Noela reviews SARATOGA LETTERS by Elaine Marie Cooper

Saratoga Letters

SARATOGA LETTERS

by Elaine Marie Cooper

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas (October 4, 2016)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

Enthralling, Edgy, Emotive - A Fascinating Historical Romance

Author Elaine Cooper has fashioned an enthralling novel around the historically significant Battle of Saratoga. Authentic and emotive, this story is creatively paralleled from two different eras—two hundred years apart. From the bloody battlefield of the Revolutionary War during 1777 to modern-day 1977 and the commemoration of the Battle of Saratoga, this two-part story is connected through the ages by not only ancestry and other interesting similarities, but also heartbreak, danger, and enchanting romances.

Flame-haired patriot Abigail Gillingham is forced by her abusive, loyalist uncle to tend to the wounded of the King’s army in their hospital marquee. Thrust into the middle of mayhem and anguish, Abigail has no choice but to help the enemy that has invaded her country whilst keeping her patriotism secret. Amongst the trauma and human misery, a wounded corporal with intense blue eyes and a sympathetic, gentle nature—becomes her anchor and stirs up feelings she shouldn’t have. Will Abigail’s deception be discovered? Will she find freedom from her situation, audacious admirers, and her uncle? And can love between a Corporal and patriot survive or be felled like so many of the soldiers?

Two-hundred years later, circumstances bring American Abby Carpenter and British constable Ian Thacker together for the bicentenary celebrations of the Battle of Saratoga. As Abby and Ian unravel mysteries of the past, and deal with ominous threats in the present, will it help them to find a deeper connection? Or will the real battle be in their hearts?

Raw. Edgy. Realistic. Powerful. ‘Saratoga Letters’ tells of the reality of war, along with the hope and promise that faith and love carry. I had tears by the end of the third chapter but there were also plenty of smiles throughout—especially from the amusing moments arising from the modern-day couple’s culture differences and shared history. This was one of those captivating stories that will likely frustrate you when life gets in the way of reading! Highly recommended!

I received a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

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This novel may be purchased through AMAZON; BAM; B&N

TWO GIVEAWAYS: Elaine Marie Cooper is generously giving away a signed paperback copy of Saratoga Letters (US only) AND a Kindle copy! For your chance to WIN one of these, leave a comment below, making sure to leave your email written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers. 

Kelli Hughett Interview by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Author Kelli Hughett

Kelli, welcome to Overcoming With God. We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. I sure enjoyed meeting you at ACFW conference a few years back and sharing a dinner table with you!

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help? Answer: Three years ago, I was seriously injured in a car crash. To date, I've had two spinal fusions and countless therapies and procedures. At the time, I had nine year old, a six year old, and a three year old.  

I’d always been an active person. I enjoyed lifting weights, playing sports, and especially hiking and camping with my family. I think the hardest thing was teaching my kids to crawl into my lap, instead of picking them up. They missed the cuddling. They missed the mom-that-used-to-be.

But God knew what a struggle I would be facing, and in the moment before the other car hit us, I heard His voice. “Everything is going to be okay.” Simple statement. Big results. In the months and years that have followed, I have relied on that perfect promise. No matter the pain, the fear, or the unknown, it’s true. Everything is going to be okay. God has already overcome for me through Christ.

What passages in the Bible have been most helpful to you in those times?

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

I can overcome anything because of this promise.

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio? Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print?

Not at this time, but Red Zone is in the process of being produced in an audio format.

Red Zone by Kelli Hughett

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?

One book that influenced the character development of Marcy in Red Zone is, Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge. In my experience, most women have struggled with overcoming their belief that they aren’t truly beautiful. Captivating changed my own beliefs in my true beauty in Christ.

Question you’d like to ask readers:

What is your favorite part of romantic suspense? The romance or the suspense?

Author bio:

"To fall in Love with God is the greatest Romance; To seek him, the greatest adventure; To find him, the greatest achievement." Augustine

I don't spend my days writing, but I squeeze it in where I can. From my office window, I see barns, the Rocky Mountains, yards of farm fence and wide swathes of green grass surrounded by trees that are just starting to turn this fall. You'd imagine me writing Amish or Prairie Romance, right?!

