Tuesday, November 28, 2023

The Shift Movie Review & Giveaway



About the Movie

 In The Shift, a dystopian drama and sci-fi thriller, one man is faced with infinite worlds and impossible choices. When Kevin Garner meets a nefarious adversary known as The Benefactor and refuses his offer of wealth and power, he must escape an alternate totalitarian reality. With survival on the line, Kevin fights to make it back to the world he knows and the woman he loves.




BUY TICKETS

From Angel Studios (The Chosen, Sound of Freedom) comes The Shift! Get your tickets to see this movie in theaters starting 12/1! 

 Featuring Sean Astin (The Goonies, Rudy, The Lord of the Rings), Neal McDonough (Band of Brothers), and Elizabeth Tabish (The Chosen), THE SHIFT is a movie you and your friends won’t want to miss!

In Theaters December 1st! 



GIVEAWAY!

Win two tickets to see the movie in theaters. US Entries only. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 



My Thoughts


I am a huge Kristoffer Polaha fan and that is why I first took interest in this movie. He is the main actor and truly gets almost all of the screen time. This film is quite a mind bender. I think I could watch it a few more times and still not catch everything that is happening. There are so many details and comments made that it ended up being an intense watch. There isn't any language or scenes that I didn't find appropriate. There is some violence and scenes that include people getting shot but it is filmed without showing all of the gore. I would caution young viewers though due to the violent scenes. My first takeaway from this movie is how our selfishness rules our lives. The Benefactor thrives on selfishness and it is made quite clear how that destroys our lives. It was a really interesting "twist" on the story of Job. It really doesn't follow the Biblical story but it is brought up and quoted. 

I enjoyed this movie because it is different and held my attention. It is a movie that makes you think a bit. I would watch it again. 


Many thanks to Angel Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.


#TheShiftMIN #TheShiftFilm #MomentumInfluencerNetwork



 





Monday, November 27, 2023

Julia Monroe Begins Again Review


 


 

About the Book

Julia Monroe has just turned forty and hopes this next decade goes much better than the last, in which she became a young widow raising two children on her own. With both her boys off to college, it's time for new beginnings, and she can finally focus on expanding her New Orleans-based cleaning business--but God has other plans. Samuel Reed, the ruggedly handsome Green Beret who broke her heart over twenty years ago, has returned to town and is the kind of distraction she never saw coming.

After their first interaction in years leaves her mind spinning and her emotions out of control, Julia knows she needs to keep her distance from him if she wants any chance of keeping history from repeating itself, but her meddling best friend has other plans to throw them together. It seems inevitable that Julia will have to face her past with Samuel, but only if she can work up the courage to embrace the kind of new beginning she never thought she'd see again.

Rebekah Millet will make you laugh, swoon, and cry in this delightful debut novel of first loves and second chances wrapped in the magic of New Orleans.
  (Goodreads)


BUY HERE


My Thoughts

 

This is a fun romantic comedy set in New Orleans. I loved the setting as it really made parts of the story all the more fun to read. This book revolves around the life of Julia, who to be honest, drove me a bit nuts. Yes, it is a funny silly over the top Rom-com. There is a lot of modern day general life humor that most readers will enjoy and be able to relate with. But with Julia's attitude at the start of this book I really struggled to love her character. There is a bit of depth added when we find out more of the back story between her and her long ago ex Samuel. I slowly came around to appreciating the characters as the story unfolded. All that to say that this is a fun lighthearted read. I personally didn't love it but it was still enjoyable. 


Three Stars.

"I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."






Sunday, November 19, 2023

A Courageous Betrothal Review with Celebrate Lit



About the Book

Book: A Courageous Betrothal

Author: Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: November 7, 2023

A wounded lieutenant, a woman fierce enough to protect her family, and an American Revolution with everything at stake.

Red-haired, freckle-faced and almost six feet tall, Jenny White has resigned herself to fame over love. Possessing the courage and wits to guard her younger siblings against nature, natives, and loyalists in Georgia’s “Hornet’s Nest” gives life meaning until she meets scout, Caylan McIntosh.

