Blog Tour and Giveaway: Back to the Burgh and Beyond by CS McDonald

 

Join us for this review tour from Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2021!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Back to the Burgh and Beyond (The Owl's Nest Mysteries) 
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  Adult Fiction, 208 pages
Run Time: 5 hours, 59 minutes
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  Sep 10, 2020
Content Rating:  G. C.S. McDonald's books are appropriate for YA readers as well as adults--no bad language or sexual content.

Book Description: 

Meet Alexa Owl. She's returned home to Pittsburgh after a divorce to start a new life and a new business, The Owl’s Nest Couturier Shoppe. Much to her surprise, she's getting more than she ever bargained for: Detective Bobby Starr, and he's no ordinary sleuth. Bobby is an angel who's returned to Earth in hopes of earning his way into the Guardian Angel Squad. He's been sent by none other than Saint Pete to acquire Alexa’s help to solve three cold case murders he left behind. Except, here’s the catch: he’s only been allotted four days to solve the first case! How in heaven’s name is she supposed to do that? Alexa is a professional seamstress—not a detective. Bobby insists the only way to solve the first case is to return to 1953, and Alexa’s not in love with that idea at all!

Buy the Book:
Audible
Amazon ~ B&N
Add to Goodreads

 

You May Also Enjoy One of C.S. McDonald's Fiona Quinn Mysteries. Available in Audiobook, Ebook, and Print:

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Murder on Pointe:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery #1
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  YA Fiction, 219 pages
Run Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  Jul 19, 2016
Formats Available for review: audiobook (audible download), ebook (mobi for kindle, epub, pdf)
Tour dates:  Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

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Book Description:

Fiona can't wait to attend the performance of Coppelia at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh. Her old friend, Silja Ramsay, is dancing the principal role. They have dinner after the show, but when they return Pittsburgh Ballet Theater is down one dancer! Ballerina, Alexis Cartwright, has been found dead in the dressing room. Is this murder a result of hot tempers among the cast members? Or is it a random act of violence? Will there be more murders? Homicide Detective Nathan Landry isn't taking any chances. After finding out Fiona has a strong background in ballet, he recruits her to go undercover among the cast of Coppelia. Can Fiona help catch a killer, or will she be the next victim? 

BUY THE BOOK:
Audible ~ Amazon
Add to Goodreads

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Merry Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery #2
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  YA Fiction, 219 pages
Run Time: 4 hours, 51 minutes
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  Sep 16, 2016
Formats Available for review: audiobook (audible download), ebook (mobi for kindle, epub, pdf)
Tour dates:  Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

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Book Description:

The cookies are baked. The tree is trimmed. The shopping? Well, it's almost done, and Fiona's parents have finally returned home for a holiday visit - along with some unexpected unruly friends. Yep, Fiona's perfectly planned Christmas is coming together, but how could've she planned for her favorite uncle's murder? Who could possibly kill a sweet old man who's played Santa at the local mall every year without fail? Fiona's boyfriend, Detective Nathan Landry, is determined to find out - before Christmas day arrives. There's only one problem: Nancy Quinn. Fiona's mom is just as determined as the detective to catch the murderer, and she isn't shy about getting the job done - even if it includes breaking a few pesky laws! Will Fiona and her mother find the killer first or will the killer find them? 

 

BUY THE BOOK:
Audible ~ Amazon
Add to Goodreads

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Waves of Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery #3
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  YA Fiction, 190 pages
Run Time: 4 hours, 6 minutes
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  Apr 11, 2017
Formats Available for review: audiobook (audible download), ebook (mobi for kindle, epub, pdf)
Tour dates:  Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

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Book Description:

School's out for the summer!

Kindergarten teacher Fiona Quinn is looking forward to spending some quality time in her yard and with her boyfriend, Detective Nathan Landry. However, Fiona's plans get squelched when her mother volunteers her to edit a manuscript for famous romance author Wyla Parkes.
What's so bad about that? The author insists Fiona must work on the manuscript at her beach cottage on Presque Isle - three hours away from her yard and Nathan. Spending six weeks in an adorable cottage on a private beach doesn't really seem all that bad until people start turning up dead - beginning with the author! Fiona's summer of sun and sand is instantly transformed into a murder investigation. Can Fiona and Nathan crack the case or will the murderer getaway on a wave of deceit?
Join Fiona and the gang for a hot whodunit on the sandy beaches of Presque Isle, Pennsylvania! 

