The Bright Unknown Review with Celebrate Lit Tours

 

About the Book

Book: The Bright Unknown
Author: Elizabeth Byler Younts
Genre:  Historical Romance
Release Date: October 22, 2019
 
Two young friends embark upon an epic journey across 1940s middle America in search of answers, a family, and a place to call home.
The only kind of life Brighton Turner understands is the one she has endured within the dreary walls of a rural Pennsylvania asylum. A nurse has thoughtfully educated and raised Brighton, but she has also kept vital information from her in order to keep her close. Brighton befriends a boy whom she calls Angel—he doesn’t know his name—and as the two of them learn more about what lies beyond the walls they call home, they fight for their release and eventually escape.
However, the world outside the only place they’ve ever known is not what they expect. They have no real names, no money, and no help—and they must rely upon the kindness of strangers as they walk and hitchhike from Pennsylvania to Michigan to find their last hope of a home.
This heartbreaking journey, narrated in gorgeous prose, explores what it means to belong—and to scour the universe with fresh eyes for the brightness within.

Click here to grab your copy!

About the Author

Elizabeth Byler Younts gained a worldwide audience through her first book, Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl. She is also the author of the critically acclaimed novel The Solace of Water and the Promise of Sunrise series. Elizabeth lives in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, her two daughters, and a small menagerie of well-loved pets.

More from Elizabeth

The Bright Unknown was born out of a seed of a true story that my husband’s grandmother, Gigi, shared with me. Gigi told me that when she was a young girl living in Oklahoma her mom had a friend who was a nurse. During one of her visits over coffee she would occasionally talk about her patients at the local asylum. One particular story really intrigued Gigi and even decades later she still remembered it. The story was about a patient who had a baby while at the hospital and while Gigi remembers nothing about the patient or the child, she knew that when she moved out of Oklahoma several years later that asylum-born girl was around eighteen and still living within the walls of that hospital along with her patient-mother.

That story stuck with me. This trapped girl and her mother wouldn’t let me go. I began to wonder over her and ask all sorts of unanswered questions. Slowly but surely my imagined story for her came to life. Layer after layer I learned about Brighton, my name for her. I also named two characters after Gigi, her first and middle, as an honor to her. This story was born from a memory but now these characters feel real and present in my life today and I hope you will journey with them in The Bright Unknown.

Blog Stops

The Power of Words, November 2
A Reader’s Brain, November 2
Living Life Free in Christ, November 2
The Christian Fiction Girl, November 3
Inspired by fiction, November 3
Fiction Aficionado, November 4
Genesis 5020, November 4
janicesbookreviews, November 5
Blogging With Carol , November 5
All-of-a-kind Mom, November 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 6
To Everything A Season, November 6
The Becca Files, November 7
Bigreadersite, November 7
A Baker’s Perspective, November 8
Connect in Fiction, November 8
Moments, November 9
Bloggin’ ’bout Books, November 9
Simple Harvest Reads, November 10
Betti Mace, November 10
Pause for Tales, November 11
Inklings and notions, November 11
Mary Hake, November 11
Texas Book-aholic, November 12
Hallie Reads, November 12
For the Love of Literature, November 12
Through the Fire Blogs, November 13
For Him and My Family, November 13
Remembrancy, November 14
mpbooks, November 14
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 15
Godly Book Reviews, November 15


My Thoughts

This is the first novel by Elizabeth Younts that I have read. Stories that have something to do with historical asylums intrigue me and most all that I have read pertaining to that history have sucked me in. Needless to say this book had me hooked from page one. While this isn't necessarily a happy book I couldn't stop reading. Brighton's character is very well written and how this author writes detail completely delighted me. From page one I could tell that this author wanted to write a book that had meaning. This history of this story didn't surprise me, I have read about how people were treated in asylums. But by reading this story I am reminded that we live in a broken world. Some things, especially our reaction to mental health, has become more of an open conversation. This was a great book and if you enjoy history I highly recommend this one. 

Five 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." 

