Under the Cover of Mercy-Based on a True Story

 

 

About the Book

 Can one nurse on a mission of mercy and rebellion turn the tide of WWI?

November 1914

The Great War has come to Brussels, the Germans have occupied the city, and Edith Cavell, Head Nurse at Berkendael Medical Institute, faces an impossible situation. As matron of a designated Red Cross hospital, Edith has sworn an oath to help any who are wounded, under whatever flag they are found. But Governor von Lüttwitz, the ranking German officer, has additional orders for her. She and her nurses must also stand guard over the wounded Allied prisoners of war and prevent them from escaping.

Edith feels that God called her to be a healer, not a jailer. How can she heal these broken boys, only to allow them to be returned to the hands of their oppressors to be beaten again?

So when members of the Belgian resistance, desperate for help, bring two wounded British soldiers to her hospital in secret, she makes a decision that will change everything: she will heal the soldiers, and then attempt to smuggle them out of the hospital to freedom.

With her loyal friend and fellow nurse, Elizabeth, by her side, Edith establishes her hospital as a safe house for the resistance, laboring tirelessly to save as many soldiers as she can. Working under the watchful eyes of the German army, Edith faces challenging odds and charges of treason—which carries the death penalty if she is caught—as she fights alongside the resistance to bring—and keep—hope to her small corner of a war-torn world.

Based on a true story, Under the Cover of Mercy is the remarkable account of one woman who defied an entire nation in order to heal those who needed her help the most. (Goodreads)

 

Releases April 11th! 

Pre-Order HERE!

 

My Thoughts

This book really starts off right in the thick of things for a nurse during the Great War. My goodness but these souls were brave! The life of Edith Cavell is one that I really didn't know anything about so I was pretty clueless on what would happen as the story played out. What she went through is astonishing and needs to be better known. My favorite part was how she encouraged those around her and she did the hard things. She was in charge but she worked right alongside the other gals and made the tough choices. She saved many lives and it was most interesting reading about the Belgian resistance. This story is well written and wonderful historical fiction. I am thankful that Rebecca Connolly took the time to shed a light on Edith so that we can remember the brave women who went before us. 

Four Stars. 

 

" I received this book from Shadow Mountain Publishing for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

The Weight of Air Review

 

About the Book

 In 1911, Mabel MacGinnis is Europe's strongest woman and has performed beside her father in the Manzo Brothers Circus her entire life. But at his unexpected death, she loses everything she's ever known and sets off in the company of acrobat Jake Cunningham for America in hope of finding the mother she's just discovered is still alive.

Isabella Moreau, the nation's most feted aerialist, has given everything to the circus. But age and injury now threaten her security, and Isabella, stalked by old fears, makes a choice that risks everything. When her daughter Mabel appears alongside the man who never wanted to see Isabella again, Isabella is forced to face the truth of where, and in what, she derives her worth.

In this evocative novel from Kimberly Duffy, the meaning of strength takes center stage as the lives of three circus performers become entangled beneath the glittering lights and flying trapeze of Madison Square Garden. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

 

My Thoughts

Days later and I am still thinking about this story....what a story! This is Kimberly Duffy's best novel yet and I really enjoyed it. I couldn't put this book down and the more the story progressed the more surprised I was at how well it was written. I loved the time period and the circus setting. While the entire book is not about the circus it is a big part of it and I think it is fascinating. There is romance (quite a lot more romance than I was expecting), an underlying mystery, high stakes performances, and a lot of emotional baggage. I love Isabella's character and her broken journey. I love Mabel's character because it is unique and fresh. Jake Cunningham is a hero I adored getting to know. All in all this is a fantastic read that deals with some very difficult topics including mental health,  postpartum depression, death, suicide, and abandonment.  I really loved this story and the only thing that I didn't like per se is how selfishness in marriage is handled at the very end. I could read this book again and probably have even more thoughts just because there is so much between the pages. I highly recommend! 

Four Stars!

