, a ruthless don. All the while, he’s to regard her as virtuous and worthy of protection and to guard said virtue from pilfering. But the terms are flawed since he must first guard her from himself. Regardless, he is determined. He will free her, repair her name—simple labor compared to dodging the army’s noose, mending wounds three years deep, and navigating a host of rebel Natives bent on inflicting more. Through the steady crumble of his pledge, their friendship becomes a consolation, for she knows his pain as no other can or will. Their scars are one; their paths, however, might irrevocably become two… 

 Click here to purchase your copy.

My Thoughts:

Bitter Eyes No More was the first of April Gardner’s books I’ve read. She has a masterful style of writing-descriptions so tight I was immersed into the setting to the point I could hear the waves or smell the dust. The dialogue was also well-written, giving insights into each character. I am not familiar with this time period, and Ms. Gardner effectively educated me of the issues, customs, prejudices, and events without the book feeling like a lecture or textbook. I loved Lillian and her knight-in-shining armor, Marcus-in fact, I had a bit of a crush on him. He is masculine yet sensitive, and his respect of care of Lillian was a joy to behold. What I didn’t like about the book was the emphasis on the physical attraction between the two. There was constant internal dialogue within Lillian and Marcus about how the other looked and how that made them feel. Marcus also seemed to care about protecting Lillian’s damaged reputation, yet there were several scenes where he put her in a situation that was inappropriate for the era. The more in-depth level of their relationship didn’t seem to develop until near the end of the book. Minor characters were well-developed, and there were a couple of plot twists I didn’t see coming. Because of the era and subject matter, there were quite a few scenes of violence and bloodshed.

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

About the Author

  

APRIL W GARDNER writes history with a Christian perspective and a little imagination. She is a copyeditor, military wife, and homeschooling mother of two who lives in Texas. She writes Christian historical romance with a focus on our Southeastern Native Tribes. In no particular order, April dreams of owning a horse, learning a third language, and visiting all the national parks. April loves to hear from her readers at: aprilgardnerwrites@gmail.com and at www.aprilgardner.com

Guest Post from April W. Gardner

I’ve never needed one of those spiritual gifts tests to know I score a big, fat zero in the mercy department. When God impressed on me the themes of Bitter Eyes No More—mercy and justice—I figured I was the least qualified person to broach the topic. However, in His perfect way, He knew exactly where I needed to be stretched, and over the seven months He used me to craft the story, He poked and prodded at my flaws, making them large in my mind and reminding me that no one is deserving of any quantity of mercy, grace, or forgiveness, and that He alone is righteous enough to wield the gavel of justice. Captain Marcus Buck, the hero in Bitter Eyes No More, learns the same lesson. Because of a horrifying stint of slavery on a British frigate, he drives through life seeking justice—all in accordance with the law, of course, but swift, fierce justice nonetheless. Lillian, the same story’s female lead, knows beyond a doubt she deserves the most righteous justice there is—an eternity apart from God. Mercy is only for the deserving, she says, but there can surely be none for her, an unwed mother with the label “traitor” hovering over her head. Marcus, a surgeon and splendid swordsman, has engraved his sword with a passage from the prophet Zechariah. “This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’” (Zech. 7:9) It’s a beautiful piece of advice, but Marcus is blind to the second half. What neither of these characters realizes at first is that God doles out mercy and justice as a packaged unit and in bountiful, equal measure. In our finite human minds, we tend to separate these two qualities, but God cannot give one without the other. More than that, He cannot be one without the other. He is all mercy and all justice in one perfect being. Aren’t you glad? I sure am!

Every subscriber instantly receives the first in the Creek Country Saga for FREE!

Newsletter Sign-up: http://eepurl.com/vujA9

Blog Stops

Here are the remaining stops on April's tour:

November 4: Simple Harvest Reads

November 5: New Horizone Reviews

November 6: Debbie's Dusty Deliberations

Giveaway

In honor of her tour, April is giving away a grand prize package of a $15 Amazon gift card and four of her books in paperback, signed by her! Click to enter! https://promosimple.com/ps/c0d2

Talkshow Thursday: Sitting Down with Ann Gabhart

Talkshow Thursday: Sitting Down with Ann Gabhart

Today's guest is Ann H. Gabhart, author of twenty books, with more on the way! Settle in and get to know this interesting lady.

Linda:  Thanks for joining me today. Congratulations on your latest publication, These Healing Hills? What was your inspiration for the story?

Ann: Most of my historical novels have a Kentucky setting with some Kentucky history. So when I was rummaging around for a new idea, I came across information about Mary Breckinridge and how she established the Frontier Nursing Service in Hyden, Kentucky in 1926. So I imagined characters who might fit into that Appalachian Mountain setting and Frontier Nursing history.

