Wartime Wednesday: The Tripartite Pact

Wartime Wednesday: The Tripartite Pact

Also known as the Berlin Pact, the Tripartite Pact was signed by WWI enemies Germany, Italy and Japan on September 27, 1940. The thrust of the agreement was mutual assistance should any of the signers be attacked by any nation not already in the war. Within six months, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovakia signed, and when Yugoslavia chose not to sign, their country was invaded by Italy and Germany. The resulting Italo-German client state of Croatia joined the Pact in June 1941.

Primarily aimed at the United States, the Pact recognized two spheres of influence: Japan recognized  “the leadership of Germany and Italy in the establishment of a new order in Europe,” and Japan “was granted dominance over Greater East Asia.” However, the Pact was somewhat limited due to the disparate goals of the signers. One result was that each signer was required to declare war on enemies of the Pact. Economic cooperation between signers was difficult at best. Japan would not grant economic concessions to Germany, and Italy received even less consideration in their agreement.

In response to the alliance, Britain reopened the Burma Road with an eye to causing “inconvenience to Japan without ceasing to be polite.” The U.S. then made another loan to China and gave assurances to Chiang Kai-shek of American support.

In June 1941 after the Axis powers invaded the Soviet Union, Finland entered the war as a “co-belligerent” in an effort to regain territory lost during the Winter War of 1939-1940. However, they never signed the Pact.

Italy was the first Axis power to give up, surrendering in September, 1943. A year later, Bulgaria, Finland, and Romania surrendered, and by May, 1945, the Germans surrendered. Japan did not give up until August, thus bringing an end to the war.

Blog Tour: A Lady Unrivaled

 
 

Click here to purchase your own copy.

About the Book

 

Amid the Unforgettable Cotswolds, the Final Grasp for the Fire Eyes Diamonds Could Threaten Them All

Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile–even if it’s just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well how the dangerous Fire Eyes diamonds have haunted her brother and their friends, and she won’t wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.

Lord James Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he’s determined to live a better life . . . but that proves complicated when old acquaintances pull Cayton into their desperate attempt to seize the jewels. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won’t budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her–and his daughter–from those intent to destroy them all?

My Thoughts

A Lady Unrivaled successfully concludes the Ladies of the Manor series. Easily read as a stand-alone, there are a few spoilers for the first two novels, but rather than detracting from the story, they served to intrigue and interest me in reading books 1 and 2. I don't read a lot of Edwardian era novels, so the list of characters and their titles was a helpful addition. I appreciated Ella's struggles and efforts to be taken seriously, and it was a joy to watch her come into her own by the end. Clayton's unique blend of involvement in his infant daughter's life, hobby as an artist, and attempts to overcome his dark history created a well-developed character who I liked immensely. As a regular reader of mysteries I was able to follow the subtle clues to discover the identity of the hidden villain who was a great mix of charming and creepy. A highly enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the Author

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels and novellas, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to Edwardian British romances. She makes her home in the breathtaking mountains of West Virginia. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Guest Post from Roseanna White

So Very Ella

Back in 2008, I went to my first writers conference, where I met my current best friend and critique partner. I’d been pitching the first book in a series I was rewriting from my childhood, so this was the first project of mine our newly formed critique group did together. Specifically, the third book in the series, which I was then calling Diamond Blaze.

It was about a girl very much like me. Optimistic in the extreme. Always looking for a reason to smile. Her name was Lady Ella Myerston, and though she was the heroine in the third novel in a series—friend to heroine from book 1 and sister of hero in book 2—Ella stood on her own. Or I hoped she did. You see, it’s not very often I try to write a character so much like me, and I wasn’t sure what my new critique partners would think.

I was delighted and relieved when my critters, as I call them, loved her—it felt a little like them loving me. 😉 With Stephanie, that BFF/critique partner, Ella became part of our language. “That’s so Ella” meant “that’s so hopefully and optimistic.” It’s a phrase we used for years, long after that series got shelved and we focused on other projects.

When I finally sold a rewrite of the first book to Bethany House and The Lost Heiress released last September, I was so excited to get to breathe new life into the other books in the series as well. I gave some new twists and turns to Brice’s and Rowena’s story in The Reluctant Duchess, took it to new depths, but it was still largely the story I’d first written seven years before.

Ella’s story, though . . . we eventually settled on the title A Lady Unrivaled, but it was the hardest one in the series for us to name. And writing! Ella’s story didn’t work anymore as I’d had it. I had to toss out the entire thing and start fresh, with a new premise and new plot. But Ella—Ella had to remain Ella. I learned more about her as I rewrote the series, of course, and I added a few things not like me, naturally. But Ella still seeks a reason to smile, always. She still believes in hope, in every situation. And her knack for misplacing things—herself included—might be borrowed (and exaggerated) from my remarkable ability to lose things that I sat down right there two minutes ago.

Ella got new adventures, new goals, new excitement in her life—but she’s still the Ella I got to know all those years ago. And her hero, Cayton, is still the sometimes surly, too-realistic, very different-from-Ella man he has to be to counteract her.

