The Gift (Prairie State Friends #2) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book 2 in the Prairie State Friends trilogy!
A Modern Amish Couple Enters Marriage of Convenience

Follow the heart-wrenching story of Adam Beachy, whose mother walked out on him and his family—and away from the Amish faith. Now he balks at the idea of ever marrying and having a family of his own. But when tragedy strikes, Adam is suddenly a father figure to his three nieces and finds himself needing a wife. Despite their differences over her practice of reflexology, Leah Mast seems the best option to fill that role. Can they make it work in a modern-day marriage of convenience? 

MY THOUGHTS.....

Leah Mast has an ability to help her neighbors and heal their ailments by practicing reflexology and she is thankful that God has given her this talent. Adam Beachy has total disdain for anyone who believes in this practice and he is very vocal about his aversion. Readers meet both of these characters in the first few pages of The Gift, the second book of the Prairie State Friends series, and we are immediately given a glimpse of how complicated a relationship between the two of them would be. Soon, Adam is faced with the prospect of raising his three orphaned nieces and who does he seek for help? Yes, it is Leah but it is only because he is desperate! A proposal of marriage follows but no love is involved; this will be a marriage for his convenience only.

As I read this, I found myself wondering if Leah is making a mistake because Adam is very judgmental and very unforgiving but Brunstetter has a talent for developing characters that are flawed people but ultimately, redeemable human beings.

This book also gives us an update on characters we met in The Decision, the first book in the Prairie State Friends series. It is nice to revisit them but their new situations and added conflicts leave us with questions that I hope will be answered in book three.

Wanda Brunstetter is famous for her Amish themed books and her fans will not be disappointed.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher, There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. With over 11 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and receive numerous awards.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and family ties. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her  Website  Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

Prairie State Friends Series

The Decision

The Gift

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Daily Wisdom for Women 2022 Devotional Collection by Barbour Staff

ABOUT THE BOOK

You Are a Woman of God. Live Each Day Rooted in His Steadfast Strength!
Women will find comfort, challenge, and their spirits encouraged as they experience the encouraging wisdom of God's Word every day of 2022.

Every day for an entire year, you will be inspired by scriptures, devotional readings, and prayers that that no matter what challenges or difficult times come, God is firmly in control and His ways are good. Daily scripture readings follow a Read through the Bible in a Year plan that you may choose to complete alongside the devotional.

In these pages you'll find comfort, inspiration, and spiritual blessing as you grow in your faith all 365 days of the year.

Those who trust in God are like Zion Mountain:

Nothing can move it, a rock-solid mountain you can always depend on.

Psalm 125:1 MSG 

ABOUT THE BOOK.....

Who doesn't need encouragement during these troubling times? This new book offers that encouragement, and I'm so excited to have it! I'm always eager to try new devotionals and I can tell that this is going to become a favorite, because it's perfect for both new believers and seasoned Christians. Daily Wisdom for Women 2022 begins with 'All Things New' on January 1, and looking ahead, I see that it wraps up the year with 'Unchanging, Constant'. Each entry is just one page, but there is so much value packed into each one. There is Bible scripture, followed by a short essay that explores that verse, and a prayer that ties it all together. So much wisdom, and there 365 of these gems!

This is a beautiful hardback volume that is small enough to fit in your purse, but it's overflowing with hope and encouragement. There's also a Scripture Index and a 'Read Thru the Bible in a Year Plan'. Daily Wisdom for Women 2022 Devotional Guide is a perfect addition to your daily worship time!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 

 
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An Amish Quilting Bee: Three Stories by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, & Shelley Shepard Gray

ABOUT THE BOOK

Three charming stories of cozy quilting circles and budding romance

  Patchwork Promises  by Amy Clipston 

When Colin Zook and his beloved grandmother lose everything in a fire, their greatest loss is a beloved family heirloom quilt that helped keep her dementia at bay. When Joanne Lapp hears about the loss, she decides to re-create the quilt. Colin soon feels himself developing feelings for her, but he’s held back by the knowledge that a future with him would involve care of his grandmother and his farm. Will Joanne look past his list of responsibilities and see him for who he truly is?