Aiming for Love Review-On Tour With Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: Aiming for Love

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: October 2, 2019

 

Josephine Nordegren is one of three sisters who grew up nearly wild in southwestern Colorado. She has the archery skills of Robin Hood and the curiosity of the Little Mermaid, fascinated by but locked away from the forbidden outside world–a world she’s been raised to believe killed her parents. When David Warden, a rancher, brings in a herd much too close to the girls’ secret home, her older sister is especially frightened, but Jo is too interested to stay away.

 David’s parents follow soon on his heels, escaping bandits at their ranch. But his father is wounded and needs shelter. Josephine and her sisters have the only cabin on the mountain. Do they risk stepping into the world to help those in need? Or do they remain separated but safe in the peaks of Hope Mountain?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

 

Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Learn more at www.maryconnealy.com.

More from Mary

What it would do to someone to run wild from nearly their earliest memory?

What if three young girls had the basic skills to survive a rugged life but no adults to guide them?

Would they grow up to be a completely odd and untamed version of themselves, or the truest, in some ways most honest version?

I wanted to explore that idea: wild children, tough young women, afraid of the invading world, but lonely, too. So I created the plot for my Brides of Hope Mountain series by mixing the three little girls who’d grown up wild on the top of a mountain with some fairy tale ideas.

Book one, Aiming for Love, is Josephine Nordegren’s story. I had this vision of Ariel the mermaid seeing a man for the first time when strangers invade the high valley she lives in with only her two sisters. Curiosity is her besetting sin, or so she’s always been told. She has wilderness skills, mainly in the form of owning a bow and arrow and understanding wild animals, but for the first time, she is drawn to a man.

Jo needs to be tamed, or Dave, the man she can’t stop watching from in the woods, needs to learn the ways of the wild, because they’re out of place in each other’s worlds.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, October 25

Moments With Mercy, October 25

Bigreadersite , October 25

Emily Yager, October  25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 26

Books, Life, and Christ, October 26

Quiet Workings, October 26

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 27

For Him and My Family, October 27

Stories By Gina, October 27

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 27

Older & Smarter?, October 28

Betti Mace, October 28

Wishful Endings, October 28

The Becca Files, October 29

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 29

Mary Hake, October 29

Mamma Loves Books, October 29

A Baker’s Perspective, October 30

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, October 30

Britt Reads Fiction, October 30

For The Love of Books, October 30

Hallie Reads, October 31

Connect in Fiction, October 31

Christian Bookshelf Reviews, October 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , November 1

To Everything There Is A Season, November 1

Daysong Reflections, November 1

Splashes of Joy, November 1

Moments, November 2

Simple Harvest Reads, November 2

Batya’s Bits, November 2

She Lives To Read, November 2

EmpowerMoms, November 3

Seasons of Opportunities, November 3

Remembrancy, November 3

Blessed & Bookish, November 4

For the Love of Literature, November 4

Through the Fire Blogs, November 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 4

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 5

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 5

Pause for Tales , November 5

Texas Book-aholic, November 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 6

janicesbookreviews, November 6

A Reader’s Brain, November 7

Inklings and notions , November 7

Leona J. Atkinson, November 7

Lukewarm Tea, November 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away a grand prize package of a $20 Amazon gift card, a copy of Aiming for Love, and a copy of Fairy Tales from Around the World!!

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

GIVEAWAY!

My Thoughts

I haven't read a book by Connealy for awhile and the plot of this book caught my interest. I also really like the cover. This story is cute and a predictable easy read. I didn't love the character of Josephine but I really enjoyed the secondary characters. The setting is beautiful of course and the idea behind the plot is fun. Women who live in the high country never having been around people. I think the plot could have been a little bit more developed and that would have given me reason to give this story more stars. I am curious to read the rest of the books in the story to see where she takes all of these characters. If you enjoy quick easy historical novels this could be the book for you! 

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."

