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27 September 2016

Rails to Love Review & Giveaway


This is an outstanding collection of novellas. I enjoyed each and every one. Highly recommend. Consistent quality throughout by many of CBA's most beloved authors! I received a free download from NetGalley and was glad to read the collection before it released from Barbour Publishing.
"Outlaw on the Pueblo Excursion" by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer. Misadventure puts a missionary-wannabe at risk. But a heroic journalist comes to her aid. Cute premise.
"The Depot Bride" by Amanda Cabot. Female photographer accepts a position documenting changes. Solid story.
"Last Stop, Cordelia" by Lisa Carter. Lady journalist on the transcontinental railroad line runs straight into danger. Fantastic romance!  Lisa hit a home run with this story!

"Train to Eden" by Ramona Cecil.  After a railroad accident, amnesia strikes the heroine. A compelling story.

"Love on the Rails" by Lynn Coleman. This is a really cool and unique story. I’ve not seen another novella quite like it. Set in Savannah, in the 1880s, a desperate young woman comes South as a mail order bride. While the hero is a nice man, his obsessive trails, including working all the time, may derail this marriage before it ever gets started.  A great story about how love requires work. We're featuring Lynn this week on the Overcoming with God blog.


"The Honeymoon Express" by Susanne Dietze. Female telegraph operator heads out west but ends up on a train with newlyweds. Cute story! I love Susie Dietze's writing and tell her I'm one of her "fan girls" of her lovely writing.

"Just for Lucy" by Kim Vogel Sawyer. Orphan train transporter learns the little girl with her has no home, once she arrives. She carries the child on to her resistant and single uncle. Very sweet romance. 

"My Soul Waits" by Connie Stevens. Stuck in a small town, when she fails to board the train, the heroine must find a new course to take. Solid story.

"World's Greatest Love" by Liz Tolsma. Very compelling and unique story. The characters in this story really came to life as a seamstress with a traveling circus train is set up by her antagonist to lose the job she must keep.  This story will remain with the reader long after it ends.

GIVEAWAY: A paperback copy of The Rails to Love Collection. Answer this question -- What are your favorite types of novellas?

25 September 2016

Surviving the Loss of a Child - Interview with Lynn Coleman


Author Lynn Coleman

Lynn A. Coleman, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 
Thank you for inviting me. It’s a pleasure to be here.

Would you tell us about the one of the most difficult things in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help? 
Answer: 
The most difficult part of my husband’s and my life together has been the death of our son, Tim. He was 32 and died of congestive heart failure that had been misdiagnosed. I suppose that telling the readers that the loss of a child is the most difficult thing a parent will have to face might be a bit of an understatement. However, God has been very gracious to us. For example, on the day that Tim passed away family had started to arrive and I was having one of those overwhelming moments that happen when you suffer a tragic event such as this. I went into my bedroom and cried out to the Lord, “You don’t know what it’s like to lose a s…” I paused, for the reality hit me like a ton of bricks. God did in fact know what it was like to lose a son. So I said, “Okay, I’ll give you that. But there’s always been one thing that I’ve never had a response to when women are grieving and they say something like, ‘but God didn’t carry that child in his womb for 9 months.’” There was a moment of pause between God and me. At that point He ever so gently gave me a vision. He said, “See the palm of my hand? Inside that palm is every person who ever lived or will live.” Then He reached into the center of his palm and pulled one person out part way. It was Tim. He then said to me, “I’ve carried him in the palm of my hand for over 6000 years.”

