Blog Tour and Giveaway: Penelope's Pursuit by Chautona Havig

About the Book

Book:  Penelope’s Pursuit

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 29, 2021

Are mail-order-brides changing their minds or is something sinister going on in Kansas?

Ten years ago, Penelope’s sister ran away as a mail-order bride, and it was the last their family ever heard from her.  Now, with their parents dead and Penelope all alone, the young woman has one goal. Find her sister.

It took enough grit for Henry to write to Miss Mildred Crenshaw about finding him a wife in the first place, but when the stage arrives and no bride steps off, the whole thing feels like a confidence scheme. Investigation, however, sends chills down his spine as he realizes women are leaving the east for the west but many never arrive at their destinations.

Is it any wonder that Penelope doesn’t trust the man who abducts her from the clutches of her new friends and rides off into the sunset? Is his explanation reasonable?  Can she convince him to help her find her sister?

And is she about to fall in love with a homesteader on the untamed prairies of Kansas?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

Mail Order Brides: Do We Romanticize the Past?

Although I recall reading about mail-order brides in school… somewhere… Patricia MacLachlan’s Sarah, Plain and Tall was my first introduction to the idea of advertising for or requesting the services of a matchmaker to find a wife. The book and the subsequent movie showed the difficulties of such a marriage and left us all with a satisfactory ending.

Some years later, while doing a bit of research, I discovered another side of the coin—a horrifying picture of what happened to some gullible young women and the unscrupulous people who used such matchmaking schemes as a means for human trafficking. It sickened me, as it should anyone.

All my ideas for mail order bride novels ended up as wadded up balls of mental paper and in the wastepaper basket of my mind. A few years passed, and I came up with a twist on mail order brides, one that will see the light of day if I ever have time to write it. A few more years passed, and a series of books featuring a matchmaking service for mail-order brides and the Homestead Act resurrected those ideas. I smoothed a couple out, reconsidered, and decided against writing them.

I’d have to miss the opportunity to join the series.

My mind never does follow orders well. Within minutes of that decision, I had a story. What would happen if there was some funny business going on with girls going west? How could I combine a satisfactory ending where two people came to a meeting of the minds and hearts in the midst of fighting something that ugly?

Penelope’s Pursuit was born.

Is my story idealized? Probably. I’ll be frank with you. I’m okay with that, too. See, sometimes all we need is a reminder that mankind is sinful and in need of a Savior before the story turns into how things should have been. After all, fiction mirrors reality, but it is also an escape.

I hope Penelope’s escape to the west and her pursuit of her sister encourages you to turn to the Lord for every decision, in every trouble, and with every praise possible in between.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 9

Blogging With Carol, October 9

Texas Book-aholic, October 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 11

Inklings and notions, October 11

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 12

Lots of Helpers, October 13

For Him and My Family, October 13

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 14

deb’s Book Review, October 15

Joanne Markey, October 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 17

Mary Hake, October 17

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

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 18

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 19

Vicky Sluiter, October 19

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 20

Connie’s History Classroom, October 21

Blossoms and Blessings, October 21

Splashes of Joy, October 22

Giveaway

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

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

 https://promosimple.com/ps/11fe1/penelope-s-pursuit-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

Penelope's Pursuit is Chautona Havig’s contribution to the Westward Home and Hearts Mail Order Brides series. It is exactly what I would expect from her stories. Even though it is not a very long read, it is full of entertainment, adventure, perseverance, and love. I loved Penelope right from the start. It was even more of a delight with the addition of Reuben in the story. I loved every single page of this tale and wound up staying up late at night so I could finish it. 

Penelope's Pursuit is getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading heartwarming historical romance novellas. I would love to read more from the Westward Home and Hearts Mail Order Brides series.

I received a paperback copy of Penelope's Pursuit from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Cover Reveal: The Sherwood Proof by Kristee Ravan

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

 

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

The Sherwood Proof

By Kristee Ravan

Coming November 2021...

