Colonial Quills Tea Party On Friday November 30th

Pegg Thomas and I are both members of Colonial Quills and we have our new release to celebrate at the Tea Party tomorrow on the Colonial Quills blog and at a Facebook party. Angela K. Couch will also be celebrating the release of her new novel. Hope to see you there!

One of my giveaways will be some delicious Christmas tea. No lattes, unlike the meme above!

Stop by Colonial Quills blog during the day and leave a comment to enter for giveaways.
Stop by the Colonial Quills New Releases Tea Party on Facebook from 1-3 to engage with the authors: Pegg Thomas 1:00, Carrie Fancett Pagels 1:30, Angela K. Couch 2:00, 2:30 Authors continue to respond to comments until 3:00 PM Eastern.

Hope to see you there!

Giveaway - The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear
Barbour Publishing (2018)
Book 5 in The Daughters of the Mayflower series

by Carrie Fancett Pagels

I had the privilege and honor of reading the ARC of Shannon McNear's wonderful novel, The Cumberland Bride. This colonial era story is part of The Daughters of the Mayflower series from Barbour Books. Shannon brings her own distinctive voice to the story which is perfect for the setting -- crossing the back country along the Kentucky Wilderness Road in 1794. My own ancestors settled in eastern Kentucky sometime near this era of Early American history. Being a bit of a klutz myself, I enjoyed Kate's struggles. Thomas is a strong hero and definitely needs all his wits about him in this tremendous journey. Fans of Laura Frantz will find this book a great companion to Laura's stories as some are in comparable story worlds.

Shannon McNear was a finalist in the prestigious Rita Awards for her colonial-era novella set in Virginia (I like to say she won for Inspirational Novella for the Rita's since it was the only Inspirational category finalist!). Shannon has been an ongoing blessing over at the Colonial Quills blog. I can't wait to read the next stories she comes up with!

Note, Shannon also has a novella in The Backcountry Brides collection which released from Barbour this past spring which is another great book to read. The cover on this book doesn't match up with the story, as Kate is tromping across the countryside in clothes that wouldn't have looked anything like this. But I think you'd have to agree that this is a gorgeous cover! Even prettier in person!

The book is available in multiple formats including ebook, paperback, and large print hardcover (from Thorndike).
~*~*~*~*~
From the Publisher:
Thomas Bledsoe and Kate Gruener are traveling the Wilderness Road when conflicts between natives and settlers reach a peak that will require each of them to tap into a well of courage.
A brand new series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.

Love and Adventure Are Discovered on the Wilderness Road
In 1794, when Kate Gruener’s father is ready to move the family farther west into the wilderness to farm untouched land, Kate is eager to live out her own story of adventure like he did during the War for Independence and to see untamed lands. And she sets her sights on learning more about their scout, Thomas Bledsoe. Thomas’s job is to get settlers safely across the Kentucky Wilderness Road to their destination while keeping an ear open for news of Shawnee unrest. But naïve Kate’s inquisitive nature could put them both in the middle of a rising tide of conflict. Is there more to Thomas’s story than he is willing to tell? Is there an untapped courage in Kate that can thwart a coming disaster?

Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear.

More in the Daughters of the Mayflower series:
The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1620 Atlantic Ocean (February 2018)
The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1725 New Orleans (April 2018)
The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep – set 1760 during the French and Indian War (June 2018)
The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1774 Philadelphia (August 2018)?
The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear – set 1794 on the Wilderness Road (October 2018)
The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall – set 1814 Baltimore (December 2018)


Giveaway: A copy of Shannon's novel The Cumberland Bride, from Barbour Publishing. Leave a comment to enter.

Giveaway: Andrea Stephens' review of "Shenandoah Hearts" by Carrie Fancett Pagels

"Shenandoah Hearts" by Carrie Fancett Pagels novella in The Backcountry Brides Collection (Barbour, May 2018)

Andrea Stephens' review of "Shenandoah Hearts"
First, I have to say I had the distinct pleasure of being a beta reader for this novella. I loved the story when I read it the first time. It was fun to see the subtle changes and final edits when I read this published version, making me love it even more. Carrie Fancett Pagels does not disappoint with this fictional telling of the beginnings of the French-Indian war.