" I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Cold Light of Day Review

  

 About the Book

Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and even an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.

Grier is in Alaska for the same reason so many others are--to disappear--when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he's not sure even Autumn could save him.

As the stakes rise and the dangers increase, Autumn and Grier must rely on each other to extinguish the deadly threats. (Goodreads)

 BUY HERE

 

My Thoughts

I was excited to discover a new series based in Alaska! I haven't read this author before that I can recall so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. The first part of the book starts with a bang and the suspense is on. Both main characters have a lot of baggage and things to work through and the murder mystery is intriguing. I loved the setting as Alaska is such an interesting place and is perfect for a suspense novel. As the book progressed it got a bit slow for me and to be honest I ended up not fully invested. I so wanted to love this story but I just didn't. I know many other people will but it just wasn't for me. After the first few chapters it just fell a little flat. But this author is popular and many will enjoy! 

Three Stars. 

" I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

What Happens Next Review

About the Book

 Popular podcaster and ex-reporter Faith Byrne has made a name for herself telling stories of greatness after tragedy--but her real life does not mirror the stories she tells. When she's asked to spotlight her childhood best friend's missing-person case on her podcast, she uncovers desperate secrets and must face the truth before she can move forward. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I could not put this book down. From the first page to the last I was totally captivated in trying to solve the cold case that had me rather stumped. I loved how this story is told from multiple points of view and Heather's mother is such a unique character I really loved reading from her perspective. There are so many things happening within the pages of this book. Family issues, grief, regret, forgiveness, and mystery. I did feel like the ending came a bit too soon and perhaps could have been fleshed out a bit more but I really loved this book and I can't wait to read Christina Suzann Nelson's next novel. She has such talent for writing heartfelt and honest stories. 

Five Stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

The Last Chance Cowboy Review

 

About the Book

As a midwife, Catherine Remington is successful in bringing new life into the world, but she's failed one too many times in finding true love. When she's accused of a murder she didn't commit, she's forced to flee and decides to run away to Colorado to honor a patient's dying wish to deliver a newborn infant to his father.

The repentant prodigal Dylan McQuaid is finally back in Fairplay. Elected as sheriff, he's doing his best to prove to the town he's a changed man and worthy of their trust. When a woman shows up with an infant son he didn't know he had, Dylan is left with only complicated choices on what to do next.

Having grown attached to Dylan's son, Catherine doesn't want to part ways with the infant, but what she doesn't bargain for is how easily she'll fall for the charming rogue, or how quickly her past will catch up with her and put their love and lives in danger.

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund brings her Colorado Cowboys series to an adventuresome close with this page-turning Western romance. (Goodreads)

 

BUY HERE

 

 My Thoughts

We have finally gotten Dylan's full story! I have been eager to read more about Dylan so I was excited to read this book. The first few chapters of this book really irritated me. How everything plays out is entirely ridiculous and I was really ticked at Catherine because of her blatant dishonesty. I was even more ticked at Dylan because of his actions! BUT as I continued to read I started to see growth in the characters and was hopeful that they would get their act together. There are many twists and turns and I loved visiting the rest of the McQuaids in this book. I love that my hometown of Como is mentioned in the book and the entire setting of course is wonderful as I know it so well! All that to say that I did end up enjoying this story and Hedlund wrapped up the series nicely. 

 

Four Stars. 

 

" I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Confession Musical-Fantastic!

 “The Confession Musical” is in theaters for one night only on February 20th!

 BUY TICKETS

MOVIE WEBSITE

 “The Confession Musical” is based on the New York Times best-selling book series “The Heritage of Lancaster County,” written by Beverly Lewis and written for
the stage by Emmy-Nominated screenwriter Martha Bolton. Katie Lapp, a young
Amish girl, discovers her parents have been keeping a secret from her... she is
adopted. Katie decides to seek her birth mother, defying the rules of her Amish village and risking a shunning. Meanwhile, her wealthy birth mother, Laura Mayfield,
battling an illness that might take her life, begins searching for her long-lost daughter to bequeath her inheritance before it is too late. Secretly plotting against her is
the gold-digging husband Dylan (played by John Schneider), who is scheming to
make sure he inherits her fortune. With the help and prayers of her Christian maid-
servant (played by Chonda Pierce), they try to foil Dylan’s plan and reunite Katie
and Laura.

