The Decision (Prairie State Friends, #1) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

ABOUT THE BOOK

Discover along with Jonah Miller how life can begin anew in the prairie state of Illinois. Moving from Pennsylvania, finding rewarding work, and leaving heartbreak behind is the best decision Jonah ever made. But is he ready to consider love again when he meets Elaine Schrock? Will his scarred heart mend when she chooses family loyalty over love?

MY THOUGHTS.....

Once again beloved author Wanda Brunstetter has created characters that grab our attention and a storyline that tugs at our heartstrings. In 'The Decision', book one in her Prairie State Friends, we once again meet Jonah Miller, a young Amish buggy maker who leaves Pennsylvania after a heart breaking loss. The young widow Jonah was planning to marry discovers that her "dead" husband is actually alive on the night before their wedding. Jonah, needing to put distance between himself and the reunited couple, moves to Illinois to begin a new life. He feels that he has been given a second chance at love with Elaine Schrock but this also proves to be in vain. Elaine's promise to her dying grandfather to always take care of her grandmother prompts Elaine to release Jonah from any love and commitment the two may have shared.

As in true life, death or illness can alter many plans and this book has both. Dementia and MS affect two of the prominent characters and readers are given a glimpse of how the Amish might deal with these issues.

There are many decisions to be made in this story. Elaine must choose between keeping her promise or following her heart; Jonah must decide if he will remain single or risk losing his heart for a third time.

"The Decision" is a heart wrenching study of duty over personal happiness and a heartwarming reminder that 'good can come to those who wait'. Readers of this book will be glad they have chosen to read "The Decision" and they will anxiously await the second story in this series!

I received a 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 

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  

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The Great Weight Debate: Get the Facts and Choose the Diet That's Right For You by Amy Newman Shapiro: log Tour & Giveaway

 

Join Us for This Tour from July 19 to August 6!

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Great Weight Debate: Get the Facts and Choose the Diet That's Right for You by Amy Newman Shapiro
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction, 188 pages
Genre: Self-help, Health and Fitness
Publisher:  Snewman Media
Release date:  January 2021
Content Rating:  G

 

Book Description:
​ 

The Great Weight Debate helps you evaluate which diet will work for you and which can hurt you. It is your essential, trusted resource to sift through the minefield of recommendations and misinformation when choosing the best diet for weight loss success. The Great Weight Debate summarizes many popular weight loss plans and explains the principles and research behind each diet. It also highlights the factors that may or may not make the diet a healthy choice for you. It explains why and how to choose a diet that takes into account your food preferences and meets the needs of your lifestyle, schedule, and food availability. It will help you discover and understand the rules, food restrictions, and health risks of each diet. In addition, read up on the new trends, the latest buzz, and the results of the most up-to-date research science has to offer. So...Whether you choose Paleo, low carbohydrate, intermittent fasting, Whole30, or Mediterranean, do it with realistic expectations and do it smartly. Find weight loss success with The Great Weight Debate.

 

Buy the Book:
Amazon
Add to Goodreads 

MY THOUGHTS.....

It's easy to decide that you are going to lose weight, but how easy is it to succeed in reaching your goal? How many books have you read and how many diets have you tried? If you're like me, the answer is quite a few, so this new book just may be the answer for all of us! Amy Newman Shapiro shares advice and tips in this easy-to-read book that explains how to lose weight and how to keep it off!

The Great Weight Debate is divided into three parts: The Dieting Business; The Diets; and Getting Healthy/Staying Healthy. I was aware that the dieting business is extremely profitable, but 70 billion dollars? Knowing how to choose the best diet was my main interest, and Shapiro explores many of the popular plans. She explains how the plan works, what the experts say, and if this diet is best for you. Losing weight is one thing, but will it harm your health? I also appreciated learning how to reach my goal, and maintain that success, because There Is No Finish Line! Weight maintenance requires discipline and vigilance, but it can be achieved!

I recommend The Great Weight Debate: Get the Facts and Choose the Diet That's Right For You to all who want a better, healthier weight-loss solution. It is a great resource!

