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.

My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily's Dilemma by Andrea Boeshaar -- Guest Review by Andrea Stephens

About the book:

Journey into the Shenandoah Valley of 1816 where...
With Very Little Left of the Family Farm, Lily May be Forced into a Loveless Marriage.

Captain McAlister “Mac” Albright has purchased land in the Shenandoah Valley. However, the land belongs to Lillyanna Laughlin—or so she erroneously thinks. Mac sets her straight and despite a poor start, the two become friends. .if only he were financially stable to offer her more. 

When Lily’s life is threatened and his whole future goes up in flames, Mac truly becomes a man without means, and Lily is forced to make the impossible choice between a loveless marriage with a man twice her age or the man who has shown her what true love could be. How can she choose between love and economic security? Her family is depending on her. Is her heart destined to break?
 
Journey into Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley of 1816 where a woman’s dreams and future happiness are on the line.

My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily's Dilemma (Barbour Publishing, September 2017)

by Andrea Boeshaar 

Guest Review by Andrea Stephens

I have to say it took me about four pages to get hooked on this book. When handsome former Captian Mac hears the beautiful Lily singing. How they meet is quite a surprise, for both of them, I think. From that point on, I couldn't read fast enough. It quickly became a 5 Star book for me.

The writing was so descriptive I found myself walking through the orchards, tasting Aunt Hilda's food and sneering at the evil Silas Everett every time his black box carriage came down the lane.

There is so much heart woven into this story. Lily's love for her family home Haus am Bach and the memories it holds, her caring for her younger brothers and her Aunt. The dilemma she faces is unimaginable, being under the supposed care and protection of her late father's friend Silas Everett. A local Inn owner with gambling tables in the back room, and all around nasty scoundrel. He has sold off the family orchards and fields, how are they to survive?
I liked that Lily had a bit of spunk to her in certain situations, in others she demurred.

Lily and Mac did not expect to fall for each other, in fact, after much discussion of the matter they reach an agreement to “just be neighbors, and friends” I don't give spoilers but I will say that arrangement does not work out very well.

The other characters in the book are so good! I loved Mr. John Blake, an older man, and Mac's former first mate. He has a way with words and phrases, one of them being “...but I'm not a landlubber. I don't even like farm animals, unless they are roasted to perfection...” You have to read the book to find out where that line comes from. I liked the little side romance between Mr. Blake and Aunt Hilda too. It was nice to see two older folks find love.

There are a lot of fun moments and heart felt moments in the book but it is filled with drama and some suspense too. The faith elements are gently woven in throughout the book with forgiveness and redemption found in the pages as well.

I highly recommend this book to people who love Inspirational Historical Fiction, though I think there is a bit of something for everyone here.

I will leave you with another great piece of advice from the book, spoken by a friend in a tense situation. I think part of it applies to each of us:

“Never pick a fight with a blacksmith or the Almighty. You're sure to lose on both accounts.”

*After reading an ARC provided by the publishers and NetGalley, I bought a copy of the book to keep for myself.  

The My Heart Belongs Series from Barbour Publishing:

	Vetsch, Erica	My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas: Priscilla's Reveille		HR	Jan-2017
	Davis, Susan Page	My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains: Carmela's Quandary		HR	Mar-2017
	Dietze, Susanne	My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho: Rebecca's Plight		HR	May-2017
	Pagels, Carrie Fancett	My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring		HR	Jul-2017
	Boeshaar, Andrea	My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily's Dilemma		HR	Sep-2017

NOTE: My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily's Dilemma  is ON SALE on KINDLE for only 99 Cents as of this publication time (September 14th, 2017, 8:30 AM Eastern).  Click here 

THANK YOU to Andrea Stephens, our guest reviewer for the My Heart Belongs series!!!

GIVEAWAY: Any ONE of the five "My Heart Belongs" series from Barbour Publishing, that have already released (pictured above). More to come! Including Angie Dickens' book in November! 

Giveaway & Guest Review of Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands

Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands (Barbour Publishing, June 2017)

Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands Romance Collection

Guest Review by Tina Rice

1866...Turtle Springs, Kansas....Since most of the men didn't return after the War Between the States the women decided to advertise for husbands to revive their small town.....Ad: “Wanted: Men to audition as husbands. Turtle Springs, Kansas. Auditions held May 25, 1866. Only Godly, upstanding men need apply. Check at Mayor's Office.”