The main story is about Magdalene and Jacob. They worked together in a shop in Philadelphia, each
having unspoken feelings for the other. Magda moved with her family to the Shenandoah Valley where three of her brothers have built a cabin for the entire family. Jacob is enticed by his brothers to join the same wagon train and move himself, ending up close to where Magda and her family have settled. I loved the back and forth flirting between Magda and Jacob. The family banter and teasing by both of their families. Magda's ailing mother even says to her “You and that Jacob are just alike in keeping your feelings too...too close...”

Magdalene was all to aware of their different stations in Philadelphia but “out here in the valley, by these blue mountains, those differences in status seemed to disappear.” No spoilers but just when I thought they would get together, the war begins and everyone from the surrounding settlements move within the walls of the fort. Despite the tension and all the hard work war brings, the romance develops and feelings grow. There are also some surprises for other family members as well.

I loved this story and was very satisfied with the epilogue. Honestly, a tear escaped my eye and fell onto the last page.

I highly recommend it to all.

Bio and links for The Backcountry Brides Collection:

You can read a clip of the collection by clicking here!

Blurb: Shenandoah Hearts by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1754 - Great Wagon Road, into the Shenandoah Valley (Virginia)
As the French-Indian War commences, Magda Sehler wonders if Jacob Owens lost his mind to have abandoned his Philadelphia business and moved to the Shenandoah Valley. Or has he lost his heart?

Check out the Christmas Anthology associated with Carrie's story on the Colonial Quills group blog (Click Here).

Links

goodreads

Amazon author page

Bookbub

Purchase at Christian Book Distributors  

Walmart  

Barnes & Noble  

Amazon 

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away a copy of The Backcountry Brides Collection this week -- leave a comment on today's review and on Carrie's post on having branches trimmed for two entries.

Debra E. Marvin -- Heroine Susannah Kimbell & Giveaway!

Miss Susannah Kimball’s story, "A Heart So Tender", in The Backcountry Brides collection is story set in July, 1764 at Fort Niagara. This great historical landmark lies at the mouth of the Niagara River where it flows into Lake Ontario. While Susannah lives a rather unusual frontier life as the daughter of the music and literature teacher at Sir William Johnson’s Mohawk School, she is not prepared for the cultural tensions rising at what Sir William, Indian Agent for the Crown, is calling “The Great Gathering”.

Blockhouse at Fort Niagara

Susannah lives in the settlement of Johnstown (NY). There, Sir William has built a community of white settlers and Mohawk families. And he’s succeeding. Johnson is unusually accepting of people of all colors and faiths and has great hopes for peace along the frontier.

Susannah has the same hope.

French Castle at Fort Niagara

It is her dream to open her own school for girls, primarily native girls, but it’s not entirely unselfish. Her adopted brother Benjamin, an Iroquois orphan, straddles two worlds. Teaching would give him a place of respect that he might not otherwise find in the white world, nor among the Haudenosaunee. To celebrate and promote what Susannah believes in, she sings duets with her brother. The Mohawk call her Yonterennothiyo, (She who sings beautifully) or “Songbird”, and in my story, Sir William uses this gift to his advantage as well.

But Susannah has another reason to desire a life of service as a single teacher, a secret she can’t share and one that requires she never fall in love.

I hope you find yourself reading The Backcountry Brides Collection and enjoy my novella, A Heart So Tender for more of Susannah’s story!

CFP: Thanks for visiting with us, Deb!  Readers, you can purchase a copy of Backcountry Brides at:

Christian Book Distributors  

Walmart 

Barnes & Noble  

Amazon 

Check at your local Christian bookstores, e.g., Lifeway, to see if they have copies, too! 

GIVEAWAY:  Tell Deb what Native American history is found in your area for a chance to win a paperback copy!

Independent Miss Mabel Walker -- Character Interview with Author Jennifer Hudson Taylor

The inspiration for Mabel Walker is actress Tracy Spiridakos

Character Interview with Jennifer Hudson Taylor for her heroine, Mabel Walker

In: The Backcountry Brides Collection (Barbour Books, May 2018)

It’s 1757 and Mabel Walker is grieving over the death of her older brother in the Heart of Nantahalanovella in the Backcountry Bridescollection. He lost his life in a logging accident a month ago, and with the loss of their parents three years ago, Mabel and her fifteen-year-old sister, Bethany, are now alone.

