Monday, December 21, 2020

Goodbye and Hello!

As I stated in a previous post, I have decided to retire my 21st Century Keeper at Home blog at the end of 2020. (Because 2020 needs to end, am I right?!) I have begun a new blog at A Novel Pursuit (...of Life and Learning)! It primarily focuses on Book Reviews and Homeschooling with other random posts put in as I feel like it.

There are a few posts (11 as of this writing) on that blog now if you want to pop on over there and read them. Some are reposts from here.

My book reviews for Celebrate Lit will only be posted on A Novel Pursuit beginning in January.

Thank you to all of you who have read anything on 21st Century Keeper at Home!

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway: Mishaps Off the Mainland

I read this book in less than 12 hours (night and then the next morning). Mainly because I actually had the time, but also because I couldn't put it down! Zeke and Mel have great chemistry -- lots of witty banter and off-the-page personalities! They are also multi-layered with problems and personal issues that they have to deal with. The only thing I don't like (and I know others will - this is just personal preference and does not reflect my rating for the book) is it has a happy-ever-after ending that is tied up just a little too neatly for me. Tabitha's writing style really shines in this book, and I can't wait to read more from her.

Here are a couple of quotes I really like:

Her dad said you could know the depth of a man through four key things: how he spoke about God, how he treated the elderly, how he acted with kids, and the strength of his handshake. Right now, Zeke had blown all four out of the park. What else could be found beneath Zeke's sarcasm?

"Too often we run when all we need to do is stand still and wait. Or change what we are chasing." [This should be a meme if it isn't already.]

Celebrate Lit gave me the opportunity to select, receive, and read this book. Keep reading to learn more and to enter a great giveaway!

About the Book

Book: Mishaps off the Mainland

Author: Tabitha Bouldin

Genre: Christian fiction, contemporary romance

Release Date: November 24, 2020

All Mel wants is to run the business of her dreams.

Melody Carmichael’s mobile pet grooming business might sink before it can sail when a favorite pet escapes her care. Doggie escape-artist, Daphne, got a taste of freedom, and the Afghan hound refuses to be found.

Enter Zeke Solomon. Desperate to bring the dog home for his grandmother, Zeke steps in to save the day.

And working together with Zeke would be a snap—if he would just stop blaming Mel for Daphne making a break for it.

Zeke is desperate to prove himself worthy of the Solomon name and step out from his father’s shadow. With his father breathing down his neck and demanding he return to the company business, Zeke must decide whether confronting the man he admires most is worth the risk of alienation.

Everything’s falling apart, and Mel’s dream transforms into a nightmare. She thought this was what God wanted for her life, but can you blame her for second-guessing everything?

Was it all just a mistake?

Mishaps off the Mainland is the fifth “Merriweather book” in a new series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Island Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Tabitha Bouldin is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and an avid reader. When she’s not busy homeschooling her two boys, you’ll find her buried in a book.

More from Tabitha

Why mobile pet grooming?

I get this question a lot when I bring up Mishaps off the Mainland.

I mean, I could have chosen any occupation as long as it could be mobile. Anything from a mobile doctor office to a bug specialist. The world was wide open for ideas.

After just completing a rather serious series, I wanted to write something lighter, funnier, but with that same depth and heart that I love to read. I also needed something that fit my character, and Mel had some pretty strong opinions right out of the gate.

You see, Mel is one of those characters who spoke to me right away. She loves animals. All animals but especially dogs. They’re her happy place. Mel is also a giver. She will drop everything to help someone else.

When I asked her what her dream job would be, she answered me faster than any character ever has. Pet groomer! (Yes, I talk to my characters.)

And I thought, why not a mobile pet groomer? She gets to spend all her time with animals (which is a bonus for me as the author), and Mel’s character traits can shine through her actions and reveal her giving heart.

Once the job was decided, I knew there needed to be some drama. What would be the underlying fear of a pet groomer? I didn’t want to injure an animal, so I went for what felt like second most traumatic, an escaped animal.

While Daphne’s escape is serious and causes Mel no end of sleepless nights, it also provides some comedic relief for Mel and Zeke while they work through their own personal battles. I like to think of Mishaps off the Mainland as a mixture of quirky fun and serious truth. The story was a joy to write, and I hope you fall in love with Mel and Zeke.