________________________________

 Buy tickets today to see THE CONFESSION musical movie exclusively in theaters
February 20th!

$10 Amazon Gift Card GIVEAWAY

 ENTER HERE!

This is limited to US winners only.

 

My Thoughts

Oh my goodness this is a fantastic performance! I didn't realize it would be three hours long but I enjoyed every minute! I read the books by Beverly Lewis years ago and they are some of my favorite Amish books. When I saw that this story became a theater production I was excited to see what they would create. Every single performer did an OUTSTANDING job in this musical. The dialogue was witty and clever and fit the story line. It is a pretty heavy story with grief and shame and anger. There is comic relief by having Chonda Pierce as the maid but also the character of Mary added a lot of laughter. I only wish I could have seen this performance in person but getting to watch it as a recording was second best! 

I highly recommend and encourage you to watch this movie!

#TheConfessionMIN #ConfessionMusicalMovie

Many thanks to Blue Gate Musicals for providing a sample of the product for this re-
view. Opinions are 100% my own.

Rescuing Rose Book Review with Celebrate Lit

 

 

About the Book

Book: Rescuing Rose

Author: Susan Pope Sloan

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: January 24, 2023

 

His army destroyed her livelihood. She represents the people he scorns. How can they reconcile their differences when the whole country is at war?

When the Union Army marches into Roswell, Georgia, and burns down the cotton mill where Rose Carrigan worked, not only is her livelihood destroyed but she’s also taken prisoner and shipped northward with the other workers. Only the unlikely kindness of one of her guards makes the trip bearable.

Union Captain Noah Griffin hates the part of his job that requires him to destroy the lives of innocent civilians, but at least he’s able to protect these women he’s been ordered to transport to Louisville, Kentucky. Especially the one whose quick wit and kindness draw him.

While they’re forced to wait in Marietta, two fugitives arrive to complicate matters between Rose and Noah. As Rose heads north and Noah returns to the battlefront, they each face fears and prejudices. With survival so tenuous, only faith can help them find love in the midst of so much tragedy.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

 

Born into a family of storytellers, Susan Pope Sloan published her first articles in high school and continued writing sporadically for decades. Retirement provided the time to focus on writing and indulge her avid interest in history. Her Civil War series begins (and ultimately ends) in her home state of Georgia with references to lesser-known events of that period. She and husband Ricky live near Columbus where she participates in Word Weavers, ACFW, and Toastmasters.

 

More from Susan

Rescuing Rose is the first book in the Rescued Hearts of the Civil War series. Years ago, I worked with a gentleman who was a Civil War reenactor. We had many conversations about the war and my writing aspirations. He told me two stories that stuck with me, one of which was the Roswell mill workers.

 

The bare-bones story is this: The Union army entered Roswell, Georgia, in July 1864. They ordered the workers out and burned the mills. Then they arrested the workers, who were mostly uneducated women, sent them to Marietta, and then put them on trains headed north.

Note that they were uneducated, unable to read or write, unskilled except in mill work. How were they to survive without means of supporting themselves and their families? If their husbands, sons, and fathers were away with one or the other army, how would they ever bring the women home again?

 

Since my hometown has several cotton mills and my grandparents worked in those, I felt a connection to those women. Their story should be told! My research led me to a wonderful scholarly book, The Women Will Howl, which was published thirty years ago and contained ample information to get me started. It became my primary resource, but I also had the advantage of a robust Internet to find other sources.