LM: Research is a huge part of writing, whether historical or contemporary. Do you have a research tidbit you stumbled on that caused you to think “aha?”

Ann: Everything I found out about the Frontier Nursing Service was an “aha” moment. All the history and first person accounts were fascinating. But I did perhaps think aha when I stumbled upon the recruitment poster the Frontier Nursing Service used to entice nurses to come to the mountains to be midwives. That poster promised the women their own dog, their own horse and plenty of adventure as they saved children’s live. I knew my character wouldn’t be able to resist that.

LM: What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Ann: I sometimes like having written. No, I really like to write but the process isn’t always a walk in the park. Getting from the beginning through the middle and to the end can be a tough writing journey that takes months, even years. Perhaps my favorite time is when I have finally written “the end” on the last page and then get to go back and read it with editing in mind. I like to edit when the edits are my idea. I find it a bit harder to get excited about those cuts and changes when the changes are suggested by others. J

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

Ann: I’ve never listened to music for inspiration. I simply sit down at my desk, put my fingers on my keyboard and order myself to get to work. If I am in the midst of writing a book, then I often reread the last several pages I wrote last writing session to get my head back into the story. As you may have gathered from my previous answer, reading what I’ve written is much easier than writing those new words. But you have to write the new words to get the story told.

LM: You live in a beautiful part of the country, a place many people would visit on holiday. If money were no object, what is your idea of the ultimate vacation?

Ann: An interesting question. If money were no object, I think I would like to tour all over the USA in one of those nice campers, visiting every state, spending time in the beautiful National Parks. Then I might hole up for a month or two in a mountain cabin before spending another month on the beach – a southern beach if it’s winter and a northern beach if it’s summer. But I would have to head back home now and again. I’d miss my own place.  

LM: What is your next project?

Ann: Next up is a book titled River to Redemption that will release next summer. It’s set in a little Kentucky town in 1833, then the story hops to 1845. While the story is a work of fiction, I did base it on a true incident that occurred during the 1833 cholera epidemic in Springfield, Kentucky. At that time, people thought bad air caused cholera. So all who had the resources to do so would desert their towns at the first mention of cholera in the area.  That often left few to tend to those left who might be sick or who died from the disease. In Springfield, a hotel owner gave one of his slaves the hotel keys and told him to keep things going. Then the owner fled the town. That slave, Lewis Sansbury, was unaffected by the disease. He stayed in Springfield, caring for the sick and burying the fifty-five people who died. In 1845 when his owner died and it appeared Lewis was going to be sold, the townspeople collected money to buy his freedom and set Lewis up in a blacksmith shop. That’s the true bit of history. River to Redemption is about how that might have happened if you made up a story which I did.

LM: That sounds like a wonderful story. Where can folks find you on the web?

Ann: The best place to look for me is on my website, www.annhgabhart.com. You can see my social media links there and my blogs. I like it when friends and readers join the conversation on my Facebook author page, www.facebook.com/anngabhart. I tweet now and again on Twitter with a user name, AnnHGabhart. I’m out there on Goodreads. I post pictures on Pinterest under my name and have an Amazon author page. Plus, you can sign up for my occasional newsletter on my website. That way you can be the first to know about new books, giveaways or what’s going on down here on the farm.

Thanks so much, Linda, for letting me come over for a visit.

LM: It's been a pleasure to have her. These Healing Hills is available on Amazon, other book buying sites, and in your local bookstore.

Mystery Monday: The Reilly Ladies

Mystery Monday: The Reilly Ladies

As an undergraduate Psychology major, I read more than my fair share of “nature vs. nurture” papers and textbooks (e.g. is a child an artist because he or she was born of artistic parents or did the parents nurture the skill?). Most experts agree that individuals are a mixture of both, and the Reilly family is a prime example.

Part of a literary family (her brother was an author), Helen Kieran Reilly was a prolific mystery writer who lived from 1891 to 1962. A graduate of Hunter College, she married artist Paul Reilly with whom she had four daughters. She published dozens of novels, at one point becoming the main breadwinner in the household. Her books were among the first police procedurals written, a result of conducting extensive research into the NYC Homicide squad. Inspector Christopher McKee is her most popular character.

Like their mother Ursula Reilly Curtiss and Mary Reilly Wilson (writing under the name Mary McMullen) became well-known mystery authors. Winner of the Red Badge Award for best first novel, Ursula tended to write neo-Gothic romantic suspense with an amateur sleuth as the protagonist. Initially a columnist for the “Fairfield Connecticut News, she moved into working as a fashion copy writer. Her career as an author began after she married John Curtiss in 1947. Winning the Zia award as New Mexico’s outstanding novelist in 1963, she published nearly two dozen books in her thirty-six year career before passing away of cancer in 1984.