Blog Stops

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, December 18

Livin’ Lit, December 18

Texas Book-aholic, December 19

21st Century Keeper at Home, December 19

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 20

Connect in Fiction, December 20

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 21

deb's Book Review, December 21

Inklings and notions, December 22

The Collaborative Press, December 22

For Him and My Family, December 23

lakesidelivingsite, December 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 23

Joanne Markey, December 24

Reviewingbooksplusmore, December 24

Batya's Bits, December 25

Daysong Reflections, December 25

She Lives To Read, December 26

Rebekah Reads, December 26

Splashes of Joy, December 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 27

Blossoms and Blessings, December 27

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, December 28

Captive Dreams Window, December 28

Artistic Nobody, December 29 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Simple Harvest Reads, December 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Aryn the Libraryan, December 30

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, December 30

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 30

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 31

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tabitha is giving away the grand prize package a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/104fd/mishaps-off-the-mainland-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, December 18, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway: The Gold Digger

I'm writing this on Monday. It's been a crazy busy two weeks. We've been busy with ending the semester with a Christmas party at our homeschool co-op (lots of fun, but lots of work, too!) and preparing for the Christmas play that was performed at church yesterday morning. We didn't get to do a big play (performed by adults) this year, but some of our children, including my daughter, performed in a very cute, fun play called Peanut Butter Christmas (adapted from the Patch the Pirate script) (Watch on our YouTube channel at (https://youtu.be/ngF2c8NtgzY?t=939) Your family will enjoy it, I guarantee it! My daughter plays the older daughter and the other children who play her siblings are her Best Buds. The parents are the real mom and dad of three of the other boys (plus the two robbers). Advertisement over. All that to say that with us being so busy, it's been kind of a struggle to get this book read. I usually can fly through books pretty fast, but I just didn't have the time to do that. Today I took a mental health day and finished the book in between naps and playing my favorite new iPad game Nonogram.

The Gold Digger is written by Liz Tolsma who also wrote The Refrain Within for which I gave five stars. This book is very different and I have to commend the author for the ability to write in different genres. Unfortunately, I can't give this book five stars. It just didn't blow me out of the water like The Refrain Within did. I also think that the people who will enjoy this book comprise a very select audience. The story was intriguing and I admire the way that she handled the plot since it is fiction based on an actual historical case. The way she wrote it is very believable, yet hard to read due to being about people who show themselves to be very evil. Although it is not very graphic, it is gruesome -- nothing I can't handle. However, knowing it actually happened makes it a little harder to read.

One of the best parts of the book came towards the end. Here is an excerpt:

Mrs. Lindherud patted Ingrid's hand. "Tears don't make you weak. God gave us tears to cleanse us and to heal us. I've done enough crying of my own in the months since my dear Sven left..." [skipped so as not to reveal spoilers] "What makes us strong is our faith. Paul says that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. That's who we must cling to in such trying circumstances. All other ground is sinking sand."

This is followed by the hymn On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand.

Ingrid had an anchor. She had a Father. The best, most faithful, most unchangeable Father there ever was. Belle failed Ingrid, many times over. But her Father never would. If she placed her hope in Him, not a wishful hope but a sure hope, she would never be alone.

Celebrate Lit gave me the opportunity to choose this book to receive, read, and review for free. Keep reading to learn more about the book (with photos of some of the real characters) and the author and to enter a great giveaway!

About the Book

Book: The Gold Digger

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian/Historical/Suspense

Release Date: December, 2020

Men Are Disappearing in LaPorte, Indiana

Book 9 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History

Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History

In 1907, shy but loyal Ingrid Storset travels from Norway to support her grieving sister, Belle Gunness, who owns a farm in LaPorte, Indiana. Well-to-do widow Belle, who has lost two husbands and several children, provides Ingrid with enough money to start a small business. But Ingrid is confused by the string of men Belle claims to be interviewing for her next husband. When Nils Lindherud comes to town looking for his missing brother, who said he was going to marry Belle, Ingrid has a sinking feeling her sister is up to no good.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Liz Tolsma is a popular speaker and an editor and the owner of the Write Direction Editing. An almost-native Wisconsinite, she resides in a quiet corner of the state with her husband and is the mother of three. Her son proudly serves as a U.S. Marine. They adopted all of their children internationally, and one has special needs. When she gets a few spare minutes, she enjoys reading, relaxing on the front porch, walking, working in her large perennial garden, and camping with her family.

More from Liz

This story was so much fun to write, and the research was so interesting. It has to rank up there with one of my favorite books to write. That’s what makes my job the best around.

