OVER THE HORIZON (Horizons Series #1) by Penny Zeller

My thoughts:  Life for a lone young woman in the 1870s did not offer much; and when a mean, cruel man expects her to marry him, she has very little recourse. In Paisley's case, she hid and fled the scene in the back of a wagon of another man - unknown to her as to his character and destination.

Speak of horrendous circumstances! Well, such a situation probably has been played out through the ages as young women have fled the clutches of men known for their cruelty. In Paisley's situation, the story takes on a fairy tale quality with the wagon driver, Tyler, as her prince charming.

No, the author isn't weaving a retake on a fairy tale. She is giving us a glimpse into desperation, marriages of convenience, and the good qualities of a man.

As Paisley's and Tyler's story progresses the reality of orphaned children and the Orphan Trains of the 1800s (out of New York) is woven into their story. We meet three different orphaned children, from different families, who traveled on the Orphan Train and were adopted into Tyler's parent's family after being rejected for adoption by other families. 

Other characters with traits of warmth, goodness, and caring are introduced into Paisley's life as she begins living in the area that is the small town of Horizon.

A lovely story. Sweetness. Fear. Evil. Goodness. Trust. Faith in God. New beginnings. Such a wealth of kindness and overcoming difficulties woven into a story that is a joy to read.

I highly recommend.

About the book: A most unusual proposal

Alone in 1870s Idaho Territory, Paisley Abbott has nowhere to turn. With no other options, she finds herself consenting to an unconventional, but mutually beneficial agreement.

During an unplanned return to his family’s farm, prodigal Tyler Shepherdson inherits three children. When Tyler finds a woman hiding in the back of his wagon, an idea begins to form and he makes a rash decision that results in perhaps one of the most spontaneous marriages of convenience ever.

Despite an unorthodox beginning to their marriage, will Paisley and Tyler trust God as they forge ahead to create a home for three orphans? Will love arise from a desperate situation?

In the first book in the Horizon Series, travel to the late 1800s to the town of Horizon in the Idaho Territory with a cast of unforgettable characters, journeys of faith, and abundant humor. Secret word: read.

Coming soon, the newest series by Penny Zeller, author of the Wyoming Sunrise, Love Letters from Ellis Creek, and Montana Skies Christian Historical Romance Series. Horizon Series:

• Over the Horizon (July 2023)
• Dreams on the Horizon (2024)
• Beyond the Horizon (2024)

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Natural & organic Trillium products soothe and restore skin [Samples Giveaway USA]

A chance to win great samples and try some calming, skin-soothing products to help your summer time sun-damaged skin in preparation for the harsh winter weather approaching.

 

 

GOD FAMILY FOOTBALL (Amazon Freevee Free Streaming Series) begins September 1 [Review & Amazon giftcard Giveaway]

It's time for some free streaming movie time. Stream FREE on Amazon Freevee the docuseries series "GOD. FAMILY. FOOTBALL."

Free to watch on Amazon Freevee

When: Beginning September 1

Littlest ones begin with learning numbers and colors - delightful board books [Review & Giveaway USA/CANADA - 2 Winners]

Name Your Numbers by Smriti Prasadam-Halls & Edward Underwood

 

My thoughts:  A cute book that has little ones looking for items to count on each page. Cute animals to identify with charming names. Little extra critters on each page to find and learn about. And then at the end a pop-up to add a bit of excitement. 

Rebecca (Daughters of the Lost Colony #3) by Shannon McNear from Barbour Publishing

My thoughts:  As an individual that has lived in North Carolina my entire life and originally from the coastal area, and as an individual that has always been fascinated by history - any era, I have found that reading Shannon McNear's fictional historical stories of the early settlers of the shores of what is now Virginia and North Carolina to be utterly fascinating.

The author treats the historical accounts - both from recorded history of the "natural" or Indian people as well as the English settler's accounts, with delicate respect and artistry.

Review of the movie: "The Hill" - Based on the Incredible True Story [And a 4-ticket Giveaway]

 

My thoughts: I had the opportunity to view a pre-release screening of "The Hill." Having to view it on my laptop computer did not give the greatest experience, but it was enough to see the value and quality that this film is. Also, the character's accents, really deep southern, were difficult for me even though I, too, am a southerner. Lack of closed captions in this viewing further posed a personal difficulty since I have hearing limitations. However, all that being said, the film is well done, time-appropriately staged, and reflects well on the particular culture surrounding the area and peoples. I thought the acting well done even though some of the characters made me, a southerner, cringe at the imagery.

When little ones first encounter school - picture books for encouraging [Review & 4-book Giveaway USA/CANADA]

This is a Story by John Schu & illustrated by Lauren Castillo

My thoughts:  This is a lovely progressive book. It shows the young child that education encompasses a story. The beginning of education is letters that build into words that develop into stories. So going to school (or a library) is all about a story. 

A lovely intro to the power of language - written language. Words built into stories built into books that tell about things, people, places - our world, our hearts, our anticipations. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Countdown (Extreme Measures #4) by Lynette Eason

ISBN: 9780800737368
Revell Books | $17.99 paperback

My thoughts:  I always look forward to reading new books by Lynette Eason. In the Extreme Measures series, we met a contingent of characters whose lives are interwoven in their daily activities as well as in that of solving crime and saving lives. In Countdown the story of Raina gets told and it wraps up the series.

Raina has had a complicated and tainted life. She currently is living a fast paced life working as an Advanced EMS team member. Her sordid past involves a horrific life experience with a "love" who beat her senseless and left her to die. The result was that she had to develop new identities in an effort to escape the clutches of this past partner who sought to kill her.

Entertaining & engaging Middle School books from Holiday House to kick off Back To School time [Book Spotlight & 5-book Giveaway USA only]

The Great Peach Experiment 2: The Peach Pit 

Buy it

Hammer together a mission to turn a crumbling mansion into a cozy bed-and-breakfast, a treasure map, and a family trying to figure out their new normal to build this charming middle grade bursting with humor, heart, and hope.

Much to their surprise, the Peaches had a great summer running their food truck business selling their pies across the Mid-West, but they’re happy to be back home in Duluth, Minnesota, where they can settle back into a routine just in time for the new school year.

That is until Great Aunt Lucinda drops a big surprise on them: She wants to gift them her historic mansion. But there are conditions: they’re to turn it into a cozy and welcoming bed-and-breakfast, something the Peach kids’ mom always dreamed of before she passed away. And they only have until Thanksgiving to do the renovations and prove they can make the business work. It looks like it’s a new chapter of The Great Peach Experiment. 

Back to School Giveaway Blog Hop [Aug. 8-25]

 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Chat With Vera's giveaway for a middle-school books is one of the giveaways listed. Other giveaways are sponsored by individual bloggers and their sponsors.

You Are More Than You've Been Told by Hosanna Wong [Book spotlight & Giveaway]

 

YOU ARE MORE THAN YOU’VE BEEN TOLD

Unlock a Fresh Way to Live Through the Rhythms of Jesus

NEW from bestselling author, international speaker,
& spoken word artist, Hosanna Wong.

You don't have to live disconnected from yourself or from God.

Have you ever felt unseen, unwanted, or unworthy? If so, you’re not crazy. You’ve been told lies your whole life. From the beginning of time, the enemy has been fighting against you knowing who you are, so you never live the full life you were created to live. But there is good news…