Thursday, May 2, 2024

Welcome to the Courting an Amish Bishop Celebration Tour! #giveaway #Amish

About the Book

Book: Courting an Amish Bishop

Author: Mindy Steele

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Release Date: April, 2024

No One Is Ever Too Old to Love Again

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

Simon Graber became a widower and a bishop early in life. His focus is solely on his very close-knit Old Order Amish community—not entertaining the idea of marriage, despite what many of the elders think. When sickness comes to Cherry Grove, Kentucky, Simon reaches out into the next community for help. But help is beginning to look a lot like a second chance when Stella Schmucker agrees to offer her vast herbal knowledge to the sick. Can it be that these two, who have been too busy serving others to entertain the idea of love, have met at just the perfect time for an unlikely courtship?

Marilyn's thoughts: Courting an Amish Bishop is a fun read with a widower Bishop and a natural healer using teas and herbs. Stella is strong and determined with her ways for healing and assisting others. She had no problems going with Bishop Graber to his community to aid others. Their frustrations with one another was evident from the start but Stella focus was on remedies for the ill. Ellie, Stella’s hund, gave this tale humor with her antics. The unexpected events gave way to themes of letting go of past hurts, forgiveness, faith and budding romance.

I received an early copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and Barbour Publisher for the book tour. I have expressed my own thoughts.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mindy Steele is the award-winning author and bestselling author of over a dozen novels and novellas in Christian fiction. Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele has been writing since she could hold a crayon on the wall and lives in northeastern Kentucky—where many of her stories are set.

More from Mindy

The Story Behind the Story with Mindy Steele

Courting an Amish Bishop

Sometimes the smallest detail can spark the greatest story. It can be a laugh, a flower petal, or even a cup of tea. I have always been drawn to little details and there are times when I felt God tapping on my shoulder, saying pay attention to this. So from a brief chat or set of bones found on a wooded path, stories have taken root.

For this story, it was a cup of elderberry tea late one evening that sent my thoughts to wander. I grew up on the edge of Appalachia and had learned a few herbal remedies to quickly ward off the flu or stop poison ivy before the first itch. As an Amish fiction writer, I wondered if the Amish resorted to the same such natural ways. I knew my neighbors used charcoal internally at times, as well as stockpiling burdock leaves to dry in their attic for burns and wounds, but I wanted to know more.

There is a strong belief among many that the Amish refuse modern medicine. This is simply not true. Most prefer modern medicine as a last resort. Though I once had an Amish neighbor who’d run to the doctor quite often for the least little thing.

Coincidentally, I had gone on to a summer book tour in southern Kentucky, and crossed paths with an Amish healer. She was a remarkable woman, full of wisdom and information. I have also been blessed to have Doc Sam, an Amish man, living just down the road, as well as a few Amish women willing to share their thoughts with me.

Healers have a vast knowledge that is not limited to just one thing. An Amish midwife is often sought after for more than when a child is ready to be welcomed into the world. A chiropractor, or muscle stretcher as they are called since no degree has been obtained, can tell you the best remedy for burns, womanly issues, or how to detox your liver.

Stella Schmucker was my most interesting character to write. As a woman who needed healing in her own life, it was by God’s grace she became one. As I got to know her, I knew a Bishop had to play a major part in her journey. We often think of men in such positions as stern, authoritarian, and well…old. But a man may draw the lot at as young as 30 if he has already held a position of a deacon or minister. I have seldom read a story where the bishop isn’t stern and always reminding us to follow the rules, but what we don’t see is the man under the hat! Simon reveals an outer and inner man, one struggling with loss, yet faithful in helping others. I have been waiting to write a Bishop’s story for some time, and once Stella’s life was laid out in front in me, the match was made.

I hope you enjoy this story and getting to know Ellie, my silver lab Stella borrows to entertain you. Who knows, you might even learn a few herbal remedies too.

Many blessings and good health,

Mindy

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 27

lakesidelivingsite, April 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 29

She Lives To Read, April 30

Texas Book-aholic, May 1

Lighthouse Academy Blog, May 2 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 3

For Him and My Family, May 4

Cover Lover Book Review, May 5

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 6 (Author Interview)

Mornings at Character Cafe, May 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 7

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 8

Holly’s Book Corner, May 9

Mary Hake, May 9

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mindy is giving away the grand prize package a $25 Amazon gift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2b147/courting-an-amish-bishop-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

The Girl from the Hidden Forest (Regency)

The Girl from the Hidden Forest

(Regency)

April 30, 2024

by Hannah Linder (Author)

The nightmares may free her … but destroy the man she loves.

Enjoy another Gothic Style Regency from Hannah Linder.

Eliza Ellis has stayed hidden in Balfour Forest for as long as she can remember. Perhaps her only friends are the trees, or her little dog, or her story-telling father called Captain. But at least she is safe from the cruel world outside, a world Captain has warned her against and protected her from.