-1..Abigail's Proposal by Cynthia Hickey
One of the first things Abigail Melton did as the town's new mayor was to encourage the ladies to place an advertisement for mail-order husbands. However, she needs to hire a sheriff first before those potential grooms arrive and so she hires a drifter, Josiah Ingram...single Josiah. Josiah is adamant he is not looking for a wife. Fun story watching Josiah as he “runs” from all the eligible ladies after him and Abigail as she searches for the right groom. Who will she choose and will Josiah really remain single and move on?

-2..The Kidnapped Groom by Susan Page Davis
This story brought lots of chuckles. Who would have thought two very young boys capable of kidnapping a cowboy—Sam Cayford—at gun point and taking him home to marry their mother? What a surprise for, not only Sam, but for their mother, Maggie Piner as well. Of course, this happens right at the start of the mail-order husband interviews and Maggie had decided to participate in. A fun, heartwarming story.

-3..A Clean Slate by Susanne Dietze
Schoolmarm Roberta Green is not taking part in the mail-order husbands interviews. She gives her heart to her students. However, a new “student”, Drew Cooper, just may win her heart—and far more. It was fun watching as Drew became Roberta's star pupil.

-4..Sunshine of My Heart by Darlene Franklin
Debbie Barker and her family live on the prairie not far from the small town of Turtle Springs. Debbie has chosen Zack Gage as her potential mail-order husband and he has come to see if he will like a life on the ranch. They both have much to learn when it comes to ranching and even love. Will love bloom and grow? A fun, heartwarming story.

-5..Come What May by Patty Smith Hall

Chardy Stevens certainly has her hands full caring for her four rambunctious younger brothers and running her deceased father's store. What she needs is a husband to help her, but she doesn't have time to look for one. Besides, she is still in love with her childhood friend, Luke Collins. Disabled veteran Luke doesn't see himself as a whole man and certainly not a man Chardy needs to marry. How would he provide for her and her brothers? Circumstances bring about a chance for Luke to help Chardy with her brothers that just may also open his eyes to other options for himself—and possibly Chardy. Great story of healing, second-chances and love.

-6..Dime Novel Suitor by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Widow Caroline Kane has no plans in participating in interviewing for a husband, she has enough to do running the restaurant/inn and caring for her siblings. When Britisher Barden Granville shows up and asks for a job she suspects him to be a potential mail-order groom her sister has set her up with. When in fact, he is in America on a “cowboy holiday”. There is far more to Barden than his adorable British accent as Caroline soon discovers—and some yet to be discovered. I loved watching the interactions between Caroline and Barden. Could it be that God has plans for Barden to stay in Kansas as the new vicar after all? Fun, heartwarming story.


-7..Louder Than Words by Gina Marie Welborn
J.R. Lockhart arrives in Turtle Springs to write about the men and women participating in the mail-order husband interviews. What he finds may be more than a story. Jane Ransome ends up helping J.R. meeting those around town for his article. Could he be the husband she is waiting for? But he is not one of the mail-order grooms and he is not staying in Turtle Springs. Then he surprises her in an unexpected way and...well, not telling. Cute, heartwarming story.

~I received an e-book copy from one of the authors via Netgalley, (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~

CFP: Thanks, TINA, for your lovely review!!!

Giveaway: Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of this paperback! Cynthia Hickey is graciously giving away a paperback -- thank you, Cindy!

My Heart Belongs Line -- From Barbour -- Launches with Erica Vetsch

Barbour Publishing has launched the "My Heart Belongs" series!!! We had a super busy and lovely Facebook Party on Tuesday night!  If you missed it, you can still enter the Rafflecopter giveaway of a Kindle Fire and 13 ebooks to go with it (ends January 31st) by clicking on this link and following directions: Click here

Are you excited about the launch of this series? I sure am! And I can't wait to get to the Straits of Mackinac and Mackinac Island, where my heart belongs!!! Speaking of which, My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring is available at pre-order HALF OFF price at Barnes & Noble and Amazon!!! I don't know how long that will last, though, so get your copy now!!! Releases July 1, 2017!

Tearoom for Two by Susan Page Davis - Review & Giveaway

Tearoom for Two by Susan Page Davis from Guidepost Books

Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Susan Page Davis kicks off the Guidepost Books' Tearoom mystery collection. 

From the Guideposts' website: In Guideposts Books' new series, Tearoom Mysteries, you'll explore a quaint Maine village near picturesque Lake Chickadee and join in the fun of solving mysteries alongside a pair of cousins who frequently find themselves in situations that require perseverance and faith. The series begins with Tearoom for Two and continues with Tea Rose. 

Various authors continue the story of two fifty-something ladies who set up a tea shop in their home town. 

This is a lovely hardcover book. Guideposts always does their books up so beautifully!  Susan Page Davis is an established author and fan favorite. She pens a sweet but also sinister story set in Maine, where she was raised! I always love it when an author really knows the setting for a book and Susan knows Maine!  I could almost smell the cookies and muffins baking in the shop! This book will make you hungry!

