MAIL - ORDER MISHAPS by Vickie Mcdonough, Susan Page Davis, Linda Ford, Erica Vetsch

About:

Dreams of Finding Mr. Right Go Wrong in the Old West

The Bride’s Dilemma by Susan Page Davis
Wyoming, 1883
Eve Martin arrives in Cheyenne to learn that man she came to marry is in jail, accused of a violent murder. Should she get on the next eastbound train, or has God brought her here to help save Caleb Blair’s life?

My Thoughts
Eve and Blair were looking to wed for better or worse. I felt the emotions of this couples desire to turn the worse situation into better for a happy future. Thankfully they both had faith in God and good friends. It was difficult to set the book down because I was so anxious to find out how it all played out. The author did not disappoint me it was even better than I expected.

****
Romancing the Rancher by Linda Ford
Montana, 1886
Amelia expects a safe home for herself and her niece as mail-order bride to Zach Taggerty. Only Zach has never heard of her, and the last thing he needs is more complications in his life.

My Thoughts
Loved this story! It hit home hard having gone through similar situation with my Father and then my husband due to their dementia. Heartache and feelings of hopelessness blinded this couple in search of their own needs. Thanks to this author for an amazing read.

****
The Marriage Sham by Vickie McDonough
Texas, 1888
Mail-order bride Zola Bryant is devastated. Her newlywed husband is dead. But even worse, they were never truly married because the man who wed them was an outlaw not a preacher. What will she do now that her life and reputation are in tatters?

My Thoughts
Zola needed someone to give her a break at starting over. This young woman thrilled me with her tenacity which eventually earned herself to be trusted beyond all measure.  A fun and full of mishaps. A must read. Wished it could have been longer. Author must have a great since of humor.

****

The Galway Girl by Erica Vetsch
Kansas, 1875
A mail-order mix-up sends Irish lass Maeve O’Reilly to the Swedish community of Lindsborg, Kansas. Will Kaspar Sandberg consider it a happy accident or a disaster to be rectified as soon as possible?

My Thoughts
Maeve reminds me of a firecracker, watch out there she goes. Me having four daughters had me routing for this young woman to overcome all odds.  The author built an amazing character that would give hope to many a young girls facing hard times.

Buy at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christian Books Distributors

ISBN: 9781643520001

FICTION / Christian/Romance

Page Count: 448

RATED this book 5 STARS

DISCLOSURE: I received a free digital copy of this book from Barbour Books via Netgalley for an honest review.  I was in now way compensated for this review.

Christmas At Dove Creek by Scarlett Dunn

About Book

With snow on the prairie and the stars heralding new hope, it’s the season for the lost to find their way home–and love to unite solitary hearts…

She rides like an angel and she’s a crack shot. And Lily Starr is determined to shepherd a helpless group of outcasts from Missouri to Wyoming by Christmas–including a pregnant woman whose blessed event is drawing near. So encountering handsome Thorpe Turlow along the dangerous trail is a welcome unexpected gift, for he’s as formidable as he is reserved. Besides, understanding this gentle, secretly wounded man is another challenge Lily isn’t about to resist…

After the heartbreak he’s found, Thorpe just wants to retreat to his peaceful Dove Creek ranch. But he’s never met anyone as resourceful and straightforward as Lily. Somehow, she’s reigniting his faith and giving him the courage to trust again. And if they survive the arduous trip ahead, he’ll do whatever it takes to give her a lifetime of joy and love…

ISBN: 9781420142235
Publish Date: 10/25/2016
  by Zebra Publishers

	Amazon, B&N, BAM, IndieBound, Target, Walmart, Hudson Booksellers GOODREAD GIVEAWAY expires Dec. 10, 2017

About Author

SCARLETT DUNN is an author of historical inspirational romance novels. She has always loved the history of the American West, and the men and women brave enough to accept the challenge to venture to the untamed territories. Once Scarlett ended her entrepreneurial pursuits, she decided it was time to write the stories she always knew she would write. Her interest in history led her to write novels set in the old west.

Her novels feature regular people with flaws, but they also have the strength to face the challenges of the time, and come out stronger. It is important to her for her characters to have imperfections, like all people, and they make many mistakes along the way. As she writes, she is always reminded of her favorite biblical character: King David. He was a man with many, many flaws, yet he was described as a man after God’s own heart. Like King David, Scarlett’s heroes have good hearts with a desire to do what is right, but sometimes do the wrong thing as they are trying to figure out this thing called life. In the end, they are better men, and have won the hearts of the right women.

Scarlett lives in Kentucky, the bluegrass land of beautiful horses. An avid animal lover, she is surrounded by various four-legged creatures

Her website:  www.scarlettdunn.com , Facebook Page

My Thoughts

Thorpe Turlow is headed on a long ride back to his Ranch in Wyoming.  His luck is about to run out when he is rescued from a confrontation with a group of Indians on his tail.  He finds himself in the camp of several women and one lone man. This rag tag group is traveling from Missouri to Wyoming praying to arrive by Christmas.  Thorpe decides to joined the group due to the fact that the journey is dangerous and he can not see how their leader, crack shot Lily Starr thinks she can be their sole protector.

The journey brings additional oddballs to their group such as an outlaw wanted for murder and the Sheriff whom arrested the said outlaw.  This makes Thorpe and Lily uneasy having the outlaw travel with them.  One of the women is pregnant and due to deliver in December this is why they must be at the end of the journey before the baby comes.

Lily and Thorpe can not deny the spark growing between them.  But they can not give in to that spark due to both of their lack of trust in the opposite sex.   They keep hitting a wall in their trek to Wyoming.  They knew from the beginning it would be hard but not as hard as what they have had to face. there for no time for sparkin.

Will they make it to Wyoming unscathed?  Is there a rainbow at the end of their trail?  The good Lord only knows.  He will lead and protect them if they trust and believe in Him.