Tim Coleman, Lynn's precious son

The reality is that God does love us more than we can love our own children. He knows the hairs upon their heads. Personally, I’ve never tried to count the hairs on the top of my kids’ heads. For one thing, they were born with tons of hair. LOL! For another, it would be impossible. But yet God loves Tim far more than I ever could. The Lord also showed me at this point in time that we in the American Church often don’t stand on the Victory of Death. There is victory in death because of what Jesus did on the cross, and if we believe and accept Him into our hearts we also inherit that victory. Tim is standing in heaven in that victory. Paul and I still have moments when we are sad and miss our son tremendously but we always come back to standing in the power of the resurrection. There’s an old hymn that has a mighty truth, “There’s power in the blood of Lamb.”
Artwork by the talented Tim Coleman

What passages in the Bible have been most helpful to you in those times?
Many. In the Psalms 139:13 he talks about knitting us together in the womb. Another is, “I go to prepare a place for you.” (Jn. 14:2); and then perhaps one of my life verses, James 1:2: “Count it all joy my brethren, when you meet various trials, …”

What helped you get through or helped you cope with this difficulty?
The Lord, my faith, and my husband‑-in that order.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?  
In my latest novella, “Love on the Rails”, in the “Rails toLove” collection (Barbour, October 2016), the heroine, Tilda Green, is dealing with the loss of her parents and the new chapter in her life. It makes sense for a mail order bride to go to a stranger when you’ve lost everything. However, she too has to develop her own faith as she works through the trials in her life.


Bio: Lynn A. Coleman is an award winning and best-selling author of Key West and other books. She began her writing and speaking career with how to utilize the Internet. Since October 1998, when her first fiction novel sold she's sold 40 books and novellas.
       Lynn is also the founder of American Christian Fiction Writers Inc., and served as the group's first president for two years and two years on the Advisory Board. One of her primary reasons for starting ACFW was to help writers to develop their writing skills and to encourage others to go deeper in their relationship with God. "God has given me a gift, but it is my responsibility to develop that gift." 
       Some of her other interests are photography, camping, cooking and boating. Having grown up on Martha’s Vineyard, she finds water to be very exciting and soothing. She can sit and watch the waves for hours. If time permitted she would like to travel.
       She makes her home in Keystone Heights, Florida, where her husband of 42 years serves as pastor of Friendship Bible Church. Together they are blessed with three children, 2 living and 1 in glory and eight grandchildren. 

Blog: 19th Century Historical Tidbits www.historicaltidbits.blogspot.com
Twitter @LynnColeman
Instagram: lynnwr

CFP: Thank you for sharing with us, Lynn. What a handsome and talented young man Tim was. I am so sorry for your loss. One day God will reunite us with our loved ones and what a happy day that will be to be with God and with them.

GIVEAWAY: This week we're giving away a paperback copy of Love on the Rails. Leave a comment for a chance to win. Answer Lynn's Question she’d like to ask readers:
"I love hearing from my readers. I’m interested in hearing what they enjoyed from the story and what they would like to see in a future book."

22 September 2016

Diana's Review of 'Love's Faithful Promise' By Susan Anne Mason

Love's Faithful Promise


Love's Faithful Promise
By Susan Anne Mason
Bethany House Publishers, Sept. 2016

Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 stars!~ 
(No Spoilers)
Utterly Captivating!

Long Island - 1922

Once again, author Susan Anne Mason sweeps the reader away on a heartwarming, but angsty journey to the lovely, affluent estate of Irish Meadowssurrounded with lush grass-covered paddocks, magnificent stables, and the spirited O'Leary clan.

When the captivating Deirdre O'Leary arrives in Toronto requesting that widower Dr. Matthew Clayborne return with her to Irish Meadows to help her ailing mother, she is met with much resistance on the part of the handsome, but surly doctor. Dedicated to helping wounded soldiers and his four-year-old daughter, Phoebe, are his top priorities. However, when his daughter suffers a health scare, Deirdre makes Matthew an offer he cannot refuse—a respite for Phoebe to the fresh air of Irish Meadowsin exchange for his assistance with Mrs. O'Leary.

As Phoebe begins to flourish amidst the rambunctious O'Leary's and the peaceful atmosphere of Irish Meadows, Matthew finds himself drawn to them as well...especially to the intriguing Deirdre. But he finds himself in a quandary for he has no intentions of leaving his patients and home in Canada, and Deirdre has sworn off marriage to pursue her career. But what of those compassionate, sparkling green eyes that haunt his dreams?...and of her growing attraction to this gentle man who brings tears to those viridescent eyes at the very thought of his leaving? 