Many people who know me well have asked me why I chose to write suspense. It is a little out-of-character for me, I suppose. I collect tea cups, read Austen and classics regularly, wear frilly dresses and dote on agricultural landscapes. My favorite book is Anne of Green Gables. So, why suspense?

I guess it taps an unseen part of my personality. What's more exciting than a murder mystery? Suspense is the spice of life, even if we aren't standing over dead bodies all day. It enhances marriages, gives authority to news and announcements, and makes our hearts beat fast. No book, no matter the genre, would be interesting without a little suspense!

And what story is complete without romance?

I hope you'll find my books entertaining without offending your soul. I hope you'll discover the magic of ordinary days and characters in extraordinary circumstances. Maybe you'll find yourself in one of my books. I know you'll find little pieces of me. Visit me at http://kellihughett.com or follow me on social media Twitter: @KelliHughett or Facebook: Kelli Hughett: Author and Speaker.

Kelli’s book, Red Zone, is available at http://www.amazon.com/Red-Zone-Christmas-Thanksgiving-overtime-ebook/dp/B00P4CBPGW/

Giveaway: A copy of Kelli's contemporary suspense!

Review of Sandra Ardoin's Christmas novella The Yuletide Angel -- By Carrie Fancett Pagels

The Yuletide Angel by Sandra Ardoin

Darling Christmas Tale

by Carrie Fancett Pagels

The Yuletide Angel
By Sandra Ardoin
Lighthouse of the Carolinas (2014)

Although the cover looks spooky, there's nothing eery about The Yuletide Angel--but she DOES go about with her charitable work dressed in black and that house is a nice new one for the time period, which is 1890! Convicted that good works should be kept private, Violet goes to extremes! 

Having lost her father, and previously her mother, Violet is left living with her brother who has now announced his engagement. This young lady, five years younger, will soon be moving into what has been their home.  Sensing she will soon become unwanted in her own home, Violet (whose personality has been consistent with that of being a shy shrinking violet) sets out begin what she hopes will be a successful bakery business.

Meanwhile Hugh Barnes, a grocer whose home is across the street from Violet's has discovered who the town's mysterious Yuletide Angel is--and he's concerned for the young woman who does her merciful acts at night. Seeking to protect her, he follows her through the dark streets of their town.

Rejected by several other storekeepers, Violet approaches Hugh about placing her baked goods in his store. Their relationship grows and a sweet romance begins. But then an unwanted reminder of past hurts returns to affect them.

This is a great read and very different. What is fun for me is that my Christmas novella for 2014, The Fruitcake Challenge, is set in 1890 also and my heroine wants to run a bake shop, too, but the settings and the stories and romances are SO different. I think they make a great combo read! 

Giveaway: A copy of Sandra Ardoin's The Yuletide Angel in ebook and The Fruitcake Challenge for a two-for read!  

Interview with Sandra Ardoin

Author Sandra Ardoin

Sandra, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers.  

Thanks so much for having me, Carrie. What inspiring articles you run on your blog! 

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help? Answer:  

God has blessed my life more than I deserve. That makes me nervous, because the Bible says we won’t be tempted beyond what we can handle. So, at times, I wonder how much trouble He thinks I’m unable to deal with, and maybe my faith isn’t strong enough. 

Even so, we all have difficulties and I’ve had my share. There was a period of about eleven years when I stopped attending church—pretty much the whole decade of my twenties. It wasn’t because I stopped believing or was mad at God about something. I was lazy. I missed a Sunday, then another, and another. Before I knew it, I was out of the habit of going, and living to please the Lord wasn’t at the top of my to-do list. 

I’d get nudges from the Holy Spirit that I would acknowledge, then go on about my merry way—until the moment God actually spoke to me as if He stood behind me in flesh and blood. 

I was about to make an important phone call when He said, “Don’t do it. I have something better for you.” Wow! You don’t ignore a voice that strong. Soon after, He opened up an opportunity that took me to a small town and a good church. In the end, that opportunity restored my relationship with Him … and led to meeting my husband.