My editor, in her notes to me, said, “Cayton and Ella are so very different. In a way, you wonder how they’ll make it work. And yet you can’t help think they will, and want them to.”

The love story in this book is partly mine, too. Because though on the surface my husband isn’t much like Cayton, in the ways that matters, he is. He’s my opposite, but my perfect complement. He doesn’t always see the bright side I cling to, but he’d never ask me not to cling on anyway. We view the world very differently—and can face it because we’re together.

I love all my books, all my characters. But A Lady Unrivaled . . . well, it’s just so very Ella. I hope you love it just a fraction as much as I do!

Blog Stops

September 22: 100 pages per hour

September 22: Smiling Book Reviews

September 23: Book by Book

September 23: Bibliophile Reviews

September 24: bigreadersite

September 24: Jeanette’s Thoughts

September 25: The Power of Words

September 25: Pause for Tales

September 26: Reading Is My SuperPower

September 26: Faithfully Bookish

September 27: History, Mystery and Faith

September 27: Back Porch Reads

September 28: cherylbbookblog

September 28: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

September 29: Blossoms and Blessings

September 29: Heidi Reads…

September 30: The Scribbler

September 30: Karen’s Krayons

October 1: Singing Librarian Books

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

October 2: Simple Harvest Reads

October 3: Colonial Quills

October 3: History, Hope, Laughter & Happily-ever-after

October 3: Blogging With Carol

October 4: Reader’s cozy corner

October 4: A Baker’s Perspective

October 5: Books and Beverages

October 5: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

Giveaway

I’m giving away a complete set of the Ladies of the Manor Series PLUS a special surprise straight from England! (US addresses only for paperbacks; an international winner is eligible for digital gifts, though!)

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e146afbf28/?

Mystery Monday: Helen Reilly

Mystery Monday: Helen Reilly

Author Helen Reilly

During my search for more Golden Age Mystery novelists, I have unearthed Helen Reilly. Born in 1891 in New York City, Reilly’s early books have been categorized as police procedurals, although the term was not in use at the time she was being published. To ensure accurate, realistic writing, Reilly conducted research with the New York Homicide squad. (Shades of Rick Castle, perhaps?) With a career that spanned from 1930 until her death in 1962, she published almost forty books. Her most popular character is Inspector Christopher McKee.

Helen’s biography is sketchy. She married Pittsburgh, PA native and cartoonist Paul Reilly, who may have been somewhat older than she was; he passed away in 1944. Part of a creative family, two of her daughters, Ursula Curtiss and Mary McMullen were also mystery writers, as was her brother James Kieran.

Blogger Mike Grost has written an extensive analyses of Helen’s work. He made several observations about her stories such as: the use of scientific detection, McKee’s fondness for high-tech phone and radio equipment, the inclusion of technological based communication and transportation centers, and the use of light and architecture throughout her stories. Interestingly, artists show up in many of her stories, as do many elite New Yorkers on a downward spiral.

Helen published her last novel, The Day She Died, in 1962, the year of her own death.

Guest Blogger: Michelle Griep

Meet author Michelle Griep 

High school teenager. What kind of cartoon bubble does that create in your head? Angst-filled girls shopping for prom dresses? Party-hearty boys cruising for a good time after a football game? Nerds holed up in a basement playing video games? Those are common high school experiences—but not mine. I spent the majority of my teen years swapping chapter after chapter with a writer buddy of mine, drafting the great American teenage novel. Don’t look too hard for it on bookshelves, though. It never got published. That friend of mine moved on, but the writing urge never went away, and yes indeedy, I made more friends . . . one of which had the same writing itch as me. And so was born OUT OF THE FRYING PAN, a story of two zany sisters-in-law that my new zany writing friend and I co-authored.

Here’s a blurb: ABOUT THE BOOK ~ OUT OF THE FRYING PAN Murder in Paradise whips life into a froth for FERN and ZULA HOPKINS. When the retirement center’s chef is found dead, the two ladies get folded in with the case. Their zany attempts to track down the killer land them in hot water with Detective JARED FLYNN. Should he be concerned about their safety—or the criminal’s? But there are deadly ingredients none of them expect. Drugs. Extortion. International cartels. And worst of all…broken hearts, especially when the Hopkins sisters’ niece KC arrives on the scene. Life at Sunset Paradise Retirement Village will never be the same.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~ MICHELLE GRIEP Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. Her latest release is OUT OF THE FRYING PAN, but historical romance is her usual haunt. THE CAPTIVE HEART releases in October. Follow her escapades at www.michellegriep.com or www.writerofftheleash.blogspot.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Traveling Tuesday: Egypt

Traveling Tuesday: Egypt

Between the 1870 and 1900, European countries used imperialist aggression, diplomatic pressures, and military invasions to colonize Africa. As a result, at the height of African colonization, seven different countries owned pieces of the continent.