Christy Award winner, Susan Ann Mason, has swiftly made it into the top ten of my fave authors with her wonderful Courage to Dream series! Her prowess at telling a realistic story containing unpredictable, angst-filled situations and exhilarating, capricious characters is second to none...and you just can't beat two steamy romances for the price of one! Warning: Be sure to keep a fan and tissues handy for aforementioned love scenes. lol Love's Faithful Promise is a soul-stirring, mesmerizing novel that will stay with you long after that last sigh-worthy page is turned.

This novel may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, B&N, and your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAY: Susan Anne Mason is generously giving away a paperback copy of Faith's Faithful Promise to one blessed commenter! Be sure to leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers! (US entrants only.)


20 September 2016

Noela reviews A LADY UNRIVALED by Roseanna M. White

A Lady Unrivaled

A Lady Unrivaled (Ladies of the Manor, Book #3)
Bethany House Publishers (September 13, 2016)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****


Ushering the charming and picturesque Cotswolds of England into the mind’s eye, Roseanna M. White pens yet another exquisite masterpiece of Edwardian romance and suspense with the backdrop of England’s beautiful countryside. Rivalling the allure of the scenic landscapes are characters so enchanting and genuine, you can’t help but wish you knew them personally.

Tenacious and kind-hearted, Lady Ella Myerston determines to liberate her loved ones from the supposed curse of the Fire Eyes—the priceless red diamonds that have brought nothing but trauma and tragedy into their lives in the past. But even as she schemes to seize the diamonds to draw the danger away from her family and the Duke and Duchess of Stafford with whom she’s visiting, plans are set in motion by evil in the form of a wealthy Russian to seize the jewels.

Stafford’s cousin, the widowed Lord Cayton, has no choice but to go along with a ploy to acquire the Fire Eyes when his precious infant daughter and the beautiful, carefree Lady Ella are threatened. Unfortunately for him, this plan involves him courting Ella as a means to get the diamonds. Cayton is captivated with Ella but believes he’d only bring her heartache, so he must guard his heart. However, while this relationship is meant to keep everyone safe, they each wonder which amorous moments shared are genuine and which are purely for the sake of performance. And when Ella becomes a target of the enemy’s affection along with the diamonds, can Cayton possibly save both?

A Lady Unrivaled is a sublime, gratifying conclusion to an extraordinary series! Silent spies, ominous threats, and hair-raising suspense rival a romance that rips with sparks, chemistry, and brilliant wit showcased in dialogue that leaves you greedy for more. Opposites in personality, Ella and Cayton regularly bounce off each other with entertaining banter—like the recurring argument about the true color of her hair. I adored the fun, impetuous, and optimistic Ella, who frequently tries to goad Cayton to be more cheerful. Even with the laughs that this tale inspires, there’s also a poignant thread on grief that’s beautifully encouraging. This is a favorite of mine this year!

 *Although this can be read as a stand-alone book, I would recommend reading the first two highly-acclaimed books 'The Lost Heiress' and 'The Reluctant Duchess' for a greater understanding and appreciation of all the wonderful characters in this series.*


'A Lady Unrivaled' can be found at these places and others for purchase: AMAZON; CBD; B&N

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away a copy of Roseanna's new release this week. Leave a comment to enter!! Be sure to add your email for contact purposes should you win. (US only)



18 September 2016

Roseanna M. White -- Traveling Abroad

Author Roseanna M. White
Traveling Abroad -- by Roseanna M. White

In celebration of our 15th anniversary, my husband and I took a trip to England and France with the kids, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

When we planned the trip, I purposefully chose some things that I knew would be similar to what my characters would experience in England. 

