Merry Christmas, Reader Friends!
We thank you for joining us on this blogging ride. Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year and we’ll see you in 2018!
Month: December 2017
Book Review: Reunited at Christmas
Happy Friday, reader friends!
Are you ready for the weekend?
Today, we’re sharing a review of Belle Calhoune’s book, “Reunited at Christmas”. It’s the perfect holiday/weekend story to read! 🙂
Enjoy!
~*~
About the book:
 A Season to RememberÂ
Two years after the avalanche everyone thought had claimed her life, Ruby Prescott returns to the remote Alaskan town of Love. And no one is more ecstatic than her husband, Liam, and their young son. Even if amnesia has robbed Ruby of her memories, she’s soon woven back into the fabric of their lives. As they celebrate the holiday season, Ruby is falling head over heels for the man she’s told was the love of her life. But she can’t escape the feeling that there’s something Liam is keeping a secret. Will the return of her memories tear them apart for good—or will this be a Christmas she’ll never forget?
Book purchase link:Â Amazon
~*~
Book Review: Reunited at Christmas
If there would be one song that perfectly summarizes this story, it would be the song “After All” performed by Peter Cetera and Cher!
Much like the lyrics in the song “After All”, the relationships in this story “Reunited at Christmas”, are true to real-life. Ruby and Liam were to their friends and most of their family members, “the perfect couple”. But even perfect marriages have rocky moments and the author didn’t shy away from portraying a very real love story between Ruby and Liam.
When the reader meets Ruby, they see that she’s experiencing amnesia. But even with a lapse in memory, certain instances in this story tug at her heart and make her feel like the small Alaskan town called “Love” is her home.
When the reader meets Liam, they know this from the start: he is devastated by his wife’s death—or so he thought, because within the first few pages, he receives a call from the town sheriff with surprising news that he couldn’t quite get because he cannot hear him. But judging by the tone in the sheriff’s voice, Liam knows this is an urgent matter. So Liam rushes to the sheriff’s office and discovers that his wife Ruby survived the avalanche that they thought had killed her and when he sees her, he is shocked but also overwhelmed with the love they shared.
Only problem is, Ruby isn’t sure she knows him or still loves him because the amnesia has blocked out her memory of her life as a wife to Liam and a mother to their son Aidan. As a reader, I liked how Liam was the perfect gentleman and support for Ruby. He didn’t pressure her to do anything beyond her comfort zone but he did gently coax her into remembering their life together. I also liked how the conflict in this story was perfectly layered.
The pacing of this story was perfect. The dialogue was delightful. The characters were captivating and the author’s storytelling skills are excellent!
“Reunited at Christmas” is a book that I will recommend to every book lover I know to read at Christmastime this year and the next because just like this holiday season, this story is heartwarming, inviting and sweet. Bravo to Belle Calhoune for creating this amazing masterpiece of a story!
*Review written by Alexis A. Goring, contributor
~*~
About the author:
 Belle Calhoune grew up in a small town in Massachusetts as one of five children. Although her mother was a doctor and her father a biologist, Belle never gravitated toward science. Growing up across the street from a public library was a huge influence on her life and fueled her love of romance novels.
Belle is the author of nine Harlequin Love Inspired novels with a tenth hitting the shelves in March of 2018. She has Indie published the popular and best-selling inspirational romance series, Seven Brides, Seven Brothers. The Secrets of Savannah and Pelican Bay are both spin-offs of her debut series.
Belle loves writing romance and crafting happily-ever-afters. When she’s not wrangling her two high maintenance dogs or spending time with her husband and two daughters, Belle enjoys travel and exploring new places.
Follow Sandra on Twitter
Book Spotlight: Pain’s Purpose by LaToya C. Martin
Happy Wednesday, Reader Friends!
I’m so excited for today’s book spotlight featuring Pain’s Purpose by LaToya C. Martin! I’ve had the pleasure of knowing LaToya since childhood. (We won’t say how long it’s been.) Check out her debut novel!
About the Book
The Blurb: “With life growing inside of her, Talia Williams finally understood that love could no longer hold her abusive marriage together. To prevent losing another baby, she seeks refuge with her parents, but with Khalil hot on her trail, she is forced to move in with her sorority sister, Alanna Davis. Living under one roof gives the women an opportunity to reconcile past differences and together deal with love, pain, and life’s transitions.
Realizing that the search for his wife is in vain, Khalil retreats. He comes to accept the consequences of his actions and attempts to reconstruct his life, but an unexpected visitor from his past may destroy all that he has worked to rebuild.
Eventually, futile efforts to handle life on her own push Talia into the arms of Christ and give her the hope that she needs to believe that her marriage can be healed. Just when all seems well, she is blindsided by tragedy, causing her faith and relationships to be stretched to the limit.
Pain’s Purpose is the first in a series that tells the story of reconciliation, forgiveness, and discovery of unconditional love.”
Links: Amazon, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, Goodreads
About the Author
The first-time novelist LaToya C. Martin has loved writing since childhood. LaToya hails from San Antonio but has resided in the Houston for almost a decade, where she raises a precocious daughter and teaches students with hearing loss, all the while remaining an active member of her church and community.
