Showing posts with label Revell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Revell. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

May the Road Rise to Meet You Devotional Review

 

 

This is a thoughtful devotional book that includes pages in gentle green tones.

Each daily devotional has a traditional Irish blessing, a few easy-to-read scripture references (Bible needed), and the author's thoughts and words of encouragement. Following that is the Appy It journal page, where you can meditate on what the author suggests and make notes as to what you feel God is directing you towards next.

This book was just released this week and would make a thoughtful gift for St. Patrick's Day, an Irish friend or family member, or simply someone seeking a sweet devotional book.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received an eVersion of this book from the publisher and NetGalley.  All thoughts and opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

It is currently on sale on the publisher's website if you are able to catch it! 🍀

Jennifer Deibel loves hearing from her readers and is very approachable and sweet.
https://jenniferdeibel.com/

Book samples below:





Until next time, Hugs and a cup of tea, 
Heather Elizabeth





 

Monday, March 10, 2025

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House by Joanna Davidson Politano


 COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN

I started this book midday and read it to the end around 11pm. WOW. 

It is such a different kind of book.  It gave some H.G. Wells/Nicholas Tesla/Steampunk vibes. It is always told from 1st person, but the POV does shift around.

There are unexpected mysteries I was not able to guess at. Additionally, I loved the heroine (introverted tinkerer) and hero (compassionate French Pirate).  

The faith build is slow, and the author addresses that after the story.

QUOTEABLE: "I had done more than glimpse God out here. I had experienced him. Been driven to the edge until I tasted and felt him. And it left me starving for more."

This book is an incredibly well-written historical fiction novel. 

I highly recommend it, especially if you are ready for a change of pace!

I received this eBook from the Publisher via NetGalley. 

All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Until next time friends,
Hugs and a cup of tea from me!
Heather Elizabeth

Sunday, January 15, 2023

the Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz is Incredible


 Incredible Read! Gorgeous cover w/gold foil!

This book is so rich with detail and history; and notably distant ancestors of the author.
The book synopsis does a fantastic job of describing the story set in 1700s Scotland, so I'll leave that be and say how very highly I recommend it with 5 stars.

I did not expect some of the turns Everard and Blythe's story took and that made it all the more enjoyable.


Don't miss the Scotts glossary

Special thanks to the author, Laura Fantz,
for the book & some very kind book swag.


Available January 3, 2023 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received this book from the author. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

Read 1/9-11/2023

📕 Book 2 GoodReads Book Challenge 2023

#TheRoseAndTheThistle
@revellbooks
#ChristianFiction
#HistoricalFiction
CLICK TO GO TO AUTHOR'S WEB PAGE

Until next time,


Wednesday, April 13, 2022

The Lady of Galway Manor – by Jennifer Deibel

*** Enjoyable Irish Tale ***

Galway City, Ireland, 1920
Claddagh rings, an Irish village, the War for Independence between the Irish and the British, finding common ground, several cups of Irish tea, some danger and romance are all beautifully woven together.

“She never dreamed Galway would be so endearing and exciting.  A city teeming with music, architecture, and art – the very last thing she’d expected. And it seemed God had created the moment as a gift to her very soul.”

“On the surface, he seemed unbothered by the strange visit. But the fact that he’d downed three cups of tea in less than twenty minutes told otherwise.  Some men turned to the bottle. Seamus Jennings turned to the cuppa.”

I was gifted this book for my honest opinion without expectation or compensation.

Very Good - 4 Stars

REVELL PUBLISHING’S DESCRIPTION: In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy's father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without all the trappings of the British Court, Annabeth convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family--descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh Ring.

Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than run his family's jewelry shop. Having had his heart broken, he no longer believes in love and is weary of peddling the ÒliesÓ the Claddagh Ring promises.

Meanwhile, as the war for Irish independence gains strength, many locals resent the De Lacys and decide to take things into their own hands to display their displeasure. As events take a dangerous turn for Annabeth and her family, she and Stephen begin to see that perhaps the "other side" isn't quite as barbaric and uncultured as they'd been led to believe--and that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty are only made stronger when put through the refiner's fire.