From the time Jenny nurses the young lieutenant back to health after the Battle of Kettle Creek, she can’t deny her attraction to the vexing Highlander, who seems determined to dismantle her emotional armor. But when Georgia falls to the British and Caylan returns to guide Jenny’s family on a harrowing exodus into the North Carolina mountains, will his secrets prove stronger than his devotion? Or will their love be courageous enough to carry them through the battles ahead.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Weimer has authored over a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

 

 

 

 

More from Denise

Welcome to the Hornet’s Nest…the setting for A Courageous Betrothal. In my Scouts of the Georgia Frontier Series, we started with my September release, A Counterfeit Betrothal, in 1813. We’ve moved backward in time to middle Georgia, where the conflict between Patriots, Loyalists, and Native Americans became so intense during the American Revolution the area was dubbed “the Hornet’s Nest.” Little is known about this portion of the war, but it’s not just the setting that makes A Courageous Betrothal unique.

If the story sounds faintly familiar, that’s because it was originally Across Three Autumns of Barbour’s Backcountry Brides (2018). That’s why it’s a short novella instead of a full-length novel. The story became a free agent just in time to join my Scouts of the Georgia Frontier. It was a perfect fit not only because of the subject matter but also because some of the real people and places show up in this story as well as the novels of the series.

Another thing that sets A Courageous Betrothal apart is its heroine. As authors, we occasionally create characters who take on life and burst off the page. That’s Jenny White. Maybe because she was based on a real person, Nancy Hart. Six feet tall, red-haired, pock-marked, and a crack shot, Nancy was called “Wahatche” or “War Woman” by local Indians. She spied for Colonel Elijah Clark and captured Loyalists and British soldiers on more than one occasion. Her exploits are echoed in Jenny’s.

So are her insecurities, which make her relatable. Jenny’s given up on the notion of finding love. Men always prefer women like her dainty younger sister. And then she meets Caylan McIntosh, a scout for Colonel Clark whose Highland heritage makes him an ardent admirer of Jenny’s strength. Her doubts—along with the shorter word count and the time needed for love to grow between wartime encounters—are a reason I chose to write the novella solely from Jenny’s POV.

By no means does Jenny outshine Caylan. He’s still probably the most swoon-worthy hero I’ve written. Here’s a little snippet of him persuading Jenny to dance.

 

The unseen fiddler took his cue. The notes anchored themselves inside Jenny’s chest, with invisible strings tugging her toward the sound. Caylan and presumably several other Scots started a jig. From his fancy footwork and agile leaps, the lieutenant appeared dead sober. She found herself propping the pitchfork against a wall and drifting closer in the shadows, her mother’s previous warning drowned out in the waterfall of lilting notes.

When the musician warbled into “Soldier’s Joy,” a woman faced off with her husband. As they greeted and turned, two frontiersmen leapt up to join them. Caylan looked around as though searching for a partner and noticed Jenny standing just outside the circle of light. He came toward her, hand outstretched.

“Come, lass, will ye dance with me? Ye know this one.”

Indeed, she did. She had seen settlers perform the steps on the Yadkin River. Before Jenny had time to think, Caylan whirled her into the circle, and a man dancing a female part grabbed her for a ladies’ chain. She caught a brief glimpse of Gabriel’s alarmed face as she whizzed past.

Delighted with the actual women who joined them, the men paid courtly attention that caused Jenny’s face to flame. But none more than the sensation of Caylan’s eyes, warm amber in the firelight, fixed on her every time they met. The roughened strength of his large hand made hers feel small.

When the song changed, Jenny gave an awkward curtsy and tried to back away, but her partner caught her arm. “’Tis just a Cumberland Reel.”

“I know no Cumberland Reel. Remember, we do not dance.”

“Oh. I did forget that.” But Caylan’s smirk hinted otherwise. “Seems to me Wahatchee would not grow lily-livered at a wee promenade. See, ’tis only a skip step, toe to heel?”

Jenny turned her lips down. “Wahatchee has a mother.”

Caylan threw his head back and laughed. “What? That slip of a woman has a Highland princess like you all a’cower?”

“I am English, sir.” She clasped her hands behind her petticoats.

“Well, pardon me, my lady,” he retorted with mock offense, “but yer regal bearing and coloring beg otherwise. I wager some hint of Celtic besmears the White family past…far back in the recesses of time, no doubt.”

The “regal coloring” went up in flames. Jenny repeated what she’d heard her mother proudly state many times. “We come from pure English stock.”

