A Match in the Making Review with Celebrate Lit

 

 

About the Book

Book: A Match in the Making

Author: Jen Turano

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: February 21, 2023

 

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America’s most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the employ of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond irritating.

Walter Townsend is reluctantly in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly motherless children who cannot keep a governess for long. What he wasn’t expecting was Miss Brinley, an amateur matchmaker who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle. Constantly besieged by society ladies on a mission to win his affection, Walter must find a way to overcome their inundating attention–and his unexpected attraction toward Gwendolyn.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

 

Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado. Readers can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and at jenturano.com.

 

More from Jen

A Chat with Jen Turano

You’re known for writing historical romantic comedies set in the Gilded Age. What made you decide to write in that particular era?

Funny thing, when I first tried my hand at writing historical, I wrote Regency—think Jane Austen, lots of drama, dukes, and probably a few countesses in serious need of attitude adjustments. One of those books, I believe I titled it A Marriage of Inconvenience, is the book that landed me my first agent. But, as she was shopping that book around, I read this fascinating book about Alva Vanderbilt. There was so much drama involved with the New York Four Hundred during the latter part of the nineteenth century that I threw myself into researching everything I could find about high society. I’ve been writing about that fascinating moment in time ever since.

Your new series revolves around matchmaking. How did you come up with that idea, and what can we expect?

I’ve been wanting to do a matchmaker series forever, and that idea reinforced when I watched Season 4 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and there was a prevalent matchmaking thread. However, I didn’t want to do a normal matchmaker story, which is why I decided it would be hilarious to have a heroine accept a paid companion position and then, due to unforeseen circumstances, find herself turned into an assistant matchmaker even though she has absolutely no experience with matchmaking in general and is actually old enough to be considered a confirmed spinster.

How do you come up with such unusual ideas?

I think I just view life a little differently. I’ve always been rather weird, so when I think of matchmaking agencies, or lady detectives, or hat makers, I begin thinking up all these outlandish situations and then, just when my heroine or hero thinks that nothing else could go wrong, I throw something else at them. It’s a highly amusing job at times, although I’m certain my characters don’t appreciate my odd sense of humor.

Do you have a favorite character or book?

I adore Gertrude Cadwalader from Out of the Ordinary, although that’s not my favorite book. My favorite book is Diamond in the Rough because Poppy Garrison gets herself in some fabulous messes.

Your characters do seem to find themselves in some interesting mishaps and messes. Do you write these from personal experience?

You know, I have to admit that a lot of the outlandish situations I write are based on either observations I’ve made over the years or . . . yep, they’ve happened to me or my friends. I’ve definitely led an interesting life, although I do embellish the situations in some instances—creative license and all that.

How do you come up with such unusual names?

Contrary to what some may believe, I don’t make up any of my names. I scour old obituaries or shake down my friends who are into researching their ancestors for cool names. That’s how I got Mercy Miner, Temperance Flowerdew, and Lucetta Plum.

What’s coming up next?

I just finished up developmental edits for the second book in the Matchmakers series, so now I’ll go back to writing the third and final book in that series. After that? Well, I’m not positive yet. I have two ideas roaming around in my head for the next series I’ll delve into, but I simply don’t know which one I want to write quite yet.

Thanks so much for having me! Always fun being here with your readers.

All the best,

Jen

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 9

Christina’s Corner, April 9

To Everything There Is A Season, April 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 10

Texas Book-aholic, April 11

Karen Baney Reviews, April 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 12

Bigreadersite, April 12

Sylvan Musings, April 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 13

Betti Mace, April 14

Godly Book Reviews, April 14

She Lives To Read, April 14

Batya’s Bits, April 15

Connie’s History Classroom, April 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 16

Blogging With Carol, April 16

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 17

Cover Lover Book Review, April 17

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 18 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 18

Blossoms and Blessings, April 19

For Him and My Family, April 19

Splashes of Joy, April 20

Holly’s Book Corner, April 20

Southern Gal Loves to Read, April 20

By the Book, April 21

Back Porch Reads, April 21

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, April 22

Live. Love. Read., April 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jen is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of A Match in the Making and a $15 Amazon gift card!!