A Common Thread  by Kathleen Fuller 

Susie Glick returns from a shopping trip laden with beautiful fabric for her quilting group. On the bus ride, Alex Lehman—her crush from three years ago—sits next to her. Alex left Middlefield to explore the country, and now he’s back and ready to join the church. Susie was just a kid when he left, but now she’s a woman—and she definitely has his interest. The women in her quilting circle aren’t as excited about Alex’s return, assuming that he’ll leave again in search of adventure. Susie is convinced they’re wrong, but just as they start dating, Alex tells Susie he has to leave. He says he’ll return, but Susie must decide whether or not she can trust the man she fears has captured her heart.

Stitched Together by Shelley Shepard Gray 

Rosie’s joy is her yearly project for the Pinecraft Mennonite Quilt Sale, and she dreams of being the top earner. But she’s worried that she’s bitten off more than she can chew with her latest entry. To make things even more confusing, after coming to terms with her single state, she’s recently formed a friendship with Tim Christner. He’s only in town for a month, but he has Rosie wondering if she’s found love at last. Now all she has to do is figure out how to get the quilt done so she can concentrate on him. But with her once very organized life in total disarray, everything comes to a head just before the sale. Rosie is forced to reexamine her priorities before she loses not only her place in the quilt show but everything else she’s ever wanted.

MY THOUGHTS.....

An Amish Quilting Bee is a collection of three novellas by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Shelley Shepard Gray, and reading each story is a delightful way to end the holiday season. All three stories center around quilts and Amish life, but above all, they are a testament to the power of love!

The first novella is Patchwork Promises, and Clipston proves her ability to place readers right there in the story! I loved Colin Zook's love and dedication as he cared for his grandmother who is suffering dementia, and I admired that Joanne Lapp wanted to help him in his efforts. Will Joanne succeed in making a quilt that will help soothe his Mammi? Better yet, will the friendship between Joanne and Colin turn into something even more precious?

Author Kathleen Fuller explores all of the emotions associated with losing your first love and then having that person turn up out of the blue. Will Susie's romantic feelings resurface, or will her family's doubts about Alex overrule those emotions? A Common Thread is a sweet, second-chance story that focuses on trust, hope, and forgiveness.

Stitched Together is the final novella, and Shelley Shepard Gray raises some thought-provoking questions. Rosie Raber finds herself overextended, as she tries to complete a special quilt, care for her pregnant sister's family, and perhaps find time to spend with a young man who is visiting Pinecraft for a short period. Gray made me feel all of the frustration and guilt that Rosie experienced as she yearned for 'me time'. I know that we are taught to serve our fellow man, but when is it okay to draw the line, and finally say "No"?

Yes, these novellas are fiction, but they share so many truths, and pose so many questions about faith, family, and friendship. Having these three exceptional authors together in one collection is a treat, and I recommend An Amish Quilting Bee to all who enjoy Amish fiction and Christian romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but there was no obligation for a favorable review. I am voluntarily sharing my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Amy Clipston is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery, Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel, Amish Heirloom, Amish Homestead, and Amish Marketplace series. Her novels have hit multiple bestseller lists including CBD, CBA, and ECPA. Amy holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan University and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and four spoiled rotten cats. 

For more information, visit Amy's     Website     Facebook               

Twitter            Instagram

With over a million copies sold, Kathleen Fuller is the USA TODAY bestselling author of several bestselling novels, including the Hearts of Middlefield novels, the Middlefield Family novels, the Amish of Birch Creek series, and the Amish Letters series as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield. 

Visit her Website    Instagram    Facebook   

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.  

Learn more about Shelley at her    Website     Facebook 
                                                       Twitter       Pinterest    Instagram

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Marry Me, Millie (Paradise Valley #1) by Amy Lillard

ABOUT THE BOOK

Award-winning, USA Today bestselling author Amy Lillard's uplifting new series unites a "Widows Club" of women who share solace, friendship, and faith in the Amish community of Paradise Valley, Missouri. In this series starter, a young pregnant widow running a B&B meets a handsome outsider who begins to make her believe in love again.

When her young husband died unexpectedly, Millie Bauman thought her life was over too--until she learned she was carrying his child. Now, as she awaits the baby's arrival, Millie's sure her future will revolve around motherhood, the B&B she runs with her Aunt Sylvie, and the beloved Whoopie Pies her Widows Club whips up each week. But when a handsome newcomer arrives in town, Millie is intrigued, and the club wonders if Millie might find a second chance at love...