Libya had been occupied by Italy since 1912 as an “economic expansion.” A few years prior to WWII, Mussolini sent thousands of Italians, mostly farmers and other rural type workers, to the country. But the dictator wanted more, specifically countries that had been part of the “old Roman empire.” The apple of his eye was Egypt.

However, he had a problem. As part of a 1936 treaty, British troops occupied Egypt to protect the Suez Canal and the Royal Naval bases in Alexandria and Port Said. But this was September 1940, and the London Blitz had commenced. Also Mussolini thought a German invasion of England was imminent. So he hedged his bets that the British troops would be vulnerable, and on September 13, 1940 sent his forces into Egypt.

Fighting primarily took place in the Western desert, and the Italians eventually captured Sidi Barrani where they left six divisions. But as with many wars, the tide changed, and two months later the British attacked the Italian camps. In three days, they took more than 40,000 Italian prisoners. By January 1941, the British had advanced and took another 35,000 prisoners. By February Italians were surrendering in droves. But once again the tide turned, and it would be another two years before the British gained success against Italy in Africa.

Blog Tour: The Color of Danger

 
 

To purchase your copy, click here.

About the Book

Life as the sister of a serial killer is never easy, especially when former runaway Mari Del Lobo becomes a target herself. A recent crime has her late brother’s signature and MO, which Mari finds highly unusual, as she still blames herself for her only sibling’s death. Soon Mari encounters an unexpected — and a very attractive — ally in Dr. Luke Goodman.

Luke couldn’t save his fiancée from the Smiling Killer, but he’ll do anything to prevent more murders, even ask for help from the serial killer’s sister. Finding a kindred tortured soul in Mari, Luke is determined to keep her alive, but it’s not easy to protect the stubborn ex-rebel.

To solve the mystery, renew her faith, and find love and redemption, Mari has to face her most dangerous enemy — herself.

”One of the best Christian romantic suspense novels I’ve ever read.” – JoAnn Durgin, JoAnn Durgin, USA Today bestselling author.

My Thoughts

Color of Danger drew me in from the very first page. I’m usually not a fan of prologues in a story, because more often than not while trying to be mysterious, they end up being confusing. Not with this story. The prologue gave me just enough information to make me want to know more. Author Alexa Verde has created believable characters that I can relate to. Luke is strong yet sensitive without being sissified, and Mari is stubborn without being unlikeable. Color of Danger is fast paced and packed with vivid description and realistic dialogue that kept me guessing about the culprit’s identity to the end. I look forward to reading other books by Ms. Verde.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

About the Author

Alexa Verde writes sweet, wholesome books about faith, love, and murder. She penned her first literary masterpiece, a rhymed poem, at the ripe age of eight, and since has had 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks. She has bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish, a master’s in Russian, and enjoys writing about characters with diverse cultures. She can claim her 15 seconds of Amazon fame with her books climbing to the #1 spot in Hispanic American and #3 in Christian Mystery & Suspense. She’s worn the hats of reporter, teacher, translator, model (even one day counts!), caretaker, and secretary, but thinks that the writer’s hat suits her the best. After traveling the world and living in both hemispheres, she calls a small town in south Texas home. The latter is an inspiration for the fictional setting of her popular series Secrets of Rios Azules. For giveaways (for example, Russian souvenirs), news, and recipes, please sign up for her newsletter atwww.alexaverde.com. Twitter: @AlexaVerde3. Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexaverdeauthor
 

Guest Post from Alexa Verde

Thank you, Sandra, for having me on the CelebrateLit tour, and heartfelt thanks to all the bloggers who read and reviewed my novel Color of Danger. Every review, every kind word, every blog post matters tremendously to me. Very excited to be here!

In some ways, the first book is like the firstborn child. There is no feeling comparable to the one when your “baby” is born. While Color of Danger is not the first book I’ve written, it is the first book I’ve published, and I’ve done the latter with much apprehension and trepidation. But this was a story I needed to tell, about love, forgiveness, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

By then, my published works had ranged from senryu (Japanese poetry) to travel portraits to interviews, but it had taken me a while to find my voice in full-length books. However, once I realized I wanted to write Christian novels, I never veered off that road. I’m currently working on my first Christian contemporary romance, so my tagline might change. But for the Christian romantic suspense series, Secrets of Rios Azules, it is “Sweet, wholesome books about faith, love, and murder.”

I was told Mari was an unusual heroine. She’s tough, strong-willed, and fearless, and at the same time, vulnerable and hurt. Color of Danger is not just a combination of a Christian romance and a serial killer mystery. It is more than a story of friendship between “Danger Girls,” though Mari is loyal to a fault and would give up her life in a heartbeat for those she loves. First and foremost, it’s about believing in God again. And that’s what I strive for every one of my books to be.

A love letter to God.