 

BUY THE BOOK:
Audible ~ Amazon
Add to Goodreads

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Tastes Like Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery #4
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  YA Fiction, 202 pages
Run Time: 4 hours, 46 minutes
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  Nov 23, 2017
Formats Available for review: audiobook (audible download), ebook (mobi for kindle, epub, pdf)
Tour dates:  Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

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Book Description:

The bridesmaid dresses are ruffles and ruffles of ugly, one bridesmaid is trying to micro-manage…well, pretty much everything, and the bride-to-be is a total bridezilla! Wedding bells will soon be ringing, but as usual, Fiona is a bridesmaid and not a bride. As the maid of honor, how can Fiona keep the volatile pre-wedding festivities running smoothly? 

The problem is abruptly solved when the bride drops over dead at the elegant wine-tasting wedding rehearsal. Yikes! Who poisoned the wine? The suspects are lining up, and Fiona finds herself at the top of the list! Double yikes! It’s a vintage murder case for Fiona, Detective Landry, and the gang. Cheers!

 

BUY THE BOOK:
Audible ~ Amazon
Add to Goodreads

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Good Luck to Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery #5
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  YA Fiction, 148 pages
Run Time: 3 hours, 49 minutes
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  June 1, 2018
Formats Available for review: audiobook (audible download), ebook (mobi for kindle, epub, pdf)
Tour dates:  Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

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Book Description:

Dreams, wishes, fantasies, and... murder?

Fiona's good friend and fellow teacher, Lucky Maguire leads everyone to believe he has won a huge jackpot! Only Lucky turns out not to be so lucky - he winds up dead and his supposed winning lottery ticket missing! 
Yikes!
Did Lucky really win the lottery and if so, where is the ticket hidden? 
Who knew for sure if he truly was Pittsburgh's newest millionaire? 
Double yikes!
Join Fiona and the gang for this winning cozy mystery that's sure to keep you betting on the suspects!

 

BUY THE BOOK:
Audible ~ Amazon
Add to Goodreads

 

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Mambo and Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery #6
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  YA Fiction, 160 pages
Run Time: 4 hours, 9 minutes
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  October 31, 2018
Formats Available for review: audiobook (audible download), ebook (mobi for kindle, epub, pdf)
Tour dates:  Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

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Book Description:

Three ballroom dancers were murdered over 40 years ago. Wow, that’s one old cold case. What’s more, the murderer, who was thought to have been killed during a police chase, has resurfaced in Pittsburgh. Yikes! How can that be? 
Worse, ballroom dancing simply isn’t Detective Nathan Landry’s forte. After weeks of practice, Nathan still has two left feet. Can Fiona step in to guide Nathan through this dancing debacle or will it take 40 years for the detective to find his footing? 
Double yikes! Join Fiona and detective Landry in this high-stepping whodunit!

 

BUY THE BOOK:
Audible ~ Amazon

 

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Saddle Up for Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery #7
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  YA Fiction, 178 pages
Run Time: 4 hours, 47 minutes
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  May 14, 2019
Formats Available for review: audiobook (audible download), ebook (mobi for kindle, epub, pdf)
Tour dates:  Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

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Book Description:

Fiona is in total shock when her mother arrives unannounced on her doorstep. What’s going on? Why, she’s left Fiona’s father, that’s what. Yikes! Worse, a horse trainer is murdered outside his ex-wife’s home in Pittsburgh, and the trail leads directly to a Thoroughbred racetrack in the neighboring state of West Virginia. Get ready, because the suspects are mounting up and heading down the stretch. Whoa! Fiona and Detective Landry aren’t horsing around with this homicide!

 

BUY THE BOOK:
Audible ~ Amazon

 

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Bon Voyage to Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery #8
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  YA Fiction, 198 pages
Run Time: 6 hours, 52 minutes
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  Nov 5, 2019
Formats Available for review: audiobook (audible download), ebook (mobi for kindle, epub, pdf)
Tour dates:  Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

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Book Description:

Hooray! Fiona has finally convinced her boyfriend detective Nathan Landry to go on a romantic Caribbean cruise. Unfortunately, their fun on the high seas is interrupted by murder. It isn’t long before they discover a boatload of suspects, who have motives deeper than the ocean for wanting the victim out of their lives.