Lily is one tough little lady. Maybe she can find someone to care for her instead of her feeling like she is the only one that can get the job done.  Trust!

You will not want to put this book down. It is  fast, furious, full of adventure and danger at every turn of the page.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free digital copy of this book from Kensington/Zebra Books via NetGalley for an honest review.  I was in no way compensated for this review it is my honest opinion. 

Change of Heart by Molly Jebber

About Book

A modern new century brings a young Amish woman an unexpected new life—and a chance to discover love's true way home…Ohio, 1899. 

Soft-spoken midwife Becca Yost lived by her Amish faith's strict rules—until her fiancé jilted her before their entire community. She's never been away from home, but the bustling Englischer town of Massillon, Ohio, is a welcome unexpected refuge. Especially when she goes to work for Dr. Matt Carrington, who shares her passion for healing those in need. His outgoing spirit and gentle strength show Becca a surprising new world of choices—and irresistible love. But there is one formidable obstacle: Matt's wealthy mother is determined her son will marry a society woman.

With her newfound resolve challenged, Becca decides that she and Matt must not be destined for each other after all. She accepts that she will have to forge a life alone—until a wrenching crisis and life-changing revelations teach her that true faith lies in all things, especially impossible second chances. . .

EDITION Paperback 

ISBN9781420137613

Find at you local Indie Bookstore, Books-A-Million, B&N, Amazon

About Author

I said to my loving husband, Ed, “I’ve always wanted to write a book. A story that readers would get lost in for a while.” He said, “Do it!” My daughter, Misty, brother, Mitch, and Mom, Sue said, “Take Ed’s advice, do it!” So I did. The road wasn’t easy, but the education, Amish research, and ride along the way to getting published taught me to take my favorite verse to heart.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13 KJV

Why Amish Inspirational Romance?I love their dedication to serve God. I visited Amish Country in Ohio many times. They work hard and have such a close knit friendship with each other. It’s heartwarming and uplifting. At the same time, they face hardships and difficult problems just like we do.

God answered my prayers and gave me the best mentor, author, and friend, Patricia Campbell, to hone my skills. I’m blessed to have Dawn Dowdle as my agent, and John S. from Kensington as my editor.

I’m thank for you, the reader, for being interested in my book! I’d love to hear from you.

Follow Molly Jebber on Twitter

Connect with Molly Jebber on Facebook,

Find Molly Jebber on Goodreads,

Molly Jebber's Website

My Thoughts

A young Amish woman, Becca Yost needs time away from family and friends whom no doubt wish this jilted young woman peace in her heart.  She decides to take a trip to be with her twin sister. Her sister knows all too well about a grieving heart.

The minute she arrives in town she meets the local town doctor. This peeks her interest in not just him as a handsome man but because of the connection they have in the medical field since she herself has for some time been a midwife. She could learn so much more working with this doctor and just her luck he is in dire need of an assistant

She knew she would miss her Amish friends and family if she permanently stayed with her sister.

I am sure it was hard making such a decision.  Would she  be shunned from friends and family?  She would have to pray for God's guidance in what her future held.  

I could feel the pain in Becca's heart as she struggled within herself.  We are all familiar with "Let go and let God." 

Becca had a wonderful gift in her midwife skills and as an  assistant for the doctor. Becca and Dr. Carrington learned much from each other.  They even learned to trust and love again even with Dr. Carrington's high society mother constantly snipping at their heels.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the author and NetGalley for review.

I was in no way compensated for my review. This review is my honest opinion.

Hope at Dawn, Of Love and War, Book 1 by Stacy Henri

About Book

With her brothers away fighting the Great War overseas, Livy Campbell desperately wants to help her family. Her chance comes when she meets a handsome stranger who lands her a job as a teacher in a place far from her parents' farm. But the war casts a long shadow over the German-American town that Livy now calls home-and the darkness will test everything she thought she knew about family and love . . .

More than anything, Friedrick Wagner wants to be part of his adopted country's struggle for peace. But when the bitter animosity between Germans and Americans soon turns citizens against newcomers, friend against friend, he will do whatever it takes to protect Livy from the hysteria that grips their town. As tragedy-and dark secrets from the past-threaten their future, Friedrick and Livy have one chance to stand up for what's right . . . and one chance to fight for their love.

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble

About Author

Stacy Henrie has always had an avid appetite for history, fiction and chocolate. She earned her B.A. in public relations from Brigham Young University and worked in communications before turning her attentions to raising a family and writing inspirational historical romances.

Wife of an entrepreneur husband and a stay-at-home mom to three, Stacy loves the chance to live out history through her fictional characters, while enjoying the modern conveniences of life in the 21st century. In addition to author, she is a reader, a road trip enthusiast and a novice interior decorator. She and her family currently reside in Utah.

Stacy is represented by Jessica Alvarez of Book Ends, LLC.

Website: http://www.stacyhenrie.com/


My Thoughts  

Livy Campbell is very aware of the strain the war has brought to her family. If only she could find a teaching position. A handsome man told her about a teaching position in his home town. She applies for the position and is surprised and pleased when her application is accepted. This job will help her family especilly since her brothers are off fighting in the war.

With the coming of war with Germany also came fear and prejudice against the American-Germans. Fredrick Wagner is a born American of German decent. But there are those like his mother, a German Immigrant, that mainly speaks German. The town fears there are German spies living among them. This leaves the German community in fear of their lives and livelihood.

I was married into an American-German family, the Borho's were one of the first to have settled in Williamson County, Leander, Texas. The old home place still stands. My children are very proud of their German heritage.

Mr. Borho in the black hat and his sons leaning against the wall. The youngest of the boys is my kids Pepa.