With the inheritance of her brother's logging business and several acres of rich timber land, suitors are lining up, eager to take possession of her newfound property. There is only one problem. Mabel doesn't intend to give up her brother's gift through marriage, especially a loveless marriage. She defies all the unsolicited advice from her friends and neighbors at church, ignores the spiteful comments from her brother's employees who dislike working for a woman, and begins the process of learning all about the logging business.

It isn't until attempts are made on her life and someone tries to sabotage the lumber mill that she realizes how much danger she and her sister could be in. Unsure of who she can trust, Mabel becomes more determined and less dependant on her brother's best friend and foreman. Her faith is seriously tested and several men quit because they refuse to work for a woman. 

Out of the midst of chaos and betrayal, an unlikely ally emerges through a business partnership with Joseph Gregory, a man who clearly wants to purchase her property and business. Mabel finds his rare honesty and loyal support to be of more value than any of the relationships she has formed in Nantahala over the last three years after arriving to the North Carolina colonies.

With medium brown hair often swept up in pearl pins, and intense blue eyes that draw people toward her, Mabel’s appeal even encourages suitors beyond wealth seekers. Think of Miss Mabel Walker as modern-day Canadian actress Tracy Spiridakos in 18th century clothing, hairstyle and hat or colonial cap. I’ve included a photo of Tracy from Wikimedia Creative Commons. 

Mabel is loyal and always dependable. She hates the thought of letting someone down and so it is important for her to carry on the legacy of what her brother built. She’s determined to take care of her sister and the hired help, a Cherokee mom and son who have become like family and also depend on her. Mabel must find a way to overcome her enemies and convince her brother’s former employees that she is a worthy business woman and capable of providing their jobs just as he did. God answers her prayers in a most unexpected way.

CFP: Thanks for visiting with us Jennifer (and Mabel!) 

You can contact Jennifer at:
Author's website: ​
Author Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Amazon Author Page:
Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Jennifer's Twitter:
Jennifer H Taylor (@jt4novels) | Twitter

Jennifer's Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/jt4novels/


Don't forget we also have a Backcountry Brides collection Rafflecopter with lots of giveaways including a Kindle Paperwhite!

Here's the link:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway: We're giving away a paperback copy of The Backcountry Brides collection this week on the blog. Leave a comment on this post to enter!

Backcountry Brides -- More Reviews by Regina Fujitani

The Backcountry Brides Collection (Barbour Publishing, May 2018)
More Reviews by Regina Fujitani

"Hearts of Nantahala" by Jennifer Hudson Taylor
Mabel owns a successful lumber mill. Every man wants to marry her so they can inherit all she has. Except for Joe, he comes with business proposal that’s too hard to resist. Its a delight to be reading Jennifer’s books again! Another talented and gifted writer.

"A Heart So Tender" by Debra E. Marvin
A delightful tale between Arch and Susannah. Arch is a Lt. and is a soldier through and through. He was talked into watching over the Kimball family. That’s when he meets the lovely Susannah. A great story by Debra!

"A Worthy Groom" by Angela K. Couch
Marcus and Lorinda have a lot to learn as married couple. Lorinda has every right to fear men. Marcus has to win her heart and show her his not like the other Cowden men. Things start happening around the farm...who can it be? A wonderful story of strength in trials and forgiveness. Importantly loving those who are around you.

"Love's Undoing" by Gabrielle Meyer
Home is truly where the heart is. Abi has to discover this sentiment all too well. All is not fresh roses in Montreal. Henry discovers more to his life and who is a worthy bride.

Giveaway: We're giving away a paperback copy of The Backcountry Brides Collection this week. Leave a comment on this post and on Shannon McNear's Character Interview for up to two entries for the prize! 

Emotional Camouflage -- Heroine Interview with Shannon McNear

Actress Mila Kunis is OWG's inspiration for Lizzy Cunningham

 "The Counterfeit Tory"  

by Shannon McNear 

In – The Backcountry Brides Collection (Barbour, May 2018)

 HEROINE Lizzy Cunningham             

Strong heroines have become as cliché as anything else in recent years, and I tend to like atypical characters. So when this tough girl first introduced herself to me as “too sharp-tongued for any man to put up with,” I knew she had to possess some hidden vulnerability.

            And wow, did she ever.