Some people think they can worship without attending church services, which is true. But we all get busy. I think what they should ask is, “Will I eventually distance myself from God by ignoring a formal time to worship and the fellowship of other believers?”

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print?  

My publisher, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, offers a number of their books in audio format. At this time, I’m not sure whether or not The Yuletide Angel will be turned into an audio book, but you’ll find what they presently offer here. As for large print, the novella will be in e-book format (as well as print), so the font size can be changed. 

The Yuletide Angel by Sandra Ardoin

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?  

It would be difficult to do any such situation justice in a little over a hundred pages, however, my hero faces the challenge of forgiving a brother whose fondness for alcohol led him to commit an act of betrayal.  A big part of the plot touches on alcoholism and the damage it can inflict on families. 

This problem is also a large part of the story in the follow-up novel, A Reluctant Melody (working title), which revolves around the mission of the brother mentioned above. It releases in January 2016.

THE YULETIDE ANGEL BACK COVER COPY:

It's Christmastime in 1890s Meadowmead, and someone is venturing out at night to leave packages at the homes of the needy. Dubbed The Yuletide Angel, no one knows the identity of this mysterious benefactor.

No one, except Hugh Barnes, a confirmed bachelor who finds himself drawn to the outwardly shy but inwardly bold Violet Madison, a young woman who risks her safety to help others.

When Violet confesses her fear of eviction from her childhood home, Hugh longs to rescue her. His good intentions are thwarted, however, when Hugh's estranged brother shows up in town ... and in Violet's company.

But Violet faces an even bigger threat. A phantom figure lurks in the shadows, prepared to clip the wings of The Yuletide Angel.

BIO and LINKS:

Sandra Ardoin is a multi-published author of short fiction. A fan of old westerns growing up, it’s only natural that she sets stories in the days of the horse and buggy, as she did with her newly-released Christmas novella, The Yuletide Angel. She’s the married mother of a young adult and lives in North Carolina. 

Visit her at www.sandraardoin.com and the Seriously Write blog. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. Check out her Pinterest board for The Yuletide Angel. Sign up for her newsletter. 

Giveaway: Ebook copy of Sandy's new Amazon bestselling Christmas novella!

Noela Nancarrow reviews FIELDS OF THE FATHERLESS by Elaine Marie Cooper

Fields of the Fatherless

Fields of the Fatherless

by Elaine Marie Cooper

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolina's (Oct 24, 2013)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

History Comes Alive

History is bursting with stories to be told, but oftentimes some are overlooked that cry out to be shared. This is one of them. You don’t just read this story however; you are immediately transported back to 1775 to the small village of Menotomy in Massachusetts - only three months before the American Revolution. With every fibre of your being, you’ll feel the fear of the rumblings of war, watch with trepidation the ominous preparations, and when the incoming troops ride past, your heart will pound along with the thundering of the horse’s hooves. Nothing can properly prepare you though, for the assault of gunfire, the boom of the cannons, or the tortured cries of the wounded.

This is the compelling story of Miss Elizabeth Russell (Betsy), an eighteen year old woman and the only daughter of Jason and Elizabeth Russell.  When the war becomes imminent, her father instructs her to trust in God and do all she can to protect the family should he be unable to be there for them, but when he hugs her more tightly than he has ever done before, fear surges through her. What would it be like for a young woman to go through a horrific war right on her doorstep, to see and hear things she should never have been exposed to, all at a time in her life when she should be thinking about pleasant things like courting? At the beginning of each chapter, Betsy shares her journal entry of her innermost thoughts and of scripture verses that have been a comfort to her that day. These precede the chapter as a foretaste of the chapter’s essence which I found to be a poignant introduction to each one.

While the men of the area were employing their weapons to defend their rights and freedom, and facing a horror all of their own, this story is very much about the women and children that carried on their own battle against often overwhelming fears. Fear of the approaching war, of the safety of loved ones called to fight, of being discovered by the King’s soldier’s, and fear of the harrowing sounds of war; these were just some of the unsettling terrors that plagued Betsy, and the other women and children. God will use even the direst of circumstances, and Betsy learned much from her experiences, some of which she could never have imagined she’d be in. I couldn’t help but put myself in many of those same situations, and contemplating how I would have reacted.