Blog Stops

September 8: Daysong Reflections

September 9: Christian Bookaholic

September 10: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

September 11: SueStinnett

September 12: Carpe Diem

September 13: Reading Is My SuperPower

September 14: Mary Hake

September 14: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

September 15: A Baker’s Perspective

September 16: Quiet Quilter

September 17: The Power of Words (Spotlight)

September 18: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

September 19: History, Mystery & Faith

September 20: Bukwurmzzz

September 21: Blogging With Carol

September 22: Rhonda’s Doings

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Alexa is giving away a $50 amazon gift card! Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/a367

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Author Mary Ball

Meet Author Mary Ball

I'm pleased to introduce you to author Mary Ball, who took time from her busy schedule to stop by for a visit.

Author Mary L. Ball

Linda:  Welcome, Mary. You have several books out, with another coming soon. When did you know you want to pursue publication?

Mary: After writing many Christian articles a desire rooted in my heart to scribe fiction. It took seven months to complete my manuscript, then a year of editing and polishing. I began submitting to publishers, another year later my debut novel, Escape to Big Fork Lake was accepted by Prism Book Group.    

LM: In your second book “Stones of Destiny” where did you find your inspiration for the story?

Mary:  I was passing by my oldest grandson one day; his nose was deep into one of those YA books about magic. The thought came to me that there all kinds of captivating wonder around and real miracles. So I set out to write a fictional story that starts with a simple object but becomes hope to hang onto through faith and prayer.

LM: Do you have an unusual research story to share?

Mary: No. LOL I wish I did.

LM: The age old question for writers-are you a “pantster” or a plotter?

Mary: I’m a little of both. I will note a short outline of the way I think the novel will go, but it never gets written that way. As my characters evolve they always surprise me by talking different approaches. Sometimes, the Lord will quicken my spirit to changes that need to happen along the way too.

LM: What is your favorite scene in the story?

Mary: There are several but the one that stands out is when Taylor finds the heirloom ring and slips it on her finger and experiences unexplained feelings.     

LM: What is your next project?

Mary: I’m working with my editor for the release of Sparks of Love later in the fall. I would like to share the blurb.

Sparks of Love

Misjudged and accused, Lynette Cunningham walks away from God and everything she loves.

Ten years later, a phone call from father offers hope when he announces he may have a clue to the unsolved crime that forced her to run. She’s scared, but encouraged. Maybe this will clear her name from slander in her small North Carolina hometown.

Before Lynette returns tragedy strikes. A Fire destroys her childhood home and kills her father.

While she sorts through the ruins and hopes to find the clue, Lynette meets the new pastor, Price Fletcher.

 She must face the two things that scare her most. The past and a man of God.

 Can Lynette acknowledge her love for a man who represents the One she believes let her down? Will she stay alive long enough to prove her innocence?  

LM: Sounds very interesting! You’ve got a full plate as an Associate Pastor’s wife, author, and a singing ministry. What advice can you offer for fledgling writers about balancing the areas of their lives?

Mary: Life is busy, not everyone can shut themselves up in their office and write six hours a day. Don’t put yourself into the stereotype where you believe that you can’t accomplish being an author if you don’t set a certain time each day to write for hours. For some it’s fine, but for others (me) we have to go with the flow. Pick out times to write each day that work for you and don’t beat yourself up if your schedule only allows for a little writing time. The most important thing is to write as much as possible, and stay focused on your goal of completing your book.

LM: What are your passions outside of writing?

Mary: Lol. Well like you mentioned, I sing. Praising God in songs is my way of destressing. It may not seem relaxing to stand in front of people and sing but it’s a joy to love the Lord with a song. I also enjoy the being outdoors and fishing.    

LM: Thanks for visiting today! Find Mary Ball on Amazon.

Blog Tour: The Wedding Shop

Blog Tour: The Wedding Shop

History, Mystery and Faith is pleased to be the first blog tour stop by Rachel Hauck's latest release The Wedding Shop.

 
 

To purchase your copy, click here.

About the Book

 

Two women separated by decades. Both set out to help others find their dreams when their own have crumbled.

It’s the early 1930s, but Cora Scott is walking in stride as a career woman after having inherited her great aunt’s wedding shop in Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, where brides come from as far away as Birmingham to experience her famed bridal treatment. Meanwhile, Cora is counting down the days until her own true love returns from the river to make her his bride. But days turn into months and months to years. All the while, Birch Good continues to woo Cora and try to show her that while he is solid and dependable, he can sweep her off her feet.

More than eighty years later, former Air Force Captain Haley Morgan has returned home to Heart’s Bend after finishing her commitment to military service. After the devastating death of her best friend, Tammy, and discovering the truth about the man she loved, Haley is searching for her place in life.

When Haley decides to reopen the romantic but abandoned wedding shop where she and Tammy played and dreamed as children, she begins a journey of courage, mystery, and love.

As Cora’s and Haley’s stories intertwine through time in the shadow of the beloved wedding shop, they both discover the power of their own dreams and the magic of everyday love.