            Lizzy Cunningham is the daughter of a loyalist innkeeper, and the fictional cousin of the infamous William Cunningham. Quite a dangerous thing in the middle of increasingly “rebel” (aka patriot) territory. In the years since her mother’s death, her father and brothers grew neglectful and abusive by turns, and that sharp tongue has been both her defense and camouflage. She isn’t necessarily sharp edged by choice—she’s really just trying to avoid trouble while helping keep the family business afloat. But why should she expect any man to come to her defense when those closest to her see her as a step above slave labor (or perhaps don’t value her even that much), or treat her as a plaything for their own entertainment? And it isn’t like she’s anything to look at, either. (Jed wishes me to tell you that she is indeed beautiful … that her hair is an abundant, glossy brown, like wood well polished, and that her eyes hold all the hues of a Carolina autumn day—blue, green, and brown with flecks of amber.)

            Imagine such a girl’s shock, and fear, when a decent-acting (and -looking) man sails into her life and not only notices her situation, but expresses a wish to alleviate the issue. Why would she not immediately be suspicious? And what a terrible risk it is to hope that the goodwill he speaks is indeed genuine!

            Why does Lizzy keep finding herself choosing to not expose his suspicious behavior to her father and brothers? Worse, why does she find it so easy to not only trust him, despite her family’s political leanings, but give him her own heart?

            

BUY LINKS:

The Backcountry Brides:  B&N, Amazon, CBD 

And the prequel, The Highwayman, is now available as a standalone:  (click here to purchase)

Author Shannon McNear

BIO:

After more than two decades in the South, Shannon McNear now makes her home on the windy northern plains with her husband, four of their eight children, two German Shepherds, four cats, several chickens, and a noisy flock of guinea fowl. She serves in worship and youth ministry, and has been writing novel-length fiction since age 15. Her first novella, Defending Truth, from A Pioneer Christmas Collection, was a 2014 RITA® nominee. When not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the Dakota prairies.

You can connect with Shannon on her website as well as on:

Facebook

Pinterest

Goodreads

Twitter

Colonial Quills

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away a paperback copy of The Backcountry Brides Collection on the blog this week. Get an entry by leaving a comment here on this post and on our review post later in the week! 

The Backcountry Brides Collection Partial Review

The Backcountry Brides Collection (Barbour, May 2018)

The Backcountry Brides Collection (Barbour, May 2018)

Review by Regina Fujitani

CFP: Regina has already reviewed/endorsed Denise Weimer's lovely novella in an early OWG post. Three more are reviewed today and we'll be sharing Regina's reviews of the rest in the following weeks! Thanks Regina!

Regina says" Another amazing collection of stories that eight authors have compiled together. Each told in their own way. Strong women that face danger in 18th Century America, can they face love?


Shenandoah Hearts by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Jacob and Magda have many obstacles to overcome before they to get to the alter of bliss. Another delightful story by Carrie! She writes with heart and meaning. I always look forward to her stories!


"Her Redcoat" by Pegg Thomas
Henry and Laurette meet under tense conditions. In the end a hated red coat can be found lovable with the Indians planning a massacre.

"The Counterfeit Tory" by Shannon McNear
Lizzy works hard and has no respect from her male relations, at their tavern. ----- is in this Tory camp as a spy. Lizzy and Jed meet as the war heats up.

Regina says "It was quite interesting to read about the backcountry and Ninety-six, we lived in Greenwood which is pretty close. Our daughter was a reenactor for the American Revolution, we've been to Ninety-Six a few times. We don't live in SC anymore.

CFP: Thank you Regina for you lovely reviews! AND we now have our Rafflecopter giveaway up for The Backcountry Brides Collection so be sure to go over and start doing entries!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BONNIE ROOF reviews Promise Of Deer Run by Elaine Marie Cooper

1790 - Deer Run, Massachusetts

Twenty-six year-old Corp. Nathaniel Stearns is a man with a wounded spirit. Returning home ahead of his father Sgt. Benjamin Stearns, at the end of the American Revolution, he found a note from his mother revealing his younger brother Ethan had passed away. No longer able to maintain their farm, she and Nathaniel's three sisters had moved to Boston to reside with her sister Abigail and husband. 

Now seven years later and still feeling Ethan would be alive if Nathaniel had not gone to war, he is burdened with guilt. Frequent nightmares and day visions resulting from the trauma of seeing his friend Isaiah have his face blown away by the enemy, a previous betrayal by a childhood sweetheart, his belief his father will return home, and his aloofness cause townspeople to feel Nathaniel is quite "strange". His conviction that his father will return compels him to restore the family farm and is the impetus to sustain him amidst the hardships. Finding surprise baskets of fresh bread at his doorstep are unexpected treats to a man who wonders if God has forgotten him.