The Sherwood Proof

(The Lily Sparrow Chronicles #3)

By Kristee Ravan

Middle-grade, Fairytale, Fantasy

Lily Sparrow has finally created an equation for being a good princess. Things are adding up and making sense, and she’s even growing a measurable amount more excited about her future. But unexpected variables keep being tossed into her equation:

1. Carole Claus is facing her first hurdle as Santa. She needs Lily’s help.
2. Lily’s Half-Birthday--an important Smythian tradition--is coming up, requiring her to find time to prepare for it.
3. Her algebra teacher has an unusual (and stressful plan) for Lily.
4. Lily remains convinced that her mom is hiding something from her.
5. The investigation into the traitor is an on-going source of stress and tension at work for Lily and Calo.
6. Oh, and Calo’s still betrothed to Su’Sauna, making life difficult and confusing all around.

Will Lily be able to place these variables securely in her equation? Will the Sparrow family find a way to convince their critics they are good for the Kingdom? Or will everything fall apart--subtracting all the good will Lily has already earned from her citizens?

Other Books in the Series

About the Author


Kristee Ravan lives in Oklahoma with her husband, daughter, and pet fish, Val (short for Valentine). She wanted to be many things as she grew up including a general, an artist, and an architect. But she never bothered to say, "I want to be a writer when I grow up." She was always writing stories and thought of herself as a writer anyway. She sent her first story to a publisher in the sixth grade. (It was rejected - in a nice way.) When she is not making up stories in her head, she enjoys reading, juggling, green smoothies, playing dollhouse with her daughter, and hearing from her fans. You can contact Kristee at the facebook page for her Lily Sparrow books: The Lily Sparrow Chronicles.

The Lily Sparrow Chronicles | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

Tour Giveaway


A print copy of The Cinderella Theorem and a $25 Amazon card (US only)

Ends October 19, 2021

ENTER HERE

Blog Tour and Giveaway: My Cat is Blue by Sarah Sommer

Join Us For This Tour From October 5 to October 18

 

Book Details:
 

Book Title:  My Cat Is Blue by Sarah Sommer
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  36 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:  October 2021
Content Rating:  G - Children's picture book featuring feelings of sadness and grief (loss of a pet), but no explicit content or language.

 

 

Book Description: 
When someone you love is feeling down in the dumps, you try everything to help. But sometimes, you don't have the cure, and those blues can even become contagious. It just might be the unexpected that allows you both to shed your blues and move toward a bright and colorful future.

 

Buy the Book
Mascot Books
 Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble
Chapters Indigo ~ Books-A-Million

 

 

 

JOIN SARAH SOMMER FOR AUTHORS ON ITOUR'S BROWN BAG LUNCH: OCT 8, 12 Noon (EST)

Meet the Author:

Sarah Sommer is an award-winning children's picture book author who blends her love for music, animals, and positivity in her books. Having trained in classical music and performed internationally as a professional clarinetist, rhymes and lyrics are an important part of her writing style. She is an advocate for animals, as seen in her work fostering German shepherds, and as a result, animals are always a central part of her stories. Sarah aims to include encouraging themes, such as helping others, in all of her narratives because we all need a little help sometimes.

connect with the author:  website ~ facebook ~ goodreads ~ instagram

 

Tour Schedule:

Oct 5 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
Oct 5 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Oct 6 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Oct 6 - Kam's Place – book review
Oct 7 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Oct 7 - Pick a Good Book – book review / giveaway
Oct 8 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Oct 8 - Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – book review / giveaway
Oct 11 – The Adventures of a Traveler's Wife – book review / giveaway
Oct 12 – Lisa's Reading – book review / giveaway
Oct 12 - icefairy's Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Oct 13 – From the TBR Pile – book review / giveaway
Oct 13 - The Momma Spot – book review / giveaway
Oct 14 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / giveaway
Oct 14 - Laura's Interests – book review / giveaway
Oct 15 – Locks, Hooks And Books - book review / giveaway
Oct 15 - Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
Oct 18 – I'm Into Books – book review / giveaway
Oct 18 - Rajiv's Reviews – book review / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

MY CAT IS BLUE Book Tour Giveaway

 

My Review

My Cat Is Blue is a wonderful book for young readers by Sarah Sommer. It tells the story of a child’s cat that is grieving the loss of their best friend. I thought it was a great book to help children about a loss of a pet and how to possibly help the other pets in the home. It was sad to read trying to figure what could be so sad for the little kitty and was hoping they would be getting better soon. 