 

BUY THE BOOK:
Audible ~ Amazon

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Taking Notes on Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery #9
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  YA Fiction, 184 pages
Run Time: 5 hours
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  May 19, 2020
Formats Available for review: audiobook (audible download), ebook (mobi for kindle, epub, pdf)
Tour dates:  Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

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Book Description:

Mysterious notes are showing up in Fiona’s kindergarten classroom, claiming a suicide from 2005 was actually a homicide. Detective Landry maintains the messages are too vague, possess no integrity, and do not warrant a review of the old case.

Fiona’s not convinced. She’s determined to find the author of the enigmatic notes and uncover the truth about a man who had many secrets and countless enemies, including Fiona’s mother and former suspect Nancy Quinn!
Can Fiona crack this cold case, and what will it take to get Detective Landry involved? Don’t miss taking notes on this murder! 

 

    BUY THE BOOK:
Audible ~ Amazon

 

Meet the Author: 

For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer. During that time, she choreographed many musicals and an opera for the Pittsburgh Savoyards. In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries to that expansion. She decided to write the cozy mystery series that everyone, including teens and tweens, can read and enjoy. Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries nine books with a tenth slated for 2021. The books are also available on audio, narrated by Maren Swenson Waxenberg. Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh. The female protagonist, Alexa Owl, is much different from Fiona Quinn. The Owl’s Next Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy! Ms. McDonald resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister.

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

 

Tour Schedule
Mar 1 – Olio by Marilyn – book review of Back to the Burgh and Beyond / giveaway
Mar 1 - She Just Loves Books – audiobook review of Back to the Burgh and Beyond / giveaway
Mar 2 - Laura's Interests – audiobook review of Saddle Up for Murder / giveaway
Mar 3 – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of Back to the Burgh and Beyond / giveaway
Mar 3 – Gina Rae Mitchell – audiobook review of Back to the Burgh and Beyond / giveaway
Mar 4 – Gina Rae Mitchell – audiobook review of Murder on Pointe / giveaway
Mar 4 - Laura's Interests – audiobook review of Back to the Burgh and Beyond / giveaway
Mar 5 – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of Good Like to Murder / giveaway
Mar 8 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of Back to the Burgh and Beyond / giveaway
Mar 9 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of Murder on Pointe / giveaway
Mar 9 - Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of Back to the Burgh and Beyond / giveaway
Mar 10 – My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews – audiobook review of Back to the Burgh and Beyond / giveaway
Mar 10 - Wickedly Romance – book review of Back to the Burgh and Beyond / giveaway
Mar 11 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of Back to the Burgh and Beyond / giveaway
Mar 11 - Wickedly Romance – book review of Murder on Pointe / giveaway
Mar 11 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of Back to the Burgh and Beyond
Mar 12 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of Murder on Pointe / giveaway
Mar 12 - Books Lattes & Tiaras – book review of Back to the Burgh and Beyond / giveaway
Mar 15 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of Murder on Pointe
Mar 15 – She Just Loves Books – audiobook review of Tastes Like Murder / giveaway
Mar 15 - Chit Chat with Charity - audiobook review of Saddle Up for Murder / giveaway
Mar 16 – Olio by Marilyn – book review of Murder on Pointe / giveaway
Mar 16 - My Reading Journeys – book review of Back to the Burgh and Beyond / giveaway
Mar 17 – Westveil Publishing – audiobook review of Back to the Burgh and Beyond / giveaway
Mar 17 - My Reading Journeys – book review of Saddle Up for Murder / giveaway
Mar 18 – Musing of Souls – book review of Back to the Burgh and Beyond
Mar 18 - Books for Books – audiobook review of Murder on Pointe
Mar 19 – Books Lattes & Tiaras – book review of Murder on Pointe / giveaway
Mar 22 – Westveil Publishing – audiobook review of Murder on Pointe / giveaway
Mar 22 - Musing of Souls – audiobook review of Tastes Like Murder
Mar 23 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of Tastes Like Murder / giveaway
Mar 23 - Lisa's Reading – book review of Back to the Burgh and Beyond / giveaway
Mar 24 – My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews – audiobook review of Murder on Pointe / giveaway
Mar 24 - Books for Books – audiobook review of Back to the Burgh and Beyond
Mar 25 – BookishKelly2020 – book review of Back to the Burgh and Beyond / giveaway
Mar 25 - Chit Chat with Charity - audiobook review of Back to the Burgh and Beyond / giveaway
Mar 26 - BookishKelly2020 – book review of Murder on Pointe / giveaway
Mar 26 - Lisa's Reading – book review Tastes Like Murder / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

 

 

 

My Review: 

Back to the Burgh and Beyond is the first book I have had the pleasure reading by C.S. McDonald. It also, begins The Owl’s Nest Mysteries series. I found this book to be a fun and quick read. The story was uniquely written and different from what I have read before. It is a mystery that made me often wonder how it would all end. The story is not one that is believable but still a real delight to read from start to finish. 

