Fiction Review: Windswept Way (Hope Harbor series #9) by Irene Hannon

Book Description:
Buying a supposedly haunted house wasn't in Ashley Scott's plans, but when an intriguing opportunity drops into her lap, she's ready to launch a new life. But she can't do it alone, and her reclusive new neighbor Jonathan Gray may be just the person to help--if only there were room in his life for romance.

My thoughts:
I love the Hope Harbor series, and I’ve enjoyed every book. I do believe this one is my favorite. Ashley is a lovely character who is determined to honor her father and make her dream come true, despite her mother’s objections. Jon has suffered wounds from war and is having a hard time adapting, even as he runs his landscape business. And Rose is a lovely 80 something who hides her talents and needs a friend. This is a beautifully written book about people needing each other and overcoming personal obstacles to pursue love. Of course taco maker and artist, Charlie has a role, as do his two pigeon friends, and a few other Hope Harbor folks appear. If you enjoy a story written with elegance and grace, you’ll want to read Windswept Way.

Enter to Win!!!

I am excited to announce my book, Home Where She Belongs, is part of the Basketful of Books Giveaway. This giveaway runs 5/16 through 5/21, and the prize consists of twelve Christian books. The 1st place winner will receive all twelve books (authors' choice of format) and the 2nd place winner will receive three books (authors' choice of format) of their choosing. A variety of genres, from fantasy to historical romance to suspense and more, are featured.

You can enter to win here:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bfce54d32/?

#basketfulofbooks #christianbookgiveaway #readingcommunity #freebooks

 

Less than Two Weeks Away!

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Meet Deena Adams

I'd like to welcome award winning writer, Deena Adams, to my blog. She's been a great encouragement to me on my writing journey through her Facebook group—MARATHON. If you’re a Christian Fiction writer, she’d love for you to join the group! Click here for the link, and be sure to answer the membership question.

Deena, I love that you focus on hope in your writing and in your life. What motivates you to have such hope?

Hi, Penny. Thanks so much for hosting me on your blog! I believe hope is as necessary to life as air and water, and genuine hope comes through Christ alone.

I’ve experienced some rough times over the years and every time I felt hopeless, I knew I had to shift my focus back to the Lord. I think about the story of Peter in the Bible. When his eyes were on Jesus, he walked on the water, but when he looked at the storm raging around him, he sank.

Keeping my eyes on Jesus and believing God’s promises is where my hope comes from and is the only way to not only survive the hard times, but to find joy in the journey.

 You encourage people to read hope filled fiction. What is your favorite fiction genre and how does it encourage your life?

Women’s fiction is probably my favorite—and it’s what I write—because I love stories that tackle gritty, true-to-life issues and focus on the character’s spiritual transformation. Of course, I love to be entertained when I read, but I don’t read for pure enjoyment alone, but to be challenged in my faith.

The beauty of God’s work in a person’s mess and bringing them to redemption and healing encourages me in my spiritual life. It helps me know I’m not alone and if others can have victory in their trials, maybe I can too.

You've written a short story, Behind the Scenes. Can you tell us a bit about the story and the novel you are working on?

Behind the Scenes is a prequel to my novel and features the childhood story of Clayton, my novel’s hero. The short story opens with seven-year-old Clayton searching the house for his parents and realizing they’ve left him home alone again. He tells no one when his parents leave him because he’s afraid of being taken to a terrible place, like kid jail or an orphanage. 

Camille and Raymond Richards are medical missionaries who work at a nearby clinic. As they walk the roads of a poor community in the Mississippi Delta area of Memphis, Tennessee, she senses God may have more in store for them than their current ministry.

While passing out toys to children, they meet Clayton, and Camille is immediately drawn to him. She envisions him as their son, but keeps that to herself because that’s just crazy. He has parents, and she’s pregnant with their first child. Their paths cross several times, intensifying Camille’s prayers for the boy.

You’ll have to read the story to hear how God works behind the scenes and find out their journey’s outcome.

In the novel I’m working on, Clayton is twenty-eight, loves Jesus, and works as a behavioral psychologist and homeless shelter manager. But he’s still single and longs to get married and have a family.

He meets Amanda Wright, who is a hot mess. She has a sordid past she keeps buried at all costs because when she told her mayor husband her secret, he stormed out angry and died in an accident.

Amanda’s abusive stepfather shows up, threatening to expose her past unless she gives him money. She agrees to his demands but determines to pay penance for her past sins, protect innocent children from the childhood she endured, and honor her late husband’s community service legacy by becoming a court-appointed special advocate for foster children.