My Thoughts

The Wedding Shop is a well-written story about two women - one set in present day, the other in the 1930s. I don’t read a lot of romance novels, but I was familiar with Rachel Hauck as an author, so decided to give the book a try. I am glad I did. The characters are fleshed out, realistic individuals with dreams, strengths and struggles I can relate to. Initially I wanted Cora to be more confident, then I realized she is a product of her times (1930s), and the perfect counterpart to Haley (a former Air Force Captain). I loved Charlotte Malone, who was the protagonist in book one and plays a secondary role in The Wedding Shop. She is an intelligent, big-hearted woman filled with wisdom. At one point she tells Haley, “You can’t let your past define you, or your future...What you did isn’t who you are now or who you’ll become. Isn’t that the point of the cross?...You can’t punish yourself into righteousness.” I finished the book in two sittings, and the characters have stayed with me long after I turned the last page. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the Author

Rachel Hauck is a USA Today Bestselling author. Her book, The Wedding Dress, was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Her book Once Upon A Prince was a Christy Award finalist.

Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and two pets and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at rachelhauck.com, Facebook: rachelhauck, and Twitter: @RachelHauck

Guest Post from Rachel Hauck 

 Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share The Wedding Shop with you. This book is one of my favorites.

While all books are my “babies,” this one found a special place in my heart.

This standalone novel is part of the Wedding Collection – The Wedding Dress and The Wedding Chapel – and it came to life when I discovered the story of Cora Scott, a 1930s wedding shop owner.

At 30, she’s an old maid, but the best “bride’s maid” in fictional Heart’s Bend, Tennessee. But she’s in love with a charismatic, charming river boat captain.

The contemporary heroine, Haley Morgan, is a retired Air Force captain returning to Heart’s Bend to restart her life. She’s recovering from a broken heart. The handsome, dynamic, charming man she loved was nothing but trouble.

Returning home, Haley is set on keeping a childhood promise she made with her best friend—to open the old wedding shop.

The shop is legend in Heart’s Bend. Haley grew up with stories of Miss Cora and the shop, hearing the town’s mothers, grandmothers, and great grandmothers reminiscing about their “day in the shop,” walking down the grand staircase in their wedding gown.

But in 2016, the shop is dilapidated, neglected and in need of more money than Haley possesses.

While writing this story, I had to ask a lot of questions. Why reopen the old shop? Why not just open a new one?

Haley was a combat veteran, deployed to Afghanistan twice, why would she want to open a wedding shop?

I also investigate the meaning of the shop to the town? To Cora? To Haley?

As I developed the backstory for the characters, the shop and the town, Cora’s came to life. She fascinated me. I admired this fictional woman. She exuded ingenuity, courage, and deep, deep devotion.

On the other hand, Haley was a bit of a mystery but from the start, she saw value in something no one else did.

What if we all saw value in people or places others wanted to reject?

Isn’t that what Jesus does for us?

The heroes of the book, Birch and Cole, are just stellar guys. Princes among men. I love writing about slightly wounded but strong and tender men.

The theme of family and community populates the story. Also, how misconceptions and preconceived ideas often ruin relationships.

Booklist gave The Wedding Shop a Starred Review and called it, “Spellbinding.”

There’s a lot of fun drama in this book! I hope you enjoy spending time with Cora and Haley, the men they love and the shop they bring to life.

 I’d love to hear your thoughts! Connect with me at www.rachelhauck.com.

Blog Stops

September 13: History, Mystery & Faith

September 13: A Holland Reads

September 14: Giveaway Lady

September 14: Daysong Reflections

September 15: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses

September 15: Bibliophile Reviews

September 16: Bigreadersite

September 16: The Scribbler

September 17: Books,Dreams,Life

September 17: ASC Book Reviews

September 18: Book Babble

September 18: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

September 19: Pause for Tales

September 19: Book by Book

September 20: The Power of Words

September 20: Lighthouse Academy

September 21: Proverbial Reads

September 21: Splashes of Joy

September 22: Faithfully Bookish

September 22: Singing Librarian Books

September 23: Tell Tale Book Reviews

September 23: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

September 24: Quiet Quilter

September 24: Reading Is My SuperPower

September 25: For The Love of Books

September 26: His Grace Is Sufficient

September 26: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away her Wedding Collection Series! Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/a366

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Norma Gail!

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Author Norma Gail

Linda: Welcome to my blog, Norma Gail. I'm thrilled to introduce you to my followers. I greatly enjoyed your book, Land of My Dreams.  Congratulations on publishing your first novel. Where did you find your inspiration for the story?

Norma Gail: I have wanted to be a published author since I was a child and read Little Women. Jo March was my hero. Life, a nursing career, kids, all got in the way, but I always said, “Someday.” When I broke my foot and spent 8 weeks in a wheelchair, my boredom led me to start working on a story idea that had been churning in my brain for a couple of years. Once I had it down on paper, I got the courage to attend a writer’s conference and see if I had what it took. I learned a lot and a little over a year later, following my second conference, I had a contract.

LM: Do you have an unusual research story to share?

Norma Gail: Much of the research for Land of My Dreams was done prior to ever sitting down to write. It involved a trip to Scotland for our 30^th wedding anniversary. My most interesting research story involves a work in progress. I love history, if it’s family history, I love it more. My great grandfather and great uncle were murdered on their ranch in southwestern New Mexico in 1918. The killers were never brought to justice and I took that very personally. I attended nursing school with the great granddaughter of one of the men involved. We had to agree to disagree and ended up working together for 7 years. 