Celebrate Lit Tours: Hope's Highest Mountain

About the Book

Book: Hope’s Highest Mountain

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: October, 2019

 

When Ingrid Chastain agreed to accompany her father to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory, she never could have anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. Rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man who tends her injuries, but she’s hesitant to put her trust in this man who seems to have wounds of his own.

 After tragedy struck his family, Micah Bradley left his work as a doctor and escaped to the wilds of Montana. But his self-imposed solitude is broken when he finds Ingrid in desperate need of medical attention, and he’s forced to call on his doctoring skills once again.

 Micah can’t help but admire Ingrid’s tenacity despite the severity of her injuries, until he learns the crate she brought contains smallpox vaccines to help quell a nearby outbreak. With Ingrid dead set on delivering the medicine–with or without his help–he has no choice but to accompany her. As they set off through the treacherous, snow-covered Rocky Mountains against all odds, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

 

After working for 13 years in the corporate world, Misty M. Beller (mistymbeller.com) is now the author of fourteen independently published Christian historical romance novels. Raised on a farm in South Carolina, she combines her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life by writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters. She lives outside Charlotte, North Carolina, is an active member of ACFW, and teaches regularly at conferences and writing groups on effective book marketing.

More from Misty

Remember Lassie? Old Yeller? Chance and Shadow from the movie Homeward Bound? There was something about these dogs that gripped my heartstrings and made me love them as though I’d known them for years. (And, yes, I cried during every one of these movies and books.)

Don’t get me wrong, we’ve had real dogs I’ve loved too. As far back as I can remember, we’ve had at least one or two dogs, and each one has been my very best friend. They’ve suffered my undying love, even allowing me to dress them up like dolls during my younger years.

But the dogs in my stories have a special place in my heart. Handsome, the sweet little black fluffball in Hope’s Highest Mountain is no exception! He was the runt of the litter, and such a dark black that the story’s hero nicknamed him Shadow. You can see the picture that inspired Handsome at the book’s Pinterest page. Those eyes! Hard not to fall in love, right?

The more I wrote in the story, the more I enjoyed getting to know this little guy, and I could almost feel his soft puppy fur as he snuggled in close. I completely see why Ingrid (the heroine) is smitten him! As you read Hope’s Highest Mountain, I hope you love Handsome as much as I do. Please give him some extra petting for me! ?

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 12

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, October 12

Sara Jane Jacobs, October 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 13

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 13

Betti Mace, October 13

Blessed & Bookish, October 14

Texas Book-aholic, October 14

Rebekah Jones, Author, October 14

Genesis 5020, October 14

For Him and My Family, October 15

Bloggin’ ’bout Books, October 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 15

A Baker’s Perspective, October 16

For the Love of Literature, October 16

janicesbookreviews, October 16

Mary Hake, October 16

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , October 17

Batya’s Bits, October 17

Connect in Fiction, October 17

Older & Smarter?, October 18

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 18

Life of Literature, October 18

A Reader’s Brain, October 18

The Becca Files, October 19

Blossoms and Blessings, October 19

Splashes of Joy , October 19

Through the Fire Blogs, October 20

Moments, October 20

Inklings and notions , October 20

Simple Harvest Reads, October 20

Daysong Reflections, October 21

Wishful Endings, October 21

Joy of Reading , October 21

Pause for Tales, October 22

For The Love of Books, October 22

Britt Reads Fiction, October 22

Lis Loves Reading, October 23

Bigreadersite , October 23

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 23

Live. Love. Read. , October 24

Deanne’s Book Thoughts, October 24

Hallie Reads, October 24

Remembrancy, October 25

Mia Reads Blog, October 25

To Everything There is A Season, October 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of Hope’s Highest Mountain, a $20 B&N gift card, and cute mountain cards!!

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

 GIVEAWAY!