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

Meet the Author:
 

Amy Shapiro RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian and professional speaker promoting wellness in corporate, clinical and private settings. With degrees in both Psychology and Nutrition, Amy’s focus is on behavior modification and lifestyle management. Additionally, Amy is a personal trainer certified by the American Council on Exercise and a wellness coach. With thirteen years of experience educating and coaching clients and worksite wellness groups to achieve weight loss success, Lose It For the Last Time is Amy’s first book. She is the mother of two grown children and lives with her husband on Long Island New York.

 

Connect with the Author: ​Website ~ Facebook

 

Tour Schedule:

July 19 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
July 20 – Pick a Good Book – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
July 21 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
July 22 – Lamon Reviews – book spotlight / author interview
July 22 - Laura's Interests – book review / guest post / giveaway
July 23 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review / giveaway
July 26 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews - book spotlight / guest post. giveaway
July 27 – Sandra's Book Club – book review
July 27 - Olio by Marilyn – book spotlight / author interview
July 27 – Olio by Marilyn – book review / giveaway
July 28 – Kam's Place – book review
July 28 - Library of Clean Reads – book review / giveaway
July 29 – Older & Smarter? – book review / giveaway
Aug 2 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Aug 2 - Splashes of Joy – book review / author interview / giveaway
Aug 2 - Lisa's Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 3 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Aug 4 – @twilight_reader – book review
Aug 5 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Aug 6 – Reading is My Passion – book review
 

Enter the Giveaway:

THE GREAT WEIGHT DEBATE Book Tour Giveaway

 

View all my reviews

 

Widow's Secrets by Shelley Shepard Gray

ABOUT THE BOOK

She’s found peace living alongside the Amish…

But she can’t escape her past.

Artist Liana Mann is stunned to learn her husband, missing for ten years, has been found murdered. Now Officer Kent Olson seeks to solve the cold case—with Liana’s help. The faster he unravels the mystery, the sooner he can return to regular duties. Liana wants nothing to do with the police, yet Kent intrigues her. But will digging into the past create new problems? 

MY THOUGHTS.....

Author Shelley Shepard Gray often writes Amish fiction, and even though this book includes Amish characters, the main focus is on Englishers who are drawn into a ten-year-old police case that's never been solved. As the story opens, the body of Liana Mann's husband is discovered and she's finally convinced that he won't be coming home. What isn't known is who murdered him in such a brutal manner.

Gray's characters are well-developed and their past histories add many layers to the plot. Liana had been abused and, after years of withdrawing into a private world of fear and distrust, she's just now found inner peace from her art and her special friendship with Amish neighbors. Is it any wonder that she would be wary of Officer Kent Mann, and his investigation that threatens to undermine any happiness she has achieved? In his efforts to solve the murder, Kent becomes a more sympathetic police officer and his friendship with Liana indicates that a deeper relationship may be possible. Can he persuade her to trust again?

Questions multiply, and the mystery deepens, as Liana and Kent work together to finally bring closure to this 'cold case'. Several twists and turns kept me guessing and seeing Liana blossom is a joy. Widow's Secrets is a touching story filled with sweet romance, hope, and forgiveness, and I recommend it to all who enjoy inspirational romantic suspense.

I received a 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

Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults and she is an active member of her church.

Learn more about Shelley at her    Website     Facebook 

                                                       Twitter       Pinterest    Instagram  

View all my reviews

Regaining Mercy by Carolyn Miller: Review & Giveaway with Celebrate Lit

ABOUT THE BOOK

Regaining Mercy

Author: Carolyn Miller

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: June 29, 2021

A mom ready to do anything for her son. A man determined to win the woman he loves.

Going on Love at First Glance had seemed like such a good idea. She didn’t care about finding Mr. Right. No, Mindy Murray chose the reality TV show for more mercenary reasons.  A mom’s gotta do what a mom’s gotta do when it comes to feeding her son.

When Mindy returns to Elnora, the girl from the “wrong side of the island” just wants a chance to rebuild her reputation. Too bad the folks at church don’t practice what the preacher preaches.