 

To provide a main character who was educated, I came up with two daughters of a minister with poor health. The family moved from Dalton, Georgia in 1863 so the daughters could work in the mill and take care of their father. After the mills are destroyed, Rose and her sister (Celeste) decide to teach some of the children how to read and write so they can help their folks and be better prepared for the future. When they reach Louisville, she leads the effort in finding jobs so they can provide for those who’ve fallen ill. In this way, Rose “rescues” the families in her group.

 

The male protagonist is a Union officer who aids Rose and Celeste when they are accosted by a band of hostile soldiers. Noah assists them again and takes on the role of self-appointed guardian. Though he and Rose often rile each other, he is smitten and does whatever he can to help their group adjust to their new reality. Circumstances tear them apart, however, and both must face hidden fears and prejudices before the relationship can be restored. How will that be possible when the war has pushed them hundreds of miles apart?

 

What I learned from research and writing this book.

• There were people loyal to the Union scattered all over the South, even in Georgia.
• Soldiers endured miserable conditions, often pushed to cover many miles before they reached the next engagement, in all kinds of conditions.
• Leadership was fractured on both sides, with personalities clashing within the ranks.
• Lee’s surrender at Appomattox did not end the war. It was months before that happened.
• Mill workers thought tobacco use would ward off “brown lung” from breathing cotton fibers and losing a finger or two in machinery was almost a rite of passage.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 25

Bizwings Blog, January 26

Holly’s Book Corner, January 26

Texas Book-aholic, January 27

deb’s Book Review, January 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 29

Cover Lover Book Review, January 30

Betti Mace, January 30

Connie’s History Classroom, January 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 1

Lily’s Book Reviews, February 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 2

For Him and My Family, February 3

Pause for Tales, February 4

Blossoms and Blessings, February 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 6

To Everything There Is A Season, February 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

GIVEAWAY

 

My Thoughts

 

 I was really interested in the history of this story. The book starts in Georgia and shows a different aspect of war with the Union Army in town. Rose is a worker who is trying to make a living and protect her sister. I really appreciated how the author didn't make each man in the military out to be a perfect guy. The women had to be very careful and watchful during this time. I can't imagine the uncertainty of living in this time period with chaos surrounding you. From there the journey takes the reader North and the character of Noah is more developed. I think Sloan did a wonderful job writing Noah's character because at first you really aren't sure about him and what he is all about. If you enjoy Civil War fiction I think you might like this book. This is an author to watch and I am excited to read what she writes next! 

 

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

A Winter at the White Queen Review with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: A Winter at the White Queen

Author: Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: January 3, 2023

In the world of the wealthy, things are never quite as they appear.

Ellie Hastings is tired of playing social gatekeeper—and poor-relation companion—to her Gibson Girl of a cousin. But her aunt insists Ellie lift her nose out of her detective novel long enough to help gauge the eligibility of bachelors during the winter social season at Florida’s Hotel Belleview. She finds plenty that’s mysterious about the suave, aloof Philadelphia inventor, Lewis Thornton. Why does he keep sneaking around the hotel? Does he have a secret sweetheart? And what is his connection to the evasive Mr. Gaspachi, slated to perform at Washington’s Birthday Ball?

Ellie’s comical sleuthing ought to put Lewis out, but the diffident way her family treats her smashes a hole in his normal reserve. When Florence Hastings’s diamond necklace goes missing, Ellie’s keen mind threatens to uncover not only Lewis’s secrets, but give him back hope for love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Weimer has authored a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. Having served three years as managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas’ two historical imprints, as well as a freelance editor, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

 

More from Denise

Enter the Age of Wonder …   

I like to think of the time period between the Gilded Age and WWI as the Age of Wonder. New ideas and inventions swept society in waves while those who wanted to preserve the old ways tried in vain to hold back the tide. Opportunity and advancement flowed as railroads and communications linked America’s coasts, motorcars allowed individual freedom of travel, and companies flourished following Reconstruction.

