Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Sword of Trust ~ Character Interview & Giveaway

I'm delighted to welcome Debbie Lynne Costello back to the blog today celebrating the release of Sword of Trustthe long-awaited sequel to Sword of Forgiveness! She has a fun interview with Bryce and Deidre, our hero and heroine. 


Let's read an EXCERPT before we get to the interview!

 

The woman had a stubborn streak in her that surpassed that of King Richard. Bryce frowned as he waited for a response from her. But instead of a response, she kept her folded arms before her and glared back at him. The wench not only had spirit, but she had courage. Bryce grudgingly admired that in her. 

 

He didn't want to like or admire her. That complicated an already complex situation. He still hadn't figured out what to do with the woman. It might help if he knew what she kept from him and ---he paused in his thoughts---if she didn't get more beautiful every time he saw her. 

 

Lord have mercy on him, but in the past sennight the swelling had gone down in her face and the bruises had began to fade, giving him a glimpse of her real beauty.

 

He continued to wait for her answer. Little did she know that her silence spoke volumes. It told him that she did keep something from him.

 

As he continued to stare down at her, he searched through his memory for a clue of what secret she kept. He thought back on some of her outbursts. She'd called him a murderer and said he'd taken what was hers. And then when he'd asked her what he'd taken of hers, she'd whispered so quietly he knew she didn't think he'd heard. But he had and it had bothered him more than he'd wanted to admit. Aye, he heard the pain in her words, my best friend.

If you want to purchase a copy, that'd be great! I always want to encourage y'all to buy books because authors  have to eat too! LOL 

I'm not affiliated with Amazon so I don't make any money if you use the link. It's provided as a courtesy only. 

PURCHASE:

AMAZON


I loved this story!!! My Review can be read HERE

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And now let's see what Bryce and Deirdre are up to.


Bryce, what was your first impression of Deirdre?

You mean when she wanted me to believe she was a lad? If I am honest with you, I found her a bit annoying and I also found enjoyment irritating her.

What about you, Deirdre? What was your first impression of Bryce?

Weel, I dinna think my impression of Bryce was any better than his of me. I saw him as my enemy—an arrogant English enemy. He is still rather full of himself.

Bryce: What does that mean lass?

Deirdre: Nothing dearling. Just making an observation.

Oh my! Sounds like you two were off to quite an interesting start.

Deirdre: ’Tis a kind way of putting it.


Bryce, if you have a son someday would you encourage him to be a knight, knowing he could face danger every single day?

Aye, becoming a knight teaches a man responsibilities if he learns under an honorable lord. He learns to defend and care for the weak and less fortunate. ’Tis dangerous at times, but a man will not die any earlier or live any longer than the good Lord wishes. I should have died two times by all accounts, but the Lord was not ready to let me go. The same would be for a son. God will watch over him.

Deirdre, if you have a daughter someday what would you like for her?

I wish for her tae always know the love of her parents and tae never doubt it. I would want her tae have love in her heart and no’ bitterness and anger. And I hope she will find a man worthy of her, who loves her and treats her with respect.


Bryce, is there one person in particular that you look up to?


’Twould be my father. He was a man who loved his family, believed in honor, and a man’s word. I would give up Rosen Craig today if I could bring him back.


Deirdre, who was the most influential person in your life?

I fear it would be my uncle, though his influence was no’ a guid one. He taught me tae hate the English, tae distrust people and fear my da. I am trying tae put that behind me and forget his lies.


I see you don’t still hate the English, Deirdre. What changed?

Weel, there is much tae be said for living amongst people. You are able tae see who they are instead of the lies one has been fed. What my uncle told me did no’ ring true as I watched and experienced the kindness of the English people.

Bryce: Me, lass? You experienced my kindness?

Deirdre: You mean like when you captured me and dragged me tae Rosen Craig?

Bryce: I did not drag you, lass. You rode on my horse.

Haha. Well, now I look forward to that story!


What would the perfect life look like to you, Bryce?

My parents would still live and could meet my lovely wife.

What about you, Deirdre?

I think I am living it. I have a guid husband, a child on the way, and a Lord who watches over us.

Bryce: You had to show me up, lass, did you not?

Deirdre: You are just jealous that you did no’ think of it.


Speaking of jealous, Bryce, were you ever jealous of your brother?

Nay. I had nothing to be jealous of. Now you may wish to ask Royce that question if you would like a different answer.

Deirdre: I am going tae tell Royce you said that.

