A Tale of Two Hearts | Review and Tour

You may recall my review of one of Michelle Griep's other books not too long ago. She is an author that I've enjoyed immensely this year, so when her new release came up, I was happy to jump on board!

About the Book

London, 1853: Innkeeper’s daughter Mina Scott will do anything to escape the drudgery of her life, for there’s nothing more mundane than serving customers day after day. Every minute she can, she reads and dreams of someday becoming a real lady—and catch the eye of William Barlow, a frequent guest at the inn.

William is a gentleman’s son, a charming but penniless rogue. However, his bachelor uncle will soon name an heir—either him or his scheming cousin. In an effort to secure the inheritance, William gives his uncle the impression he’s married, which works until he’s invited to bring his wife for a visit.

William asks Mina to be his pretend bride, only until his uncle names an heir on Christmas Day. Mina is flattered and frustrated by the offer, for she wants a true relationship with William. Yet, she agrees. . .then wishes she hadn’t. So does William. Deceiving the old man breaks both their hearts. When the truth is finally discovered, more than just money is lost. 

Can two hearts survive such deception?

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Review

I read this at the close of a long week and tiring weekend, and I found it to be just the book for a chill-out read. There was a great pace throughout the entire story, intriguing plot points, and great characters.

Okay, so maybe Mina annoyed me slightly. She was completely smitten with William from page one, which then led her to do things that her conscience doubted was the right thing to do. At the same time, her character being that was what made the story interesting and moving from the first chapter.

William was a little hard to figure out. He claimed to have reformed, but it was difficult to see it, shrouded by the deception he continued to live in. It worked very well to doubt him as a reader, though, as it strengthened the interest throughout the story.

I guess with both of these characters, there wasn’t a really strong Christian figure. Sure, they both had limits with what their consciences would allow and tried to give grace to other people, but as for just that strong Christian thread running through the book… it was more of an engaging read than a solid Christian doctrinal read.

The romance was well-paced and sweet. As I already mentioned, you know Mina’s feelings from chapter one, but there was a relationship apart from that infatuation which I found to be realistic and easy-going.

*I received this book from Celebrate Lit and happily provided my honest review*

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Barnes & Noble 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/d4ef/a-tale-of-two-hearts-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the author of historical romances: The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Blog Tour

Kat’s Corner Books, October 2

Creating Romance, October 2

Just the Write Escape, October 2

The Avid Reader, October 2

Genesis 5020, October 3

The Power of Words, October 3

Just Commonly, October 3

Baker Kella, October 3

Among the Reads, October 4

Fiction Aficionado, October 4

Godly Book Reviews, October 4

Inklings and Notions , October 4

Captive Dreams Window, October 5

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, October 5

Proud to Be an Autism Mom, October 5

Multifarious, October 6

Reading Is My SuperPower, October 6

The Christian Fiction Girl, October 6

Texas Book-aholic, October 6

Remembrancy, October 7

Splashes of Joy , October 7

Blossoms and Blessings, October 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 7

Back Porch Reads, October 8

A Reader’s Brain, October 8

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, October 8

Janice’s Book Reviews, October 8

Simple Harvest Reads, October 9 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

Mary Hake, October 9

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 9

Carpe Diem, October 9

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 10

Britt Reads Fiction, October 10

Luv’N Lambert Life, October 10

A Baker’s Perspective, October 10

By The Book, October 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 11

Book by Book, October 11

Bigreadersite, October 11

More Of Him, October 12

Pause for Tales, October 12

With a Joyful Noise, October 12

Have A Wonderful Day , October 12

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 13

Bibliophile Reviews, October 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 13

Vicky Sluiter, October 14

Daysong Reflections , October 14

To Everything A Season, October 14

Henry Happens, October 15

All-of-a-kind Mom, October 15

Reader’s Cozy Corner, October 15

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 15

Kingdom Single | Book Review

Books on singlehood intrigue me, as I’ve read my fair share of them in years past. Usually, I read single-women books written by women, so seeing this by Tony Evans doubly intrigued me.