I purchased my book through Guideposts, which is where others can obtain a copy. (click here.)

Giveaway: Very gently used copy of this lovely hardcover book. Leave a comment about your favorite mystery series and why you want to read Susan's story!

Bibliotherapy at Christmas! A Review

Another Christmas Story by Susan Page Davis
Novella in The Westward Christmas Brides Collection by Barbour (2014)
Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

SPOILER ALERTS: I have a couple of spoilers in my review so if you don't read reviews with spoilers stop right now and just leave a comment to enter for the giveaway!


Bibliotherapy Galore!
For a short novella, Susan Page Davis's story packs a punch! The story starts right out with a bang as the heroine, Beryl, and her young brother, Sam. learn that their father has been seriously injured on their wagon train ride west. They are forced to take refuge in a nearby town and with the unlikely assistance of the store owners and their handsome son, James. Although Beryl has heard that Clara, the proprietor's wife, drives a hard bargain, the family is extremely generous to them, putting the little family of three (other family members died before the trip) up in a cabin they own. So far then, in the story, we had previous loss of family (grieving), relocating elsewhere, now severe life-threatening injury, and plans derailed.

Which makes one pause and ask--is this really a Christmas story? I think Susan Page Davis tagged it appropriately, almost tongue-in-cheek by calling it Another Christmas Story. This is a story about all the awful stuff that can still happen near the holidays. (The story does not terminate at Christmas, like most seasonal stories but continues on, again, a surprise in a novella of this length.)

Beryl's and James' romance is sweet and unfolds slowly. When her father dies and a difficult winter strikes, Beryl and Sam move in with James and Clara. This has a great boon for her brother because Sam benefits from instruction he receives with the Lassen family. Meanwhile, Mr. Lassen heads off to resupply their store.

There is a creepy episode that takes place at the store, with unwanted intruders. Again, not Christmas-like. And another tragedy in store. Again, not what one expects in a Christmas novella. BUT, Christmas doesn't come and go without there being many difficulties for many people. I think readers who are going through a hard time at Christmas might be able to relate to this story very well and draw comfort from the fact that it is so different.

This is NOT just Another Christmas Story. It is a story full of bibliotherapy elements. It's one of those stories where a friend might point out that particular novella to a friend who is suffering losses. And lest you fret--there is a happy ever after for the young couple.


Giveaway: We're giving away a copy of either ebook or paperback copy of The Westward Christmas Brides collection this week.
Question: Have you ever had an awful Christmas season? Did you read anything during that time that helped?

Interview with Susan Page Davis - Stroke Overcomer

Author Susan Page Davis

CFP: Susan, 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? 

I had a major stroke when I was 42 years old, and the doctors could not find a cause for it. I now have no residual effects physically. I feel my recovery was a direct answer to the prayers of many people.

(CFP: My sister suffered a major stroke last year and my father had one, also. Their recovery also a miraculous intervention from God. PTL for your healing, Susan!)

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

In the most difficult times, I remember Psalm 48:14, which tells me that even if I change, God never changes. “For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even unto death.”

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? 

I have several books in large print, including the Mainely Mysteries series, Ladies’ Shooting Club series, the Alaska Weddings series, Almost Arizona, Hearts in the Crosshairs, The Crimson Cipher, and Finding Marie.

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

My novella in Westward Christmas Brides, “Another Christmas Story,” deals with grief, loss of a parent, raising a precocious child, and lack of security. It is set in the 1850s.

(CFP: This novella will be reviewed this week on the OWG blog by me and has strong bibliotherapy elements as you have mentioned, Susan.)

Westward Christmas Brides (novella collection) 

Author: Susan Page Davis, “Another Christmas Story.”

BIO:

Susan Page Davis is the author of more than fifty published novels. A history major, she’s always interested in the unusual happenings of the past. She’s a two-time winner of the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award, and also a winner of the Carol Award and the Will Rogers Medallion, and a finalist in the WILLA Awards and the More Than Magic Contest. Visit her website at: www.susanpagedavis.com .

• Links for Westward Christmas Brides

Buy from Amazon 

Buy from Barnes & Noble:   

Buy from Christian Book

*Link for Mainely Mysteries e-book

Question you’d like to ask readers:

When you’ve faced a difficult decision, did God show you an alternative you hadn’t thought of?

Giveaways: Susan will give one copy of Westward Christmas Brides (paper) and one Mainely Mysteries (e-book). (We're also giving away a second paperback copy of Westward Christmas Brides this week.)