Valentine reads ... and chat with Karen Witemeyer!

So first of all, if you haven't read any of Karen Witemeyer's books, pause now and go buy one or check it out of your local library. Even if you aren't a huge fan of historical romance, her stories might make you one yet. Fun, moving and faith building stories that will keep you turning the pages. 

Today, with Valentines just around the corner, I wanted to share her most recent series with you: Patchwork Family. I could just share one of the books, but that would be silly, because you know you want to read both. :) 

First book in the series is More than Meets the Eye. Now take a close look at the cover and imagine what it would be like to live in the 1800s with mismatched eyes. or you could just read the story about a poor girl who is judged her whole life because of something as simple as eye color. 

I loved this story and the characters who quickly snag a piece of your heart, (Warning: even a main character from the next book will wedge himself in your heart so that you have to read the next book just because you have to know how his life works out!)

Here is the write up:
Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes—one bright blue, the other dark brown—Evangeline has fought to find her way in a world that constantly rejects her. Yet the support of even one person can help overcome the world's judgments, and Evangeline has two—Seth and Zach, fellow orphans she now counts as brothers.

Seeking justice against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in 1880s Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his father's death. Only instead of finding a solitary ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself with an unusual family. And when Hamilton's unique sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time they cross paths, Logan finds his quest completely derailed. Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline?

And along comes book two - aren't you glad you didn't have to wait the months between their releases like I did. ;) 

More Than Words Can Say:

After fulfilling a pledge to a dying friend, Zacharias Hamilton is finally free. No family entanglements. No disappointing those around him. Just the quiet bachelor existence he's always craved. Until fate snatches his freedom away when the baker of his favorite breakfast bun is railroaded by the city council. Despite not wanting to get involved, he can't turn a blind eye to her predicament . . . or her adorable dimples.

Abigail Kemp needs a man's name on her bakery's deed. A marriage of convenience seems the best solution . . . if it involves a man she can control. That person definitely isn't the stoic lumberman who oozes silent confidence whenever he enters her shop. Control Zacharias Hamilton? She can't even control her pulse when she's around him.
When vows are spoken, Abigail's troubles should be over. Yet threats to the bakery worsen, and darker dangers hound her sister. Can she put ever more trust in Zach without losing her dreams of independence?

A story well worth the wait and the read. 

Now, without further ado, as we are all busy (but reading a few more minutes will totally be worth it) let me introduce the author of these wonderful stories:

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted

historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. A transplant from California, Karen came to Texas for college, met a cowboy disguised as a computer nerd, married him, and never left the state that had become home.

Winner of the National Reader's Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, ACFW Carol Award, Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and a finalist for both the RITA and Christy Awards, Karen is a firm believer in the power of happy endings. . . and ice cream. She also loves to reward her readers. Every month she gives away two inspirational historical novels to someone from her newsletter list and offers substantial bonus content on her website. To learn more about Karen and her books, or to join her subscriber list, please visit www.karenwitemeyer.com.

Do you have a favorite book you’ve written, or a character you love a little more than the others?

That's like asking a mother to pick her favorite child. LOL. If pressed, though, I would have to say that Levi from To Win Her Heart is probably my favorite hero. Adelaide Proctor from Head in the Clouds is probably my favorite heroine just because she has so much of me in her. We both lost our fathers at an early age, we both love Jane Eyre, and we both love the sound of a masculine British accent. Ha!

When you are stressed, maybe a deadline’s approaching too fast, what is your favorite snack food? Or do you have another way to cope?

My favorite fuel for long writing sessions is hot tea sweetened with honey in an insulated cop so it will stay warm for long periods of time. And if I need a little energy kick, I'll grab a square of Dove dark chocolate. Yum.

Do you have a favorite book or two you’ve read recently?

I just finished reading Kristi Ann Hunter's A Pursuit of Home. Loved it! In my opinion it was the best in the Haven Manor series, and maybe my favorite of all of her books. Wonderful, twisted plot. Excitement blended with mental puzzles to decipher, and a nerdy hero for which to cheer. I highly recommend. Even if you've not read the other books in the series, you will enjoy this one on its own.

I have read your novel’s and novellas, and they are all wonderful, but which do you find easier to write?

Novellas are definitely easier. Not only are they shorter, but because of the limited word count, the plots are straightforward, which simplifies the storyline. They do come with their own challenges, such as packing a fully formed plot and developed characters into a small space. Pacing can get a little tricky, too. But overall, they are a lot of fun to write. I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes from completing a story, and that completion comes 4 times faster with a novella.