Enter Dermott Reilly. The interim boss at Greener Gardens has always had a soft spot for Mindy and her son, but with his new responsibilities, an important garden competition, and a few other concerns, he finds it difficult to prove himself to her.

A tropical storm and a missing child prove that sometimes grace appears in the most unusual ways.

Regaining Mercy concludes the Elnora Island romances of the Independence Islands Series, featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY THOUGHTS.....

Regaining Mercy begins with a scene that is all too familiar in today's society. An affluent church lady verbally attacks Mindy Murray because she is an unwed mother who has recently taken part in a reality television dating program. Her efforts to defend herself lead to her being dismissed from her job, and once again, Mindy experiences a feeling of failure and defeat. I felt so sorry for Mindy and I was so disgusted with this person who professed Christianity, but displayed no Christian qualities. Is it any wonder that Mindy questioned the faith that this woman confessed?

Carolyn Miller is the author of some of my favorite Regency romances, but this book proves her talent for writing contemporary fiction. Regaining Mercy touches on single parenting, financial struggles, children with social issues, and the pros and cons of social media. Gossip and judgement are major factors, but this is also a story of love, hope, and learning to trust again. Dermott Reilly is a dream hero and the answer to her prayers if...Mindy can overcome her insecurities. Mindy and Dermott are both in need of a second chance, but can they find it together?

Regaining Mercy is a heartwarming story and I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary Christian romance.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. There was no expectation of a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carolyn Miller is an Australian author of inspirational romance, particularly that of the Regency era, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds where flawed people can grow in faith, hope and love through stories that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives.

 

More from Carolyn

Have you ever wondered what might happen if a failed TV reality star was to return home to her narrow minded community? What if she’s been tarred and feathered with disgrace?

In our world of insta-fame, selfies and fakebook, I find it fascinating that so many people are entranced by so-called reality TV, with its editing and narratives and shiny-eyed hopefuls chasing money, love and dreams. But what if it doesn’t work out? What happens next? How do you resume ‘normal life’ when you’ve been living in a very artificial world?

I enjoy writing fiction that is grounded in reality, with realistic, flawed characters who are on a God journey to find faith and freedom. My contemporary and historical novels often see characters struggle with the choices they’ve made (don’t we all?), which is exactly what single mom Mindy is dealing with.

Combine Mindy’s challenges with those faced by gardening expert, Dermott, a man whose stone wall building skills are better than his way with women, or his inability to hide his attraction to his former co-worker’s younger sister.

Regaining Mercy encourages us to see ourselves as God does, to not let the labels of the past to shape our future. Along the way, readers will enjoy the honest portrayals of family, friendship and faith.

I’m so glad people are really enjoying my new contemporary books, where I can bring my love of gardens (& my horticulturalist hubby’s expertise!) to a new audience. Want to see what’s growing in my garden? Check out my website www.carolynmillerauthor.com – and you might even see some of my husband’s famous stone walls!

If you enjoy stories of hope, heart and humor, then you’ll be sure to enjoy this novel about a prodigal and the patient gardener who helps her find God’s mercy – and renewed hope for her heart.

Happy reading!

Carolyn

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 21

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 22

Labor Not in Vain, July 22

lakesidelivingsite, July 22

She Lives To Read, July 23

deb’s Book Review, July 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 24

CarpeDiem, July 24

Texas Book-aholic, July 25

Splashes of Joy, July 25

Connect in Fiction, July 25

Inklings and notions, July 26

Blogging With Carol, July 26

For Him and My Family, July 27

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, July 27

Aryn The Libraryan 📚 , July 28

Older & Smarter?, July 28

Lots of Helpers, July 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 29

Simple Harvest Reads, July 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

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

Lis Loves Reading, July 30

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 31

Kayem Reads, July 31

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 1

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, August 1

Cultivating Us, August 1

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 2 (Author Interview)

Daysong Reflections, August 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 3

Blossoms and Blessings, August 3

Joanne Markey, August 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carolyn is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 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/1102c/regaining-mercy-celebration-tour-giveaway

View all my reviews

 

An Amish Flower Farm by Mindy Steele

ABOUT THE BOOK

She grows flowers.
He raises bees for honey.
They help each other out,
because that’s what neighbors do…

Belinda Graber loves growing flowers for her family to sell at the Amish marketplace. Venturing beyond the farm to sell them in town, though, is out of the question. People would stare at the birthmark on her cheek, and she’s dealt with enough teasing in her life.