Travel to the Emerald Isle for another poignant and romantic story from the enchanted pen of Jennifer Deibel.


Jennifer Deibel
is a middle school teacher and freelance writer. Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic Magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona. https://www.jenniferdeibel.com/


May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

The rain fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.



Tuesday, December 21, 2021

A HEART ADRIFT - 5 STARS by Laura Frantz

 



A Heart Adrift, a novel by Laura Frantz, available Jan. 4, 2022 Revell Publ.

Emphatic 5 Star Read!

Set in 1755 along the cold Virginia Coast, Captain Henri Lennox, an old love returns from the sea hoping to avoid chocolatier Esmee Shaw.  Circumstances throw them back together and we are swept up in chocolate making, merchant ships, a private coastal island, officials in white periwigs seeking their own gain, social engagements of the upper crust, and ill-treatment of those in the almshouse.

“Chocolate’s becoming the beverage of choice for colonists,” Esmee said, “if for no other reason than the Crown’s infernal tax on tea.”

“Dear Lord, let it be our earnest prayer to serve Thee better day by day as we grow in grace and trust Thee for our wants in soul and body. For these and all Thy blessings, God’s holy name be praised for Christ’s sake. Amen.”

This story is so rich in detail, prayer, love, action, and more.  The cover is stunning and I highly recommend it. Laura Frantz is a master craftswoman with the written word.

I appreciate the gifted book I received from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own without compensation or expectation.

5 Stars (I LOVED IT)

Special thanks to Laura Frantz for this
kind influencer gift.

Playlist:  The author has created a musical score playlist as a backdrop to this story.  Check it out on her website. https://laurafrantz.net/aheartadrift-playlist/

 

Until next time, hugs and a cup of Christmas tea, 
Heather Elizabeth




Wednesday, September 15, 2021

A View Most Glorious by Regina Scott

 

Available October 5, 2021

***ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE STORY AND ALL OF THE RICH HISTORY***

Tacoma, Washington 1893

This story had so much of what I love in this genre; a balanced dual point of view, historical notes, and little gems tucked along the way such as Alpenstock (German for Alp stick), the actor's paint used as sunblock, the gain and then loss of women's voting rights in WA, the battle over the name Mt. Tacoma or Mt. Rainier, traveling with panes of glass in barrels of molasses {all of these had me saying to myself "Who knew?"} There was also a bit of danger with heroic moments, plenty of beautiful plant life, actual faith shared throughout with room for growth (also shared), and a sweet, naturally progressing and clean romance.   I also appreciated how the ending was resolved as I wondered how in the world they would make things work in their two very different worlds. The author shares some wonderful notes about growing up in the area at the end of the book.  I highly recommend this story and the entire trilogy.

Quotables: "Thank You, Lord, for all this, for allowing me to see, to feel.  It truly is a view most glorious."

Faith Moment: "Lord, help me be Your man. That's the only way to happiness for Cora."

Tea Moment: The silver tea service glinted on one of the walnut side tables, and an assortment of little cakes sat on the violet-patterned bone china her mother had had imported from England.

Rating: 5 Stars


I was gifted an eBook via Netgalley the publisher and author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation.

Click image to enlarge

Publisher's Synopsis: Headstrong Coraline Baxter has worked all her life to be more than the spoiled socialite others expect. When her fellow suffragettes in Tacoma, Washington, suggest that she should climb to the top of Mount Rainier to prove that a woman can do anything, she instantly resolves to do it. And if she can climb Mount Rainier, her mother promises to stop pressuring her to get married to the wealthy Cash Kincaid. All Cora needs is a guide to get her to the top of the mountain.

Nathan Hardee may look like a mountain man, but he once ruled the halls of high society. He left all that behind after his father broke under financial pressure from Kincaid. To best Kincaid now, Nathan agrees to guide Cora up the mountain.

Climbing Rainier will require all of Cora's strength and will lead her and Nathan to rediscover their faith in God and humanity. These two loners make unlikely partners in righting a wrong and may just discover that only together is the view most glorious. 