There are a great number of characters in The Gold Digger who are historical. Many of the places I mention are also historical. I had the pleasure of spending a day in LaPorte, Indiana, to research the book and take some pictures they had in the museum there. Research is one of my favorite aspects to writing. I could have spent much, much longer losing myself in the museum and in the archives. Good thing my cousin, who I was staying with, called me to let me know that it was getting dark and she had dinner ready, otherwise who knows how long I would have been there. Probably until they kicked me out!

One thing that the people of LaPorte would want you to know is that they really are nice people and that their town is a nice town. Lots of good people have been born there or have lived there over the years, including Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, William Mayo, who founded Mayo Clinic, and William Scholl, who found Dr. Scholl’s. They kept emphasizing to me while I was there what a great place LaPorte is. Judging by their friendliness and helpfulness, I would have to agree.

To help you better visualize the characters and setting, here are some photographs of the real people and places that appear in The Gold Digger.

Enjoy the book!

Liz

Blog Stops

Connie's History Classroom, December 17

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 17

Genesis 5020, December 17

Pause for Tales, December 17

Artistic Nobody, December 18 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Sodbuster Living, December 18

21st Century Keeper at Home, December 18

Older & Smarter?, December 19

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 19

Blossoms and Blessings, December 19

The Write Escape, December 19

For the Love of Literature, December 20

deb's Book Review, December 20

Blogging With Carol, December 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 21

lakesidelivingsite, December 21

Betti Mace, December 21

Inklings and notions, December 21

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 22

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 22

All-of-a-kind Mom, December 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 23

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 23

CarpeDiem, December 23

Hallie Reads, December 23

Remembrancy, December 24

Christian Bookaholic, December 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 24

Writing from the Heart Land, December 25

Splashes of Joy, December 25

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 25

Through the Fire Blogs, December 26

Rebecca Tews, December 26

For Him and My Family, December 26

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 27

Bigreadersite, December 27

Southern Gal Loves to Read, December 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 27

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 28

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, December 28

Mary Hake, December 28

Texas Book-aholic, December 29

Godly Book Reviews, December 29

Daysong Reflections, December 29

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, December 30

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, December 30

Daysong Reflections, December 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of The Gold Digger!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/104fc/the-gold-digger-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, December 4, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway: Snuffed Out

After my mom went to Heaven, I brought her beloved china cabinet home. She loved it and her piano almost more than her children and woe to anybody who didn't take careful heed when near either one! She always kept both china and mementos in it. I don't have any nice china to speak of (I don't host fancy meals; I barely can cook.), so I use the china cabinet to store things that do not mean anything to anybody except for me and my daughter. I have a vase that was my great grandmother's, several figurines that my mom bought for me (Avon - remember those?), souvenirs from trips, and also a plain brown glass bottle that my family picked up on a hike on the property where my dad grew up. This bottle is a snuff bottle and apparently, my grandmother used it. It's just interesting enough to keep.

In Snuffed Out, a snuff box from a history professor's collection is found on the scene where a dead body was also found by Katrina and Todd. (I love the play on words in the title!) Katrina and Todd work together to solve the mystery regarding the person who died. Along the way, they experience positive progression in their relationship, and we get to know some new characters. I had been looking forward to this book ever since I read the first book in the series Brought to Book. My only complaint about the book is that it was too short. The story was just right - I just wanted to read more! I did not expect the conclusion to the case, so that was fun. I also really liked how Katrina takes the opportunity to share the Gospel with a new character who listens carefully. I hope to read more about that in the next book.

Celebrate Lit gave me the opportunity to receive, read, and review this book. Keep reading to learn more about the book, the author, and to enter a great giveaway!

About the Book

Book: Snuffed Out

Author: Barbara Cornthwaite

Genre: Christian cozy mystery

Release Date: July 24, 2020

Picnics can be murder… scenes.

What was supposed to be a romantic picnic at “their spot” turns criminal when Katrina and Todd stumble—almost literally—over a body.

What’s the college chef doing under a bush up in the mountains? Other than being dead, that is.

Who killed him? Why?

All clues point to people who Katrina is certain didn’t do it. Especially the one who ends up dead himself.

Uh, oh.

Thanks to a slow-burning romantic relationship that can’t seem to get past chapter one, and a determination to save her friend from false arrest, Katrina joins Todd again as they riddle out bizarre clues, weed through unlikely suspects, and learn to communicate on a more personal level.