 This book opened my eyes to things the American-against the Germans suffered during this war. Even though the young men of German decent, born in America and proud to be an American were still not trusted.

Livy was even having a hard time trusting Frederick. The fact that Livy feared him broke his heart. Livy knowing her fear was not what God would want of her, she prayed for guidance.

I've read many stories about the war overseas but none depicted the hardship of the German communities in the United States. This shows the burdens of the very young to the very old, no matter the nationality. The children were the ones that touched my heart the deepest.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Netgally/Forever Publications for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review it is my honest opinion.

"A Place in His Heart," a New World Romance!

Today's featured novel,

A PLACE IN HIS HEART

 is a historical romance authored by Rebecca DeMarino. 

It's her debut novel and book one of 

The Southold Chronicles.

"I hope my readers find pure entertainment! I hope they enjoy the love story, with all of the ups and downs of Mary and Barnabas. I hope they get lost in a time period that was so far different than ours, and yet so filled with the same emotions – heartache and joy, a sense of belonging and adventure. The takeaway I had in writing this story is that God is with us – He will hold our hand – in all of our journeys, if we ask Him!"

 --Author Rebecca DeMarino

PURCHASE
Amazon
Barnes and Noble 

About the book:
Anglican Mary Langton longs to marry for love. Left at the altar and disgraced in her small hamlet, she is being pressured to marry the eligible son of the London milliner. Puritan Barnabas Horton, the town baker, still grieves the loss of his beloved wife, but he knows his two young sons need a mother.

With tender hearts, Mary and Barnabas take a leap of faith and wed. But when Barnabas’s secret plans to move his family to the New World to escape persecution come to light, Mary’s world is upended. How could she possibly leave her Papa and her dear sister? And will she ever reach the secret places of her husband’s broken heart?

About the author:

Rebecca DeMarino lives in the Pacific Northwest, and inherited her love of baking and gardening from her mother, a love of horses, reading and writing from her dad, and a wanderlust gene from both parents. No one knows where she got her passion for jogging and hiking! A Place in His Heart, is a historical romance inspired by her ninth great-grandparents, Barnabas and Mary Horton, and is book one of The Southold Chronicles.

How the book came about:
"I grew up listening to my mom’s stories about Barnabas Horton, my ninth great-grandfather and how he

came across the pond from England on a ship called The Swallow, in the 1600’s. When my brother became interested in genealogy, we discovered there was a lighthouse named after Barnabas, located on Long Island. I asked my mom if she’d like to go there, and off we went.

"There was a lot of interesting information about Barnabas. He was a baker and a very recent widower with two young sons when he met my ninth great-grandmother, Mary, in Mowsley, England. But I could find very little about her, and I began to wonder about what dreams and motivations she had, and the courage she must have possessed, when she married and then left her family behind for the wilds of Long Island. 

"A few years later, I began writing my first novel in hope that I could give her and the other courageous women who followed their men across the pond a voice." --Rebecca DeMarino

Find more great new inspirational novels at Clash of the Titles.com!

Through The Deep Waters by Kim Vogel Sawyer, Blogging for Books Giveaway

About Book

A past filled with shame can be washed away with a love that conquers all 

Born to an unloving prostitute in a popular Chicago brothel, timid seventeen-year-old Dinah Hubley was raised amidst the secrets held in every dark, grimy room of her home. Anxious to escape, Dinah pursues her dream of becoming a Harvey Girl, waiting tables along the railroad in an upscale hotel. But when she finds out she isn’t old enough, her only option is to accept a job as a chambermaid at the Clifton Hotel in Florence, Kansas. Eager to put everything behind her, Dinah feels more worthless than ever, based on a single horrible decision she made to survive.

The Clifton offers a life Dinah has never known, but blinded to the love around her, Dinah remains buried in the shame of her past. When a handsome chicken farmer named Amos Ackerman starts to show interest, Dinah withdraws further, convinced no one could want a sullied woman like her. Despite his self-consciousness about his handicapped leg and her strange behavior, Amos resolves to show Dinah Christ’s love. But can she ever accept a gift she so desperately needs?

Read Excerpt Chapter One here.

See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD


About Author

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling, award-winning author highly acclaimed for her gentle stories of hope. More than one million copies of her books are currently in print. She lives in central Kansas where she and her retired military husband, Don, enjoy spoiling their ten granddarlings.

See more at: http://kimvogelsawyer.com/about/


My Review from April 2014

Dinah was not only born in a brothel but was raised there until she turned seventeen.  The cook at the brothel told her about advertisements for Harvey Girl waitresses in hopes of getting her out of the brothel before she became like the others.  To her disappointment she would have to be eighteen to be a waitress but to her great surprise they would hire her as a housekeeper at the hotel.  She will finally be able to put the stigma behind her of being shunned by the community as being tainted.  

She is determined to stay to herself and work hard at Clifton Hotel in Florence, Kansas so she can move on to becoming a Harvey Girl when she turns eighteen.  She catches the interest and admiration of a Florence local chicken farmer, Amos Ackerman.  She is flattered by the attention but stays in fear of someone finding out about being the daughter of a prostitute.  She avoids making friends with the girls she works with but takes up their invitation to join them in going to church.  She is shown nothing but love and respect from everyone.  She wondered why anyone, much less God, would care about the illegitimate daughter of a prostitute?  

The author has written a sad tale of an illegitimate girl searching to find respectability.  More so she yearned for unconditional love.  The character Dinah had little confidence in mankind and for good cause. She was shown little more love than an unwanted rodent.  This story reveals God had other plans for Dinah beyond anything she could ever have imaged.  It was a heart-wrenching tale turned by redemption and reconciliation. Then there is sweet tender love growing in the heart of a most unexpected young man for this lovely lost girl. 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books/WATERBROOK PRESS for an honest review.