We visited the Cotswolds, which is where almost the entirety of A Lady Unrivaled is set, toured a few manor houses, wandered the woods and gardens on the estates. And I was thrilled to discover that my descriptions of the area, gleaned from watching videos and studying photographs, was spot on. 
As we walked the wooded paths and got turned around and had to choose between directions, I had to look over at my husband and say, “See? This is why Ella got lost so often!”


What I hadn’t realized was that when we went to Paris, we’d also be walking in the fictional footprints of my characters. In A Lady Unrivaled, there are a total of three scenes not in the Cotswolds, and they’re all in Paris. I’d done enough research (much of it via a friend who’d spent a lot of time there) to be able to describe the streets my characters were on. 

But it was unexpectedly great to walk those streets and see what they would have seen. See the signs for the museum I feature. Stroll along the Champs-Elysee as they did.


Traveling to another country is always interesting—and though my French is terrible (though sufficient for ordering in a restaurant, LOL), my characters wouldn’t have had that problem. They would have taken a boat to France where I took a train (then a train into Paris itself), there would have been more horses and fewer automobiles, but the feel of the old city would have been largely as it is today. 

The Eiffel Tower would still have towered. They would still have heard all the French rather than English and had to think about what they were hearing. It would still feel a bit foreign, a bit unreal, and completely lovely.



Though they wouldn’t have had jet lag to contend with once they got home again, I can imagine them all sinking into their own beds with the same contentment after their trip. There’s nothing like seeing someplace new and beautiful. And there’s also nothing like coming home again.

CFP: Welcome back, Ro!!! Congrats on your new release and on your 15 years of marriage! Looking forward to celebrating with you on the Colonial Quills blog new releases tea party this Friday. The Facebook portion of the party is Friday mid-day. (Click here to indicate you want to JOIN the party this Friday!)

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away a copy of Roseanna's new release this week. Leave a comment to enter. We'll also have reviews up of this brand new novel from Bethany House.

16 September 2016

Teresa S. Mathews Reviews SHE WALKS IN POWER by MaryLu Tyndall.

She Walks in Power, (Protector of the Spear, Vol 1) by MaryLu Tyndall 
Published by Ransom Press, 2016
Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews 
5 Stars*****

Once again MaryLu Tyndall has me in awe of the power of her mighty pen. This latest novel by Ms. Tyndall will take you back to a time of Knights and Castles and Fair Maidens. Some of those maidens are in distress but the heroine in this story is a warrior that has been appointed the Guardian of the Spear of Destiny. 

Alexia D'Clere, at the age of eight, didn’t understand what God had called her to do when her dying mother pressed a small iron object in her hand and told her she was to protect it with her life. Neither did she understand why someone would want to kill her shortly thereafter but thankfully a godly friar was prepared for such a time. He quickly whisked Alexia away from the evil but at the cost of leaving behind her beloved sister, Cristiana. Friar Josef taught Alexia the skills that she would require to protect the Spear; the most important being a love for the holy scriptures and a skill of archery that no one could surpass. Alexia also was given the gift of spiritual discernment, where she can see the good or evil surrounding her.

Ronar LePeine, is one of the King’s elite guard, a Knight like no other. Haunted by past sins, and seeking to pay penance, he has sworn his allegiance to God and King. While on a mission to Castle Luxley, Ronar encounters an arrow sent by Alexia, better known in the area as The Falcon of Emerald Forest. Alexia shocked that her arrow missed it’s mark, is caught off guard and caught by the handsome knight. Ronar, himself is shocked that the young archer was not a boy, but a very beautiful woman. Ronar is also caught off guard when the Falcon uses a well-placed kick that leaves him groaning in pain as he watches her escape. This will not be the last the two see of each other.

There is much evil lurking in Castle Luxley, from the family friend that is the steward of Luxley, to a mysterious sickness that leaves Alexia’s sister bedridden most of the time. Worst of all Ronar has brought a Bishop that’s on a quest to find the Spear, who will do anything to find it. Will Alexia be able to fight all the powers of darkness that she will face or does God have a different plan in mind?