Years later, I began researching on the internet and came across cousins who were sisters, also searching. Our mothers met once. Our grandmothers were sisters, but the families lost touch over the years. They came for a visit with another sister and their mom. I rented a Suburban and we went off for a week to see what we could dig up in libraries, newspapers, and the scene of the crime. We are a little closer to the answers, but in the process, I have reunited the descendants of my great grandparent’s eight children who had lost touch with each other. We now communicate regularly, share photographs and some of us have met. I continue to be the principle researcher. I have even talked on the phone to the great grandson of one of the murderers who has many questions of his own. We plan to get together soon and discuss our shared tragedy. He now owns a portion of my great grandfather’s ranch. It is a story begging to be told.

LM: The age old question for writers-are you a “pantster” or a plotter?

Norma Gail: Absolutely a pantster! I plot when I get stuck, but I have to just write and get the story on paper before I can begin to make it flow coherently. I’ve tried plotting first. I find it tedious and boring. 

LM: What is your favorite scene in the story?

Norma Gail: I have two. The first is when Bonny Bryant, an American college professor, teaching in Scotland, goes fly-fishing with Kieran MacDonell, a bagpipe playing, kilt-wearing, Highland games athlete in Scotland. He is a full-time sheep farmer and part-time math professor. My husband played a huge part in writing the scene, and I love the electricity between Bonny and Kieran and the fun they end up having over an event that parallels a true-life fishing experience of my husband.

The second would have to be when Kieran takes Bonny to Urquhart Castle, the castle on the shores of Loch Ness. The experience of a very special rainbow is taken from an experience my husband and I had on top of that very castle on our trip to Scotland. For that reason, it holds a very special place in my heart.

LM: What is your next project?

Norma Gail: I am completing the sequel to Land of My Dreams. The tentative title is Within Golden Bands. The characters, one in particular, had their own ideas about how to behave and totally messed with my plans for the story, however, it is shaping up as a pretty exciting romantic suspense. I am loving returning to my beloved characters who have become my dear friends!

LM: Now that you’ve published your first book, what advice can you offer for fledgling writers?

Norma Gail: Don’t think because you made good grades in school and have always loved writing that you know everything and can write a bestseller on your own. Take time to learn your craft. Attend writing conferences early and often. Take the advice you’re given from critiques, good or bad, and never, never give up!

LM: What are your passions outside of writing?

Norma Gail: Teaching the Bible. I recently had to give up the Bible study I led for 13 ½ years, for health reasons. I miss it terribly. My real passion is teaching the Old Testament, especially Genesis, because so many Christians tend to be ignorant of the power of those books. I love Deuteronomy and Leviticus, and helping women develop a biblical worldview. My other passion is family history research. I can get totally carried away with either.

LM: What else do you want folks to know about you?

Norma Gail:  I love romantic fiction, but my favorite Christian author is Michael Phillips. He is not known for romance or light, easy reads. He is known for beautifully woven stories that have deep and powerful Christian lessons. My goal is to write stories that entertain, but also move the reader to examine their lives and relationship to Jesus through the experiences of the characters and grow through their reading. I like fiction with spiritual depth, yet great, heartrending romance.

LM: Thank you so much for visiting today! Readers you can find Norma Gail's book Land of My Dreams on Amazon.

Wartime Wednesday: German Resistance

Wartime Wednesday: German Resistance

Unlike resistance groups from the Allied countries during WWII, there was no united, formal resistance movement within Germany. Opposition was carried out by individuals and small groups. Over the course of the war, nearly 75,000 people were executed for their part (real or imagined) in going against the Nazis. Opposition took many forms. Some was covert such as hiding Jews and other targeted populations or the publication of anti-Nazi leaflets and newspapers. Some was more obvious such as outspoken criticism of Hitler and various assassination attempts.

Adults were not the only individuals who were against the Nazi oppression. Youth of all ages participated in resistance as well. The White Rose group operated for a short time between 1942 and 1943. The group coordinated efforts on the University of Munich campus for civil rights and opposition to Nazi policies. A non-violent group, their activities were weekly discussion groups, painting “freedom” on brick walls, and distributing leaflets explaining their stand against the Nazis on moral and political grounds.

Founded by five students and their philosophy professor, they produced six pamphlets that were left in telephone books in public phone booths, mailed to professors and students, and taken to other universities for distribution. It is estimated that only one hundred or so of these leaflets were distributed.

The group was caught when the University’s custodian witnessed one of the members tossing leaflets from the top of one of the buildings on campus. They were arrested and questioned for four days. Their trial was swift and a token event. Declared guilty within moment of deliberation, the founders were executed a few days later.

White Rose members who were not caught hoped the executions would stir up further resistance, but to their dismay life at the university carried on as usual. The movement lost impetus and faded into obscurity. After the war, the group’s efforts were praised, but of course, by then it was too late.