Blogging for Books Giveaway

The contest starts on July 31, 2014 at 6:00am EST and ends on August 20th, 2014 at 11:59pm. One winner will be chosen at random on August 21st, 2014 and will be alerted by email. For a complete listing of the rules, please see below.

If you can not read the the details above you can click here for the rules.

A Mother's Secret, Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel Series, Book 2 by Amy Clipston

About the book: 

Book two in the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series.

Carolyn Lapp dreams of marrying for love. But will the errors of her past destroy this dream forever?

Carolyn Lapp longs to have a traditional Amish family. But she lives on her brother's farm with her parents and her 15-year old son, Benjamin. Carolyn has never revealed the identity of Benjamin's father and lives daily with the guilt and shame of her youthful indiscretion. Her brother simply will not forgive her.

His answer is to arrange a practical marriage for Carolyn to Saul, a widower with a little girl. But Carolyn isn't convinced that Saul really loves her and believes he is simply looking for someone to help raise his daughter.

When Benjamin causes trouble at a local horse auction, horse breeder Joshua Glick decides that he must be taught a lesson. Carolyn and Joshua are unmistakably drawn to each other, but Joshua mistakenly assumes that Benjamin is Carolyn's brother. Carolyn fears that if he discovers the truth, her past will destroy their budding romance.

After years of shame and loneliness, Carolyn suddenly has two men vying for her attention. But which of them will give her the family-and the unconditional love-she's longed for?

Purchase a copy:  http://ow.ly/xlHpQ 

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/aclipston

About the author: 

Amy Clipston holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan College and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, and two sons and four spoiled rotten cats.

Amy can be found at: website,Twitter, Facebook

My Thoughts

Carolyn Lapp,s dream of marrying for love is hard to imagine since she gave birth out of wedlock to her son Benjamin fifteen years ago.  She has lived and raised her son while living in the dawdy house with her parents on her brother's farm. Her son is blamed and reprimanded by her brother for things she knows her son had nothing to do with.  She is now being pressured by her brother to marry a local Amish man that has a young daughter needing a woman's guidance. Her dream to marry for love does not fit into this union.  The church has forgiven her sin but it is very apparent her brother as not forgiven her which also shows in the way he treats her son.

Benjamin is blamed for spooking a horse owned by Joshua Glick a local horse breeder.  Even though he had nothing to do with the incident he is ordered by his uncle under the suggestion of  Joshua Click to work off his punishment working for Joshua.  Carolyn was hesitant about the arrangement but after seeing the change in her son while working for Joshua not only brought peace to her and her son but her heart began feeling as if there was hope of love in her future.  The big problem is Johua is under the impression that Benjamin's is her brother's son not hers.

This was a heart wrenching story of love lost, trials and tribulation that lead to forgiveness and reconciliation. I found that once Carolyn was able to trust God with her future she was able to find peace for her and her son.  What a gift from God Joshua was for Carolyn's whole family.  Her whole family had suffered from her mistakes as a teen.  This blessed author must have a tender heart to dig so deep to find the tender, fragile emotions of so many characters.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Group/Netgalley/Zondervan for an honest review.

 

New Blood at COTT!

Clash of the Titles is excited to announcethat we're adding a brand newstaff member to our leadership board. :-)

Everybody…we’d like to introduce you to Joanna DavidsonPolitano!

Welcome, Joanna!

Bio:
With a journalism degree from Trinity International University, Joannaserved as a medical writer in the pharmaceutical industry before branchinginto freelance work. She then accepted a writing and editing position witha Christian publishing company in Chicago, and currently serves as theeditor for their Junior High Sunday school publication. She lives with herdaughter and husband in Indiana, where she writes novels based on truestories.

Joanna is a current Double Genesis Semi-Finalist in the Historicalcategory! Asked about her writing journey, this is what Joanna had tosay:

"I’ve been writing since I could read, but I can pinpoint the exact momentI began novel writing. It was when my grandma shocked me with the story ofour family’s past. How could this have happened in our traditional,predictable, church-going family? At the time, I worked for apharmaceutical company writing package insert material, but this familystory drew me to my computer every night for a year, rattling around in myhead until I’d written out the whole novel. I simply couldn’t stop thinkingabout it. I eventually moved to a job at a Christian nonfiction publisher,but I still spent hours absorbing the stories of the shut-in elderly, ornursing home residents who had lived through eras in our history I couldonly read about in books.

Fascinated by World War II love stories, family secrets, and amazingstories of God’s sovereignty, I kept returning for more. But I was not justinterested in finding book ideas. Honestly, what drove me to write thesenovels was more than a simple love for story—it was a tenderness I felt forpeople overlooked by everyone else. These fascinating stories came fromnursing home residents who had no visitors, or people confined to theirhome by age or illness. They’d been brushed aside by everyone—even thefamilies they’d raised.

After introductions and polite small talk, I delved into the question thattransformed these visits into unforgettable experiences—“what’s yourstory?” Their faces lit as they told me stories so rich in detail andreal-life experiences it beat out any movie or book.

So yes, I write novels. But really, I hear people’s stories and then writethem down to be remembered long after the story teller is gone. When Godcalled me into this life of novel writing, He didn’t promise publication orto impact thousands with the words I wrote. He simply wanted me to see theforgotten people He loved, and to appreciate their lives."

Doesn’t that make you want to know their stories too? Joanna also talkedto us about her sweet family and what’s going on in her writing lifecurrently:

"My husband has been my biggest supporter in the whole process. Mainlybecause he’s blunt enough to tell me exactly what’s great and what’s not,and because he pushes me to finish what I start. We currently live in ourhouse in the woods with our new baby daughter Elena and will be celebratingour two-year anniversary next month. I have no doubt he’s a blessing fromGod.