The first half of the book was spot on with things that I could personally apply to my life. A lot of reminders for focusing on God and using single years to minister, not wait (or, worse, mope). It was different than many single books that I’ve read and I liked the difference. Instead of a “how-to-get-a-spouse” manual or assuring the reader that they just had to wait long enough, pray hard enough, or do this or that right enough, they’d get a spouse, Evans drew inspiration from various figures in the Bible. He never assures the single that they’ll marry, but he definitely gives them plenty of food for thought in what to do while unmarried. There is a lot of reference to God's Word and how to get our focus there.

There are portions of this book that are definitely more suited for an older audience—unless the teen is already exposed to a bit of discussion on sex. I think it is beneficial for singles to be educated about it and discuss it, because in our world today, it’s not just reserved for those who are married (which Evans deals with very well—how to be forgiven, how to stay pure, how the Bible teaches about it being right only in the bonds of marriage, how our bodies and minds are affected by casual sex, etc.). At the same time, it would be TMI for a lot of younger singles. I advise parents or counselors to read the book before handing it off to a younger single.

The last couple of chapters weren’t relevant to me, as in Evans discussed the issues of divorced singles and single parents. Again, though, these are subjects that tend to be avoided in the Christian culture. In essence, “Kingdom Single” covered almost every base of those who are single, and I applaud that.

I didn’t quite agree with Evans’ perspective on 100% of everything, but as a whole, I found this to be a beneficial read.

*I received this book from Tyndale Publicity Team and happily provided my honest review*

Orphans of the West | Blog Tour

My author friend, Faith Blum, is releasing more books again! This time, she's concluding her Orphans of the West series.

About the Books

Sing the Wondrous Story

an Orphans of the West novella

Jason was kicked out three years ago. His judgmental actions and decisions caused a rift and turmoil within his family, especially concerning his sister, Jessamine. Now God is leading him to return home—a home he isn’t certain he will be welcomed back to. The last three years has led to personal growth, he still has a lot to learn. Can he overcome his past mistakes or will he always be the black sheep?

Jessamine has popularity and the attention of many in town except the two men she wants to catch for herself. She lives for those moments of attention and needs to marry a rich man to buy all the pretty things she desires. There are two men who fit that and she will stop at nothing to find a husband to make her life perfect. When Jason returns and challenges her actions, will she be able to let go of her plan? Can she find love in more than herself?

Buy on Amazon

He Leadeth Me

(Orphans of the West, #4)

Gage was eight when his parents died, but despite that, he has been content with his life. He misses the farm, though, and when his uncle gives him the deed and tells him to go back, he seizes the opportunity.

Almost a full day’s ride, Gage reconnects with his friend, Danny and settles into farm life. Then someone shows up claiming Gage’s long-dead father owed a large sum of money that has accrued thirteen years of interest.

What will Gage do when he learns of his father’s past? Will he let God lead him no matter what happens?

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Faith Blum is a small-town Wisconsin girl. She’s lived in, or outside of, small towns her whole life. The thought of living in a city with more than 60,000 people in it scares her, especially after some interesting adventures driving through big cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.

Faith currently resides in the middle of the state of Wisconsin with her husband and their cat, Smokey. She is blessed to be able to have writing as her full-time career with household work and cooking to do on the side. She loves to paint walls as long as she doesn’t have to do hallways or ceilings.

When not writing, you can find her cooking food from scratch due to food allergies (fun), doing dishes (meh), knitting, crocheting, sewing, reading, or spending time with her husband (yay!). She is also a Community Assistant for the Young Writers Workshop and loves her work there. She loves to hear from her readers, so feel free to contact her on her website.

Follow Along!

We have two weeks of amazing blog posts culminating in a fantastic Facebook party on the 26th, 1:00 to 2:30 PM CDT!