CLICK HERE
(40% off preorder, 30% off release and free shipping)

SERIES: AMERICAN WONDERS  

ALL STORIES ARE INDIVIDUAL AND NEED NOT BE READ TOGETHER OR IN ORDER

A Distance Too Grand (Grand Canyon), Nothing Short of Wondrous (Yellowstone), A View Most Glorious (Mt. Rainier)


Click Here for Author Website



Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Off to Ireland I Go! A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel


What a lovely, faith-filled read set in the 1920s.  

 
{Instrumental Irish music for you to enjoy}

This is sort of a coming-of-age tale of a young woman, Moira Doherty, who returns to her ancestral roots after her mother's passing in Boston. She is a new teacher and has a lot to learn about the local customs in the small village of Ballymann. I was drawn to the vivid descriptions: "The amber light from the setting sun set her silvery gray hair alight." Scripture was never far away throughout the chapters: "A sense of confirmation took root with her. I will never leave you. I will never forsake you." And, Oh! The tea moments ["cupan tae"] are many: "Mrs. Martin returned carrying two teacups, a kettle, sugar, milk, a few biscuits, some piping hot brown bread, and a dish of butter, all precariously yet perfectly balanced on a decorative tray. "Have a seat, darlin'. Would ya like a little cuppa?" the spry old woman asked, setting it all down on the table. "Yes, please. Moira sighed. The idea of tea brought relief to Moira's tired bones. "Mother made sure I knew the value of a good cuppa." Mrs. Martin chuckled. "She always did enjoy her tea, so she did." Her shoulders quaked with quiet laughter."

The character of Sean McFadden was charming and honorable, as were some others, but many others were not. There is a good balance of both, but one scene may give pause to anyone who has ever experienced sexual abuse; not overly detailed, but you understand the intent. 

Fun Quote: "You'll never plow a field by turnin' it over in yer mind,"

Connect with the author HERE

Glossary of Terms found in the back:  I recommend reading those first.

For a first time author, I would say Jennifer Diebel knocked it out of the park!  I am happy to recommend A Dance in Donegal with thanks to the publisher for a gifted copy. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

Revell Publishing / 5 Stars = Excellent


Until next time, hugs & a cuppa'




Thursday, December 17, 2020

Tidewater Bride - Laura Frantz 5 Stars

 

Available January 5, 2021 wherever books are sold


Since I have passed 50
books, I keep bumping it 
up one book at a time
to enjoy the confetti 
each time! hee hee.

📚My 56th book this year!🥳


🌊This was such an elevated & interesting story set in 1634 Jamestown, Virginia Colony. What a ride getting to understand colonial life with the settlers, many different native tribes & "peace children", government & abuse of power, tobacco brides which I had never heard of, & more! I really enjoyed it. 5⭐


“True Word!” His eyes opened at the sound of a youthful voice hailing him by his Powhatan name. “Wingapo!” Xander called out the customary greeting.

"Tis my duty as your father to pursue the subject, Daughter. Pray to that end.”
“I should rather marry for love than the price of tobacco,” Selah returned quietly.

Amazon Link


I appreciate the gifted book & lovely zippered pouch I received from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own without compensation or expectation.

Until next time,
Hugs & a Cup of Tea


Sunday, August 16, 2020

NOTHING SHORT OF WONDROUS by REGINA SCOTT

 

Nothing Short of Wondrous - American Wonders Collection - Book 2 - Regina Scott - Revell Publishing (c) Oct. 20, 2020
***ENJOYABLE YELLOWSTONE NATL PARK ROMANCE ***
1886 - Widow Kate Tremaine and her son, Danny, run the Geyser Gateway Inn set in the world's first National Park, rugged Yellowstone, surrounded by erupting mud pots, pine trees, bison, bears and beauty, and occasionally poachers.
Kate has such a passion for Yellowstone that I really like.
Lt. Will Prescott has been assigned to patrol the area. For more than 10 years he's been a cavalryman, but he carries a heavy burden: "Sometimes, he feared even God wouldn't forgive what he'd done."
I loved how Will was immediately drawn to Danny, wanting to make sure he could be a kid and enjoy life. He is a good man and I was drawn to him throughout the story.
I received a complimentary eBook from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation.