What do you get when you combine literary humor, sweet romance, and a practical helping of faith? A cozy mystery that’ll keep you guessing. Barbara Cornthwaite’s second Wilkester Mystery has everything you want for a cozy read.

Snag Snuffed Out today.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Barbara Cornthwaite lives in the middle of Ireland with her husband and children. She taught college English before “retiring” to do something she loves far more; her days are now filled with homeschooling her six children, trying to keep the house tidy (a losing battle), and trying to stay warm in the damp Irish climate (also a losing battle). She is surrounded by medieval castles, picturesque flocks of sheep, and ancient stone monuments. These things are unappreciated by her children, who are more impressed by traffic jams, skyscrapers, and hot weather.

Teaser for Snuffed Out

Todd closed the folder with the Franklin case paperwork in it and laid it on top of the stack of folders waiting to be filed. He almost reached for the Delaney case notes again but resisted the impulse. There was no new information in there, and he’d gone over everything a dozen times in the last few days. He had promised Katrina he wouldn’t give up, but without any new leads to pursue, there wasn’t much he could do.

He shook his head, impatient with himself. He’d been doing so well at putting her out of his mind—hadn’t thought of her all day until this moment. Now he’d probably be struggling for the rest of the day.

John Ortega poked his head into Todd’s office.

“Hey, we just got a call from the librarian at Wilkester College about the theft of a manuscript. The chief said either one of us could go, but I thought you might like to take it.”

“Why?”

“Oh, come on,” said John. “You think I’m blind and deaf?”

“It’s no use. Nothing’s going to happen between Dr. Peters and me.”

John leaned up against the door frame and grinned at him. “’Dr. Peters,’ huh? She was ‘Katrina’ for weeks.”

“Well, that was before. Now that I know a relationship isn’t possible, I need to keep my distance.”

“She turned you down?”

“I didn’t ask, but trust me, I know what I’m talking about.”

“Hmm,” John said. “You don’t usually give up on things so easily. Well, do you mind handling this anyway? I’ve got that other robbery case to deal with, and I’m supposed to be interviewing that guy from Tacoma in a couple hours.” Todd hesitated and John added, “She’s an adjunct professor, right? She’s probably not even on campus now, and she certainly won’t be in the library.”

“Oh, okay.” Todd sighed. He pushed back his chair and stood up.

“’Attaboy. Thanks for taking the call.” John turned to go and then looked back. “It will get easier, you know.”

“I know.” As long as I don’t see her again.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 28

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, November 28

Texas Book-aholic, November 29

Nancy E Wood, November 29

The Avid Reader, November 30

Genesis 5020, November 30

For the Love of Literature, November 30

Sodbusterliving, December 1

Artistic Nobody, December 1 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 2

deb's Book Review, December 2

Remembrancy, December 3

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 3

Splashes of Joy, December 3

Inklings and notions, December 4

21st Century Keeper at Home, December 4

For Him and My Family, December 5

Blogging With Carol, December 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 6

Emily Yager, December 6

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, December 7

Lis Loves Reading, December 7

Labor Not in Vain, December 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 8

Mary Hake, December 8

She Lives to Read, December 9

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 10

Godly Book Reviews, December 10

SusanLovesBooks, December 10

Daysong Reflections, December 11

Bizwings Blog, December 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Barbara is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/103f2/snuffed-out-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, December 3, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway: Forgiven Again

Forgiven Again is the sequel to No Greater Love by Gina Holder. Celebrate Lit gave me the opportunity to receive, read, and review Forgiven Again; Gina Holder sent them both books so that we reviewers can read the first one for the backstory. I'm grateful for the two-for-one deal, and I really liked No Greater Love!

No Greater Love is a story that very clearly presents the Gospel in the middle of a riveting story. The characters come to life on the page and I could not put down my iPad (or phone - I read on both) except to go to sleep. I read much of it while in the car during a ridiculously-long trip to visit family for Thanksgiving (ridiculously long because we made a lot of stops and the traffic was backed up and at a standstill for almost two hours at one point . . . and because the other occupants of the car kept talking while I tried reading my book). There were no big surprises in the book - I guessed the who-dun-its - except I think there may have been one unidentified person whom I had hoped would make an appearance in the second book but did not.

Forgiven Again continues the story of Paige, Hamilton, Kathleen, Ryan, and Kylie. This story has a prodigal son (actually daughter) theme to it, and the suspense is just as good as in No Greater Love. This time, the who-dun-it caught me by surprise! The characters surprised me as well, especially Kathleen. I also enjoyed meeting Jessie and Aunt Hattie. They offer a bit of comic relief (which might seem weird given their bickering). There is an extended epilogue below which I hope will develop into a third book.