I’m currently working on a novel about a finishing school teacher whoteaches her students about men rather than elocution. When she realizes herstudents are headed for the controlling, male-dominated marriages thatcharacterized the times, Orla sets out to teach these girls the truth abouthow to understand men and how they think. Armed with knowledge, they have achance at choosing the right man—although not always the wealthiest, as theschool boasts—and surviving marriage happily as part of an equal team. Butthis local expert on men is hiding her own complicated, broken love life tokeep her job.

I can’t wait to dive into COTT. With all the contests out there, I love theuniqueness of having readers judge the work. After all, they’re our realaudience! I hope to help further the mission statement of glorifying Godand to make COTT even more helpful to those who love Christian fiction—boththe readers and the writers."

We are so blessed and excited to have you on board, Joanna!

You can leave a message welcoming Joanna in the comments below. And feel free to check out her website at  Joannadavidson.com ;

The Last Bride, Home to Hickory Hollow Series, Book 5, by Beverly Lewis

About Book

Of her Old Order parents' five daughters, Tessie Miller is the last to marry. She has her heart set on Amishman Marcus King, but Tessie's father opposes the match.

Impetuously, Tessie and Marcus elope to the English world, then return to Hickory Hollow to live as singles, trusting they'll convince the Millers to give their love a chance over time. But when the unthinkable happens, Tessie faces the almost-certain censure of the People. Will she find a reason for hope in spite of her desperate plight?

Where to Purchase

• Baker Retail
• Amazon.com
• Barnes & Noble
• Christianbook.com

Resources

• Discussion QuestionsDownload PDF
• Press ReleaseDownload PDF
• Author Q & ADownload PDF
• ExcerptDownload PDF

About Author

Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is the New York Times bestselling author of more than ninety books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Beverly to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with The Shunning, which has sold more than one million copies and was recently made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie. In 2007 The Brethren was honored with a Christy Award. She has been interviewed by both national and international media, including Time magazine, the Associated Press, and the BBC. Beverly lives with her husband, David, in Colorado. Visit her website at

www.beverlylewis.com for more information.

My Thoughts

Tessie Miller is the last of the Miller daughters to marry. The young man she favors is not of her father's choice.  She has loved Marcus King for as long as she can remember, there is none other for her. Every time Marcus goes to her father to ask for her hand in marriage he is turned down without any reason as to why his request is denied. So the young couple decide to sneak away to the court house and have an English ceremony even though they both wanted desperately to marry in Amish tradition. They have chosen not to tell anyone of their marriage hoping Tessie's father will give them his blessing.  But before Marcus could approach her father with his request a tragic accident changes everything the young couple had planned for a happy future together.

Since no one knows of their marriage circumstances this put Tessie in critical scrutiny of not only of her Amish community but that of the Bishop and his wife.

This story was so tragic.  I was so angry with Tessie's father. Then when the her father's reasoning was revealed I was totally shocked.  The author touched on a topic that is a hidden secret among the Amish. She writes of how God's plan will be revealed if only we have faith and trust in God.

I must say as I have said so many times that Beverly Lewis never fails to amaze me with her talent for entertaining me with her writing.  This book is very much right up there with all her other books I have read. I had a hard time putting the book down.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

Life In the Palace Giveaway Blog Tour and Author Catherin Green's To Ten Pet Peeves

Tour Schedule

Life in the Palace by Catherine Green “We need to talk,” Tal said. Then I knew it was going to go badly. ‘We need to talk’ is the conversational equivalent of walking into your basement without turning on the light, on a dark and stormy night, when a known psychopath is on the loose. You might as well cut to the chase and slit your own throat. Chloe Diaz assumed three things: that when Tal said that she was one of The People sent from heaven to maintain the cosmic balance, it was code for ‘I’m a pamphlet distributing, incense burning, religious weirdo;’ that the gorgeous Seth Wilks would never be her soul mate and that she’d never have to choose between them. Chloe was wrong. Now the future of the world is in her hands, but what if price is too great to pay?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Chloe on Facebook * Seth on Facebook

  This is a brief description of the plot:   After a lifetime in the shadow of her sister, Chloe is severely phobic of the chronically cool. Seth is everything she avoids; a pre-med philosophy major who works in a bar, plays in a band and is so good looking that grown women stare at him in the street. But it’s hard to say no to your soul mate. Thinking she’s maxed out her supply of destiny, Chloe settles down to enjoy the happily-ever-after.   Tal says that she’s one of The People sent from heaven to maintain the cosmic balance. Chloe assumes this is code for ‘I’m a pamphlet distributing, incense burning, religious weirdo.’ Actually Tal’s main extracurricular activity is fighting the forces of Oblivion. The People never need to hide what they are because no one ever believes them. Until Chloe does.   Chloe sets out to help Tal and The People as much as she can as an outsider. Seth says as long as no one wears their underpants on the outside Chloe can do what she likes. What he doesn’t say is that he’s also one of The People, although non-practicing. But as the Final Battle draws nearer, Chloe realizes it’s time for Seth to go collect his regulation sword. The only thing standing in his way is her. Seth says he’ll give up his place in heaven to stay with her. Chloe must choose between Seth’s soul and her own happiness.


Praise for Life in the Palace An interesting take on the paranormal romance genre. …..While other books in the genre have unrealistic buy in to the acceptance of someone from the outside entering a "new world" Life in the Palace handled it from both the main character looking in and the dwellers of the Palace looking out at this person trying to enter their world. …….I am so happy to hear that there are more books in the series! – Yonit on Goodreads I loved this world that Catherine Green created. I happily lost myself in the life & deep love between Chloe & Seth …..I loved the attention to detail, the fleshing out of the world around them, the obvious growth of all the characters... Even the heartbreaking choices made at the end. Book two I cannot wait to read! – Ebon Darkmyth on Smashwords Loved it, great story line, fun characters and after reading it and thinking deeply about the duality of our lives, it made my prayers come alive! – Rebecca Wittenstein on Amazon.com This book introduces you to a whole host of characters that you want to meet in real life. ….The action keeps you reading, while the budding love between Seth and Chloe makes you breathless. A great read. – Cypora Cohen on Amazon.co.uk  

Catherine Green 

Catherine Green writes fantasy books featuring religious characters in a brazen attempt to make the people in faith communities seem less weird. She lives with her husband, children and three marginally neglected goldfish. When she's not writing, or pretending to be one of her characters on Facebook, she has been known to cook dinner.