 My Thoughts

Misty is a new to me author so I was excited to read this book! This story starts out with a bang and pretty much carries that edge of your seat feeling throughout the book. I was totally invested in the characters and I really liked how strong and faithful Ingrid was for the entire book. Basically the story consists of Ingrid and Micah surviving in the wilderness. I highly recommend having a blanket and being in a warm place because this book will make you feel like you are freezing on the side of a mountain. I think the author did a fantastic job writing this story to make it a bit suspenseful and keep the reader engaged. There is a strong element of faith that I thought really added to the pages and I think the romance was well written. It wasn't over the top or unrealistic in my opinion. I am excited to discover this author and if you enjoy historical romance I highly recommend this book! 

I can't wait to read what she writes next! 

Five 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."

Autumn Colors

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 

 Philippians 2:3-4

100 Words of Affirmation Your Husband Needs to Hear

 

 My Thoughts

Every one of us has tremendous power to either build others up or tear them down through the words we speak every day, and nowhere is this more evident than in our marriages. Are you being purposeful in how you use the power of your words to speak encouragement, strength, and love--breathing life into the heart of your spouse? Or are careless words having a negative impact on your marriage and on the heart of the one you love most?

Matt and Lisa Jacobson want you and your spouse to discover the powerful ways you can build one another up in love with the words that you choose to say every day--words that every husband and wife need to hear. These books offer you 100 Things to say to your husband or wife that deeply encourage, affirm, and inspire. Start speaking these words into each other's lives and watch your spouse--and your relationship--transform before your eyes. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I was excited to discover this book because this topic is something that has been on my mind since I got married eight years ago. I love my husband but sometimes I think I assume that he can read my mind when he does something that I like. I appreciate it when he empties the dishwasher or takes his clothes to the washing machine. I appreciate that he works so hard to provide for us. The list is endless. But I don't always think to actually tell him these things, I simply think of them in my mind. I know how important it is to respect and love your spouse and this book is a wonderful reminder on how to do that. It is so good to pray for your spouse and I think this book is so well done in explaining that. The ideas are short and to the point. She gives you an idea on an affirmation example: You're an excellent provider. She lists a quick example and moves on to the next one. Easy to read and a wonderful reminder to voice your thoughts and remember to encourage your husband.

Five stars. 

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

One More River to Cross: Well Written New Historical!

 

 About the Book

In 1844, two years before the Donner Party, the Stevens-Murphy company left Missouri to be the first wagons into California through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mostly Irish Catholics, the party sought religious freedom and education in the mission-dominated land and enjoyed a safe journey--until October, when a heavy snowstorm forced difficult decisions. The first of many for young Mary Sullivan, newlywed Sarah Montgomery, the widow Ellen Murphy, and her pregnant sister-in-law Maolisa.

When the party separates in three directions, each risks losing those they loved and faces the prospect of learning that adversity can destroy or redefine. Two women and four men go overland around Lake Tahoe, three men stay to guard the heaviest wagons--and the rest of the party, including eight women and seventeen children, huddle in a makeshift cabin at the headwaters of the Yuba River waiting for rescue . . . or their deaths.

Award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick plunges you deep into a landscape of challenge where fear and courage go hand in hand for a story of friendship, family, and hope that will remind you of what truly matters in times of trial. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I absolutely love a good historical novel and Jane Kirkpatrick knows how to write one! I love her books and I have been so excited to get my hands on this new story. Do you see that cover?! One of the most beautiful covers I have seen. This story is based on a true story, as are most all of Kirkpatrick's novels. The story starts off with a lot of characters. I was a little nervous that I would get lost in confusion with the many characters but I think it was so well written that I never did. I didn't get bored with reading this story since so many things happen that you just have to keep reading. I was pretty much on the edge of my seat near the end. I can't imagine being in a wagon train that gets stranded in the winter! The pages of this book take you right there as if you are a part of it. I highly recommend this book and all of Jane's books they are some of my favorite. 

"Thanks to Revell for offering me a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

A Christmas Haven Review

About the Book 

Old Order Amish Ivy Zook is wrestling with her need to shed her community's ways so she can grow the business of her dreams: planning parties. As long as she's stuck living without modernization, she can barely get her business on its feet. But if she leaves too soon, she'd cause trouble for her sister, Holly, who is planning her wedding to Joshua Smucker. All of their plans become twice as complicated when an old car crashes into the storefront of Greene's Pharmacy, carrying a Swartzentruber (ultra-conservative sect) Amish man, Arlan, and his very ill sister.