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

 GIVEAWAY

 

My Thoughts

In typical Jen Turano fashion this book is anything but serious. Set in the illustrious Newport at the height of the social season the reader is taken on a matchmaking adventure with many laughs along the way. Gwendolyn finds herself as assistant matchmaker which was not her plan. She was hoping it would be a relaxing summer and discovers quite the opposite. Jen Turano is known for her characters having witty banter and ending up in ridiculous situations. Since the leading hero has children who cause a stir wherever they go, the combination of the children’s antics with Gwendolyn’s forthright personality creates some entertaining scenes throughout the book. I did enjoy this story because it is light and silly and fun. Even the ending scene had me giggling.

If you are needing a lighthearted story with lots of dialogue and banter you will enjoy this book.

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

 

The Art of Love and Lies Book Review

 

 

A free-spirited artist teams up with a no-nonsense detective to capture a thief who has stolen a priceless Michelangelo painting

Manchester, England, 1857 

Rosanna Hawkins is one of Manchester’s finest artists, even though no one knows her name. She reproduces “parlor versions” of classic masterpieces with near-perfect precision, which her employer then sells to the emerging upper-middle class families of Manchester.

When the largest art exhibition ever to be held in Manchester opens, Rosanna attends, excited by the chance to sketch such famous works. When she meets the handsome Detective Martin Harrison, who is head of security for the exhibition, she is immediately intrigued by his charm, confidence, and canvas-worthy good looks. The two spend many a flirtatious afternoon exploring the exhibition hall, discussing art and sharing their secret hopes. Rosanna dreams of painting something original and meaningful, and Martin hopes to one day shed the shadow of his father’s notorious past.

The couple’s blossoming summer romance takes a strange turn when Rosanna recognizes her own works on display in the exhibition hall. Someone is stealing paintings and replacing them with her parlor version reproductions. When the evidence casts suspicion on her, Rosanna must convince Detective Harrison of her innocence and proposes a plan to capture the real art thief.

It is a daring race to catch the criminal before he disappears with the most priceless piece in the collection—Michelangelo’s Manchester Madonna. If Rosanna and Detective Harrison fail, not only will the painting be lost forever but so will their chance to rekindle their romance and paint their own happily ever after. (Goodreads)

 

 

Releases August 8th! Pre-Order Here!

My Thoughts

 

 This is an interesting book. The main character is Rosanna and she is a delightfully unique character. Her attitude and personality I did like quite a bit. I really enjoyed this first part of this story and getting to know Rosanna. Her painting skills might be a tad far fetched it did take me out of the story a little bit. I know this is all fiction, but I REALLY changed my thinking on this one to just have fun with it and use my imagination because so much of it was unrealistic. I had a really hard time loving Martin and to be honest this was just a tough book to finish. The first half I was fully invested but as the story continued it seemed a bit disjointed. The romance seems very rushed and thrown together and the mystery part of it didn't really draw me in. This simply was not the book for me. I know others will enjoy it! 

Three Stars. 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Journey Movie Review & Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

 

 

 

A Music Special from Andrea Bocelli combines world-class musical performances with intimate
conversations across the awe-inspiring Italian countryside

In addition to Andrea Bocelli, THE JOURNEY features Michael W. Smith, Tori Kelly,
Tauren Wells, TAYA, and many others in amazing musical performances across majestic locations.

 

 

Buy tickets today to see THE JOURNEY in theaters starting 4/2

$10 Amazon Gift Card GIVEAWAY! 

US Entries Only Please

My Thoughts

I enjoy Andrea Bocelli's music so that is the main reason I wanted to watch this movie. The viewer is taken on a literal journey while watching Andrea and his wife travel on horse back across Italy. In between riding scenes there are musical performances that are just terrific! Most of the performances are done outside and it was put together nicely. The scenery is beautiful and I can only imagine how it will look on the big screen in theaters. The other performers also join in on the horse back ride in different sections and there is discussion about many different things. It was all quite interesting as I really didn't know much about Andrea Bocelli aside from incredible musical talent. This is a film I would expect to watch on our local PBS station as it had a similar feel. I really enjoyed the gorgeous scenery and the music. It was well worth watching!

#TheJourneyTBNMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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

The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry YA Review

 

 

About the Book

 Eleven-year-old Juniper Berry lives in a cabin with her family deep in the wild woods. Living off the grid is usually exciting, like the time she chased off three growling raccoons with a tree branch and some acorns, or when she thought she glimpsed the legendary Bigfoot. But her happy life in the wild ends abruptly when her younger brother gets sick, and the family moves to the city to be closer to the hospital.

Juniper and her older sister are sent to live with cousins they hardly know and attend a public school for the first time, which is harder to navigate than the wild woods ever were. Juniper feels like a wolf cub separated from her pack.

When Juniper notices that her cousin, Alayna, is being bullied by so-called friends, she’s ready to fight back like the wild geese do when protecting their goslings, but her cousin tells her to stay out of it; she doesn’t want Juniper making things worse. 

As the hospital bills for her brother start piling up, Juniper knows they’ll need to be paid before the family can go back to the woods, so she decides to make enough money to help out. With Alayna’s support, Juniper starts posting videos filled with her wisdom from the woods, hoping to get a following. But what if it doesn’t work? What if the bills never get paid? Not going home to the wild is Juniper’s worst nightmare. But while she’s stuck in the city, she might as well make the most of it, like sticking up for her cousin, for starters.

The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry is a story about perseverance when faced with difficult and unfamiliar challenges, belonging and finding your identity, compassion for others, and learning that our differences can sometimes be our strengths. (Goodreads)

Releases August 15th

Pre-Order HERE!

My Thoughts

I had so much fun reading this adventure of Juniper! She is such a great character and how this story was written really surprised me to be honest. I wasn't sure what to expect and there was a lot packed into the pages. The book starts out with Juniper and her family living in the woods and living off the land and off grid. This creates for a very unique life perspective for Juniper and her siblings. While the "world" considers it to be weird and not normal this book flips your perspective. The family has to go to the city where the hospital is located so Juniper discovers what lies beyond the woods. Her parents had settled in the woods because they did not want to be a part of the culture in city/town life. Not only are the people all different in the city but the general day to day is vastly different. There are some pretty strong points about what the world "values" and also how the world reacts to those that are different. I appreciated the plot line that included panic attacks and social anxiety as it was well written. Juniper doesn't care that she is different and she stands up for herself. 

I really enjoyed this story and I think it will create a lot of interesting conversations. Well worth the read! 

Five stars. 

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

His Only Son Movie Review and Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

About the Movie

His Only Son recounts one of the most controversial moments in the
Old Testament—when Abraham was commanded by God to sacrifice his son Isaac on
the mountain of Moriah. While traveling to the place of the sacrifice, alongside Isaac
and two servants, Abraham is flooded with vivid memories from the years he and
Sarah spent longing for the son they were promised—the son he must now lay upon
the altar.

Buy tickets today to see HIS ONLY SON in theaters March 31st.

LEARN MORE HERE

 

$10 Amazon Gift Card GIVEAWAY 

US entries only please. 

 

My Thoughts

 

First and foremost you can't replace the Bible with a movie. So in watching the movie you must also read how the Bible explains what happened in Genesis. 

The film starts out with Abraham hearing from God that he needs to make the journey to sacrifice Isaac. As the story moves along, it also flashes back in time to before Isaac was born. The part I found most interesting was considering how they lived in a tent and also the land they dwelt in. That part I appreciated because we don't really consider that when reading about it because it is something we really can't fully comprehend.

I thought the film was mostly well done. It moves a bit slow but there is a lot they try to cover in the story. There is added drama on the journey and different things that are not in the Bible. I am sure it was added to portray the culture at that time but it took me out of the movie for a bit. Also, throughout the film Sarah seems to not believe in God at all until the end and that is a pretty bold statement to assume. I did not like how that was done. 