“Well, then, I dare ye to prove a proper English lady has no fear of a Cumberland Reel.”

“Those are break teeth words, McIntosh. If I chose, I could dance until daybreak, and still be dancing long after you collapse.” So saying, Jenny stalked to the tail of the reel and waited for the laughing Scotsman to follow her.

Just like firing a gun, riding a horse, clearing brush, and swimming, dancing provided no challenge. Jenny did all physical things well and with endurance. What she had not expected, however, was the way Caylan’s obvious approval made her feel. It answered a craving deep inside that she had attempted to discredit for years. Not to mention the brush of his fingertips, the pressure of his hand on her waist, spread the bonfire to her bones.

From that moment to Jenny nursing Caylan back to health after the Battle of Kettle Creek, through the climactic, real-life exodus of civilians from Georgia to the mountains of North Carolina, Caylan fights for Jenny’s trust with as much determination as he fights the British. I hope you’ll be swept away by their romance amid the dangers of the Hornet’s Nest. And if you like Scottish characters, stay tuned for book three of the Scouts Series, coming in January and set in 1775 on the border of Georgia and South Carolina.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, November 8

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 10

Blossoms and Blessings, November 11

Books You Can Feel Good About, November 11

Simple Harvest Reads, November 12 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 13

Lighthouse Academy Blog, November 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

lakesidelivingsite, November 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 15

Pause for Tales, November 16

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 16

For Him and My Family, November 17

Cover Lover Book Review, November 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 19

To Everything There Is A Season, November 19

Holly’s Book Corner, November 20

Connie’s History Classroom, November 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


My Thoughts

 This book is a novella and I didn't realize until the end that it was originally published as part of the Across Three Autumns in Barbour's Backcountry Brides Collection. It is a fun thing to have a novella printed as a single book and this story has a beautiful cover. I liked the historical aspect of this short story and the setting is also good. I struggled a bit with loving the characters and a few bits of dialog I was surprised to find in the pages. Nothing bad per se but they did take me out of the story as I wasn't expecting to read about "wenches". All that to say this book was fine. It wasn't my favorite since I really didn't enjoy the characters even though I really wanted to. 


Three Stars.

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Love, Unscripted Review





About the Book

 She thought she’d scripted the perfect boyfriend. But she’s convinced that the actor cast to play him doesn’t know a thing about real love.


Frustrated with the sad state of her dating life, restaurateur Chloe Culpepper penned a single romance novel featuring the man of her dreams. Upon the book’s publication, the hero resonated with thousands of women, catapulting the book to the top of the bestsellers list and earning the novel a movie option.

Chloe is thrilled a production company wants to bring her movie to the big screen and film it right in her hometown, Stillwater Bay, South Carolina. But when the producer casts Liam Hamilton—a notorious Hollywood playboy—for the part of her beloved Ledger, she’s appalled. He’s just like her unfaithful ex-boyfriend—and her duplicitous father. How can Liam possibly understand, much less portray, the wonderful character who captured her heart and made her readers swoon?

An embarrassing and contentious first meeting does little to allay Chloe’s fears about Liam. The man hasn’t even read her book! But one thing she she must win him over if she’s to influence his role and save the integrity of her movie.

Due to the deceitful tabloids and, okay, some minor commitment issues, Liam Hamilton’s reputation—and career—is in jeopardy. On the advice of his manager and best friend, he offers a bargain with the wholesome author of his upcoming if she will appear in public as his steady girlfriend during the making of the movie, he will take her direction on the role of Ledger.

Could a little quid pro quo offer a solution to both of their problems? Or will the bargain cause more trouble than either of them could’ve possibly imagined? (Goodreads)






My Thoughts

I enjoy books by this author so I was excited to read her upcoming release. This story is completely predictable but it is fun. Liam is my favorite character and I just loved all of the scenes with him and from his perspective. Chloe is fine but near the end of the book I was a bit annoyed with her and her attitude. She blames other people basically for her own life choices and it drove me a bit nuts. (You can't expect to live like the famous people and not have the media dig into every aspect of your life. We all know this.)  Aside from that I really enjoyed this story. It is fun and flirty and silly and cute. It is a light easy read and it would be great to read on vacation. This book could very easily be a TV movie.
It is a fun read and while not my favorite by this author I still enjoyed it. 

Four Stars. 