Blog Tour: Hope in My Heart

 

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book:

 

Hope in My Heart is a collection of short, heartwarming stories with characters in need of hope.

In “Love Unexpected,” a car crash brings commitment-wary Sebastian and career woman Chandra together. Neither is looking for romance, but those around them see the potential, and Sebastian and Chandra discover that sometimes love shows up unexpectedly.

Christmastime is the setting for the middle story, “The Best Gift.” Christina desires to lose ten pounds so she can fit into her dress for her sister’s wedding. Jordan wishes her mom would stop trying to marry her off. And Joshua hopes to be reunited with his ex-girlfriend but eventually learns that the best gift this Christmas will be the restoration of his relationship with God.

In “Peace and Love,” three characters living in a metropolitan area are desperately searching. Elle, a starving artist, aspires to become a paid professional. Eric, a divorce attorney, wants to resolve his issues concerning his parents’ divorce. Kristine anticipates finding her birth mom before she marries Derek. All characters pray their searches will conclude this holiday season and fill their hearts with peace and love.

My Thoughts

Hope in My Heart is a collection of short stories about love and redemption. Although somewhat light in character development, each vignette weaves themes of God’s love and salvation into the plot line. I like that the protagonists have real-life issues and insecurities, such as Christina’s struggle with weight in Book Two: The Best Gift. Clever descriptions are scattered throughout; one of my favorites is the visual I get from Christina’s effort to “shimmy into her bridesmaid dress.” The author uses more telling than showing than I prefer, but the collection is a quick, easy read that allows the reader to escape everyday stresses. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the Author

Alexis A. Goring is a writer at heart and a journalist by profession. She loves the art of storytelling and is especially delighted to have released her first book, an inspirational romance novella called Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories, in Sept. 2013. When Alexis is not working on her next book or chasing down the next big story for the newspaper where she works as a freelance reporter, she can be found listening to songs by her most admired musicians, enjoying the food in cafes/restaurants, shopping at her favorite malls and spending quality time with loved ones (family and friends).

Guest Post from Alexis Goring

It’s an honor to have my first published book, Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories, going on a blog tour with Celebrate Lit!

I met Sandra, founder of Celebrate Lit, through Facebook when she asked me to be one of the book reviewers for her company. At the moment, I was in grad school pursuing my MFA in Creative Writing so I didn’t have time to write a review. But I enjoyed reading my fellow bloggers’ reviews of the books featured by a blog tour hosted by Celebrate Lit. Imagine how delighted I was to be afforded the opportunity to participate in one of these tours not as a blogger but as a featured author!

I’m guessing that you’d like to know a little bit about me as an author. So, here’s my (real-life) story: I’m an East Coast girl with a love for writing, photography, good food and music that inspires hope in my heart. Most people think that I’m either from New York, California or an “exotic island”. They are right about the island heritage, because my dad is from the Caribbean. I love making connections with people and learning from their life stories. I believe in finding the good in everything and showing God’s love to the world. I have a heart for the hurting and hungry. I want to help people discover their true worth and realize their true identity—they are loved and belong to the Creator of the Universe. I believe that I achieve that goal to an extent, through my Christian lifestyle blog, “God is Love.”

As an author, my goal is to warm the hearts of my readers, bring a smile to their face and point them to the One who loves them with all of His Heart. I am talking about God. He’s amazing! I’m so grateful to Him for giving me the gift of writing and showing me ways to share my writing and His love with the world! I love that He made a way for me to publish my first book and is making a way for me to publish my next ones.  

Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories was originally published by Crossbooks (former imprint of B&H Publishing Group) in Sept. 2013. However, after Crossbooks closed, my book was re-branded by WestBow Press (a division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan) and re-released in Nov. 2015. It’s available for purchase on Amazon.com and a few other book retailer sites online. Initially, it was on the shelves at Barnes & Noble (my favorite bookstore) but since being re-branded, it’s only available online.

Blog Stops

September 1: Bibliophile Reviews

September 2: Faithfully Bookish

September 3: Bukwurmzzz

September 3: The Power of Words

September 4: Mary Hake

September 5: cherylbbookblog

September 6: History, Mystery & Faith

September 7: A Baker’s Perspective

September 8: Southern Chelle

September 9: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

September 10: Karen’s Krayons

September 11: Through the Open Window

September 11: Singing Librarian Books

September 12: His Grace is Sufficient

September 13: Carpe Diem

September 14: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Alexis is giving away seven eBook copies of her book Hope in My Heart! Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/a2fc

Blog Tour: A Memory Worth Dying For

 
 

To purchase your copy, click here.