As a beekeeper, Adam Fisher knows how blessed he is to live next door to the Grabers’ greenhouses and fields. But when his father is injured, Adam has to take a job at the local mill. How will he manage the honey harvest?

Adam and Belinda make a deal: if she tends his hives, he’ll sell her flowers in town.

Belinda’s sure that her growing feelings for Adam could never be returned. Meanwhile, Adam can’t help but notice how his shy neighbor charms the bees…or is he the one being charmed? Because his last courtship ended badly, Adam tells himself this arrangement is strictly business, even if Belinda is sweet as honey.

This uplifting Amish romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe.

MY THOUGHTS.....

This story touched me in many ways but one reason that I love it so much is that the two main characters mirror my own experience. One of the most important people in my childhood and young adult life had a facial birthmark like Belinda Graber's. As I read Belinda's thoughts, I could imagine that my special friend suffered the same insecurities, but I was young and I was just like Adam Fisher. He didn't see any imperfection in Belinda because he was looking at her inner being, and I felt the same way! I loved my friend, and her port wine stain was transparent in my eyes.

Author Mindy Steele has perfectly captured "looking through the eyes of love". Adam, of course, didn't initially recognize his feelings so there were moments of doubt and conflicting emotions, but isn't this the way in true life? I really liked Adam, but he was just a tad stubborn at times! I loved watching Belinda grow in her self-confidence. Oh, she'd recognized her talent for growing beautiful flowers, but she didn't know that she could also succeed in selling those flowers to strangers! What about her birthmark? Would that keep them away?

An Amish Flower Farm is the perfect blend of romance, Amish culture, and faith in God and nature. There are some great supporting characters that deserve their own stories, but Belinda and Adam truly are the stars! Steele reminds us that the oldest romance around is the romance between the flowers and the bees, and she succeeds in making Belinda and Adam's partnership just as special. If you're looking for a feel-good romance that may cause heart palpitations, look no further. This is the book for you!

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

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mindy Steele writes sweet Amish fiction as well as romantic suspense. Author of the Miller's Creek Amish series, as well as, Christmas Grace, Christmas in Cranberry, His Amish Wife's Hidden past, and An Amish Flower Farm. She enjoys coffee indulgences, weekend road trips, and all things peanut butter. To learn more about Mindy, go to https://mindysteeleauthor.wordpress.com, You can also find her on Facebook     Twitter     Instagram

View all my reviews

The Cowgirl's Sacrifice (Hearts of Oklahoma #4) by Tina Radcliffe

ABOUT THE BOOK

This cowgirl has wandered back home…

Will she choose her past or her future?

Needing time to heal after a rodeo injury, Kate Rainbolt heads to her family ranch to accept the foreman job her brothers offered her months ago. But the position’s already been filled by her ex-boyfriend, Jess McNally, and the only open job reports to him. With Jess as her temporary boss—and turning into something more—might he finally convince Kate to put down roots?

Amazon     Barnes & Noble     Kobo     Harlequin

MY THOUGHTS.....

"Rainbolts know what it's like to be on the outside looking in, and that's why we will never treat others like we were treated."

Oh, how I've loved this Rainbolt family, and now, Kate Rainbolt gets her own story. This rodeo gal, who's never played it safe, is back at Rebel Ranch, and she still feels the need to prove herself to her brothers. Kate has issues from her past, decisions about her future, and her old flame Jess McNally seems to be at the root of them all. Will Kate stay in Rebel, Oklahoma, or will she return to the rodeo circuit? Are the feelings that she and Jess once shared buried forever, or are there embers waiting to burst into flames?