Bryce: Now lass, do not be trying to stir up problems.

Deirdre: Oh nay, I would no’ stir trouble. However, the next time I need an ally, I ken I will find one in your brother.


Was it hard growing up without parents, Deirdre?

As I look back, I see the years were harder than I realized at the time, so aye, it was. I watched other children and longed tae have a mother and da like them. And although Mairi was guid tae me, she still was no’ a mother. And I had tae grow up pretending tae be a lad. I found myself trying tae find validation by being the best at anything I could. But it never worked because I was no’ who I pretended tae be.

Thank you for taking the time out of what I know is a very busy schedule with all of your responsibilities.  Is there anything either of you would like to say to the readers, Deirdre?

Yes, please come visit us in Sword of Trust. We would love tae have you.

Bryce, anything you’d like to say?

See you in Cumberland.

Debbie Lynne Costello is the author of Sword of Forgiveness, Amazon's #1 seller for Historical Christian Romance. She has enjoyed writing stories since she was eight years old. She raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories that had been begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and live in upstate South Carolina with their 4 horses, 3 dogs, a miniature donkey, and 6 peking ducks.

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GIVEAWAY~

Debbie Lynne has graciously offered a digital copy of any of her books, winner’s choice!! To enter the giveaway, please comment on this blog post with your name, email address in a non-spammy format (jane at doe dot com), and which book you'd like.

Giveaway ends March 30, 2021.

Please don't just say 'enter me'. Let's engage in conversation!!!



Sunday, March 21, 2021

Review ~ Sword of Trust (Winds of Change2) by Debbie Lynne Costello


I'm so excited to announce that on Tuesday, March 22nd, I will have an interview with the two main characters from Sword of Trust!!! 

It was originally scheduled for today but I had to postpone. I sure hope you'll come back because not only will you get a little glimpse into Bryce and Deirdre, but there will be a giveaway involved as well!!

I really enjoyed this medieval novel and share my review below. 

If you haven't read it, it's available on Amazon. 


*I'm not affiliated with Amazon. Link is provided as a courtesy only.


My Review ~ 4.5 STARS!!!

Sword of Trust (Winds of Change 2) by Debbie Lynne Costello

“There comes a point when a man must stand up for what he knows is right regardless of whether it goes against his king.”

Sword of Trust is the long-awaited second book in the Winds of Change series and it was worth the wait! Medieval is not my era of expertise but I was completely and utterly fascinated by the landscape, characters, and history displayed. It was an age of inconceivable brutality and Costello does not shrink back from that reality, yet with subtle words engaged this reader to the point that I was rather antsy when I had to put the book down.

I found much depth to Bryce and Deirdre and many others, loving them each for their unique qualities. Faith struggles are on prominent display as well, and hope brought about in a natural way that was quite encouraging. There is one character that stands out robustly in my mind and I sure hope *he gets his story someday because what a story it would be. 

*whispers to the author “Michael, Michael” LOL

If you have not read the first book, Sword of Forgiveness, I recommend doing so as I think it will add context and depth to this one. I highly recommend Sword of Trust! I received an ARC from the author and also purchased a personal copy. No compensation received.



Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Flowers Lift the Spirit!

I absolutely LOVE these Lenten Roses!!! 


A friend of mine gave me a small clump a few years ago and now they're blooming like crazy. They grow best in a raised bed out back so when I saw them blooming yesterday, I cut them and brought them in to enjoy. 

I actually forget about them being out there because of the location. My husband spotted them when he went to get me a few rocks for an aquarium project. I'm so glad he told me they were blooming!

Sadly, they're a might droopy today so I did some online reading and found out they make terrible cut flowers. The wilting occurs within 24 hours! *sniff *sniff

They were beautiful for a day and brought much enjoyment to my heart. The Lord knew I needed that. 

Our grandson had a rough week last week but is doing much better today. We trust there is a deeper work our Father is doing, even though it is unseen to our eyes. 

Many days I've felt like the Lenten Roses look today—wilted. But I know some of y'all must be praying for me because the sadness doesn't last long when it happens so thank you for your prayers!

I'm definitely going to buy fresh flowers at the grocer this week though. They just brighten everything up and make me smile. 

Do you buy fresh flowers for your home or office? If so, what are your favorites for longevity? 