She and Clayton meet and learn they are working on the same court case. As their lives intertwine, a shelter resident uncovers a link to Amanda’s past through a carved angel keepsake, and Amanda is thrust headlong into the past she seeks to escape.

Aspects of foster care, adoption, addictions, abuse, abortion, death, and an interracial relationship bring real issues to the surface. You’ll find God’s love, grace and forgiveness throughout and, of course, hope.

I’ve worked on this story for the past three years and have fallen in love with these characters and their journey. I hope readers will too.

I've read Behind the Scenes. It's a wonderful, uplifting story readers will enjoy. I look forward to reading your work-in-progress. How can folks get a copy of Behind the Scenes?

Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m so glad you enjoyed Behind the Scenes. I offer the story free as a thank you to my newsletter subscribers. The Hope Collective newsletter contains lots of hope-filled fiction content and giveaways and goes out once a month, so it won’t overwhelm your email inbox. Readers who are interested can subscribe here.

You've won some awards. Can you tell us a bit about those and why it's important for writers to enter contests?

Contests not only build a writer’s confidence when we place or win and give us a positive addition to our writing resume, but the feedback and critique from experienced authors and other professionals is invaluable in helping us grow and better learn the craft.

With no idea what I was doing, I started writing my first novel in the fall of 2018 during Nanowrimo. In about three months, I had finished the first, very messy and way too long, draft. A couple of months later, I signed up for my first writer’s conference and entered their contest for unpublished writers. To say it shocked me to win second place is an understatement. 

I met with an agent at that conference who looked at a sample of my writing and encouraged me to keep entering contests. His praise for my writing, and the second-place win, gave me confirmation to keep moving forward and keep entering contests.

In the fall of 2019, I was a double finalist and winner of the ACFW First Impressions contest, another shocker.

I entered multiple contests in 2020 and didn’t place in any of them. It was a discouraging year in a lot of areas of my life, so maybe God allowed me to be a Genesis finalist in 2021 for a boost to keep plugging onward in this publishing journey.

Where can people find out more about you?

Social media is great, and I love interacting with people there, but because of the algorithms, most of my followers and friends never see my posts. The best way to learn more about me and keep up with my writing journey is through my website and newsletter. If you’re interested in connecting, you can find and follow me at the links below.

Thanks for having me on your blog, Penny. I appreciate your support and friendship. God bless you and your readers!

Website

Newsletter and/or Blog Sign up

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Goodreads

Pinterest

BookBub

As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena understands how important hope is to daily life. That’s why she’s passionate about inspiring others through writing hope-filled fiction and highlighting other Christian authors on her blog. 

Deena is an active member of ACFW and two Virginia writer groups, board member of ACFW Virginia, founder of the Marathon online writer’s group, 2019 Foundations contest finalist, 2019 First Impressions contest double finalist and winner, and 2021 Genesis contest finalist.

She lives with her husband near the coast in beautiful Virginia. When she’s not writing, reading, or serving in her church, you’ll find her hanging out with family and friends and doting on her seven grandchildren.

Fiction Book Review: The Nature of Small Birds: A Novel by Susie Finkbeiner

Book Description:
In 1975, three thousand children were airlifted out of Saigon to be adopted into Western homes. When Mindy, one of those children, announces her plans to return to Vietnam to find her birth mother, her loving adopted family is suddenly thrown back to the events surrounding her unconventional arrival in their lives.

Though her father supports Mindy's desire to meet her family of origin, he struggles privately with an unsettling fear that he'll lose the daughter he's poured his heart into. Mindy's mother undergoes the emotional rollercoaster inherent in the adoption of a child from a war-torn country, discovering the joy hidden amid the difficulties. And Mindy's sister helps her sort through relics that whisper of the effect the trauma of war has had on their family--but also speak of the beauty of overcoming.

Told through three strong voices in three compelling timelines, The Nature of Small Birds is a hopeful story that explores the meaning of family far beyond genetic code.

My Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed The Nature of Small Birds. Susie Finkbeiner has written this family story of love from three distinct points of view. She chose wisely as we hear the voices of Dad, Mom, and sister to Mindy, the lovely young lady they adopted into their family. With little knowledge of the adoption process, I opened this book with hope of reading a great story. Through a group of flawed people who choose to love each other warts and all, I found a page-turning story filled with hope. Mindy's story is beautiful, while at the same time sorrowful. Finkbeiner does a remarkable job weaving different time periods (1975, 1988, & 2013) together through these distinct voices. During and after the Vietnam War many terrible things happened, perhaps the blessing was saving the children. I hope you'll read The Nature of Small Birds, if for no other reason than it's a beautiful story filled with hope.  I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Book Review: Beyond the Tides (Prince Edward Island Shores Book #1) by Liz Johnson

Book Description:
When Meg Whitaker's father decides to sell the family's lobster-fishing business to her high school nemesis, she sets out to prove she should inherit it instead. Though she's never had any interest in running the small fleet--or even getting on a boat due to her persistent seasickness--she can't stand to see Oliver Ross take over. Not when he ruined her dreams for a science scholarship and an Ivy League education ten years ago.

Oliver isn't proud of what he did back then. Angry and broken by his father walking out on his family, he lashed out at Meg--an innocent bystander. But owning a respected fishing fleet on Prince Edward Island is the opportunity of a lifetime, and he's not about to walk away just because Meg wants him to.

Meg's father has the perfect solution: Oliver and Meg must work the business together, and at the end of the season, he'll decide who gets it. Along the way, they may discover that their stories are more similar than they thought . . . and their dreams aren't what they expected.

My Thoughts:
I’ve read several of Liz Johnson’s books, and this is the best one yet. At first, I wasn’t sure if I liked Meg, but once Meg and Oliver are thrown together their banter and the tension between them makes for an entertaining tale—along with their family stories. I love how Meg’s strong character softens when it comes to her parents. And Oliver’s determination to overcome his family’s history is inspiring. The setting is fantastic. I found myself drawn into the lobster business on Prince Edward Island and enjoying the trips out to set traps and haul in the catch. Meg’s dad is a delight as he helps her mom in his gentle, caring way. As soon as I would stop reading Beyond the Tides, I would miss the characters and want to read more. Now that I’ve finished, I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Available August, 3, it’s a perfect end of summer read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Fiction Book Review: Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes

Book Description:

Lucy Clairmont's family treasured the magic of the past, and her childhood fascination with stories of the high seas led her to become a marine archaeologist. But when tragedy strikes, it's Dashel, an American forensic astronomer, and his knowledge of the stars that may help her unearth the truth behind the puzzle she's discovered in her family home.

Two hundred years earlier, the seeds of love are sown between a boy and a girl who spend their days playing in a secret sea cave, while the privileged young son of the estate looks on, wishing to join. As the children grow and war leads to unthinkable heartbreak, a story of love, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption unfolds, held secret by the passage of time.

As Lucy and Dash journey to a mysterious old estate on the East Sussex coast, their search leads them to a community of souls and a long-hidden tale that may hold the answers--and the healing--they so desperately seek.

My Review:
Amanda Dykes is a gifted writer who pens beautiful stories of mystery, love, and sacrifice. 

Set the Stars Alight is a scrumptious book to be savored. As I slipped from one century to another, the story twined together as a beautiful masterpiece. The setting is incredible and the characters found their way into my heart. I love Dash and Lucy and cheered them on in their search for truth. Dykes gave the folks, who live in the community Lucy and Dash travel to, interesting quirks and stories. I felt like I was sitting at the table with them drinking tea. This is a well done time-slip novel. If you enjoy historical fiction and contemporary fiction this is the perfect read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  

Fiction Review: A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson

Book Description:

Anne Norris moved to Savannah, Georgia, for a fresh start. Now her pirate-tour business is flagging, and paying the rent requires more than wishful thinking. When she discovers evidence of a shipwreck off the coast of Tybee Island, she knows it could be just the boon she needs to stay afloat. She takes her findings to local museum director Carter Hale for confirmation, but she runs after a disastrous first meeting.

Carter has been searching for the location of the wreck detailed in the worn pages of an 18th-century diary, the discovery of which could open the door to his dream job at a prestigious museum. But convincing Anne to help him fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle is no easy task. And working with Carter means that Anne will have to do the one thing she swore she'd never do again: trust a man.

Finding a monetary backer and sticking with a search that's turning up nothing will take all their dedication--and every secret they've tried to hide. If they can find the lost ship, they may discover a treasure worth more than all the pirate gold in the world--love.