Henry King plans to stay in Paradise Valley long enough to take care of some family business, and hopefully mend the heartache of his own lost love. As Henry and Millie cross paths, it's clear their neighbors are gently trying to play matchmaker. Not wanting to disappoint, the two pretend to play along--but life gets complicated when a true and tender affection grows. As Millie gets ready to welcome her baby, they must rely on faith and fate to decide if they should risk their hearts on love again...

MY THOUGHTS.....

There are moments of sadness in this book, but much of the time I found myself laughing out loud. Marry Me, Millie has wonderful characters, a great setting, and an additional element of humor. It also has romance, two in fact, and author Amy Lillard shows that romance between an older couple can be just as special as one between a younger pair. Millie and Henry have both known love, and they've also experienced loss, so a new relationship isn't on either of their agendas. Millie's aunt Sylvia and Henry's grandfather Vern decide to change their minds, and that's when the fun begins! These mature matchmakers are aided by members of the Whoopie Pies Widows Club, and their efforts are downright hilarious. Millie and Henry don't stand a chance, but the real surprise is the spark that seems to be smoldering between Sylvia and Henry!

This sweet, inspiring story is filled with faith, friendship, love, and second chances, and Lillard also shares recipes for some of the delicious Amish food that is mentioned throughout the story. I can't wait to try the recipes, and I look forward to the next book in this Paradise Valley series!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy Lillard is a 2013 Carol award-winning author who loves reading romance novels from contemporary to Amish. She was born and raised in Mississippi, but now lives in Oklahoma with her husband and their teenage son.  

Learn more about Amy at her Website     

Facebook     Twitter     Instagram     BookBub     Goodreads

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Searching for Home by Jill Weatherholt

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can three little matchmakers lasso a cowboy father?

When injured professional bull rider Luke Beckett returns to his hometown to recover, he doesn’t expect his B and B host and physical therapist to be his first and only love, Meg Brennan. He’s also unprepared for Meg’s adorable triplets to steal his heart. Luke’s past has him doubting he’s good enough for Meg and the children, but they might be just what the doctor ordered to help him heal… 

MY THOUGHTS.....

Author Jill Weatherholt has done it again! Great characters, sweet romance, and a faith-filled message of trust and forgiveness---all of these make Searching for Home a book that you will want to read and savor. As I read it, I felt such a wide range of emotions. Sorrow that Luke Bennett had been deprived of a loving, nurturing environment when he was growing up; sadness that Meg Brennan believed that he had left Whispering Slopes because he didn't love her; and regret that she had never read the letter that Luke left behind. That unread letter could have changed both of their lives!

Searching for Home has all of the feels! It will tug at your heart strings, stir your emotions, and leave you cheering for Meg and Luke's reconciliation. There are also adorable six-year-old triplets in need of a loving home, and Tia, Tilly, and Tucker may be the keys to a happy future. Will these two hurting adults get a second chance, or will Luke return to the rodeo life that took him away from Whispering Slopes so many years ago?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

By day, Jill Weatherholt works for the City of Charlotte. At night, and on the weekend, she writes contemporary stories about love, faith and forgiveness for Harlequin Love Inspired.

Raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., she now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, but her heart belongs to Virginia.

She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and Paralegal Studies Certification from Duke University.

She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Their relationship grew on the golf course, and now they have one in their backyard.

Jill believes in enjoying every moment of this journey because God has everything under control.

Learn more by visiting Jill's     Website     Facebook     Twitter     Instagram     Pinterest

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Wish Upon a Star by Jennifer Sienes: Review & Giveaway with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Wish Upon a Star

Author: Jennifer Sienes

Genre: Christmas Christian Women’s Fiction

Release date: November 9, 2021

Fairy tales and wishing upon stars are for those who still believe in romance.

Sometimes misplaced trust injures more than ourselves, and doesn’t Elaina Hensley know it. When her oldest daughter is left suffering the consequences, Elaina vows to protect her girls at any cost. Nothing, not even her own happiness, will sway her again.

Or will it?

She’s got this protective self-denial down pat–right up to the moment her best friend’s brother arrives on the scene like a fairytale knight, vowing to slay all her dragons. She must—she will resist.

However, when her worst nightmare comes back to haunt her, Elaina has to admit she needs that white knight on her side.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY THOUGHTS.....

Elaina knows that Ryan is a good man who truly cares for her, but she doesn't feel that she is deserving of a second-chance at happiness. She blames herself for the trauma that her young daughter suffered, and her guilt won't allow her to let go of the past and learn to trust again.