My Cat Is Blue is illustrated by the talents of Bulankina Ka. The pictures perfectly follow the story and so vibrant and colorful that hard not to capture one’s eye. The younger readers will be captivated and be able to hold their attention and continue reading to find out what happens all the way to the end.

My Cat Is Blue is getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for young readers who are between the ages of three and seven. I look forward to reading more books like this from Sarah Sommer in the future. This would make a great gift and a wonderful addition to the local or school library and even in a little ones’ classroom for story time. My little one’s elementary school will be so excited when we donate our copy to them.

I received a hard cover copy of My Cat Is Blue from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Saving Ebenezer by S Daniel Smith

 

About the Book

Book: Saving Ebenezer

Author: S. Daniel Smith

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: October 12, 2021

Much had changed in seven years. Scrooge had given all to rid himself of the guilt and shame of his miserly ways. Nearly saved Tiny Tim, too, who was only slightly bigger at his death than Christmas Eve seven years prior. Scrooge had the best doctors working on the boy’s condition, all of them happy to have Scrooge pay for this treatment or that, but never quite figuring out exactly what was wrong. Still, Tim had started the pathway of a bright future.

Until pneumonia struck. In a fortnight, Tim had gone from spry and hopeful to weak and discouraged. And then dead.

As Ebenezer Scrooge watched the simple casket lowered into the near-frozen muck on December 20^th, 1850, there could be no mistaking the fact that a piece of him was being buried as well.

And that was why Ebenezer Scrooge was angry.

The old Scrooge was back. Joy had given away to sorrow in the meanest of ways, for it sprung upon the old man with such ferocity that he had no defense. Powerless, and angry, that was Ebenezer Scrooge, all right. Joy had given way quickly to pain and sorrow, the likes of which Ebenezer Scrooge had never experienced before.

Ebenezer Scrooge, heartbroken and frustrated, begins to ask questions about faith. Much like the original story, he is given a guide to help him find the answers. As he struggles to understand death, sorrow, and poverty in terms of faith, he finds one answer to all his questions: Jesus Christ. The book ends with Ebenezer finding faith, health, and love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Dan Smith is a Christian, a husband, a father, a career US Navy sailor, and freelance writer living in Virginia Beach, VA with his wife and three children. His publishing history goes back 21 years, when he was first published in the magazine Pentecostal Messenger.

Dan specializes in writing about life in the military, especially as it affects Christians in service. He has also tackled the issue of cystic fibrosis, the autism spectrum, and a host of other topics.

More from Dan

“I have always loved the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. From the original novella to The Muppets, I’ve been fascinated by the story. Only one thing was truly missing, and that was the real hope Christians find in Jesus Christ. In that way, Saving Ebenezer: The Continuing Saga of a man named Scrooge is my offering to my Lord. I did my best to retain the style and language of the original, as well as to stay true to the original story and characters, while offering a glimpse at the hope we have in Jesus.

The biggest reason I wrote the book is to show the need for Christ. I do my best to keep from being preachy, and I believe you’ll find the book entertaining with a point. I can’t wait to hear what you think!”