Monday, March 15, 2021

Review ~ Beauty Among Ruins by J'nell Ciesielski

Paperback, 416 pages

Published January 12th 2021 by Thomas Nelson

About the Book

In Ciesielski’s latest sweeping romance, an American heiress finds herself in Scotland amid the fallout of the Great War, and a wounded Scottish laird comes face-to-face with his past and a woman he never could have expected.

American socialite Lily Durham is known for enjoying one moment to the next, with little regard for the consequences of her actions. But just as she is banished overseas to England as a “cure” for her frivolous ways, the Great War breaks out and wreaks havoc. She joins her cousin in nursing the wounded at a convalescent home deep in the wilds of Scotland at a crumbling castle where its laird is less than welcoming.

Alec MacGregor has given his entire life to preserving his home of Kinclavoch Castle, but mounting debts force him to sell off his family history bit by bit. Labeled a coward for not joining his countrymen in the trenches due to an old injury, he opens his home to the Tommies to make recompense while he keeps to the shadows. But his preference for the shadows is shattered when a new American nurse comes streaming into the castle on a burst of light.

Lily and Alec are thrown together when a series of mysterious events threatens to ruin the future of Kinclavoch. Can they put aside their differences to find the culprit before it’s too late, or will their greatest distraction be falling in love?

Read Excerpt HERE.
Purchase: FaithGateway




My Review ~ 4 STARS 

I enjoyed this historical novel. Beauty Among Ruins is the first book I’ve read by Ciesielski but it sure won’t be the last. I felt like I was right there amidst the wounded and those caring for them. Lily and Alec leapt off the page and right into my heart. It’s set during a serious time in history and the author does a good job of bringing levity when needed. I recommend it to fans of Inspirational historical fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. No compensation received. 



Review ~ Know Your Bible Journal for Women from Barbour Publishing

 

About the Book:


You want the most from your time alone with scripture. . .
this Know Your Bible Journal for Women provides both simple guidance and ample space for you to jot down your reflections.

Based on the three-million-copy bestseller Know Your Bible, this journal describes the who, what, when, where, and why of each biblical book. And it allows you to share your thoughts and feelings, creating a treasured record of your own walk with God.
 
The 
Know Your Bible Journal for Women is presented in a beautiful package featuring

·  a flexible textured binding

·  two-color interior printing

·  stained page edges

·  a ribbon marker

Here are everyday Bible helps for everyday spiritual growth.




My Review ~ 5 STARS

Know Your Bible Journal for Women is fabulous! I have enjoyed the relaxed manner of this journal. Each book of the Bible can be explored as much or as little as you desire with six prompts—In Ten Words or Less; Details, Please; Author and Date; Quotable; Unique and Unusual; So What?—and plenty of writing space. The decorative pages are encased in a lovely and very durable softcover that is equally attractive.

One of my favorite ‘prompts’ is the Details, Please. I’ve recently begun to look a little closer at the details of each book and this gives me a concise, pointed view. But I have to say that each prompt encourages thought and exploration, and you can even write (or draw if that is your thing) your questions down to ponder on. I’m a journaler and love it!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.



Review ~ Come, Sweet Day by Julianne Donaldson

 


About the Book

Bestselling romance author Julianne Donaldson has written deeply emotional, sweeping love stories in Edenbrooke and Blackmoore, often commenting that her characters were a reflection of what she wanted a woman’s life to be: happy, secure, unconditionally loved, and fulfilled. But in reality her own life was far more marked by difficult challenges and disappointments. In her new book, Donaldson reveals her thoughts and feelings from that unsettled time of despair and suffering so women can know they are not alone and that there is hope even in the hard times.

Compiled from years of inspirational words of encouragement to herself on social media—and even bits and pieces of random musings written on scrap paper, this is a unique writer’s journey through a life passage marked by cancer, a bitter divorce, legal battles with her ex-husband, mental illness, and persistent feelings of rejection and abandonment which also rendered her unable to pick up her career as a writer to support herself and her family. Overwhelmed by sadness and almost paralyzed into inaction by despair, she slowly finds her way back to her writer’s toolbox, unpacking the pain and sharing her innermost feelings as if revealing a character’s thoughts in a novel. In her writing she begins to find rays of understanding and acceptance and eventually finds strength from knowing that God’s love and His grace and guidance give greater meaning to our suffering and light the way to hope.

 


My Review ~ 4 STARS

Come, Sweet Day is a compilation of poetic musings from highly-acclaimed romance writer Julianne Donaldson. Weaving a journey of heartache and hope, Donaldson shares deeply personal struggles through a very hard season of life with open, honest words.