I have been reading MaryLu Tyndall’s books for years, whether it be about pirates, escaped slaves, mermaids, a brand new colony in Brazil, or a time-traveler, and I have never been disappointed. One of her many writing talents is the ability to pull you right into the story and make you feel as though you are a part of it, but the one that I most admire is how she uses her stories to portray God’s love for his children. No matter the circumstances her characters may be in, MaryLu Tyndall shows us that they can turn to a loving Father and receive forgiveness, mercy, and help in their time of need. I cannot wait to read the next tale in this series, as I know it will be just as intriguing as all her others!


*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thought and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

You may purchase this and other books by MaryLu at AmazonKobo and Barnes and Noble 

GIVEAWAY: I will be giving away an e-book of this treasure to one blessed commenter. Please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect against spammers.

13 September 2016

Bonnie Roof Reviews SHE WALKS IN POWER By MaryLu Tyndall

She Walks in Power (Protectors of the Spear)
By MaryLu Tyndall
Ransom Press, Sept. 2016

Reviewed By Bonnie Roof

~5 stars!~


England - the Middle Ages:

Eighteen-year-old Alexia D'Clere has work to do for God. Known as the Falcon of the Emerald Forest for her excellent archery skills, she is the Protector of the Spear - a spear tip which stabbed Christ and known for it's powers of wisdom and discernment. The equivalent of a female Robin Hood, she risks the penalty of hanging from a noose - her hunting game in the most lush of the king's forests and giving it to the underprivileged peasants of the village Luxley considered theft from the king.

Orphaned, and with rumors of a plot on her life, she has lived in hiding in the forest with father figure, friar Josef, for 10 years. Now believed to be deceased, Alexia poses as Mistress Bregley - herb gardener, maid, and minstrel to her seventeen-year-old sister Lady Christiana D'Clere, who resides in the family castle, Luxley Manor. Alexia's true purpose: uncovering the source behind the plot on her life, as well as determining the cause of her sister's health issues and night horrors, which have continually increased for two years. Friar Josef frequently reminds emotional, impatient Alexia to control her emotions, concentrate, hear the Spirit within, let patience prevail, and seek the light in others.

Feeling threatened while hunting, Alexia's archery wounds Sir Ronar Le Peine, a knight and member of the  Kings Guard, en route with the king's special confidant, Bishop Godfrey, and other members of the guard. Hiding life secrets of his own, Ronar is on a mission from the king to find and recover the Spear of Destiny, for use in fighting the king's enemies and rumored to be at Luxley Manor. Now striving to make his life count, he feels his lack of faith and pride have led to his downfall through God's punishment for his past sins, including straying from the teachings of the church and society.

Attracted to each other - Ronar seeks to discover the mystery of Alexia, she feeling Ronar belongs to God but doesn't know his own heart. They follow separate teachings - he the teachings of the church and the laws of man, she the teachings of God. Possessing the loving spirit of God, friar Josef has taught Alexia to follow God's leading and blind herself to the temporary world, while opening her eyes to the real world of the Spirit.

Although not a huge fan of medieval novels, I read 'She Walks in Power' due to the unusual storyline and my knowledge of the writing gift MaryLu Tyndall possesses to draw the reader in - no matter the setting, genre, or storyline. Her books hold something for every reader - vivid realistic characters, accurate historical content, beautifully detailed descriptions, romance, mystery, humor, adventure, forgiveness and redemption, hope, and a strong thread of faith. Keeping me totally enthralled and engrossed, the beautiful storyline of 'She Walks in Power' left me with a sigh of contentment and a re-confirmation of God's love and protection. 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thought and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

This book may be purchased through Amazon, B&N, and Kobo.


GIVEAWAY: MaryLu Tyndall is generously giving away a paperback copy to one blessed commenter! (US only) E-book copy for international entrants. Please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect against spammers.


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