((4 Stars=I Really Liked It))
((MY STARS)) 1= Did not like it, 2= It was ok, 3=Liked It, 4= Really liked it, 5=It was amazing

 AMERICAN WONDERS COLLECTION
1 - A Distance Too Grand 10/2019, 2 - Nothing Short of Wondrous 10/2020, 3 - Pending (Set in Mt. Rainer)

PUBLISHERS SYNOPSIS:  It is 1886, and the government has given the US Cavalry control of Yellowstone. For widowed hotelier Kate Tremaine, the change is a welcome one. She knows every inch of her wilderness home like the back of her hand and wants to see it protected from poachers and vandals. 
Refused a guide by Congress, Lieutenant William Prescott must enlist Kate's aid to help him navigate the sprawling park and track down the troublemakers. But a secret from his past makes him wary of the tender feelings the capable and comely widow raises in him. When her 6-year-old son is kidnapped by a poacher who wants the boy to guide him to the place where the last of the Yellowstone bison congregate, Will and Kate must work together to rescue him, save the bison, and protect the park. In doing so, they may just find that two wounded hearts can share one powerful love when God is in control.

SIDE NOTE:  If you have never been to Yellowstone, I highly recommend it.  I still have fond memories of visiting there as a young teenage girl. Yellowstone's beauty found a permanent place in my heart.

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

FREE Album-Plus Review of-An Uncommon Woman-Settlers-And-Indians

***Well Written Story of Faith, Pioneers, Indians & Harsh Reality***

Publisher’s Synopsis: Unflinching and plainspoken, Tessa Swan is not your typical 18th-century woman. Born and bred on the western Virginia frontier along with her five brothers, she is a force to be reckoned with.
Quiet and courageous, Clay Tygart is not your typical 18th-century man. Raised by Lenape Indians, he returns a hero from the French and Indian War to the fort that bears his name, bringing with him Tessa's long-lost friend, Keturah, a redeemed Indian captive like himself.
Determined to avoid any romantic entanglements as fort commander, Clay remains aloof whenever he encounters the lovely Tessa. But when she is taken captive by the tribe Clay left, his hand--and heart--are forced, leading to one very private and one very public reckoning.

My Thoughts: This story is a deeply intense reminder of how difficult it was for the settlers to carve out a life for themselves in an often hostile territory where the land was harsh and the natives could be even harsher.  In response to “the white man” encroaching on their lands, native people could be swift in trying to protect their way of life, which often meant brutal results.  I cannot imagine living in that time when both sides gave up so much; “Everyone on the frontier had a chair that sat empty, a place unoccupied. Who would be next?”  This story, for me, has a heaviness to it.  It squeezed my heart acknowledging the ruthless reality of it all.  Good historical details intertwined with faith here, giving me much to think on. I especially found Keturah interesting; captured as a young girl, raised as an Indian, trained in healing and then traded back to the white people as a grown woman. What a complex part of the story.

 
*Hester served sassafras tea. “Two Swan spinsters are too many.” She began her familiar rant. “Tessa breathed in the beloved scent of sassafras as her own cup was filled, shutting out Hester’s timeworn words. Spring tonic, sassafras. When sweetened with maple sugar, no finer remedy could be had.”
**Closing her eyes, she took a sip of fine English tea from Morris and Willing of Philadelphia. Her childish delight tickled him. She was used to making do with nettles and sassafras, likely. City tea was a luxury.
***Her small part was helping Ma bring the gleaners the noon meal and enough switchel to drink.
****Though they were not given to emotion, their eyes were nonetheless damp. She sat woodenly at the table as Ma poured her a cup of dittany tea.