There was a conversation that I did like. The one young man traveling with them said, "The people of Sodom were wicked and depraved." Abraham answers, "We are no different when we do our own way." 

This conversation is not in Genesis but the point of it hits home and should make us stop and consider. 

So as far as a Biblical re-telling, I thought this movie was pretty good compared to others I have seen. Not completely accurate, but I am not sure that is possible when making the Bible into a film. 

#HisOnlySonMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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

 

 

 

 

 

Books on My Spring 2023 To-Read List

 Oh my goodness this year has already started off being a fantabulous book year! Here are some spring releases that I am REALLY excited to read!

His Only Son Movie Trailer

 

 

About HIS ONLY SON

His Only Son recounts one of the most controversial moments in the Old Testament—when Abraham was commanded by God to sacrifice his son Isaac on the mountain of Moriah. While traveling to the place of the sacrifice, alongside Isaac and two servants, Abraham is flooded with vivid memories from the years he and Sarah spent longing for the son they were promised—the son he must now lay upon the altar.

 

 

 

I am curious to watch this one!

#HisOnlySonMIN 

 

 

The Journey: A Music Special from Andrea Bocelli Trailer

 

 

 

 

 Combining world-class musical performances with intimate conversations across the awe-inspiring Italian countryside, THE JOURNEY: A Music Special from Andrea Bocelli is an exploration of moments that define us, songs that inspire us, and relationships that connect us to what matters most in life. 

Join in a sacred pilgrimage of hope, beauty, and song with this special theatrical event opening on Palm Sunday and continuing through Holy Week: April 2, 3, 4 & 6. In addition to Bocelli, you’ll hear Michael W. Smith, Tori Kelly, Tauren Wells, TAYA, and many others in amazing musical performances across majestic locations. 

Get your tickets at TheJourney.movie. 

#TheJourneyTBNMIN

 

 

 

 

Remember Me Review

 

 About the Book

 Addie Bryant is haunted by her past of heartbreak and betrayal. After her beau, Isaac Hanson, left the Yukon, she made a vow to wait for him. When she's sold to a brothel owner after the death of her father, Addie manages to escape with the hope that she can forever hide her past and the belief that she will never have the future she's always dreamed of.

Years later, Addie has found peace in her new life as a photographer, training Camera Girls to operate and sell the Brownie camera. But during the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo in Seattle, Addie is reunited with Isaac. And when her past catches up with her, Addie must decide whether to run or to stay and face her wounds in order to embrace her life, her future, and her hope in God.

Bestselling author Tracie Peterson pens a tender tale where forgiveness, faith, and love conquers all. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

It has been years since I read Tracie Peterson's Alaskan Yukon Quest series and I was so excited to read another story that starts in Alaska. This book was very interesting to read with the many historical tidbits woven throughout the pages. I loved the Alaskan history but also the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo, of which I knew nothing about whatsoever. Addie's character was so well written and I appreciated her strength and how she grew and overcame obstacles. I struggled with Isaac's character and I never really grew to love him to be honest. He assumed too many things and was far too pushy for my liking. I still found this to be an enjoyable read tinged with mystery and romance and how Christ can heal past trauma to give us hope for a future.

Four 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."

The Metropolitan Affair Review

 

 About the Book

 For years her explorer father promised Dr. Lauren Westlake she'd accompany him on one of his Egyptian expeditions. But as the empty promises mounted, Lauren determined to earn her own way. Now the assistant curator of Egyptology for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lauren receives two unexpected invitations.

The first is her repentant father's offer to finally bring her to Egypt as his colleague on a new expedition. The second is a chance to enter the world of New York's wealthiest patrons who have been victims of art fraud.

With Egyptomania sweeping the city after the discovery of King Tut's tomb, Detective Joe Caravello is on the hunt for a notorious forger preying on the open wallets of New York's high society. Dr. Westlake is just the expert he needs to help him track the criminal. Together they search for the truth, and the closer Lauren and Joe get to discovering the forger's identity, the more entangled they become in a web of deception and crime.