Tina Radcliffe has written a story that appeals to many emotions, and she's created characters that are warm, genuine, and oh, so human. She reminds us that love is the ultimate prize, whether it be love for family or a romantic love that takes your breath away. 'My heroes have always been cowboys', but Radcliffe proves that cowgirls can be heroes also!

If you enjoy contemporary romance and a story filled with faith, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this book. The Cowgirl's Sacrifice is the perfect way to wrap up the Hearts of Oklahoma series, and Tina Radcliffe demonstrates her fabulous writing talents once again!.

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was never required to write a positive review, and I am voluntarily sharing my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hearts of Oklahoma

Book 1: Finding the Road Home

Book 2: Ready to Trust

Book 3: His Holiday Prayer

Book 4: The Cowgirl's Sacrifice

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Originally from Western, N.Y., author Tina Radcliffe left home for a tour of duty with the Army Security Agency stationed in Augsburg, Germany and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. While living in Tulsa she spent ten years as a Certified Oncology R.N. A freelance writer for over twenty years, Tina was a founding member and the manager of Seekerville, a 13 author blog, from 2008-2017. Seekerville has been a Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers award winner 2013-2017.

An RWA and ACFW Honor Roll member, Tina is also a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist. She is a four-time ACFW Carol Award finalist and a three-time ACFW Mentor of the year finalist.

​In 2014 she won the ACFW Carol Award and in 2018 she won the ACFW Mentor of the Year Award. In 2019 she is a Holt Winner and an ACFW Carol Award finalist and an ACFW Mentor of the Year finalist.

​She has finaled/or won over thirty RWA chapter affiliated contests in her career. As a short story writer, she has sold over three dozen short stories to Woman’s World Magazine.

Tina is a member of Romance Writers of America, including the Kiss of Death Chapter, Faith, Hope & Love Chapter, Desert Rose Romance Writers,  Valley of the Sun Romance Writers, Contemporary Romance Writers and Greater Seattle RWA. She is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, their local affiliate, Christian Writers of the West. A popular workshop speaker, she currently resides in Arizona where she writes fun, heartwarming romance.

You can connect with Tina at her Website     Facebook     Twitter   Pinterest      Instagram     BookBub 

Tina also have a great newsletter filled with fun facts and great giveaways for her newsletter subscribers. Sign up for her newsletter HERE.

View all my reviews

The Ice Swan by J'nell Ciesielski: Review & Giveaway with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

The Ice Swan

Author: J’Nell Ciesielski

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: July 6, 2021

Amid the violent last days of the glittering Russian court, a Russian princess on the run finds her heart where she least expects it.

1917, Petrograd. Fleeing the murderous flames of the Russian Revolution, princess Svetlana Dalsky hopes to find safety in Paris with her mother and sister. But the city is buckling under the weight of the Great War, and the Bolsheviks will not rest until they have erased every Russian aristocrat from memory.

Born the second son of a duke, the only title Wynn MacCallan cares for is that of surgeon. Putting his talents with a scalpel to good use in the hospitals in Paris, Wynn pushes the boundaries of medical science to give his patients the best care possible. While treating Svetlana for a minor injury, he is pulled into a world of decaying imperial glitter and underground Russian clubs where drink, culture, and questionable dealings collide on bubbles of vodka.

Out of money and options, Svetlana is forced into a marriage of convenience with Wynn, who will protect her and pay off her debts. It’s the right thing for a good man to do, but Wynn can’t help hoping the marriage will turn into one of true affection. As the Bolsheviks chase them to different corners of the earth, Wynn and Svetlana begin to see they will never be able to outrun the love they have for one another.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY THOUGHTS.....

Mama sobbed as Marina whimpered. Svetlana turned them away and out through a rusty gate. The street was quiet and slick with rain from the day before.

The day before their world ended. 