Celebrate Lit gave me the opportunity to receive, read, and review this book. Keep reading to learn more about the author, the book, and to enter a great giveaway!

About the Book

Book: Forgiven Again

Author: Gina Holder

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: November 3, 2020

She’s running for governor. He’s a pastor.

Will they risk their lives to keep a secret?

Annie Staten, now known as Kathleen Phillips, has dreamed of pursuing a political career and following in her father’s footsteps. But Richard was a hated man during his tenure as governor and now his enemies will stop at nothing to prevent his daughter from winning the election.

Ryan Whitestone has loved Annie since high school, but his heart is broken by the woman she has become. When the daughter she gave up for adoption comes back into her life, can he help her heal from her pain and remind her of who she used to be?

Will Kathleen be able to forgive herself, put the past behind her, and find love again?

The continuing story of No Greater Love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Gina Holder dreamed of being a writer from her early teen years. She lives in Colorado with her husband and daughter. When she’s not homeschooling or working on her next novel, she enjoys reading, watching movies, cooking, singing, and playing the piano. Her indie published debut novel was released in 2017.

More from Gina

Forgiven Again: Extended Epilogue

The rag was warm and wet in her hand as Kylie wiped down the café countertop. Her shoes pinched her feet, and she was looking forward to kicking them off and plopping down on the couch with a movie and a leftover cinnamon roll.

As Kylie stretched across the flat surface, her hair fell into her face. She dropped onto her heels, then brushed the strand of hair out of her eyes. She turned to shake the cloth over the trashcan when the doorbell jingled behind her. Had she forgotten to switch off the open sign?

“I’m sorry. We’re closed,” she called over her shoulder. But instead of hearing the bell again, coins clunked down on her clean counter. She turned to face the late customer and cleared her throat. “Maybe you didn’t hear me. I said, we’re closed.”

The man about her own age nodded. His blond hair was knotted in dreadlocks and looked like it hadn’t been washed in months. His skin was tanned, and his clothes were well-worn. “I heard you. I just could really use a bottle of water.” His voice crackled, raspy and dry.

Compassion smote Kylie’s heart. It wouldn’t hurt to sell this guy one bottle of water before she sent him on his way. She turned to the fridge and opened the sticky door. The rush of cold air sent chills up her arms. “You look like you’ve been on the road awhile. Just passing through or hoping to stick around?”

“Hoping to stay awhile. I’m actually looking for someone.”

Kylie grabbed a cold water, then sat it on the counter. “That’ll be a dollar twenty-five.”

The man slid the coins toward her. Kylie took five quarters and dropped them into the cash register drawer. “Who are you looking for? Maybe I know them. This is a pretty small town.”

He twisted off the lid and poured the water down his throat. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he drank. When the bottle was empty, he sighed and wiped his arm across his lips. “Thank you. I appreciate you staying open for me.”

“Can I get you anything else?”

“No, thanks.”

Did he turn down her offer because he truly didn’t want anything else or he just couldn’t afford anything else? She glanced over at the boxed cinnamon roll waiting for her to take home. She grabbed it and slid in across the counter. “Hey. This was left over from this morning. I was just going to toss it out. You’re welcome to it.”

The young man’s eyes widened. His stomach audibly growled. His neck reddened. “Thank you. That is truly kind of you.” He stretched out his hand. “Christopher.”

Kylie smiled and took his hand. “Kylie. Nice to meet you.”

An odd look passed over the stranger’s face. “Kylie? I’m looking for a Kylie.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Really? I’m the only one in town that I know of.”

“Kylie Phillips?”

“Yes. That’s me.”

“My name is Christopher Phillips. I’m your brother.”

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 3

21st Century Keeper at Home, December 3

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 4

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, December 5

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, December 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 7

Texas Book-aholic, December 8

Artistic Nobody, December 9 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 10

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 10

For Him and My Family, December 11

Older & Smarter?, December 12

Inklings and notions, December 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 13

Betti Mace, December 14

deb's Book Review, December 14

CarpeDiem, December 15

Pause for Tales, December 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Gina is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift card and a copy of Books 1 and 2 of the Shadows Over Whitman series, No Greater Love and Forgiven Again!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/10455/forgiven-again-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway: Simply West of Heaven

I am writing this early since we are going out of town for Thanksgiving. I already read the first two books of this series and have read Simply West of Heaven and have begun the fourth book which is called Being West is Best.