"You have to remember that Jesus died so that you can walk in freedom. If you hold onto guilt, then you're basically thumbing your nose at the Lord."

Author Jennifer Sienes does an excellent job portraying Elaina's doubts and fears, Ryan's hope and determination, and both of their struggles to allow God to work in their lives. Wish Upon a Star is an inspiring, thought-provoking story, and I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary Christian fiction.

I received a digital copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but there was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

About the Author

Jennifer Sienes holds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in education, but discovered life-experience is the best teacher. She loves Jesus, romance and writing–and puts it altogether in inspirational contemporary fiction. Her daughter’s TBI and brother’s suicide inspired two of her three novels. Although fiction writing is her real love, she’s had several non-fiction pieces published in anthologies–two in Chicken Soup for the Soul. She has two grown children and one very spoiled Maltese. California born and raised, she recently took a step of faith with her real-life hero and relocated to Tennessee.

 

More from Jennifer

Do you remember what Christmas was like as a child? I do. Some of my fondest memories come that holiday when I was growing up. There was a deep sense of family and tradition that I desperately wanted to instill in my own children. No small part of that was the innocence that came from being protected by the harsh realities of life. I envisioned growing old with the grands and great-grands gathered around a Christmas tree bursting with ornaments and sharing the customary Christmas dinner.

 

My future didn’t quite pan out the way I’d envisioned it. What was it John Lennon said? “Life is what happens when you’re busy making plans.” Or if you want to keep with the Biblical viewpoint: In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps (Proverbs 16:9)

 

Although my innocence went by the wayside as I became an adult, I held onto that dream until the Christmas morning my first husband announced he was leaving me. It was then I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. He anchored me in the following months along with my full-time teaching job, two teenage children, and a mother who was dying of leukemia. It wasn’t until October rolled around when my then seventeen-year-old son burst into my bedroom early one morning and said, “I just realized, Christmas will never be the same” that it hit me. I wasn’t the only one affected. For him, the dream died much too early. He was right—when splitting time between divorced parents, things get rather disjointed and complicated. Christmas was never the same for any of us.

 

But our God is a God of redemption. He takes our brokenness and disappointments and uses them for our good and His glory. Wish Upon A Star isn’t the traditional Christmas story you might find on the Hallmark channel. It’s about a broken family in need of a merciful Savior, and one woman in need of a white knight.

 

Just like Elaina Hensley, the main character, God had a more perfect plan for my life, too. Without the brokenness we cannot be made whole through Him to be who He calls us to be. In the years since that fateful Christmas morning, He’s given me my own white knight, a godly husband who loves to serve, and the opportunity to follow another childhood dream—to write the stories He’s laid on my heart.

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, December 17

Texas Book-aholic, December 18

Stephanie’s life of Determination, December 18

Inklings and notions, December 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 20

For Him and My Family, December 21

deb’s Book Review, December 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 23

By the Book, December 24

Splashes of Joy, December 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 26

Older & Smarter?, December 27

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 28

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 30

Genesis 5020, December 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card & a 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/14f20/wish-upon-a-star-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Your Marriage God's Way Workbook: A Biblical Guide to a Christ-Centered Relationship by Scott LaPierre

ABOUT THE BOOK

“Scripture allows us to enjoy marriage as God intended it to be—a vibrant, thrilling, fulfilling relationship. Let’s journey together, with the Bible as our guide, to experience the blessings of a Christ-centered marriage.” —Scott LaPierre
By God’s design, your relationship with your spouse is your most important earthly connection. Your heavenly Father wants you to witness the fullness of His love in your marriage, and He invites you to apply His instructions for building a satisfying, enduring union.

This companion workbook to Your Marriage God’s Way encourages you to dive deeper into your study of this sacred contract between man, woman, and God. You’ll lay the foundation of a marriage that lasts as you…
understand the unique roles God has given you and your spouse
identify ways you can better help, encourage, and support each other
make serving God the focal point of your marriage
As you and your spouse work through this book together, you’ll grow closer to God and to each other, harvesting the delicious fruits of a biblical marriage that brings joy and blessing to you and everyone around you.

MY THOUGHTS.....

This workbook is the perfect companion to the book of the same name, and it allows readers to answer questions as they work through Your Marriage God's Way. Author Scott La Pierre shares his knowledge as a pastor, and his own experiences as a husband, to offer a biblical recipe for the institution of marriage. A successful marriage takes work, determination, and a strong foundation, and La Pierre shows us that understanding, and following God's recipe, will surely pave the way. Both of these are valuable resources that you will want for your own!