Blog Stops

The Write Escape, October 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 14

Genesis 5020, October 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 15

deb’s Book Review, October 16

Texas Book-aholic, October 17

Labor Not in Vain, October 17

Inklings and notions, October 18

For Him and My Family, October 19

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 20

Cats in the Cradle Blog, October 20

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 21

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 22

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 23

Mary Hake, October 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 24

Connie’s History Classroom, October 25

Denise L. Barela, Author, October 25

Betti Mace, October 26

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, S. Daniel is the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

To celebrate his tour, Bradley is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/122da/saving-ebenezer-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

Saving Ebenezer: The Continuing Saga of a man named Scrooge is my first introduction to the talented writer S Daniel Smith. I loved this rendition of the classic A Christmas Carol. I enjoyed seeing of the author’s imagination of what became of Scrooge after that story ended. It was a very quick read and it was a very well spent a couple of hours reading it. 

I am giving Saving Ebenezer: The Continuing Saga of a man named Scrooge a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading Holiday Historical Fiction. I would love to read more like this in the future by S Daniel Smith. 

I received a digital copy of Saving Ebenezer: The Continuing Saga of a man named Scrooge from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Review: The Heart of a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund

The Heart of a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Brilliant scientist Linnea Newberry is on the adventure of a lifetime, traveling the Santa Fe Trail with her grandfather, Dr. Powell, on a botanical expedition to Colorado Territory. She longs to be taken seriously by the other team members, but at every calamity she faces, her grandfather threatens to send her home.

After watching his ma suffer and die in childbirth, Flynn McQuaid has sworn off women and marriage forever. Headed west to start a new life, he has his hands full not only taking care of his younger siblings but also delivering cattle to his brother. He doesn't need more complications.

When Flynn rescues Linnea from drowning during a river crossing, Dr. Powell promptly hires Flynn--unbeknownst to Linnea--to act as her bodyguard for the rest of the trip. As Flynn fights against the many dangers of the trail, he soon finds himself in the greatest danger of all--falling for a woman he's determined not to love.

My Review: 

I really enjoyed the first book from Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series, A Cowboy for Keeps. I was excited to have the opportunity the next installment, The Heart of a Cowboy. I was far from disappointed. I adored the strong minded but yet vulnerable, Linnea. I admired her determination and courage to make a mark in the world as a woman living in a dominant male world. I love the scenes with her and Flynn. Just a beauiful and inspiring to read. I loved it.

The Heart of a Cowboy will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy clean western, historical and romantic fiction. I can not wait to read the next book from the Colorado Cowboys series.

I received a paperback copy of The Heart of a Cowboy from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Blurb Blitz and Giveaway: The Girl in the '67 Beetle by Linda Lenhoff

 

The Girl in the '67 Beetle

by Linda Lenhoff

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

GENRE:   Contemporary Romance 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

The art director of Kids Press, Amy Shepherd has been assigned to reinvent the story of Goldilocks, and she finds her own life reflecting a similar tale. Will she fall for a man who’s a little too old (but exciting), a man who’s a little too young (but awfully exciting looking), or a man who’s just right, at least as far as her friends are concerned? Or will she bring Goldilocks’ story—and her own—up to date with a little help from high-technology and the Goldilocks Planet theory? Amy will have to decide how her own tale will end, all the while driving her beloved powder blue convertible through the streets of Santa Monica, where she has become known as the Girl in the ’67 Beetle, the only thing in her life that, so far at least, feels just right.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT"

I think it’s a sign of our times that when we feel low or

confused, unsure or unloved, we look for someplace

warm and comforting, with soft colors and soothing

music, and find ourselves time and again at Pottery Barn. At

least, my pal Susan and I do.

“Shopping has gotten a bad name,” Susan says. Susan is

my bestie from college, though we don’t use the term bestie

because it’s a little too cute, and Susan is a serious person.

She has a serious face with a serious haircut—auburn tinted

straight hair, excellent posture, and one of those fit bodies

where everything’s proportioned right. I think it’s because

she’s tall. But she doesn’t lord it over me or anything.

 

“It’s true,” I say. “I feel guilty shopping now. Even window

shopping makes me look over my shoulder to make sure no

one’s watching. When did this happen?”

 

“It’s all those TV shows where women in too much eye

makeup are constantly shopping for shoes.