That is, until a handsome stranger named Felton Northwood invades her quiet forest and steals her away. Why does he tell such lies? Why does he insist that her name is Miss Eliza Gillingham, daughter of a viscount, who disappeared fourteen years ago after the murder of her own mother? A murder Eliza is said to have witnessed.

When Felton returns Eliza to Monbury Manor and reunites her with a man who is told to be her father, all she remembers are the strange nightmares that have plagued her since childhood. Why have they suddenly grown worse? Are the answers hidden inside her own mind?

As danger mounts and lethal attempts are made on her life, Eliza and Felton must work together to uncover the identity of a killer who has stayed silent for fourteen years. When she finally uncovers the horrendous memories trapped in her mind, will divulging the truth cost her the man she loves--and both of their lives?

Marilyn's Thouhgts:

The Girl From the Hidden Forest is one intense and gripping tale. Eliza’s true identity needed to be found after being recused; however, she was not cooperative except with Felton. There were multiple hidden secrets, mystery, greed and evil that played into the story. I discovered though there was a lack of a Christian message or the characters talking about their faith. Fans of Regency would probably enjoy this book even with all the darkness and evil involved that often times is not so prominent.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own thoughts.

Monday, April 29, 2024

Once Upon Nantucket: Encore Edition (Lighthouse Lane Book 1)

Once Upon Nantucket: Encore Edition

(Lighthouse Lane Book 1)

They’ve loved and lost…
but does a new beginning await on magical Nantucket?

After fifteen years as a Coast Guard search and rescue specialist and a stint at headquarters, Lieutenant Craig Cole hopes to quietly finish out his career in his new assignment as commander of the Coast Guard station on Nantucket. But there’s nothing quiet about his clash with feisty red-haired charter fishing boat captain Katherine MacDonald, who does not appreciate a safety citation from one of the new hotshot commander’s underlings. As she and the commander go head-to-head, sparks fly…in more ways than one. But neither is ready for a heart-to-heart encounter. Yet as they come to know each other on magical Nantucket, might they find the courage to take a chance on love?

Publishers Weekly bestselling author Irene Hannon, described as “a master of character development” by Library Journal, has penned another tale of hope, healing, and love that will lift your heart and bolster your belief in happy endings—no matter the challenges that must be overcome.

;

My thoughts: My son is in the Coast Guard so this book interested me. I loved this story of two people who started at odds but ended up getting to know each other and becoming friends. There is a slight faith message, and a clean romance and nice leads to future books in this series. I am a verified buyer and am looking forward to reading the rest. Recommended.

Sunday, April 28, 2024

The Wonder of God’s Hem and Hand By Sharon Musgrove #devotional

The Wonder of God’s Hem and Hand

By Sharon Musgrove

“You hem me in, behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” Psalm 139:5 ESV

When clothes shopping at a local discount store, I found a darling skirt that fit my shape perfectly and blended into my current wardrobe seamlessly. It was as if this piece of clothing was the missing item in a coordinating set, the fabric and pattern matching multiple tops and sweaters in my closet. What a find! Immediately, I put that skirt to use, wearing it whenever possible and feeling great about the purchase.

And then I washed the skirt.

As I pulled the garment out of the delicate cycle, I noticed the bottom edge hanging awkwardly in multiple places. On further inspection, I could see that the fabric had been finished off with glue rather than being hemmed with thread. This lack of quality construction suggested that this piece of clothing was not made to endure daily use.

My heart sank. I knew that I needed to repair the skirt before I could wear it again or risk the fraying of the fabric. I no longer viewed this piece of clothing as a great buy, but as something cheap and haphazardly slapped together to make a quick buck. I doubted creator of the garment had any regard for reliability or for the reputation of the label.

I am so glad that our Creator did not carelessly patch people together with a single use mentality! Imagine if we fell apart at the slightest challenge; tossed away at our first failure!

Psalm 139 is a beautiful Bible passage that sings praises to the God that formed us. Unlike the cut and paste clothing I had purchased; this scripture reveals how meticulous our Heavenly Father was in His creation of every person.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:13-14 ESV

You and I are God’s wonderful works. We are hand made with great attention to detail. Genesis 1:27 (ESV) states that “God created man in his own image.” We are patterned after the King!

Additionally, Psalm 139:5a says of the Father, “You hem me in....” (ESV)

In assembling a garment, the cut edges require a “hem”, a finished edge that keeps the fabric from coming unraveled with use. Typically, the cloth is folded over onto itself and sewn together completely through from back to front. This construction protects the integrity of the apparel from daily wear and tear on its most vulnerable “cut” side. In Psalm 139:5, this word hem is translated from the Hebrew word tsuwr which literally means “to confine, bind, or enclose.”

There are times when God’s ways seem confining. Occasionally, I wish I was free to let loose with a retaliatory word or return evil for evil. But His word teaches that unloving behavior hurts me as it hurts others. So, without keeping my raw edge in check, I would come undone.

