Release Week -- Regina May Fujitani

Darren and Regina Fujitani at his birthday dinner

Release week (for Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides) took on new meeting this week as my friend and Virtual Assistant, Regina Fujitani, became gravely ill. She took flight to heaven on release day, November 1st, at 2:00 pm Eastern time. Her faithful husband of ten years, Darren, was at her side. That morning near the end of a private Facebook group party our friend, Anne Payne, sent me a message from the hospital that Regina looked to be near the end. Earlier that day, Darren had sent word that a new antibiotic was being attempted and we were hopeful it would help. I'd planned to celebrate that morning, which Regina would have encouraged, and then be with her in the afternoon. And I did get to be there in the afternoon, but not as I'd planned for this ended up being her last hours. I contacted our church and Pastor Larry Lamb arrived. Later, Senior Pastor Larry Jones joined us. So Regina had two pastors in her room when she crossed over to glory! And PTL I could be there with Anne Payne and Darren.

November 1st also ended up being Regina and my five year anniversary on Facebook. And it was Author's Day, too. Regina had been my Virtual Assistant and Beta reader for several years. She helped get my newsletters out to my readers. Then a year and a half ago she moved to Virginia and we got to be friends in person -- such a blessing.

Regina was an avid Christian Fiction reader and reviewer. Even when multiple health issues this past year, on top of her Muscular Dystrophy, were taking a toll, Regina would try to keep reading and posting reviews. She was a promotion team member for many Christian fiction authors including myself and my friends Debbie Lynne Costello and Susanne Dietze and others. She was a friend to many people online in the Christian fiction community and will be sadly missed.

Darren and Regina Fujitani

In person, Regina was just as sweet as she comes across online. She was an incredibly nonjudgmental person who accepted others as they are. She extended grace and mercy easily. Regina had a beautiful laugh that I will miss so much. She had a lot of insight, particularly about people and situations and she was a good listener as well as willing to confide in others.

The pictures above are from a recent (only weeks ago) dinner to celebrate Darren's birthday. This was something Regina really wanted to do for her hubs. And Jeff, and Clark, and I were happy to celebrate with them at one of all of our favorite restaurants, Plaza Azteca.

On two of our last long talks, Regina and I discussed a book I was writing in which one of the characters "may" die from a serious disease. We talked openly and honestly about our thoughts of heaven, about freedom from pain, about knowing where we were going and our trust in the Lord. Although Regina was having some setbacks, I surely didn't imagine that in a few short weeks she'd be face-to-face with Jesus. I'm going to miss my friend. But I do know where she's at. And her release to the streets of gold where she is dancing and singing and praising God has to be a glorious homecoming.

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! 

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

Across Three Autumns by Denise Weimer in The Backcountry Brides Collection

Blurb: Across Three  Autumns by Denise Weimer in The Backcountry Brides Collection

Blurb: 1778-1780 (Georgia)
Fighting Loyalists and Indians, Jenny White settles for strength over love...until Scottish scout, Caylan McIntosh, leads her family on a harrowing exodus out of Georgia's Revolutionary "Hornet's Nest."

Endorsement by Regina Fujitani for
Denise Weimer's novella:

"I loved this story of Caylan and Jenny! A knot of heart pumping excitement with nail biting anticipation."

Bio: Regina Fujitani is a Christian book reviewer and Virtual Assistant and former church secretary. She resides with her husband and precious kitty, Molly, in Virginia.

Giveaway: We're giving away a copy of The Backcountry Brides Collection this week. Leave a comment on this post and on Denise's interview (click here) for two chances to win!

Giveaway & Review of The Captive Brides Collection by Regina Fujitani

Guest Post by Regina Fujitani

The Captive Brides collection tells nine stories of different women caught in one form of slavery or another. These stories will take you captive, holding you still until the very end. The nine authors who penned these stories did a superb job!