Anyone who has experienced grief will be able to empathize with what this author reveals. I know from personal experience getting out of bed when your life has been wrecked with grief is definitely a feat in its own right, and Donaldson grasps this small victory because she has lived it. Hope does come, and when it does, it is a sweet day.

I received an electronic copy from the publisher though NetGalley. No compensation has been received.


Friday, March 12, 2021

Rebecca Reviews ~ My Dear Miss Dupré (American Royalty, #1) by Grace Hitchcock

 


Thirty suitors, six months of courting . . .
would it be enough time for her to fall in love?

Willow Dupré never thought she would have to marry, but with her father's unexpected retirement from running the prosperous Dupré sugar refinery, she is forced into a different future. The shareholders are unwilling to allow a female to take over the company without a man at her side, so her parents devise a plan--find Willow a spokesman king in order for her to become queen of the business empire.

Willow is presented with thirty potential suitors from the families of New York society's elite group called the Four Hundred. She has six months to court the group and is told to to eliminate men each month to narrow her beaus until she chooses one to marry, ending the competition with a wedding. Willow reluctantly agrees, knowing she must do what is best for the business. She doesn't expect to find anything other than a proxy . . . until she meets a gentleman who captures her attention, and she must discover for herself if his motives are pure.

Purchase: Baker Books



Rebecca’s Review ~ 4.5 stars

"Gentleman, allow me to present the lady of the hour, the future queen of the Dupré Sucre empire, Miss Willow Dupré ".

It was either the most brilliant idea in high society history or the most abominable; as far as Willow Dupré was concerned the jury was still out. Her parent's notion of parading thirty gentlemen callers in front of her was not only embarrassing, but seemingly impossible. How was she to choose a potential husband from the lot of them, when her time would be hopelessly divided between so many? Was this truly the only way to maintain leadership of her father's prestigious sugar company, to convince the board of directors that she was capable; she was on a deadline to snag a "male figurehead? This wasn't the 1840's." How utterly chauvinistic of them.


As Willow begins to cull out the gentlemen who are obviously not "match material", the selection process becomes harder as the stakes become higher. Unfortunately there are wolves in sheep's clothing mixed in among the flock, determined to watch her fail, but Willow has no time to commiserate her circumstances; her father's health is deteriorating quickly while the company curiously continues to gain customers, but lose money. Who might Willow trust to treasure her heart, while fully and selflessly appreciating her acuity for numbers and ledgers, for as one of her best friends duly noted, "the heart was not like a business transaction". And just when her decision becomes clearer in her mind, her heart takes a near fatal tumble.

A story that might have come across as a bit trite, has instead portrayed encounters rich in experience, allowing extravagance to dance upon the pages of a delightful journey into the lives of the nouveau rich, proving that at the core of every soul is a desire to be loved unconditionally, first by a Maker and with the help of Providence, also by a soul mate. It will require incredible courage for Willow to make the right decision, as it has for so many others.

"Lord, I trusted you to give me a new song. Is this it? A ballad of a broken heart?"

I was scheduled to receive a copy of this book from the author and publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.


Senior Reviewer, Rebecca Maney

Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With over 30 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".




Friday, March 5, 2021

The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen ~ E-Book DEAL!!!

 


About the Book

After a humiliating mistake, lawyer Benjamin Booker resolves to never again trust a beautiful woman. When an old friend is killed, the senior partner isn't satisfied with Bow Street's efforts and asks Benjamin to investigate. Eager to leave London for a while, Benjamin agrees. Evidence takes him to a remote island on the Thames, a world unto itself, shrouded in mist and mystery. Soon he finds himself falling for the main suspect—a woman who claims not to have left the island in ten years. But should he trust her?

On Belle Island, Isabelle feels safe and leads a productive life, but fear keeps her trapped there. When Mr. Booker arrives with news of her trustee's murder in London, Isabelle is stunned. She has not left the island, yet she has a recurring dream about the man's death. Or is it a memory? She had been furious with him, but she never intended...this.

When a second person dies, and evidence shockingly points to her, Isabelle doesn't know who to trust: the attractive lawyer or the admirer and friends who assemble on the island, each with grudges against the victim. Can she even trust her own mind? While they search for the truth, secrets come to light and danger comes calling.

LIMITED TIME: 
ONLY $1.59 @  AMAZON and ChristianBook

(Always double check price before purchase!)