My Review:
I've read most of Liz Johnson's books, this one is my favorite. The character Anne is plucky and real, a pixie of a girl. She's paving her way after a terrible experience in her past. Carter is a sweetheart. Imagine cute guy, a bit of a nerd with black glasses. He's not your typical hero. The setting is gorgeous and the history of the lost ship is fascinating. In the story, Anne and Carter share a diary from a young woman who risked everything for her brother. I found the diary excerpts as wonderful as Anne's story. If you want to sink yourself into an enjoyable story filled with mystery and adventure, pick up A Glitter of Gold. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Book Review: The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner

Book Description:

Becoming a Christian is the best and worst thing that has ever happened to Sarah Hollenbeck. Best because, well, that's obvious. Worst because, up to this point, she's made her very comfortable living as a well-known, bestselling author of steamy romance novels that would leave the members of her new church blushing. Now Sarah is trying to reconcile her past with the future she's chosen. She's still under contract with her publisher and on the hook with her enormous fan base for the kind of book she's not sure she can write anymore. She's beginning to think that the church might frown on her tithing on royalties from a "scandalous" book. And the fact that she's falling in love with her pastor doesn't make things any easier.

With a powerful voice, penetrating insight, and plenty of wit, Bethany Turner explodes onto the scene with a debut that isn't afraid to deal with the thorny realities of living the Christian life.

My Review:

I want to just say "Wow!" to Bethany Turner. I'm so happy someone finally wrote a truthful account of how difficult it is to move from a life of sin to a life with Christ. And she does it with grace and humor. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck. And honestly, I'm still not sure I would recommend it to just anyone. The author addresses a topic not often written about in Christian fiction—how to deal with physical desires while dating. Especially for a brand new Christian. For anybody who wants insight into the sometimes difficult transition from a worldly life to becoming a part of the family of God, I say—read this book. Bethany's honest account of Sarah Hollenbeck's life made me laugh out loud, cringe, and pray. Yes, pray. This book may not be for every reader of Christian fiction, but it certainly has a place and will be used by God for good. I love that. I can see so much good from this story. If you like to laugh, enjoy stories of redemption and forgiveness, and stories of friends shoring up one another, you'll enjoy The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck. I received this book for free from Revell.

Work In Progress

Hi,

I’m so glad you stopped by. For the blog hop, I’m talking about my work in progress, my first ever novel. I’m excited to say that I’ve finished the rough draft and am in the process of editing.

What is the working title of your book?Peace, Love and Mashed Potatoes 
I chose this title because my main character finds all of those things when she moves home after several years away.

Where did the idea come from for the book?

The idea was planted in my heart by God. I never dreamed that I’d write fiction. I’ve been writing devotions, book reviews and articles for several years. One day God nudged me to write Willow’s story. When the story came to me, I knew that Willow was a troubled soul who needed to find her way home. Because I love stories where the town has a strong role, I wanted Willow to return home to a place that had memories, but had also changed.

What genre does your book fall under?

I’ve settled on the contemporary romance genre after playing around with women’s fiction and romance.Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

 
Willow Abbott would be played by Gemma Arterton. 

Reed McRae would be played by Rob Mayes.

Bess (Willow’s sister) would be played by Emily Blunt.

Micah (Bess’s husband) would be played by Geoff Stutts.

Bailey Joy (Bess and Micah’s daughter) would be played by Taylor Hogue.

Annie Abbott (Willow’s mom) would be played by Bianca Spender.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

For Willow Abbott, moving home meant a short break until she found a new job, but Reed McRae has other ideas that might just involve her heart.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

I am hoping to find an agent who will represent my work. I appreciate their knowledge of the publishing business as well as the market.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

I wrote the first draft over a period of two years and for the last several months, I’ve edited. I also work a full time job and have a family.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I’ve been influenced by the writing of Robin Gunn Jones and Debbie Macomber. I love the books they’ve written about small towns and finding love. The Glenbrooke series by Robin Gunn Jones might be a good comparison.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

Reading so much good fiction written by Christian authors has pushed me forward. Several people in my life, including my family and my critique group in the ACFW have encouraged me. I’ve written for several years, but never considered fiction until I felt a nudge from God. I don’t know where this will take me or who I will touch with my story, but I know that God has a plan for the manuscript.

What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?

The book is set in southwest Ohio and has several references to areas around Cincinnati and the rural areas that surround the city. Willow is a professor who teaches English and Reed owns the local bookstore. Part of the story focuses on Willow’s journey back to God as she seeks to forgive her father.

As far as the love story, about the time Willow accepts that Reed might be the one, a twist brings an unexpected discovery that may make or break they’re relationship.

I also have a Pinterest page for Peace, Love and Mashed potatoes. Visit at: http://pinterest.com/pennyfmcg/peace-love-mashed-potatoes/

Thanks for stopping by.