Simply West of Heaven flows really well with the first book of the series The Secret Sisters Club. The second book, Trouble Blows West, is part of the story but seems separate from the overall storyline. Being West is Best features the Owens family who was in Trouble Blows West, so those two books seem to go together so far. I'm only about 15-20% through with Being West is Best, so I can't say for sure.

Simply West of Heaven has a bit more drama in it; in fact, the author calls it a "soap opera for children." None of it is bad, although if you have children younger than maybe 7th-9th grades, you might want to preview it to see if it's a good fit for your child. I wouldn't have a problem with Gracie reading it since it's no different from what we see in today's world. Sin is introduced but is pointed out as being wrong. It's not glorified in any way and one of the consequences is correctly labeled as a blessing (trying not to give away spoilers here). In thinking about it just now, considering that the book brings up the struggles that adults have with difficult circumstances, I think I probably will have Gracie wait a year or two before reading this book simply because I see no reason to introduce these particular burdensome topic matters to a child who doesn't have to deal with it herself if that makes sense.

Again, I like the characters, and I love the family dynamics of this book. My favorite scene involves the hot air balloon and it actually made me cry. There's a new character whom I have not yet decided whether or not to trust completely -- that kind of guessing makes the overall story more intriguing.

Celebrate Lit gave me the opportunity to receive, read, and review this book. Keep reading to learn more about the book, the author, and to enter a great giveaway!

About the Book

Book: Simply West of Heaven

Author: Monique Bucheger

Genre: Mid-grade, blended family, horses

Release Date: January 1, 2013

Twelve-year-old BFFs Ginnie and Tillie are matchmaking geniuses. Sweet! Not long after they schemed to get Ginnie’s widowed dad to fall in love with Tillie’s divorced mom, Ginnie stumbled upon her late mom’s journals, making life even more awesome sauce … until her dad confiscated the journals, determined to protect Ginnie from a danger he won’t name.

Ginnie is counting on her future sister’s help to make Dad change his mind, but Tillie’s not so sure the ghost of Ginnie’s mom will make a good addition to their new family tree. The girls’ world gets flipped upside-down when a blast from the past shows up and makes Tillie go nutburgers. Ginnie is torn between helping her best friend and what could be the answer to her deepest wish.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

When Monique isn’t writing, you can find her playing taxi driver to one or more of her 12 children, plotting her next novel, scrapbooking, or being the “Mamarazzi” at any number of child-oriented events.

Even though she realizes there will never be enough hours in any given day, Monique tries very hard to enjoy the journey that is her life. She shares it with a terrific husband, her dozen children, twelve grand-darlings, too many cats, and many real and imaginary friends. She is the author of several books in three series and hopes to write many more.

More from Monique

Hello Everybody,

Welcome to the kickoff tour of my third book: SIMPLY WEST OF HEAVEN: A Ginnie West Adventure. This book is the hardest one for me to blurb because it contains my four best twists and I don’t want to give away any of the surprises (and some readers have said they were downright shocked—in a good way—by some of them.) 

This book stretched my writing ability and deepened my emotional investment in the West family greatly. This book continues to explore the relationship of best friends, Ginnie West and Tillie Taylor. It has been described as “a soap opera for children” because of all the plot twists and reveals.

It explores Ginnie and Tillie’s deeper, hidden feelings in a way that may bring you tears as well as greater understanding. Several reviewers commented on how authentic and “real” the West family is to them. I love knowing that people are willing to go on a journey with Ginnie and Tillie and the rest of the West family. That they are willing to laugh and cry with them. I promise—this book will give you opportunities for both. 

Simply West of Heaven has recently been made into an audiobook and that was a fun endeavor as I listened to the voices in my head come to life. My narrator, the very talented, Hillary Straga, said all of the twists kept her on her toes, but that she loved voicing this book because she never knew what to expect.

I hope that the people who choose to read this book will have the same experience. That they will be eager to jump in, put aside pre-conceived notions, and become part of the West family saga: that they will cheer for them, cry with them, and celebrate with them. One of my favorite reviews of this book states that: “I tried to skip ahead and every time I did—I had to go back to where I was because I missed something important in the story.”

Thank you to those of you who are willing to continue to read the Ginnie West Adventures and “Welcome!” to those who have decided to start with this book.

Laugh lots, Love much, Write on!

Monique Bucheger