In this rich 1920s tale, bestselling author Jocelyn Green invites you into one of New York City's most esteemed museums, where a young woman discovers secrets, betrayal, and romance. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

Jocelyn Green has written some terrific historical fiction so I knew that this story would be a well researched adventure. I LOVED visiting the Met when I was in New York and while this is set in a much different time it still helped me visualize it more clearly. It is an incredible place and it was really interesting to read about a very small part of the Egyptian history and imagine the inner workings of the museum. The setting is fantastic and the central mystery that runs throughout the story is well done. I did have a hard time connecting with the main characters. Lauren is an independent woman and I appreciate her perspective. The relationship with her father is a key part of the story and I found that to be interesting. I enjoyed the history and much of the sleuthing for counterfeit art. While this isn't my favorite book by this author I know many will love it!

 

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."

The Cairo Curse Review with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: The Cairo Curse

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical Fiction / Romance / Adventure / Mystery

Release date: February 1, 2023

 

Clue meets Indiana Jones with a fiction-loving twist only Grace Percy can provide.

Newlyweds Lord and Lady Astley have already experienced their fair-share of suspense, but when a honeymoon trip takes a detour to the mystical land of Egypt, not even Grace with her fiction-loving mind is prepared for the dangers in store. From an assortment of untrustworthy adventure-seekers to a newly discovered tomb with a murderous secret, Frederick and Grace must lean on each other to navigate their dangerous surroundings. As the suspects mount in an antiquities’ heist of ancient proportions, will Frederick and Grace’s attempts to solve the mystery lead to another death among the sands?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

 

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

You can learn more about Pepper at her website http://www.pepperdbasham.com or connect with her on FB, IG, or Twitter

 

Read an Excerpt from the Book!

February 1914, Havensbrook

 

Gunfire erupted from outside, sending Frederick Percy, Earl of Astley, leaping from his chair. The seat crashed against the floor behind him in time with another shot. What on earth! He grabbed the first weapon-like item he could find—his grandfather’s cane—and dashed toward the sound, nearly colliding with his butler moving in the same direction.

“Did you hear the gunfire, Brandon?”

The older gentleman’s brows rose as high as they could go without becoming part of his snowy hairline. “Indeed, my lord. From the south garden, if I guess correctly, sir.”

“My thoughts exactly.” Frederick tapped the cane against the floor and took a step in the direction of the garden door. Then stopped, a sudden sense of dread forming a lump in his stomach. His butler’s response was much too cavalier for an emergency. “Have you seen Lady Astley of late, Brandon?”

“Not since after breakfast, sir.”

“Well, then.” Frederick returned to his office for his own pistol and prayed whatever inspired a gunshot near his home would prove more benign than dangerous. After surviving several near-death experiences over the past Christmas season, Frederick was quite finished with drama for a while. Though drama seemed to follow his new bride in spades.

He met the butler back in the hallway.

“Might I offer an insight, sir?”

Frederick pivoted in his approach to the door and turned back to Brandon. “Insight?”

“Yes, sir.” The man released a deep sigh which pulled his pristine posture into a slight slump. He then sent Frederick a look which somehow inspired a grimace before Frederick even heard the man’s words. “Her ladyship was speaking with Mr. Blake after breakfast, sir.”

“Mr. Blake?” Frederick rolled his gaze heavenward, the tension in his jaw uncoiling into a slight annoyance that manifested in an ache over his right eyebrow. He loved his cousin. There was no man Frederick trusted more. But for some reason, the idea of Blake and Grace together followed by the sound of gunfire did not bode well.

For anyone.

“About pistols, my lord.”

And the answers emerged, along with an increased throbbing in Frederick’s head. “Thank you, Brandon.”

Setting a slower pace, he moved toward the south side of his manor house, another shot reverberating nearer. Within a month since Christmas, his American wife had learned how to drive the car and throw knives, two skills she appeared to excel in more than knowing the fashion of the season or how to address the complicated hierarchy of the aristocracy. His lips almost split into a grin as he recalled her stumbling over addressing the Duke of Westonbridge two weeks ago by calling him “Your Honorable Lord” and then in quick correction, “Your Grace, or at least I hope you are since I fumbled your title so atrociously.”