Wednesday, September 12th

Intro Post // Kellyn Roth @ Reveries Sing the Wondrous Story Spotlight // Faith Blum @ Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections Author Interview // Germaine Han @ The Writing Mafia

Thursday, September 13th

Book Spotlight // Kaylee @ Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes

Saturday, September 15th

Book Spotlight // Angela R. Watts @ The Peculiar Messenger

Monday, September 17th

Review of Sing the Wondrous Story // Abigail McKenna @ Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors

Wednesday, September 19th

Author Interview // Maddie Morrow @ What a Novel Idea Guest Post // Medomfo @ Writings from a God Girl

Thursday, September 20th

Guest Post // Rachel Rossano

Friday, September 21st

Book Spotlight // Amanda Tero @ With a Joyful Noise

Saturday, September 22nd

Review of Sing the Wondrous Story // Kellyn Roth @ Reveries

Monday, September 24th

Review of Sing the Wondrous Story // Grace Maples @ Proclaiming His Excellencies

Tuesday, September 25th

Review of Sing the Wondrous Story // Chloe @ Purely by Faith Reviews

Wednesday, September 26th

He Leadeth Me Spotlight // Faith Blum @ Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections Review of Sing the Wondrous Story // Hanne T @ RockandMinerals4Him Wrap-Up Post // Kellyn Roth @ Reveries

Giveaway Info

Enter the giveaway! The winner will receive a notebook, metal bookmark, and a paperback copy of one of the books (winner’s choice).

Click Here to Enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

God's Blessings Day by Day | Book Review

My Review

This is such an adorable little book. The cover makes me smile, and then each two-page spread is colorful and decorated with a cute little animal.

The devotions in this book are very short (can be read in about two minutes). The idea of family devotion time with children really pulled me to this book, but as I got to reading the devotions, I was a little disappointed in them, as they are really watered down. I can see them as good for a toddler, but children of 4-above can process things deeper than we give them credit for. The International Children’s Bible is the main text used for the devotional, and the verses don’t always mean the same thing from this paraphrased text as compared to other translations—which then means that the devotionals, while they have good thoughts, are not in line with the passage quoted.

I know that this all may seem harsh to say, but if you feed a child physical food with little nutrients, the child will grow up weak and sickly. The same with spiritual nourishment. If you just give them tiny nibbles of the truth (“love Jesus and you’re His child”) rather than what the Bible says in full (that we must repent of our sins and trust in Jesus Christ as our way to heaven), it will stunt their growth as a Christian (I have heard of many people who didn’t really know the true plan of salvation, because they were taught to just do good and love Jesus). Not all of the devotions are as vague as that (yes, there are several that just say “love Jesus and you will have the Holy Spirit”); some of them do go more into detail, but you’d almost have to pick and choose from them.

I do understand that in such small devotions, it is difficult to expound on deep doctrinal truths. So I suppose it is all about what you’re looking for in a devotion book. If you’re just looking for a reminder for children to be good and kind, this fits the bill. But if you want something deeper, you may have to find another book.

*I received this book from Book Look Bloggers and happily provided my honest review*

About the Book

God’s Blessing Day by Day is a trustworthy devotional compiled by renowned pastors and church leaders. Edited by Johnny Hunt, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, this devotional is the perfect way to introduce your children and grandchildren to a legacy of faith.

One of the greatest gifts - and greatest challenges - of raising children is introducing them to the ways of God. As parents and grandparents, we want to impart our faith to the children we love so dearly, and it can feel more difficult than ever in the fast-moving, instant-access culture in which we find ourselves.

God’s Blessing Day by Day,compiled by Johnny Hunt and more than 50 pastors and church leaders, is the perfect way to build faith through gratitude.

This easy-to-understand, child-friendly devotional is the perfect way to engage your family. Each devotion is written on topics children care about and includes great prayers and takeaways that will spark conversation as the timeless Word of God instructs and inspires your children.

Impart a deeper connection with the Lord in your children, help them establish healthy habits of devotion and prayer, and equip them with the tools they need to grow their faith.