Website * Goodreads * Twitter * Facebook

Catherine Gives Us Her Top Ten Peeves:

 1.  Snow. I went to college in Montreal. I'd be happy to never see another snow flake... 

 2.  People who call me repeatedly at 20 min intervals to see why I didn't answer the first time.

 3.  Running out of Diet Coke. It is the elixir of life.

 4.  People who think I'm available to babysit/ go for coffee/ run an errand for them because I work at home.

 5.  When people say "That's brave" or something similar on hearing I have more than two children.

 6.  Avocados. They're slimy and get stuck under my finger nails when I serve them.

 7.  Love triangles in books. If you can't pick between two hot guys and you feel the need to string them on waiting for you. then you have emotional issues.

 8.  When my sister gets bored on the train home from work and clogs up my newsfeed with the results of random quizzes.

 9.  Laundry. I'm waiting for them to invent self-washing clothing.

10. When I fee pressure to be funny and nothing comes to mind.

Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/22/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway    

Excerpts: When Chloe met Seth (from Chapter 1): Seth leaned over in my direction. “Are you into extreme sports?” he asked softly. I caught my breath as his tone made a mundane question unbelievably intimate. “Only vicariously,” I answered, and immediately congratulated my mouth for producing an answer worthy of the moment without bothering to bypass my brain. He cracked a smile. His left cheek had a dimple. He looked me in the eyes and I nearly died. Why are you making this happen to me? We both know that I don’t date the untouchable guys. I date the normal guys, maybe the friends of the untouchable cool guys. I go to the movies, watch Kristen Stewart do what I can only dream of, and like any other girl I go home happy with the fantasy. But I won’t ever go home with Rob Patterson, so don’t ruin my dreams by making me hope. “Are there any other pleasures you enjoy as a voyeur?” Do you have no mercy? “Line dancing; although, strictly speaking, it is an extreme sport.” My mouth was on a roll. He smirks. “I haven’t much experience with line dancing.” “I’m from Texas,” I shrug. He’s not sure if I’m joking. “What do you wear to go line dancing?” “Steel-toe capped boots, a floor length velvet dress and fake eyelashes.” It’s my turn to laugh. His face is a picture. “I’m actually serious. It really happened. I did say it was an extreme sport.” He looks at me curiously, “And you made it out alive?” I nodded. “Ok, I’ll tell you the whole story. My best friend back home is an uber goth: long straight black hair down to her bottom, porcelain white skin and enough eyeliner to make a drag queen proud. It drives her mother crazy. Her mother is this super southern-beauty-queen-Barbie-doll type. She decided that Spike and her needed to spend more quality time together so they went line dancing. Her current (and fourth) husband is some sort of line dancing champion. Spike said she’d only go if I went to.” “Spike?” he raised his eyebrows. “Her real name is Lauralee Crystabell. If she ever finds out I told you, we will both have to die.” “I’ll take the secret to the grave. So you went all gothed up? Is that your usual mode of dress?” He looked me up and down. “No… yes… sometimes.” I opened my mouth and said something I’d never admitted to myself before. “I pretty much just do it to fit in with her. Our other best friend, Jared, does too. Although in his case I think it’s just an excuse to wear makeup. It’s not that I’m not into it at all. I’m not a total wannabe. It’s just not really my identity. Although it can be pretty cool sometimes.” I knew it couldn’t last more than about thirty seconds. I waited for him to turn away, now that I just admitted I’m a total loser. He’s still staring at me. I wriggled in my seat and shut my eyes. When I opened them he was still staring at me. I could feel my heart beating through my chest and there was too much saliva in my mouth. This has to be a dream. Any minute now I’m going to find myself naked in a room full of people. But he’s still staring at me. With any luck it could be one of those dreams. Chloe watching a battle at the nursing home (Chapter 11) I considered protesting that I wasn’t trying to do any Service, I just liked spending time with the elderly. I was about to give some bland response she would have seen straight through, when Tal saved me by walking through the door guitar in hand. She smiled when she saw me, “Oh good, you made it. We’re in for a treat today. Gal and Dava came today too.” Her brother and the chick with the mousy brown hair that was at their house for the Dinner wandered over to the little stage area. In actual fact, it was just where Marian had cleared away some of the chairs, but it was as close to a stage as any one was going to get in the activities room. Gal pulled up two extra chairs for them and they took their places. Jov waved hello at me as he took his place. Marian seemed to have disappeared so Cale just started playing. It was the same opening number as always, the one that seemed like a prayer. Now that the music and the setting were familiar, I felt brave enough to try sliding my mind with Tal’s. I couldn’t get a clear picture. There were swirls of pink and sunflower yellow. Something beautiful was happening but I couldn’t tell what. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mrs. Hols staring at me again. After a minute she seemed to make a decision. “They’re thanking He Who Gives for life and for enabling us to make the Service,” she whispered. I guess she really wasn’t deaf because she pitched her comment exactly right for me to hear clearly but for no one else to overhear. I nodded and smiled. I didn’t want to say anything and break my concentration. When the song ended, it felt like a curtain had dropped over the stage. As Dava began singing the next song, it was obvious that we had changed scenes. Her voice was spectacular. The notes seemed to weave higher and higher as Tal, Noy and Jov harmonized and Gal strummed the guitar. I didn’t recognize the language. The song itself sounded as old as time. The melody flowed up mountains and across oceans. I was almost lulled to sleep. In contrast, Mrs. Hols was remarkably alert. I vaguely wondered if I’d eaten too much lunch. Another thirty seconds and I’d have been asleep. Later it occurred to me that was the point. Just as my eyes closed, the attack came. It started with a feral snarl somewhere to my left. For a