One final thank you to Karen for visiting us (and for writing such good books). Leave a comment with your favorite of her books, or which looks most intriguing to you.   (Here is where you can find them: Goodreads)

Book Review: Three Little Things by Patti Stockdale

Angela here. I was given the opportunity and privilege of reading this book before it's release, and must admit to being captivated. WWI, love notes, and a cover like that...what else is there to say? ;)

One forbidden love. Two broken hearts. Three little things.
Hattie Waltz should forget the troubled neighbor leaving for boot camp in 1917. He forgot about her ages ago. It had always been the Waltzs verses the Kregers, his family pitted against hers. When she hands him a farewell gift, a chemistry lesson unfolds. The good kind.
Arno Kreger can't leave Iowa or his old man fast enough. He's eager to prove his worth on the battlefield and stop blaming himself for his brother's death. Before entering the train, he bumps into Hattie. He's loved her forever, always from the sidelines, because nobody crosses Hattie's pa.
One innocent letter soon morphs into many. Arno and Hattie share three little secrets in each letter and grow closer together. But he's on his way to a war across the ocean, and she's still in her father's house. Their newfound love will need to survive dangers on both fronts.
 

I'm afraid I am quite short worded when it comes to reviews, but I will say, I quite enjoyed this story and look forward to more from this author. :) She has an easy flow to her writing that makes it easy to get into and she writes characters that you can easily imagine as living, breathing people with hopes that pull at the heart strings.  Definitely one to watch for!

You can find out more about this author and book at:

Website: www.pattistockdale.com

Amazon: http://bit.ly/ThreeLittleThings

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/37H7YWB

Walmart: http://bit.ly/2ObdMzC

Lighthouse Publishing: https://shoplpc.com/three-little-things/

The Only Way to Live Biblically by Barbara M. Britton

I’m married to an ordained minister and I taught Sunday School and chapel for many years. A relative referred to my husband and I as Rev Rick and Bible Barbie—and not in a loving way. So, when I noticed a sitcom on TV called “Living Biblically,” I thought the media was bashing Christians same as my relative.

After watching a few episodes of this new show to see how people of faith were portrayed, I was pleasantly surprised. The sitcom was humorous at times and not an all-out slam of Christianity. BUT…the show concentrates on a man trying to follow the rules in the Bible, and totally misses the relationship believers have with Jesus.

Chip, the main character in this sitcom, is going to have a tough time trying to live a perfect life. Romans 3:23 tells us, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Even the best-intentioned Christians blow it at times. I know, I am one of them.

The Apostle Paul sets everyone straight about living Biblically in Ephesians 2:8-10. Paul states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

We need God’s grace (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense) because we are going to blow it. We need forgiveness when we break God’s commandments and only Jesus can forgive us and make us right with God. As Believers in Jesus, we also have the Holy Spirit living inside of us. The Spirit gives us wisdom and helps us display the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Television writers can try and make a rule following “Christian” perfect for an entire season, but that’s not reality. Chip needs Jesus in his life, not a set of rules.

Chip’s good works are honorable, but they are not flowing from a love of God. He is trying to earn his way into heaven. Spoiler alert--we all know how that will work out. Chip needs Jesus for an eternal life that begins immediately.

How awesome this TV sitcom would be if it truly showed people living in a loving relationship with Jesus. Life gets hard at times and it isn’t always fun. Rules don’t get you through the valleys of life, but a relationship with Jesus strengthens us during difficult times. One of my favorite verses is Nehemiah 8:10b, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

May we remember during our busy lives to thank God for His grace and strength. May we remember Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross and how it sets us free from sin and death. And may we listen to the convictions of the Holy Spirit. 

Having a relationship with Jesus is the best way to live Biblically.

Barbara M. Britton was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, but currently lives in Southeast Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. Barb writes romantic adventures for teens and adults. She is published in Biblical fiction and enjoys bringing little known Bible characters to light in her stories. Barb is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America and Wisconsin Romance Writers of America. Barb has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate.

Visit Barb on her website, facebook, Goodreads or Twitter

When Adah bat Shallum finds the governor of Judah weeping over the crumbling wall of Jerusalem, she learns the reason for Nehemiah’s unexpected visit—God has called him to rebuild the wall around the City of David.

 Nehemiah challenges the men of Jerusalem to labor on the wall and in return, the names of their fathers will be written in the annals for future generations to cherish. But Adah has one sister and no brothers. Should her father who rules a half-district of Jerusalem be forgotten forever?

Adah bravely vows to rebuild her city’s wall, though she soon discovers that Jerusalem not only has enemies outside of the city, but also within. Can Adah, her sister, and the men they love, honor God’s call? Or will their mission be crushed by the same rocks they hope to raise.