Purchase on Amazon

If Only it Were Yesterday | Blog Tour and Giveaway

One of my dear author-friends is releasing her new, ultra cute and charming book!! If you're a lover of history, you so want this book! I'm serious! 

My Review

Things were so much better in times before us... weren’t they? I’ve been as guilty as Liz Cooke in wishing for simpler times and fantasizing them. Liz learns a timely and much-needed lesson in here. Yes, this is a time-travel book in a sense—through a dream. I thought the author did a fantastic job at keeping things realistic and interesting at the same time. I’m not a fan of time-travel, but there were absolutely no weird overtones in this book. The spiritual message was solid and very applicable. Many Biblical principles were presented and Liz was super real as a struggling human. Yet she learned and grew. The romance... Liz was definitely a hopeless romantic. But even in this, she learned reality. I was personally rooting for her and the man she ended up with, because it was just so natural and not all-consuming passion. I had the privilege of beta-reading this book, but I liked it so much that when the manuscript was polished for publication, I read and enjoyed it just as much the second time in one year. It’s not a super long book, but it is a super cute and enjoyable book.

About the Book

Liz Cooke has two problems in life: Her social media is filled with brewing political conflict and her idea of a perfect man seems to have gone extinct a century ago. Inspired by the contents of an antique trunk, Liz dreams she time-travels to 1885. As she sets out to enjoy the Victorian era in all its glory, armed with knowledge gleaned through historical novels and period dramas, will she find the past to be all that she thought? And does the right man for her exist only in her dreams or has he been in her life all along?
Loosely inspired by Alice in Wonderland, A.M. Heath brings you a fun read chock-full of humor and whimsy with a special message for the avid reader in all of us.

Giveaway

 What's a release without a giveaway? And A.M. Heath has a fun giveaway that totally fits the book!

Giveaway Link: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b7851a9011/?

Facebook Party Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/2123086197912157/?active_tab=about

About the Author

Besides being an Indie Author, I’m a wife, mother of four, children’s Sunday School teacher, sweet tea drinker, history fanatic, romantic, bubbly, lover of broccoli, and cake decorator who has a soft spot for Christmas trees, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What I’m not is a laundress (or at least not one who keeps up very well), a duster, tall, or patient in a doctor’s office.

Author Links: 

You can visit me online on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and my blog. *Note: I’m most active on Facebook and my blog.

Whether you’re on social media or not, you can ensure that you never miss one of my sales, giveaways, or new releases by signing up for my newsletter. I’ll send you a direct link to your email anytime something big happens. http://eepurl.com/dDbVNz

Blog: https://amheathblog.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMHeathfanpage/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8302606.A_M_Heath

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/aheath2257/?eq=a.m.&etslf=5672

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorAMHeath

Release Day Spotlights: 
Sept 4: 
Amanda Tero @ With a Joyful Noise
Becky Dempsey @ Blossoms and Blessings 
Alicia G. Ruggieri @ A Brighter Destiny

Reviews for If Only It Were Yesterday:

Sept. 5:
Laura Wilson @ Blue Eye Books

Sept. 6:
Alicia G. Ruggieri @ A Brighter Destiny

Sept. 10: 
Karen Hadley @ Karen Sue Hadley

Sept. 11:
Becky Dempsey @ Blossoms and Blessings

Sept. 12: 
Virginia Winfield @ Bigreadersite

Sept. 13:
Heather G. @ Blue Jeans and Teacups

Sept. 17:
Raechel Lenore @ God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae

Are You Getting Back into Music Practice? (or do you have a student who is?)

Next week is back-to-teaching for me after a crazy, hectic summer. I'm really looking forward to seeing all of my kiddos again! But I have to admit, even though I love my little virtuosos, it isn't the easiest thing to get them back into the routine of practice. So, I created a coloring chart for my students that will hopefully help them get from summer break back into music. I uploaded the files on WAJN's website. You can access here:http://www.withajoyfulnoise.com/free-teaching-resources.html

I just sent out my WAJN newsletter, and some have some music-related questions.