About the Book

“Do Not Return To Texas!” Marti Rushing gets the message, loud and clear. If she returns to Texas, her life is in danger. If she stays in Tennessee, she’s safe. But when she receives a letter telling her that Daniel, her ex-husband and the love of her life, is dying, she knows she has to defy the stalker and return to Texas to see him. Three years ago, Daniel accused her of things she couldn’t remember doing. Without waiting for an explanation and after four wonderful years of marriage, Daniel kicks her off of his family’s Quarter Horse ranch. Now, three years after their separation, he walks into her art reception in Tennessee and acts like he doesn’t remember her. Does the memory loss have anything to do with the letter she received, or is Daniel pretending? Is he the one stalking her, or is it someone with a deadly, sinister motive? Ignoring the deadly warnings, she leaves for Texas, but on the way there, the attempts on her life begin. Will she be able to evade her pursuer’s attacks? Or will Daniel’s face be the last one she sees?

My Thoughts:

As with any good suspense novel, A Memory Worth Dying For starts off with a bang and immersed me immediately into the intrigue. Multiple plot lines and short chapters kept the pace breathless, causing me to read late into the night as I tried to figure out who was out to get Marti. Marti and Daniel both struggle with their relationship with God, but for different reasons. Through the use of realistic dialogue, their friends and acquaintances lead them to prayerfully consider how to respond to God’s desire to have a place in their lives. Told through the eyes of several characters, including the unknown villains, A Memory Worth Dying For has a high level of suspense and plenty of twists and turns. Themes of forgiveness and hope in God are woven throughout the story without being preachy. It is my hope Ms. Bruce plans additional novels in this series.

About the Author

Joanie has a strong passion for reading, and her love for books with nail-biting suspense, inspires her to write contemporary suspense books. Thankful that God has given her the ability to write from her home in the country, she strives to use that opportunity to honor Him in all of her writing. Joanie and her husband, Ben, live in a country home near Madison, Georgia, right in the middle of a pasture full of beef cows. There they raised and homeschooled their three children. She enjoys cooking, taking long walks, painting oil portraits, and caring for their home in the country.

Guest Post from Joanie Bruce

Hello everyone. My name is Joanie Bruce, and I’m happy to visit with you today and tell you a little about myself and my book, “A Memory Worth Dying For.”

The idea for this book actually started from a simple memory. Years ago, I watched a movie about a woman whose father-in-law ruined her marriage. That thought raised a question in my mind: What would happen if a married woman was kicked out of her home by her father-in-law, and her husband never stood up for her against his father?

Many questions and solutions emerged from that one idea, and the brainstorming began… One answer lead to another problem, and the answer to that problem produced another question. When all was done, the plot for this book emerged.

After adding suspense, mystery, love, and a growing spiritual aspect to that one idea, I was able to combine them to form an interesting plot. Finally, after several months of work, “A Memory Worth Dying For” was born.

I love this story because it shows forgiveness at its highest peak. Marti and Daniel have a wonderful marriage, but because of greed, selfishness, and a colossal misunderstanding, that marriage is dissolved. Even though they are separated, the love they feel for each other never wanes. Marti’s love for Daniel throws her into a dangerous situation, but that same love also gives her the perseverance and determination to stay in Texas and fight for the happiness of the man she loves even though her life is threatened if she does. I’m sure you’ve all read the Bible verse Joel 2:25a. “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten.­­­” That verse is the one Marti clings to throughout the story.

As I do my writing each day, I pray that God will teach me something. Writing this book taught me so many lessons. Not only did I fall in love with the characters, but with the idea of practicing forgiveness in my own life. It also reinforced the knowledge that I should never jump to conclusions and get the facts before I make decisions. In this book, Daniel jumped to a conclusion and listened to gossip which caused the break-up of his marriage and unnecessary stress in his life.

Years ago, one of my Sunday School students gave me a book for Christmas called “In His Steps.” If you remember, that book started the campaign that encouraged you to ask “what would Jesus do?” before every action. I was convicted while reading that book because I knew I wasn’t doing things in my life for the Lord’s glory. So the next Sunday in church, I dedicated my life back to the Lord, and I began praying He would use me in whatever way He chose.

After those sincere prayers, the Lord began showing me how I could use my life and the talents He gave me for Him. It was shortly after that prayer I found out I had the ability to paint portraits, and not long after starting my art career, my first attempt at writing was accepted for a publishing contract. I realized then that following the Lord’s leading in my life and an attitude of gratefulness and obedience all worked together so the Lord would bless my efforts.

If you take anything away from this post, I hope it will be that the Lord can use anyone who is willing to be used. If you surrender your talents to him, no matter what your age or limitations, God can still use you for His glory.

Thank you for listening to my ramblings. I hope and pray that God blesses each of you in all of your accomplishments.

Blog Stops

August 30: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

August 30: Cassandra M’s Place

August 31: Petra’s Hope

September 1: A Reader’s Brain

September 2: Quiet Quilter

September 2: Splashes of Joy

September 3: History, Mystery & Faith

September 4: Ashley’s Bookshelf

September 5: Carpe Diem

September 6: Pause for Tales

September 7: Blogging with Carol

September 8: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

September 9: A Baker’s Perspective

September 10: bigreadersite

September 11: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses

September 11: Daysong Reflections

September 12: just the write escape

September 12: Mary Hake

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Joanie is giving away a Kindle Fire and her books! Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/a29f