Love’s Labours Found by Jennifer AlLee
Temperance is brought to colonies under false assumptions. She's forced to be an indentured servant, she's sold to a cruel owner. Temperance has strength and endurance that gets her through the worst times of her life. When the time comes, she makes a decision that will save her life and impact her greatly. Edward is a plantation owner who treats his servants with kindness and gentleness. He is a widower with a baby. When Temperance comes to him for help he cannot turn her aside. What they both don't realize is what the future holds for them both. Will they embrace it? Will Edward see the treasure in front of him? This story was wonderful. I truly loved how Jennifer wove these two characters together.

His Indentured Bride by Angela Breidenbach
This is an exciting story fraught with anxiety, hope, and love. Marie and her fiancé are separated when he leaves Scotland but he as promised he sends for her a year later. When Marie arrives in America she's plagued with a greedy man that's taken with her beauty. Due to a devious plot Marie is indentured to him. With Marie and her fiancé ever make it to the altar or will she be forced to marry her owner?

The Suspect Bride by Susan Page Davis
Verity is a cook and waitress in Oregon. She's falsely accused of a crime she didn't commit. Jack has always been drawn to Verity. When Verity is arrested, he steps in as her attorney. Jack and Verity's love story is delightful and sweet! These two are truly meant to be together!

His Golden Treasure by Darlene Franklin
Goldie is a sweet soul with a strong spirit in God. Where she lives is astonishing and the Madame double-crosses her when it comes time for her birthday. Joshua is a minister wanting to help those in the lower district. He ministers with his sister and her husband. While he's out walking the streets, he meets Goldie. What Joshua and Goldie experience is sweet and wonderful. He truly is her rescuing prince.

Stormy Waters by Patty Smith Hall
Charlotte is a gently bred woman who lives with her Aunt Mary in London. Charlotte is arrested and sentenced to the colonies for her father’s crimes. Captain John is a man who transports the indentures and slaves to the colonies. After the death of his sister he found his way back to God. He redeemed himself and sought God's forgiveness. Charlotte and John find a lot in common. They both are strong in character and faith. Love finds them in the middle of an ocean.

Moira’s Quest by Cynthia Hickey
Moira finds herself being sold by the one person who was her guardian and uncle. She has endured years of mistreatment from him. She lost both of her parents in an accident. Moira is a strong and stubborn woman. She's determined to have it her way. She's definitely Irish! Officer purchases Moira and marries her. He's just as stubborn as she. Both of them work together to bring down her uncle and his partner to stop their criminal acts. After a rocky beginning, these two find love and happiness.

Love’s Escape by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Lettie is a mulatto slave on her family's plantation farm. Nathan and his father, along with his friend David, help slaves escape. Nathan and Lettie love each other and Nathan will do anything to set her free. Especially now that her mama was murdered. I loved how Nathan was her rescuer and protector. I also love how strong Lettie is, she is quite the overcomer! Both of them escape Virginia in order to keep Lettie safe. This story is full of love and adventure! It was quite interesting reading about the underground railroad to help those living life a life as a slave leaving that of slavery. An excellent story! As always, Carrie pulls another winning story together!

Waltzing Matilda by Lucy Thompson
Matilda along with her baby, is a convict in Australia. She decides to flee. During her flight, she meets up with Nathan. Nathan is a shepherd. Matilda is uncertain of her future as a runaway. Nathan is unsure of his feelings for her. But when Matilda is captured and carried back to Sydney, he realizes his true feelings. He will do anything to free her. This was an exceptional story. I loved reading Matilda and Nathan's story.

A Score to Settle by Gina Welborn
JoJo is a woman caught in snake oil salesman’s snare. She longs to get out, to become free from being enslaved. She's got gumption and heart. Cyrus is an unsuspecting victim in JoJo's scheme when she kisses him. This was a wonderful story between JoJo and Cyrus. JoJo had to really trust and let go in order to see love. Cyrus is a gentle man that saw JoJo's heart immediately. A delightful read!

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Bio: Guest contributor Regina Fujitani is a reader, reviewer, and Virtual Assistant. She's grandma to the sweetest little boy in the world. 

GIVEAWAY: A copy of The Captive Brides Collection. Leave a comment to enter.