The Zooks take in Arlan and Madga, tending to the woman's illness and Arlan begins helping around the family farm. Ivy and Arlan are on different tracks, one wanting to leave her community and the other to return to his. But both young people are trying to discover what God has in store for their futures and what miracles might lie around the corner this Christmas season. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

LEARN MORE

My Thoughts

For a short book such as this there is a lot packed within the pages. I really enjoyed this story. The characters were well written and I found the different Amish situations very interesting. The authors really know how to make that world come alive all while being unique. I think Arlan was my favorite character, he puts a lot of things into perspective and I just enjoyed how his character was written. It took me awhile to warm up to Ivy but in the end she grew a lot through the story. The ending took me by surprise a little and I appreciated that aspect. I don't always love a predictable ending and this had you guessing. For a cozy holiday read I recommend picking this one up! 

Four 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."

 

Christmas in Winter Hill Review

 

 About the Book

Krista Galloway is not a fan of Christmas. After her rough childhood in multiple foster homes, the holiday season just brings too many bad memories to the surface. But when she accepts a job as a city manager in the mountain town of Winter Hill, Washington, Christmas is part of the deal. The small town is famous for its Christmasville celebration, something that the city manager . . . well, manages.

As she tries to make her tiny new apartment feel like home for her and her eight-year-old daughter, Emily, Krista begins to wonder if this move was a mistake. She doesn't always feel welcomed in the close-knit town, and Emily continually wonders, "Where's the snow?" Can a friendly stranger and his family help restore Krista's Christmas spirit before the big day?

Bestselling author Melody Carlson invites you to spend this holiday season in a town you'll never forget--and never want to leave. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

This is a cute Christmas novella. I have read a few other Christmas stories by Melody and while this one is sweet it isn't my favorite. I didn't love the main character but what I did love is how Carlson brings the pain that some people experience during the holidays to attention. Everyone has different holiday memories and will continue to. A death of a loved one, childhood memories, a tragic experience, all of these things can happen near the holidays and make it a rough time. I thought this part of the book was well written. Of course I wish this story didn't end so abruptly but as with most novellas that is just how it goes.
If you enjoy short Christmas stories, Melody has many that you might enjoy!

Three Stars.

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

September Memories

Vermont

Oh September, the month that starts my favorite season! Autumn is officially here and while in Kansas the days don't cool off right away, in my mind I am thinking about fuzzy socks and chilly days. This past month was full of starting with Labor day family time in Wyoming! We all stayed at a house by the lake and it was fun to see family we don't see often. There was also an incredible water fight that really brought the kid out in us adults-we are already thinking on ideas for next time. 

I started attending a Bible study with some women in town and it is based on Lysa Terkeurst's new book. I have been really surprised in a good way about this study and book. We are only in it a few weeks but it is good so far.

 The last part of the month we took a vacation. We love going places and we haven't gone anywhere for a little over a year due to moving, new jobs, etc. So after much debate we decided to go to New England for a week. It was beautiful, our favorite part was Vermont, though it was all fun! We ate great food and were able to walk around and explore a bit in Maine. We stayed near Acadia National Park for a couple of days and explored the quiet side (that is what they call it when you don't stay near Bar Harbor). If you ever visit I recommend not going in the summer. We were there not even at their high season and it was still packed on the busy side. I have been to a lot of national parks and I have never seen one so full of people and zero parking. It had some beautiful areas to see though. It was rainy some of the days so there wasn't as much outside exploring. On one of our last days we went by and saw where Louisa May Alcott lived. A picture of the house is below. There were so many people there we didn't go through the entire house but it was fun to see.
So September went by in a flash and the last three months of the year are before us. I wish you all a wonderful October!

Maine

Maine

Maine

Maine

Fort Knox

Maine

Vermont

Lobster Roll

Louisa May Alcott House