Back to the Burgh and Beyond introduces readers to newly divorced Alexa Owl, who is seeking out a new life when she arrives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I enjoyed getting to know her. Her world goes a tad bit out of control when Bobby Starr shows up. He is not your normal character because he is an angel who aspires to be part of the Guardian Angel Squad. He takes Alexa to a whole new way of life than she had ever wanted, intended or expected. It was so fun and entertaining to find out how they would solve the mystery. 

I had the pleasure of listening to the audio version of Back to the Burgh and Beyond. The performance of Maren Swenson Waxenberg was super entertaining. Such a perfect job of bringing this story to life. 

Back to the Burgh and Beyond will be getting four and a half stars from me. I look forward to reading the second book from The Owl's Nest Mysteries to find out what happens next in the series. I recommend this one for readers who enjoy reading cozy mysteries. 

I received Back to the Burgh and Beyond from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Sing in the Sunlight by Kathleen Denly

About the Book

 

Book:  Sing in the Sunlight

Author: Kathleen Denly

Genre: Christian historical fiction

Release date: March 2, 2021

Richard Stevens isn’t who he thinks he is. Neither is the woman who now claims his last name.

Disfiguring scars stole Clarinda Humphrey’s singing career, her home, and her family, but she refuses to let her appearance steal her future. While attending The Young Ladies Seminary in 1858 Benicia, California, she finds a man who promises to love and cherish her. Instead he betrays her, leaving her with child, and Clarinda must take drastic measures to ensure her child doesn’t suffer for her foolishness.

Richard Stevens’s life hasn’t turned out as he expected, and when a shocking letter turns even his past into a mystery, he travels to San Francisco in search of guidance. On the way, he encounters a mysterious young woman hiding beneath a veil. That night he experiences a dream that sends him on a quest to find the bride God has chosen for him. He never imagines she’s already told everyone they’re married.

Unwilling to lie, nor accept a marriage of mere convenience, Richard wants the real thing. Yet Clarinda’s not interested in love, only a chance to save her child. Can he help her rise above the pain that runs deeper than her scars to accept a love worth every risk?

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Kathleen Denly lives in sunny Southern California with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

 

More from Kathleen

Hiding our Flaws

We all have things we’d like to change about our physical appearance. Personally, I’ve yet to lose the weight I gained with my last pregnancy and sitting behind a desk all day hasn’t helped things any. Despite this, I know that my husband, kids, family, friends, and most importantly, God, loves me just as much now as when I was my healthiest self. I want to lose the weight not because I need to earn someone’s approval but because I know I’ll feel better and be able to do more without tiring as quickly if I do. In the meantime, I’m okay with where I am because it’s the best I’ve been able to do so far.

This level of self-acceptance has come with maturity and the love of a godly man. When I was younger, I’d spend hours in front of the mirror trying to disguise my flaws beneath layers of makeup and stomach smoothers. In fact, one of the most memorable moments of my courtship with my now husband was the day I returned from a women’s retreat. I hadn’t gotten much sleep all weekend and we’d had to pack up and leave early, so I’d made the unusual decision to skip my makeup that morning. I was going to carpool back to the church, grab my car, and head home for a nap. What was the point in painting my face when the only people who’d see it were the women who’d seen me wake up bare-faced that morning anyway? Well, it turns out my now husband had missed me. So he was waiting in the church parking lot when we arrived, just to say hi before I went home. Sweet, right? Um yeah. At the time, part of me thought it was sweet, but more of me wanted to melt into the floor’s carpet and vanish from sight. I had ZERO makeup on, people! And I had bags under my eyes! *gasp* *shudder*

Needless to say, after almost nineteen years of marriage, he’s seen me a few times without my makeup on. Actually, these days, I only wear makeup for videos, photographs I intend to share online, special events, and (if the kids are nice to me that morning) church. Not that I don’t have my insecure moments or those photographs that friends share but I really wish they wouldn’t. (You know who you are.) But overall, I am okay with how I look because I know that I am loved and accepted.