 

My goal was to capture this excitement and promise in A Winter at the White Queen. You follow my heroine, Ellie, and her uncle and his family for their fashionable winter 1910 season at the Hotel Belleview in Clearwater, Florida. Ellie is more than “the poor relation companion” to her younger cousin Ava. She’s also a trusted friend, and like the heroines in her female detective novels, a budding sleuth—sniffing out promising matrimonial candidates for Ava at the bequest of Aunt Florence. Little does she expect to stumble into her own romance—and a mystery surrounding a certain intriguing entrepreneur.

 

Ellie Hastings is tired of playing social gatekeeper—and poor-relation companion—to her Gibson Girl of a cousin. But her aunt insists Ellie lift her nose out of her detective novel long enough to help gauge the eligibility of bachelors during the winter social season at Florida’s Hotel Belleview. She finds plenty that’s mysterious about the suave, aloof Philadelphia inventor, Lewis Thornton. Why does he keep sneaking around the hotel? Does he have a secret sweetheart? And what is his connection to the evasive Mr. Gaspachi, slated to perform at Washington’s Birthday Ball?

Ellie’s comical sleuthing ought to put Lewis out, but the diffident way her family treats her smashes a hole in his normal reserve. But when Florence Hastings’ diamond necklace goes missing, Ellie’s keen mind threatens to uncover not only Lewis’s secrets, but give him back hope for love.

Lewis’s work allowed me to sprinkle White Queen with clever inventions that spark Ellie’s curious nature. Among them are:

 

Temperature-compensated balance wheels, which Lewis invented as a teen. The backstory of how he sold his invention to the railroad, allowing them to synchronize all their watches, provides an unexpected link to uncover between Lewis and Ellie.

 

The cinématographe, patterned after Thomas Edison’s kinetoscope but intended by the Lumière brothers to show films to a wider audience. Used in the show at Washington’s Birthday Ball to end the season, the cinématographe aids in the culmination of the mystery of Florence’s missing diamond necklace.

 

The magical orange tree, which not only blossomed but appeared to grow actual oranges, was a real mechanical invention featured at Ava’s birthday party by The Great Gaspachi.

 

The Hydro-Vacu. I couldn’t resist including this titter-worthy, real-life machine, used, of course, by the appearance-conscious Aunt Florence. After applying a bleaching cold cream or “tissue food” to ensure plump cheeks, the massaging “Depurator” was rotated slowly over the face. How long until that idea makes a comeback?

 

As fun and whimsical as A Winter at the White Queen may be, our characters have some real growth to do … if they can get past the social expectations and masks, the suspicions and past hurts. I hope you’ll brighten your winter days by joining them at the White Queen.

Blog Stops

Book Looks by Lisa, January 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 20

An Author’s Take, January 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 21

deb’s Book Review, January 22

Christina’s Corner, January 22

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 23

Connie’s History Classroom, January 24

Betti Mace, January 25

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 25

Texas Book-aholic, January 26

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, January 26

Bigreadersite, January 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 28 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 28

Cover Lover Book Review, January 29

Holly’s Book Corner, January 29

Rebecca Tews, January 30

Blogging With Carol, January 30

Back Porch Reads, January 31

Simple Harvest Reads, January 31 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, February 1

Blossoms and Blessings, February 1

Pause for Tales, February 2

To Everything There Is A Season, February 2

Giveaway

 

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Enter HERE

My Thoughts

 This book has a beautiful cover! I was really curious about this story because of the setting and the time period. The book starts out rather entertaining as Miss Ellie tries to figure out a certain gentleman. The book takes the reader on an adventure that is unexpected. I enjoyed some of the dialogue and was interested in the mystery aspect but this was a slow read for me. The first part of the book had me hooked but by middle it was a struggle for me to be totally invested. The historical aspect was interesting and many people will love this book it just wasn't my favorite. It is a pretty short read and if you enjoy history and a twinge of mystery you might love this story! I do look forward to reading more by this author! 

Three Stars. 

" I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."