From Russia, to France, and then Scotland...The Ice Swan is an absorbing story that involves the Great War, Russian nobility, and the murderous plots of the Bolshevik Party. To escape execution, Princess Svetlana Dalsky, her mother, and sister are forced to free from their life of luxury in Petrograd, Russia. What follows is an exciting tale of danger, intrigue, and a marriage of convenience, colored by a revealing look at the difference in the attitudes of affluent people. Svetlana's mother is a snob about being a member of Russian aristocracy, and her influence on her daughters is very apparent. Thankfully, Svetlana meets Dr. Wynn MacCallan and her mindset undergoes a change. He is a Duke who yearns to serve his fellow man by being a doctor, and his family in Scotland chooses to use their titles to help others less fortunate. I was truly smitten with Wynn, but will Svetlana recognize his remarkable values?

She felt the steady beat of his heart. That's what he had always been for her, the steady beat that give her courage. A beat that she would never have to do without again.

The Ice Swan allows author J'nell Ciesielski to paint a vivid picture of two very different people who struggle to overcome their pasts to work toward a brighter future. Can Wynn melt away her layers of loneliness and self-protection, and help Svetlana become more than an ice maiden, or as the title implies, an ice swan?

I enjoyed learning more about the Russian Revolution and the Great War era. I recommend The Ice Swan to all who enjoy historical fiction and clean romance.

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

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

About the Author

With a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories, J’nell Ciesielski weaves fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. Winner of the Romance Through the Ages Award and the Maggie Award, she is a Florida native who now lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle. Learn more at www.jnellciesielski.com.

 

More from J’nell

When we think of the Great War we often only think about events happening right on the battlefield of France, Belgium, and Germany. It was a time of great upheaval for so many people and countries, none more so than Russia. It was during the Great War that the Bolsheviks rose up against the monarchy, assassinated the tsar and his family, and plunged Russia into civil war. The country was in such chaos that they pulled out of the war to deal with their own revolution. The Russian Revolution was the result of centuries of oppression and imperialism that finally boiled over. As the Bolsheviks seized power, nobles and anyone associated or favorable to the monarchy were stripped of their privileges and homes, many killed, and still thousands of others fled in fear of their lives where they became the great wave of White emigres.

 

The stories of the ill-fated Anastasia and the evil Rasputin are legendary, but it wasn’t until recently when I watched a Russian miniseries called Road to Calvary that I became fascinated with the nobles and their struggle and from all that an idea sparked that would become my upcoming release, The Ice Swan. It’s about a Russian princess fleeing the Revolution to Paris in 1917 where she meets a handsome surgeon who is breaking new grounds in cardiology. We see the plight of the White emigres who have taken refuge in Paris and founded their own little Russia in the heart of the city, the exhausted City of Light after four years of war, the overflowing hospitals, and highly controversial advancements in surgery. Plus, a romance to prove that true love can overcome any difference and who doesn’t need a little more love these days?

Blog Stops

Rebecca Tews, July 19

Where Faith and Books Meet, July 19

Books and Everyday Life, July 19

Texas Book-aholic, July 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 20

Reflections From My Bookshelves, July 20

All-of-a-kind Mom, July 20

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 21

She Lives To Read, July 21

The Write Escape, July 21

Lakesdielivingsite, July 22

Remembrancy, July 22

Inklings and notions, July 22

For Him and My Family, July 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 23

The Christian Fiction Girl, July 23

deb’s Book Review, July 24

Rachael’s Inkwell, July 24

To Everything There Is A Season, July 24

Life, love, writing, July 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 25

Life of Literature, July 25

Inside the Wong Mind, July 25

Betti Mace, July 26

Bliss, Books & Jewels, July 26

Older & Smarter?, July 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 27

Connect in Fiction, July 27

Mary Hake, July 27

Connie’s History Classroom, July 28

Back porch reads, July 28

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, July 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 29

Blossoms and Blessings, July 29

Genesis 5020, July 29

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, July 30

Splashes of Joy, July 30

Simple Harvest Reads, July 30 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Through the fire blogs, July 31

Just Your Average reviews, July 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 1

Labor Not in Vain, August 1

The Adventures of a Travelers Wife, August 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, J’nell is giving away the grand prize of a paperback 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/10fa9/the-ice-swan-celebration-tour-giveaway

View all my reviews