However, in Sing in the Sunlight, my character, Clarinda, feels unloved, and unwanted by those closest to her. She describes parts of herself with words like hideous. She uses long sleeves, high necks, gloves, and veils to hide herself from a world that has rejected her. And she keeps almost everyone at arm’s length—especially God. So when she finally lets someone in, only to be betrayed, it sets off a series of desperate decisions that tangle her in a web from which she cannot find an escape. It’s my prayer that her story will touch readers’ hearts and show them how much they are loved—flaws and all.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 2

Simple Harvest Reads, March 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Texas Book-aholic, March 3

lakesidelivingsite, March 3

Inklings and notions, March 4

Genesis 5020, March 4

For Him and My Family, March 5

A Novel Pursuit, March 5

Betti Mace, March 6

deb’s Book Review, March 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 7

Labor Not in Vain, March 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 8

Connie’s History Classroom, March 9

The Meaderings of a Bookworm, March 9

Older & Smarter?, March 10

Adventures Of a Travelers Wife, March 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 12

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 12 (Author Interview)

KarenSueHadley, March 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 13

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 14

Blossoms and Blessings, March 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a Kindle Paperwhite, one bookish scarf, one pair of bookish socks, one bookish necklace, one Chaparral Hearts Pen, and one custom bookmark made and signed by Kathleen Denly!!

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/1089f/sing-in-the-sunlight-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review: 

Sing in the Sunlight is the second installment from Kathleen Denly’s series, Chaparral Hearts. I had the pleasure reading the first book, Waltz in the Wilderness, and I absolutely loved it. I was surprised to find that I enjoyed this one even more. It is so so good. Even though it is part of a series, I believe it can be read as a stand alone. I adored Clarinda right from the start. My heart ached for her at first, but she showed such bravery and courage to continue on. Such a wonderful story to read. 

I am giving Sing in the Sunlight five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoys reading clean historical fiction. I look forward to another book from the Chaparral Hearts series, Harmony on the Horizon. 

I received Sing in the Sunlight from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Review: From This Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 

From This Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

A lost ring brings together two wounded souls--a youth minister haunted by the past and a spunky church custodian--in this heartwarming romance from the bestselling author of The Librarian of Boone's Hollow.

Growing up in the foster care system, Jase Edgar always dreamed of one day starting his own family. But his fiance's untimely death shattered his plans. Moving to Kansas and serving as a youth minister should be a fresh start, but he can't seem to set aside his doubts about God's goodness long enough to embrace his new life.

Newly-appointed church custodian, Lori Fowler is battling her own challenges. Her strained relationship with her father and her struggles with overeating convince her she's not worthy enough for love. When an Amish weaver enlists their help locating the owner of a ring found among the donated clothing she uses as fabric, Jase and Lori find themselves drawn to each other. But will they be able to release the past and move forward from this moment into a joyful future?

My Review: 

Kim Vogel Sawyer has been on my top favorite author list for years now. I have read every single one of her books and have been eagerly waiting for her newest release, From This Moment. She knows how to touch the readers heart and feel the Grace of God, while crafting a beautiful story. This one is no different. I adored Jase and Lori and was interested in what would happen to them throughout. I had the whole book read in one sitting.

From This Moment would get one hundred stars from me if it were possible. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading faith filled Amish r0mance. It should not be missed.

I received an ebook copy of From This Moment from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Catching Hope by Kathy Cassel

About the Book

Book:  Catching Hope

Author: Kathy Cassel

Genre: Middle-grade fiction, action/suspense

Release date: February 1, 2021

Catching Hope—a pursuit fraught with danger.

Newly adopted Lexi Michaels is taking her first real vacation as she, twin brother Levi, adoptive brother Chad, and new cousin Jen head to Haiti where their dad, a pediatrician, will be volunteering in an island clinic. But who is the man who displays such hatred for the Michaels when they arrive at their resort? Is an attempted burglary as random as it appears? Will Jen ever accept the newcomers to the family? When the four teens set out to explore Haiti’s sights and history on their own, an unexpected encounter and natural disaster plunge them into adventure and danger. With their very survival at stake, can the four teens work together or will Lexi’s dream of a “forever family” end in tragedy?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kathy Cassel lives in the Florida panhandle with her husband and four of their eight children, five of whom are adopted. She is a motorcycle rider, scuba diver, and loves spending time with her family. Her debut novel, Freerunner, was published by Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. in 2019.