"I received this book from NetGalley for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."















A Beautiful Disguise Review




About the Book

 Left with an estate on the brink of bankruptcy after their father's death, Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother open a private investigation firm marketed to the elite . . . to spy on the elite. Dubbed The Imposters, Ltd., their anonymous group soon becomes the go-to for the crème of society when they want answers delivered surreptitiously. But the many secrets Marigold learns about her peers pale in comparison to her shock when she and her brother are hired to investigate her best friend's father as a potential traitor.


Sir Merritt Livingstone has spent a decade serving the monarch in the most elite guard, but when pneumonia lands him behind a desk in the War Office Intelligence Division just as they're creating a new secret intelligence branch, he's intent on showing his worth. He suspects a man of leaking information to Germany as tensions mount between the two countries, but needs someone to help him prove it, so he turns to The Imposters, Ltd. No one knows who they are, but their results are beyond compare.

Lady Marigold is determined to discover the truth for her friend's sake, and she's more determined still to keep her heart from getting involved with this enigmatic new client . . . who can't possibly be as noble as he seems. (Goodreads)




My Thoughts

I decided to read this story because it is the start of a new series and many people have been loving it. I enjoy unique historical fiction and this boasts a lot of quirky characters and elements. Lady Marigold is not what you would expect and has quite the side job. A pet lion is an added bonus. This reads like a historical spy story only with a bit more flair. Marigold and her brother are a fun team and their spying adventures hold this story together. Merritt is a good hero. There is a sweet love story but it wasn't the main focus in my opinion. This book was just okay for me. I know many have loved it but I had a hard time fully getting into this story. I really tried but for some reason it just isn't the book for me. I still enjoyed bits and pieces of it but it just wasn't my favorite. 

Three Stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."
























Saturday, November 11, 2023

Surprised by Oxford Movie Review + Giveaway!

 


 About the Movie

 Caro Drake, a brilliant but emotionally guarded American student, arrives
at the University of Oxford with the goal of attaining her PhD. Through a turbulent
friendship with a charming young man, she begins to open herself up to mystery,
vulnerability, and love.

 


 

 You can now watch SURPRISED BY OXFORD from the comfort of
your own home! Rent or buy today!

 

 

 GIVEAWAY! 

The giveaway is for a free Vimeo download code to watch the film.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway  

 

 

 

My Thoughts

This movie is based on the memoir written by Carolyn Weber. I didn’t fully realize this until the very end of the film.

I had no idea what to expect before watching this and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. The acting is really great and the setting of Oxford is just beautiful. I loved all of the architecture and the different shots of the buildings in different scenes. I was completely engrossed in the story from the start which I was worried that it could be boring and it certainly is not. There is some mild cussing and a few of the scenes show college partying but nothing graphic in my opinion. There are some references to sleeping around and shock at people being chaste and it actually creates interesting conversation in a couple scenes which I thought was good. One of the main people chooses abstinence and gets push back because of it.

Basically this film tells the story of Caro as she is confronted with different beliefs and her reaction and growth on what faith means. I enjoyed how the love of literature is portrayed and the references to different authors. I think the movie left out some details that the book better explained but it is difficult for movies to fully grasp stories like this. There is a sweet love story and it was well written and acted. The ending had a fun twist and tied up the movie nicely. Overall I really enjoyed this movie and would watch it again. 

 Many thanks to Evolve Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review.
Opinions are 100% my own.

#SurprisedByOxfordMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

 

 

Thursday, November 9, 2023

The British Booksellers Review






About the Book

 Inspired by real accounts of the Forgotten Blitz bombings, The British Booksellers highlights the courage of those whose lives were forever changed by war—and the stories that bind us in the fight for what matters most.


A tenant farmer’s son had no business daring to dream of a future with an earl’s daughter, but that couldn’t keep Amos Darby from his secret friendship with Charlotte Terrington . . . until the reality of the Great War sobered youthful dreams. Now decades later, he bears the brutal scars of battles fought in the trenches and their futures that were stolen away. His return home doesn’t come with tender reunions, but with the hollow fulfillment of opening a bookshop on his own and retreating as a recluse within its walls.