I received a digital copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Scott LaPierre is a senior pastor, author, and conference speaker. He holds an MA in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. Scott and his wife, Katie, have been married for more than fifteen years. A former schoolteacher and Army officer, Scott currently leads a church in Washington State and supports his family on his pastor’s salary, allowing Katie to stay home with their nine children. Both are passionate advocates of homeschooling. Learn more about Pastor Scott at his website: www.scottlapierre.org.

View all my reviews

Your Marriage God's Way: A Biblical Guide to a Christ-Centered Relationship by Scott LaPierre

ABOUT THE BOOK

Celebrate the Marriage God Made for You

Your most important earthly connection is with your spouse, and when you honor the person you married, you’re also honoring God. He created marriage to be one of life’s greatest gifts, and the instruction manual you need for a joyful, lasting union is found in His Word.

In Your Marriage God’s Way, author and pastor Scott LaPierre takes a close look at the principles for building a biblical marriage—one in which your relationship with Christ brings guidance and blessing into your relationship with your spouse. You’ll gain the tools to…
understand the unique roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives
recognize and resolve the conflicts you face with a heart of hope and compassion
follow God’s worthy command to love and cherish your spouse unconditionally
Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or you’ve been on the road together for years, Your Marriage God’s Way will provide the helpful and encouraging insights you need to experience marriage as God intends it. 

MY THOUGHTS.....

This is a book that needs to be in every church library, and it would be a perfect book to use in marriage counseling sessions. Author Scott La Pierre shares his knowledge as a pastor, and his own experiences as a husband, to offer a biblical recipe for the institution of marriage. Your Marriage God's Way is overflowing with Bible scripture, and I have no doubt that the Holy Spirit was leading the author every step of the way.

I like that this book is written in an easy, almost conversational style, and that it focuses on the many aspects of marital relationships. Your Marriage God's Way is a wonderful guide that targets our own thinking, so that we can better understand our spouse's viewpoint. Studying this book together as a couple would be ideal, but reading it alone is a great beginning! A successful marriage takes work, determination, and a strong foundation, and La Pierre shows us that understanding, and following God's recipe, will surely pave the way. An added bonus is that there is a workbook for recording your thoughts as you go. Both of these are valuable resources that you will want for your own!

I received a digital copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Scott LaPierre is a senior pastor, author, and conference speaker. He holds an MA in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. Scott and his wife, Katie, have been married for more than fifteen years. A former schoolteacher and Army officer, Scott currently leads a church in Washington State and supports his family on his pastor’s salary, allowing Katie to stay home with their nine children. Both are passionate advocates of homeschooling. Learn more about Pastor Scott at his website: www.scottlapierre.org.

View all my reviews

Saving Mrs. Roosevelt (Heroines of WWII) by Candice Sue Patterson: Review & Giveaway with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Saving Mrs. Roosevelt

Author: Candice Sue Patterson

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical/Adventure

Release date: December, 2021

Shirley Davenport is as much a patriot as her four brothers. She, too, wants to aid her country in the war efforts, but opportunities for women are limited. When her best friend Joan informs her that the Coast Guard has opened a new branch for single women, they both enlist in the SPARs, ready to help protect the home front.

Training is rigorous, and Shirley is disappointed that she and Joan are sent to separate training camps. At the end of basic training, Captain Webber commends her efforts and commissions her home to Maine under the ruse of a dishonorable discharge to help uncover a plot against the First Lady.

Shirley soon discovers nothing is as it seems. Who can she trust? Why do the people she loves want to harm the First Lady? With the help of Captain Webber, it’s a race against time to save Mrs. Roosevelt and remain alive.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My thoughts about this amazing book can be seen at the bottom of this post!

About the Author

Candice Sue Patterson studied at the Institute of Children’s Literature and is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she’s not tending to her chickens, splitting wood, or decorating cakes, she’s working on a new story. Candice writes Modern Vintage Romance—where the past and present collide with faith. Her debut novel How to Charm a Beekeeper’s Heart was a 2012 ACFW First Impressions finalist and made INSPYs Longlist for 2016.