 

More from Kathy

My Experience with Haiti

Prior to the 2010 catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake that caused immense damage to the country of Haiti, many people would not have been able to tell you that Haiti and the Dominican Republic share the island of Hispaniola just a two hour flight from Miami.

I knew where it was because our family had adopted a child from Haiti in 1997. At the time the earthquake took place, my husband and I were in the process of adopting twins from a different orphanage in Port au Prince Haiti. It had been over three years and our adoption was not yet complete. During those three years I visited the twins at the orphanage five times. Other family members went with me on some of those trips, and at one point, all of our children still living at home went to visit the orphanage.

This was an eye opening experience for my family. In fact, I volunteered us to do the daily wash. That meant hand washing clothes and sheets for 135 orphans using large metal tubs and harsh soap, then rinsing the clothes in other tubs before hand wringing them and hanging them on clotheslines. Once home, my children no longer complained about unloading the dryer!

Cooking was done in large pots over open fires and mainly consisted of rice and beans, or red sauce over rice. The cooks originally prepared the food in a wooden shack, but more than once one of them would get so hot she’d pass out, so an outdoor area was set up for food preparation.

After the earthquake, there was a mountain of paperwork to be done to get refugee status for children in the orphanages who had families waiting for them. Finally the children were brought to the United States, although some of the orphans went to other countries too, to be united with their forever families. Sadly, many were held in the airport for days before being released. For our family, the long wait was over January 25, 2010. Now our family is complete with three birth children and five adopted children, three of whom are from Haiti.

Some of the places mentioned in the book resemble real places in Haiti, although they have been fictionalized. I hope you will not only read Catching Hope, but will also take time to learn more about the country of Haiti.

Blog Stops

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 27

For the Love of Literature, February 28 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 1

Inklings and notions, March 2

For Him and My Family, March 3

Wishful Endings, March 4 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 5

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 6

Artistic Nobody, March 7 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 8

deb’s Book Review, March 9

Simple Harvest Reads, March 10 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, March 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Books-A-Million Gift Card!!

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/1089e/catching-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

Catching Hope is another good read by Kathy Cassel. I thought it was one that was easily to read in one sitting. It is just under one hundred eighty pages long but full of intrigue. There was a lot there that I liked reading in a book. This includes: mystery, suspense, danger, action, and adventure. I love how there was a lot of faith elements to it. I found it to be an inspiration to read. 

I am giving Catching Hope four and a half stars. I recommend this one for readers who are teenagers and up. I am sure they will not be disappointed. Kathy Cassel is starting to become among the authors that I look forward to reading. This one is definitely worth a read and should not be missed. I really like it. 

I received Catching Hope from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Movie Review and Giveaway: Dolphin Movie

 

Fun, colorful adventure for the whole family to enjoy! 

FREE downloadable Family Discussion Guide to spark meaningful conversations about Courage, Forgiveness, and Faith (coming soon!) 

A heartwarming tale of love and accountability, entertaining for the whole family.

Winner of Best Feature Film - Christian Film Festival 2021 

Dove-approved for all ages!

“5 OUT OF 5 STARS” “RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 7 TO 18, PLUS ADULTS. IT IS FAMILY FRIENDLY AND HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY” -Kids First! 

“A HEARTWARMING TALE OF LOVE AND ACCOUNTABILITY, WILL BE ENTERTAINING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY” - Dove Foundation

Trailer:

https://youtu.be/SLiED6uT1mM

Buy Links:

https://dolphinislandmovie.com/watch-now/ (going live on March 2nd)

Giveaway: 

 Enter for a Dolphin Island digital code giveaway HERE

My Review: 

My family and I enjoyed watching Dolphin Island. It had some funny parts that kept my kids entertained. We adored Mitzy the Dolphin. She was so cute. I love the roll she played throughout the movie. She was no doubt my favorite character of the movie. The storyline was heartwarming and I loved the bond between Annabel and her grandfather. It was great how their new friends jump in to help when they needed the most. 

I am giving Dolphin Island four stars. It is clean and I believe it would be okay for all viewers young and old. 

Disclosure: Many thanks to Entertainment Squad for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.