second I saw Tal still strumming her guitar, Dava and Noy were still singing, and Cale’s hands didn’t even pause on the piano. Like a badly developed photo superimposed on their calm performance, I saw each straighten and clasp their weapons for battle. Dava pulled an arrow from the quiver on her back as a bow materialized in her hands. Behind her Tal gripped the hilt of her sword with both hands. Cale readied his spear. A low rumbling that was almost more threatening than the original snarl announced the enemy getting closer and closer. This beast was in no hurry to attack. A matching snarl from the right made it clear that they were in no hurry to attack. When they came into view, I realized that my hands were trembling. This was no species that walked the face of the earth. It was big like a bear with a face like a wolf, but no wolf was that big, no bear that light on its feet. Its fur was jet black, only emphasizing the double row of bared teeth. The jaw looked large enough to snap a person in two. With heads cocked to one side, they stopped about five meters away and looked the defenders up and down. Tal was white with fear. Jov looked like he was about to throw up. Apparently they had never seen anything like it either. I could tell they were thinking what I was thinking: how the hell were they going to defeat these things and still walk away? I remembered what Tal had told me, if you die in the Palace, you die in the physical world too. Am I just supposed to sit here and watch them die? I looked around wildly and nearly fell out of my chair. When I took my focus off the immediate battle scene, I was still in the beige walled old age room. The elderly were all still sitting there in their chairs; some of them were still clapping. Mrs. Hols was muttering something under her breath. I stared at her. She looked up, “Just keep clapping, dearie. We don’t want Marian to notice anything funny going on.” Anything funny going on? My friends were about to be mauled to death by some quasi-mythical beasts and we were worried about Marian getting the wrong impression. I opened my mouth to say something. “Don’t worry love, we’re on it.” If I had retained power over my body, I might have slapped her. Instead I just watched. I hadn’t noticed that she was holding a small book in her hands. I looked from the book to her face. She paused for breath and said quickly, “Supplications. They need more firepower.” I felt pressure building in the seat next to me. Mrs. Hols spoke faster and faster, her wrinkled hands flicking the pages as she went. After a lifetime, that was probably no more than half a minute, I thought I saw an ax head hover in front of her. I looked back to the battle. The beasts were inching closer. Suddenly two things happened, the color returned to Tal’s cheeks, and she seemed to grow taller. At the same time a heavy wooden stick with a double headed axe appeared in her hands. I didn’t dare look at Mrs. Hols, but it seemed like the extra firepower had arrived. The others now also brandished new weapons. Presumably, all of the other elderly were busy doing what they could. My heart began to beat again. Now they might actually win. At least they might walk away from it alive. Do those things ever just retreat? I’m not sure if I missed the signal but one the beasts leapt in attack. Dava shot off her arrow, hitting the left beast in the eye. It didn’t pause for a second. Noy was closest to its giant paws. As the thing bore down on her, she ducked and rolled under it. Tal swung the pike and the axe lodged behind its left ear. She jumped to the side, retrieving her pike and swinging wildly again as soon as it was free from the beast’s flesh. Noy had disappeared but as the beast reared suddenly in the air, I saw her roll out from underneath it, a bloody dagger in her hand. On the other side, Dava seemed to be holding the beast at bay with a barrage of arrows. Cale flexed his muscles and hurled a spear into the side of the attacking animal. I counted five other spears still lodged in its hide, making it look like a really angry pincushion. Gal held a large sword, but he could hardly get close enough to use it. Jov was creeping around to the side of the snarling animal. Just as it looked like he might get close enough to attack - it wheeled around and sent him flying with one flick of its head. Jov landed awkwardly and seemed unable to get up again. Even with the extra firepower, it wasn’t working. They were only just managing to hold them at bay. Do they just keep going until they drop from exhaustion? A quick glance around me showed that the elderly were still doing their thing. For every spear Cale threw another arrived in his hands but it didn’t seem to be enough. My mouth was dry and I had to remind myself to breath. Would You really let them die here with everyone watching? What about Marian? What would happen? Would they just drop dead here in the middle of the activities room? Would they do an autopsy? How would anyone explain away five young people just dying in the middle of the afternoon? I didn’t want to watch the battle, but I couldn’t draw my eyes away. They were going to get massacred and I was just sitting and watching. As I felt despair washing over me, something changed. At first I didn’t see him, I just saw the shift in their posture. I registered surprised and relief. “About time,” Mrs. Hols whispered under her breath. Soon I saw what they were all looking at. The beasts moved closer to each other and further away from the approaching horse. I skipped that horsy stage when I was younger, but this thing was certainly not My Little Pony. Its hazel flank glistened, standing at least as tall as the black beasts. It moved with the calm of a body builder breaking up a playground fight. The beasts still snarled but the edge had gone out of their menace. It took me a while to realize the most unusual thing about the approaching horse; it had a rider. In all the times I’d seen the Palace through Tal’s eyes, the animals had been the forces of the Adversary. The regal figure in robes rode the glistening horse like a farmyard pet. His sword was blinding as he drew it from beside him. With a tiny twitch of his heel the horse surged forward. With one swoop, the head of the first beast lay on the floor and the return thrust finished off the second. As suddenly as it had started, it was over. The hood of the rider’s long mauve robes covered his face, but he seemed to bow to Tal and the others before he too disappeared. My head pounded as the pictures snapped back into one