When the future Earl of Harcourt chose Charlotte to be his wife, she knew she was destined for a loveless match. Though her heart had chosen another long ago, she pledges her future even as her husband goes to war. Twenty-five years later, Charlotte remains a war widow who divides her days between her late husband’s declining estate and operating a quaint Coventry bookshop—Eden Books, lovingly named after her grown daughter. And Amos is nothing more than the rival bookseller across the lane.

As war with Hitler looms, Eden is determined to preserve her father’s legacy. So when an American solicitor arrives threatening a lawsuit that could destroy everything they’ve worked so hard to preserve, mother and daughter prepare to fight back. But with devastation wrought by the Luftwaffe’s local blitz terrorizing the skies, battling bookshops—and lost loves, Amos and Charlotte—must put aside their differences and fight together to help Coventry survive.

From deep in the trenches of the Great War to the storied English countryside and the devastating Coventry Blitz of WWII, The British Booksellers explores the unbreakable bonds that unite us through love, loss, and the enduring solace that can be found between the pages of a book. (Goodreads)






My Thoughts

What is not to love with this storyline? I was so excited to read this novel and I really enjoyed it despite some of the plot points being a bit unexpected. There is a lot of dual time line back and forth so you do really have to pay attention to what you are reading. The author did a great job at this though and I didn't feel too lost. The characters are so well written and developed. I just love Amos and his journey throughout this book and he is by far my favorite. There is somewhat of a romance thread but it won't be what you expect. I love the setting and the history. I didn't know anything about the bombings in this area and so I found that to be fascinating. This is a great read for history lovers and also has a lot of depth that you expect to find in a Cambron novel. I recommend! 

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from NetGalley for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."


















Journey to Bethlehem Movie Review + Giveaway!

 


 

About the Movie

 A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn
between love and honor. A jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown.
This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family weaves classic
Christmas melodies with humor, faith, and new pop songs in a retelling of the great-
est story ever told—the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. A unique
new entry into the collection of holiday classic movies, this epic Christmas musical
is unlike any before it. See JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM in theaters beginning November 10.

 

 Listen to the soundtrack album HERE.

 


 

Buy tickets today to see Journey to Bethlehem in theaters starting November
10th.

 

 Downloadable family discussion guides and coloring sheets: LINK


Watch as Milo Manheim talks about his love of JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM and the respect he has in playing Joseph. Get Tickets Now! In Theaters Tomorrow! 


 How do four chapters of Scripture (Luke 1-2, Matthew 1-2) become a family musical film telling the story of Jesus’ birth? Watch this cut-down version with Pastor Bryan Loritts talking about this with director Adam Anders and then watch the full conversation here.


GIVEAWAY

 The giveaway is for 2 free tickets! Enter via the rafflecopter below. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

My Thoughts

 This movie is about what you would expect after watching the preview. It is silly and musical and has a major plot twist at the end that deviates from Scripture completely. I decided to watch this movie because I love musicals and I was excited to see how they did all of the songs. If you are looking for Biblical accuracy this isn't the movie for you. The creators certainly got creative on a few things, especially the last twenty minutes of the film. The general main story is carried through but there is a lot added that truthfully I didn't think was necessary. It is clear they wanted an extra dramatic element and there will be varying opinions on this film because of that. There is a lot of humorous dialog and I laughed a few times because it shows our modern view on things and how ridiculous it is such as frankincense essential oil. The singing and performances are top notch and the cast really did a good job. I don't love this movie because of how it ended (which should be the best part...) but I did enjoy the musical aspect. If I had young children watch this with me, I would be very clear with them that this is not the real history of what happened. It certainly held my attention and I enjoyed a good bit of the film.  

 

 

Many thanks to AFFIRM Films, Inc. for providing a sample of the product for this re-
view. Opinions are 100% my own.

 #JourneyToBethlehemMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

 

 

Saturday, November 4, 2023

Garden of the Midnights


 

About the Book

Book: Garden of the Midnights

Author: Hannah Linder

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance

Release Date: October, 2023

 

Danger Lurks at Rosenleigh Manor

Enjoy another Gothic Style Regency from Hannah Linder.

The accidents are not a matter of chance. They are deliberate. As English gentleman William Kensley becomes aware of the danger at Rosenleigh, he pleads for truth from the only man he can trust—until that man is murdered.