Sister Mary also had a successful career. Winner of the Edgar award for best first novel in 1952, Mary took a twenty-two year hiatus before publishing an additional eighteen novels. Described as distinctive, elegant, and fast-paced, her books did not seem to follow any sort of pattern, however, many did draw from her experience in the fashion world. Highly descriptive, the books immerse readers into the setting which forms an integral part of each plot. She published her last book in 1986, the year she passed away.

Have you read any of these gals’ books? 

Selah Saturday: Book sales and Freebies

Selah Saturday: Book sales and Freebies

Here are today's book sales and freebies:

Amber Schamel's The Healer's Touch is FREE today.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0160TBJV8

Heather Day Gilbert's God's Daughter is free through the end of October:

http://amzn.to/2vnYk7G


Michelynn Christy's book A Bride for Christmas is
available for pre-order at the sale price of $0.99

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076HNQDYP

Talkshow Thursday: Victoria Kimble, YA Author

Talkshow Thursday: Victoria Kimble, YA Author

Linda:  Thanks for joining me today. You recently published book four in your Choir Girls series? Where did you get your inspiration, and did you set out to write a series, or did that idea come later?

Victoria: Choir was a big part of my life from eighth grade all the way through college, so having a story revolve around friends in a choir just came out naturally. The first story, Soprano Trouble, follows Summer and how she responds to finding herself in the group with the bully. I didn’t set out to write a series, but after getting good feedback on Soprano Trouble, ideas just popped into my head about how Summer’s friends were feeling and responding to their seventh grade year as well.

LM: How do you come up with your characters? Are they based on any real people in your life?

Victoria: They’re not based on anyone I actually know. Summer is probably the most like I was back when I was in Junior High. Her friend Maddie (Alto Secrets) is someone I would have wanted to be friends with. Brittany (Harmony Blues) and Cammie (Solo Disaster) are simply girls that I imagine would be typical friends that Summer would have in choir.

LM: Why did you decide to write for kids, tweens, and teens rather than adults?

Victoria: Middle school is burned into my memory. There are a lot of things I've forgotten about my childhood, but I remember middle school vividly. So my heart goes out to every single kid who is entering the murky waters of seventh grade, especially the girls. I was not a popular kid during those years, so I spent a lot of time reading. Those books shaped much of my thoughts and beliefs about life. Because of that, I've always wanted to write stories for those kids who are deep in the trenches of middle school themselves.

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

a specific place?

Victoria: The very first thing I do is listen to a worship song. I know that my writing ability and creativity comes from the Lord, so I always want to connect with Him every time I start to write. Then I switch to my writing music, which is generally some soundtrack. My current favorite writing soundtrack is The Secret Life of Pets. That music is plucky and fun.

LM: What one thing would you like to learn how to do?

Victoria: Play the cello. I play the violin, but I would love to learn how to play the cello. I love the deep notes that come out of that instrument.

LM: What advice can you give to aspiring writers?

Victoria: A writing career is a marathon, not a sprint. If you desire to write, you should start now. They say it takes ten years to become an overnight success, so just start and keep going, especially when you don't see any success right away. I always think of it as planting seeds that will hopefully grow in the next five or ten years. If you have that mindset, then it's easier to keep working during the long dry spells of not seeing any fruits of your labor. It'll come, if you keep at it.

LM: What is your next project?

Victoria: I’ve been working on a story for a bit younger audience, probably ages 7=10. It’s about a fourth grader named Daisy who plans on being a chief meteorologist when she grows up. You know, the person on TV who tells about the weather. Her aunt is actually a chief meteorologist, and she wants to follow in her footsteps. But then her aunt says she is leaving the TV station, and Daisy’s fame and future are doomed.

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Victoria: www.victoriakimble.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriakimbleauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/victoriakimble
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16329155.Victoria_Kimble

Traveling Tuesday: St. Malo, France

 Traveling Tuesday: St. Malo, France

Thanks to a big “oops” on the part of the military, Vogue war correspondent Lee Miller scored her first major scoop in St. Malo, France.

Located on the English Channel coastline of northwestern France in Brittany, St. Malo is a walled port city that was founded in the first century by the Romans. Filled with medieval castles and Gothic cathedrals, the city was notorious throughout its history for being the home of French privateers and pirates. Often referred to as the brightest jewel on the Emerald Coast of Brittany, a cultural region that was once its own independent then duchy before united with the Kingdom of France, St. Malo is now a major tourist destination.