‘Fields of the Fatherless’ is based on genuine events and people, with the author Elaine Marie Cooper keeping the real history intact as much as possible in this novel. Elaine has written this powerful story with integrity and conviction, but containing a rich eloquence that will stir your heart as evident in this quote, “The tears she kept prisoner in her heart threatened to escape her jail of restraint. Once one prisoner broke out, a flood of mourning would surely follow. She tightened her jaw and sniffed. No tears would bypass the barred doors of her tenacity.”

Your emotions will tear at your heart while reading this amazing story, opening it to empathy, forgiveness, and love, which will linger in your thoughts and heart long after you reach the end!

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An ARC was sent to me in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book may be purchased through Amazon or your local bookstore.

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GIVEAWAYS:  This week, Elaine will be giving away one each of the Deer Run Saga books to three winning recipients from the reviews featured this week. (Limited to USA winners)

Overcoming With God will also be giving away a copy of winner's choice of Elaine's books in e-book format. (Open to International winners)

QUESTION: What brings fear into your heart and what have you discovered helps you to manage those fears?



Interview with Author Tamara Fickas: Lewy Body Dementia and Loss of Parent

Tamara Fickas

Tamara Fickas is a contributor to the new nonfiction release “God’s Provision in Tough Times.”  She is the administrator of the Rocky Mountain Writer website. She writes historical and contemporary fiction and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Tamara, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help? (transparency appreciated!)

Thank you for having me here on Overcoming with God. One of the most difficult things I’ve gone through is walking with my mother through Lewy Body Dementia (LBD.) Lewy is the second leading form of dementia after Alzheimer’s. It causes cognitive dysfunction, hallucinations, and Parkinson’s type symptoms.

Dad was committed to doing as much as possible for Mom, and we kids jumped in to help as much as we could. During the last ten months of Mom’s life, I was unemployed and through God’s strength, I was able to be there for Mom and Dad. 

I look back on that time with awe that in one of the hardest times of my life I could see God walking every step of the way with me. It was this time that I wrote about for my contribution to the book God’s Provision in Tough Times.

(CFP: Tammy, one of my best friends lost her father to this disorder several years ago.  I understand that is is very difficult to deal with.  What a blessing you were to your mother.)

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

Jeremiah 29:11 has always been a favorite of mine. It is comforting to know that even when life seems convoluted and messed up God knows the plan for me. I am not just wandering around lost. I can’t see what is up ahead, but God can.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your blogs and why?

I started my Rocky Mountain Writer blog years ago when Mom was still alive. It began as a way to get the word out about LBD as well as polish my writing skills. Over the years, the blog has evolved to be more of an opportunity to share the wonder I find in everyday life.

My personal blog has been inactive for a while now as I consider what direction God wants me to take with it. Even though I’m not sure of the direction the blog is going, it is always my hope that people who read my work see how God is at work around us and are encouraged by that fact.

As you researched your manuscripts, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?

I am still in the process of researching my historical fiction novel, but as I read I am amazed at how hard life was for those people who came over to the new world. They could have stayed in comfort in what they knew, but they chose to come to America and tough it out to build this new nation. Makes me thankful for how easy life can be for me.

(CFP: Tammy has written an American Revolutionary War manuscript--a time of history near and dear to my own heart!)

In your work, do you share about LBD?  

My latest work doesn’t really have topics, but some of the early posts on my blog dealt with LBD and how our family coped with this disease that affects not only the person who is suffering from it, but all those around them.

Thank you Tamara for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

Giveaway:  A paperback or Kindle copy (outside of USA ebook only) of God's Provision in Tough Times.  Leave a comment and your email address.

Interview with Felicia Bowen Bridges

Felicia Bowen Bridges

Felicia Bowen Bridges is a contributing author for God’s Provision in Tough Times and for Then Along Came an Angel, Messengers of Deliverance. Both are available on Amazon.com. You can also follow Felicia on her blog at Psalms204.blogspot.com.

Felicia, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers.