As the secrets unfold into scandal, William’s world is tipped into destitution—leaving him penniless and alone. His only comfort is in the constant love of Isabella Gresham, but even that has been threatened. When a hidden foe arises from their acquaintances and imperils Isabella’s life, will William be the only one willing to rescue her? And even if he saves Isabella from her captors, will he still have to forsake her heart?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

 

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award finalist, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and International bestsellers. She is also a local photographer and a self-portrait photographer. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, and ukulele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. To follow her journey, visit hannahlinderbooks.com.

 

More from Hannah

Sometimes, the things we say we’ll never do are exactly the things we find ourselves doing.

Back when I was still wearing two braids and walking around barefoot everywhere, I told myself I would never make a speech. Never. But by the time high school graduation came along, despite a thousand firm declarations that I wouldn’t, my mother shook her head. “I think you should do it,” she said—and because mothers are usually right, I did.

Granted, I read the speech off a folded sheet of copy paper because I was too nervous to face the crowd. And my knees were jelly. And I stood off-centered on the stage instead of behind the pulpit like anyone else.

But I did it.

For the rest of my life, I’ll look back and remember what it felt like. Standing on the stage, reading my heart, hearing the sniffles and glancing up to see tears glistening in the eyes of endless people I love.

That was special. Mother was right.

Want to know another thing I said I would never do? Re-write a novel. I’ve heard the stories all my life. The author second guesses their own ability and burns their manuscript. Then, years later, they rewrite the story that echoes through the ages as a classic. Or the novelist loses their entire document to a computer crash, so with a blank page and a blinking cursor, they start anew.

I never thought that was something I could do.

I never wanted to.

If I ever lost a novel or was prompted to start over, I would abandon ship and try for a different vessel. Anyway, that’s what I told myself.

Garden of the Midnights was the story I wrote many years ago when I was younger, when I knew less about manors and England and history. I made mistakes. I broke writing rules. I did too little research and too much overwriting…but it had my soul. Somehow, it was alive. The characters breathed. The tears in their pillow, the aches in their throat, became a part of who I was and what I felt.

This was the one. The story I loved most.

But the edits and the mistakes and the problems overwhelmed me. Like the fearful girl in braids who refused to make a speech, I wanted to throw in the towel and say with even more defiance, “I will never re-write a novel. Never.”

But Mother knew what was needed. She knew the story was too much a part of me to tuck away in some drawer, forgotten and dusty, unread by anyone. So she nodded her head and said, “I think you should do it.”

I didn’t want to.

I was afraid because it wasn’t easy.

But because mothers are usually right, I did. Now, Garden of the Midnights is ready. My heart is still tangled in all the words, all the twists, all the secrets—but this time more, because the book has yet another part of me. The part that was fearful. The part that was too close to quitting. The part that finished anyway.

For the rest of my life, I’ll look back and be thankful. When someone writes me a note that they enjoyed the book, or gets a whimsical tone to their voice when they talk about a scene, or looks up from the pages with tears shimmering in their eyes.

That will be special. Mother was right.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 28

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 28

Texas Book-aholic, October 29

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 29

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 30

An Author’s Take, October 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 31

Mary Hake, October 31

Book Looks by Lisa, November 1

Alena Mentink, November 1

Connie’s History Classroom, November 2

Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 3

Sylvan Musings, November 3

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 4 (Author Interview)

To Everything There Is A Season, November 4

Blogging With Carol, November 5

For Him and My Family, November 5

Betti Mace, November 6

Live.Love.Read., November 6

Wishful Endings, November 7

Cover Lover Book Review, November 7

Where Faith and Books Meet, November 8

Holly’s Book Corner, November 8

Splashes of Joy, November 9

Labor Not in Vain, November 9

Pause for Tales, November 10

Giveaway

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

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

GIVEAWAY

 

 My Thoughts

The premise for this story line had me quite intrigued. I have read the author's previous books so I was anxious to read this one. I really liked William and his story arc that flows through the pages. The first part of the book surprised me and I was a bit confused at a few different plot points after that. I loved the setting and there is a bit of mystery which always adds to this type of novel. I really REALLY struggled with the romance part. I wanted to love them together and to cheer them on but the first part of the book ruined that for me. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone so I will just say that I just couldn't love this book like I wanted to. Perhaps if the relationship wasn't the center point of the story I might have enjoyed it more.  I think many people are going to love it to the fullest but for me it was just okay. 



Three stars.

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."