 

More from Candice

The idea for Saving Mrs. Roosevelt literally came overnight. I had just finished writing a contemporary romance set in Maine, centered around a harbor town where lobstering is prevalent. My agent called me and told me about the Heroines of WWII series and asked if I’d be interested in writing a WWII novel. If so, I needed to come up with a story and proposal fast because spots were limited and filling quickly. My mind was so consumed with research of the lobster industry that I felt I couldn’t clear my brain fast enough to come up with another story on such short notice. That’s when I started wondering how I could take the knowledge I already had and make it work for a WWII novel. I googled Maine during WWII, came across an article that mentioned the SPARs, and the idea for Saving Mrs. Roosevelt was born.

I don’t want to give too much away, but the Nancy Drew deep inside me figured out a unique way to merge lobstering with espionage.

Though the plot is purely fiction, there are some characters and events that are historically accurate that were fun to include as well. I love Maine, but I’m Hoosier born and raised, and in my SPAR research, I discovered that Dorothy C. Stratton–the woman the Coast Guard asked to direct the SPARs–was the Dean of Women at Purdue University in Indiana. She was a woman of true character, grace, and strength. I knew right away she needed a cameo in my story.

Within twenty-four hours of receiving my agent’s call, I had plotted the entire story and sent a proposal. Weeks went by, and as fall ushered in its beautiful colors, my husband surprised me with a trip to Monhegan Island, Maine. We walked the trails, ate amazing seafood, and took in the gorgeous view. While on the island, my agent called again, this time to let me know that Barbour had contracted Saving Mrs. Roosevelt. What a special moment it was to be standing on the very shoreline where the book is set when I received the good news.

Since the book is set in Maine where the heroine works on a lobster boat with her father, I wanted to share my favorite recipe for Maine blueberry pie.

 

Maine Blueberry Pie

Ingredients:

2 Pie crusts

1 quart of fresh Maine blueberries

1 ½ tbsp lemon juice

Freshly grated nutmeg

¼ c light brown sugar

¼ c white sugar

¼ c flour

2 tbsp tapioca for thickening (if the berries are juicy)

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place the berries into a large bowl, add lemon juice, and toss. Add the remaining ingredients and toss until the berries are well coated with the flour and sugars mixture. Line the pie plate with one crust. Put the berries into the pie plate and top with a solid or lattice-top crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the berries are bubbly and the crust is golden brown.

Blog Stops

Where Faith and Books Meet, December 15

Girls in White Dresses, December 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 15

Remembrancy, December 16

Bigreadersite, December 16

Genesis 5020, December 16

Lighthouse Academy, December 17 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

lakesidelivingsite, December 17

The Sacred Line, December 17

Betti Mace, December 18

Boondock Ramblings, December 18

Inklings and notions, December 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 19

Older & Smarter?, December 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 20 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, December 21

Blossoms and Blessings, December 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 22

Through the Fire Blogs, December 22

Mary Hake, December 22

For Him and My Family, December 23

Spoken from the Heart, December 23

Labor Not in Vain, December 23

She Lives To Read, December 24

Elly Gilbert, December 24

Splashes of Joy, December 25

Pause for Tales, December 25

deb’s Book Review, December 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 26

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 26

Connie’s History Classroom, December 27

To Everything There Is A Season, December 27

The Author Reads, December 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 28

Southern Gal Loves to Read, December 28

Lights in a Dark World, December 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Candace is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a 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/14f18/saving-mrs-roosevelt-celebration-tour-giveaway

MY THOUGHTS.....

Spies, WWII, and the United States of America. Suspense, intrigue, and romance, with a nod to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and her amazing contributions to our county. All of this can be found in Saving Mrs. Roosevelt, and it's a great addition to the Heroines of WWII series! In 1942, Shirley Davenport feels stifled in Lubec, Maine, and she jumps at the chance to join in the war effort by enlisting in the SPARs. Little does she know that she will find love and friendship, and she never dreamed that she would become a spy!

Author Candice Sue Patterson has created an exciting adventure for Shirley, Leo, Alma, and Micah, and she also offers these two couples a chance to experience friendship and love. I loved their exciting adventures, and I also marveled at the many emotions that are conveyed during this time of war and sacrifice. Patterson includes many fascinating facts about SPARS, and she has woven them into a fascinating tale that is both fact and fiction!

This is the first book that I've read by this author, but it certainly won't be my last. I highly recommend it to all who enjoy clean romance and historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation to write a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 


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