and the activities room returned to being the only thing I saw. Gal wiped his brow, Tal shot me a smile of relief. Dava held one long note as she ended the song I hadn’t heard, continuing in the present. The elderly clapped with extreme enthusiasm. Their shining eyes made it clear they were acknowledging a job well done in more ways than just singing. Chloe arrives unexpectedly at Tal’s house on the Day of Connection (Chapter 8): Mrs. Perr stood to see me out, “It was so nice to meet you Chloe. Feel free to stop by again.” Her voice was warm, but I was sure she didn’t mean it. “Thank you so much for the hospitality. You really saved my life on the bathroom front.” We were just making our way towards the front door when it opened and through it walked a group of men all wearing suits. We all froze. “You’re home early,” Mrs. Perr said brightly. “A lot of people are on vacation so things moved more quickly,” one of the men explained. “Who’s this?” a youngish guy asked. He might have been the brother-in-law. “This is Chloe, Tal’s study partner. She just stopped by for few minutes.” I would have smiled and made my way towards the door if it wasn’t for the fact that I had lost all control over my body. I just stood there and stared. I didn’t even care if by now they thought I was beyond weird. Behind each of the men was a large shape of fire and light. I couldn’t actually see them. It was more like my mind told me they were there, without bothering to bypass my eyes. Part of my mind was telling me it wasn’t true, while the other part was just staring at these huge figures radiating splendor. It would be an understatement to say I’d never seen anything like it. I’d never imagined anything like it. I’m not sure if Steven Spielberg has ever imagined anything like it. Tal was introducing me to her brother and acting like everything was normal. I don’t even think I said hello to him. When I did speak I couldn’t even remember to fake politeness. “What is that?” I didn’t even blink. I just stood and stared. I might have been in shock. Tal looked shifty, “That’s my Dad.” “What’s the problem?” One of Tal’s friends asked the other. “I think it’s because he’s wearing a hat,” the other replied. “Who cares about the hat?” The panic was apparent in my voice. I still didn’t take my eyes off them. “Behind him,” I croaked, “Can’t you see them?” The whole room froze. “See who?” Tal’s mother asked casually. She’s a good actor, only her eyes betrayed her. Tal was less cool, “What’s there to see?” Sweat was pouring down my back, I was about to totally lose my cool. “The giant creatures of light and fire standing behind him.” “Ahhh, behind all of you!” I leapt back. I wrapped my arms around myself so they wouldn’t see how my hands were shaking. Now even Mrs. Perr was having trouble playing it cool. We all just looked at each other for five horrible seconds. “It’s the angels,” a voice piped up. Tal’s little niece smiled brightly while her mother clearly considered infanticide. “The angels?” I wasn’t sure the voice was my own. A vein on Tal’s left temple was throbbing. “I did tell you,” she said very quickly. “Angels come to our house on the weekend.” “You didn’t tell me it was fucking TRUE!!” I exploded. Then clamped one hand to my mouth as I realized I’d just sworn in front of a bunch of religious people and a swarm of angels. I sank into the sofa behind me. I put my head in my hands, but when I looked up they were still there, radiating eternal light. “It’s supposed to be a metaphor for spending quality family time together, it’s not supposed to be real,” I said half to myself. Over my head, I felt an exchange of meaningful looks. Someone reached a decision. For the first time, Mr. Perr spoke, “It’s all true. There really are angels that come to our house, we really live in the Palace, we really defend the world from Oblivion and Disconnection. We are the Servants of He Who Sees All. It’s real.” I thought, holy crap. I said, “Oh.” Then my brain began to function so I added, “So when Tal said you were part of an eternal battle she actually meant that you were, like, part of an eternal battle?” Cautiously, Tal nodded. “All those stories are true?” I asked. Tal nodded again. “Anything anyone missed?” I asked more brightly than the moment called for. The blond friend put up her hand, “There really is a force in side of us that drives us away from the true path.” “You’re actually possessed?” “A bit. Somewhat. Maybe,” she floundered. “We prefer to think of it as being provided with daily challenges to become greater,” explained Mr. Perr. He’s slick. I wondered if he was a motivational speaker or a divorce lawyer. They seemed to be waiting for me to say something. “How come you guys don’t tell anyone about all of this?” “We do,” said Tal. “They just don’t believe us,” the clean cut guy, who I presumed was her brother, explained. “The angels aren’t a giveaway?” “Others, people who are not of our kind, can’t usually see them so we tell the whole truth and they don’t believe us.” The brother looked around for encouragement. The others nodded. “Why can you see them?” The blond friend asked. I shrugged, “Gifted?” They all considered it. There may have been another unseen exchange because Mrs. Perr suddenly smiled brightly and asked, “Would you like to stay for dinner?” Right then, going home to watch X-files re-runs seemed a little lame, so I stayed. Spike’s advice after Seth declares his undying love (Chapter 4) “Well, it had to happen to someone.” Spike said cheerfully when I finished telling her about the most perfect day of my life. “What do you mean? Isn’t now when you tell me to stop being all Hollywood?” “Nope. Hollywood can only get away with telling all those stories because sometimes it does happen. Sometimes someone does meet their soul mate. Some people are destined to fall in love and live happily ever after. The mere possibility keeps everyone else hoping. But someone has to be the one in a billion that gets it. Congratulations.” I took a few deep breaths to steady myself. “You don’t think I’m crazy? Or just infatuated or overwhelmed by his coolness?” “You, of all people, will never be overwhelmed by anyone’s coolness. You are way to cerebral to let yourself be infatuated and I’ve never noticed you to be crazy. From what you say Mr. Wonderful secretly had his eye on you all along. So it’s not even totally out of the blue. I wouldn’t bother buying a lottery ticket ever again, though. You’ve probably used up all your good luck for a lifetime,” she chuckled to herself. “What do I do now?” “Enjoy it.”