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help? Although God’s Provision in Tough Times deals with God’s provision during a financial crisis, this was by no means the greatest challenge I’ve overcome thanks to my Savior. Prior to our season of financial loss, the Lord saw me and my husband through the loss of three unborn children. Compared to the devastation of losing a child, our season of unemployment following Randy’s call to ministry was a walk in the park. God had already taught us the most important lesson which is at the core of the story I shared in God’s Provision – that is, that having a relationship with God is enough for us to find joy in life, even when we have nothing else.

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio? Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print?  God’s Provision in Tough Times is available for Kindle.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?  

This book is the ideal gift of encouragement for someone experiencing unemployment or financial distress. The true stories included in God’s Provision in Tough Times present a variety of situations that have a single thread in common – God’s overarching love and sovereignty regardless of our circumstances. The authors do not share feel-good platitudes about the power of positive thinking – instead, they share with transparency their personal struggles and the encouragement that they received. These struggles haven’t necessarily ended; however, each one has experienced the victory of seeing God work in the midst of the struggle, regardless of the eventual outcome.

Thank you Felicia for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

Bio: FELICIA BOWEN BRIDGES grew up an Army brat, living in eight states and two foreign countries. She writes non-fiction short stories centered on God’s grace and novels inspired by her nomadic childhood which reflect God’s power in the lives of His children. Her first novel, CzechMate, is the first in a series of Missionary Kids’ Adventures designed to bring the exciting stories of young missionaries around the world home. Felicia’s short stories have been included in Then Along Came an Angel, Messengers of Deliverance and the recently-released God’s Provision in Tough Times.

Felicia's links:

Website  feliciabowenbridges@gmail.com

Blog: psalms204.blogspot.com

Twitter: @fbridges272

Facebook: Felicia Bowen Bridges

GIVEAWAY:  A copy of God's Provision in Tough Times, which Carrie also contributed to!

Guest Review of Cynthia Howerter's and LaTan Murphy's "God's Provision in Tough Times," by Lori Stanley Roeleveld

God's Provision in Tough Times
by Cynthia Howerter and LaTan Murphy

 Guest Review by Lori Stanley Roeleveld

We think we have faith until the bank account drops to zero or the job disappears. Maybe the careful plans we laid become undone or circumstances way beyond our control put us on the brink of financial disaster. Many of us know all too well the fear, sense of failure, panic, and loss that come with financial troubles.

                  Where is God when this happens? Where is the owner of the cattle on a thousand hills? Where is the One who has His eye on the sparrow? Has our nest slipped from view?

                  Have we fallen into some crack where He can't see? Have we escaped His notice or is He angry with us and refusing to provide? Financial struggles often leave us open to these kinds of questions and doubts and many times, we're afraid to voice them to even our closest friends.

                   If you're facing struggles of any kind, but particularly those that make you wonder how God will provide - you'll want the inspiration that can be found in these pages. Transparent, gut-level honest, no easy answers here but solid truth about God's willingness to come through - even if He does take His time.

                  It's clear from page one to the end that the writers who share their stories in God's Provision in Tough Times - 25 True Stories of God s Provision During Unemployment and Financial Despair, care deeply about the readers who will invest their time in this book.  They care so deeply, they've been willing to expose their own hearts along with their stories so that God's character and actions can be glorified by their testimony about His provision - both financial and spiritual - through their tough times.

                  If you need encouragement. If you need the strength to hold on. If you are wondering if God comes through for others but not for you, dive into this book and find company for this rocky section of the road we all travel deep into the heart of God. You'll be surprised whose story you find here and by this time next year - you may be ready to write your own chapter.

CFP:  Thanks so much Lori for being a guest on OWG!  I was blessed to be asked to be a contributor to this inspiring book compiled by Cynthia and LaTan!

Lori Stanley Roeleveld is a disturber of hobbits who enjoys making comfortable Christians continually late for dinner. Her articles appear in numerous magazines. She authors the blog, Deeper with Jesus in Rhode Island (http://loristanleyroeleveld.blogspot.com/). Lori's a wife, mom, crisis counselor, part-time dragon slayer and has faced her own tough times.

GIVEAWAY:  A copy of God's Provision in Tough Times. Follow Cynthia on Twitter (https://twitter.com/CynthiaHowerter) and/or leave her a message of encouragement and your email address.