Of course the duke had fallen under Grace’s spell within five minutes, as everyone else who met her seemed to do since she’d moved to his crumbling Derbyshire estate two months earlier. Well, everyone except the villainess who’d tried to kill them just before Christmas. But that was hopefully a distant story, and their next chapter would be a lovely, peaceful belated honeymoon—he increased his steps at the idea—with a little surprise tagged on for his lovely Lady Astley.

Frederick nodded a good afternoon to the police officer inconspicuously posted near the house so that Frederick’s mother could work out her sentence of house arrest in connection with his father and brother’s deaths. He released a sigh. No, she was no murderess, unless glares and harsh words counted, but she’d harbored information that could have protected others. The law had been gracious with her due to her age and status, merely revoking her freedoms from leaving Havensbrook, so his mother’s life stayed very much as it had since Frederick’s father’s death; however, the added blemish of “criminal” to her reputation ensured she spent her days away from the public eye.

And if the police officer appeared in no great distress over the gunfire, Frederick knew all too well what must be happening.

Just around the edge of the house, a large garden opened to the south, its walls still well intact, though ivy-grown and tangled. Another shot reverberated through the damp air, followed quickly by laughter and his wife’s exuberant exclamation of “I hit it.”

Frederick’s lips pinched into a frown. Why he ever expected his cousin Blake to mind Frederick’s subtle requests was beyond him! The garden gate stood open, welcoming him forward into an even more tangled array of vines and twined greenery, the winter roses, a remnant of the garden’s healthier days, sleeping until spring.

He hadn’t had the means to make things right with Havensbrook before but, with Grace’s wealth and her generous heart, he could now. Another way to make amends for the past, he hoped, though

God had already bestowed on him much more than he deserved.

His cousin stood to the right, hands on the hips of his gray suit jacket, but Frederick’s gaze followed Blake’s focus to the woman in the center of the garden. Her bright auburn hair was twisted up beneath a deep purple hat that matched her coat, both in contrast to her pale skin. Her laughter echoed toward him, so filled with joy and hope. Two things he’d thought lost forever before he’d met her.

Yes, God had given him much more than he deserved, and sometimes, he wondered if God had given him more than he could manage.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 23

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 23

Bigreadersite, February 23

By The Book, February 24

Just Your Average reviews, February 24

Remembrancy, February 24

Sylvan Musings, February 24

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 25 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 25

Mary Hake, February 25

Worthy2Read, February 26

Christina’s Corner, February 26

Texas Book-aholic, February 26

Betti Mace, February 27

The Sacred Line, February 27

deb’s Book Review, February 27

Lily’s Book Reviews, February 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 28

Labor Not in Vain, February 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 1

Cover Lover Book Review, March 1

Daysong Reflections, March 1

Hebrews 12 Endurance, March 2

Wishful Endings, March 2

Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 3

Simple Harvest Reads, March 3 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Rebecca Tews, March 3

Connie’s History Classroom, March 4

Blogging With Carol, March 4

To Everything There Is A Season, March 4

Cathe Swanson, March 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 5

Artistic Nobody, March 5 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Where Faith and Books Meet, March 6

For Him and My Family, March 6

Holly’s Book Corner, March 6

She Lives To Read, March 7

Splashes of Joy, March 7

Pause for Tales, March 7

Back Porch Reads, March 8

Blossoms and Blessings, March 8

Through the Fire Blogs, March 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and 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.

 GIVEAWAY

 

 

 My Thoughts

Oh what a story this book holds! I love Pepper Basham's writing and this story takes the reader on quite the adventure. It very much reminded me of the movie The Mummy and that made me smile the whole way through. We first met Freddie and Grace in The Mistletoe Countess so this book takes up a little bit after that one. Grace's character is truly one of a kind and she just made me giggle. I love the fun romance and the slight mystery that threads through the pages. The setting of Egypt is unique and I was excited for something new! While I didn't love this book so much as the first one it was still a fun read. 

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."