Are you...

     - a musician (What instrument[s]?)

     - music listener (who's your favorite artist?)

     - music teacher (What do you teach? When did you resume lessons after summer break?)

     - parent of a musician (What do they play?)

Me? I'm most of the above. Piano is my primary instrument, though I also love the violin and have piddled some with bass guitar and mandolin. I love listening to music! My current favorite artists are The Ball Brothers (for singing) and... a plethora of pianists and other instrumentalists. Actually, you can see my playlist on Spotify. And, added to all of that, my passion is teaching music (piano and violin).

What are some music questions that you've had that you've been trying to find someone to ask? If there was one website that could be your go-to source, what all would it contain?

Needed: Beta Readers for "Protecting the Poor"

Who likes a good Robin Hood story? I have both hands in the air! I have loved Robin Hood since I was little. When I was praying about book three in the Tales of Faith series, I decided to veer away from fairytales and go with good ol' Robin Hood. My character who plays this role is none other than Dumphey, from "The Secret Slipper."

Before "Protecting the Poor" can be published though, I need a few beta readers (or pre-readers).

What are beta readers? I'm glad you asked. ;) The technical beta-reading "responsibility" is to monitor the flow of the story and let me know the "feel" of character development. However, I don't mind if beta readers point out typos or things that just don't make sense (E.g. Does it bring up any questions you feel unanswered? Does it feel like there are any gaps in the story? Something that wasn't clearly explained? Something that seems too repetitive?)

Now that you know what a beta reader is, you know what you might be getting yourself into. ;) There is a slight hitch, though. I work best with a team of about ten beta readers. This means that I have to pick and choose. :P I hate having to do that, but... if you don't make it for the beta reading team, there is always the review team coming up in the future, Lord willing!

Sign up for the beta reading team here.

Have you read my summer releases yet?

I am still ecstatic that the Lord allowed me to release two short stories this summer! (AND finish writing the rough draft of "Protecting the Poor"--it's been a great summer of writing!)

I am open to five more reviewers for both "Finding Christmas Joy" and "Quest for Leviathan." If you'd like to review either of these (click on the titles to read their blurb and what reviewers already have to say), just email me at amandaterobooks(at)gmail(dot)com! First five will get a free e-copy to review!

Progress Report | "Protecting the Poor"

I just finished my first complete draft of "Protecting the Poor!" I am so excited, but I also realize that there is still a lot of work to be done! I'm hoping to polish up this draft in the next week or two and send it off to some beta readers. Then, Lord willing in December I'll have some steady writing time again where I can finalize the edits and get it ready for publication!! It's been a long eight months waiting for the draft to reach a solid foundation, so I'm very, very grateful to be at this point right now!

Let's be informal now, okay??

I know... you've already read two posts from me today. But what's a third? Either I post all the time or never. ;) Enjoy it while you can. ;)

It’s release day today! To say that writing “Finding Christmas Joy” was stepping wayyyy out of my comfort zone is almost an understatement. I mean, it’s a super emotional girl whose engagement was just broken off. I’m not super emotional, and I’ve never been engaged. Oh, and this is the first time that I’ve written anything that even remotely hinted at something romantic. And, I’m so not a romantic! 😏Finding the humor yet? 😉 The initial idea flowed so very well... until my beta readers began saying they just couldn’t “feel” Melonie’s pain. Ugh. I had to go way above and beyond to make Melonie’s heart bleed realistically. But, if through that, it helps and encourages a reader, it is completely worth it! I’m truly excited for this new little story and humbled that once again, Jesus Christ gave me the inspiration and time to see another project to completion! By the way, for all of you raising your brows at snow in summer... it’s Christmas in July. My impatience couldn’t wait six more months to publish. 😉

In other writing news...
I've been working on "Protecting the Poor" again! I have been keeping my Instagram and FaceBook followers updated, but alas for my poor blog readers (sorry! It's hard enough to keep up with those two :P). I do have a July writing update video though (which hopefully loads all right)!