Nineteen year-old Sarah Thomsen has admired Nathaniel since his kindness of sneaking her food while she was in stocks as punishment for her disobedience and boldness of paying a visit to a boy's school when she was eight years-old. So strong was her desire to attend school!

Sarah has suffered loss also - her father having died in a drowning accident prior to her birth, she fears the possibility of being unworthy of love and becoming a spinster, left living alone. Prone to blurt out what is on her mind and reacting to circumstances without first considering the consequences - Sarah is thought to be self-willed and obstinate (although "bringing the sun with her wherever she goes") by her mother/midwife Ruth Eaton, and having a natural spirit for adventure and truth by her sickly step-father Myles Eaton.

The 'Promise of Deer Run' is book 2 in the Deer Run Saga by Elaine Marie Cooper. Having read book 1, 'Road to Deer Run' - the story of Sarah's sister Mary - it was such a treat to revisit the members of the Thomsen family. Characters and events from the first book were fully explained in the second, providing enjoyment and clarity for those readers new to the saga. Elaine's realistic characters and adeptly woven historical detail and fascinating customs of the era were written in a simplistic, yet beautifully worded style. 

The hardships of the era portrayed through the births, illnesses, deaths, and the struggle to survive, along with the added suspense of slander by a hopeful-to-be suitor, episodes of PTSD, and an attack by a vagrant - are exciting additional elements in this story of romance. Faith plays a huge part - making 'Promise of Deer Run' a captivating, engrossing story of family, hope, love, perseverance, suspense, forgiveness, and God's grace. I look forward to reading book 3 in the saga: 'Legacy of Deer Run', releasing December, 2016.

I was provided a PDF of 'Promise of Deer Run' by the author in exchange for my honest opinion, which I have provided.

Giveaway: An ebook copy of Promise of Deer Run. Leave a comment to enter. 

Teresa S Mathews Reviews A FLIGHT OF ARROWS by Lori Benton

A FLIGHT of ARROWS by LORI BENTON

Waterbrook Press

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews

5 Stars*****

Once again the talented author Lori Benton has created a story so powerful, I have to admit I ran a gamut of emotions while reading it. In book one of the Pathfinder series, The Woods Edge, we are told the story of Reginald Aubrey, a grieving father whose love for his wife, causes him to exchange his dead newborn son for a baby boy born to a white mother (Good Voice) and Indian father (Stone Thrower). In this book two, A Flight of Arrows, that story continues.

It has been twenty years since that fateful day that Reginald Aubrey made the choice that forever changed his life and the lives of Stone Thrower, Good Voice and their sons. When the twin now known as William Aubrey, finds out his true heritage he runs away to join forces with the British, leaving behind his grieving family. Now Reginald, and Stone Thrower must put aside any ill feelings so they can find William and bring him home.

Two Hawks, the twin raised with their Oneida people has a reason of his own for wanting to be the one to bring his brother home; he wishes to gain trust and respect from Reginald so he can ask for his daughter, Anna’s hand in marriage. Will they be able to find William before the war snatches him away from them permanently?

Ms. Benton is a stickler for details and I must commend her for her excellent research skills. This story will not only entertain you, it will share details of American history that you may not have known. Some may find the first few chapters a little slow moving as the scene is set for the story line, but I promise if you will continue you will be highly rewarded.

I was moved to tears on more than one occasion as the Love of our Heavenly Father was displayed through-out this dynamic story. I was especially moved by a passage spoken by the character Daniel Clear Day “The path the Creator has laid for us to walk has not been an easy path. Not always straight. And it will not be easy in the coming days. But when Creator said He would make rough ways smooth, I believe He was not talking about moving us to an easy path. He meant He was going to make our stride long enough, our legs strong enough, to carry us through. And when we reach our limits, He puts us on His back and He carries us and shields our eyes and hearts from that which would destroy our souls.” Thank you Lori for including this quote, it spoke encouragement to this new widow that walks such a path.  

Thanks to Waterbrook Press for providing me a copy of this 

book in exchange for my honest opinion

You can purchase this book and others by Ms. Benton at Amazon, 

CBC, BAM and other bookstores

GIVEAWAY: Lori Benton has graciously offered to give away a paperback copy of A Flight of Arrows to one blessed commenter. (US Entrants Only!!) To be eligible please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.