 

“I’ve never willingly gone into one of those pricey shoe stores,” I say.

 

“Boutiques,” Susan corrects me.

 

“That’s a polite word for them,” I say. “What’s wrong with

DSW? What’s wrong with grabbing your own size and putting

shoes on yourself?” I ask.

 

“You just don’t get what it means to be a modern woman,”

Susan says, raising her nose in the air. “A modern woman who

spends money on shoes that hurt.”

 

“I’d rather have a nice quilt,” I say, looking at a nice quilt.

It’s five-hundred dollars, so I won’t be buying it, either. But

at least if I did, it wouldn’t pinch my toes.

 

I am scanning the aisles of Trader Joe’s, looking for

something celebratory but inexpensive for dinner. It is

my anniversary, and I realize I’m acting a little like a New

Agey Hallmark card for a thirty-four-year-old celebrating the

first anniversary of her divorce (and you just know the card

would be too pink, with a girl holding a martini glass with too

much martini in it).

 

Trader Joe’s is the grocery store where I came as a college

student to buy very cheap wine (I still buy it) and big blocks

of cheese (I’ve cut down on the cheese—dairy, you know).

The store looks brand new, having undergone renovation this

past year. A lot like me, but more fluorescent and way more

noticeable. You can now find some form of chocolate at the

end of almost every aisle. Something that makes me think they

know I shop here, or there are a lot more women like me than

I ever thought.

 

A crowd has gathered around the low-carb section, which

thankfully isn’t too large an area. Lots of women studying the fine print.

An older man is watching the low-carb folks, too. He looks

at me, and we share a smile. He then accidentally turns and

knocks over an entire rack of chocolate bars (the ones with

the white wrappers and hazelnuts inside, a very good choice),

and the whole group of low carb-ettes turns to see, with looks

of longing on their determined faces. The older man looks

slightly bemused.

“You’re a tempter, is that it?” I ask, helping him pick up the

bars. I put one in my basket. I don’t care if it fell on the floor.

It’s wrapped. 

 

“Who could resist?” he says, with a mischievous smile on

his face. “Thanks for the help. I should buy you a chocolate

bar,” he says.

“Please, I’m over thirty,” I joke. “You should buy me two.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Linda Lenhoff has worked in publishing as a writer and editor for several years,  having edited nearly everything from makeup techniques (apply blush up and over  the “apples” of your cheeks) at Seventeen Magazine to migraine studies (cut back  on that chocolate) at research institutes. She has earned an MFA in Creative.

Writing, and her next novel, *Your Actual Life May Vary, will be published in 2022. Linda lives in California’s Bay Area with her husband and daughter. Contact Linda at (925) 784-9393, lenhoff@informativity.com, 

https://lindalattelessons.wordpress.com. Author photo by Haley Nelson.

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Girl-67-Beetle-novel-Lenhoff-ebook/dp/B0977M7ZNT/

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY:

Linda Lenhoff will be awarding one printed copy book or a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW THE TOUR AND COMMENT
ON EACH STOP TO EARN MORE ENTRIES TO WIN!

September 20: Novels Alive
September 20: Romance Novel Giveaways
September 21: Literary Gold
September 22: The Avid Reader
September 23: All the Ups and Downs
September 24: Christine Young
September 27: Viviana MacKade
September 28: Aubrey Wynne: Timeless Love
September 29: Hope. Dreams. Life... Love
September 30: Andi's Book Reviews review
October 1: Fabulous and Brunette
October 4: The Key Of Love
October 5: FUONLYKNEW
October 6: Read Your Writes Book Reviews
October 7: Harlie's Books review
October 8: Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
October 8: Joanne Guidoccio
October 11: Iron Canuck Reviews & More
October 12: Gina Rae Mitchell review
October 12: Phoebe's Randoms
October 13: Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
October 14: Locks, Hooks and books
October 15: Sandra's Book Club review
October 15: Westveil Publishing

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