But in 1944, it was decimated by American shelling and bombing and British naval gunfire. Inaccurate intelligence reports indicated there were thousands of Axis troops and countless armaments within the city walls. According to an interview with St. Malo resident, Heloise, two citizens found their way to the American commander and informed him there were approximately seventy-five Germans in the city. More importantly, there were hundreds of civilians who could not get out because the Germans had locked the gates.

However, the report was not believed, and the assault began. After two full weeks of attack, only 182 of the original 865 buildings still stood.

Women war correspondents were typically prohibited from the front line, and even if they received permission to go, very few military leaders would transport them into combat zones. However, Lee had been told the fighting was over, so she arrived in historical city only to find herself in the midst of the assault. Hiding in a German dugout under the ramparts, she escaped with her life to write about the “sordid ugly destruction they {the Germans} had conjured up in the once beautiful town.”

When she was discovered by the Allied commanders she was promptly arrested, but still managed to get her article submitted to Vogue. Filled with shocking photographs and copy, the piece was a gritty, realistic eyewitness to the war.

Have you ever heard of St. Malo?

Blog Tour: Straight Flies the Arrow

Blog Tour: Straight Flies the Arrow

About the Book

 

Name of book: Straight Flies the Arrow  
Author: Sydney Tooman Betts  
Genre: Historical, adventure, Romance  
Release Date: July 8, 2017

During the winter of 1841, Pacing Wolf, the esteemed leader of the Many Lodges, follows the trail of a brutal murderer, leaving behind his beloved woman, Small Doe. When his tracking party returns without him, the Sparrow Hawks’ Real Chief pronounces him dead, insisting Small Doe grieve, but she cannot bring herself to give up hope her husband will return. The coming spring offers her few choices. She can accept the courageous new warrior chosen for her or risk falling prey to his war-society rivals. Vengeance and loyalty, hatred and faithfulness, all vie within two enemy villages, one belonging to the Sparrow Hawks and the other the Allies, threatening to crush every hope of happiness for Small Doe and everyone she loves.

Click here to purchase your copy.

My Thoughts:

I had mixed reactions to Straight Flies the Arrow. Totally intrigued by the premise, I couldn't wait to get my hands on my copy. Unfortunately, for me the pace was too slow until about halfway through the book. As a disclaimer, I read a LOT of suspense and mystery fiction in which chapters are short and the pace is rocket-fast. So for others, perhaps the speed at which the book progresses will be just fine. As I said, by about the midway mark, the plot got moving and I found myself engrossed in the story. I loved Pacing Wolf and Small Doe; they are well-developed and I could relate to them. It was nice to read a love story about a married couple. I learned a ton about the Native American culture and was intrigued about how the Christian message was received or rejected among the tribes. It was also interesting to hear the Bible's stories through the Natives' viewpoints. Because of the era and Native culture, there is some violence in the book, but it is handled well and is not too graphic. I had trouble keeping track of all the characters. I appreciate that the author included a list of characters in the beginning of the book, but since I was using an ereader it was a hassle to "flip" back and forth to figure out who was who. The author periodically changed points of view midpage which was confusing at times. I'm not sure how much input the author had on the cover, but it is what drew me into wanting to read the book. Straight Flies the Arrow is the third book in a series, but can be read as a stand-alone.

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

About the Author

 

Sydney Tooman Betts and her protagonist-husband currently reside near the extensive cavern system that inspired the setting for several early chapters of this book. While single, Ms. Betts (B.S. Bible/Missiology, M.Ed) was involved in a variety of cross-cultural adventures in North and Central America. After marrying, she and her husband lived in Europe and the Middle East where he served in various mission-support capacities. Her teaching experiences span preschool to guest lecturing at the graduate level and serving as the Sunday School Superintendent, Children’s Church Director, or Women’s Ministries facilitator in several evangelical denominations. Before penning her first novel, A River too Deep, she ghost-wrote several stories for an adult literacy program.

Guest Post from Sydney Tooman Betts

You know you are created for a purpose, but honestly, how much of a difference can one person make in a life filled with one foot put in front of another, cooking for a family, washing clothes, combing out tangles… You know you are created for a purpose, but honestly, how much of a difference can one person make in a life filled with one foot put in front of another, cooking for a family, washing clothes, combing out tangles… Come walk alongside one woman whose singular choice changes life for generations

Blog Stops

Here are the remaining blog stops on Sydney's tour:

October 24: Karen Sue Hadley

October 25: Singing Librarian

October 26: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses

October 27: Mary Hake

October 28: Through the Open Window

October 29: Big Reader Site

October 30: Janice's Book Reviews

October 31: Debbie's Dusty Deliberations

November 1: Simple Harvest Reads

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sydney is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed, soft-back set of The People of the Book trilogy!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c202