I researched both Switchel and Dittany: “switchel” is a drink made of water, vinegar and ginger, often sweetened with something like molasses, honey, sugar or maple syrup. It helped keep people from getting sick the way they can if overly heated and drinking cold water. It has been making a comeback in the U.S. and Canada over the last five years. “Compounds of Dittany are powerful antioxidants. The essential oils have also antiseptic and anti-fungal properties and are often used in ointments to treat burns and skin ailments. Tea made from dittany is used to relieve tension headaches and as a relaxant. Dittany is also used to relieve indigestion, colic, stomach cramps and bloating. It is also thought to be a diuretic and to combat fever.”

I received an eCopy from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review with no further compensation or expectation. All opinions expressed are my own.
© 01-07-2020 Revell Publishing

4 stars 
CONNECT WITH
THE AUTHOR
 at 
LAURAFRANTZ dot NET





Right Click Here to
Open Free in Separate Window
When I was looking up sassafras tea, I came upon an album by that title by Appaloosas which you can currently listen to for FREE.  And it has that old-timey pioneer sound that pairs nicely with this book if you like that sort of thing.  I enjoyed listening while writing this blog (smile).

Until next time,
Hugs and a cup of tea!




Monday, September 2, 2019

Been Under the Weather

Well, I have spent the majority of Labor Day weekend with a head cold so watching movies, reading books, drinking tea and snuggling kitties were the highlights.
I also was very fortunate that I made my Broccoli Soup the day before I started getting sick and with just me, it's good for several servings - perfect when you're sick and don't want to cook. I sauteed some chicken thighs to add to it.  It's quite healthy and without cheese, so it's just warm and comforting.
Here's that recipe if you are interested.
I just finished the following book and highly recommend it!
Available where books are sold 10/1/2019
A Distance Too Grand – American Wonders Collection Book 1 Revell Publishing © Oct 1, 2019

•*• Well Done Story Featuring the Grand Canyon before it was a Natl. Park •*•
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and read late into the night and then woke to finish it.  It is well written and moves along nicely. 
1871 Ft. Wilverton, AZ Territory
Meg Pero, a budding photographer, has just lost her father, Matthew Pero who taught her everything she knows.  She has a government contract, which is technically his, but was written for M. Pero and she intends to fulfill it and make a name for herself in the process. She is 26, talented, opinionated, beautiful and smart. “But you’re a woman. Women aren’t photographers.”, the corporal said.
Cpt. Benjamin Coleridge has a survey job to do and he needs an able-bodied photographer to get it done.  He’d heard Matthew Pero would be that man, even looked forward to seeing him again after several years. But he had no idea his feisty daughter would show up in his place, the woman who’d broken his heart.
This story is full of adventure as a team that includes two young privates, Dot the spunky cook and her cartographer husband, Hank, eager-to-prove-himself Corporal Adams and the grumpy guide, Mr. Pike set out into the Grand Canyon with horses, wagons, and mules. Cpt. Coleridge is hoping to find some evidence as to the whereabouts of his missing father Col. Coleridge.
Adventure, discovery and mayhem wind through the canyon with the group and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Tea Quotes: 1. “Oh sit down,” Dot said with a wave of her free hand. “This is an expedition, not a fancy tea. Meet Meg Pero. She’s our photographer.”
2. Dot had figured out how to turn the most plentiful plant in the area – pine – into a nourishing and refreshing tea.
Faith Moment: Directly in front of her the highest point was a fist of golden white stone, pointing to the heavens as if to remind her there was someone else above all this. Her Creator.
Tear Inducing Moment – I won’t give this away, but it was an incredibly kind and unexpected moment that made me cry. : “I realized I was the closest to you in size. I hope I won’t offend you, but I thought you might find use for these.” She held out the bundle.
History: There are good notations in the back of the book by the author about The Grand Canyon which I enjoyed.  She also shares a bit about her upcoming story which is set Yellowstone – the world’s 1st Natl. Park. I cannot wait!

Netgalley and the publisher kindly sent me an eBook in the hopes of a favorable review, with no further compensation or expectation. All opinions are my own.
5 Stars

Max
Until next time, hugs and a cup of tea - and if you are lucky, maybe a cuddle from a furry friend ;)
Heather Elizabeth