But then the last phrase of this verse, referring again to the Father, brings so much comfort in rough times.

“...and [You] lay your hand upon me.” Psalm 139:5b (ESV)

Have you ever had someone protectively lay their hand on you when you’ve been hurt? It’s a move that says don’t worry, I’ll handle this. God stepped in to repair the fabric of our relationships with Jesus, His son. Christ’s death and resurrection was not a patch on the irreparable, but rather a reweaving of the threads themselves. He makes us whole again.

I don’t have much sewing skill. In fact, I thought I might purchase some fabric adhesive to rebind the hem of my skirt. But then a friend suggested that I take my clothing to a tailor who is the one who can expertly mend the wrongs.

Seeking help is the best answer. Not just for a silly skirt, but for each tear that occurs in our hearts. We need the One who put us together to keep us together.

Aren’t God’s works wonderful?!!!

Author Bio:

Sharon has been writing and teaching biblically based curriculum, Bible studies, and devotionals since 2007.

She has had the unique position of writing curriculum and teaching for two private, Christ-based, residential recovery programs. Both programs primarily served women in the homeless community.

Sharon has traveled multiple times to Kenya, serving on medical teams and teaching in the rural Maasai communities. She’s been privileged to speak in Leadership camps intended on encouraging and empowering the impoverished, underprivileged, and often abused young women.

Within these ministries, Sharon has witnessed the transformative power of loving words spoken to the broken-hearted. Sharing God’s love and witnessing its transformative power has become her passion.

Sharon and her husband, divide their time between Oregon and Hawaii. They have two grown children.

Currently, Sharon is encouraging others via her inspirational blog, but prefers sharing face to face. Additionally, she is working towards a degree in Ministry.

~*~

Connect with Sharon:

Website: Sharonmusgrove.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sharon-Musgrove-Untethered-102208978041060

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonmusgrove_untethered/

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Welcome to the Earning the Mountain Man's Trust Celebration Tour! #giveaway #historical

About the Book

Book: Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: April 9, 2024

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune.

Naomi Wyatt has finally given up on the man who once promised to love her for the rest of his life—then disappeared with no way to contact him. She’s now a single mother with a beautiful baby girl to provide for, a daughter whose red hair reminds her daily of the man she gave her heart to. She has to move on though, so when Jonah Coulter asks for her hand in marriage, she knows she would be hard-pressed to find a better husband for herself and father for her sweet daughter. He’s a Coulter, after all, and he’s proven to be a good friend during her darkest hours.

But when her first love rides onto the ranch property saying he’d been searching for her for months, her heart is shredded once again. Before she has time to catch her breath though, a new threat appears on the horizon. This time she has far more at stake than her heart, and only a Divine hand can turn this disaster for their good.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain family saga filled with a second chance romance, love triangles, hidden treasure, and love that heals wounded hearts.

Marilyn's thoughts: Earning The Mountain Man’s Trust is a love triangle with Naomi agreeing to

marry Jonah prior to the arrival of Eric at the Coulter brother’s ranch. This is a

story filled with strong characters, action packed scenes, a mystery theme of

who destroyed letters from the past, secrets, faith, and forgiveness. How will

Eric be accepted by the Coulter brothers while wanting to get to know his

young daughter? Who is the culprit of the pain, grief and suffering Naomi and

Eric experienced prior to his arrival in Montana?

There is a variety of emotions while reading as I knew one of the men would be

hurt but with God and faith nothing is impossible to find answers and new

beginnings in His timing. Beller has a gift with her gentle faith messages in

each of her tales.

I received an early copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and the author without

any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own thoughts.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

More from Misty

Storytelling vs. Historical Authenticity?

I’ve been a fan of historical fiction for as long as I can remember, all the way back to the Mandie books by Lois Gladys Leppard and the Sadie Rose books by Hilda Stahl. Does anyone remember those series?

When I started thinking about my first novel, there was no doubt it would be a Christian Historical Romance set in the west. By my second book in, I had narrowed my focus to frontier life in the Rockies. My happy place!

It can be challenging to write about a time I haven’t experienced and cultures that don’t exist in the same form anymore. I love reading first-hand accounts to help me bring a particular time period to life. I often visit historic forts and talk with those who have studied the time period and setting in greater depth.

Three years ago, My family and I set out on a 28-day epic road trip to tour many of the state and national parks across the country. We spent about half of our time in Wyoming and Montana, exploring Yellowstone and Glacier, and tour historic and ghost towns. We spent more than one night tent camping in primitive camping!

These experiences definitely make it easy for me to slip into that world as I write. The characters come alive in my mind, and I see the story like a movie in my head. Writing Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust was especially fun to write, as we return to the Coulter Ranch. I fell in love with not just Naomi and Eric, but also sweet little Mary Ellen, their one-year-old daughter who Eric meets for the first time in this book.

I pray the story comes to life for readers as much as it has for me! J

Blessings!

Misty