Interview with Belle Calhoune about her book “Reunited at Christmas”
About the book:
 A Season to RememberÂ
Two years after the avalanche everyone thought had claimed her life, Ruby Prescott returns to the remote Alaskan town of Love. And no one is more ecstatic than her husband, Liam, and their young son. Even if amnesia has robbed Ruby of her memories, she’s soon woven back into the fabric of their lives. As they celebrate the holiday season, Ruby is falling head over heels for the man she’s told was the love of her life. But she can’t escape the feeling that there’s something Liam is keeping a secret. Will the return of her memories tear them apart for good—or will this be a Christmas she’ll never forget?
Book purchase link:Â Amazon
~*~
Interview with Belle Calhoune, author of Reunited at Christmas:
Alexis: The setting for your story, Reunited at Christmas, is an Alaskan town called “Love”. How sweet! It’s a very unique name for a town. What makes it special? Paint a picture of it with words.
Belle:Â Love is a quaint Alaskan town that is very special due to the charming townsfolk and its remote location. Love is only accessible via ferry boat and seaplane. The town has an imbalance of males to females, so the premise of the series is that the town mayor, Jasper Prescott, starts a program called Operation Love that brings single females who are looking for love to the lovelorn town called Love. There is lots of love in this town along with warm-hearted folks who live their life with faith.
Alexis:Â Ruby Prescott is the heroine of your story. What is she like? Describe her looks, personality and heart.
Belle: Ruby is a beautiful woman with tawny colored skin, long black hair and warm brown eyes. She is African American. She is very brave. In the story she is suffering from amnesia, so when she returns to Love it is on a wing and a prayer. She’s forced into situations where she is completely lost, so she really has pluck and grit. She’s very honest and loving. She has a very big heart and she tends to think of others before she thinks of herself.
Alexis: How was Ruby’s life before the avalanche that almost claimed her life and how is it different now that she survived?
Belle:Â Prior to the avalanche she was working as a member of a search and rescue team which required a lot of courage and mental fortitude. She was happily married to Liam and raising a small child, Aidan. Although she and Liam were very much in love, he was very concerned about her career and the inherent dangers, so that was an issue standing between them. Overall, she was happy but conflicted about her career.
Alexis:Â Liam Prescott is the hero of this story. What is he like? Describe his looks, personality and tell us what defines his outlook on life.
Belle: Liam is very handsome. He’s tall with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He is probably the quietest Prescott. He’s a doctor who cares deeply about the world around him and his patients. He looks at life as an opportunity to care for others and show compassion and love. It takes a lot to anger or upset him. He’s a loving husband and devoted father.
Alexis:Â Ruby and Liam have a son. Tell us about him. How old is he? Who does he look like the most, his Mom or Dad? What is his favorite hobby?
Belle: Their son is named Aidan. He’s a really cool kid. He’s five years old. He looks like a sweet combination with dark hair and light brown skin. He’s biracial and beautiful. His favorite hobby is sledding. He loves the Alaskan outdoors and spending time in nature. He also loves pizza.
Alexis: How did Liam and his son react when Ruby’s avalanche accident happened?
Belle: They were both devastated by her death. Liam had to hold it together so he could raise Aidan as a single father, but he was really messed up emotionally by losing Ruby, the love of his life. One of the beautiful aspects of this story is how Liam and Aidan had to band together in the absence of Ruby so that their little family didn’t fall apart at the seams.
Alexis:Â Why does Ruby have amnesia? What are her husband and son doing to help her regain her memory?
Belle: Because of the fall she sustained during the avalanche, Ruby suffered a head trauma. She does have spurts and flashes of memory, which lead her back to her hometown of Love. Through the course of the story we see that Ruby begins to remember things. The hope is that she will get back most of her memories, although it is quite possible some things will be forever lost to her. I think Liam and Aidan’s role is to be quietly supportive. Their very presence helps Ruby remember her past.
Alexis:Â The cover models for your book are beautiful! What race are Ruby and her husband? Why did you choose to write about an interracial romance?
Belle:Â Yes, they really are gorgeous. Ruby is African American. Liam is Caucasian. Aidan is both. I wanted to write about an interracial couple because that reflects my reality. I myself am biracial and it is something very natural for me to see in my environment. My ancestry is diverse. I am African, Irish and have many other European ties. I think it is realistic in this day and age to show a loving, devoted couple who are interracial.
Alexis:Â Did you experience any roadblocks to getting your interracial romance story published by a traditional Christian (CBA) publisher? Why or why not?
Belle:Â Not at all. I presented the character and the story and my editor, Emily Rodmell and Harlequin Love Inspired embraced it. We never discussed race and it was never raised in the story. It was not relevant to their love story in any way, shape or form.
Alexis:Â Would you like to see more interracial romance stories published by CBA? Why or why not?
Belle: Absolutely. First, I would like to see more diverse characters in CBA. So far, they are really behind the curve in representing people of color in their books. In 2017 this shouldn’t be happening. We need to reflect the world we inhabit, especially as Christians.
Alexis:Â What were the challenges of writing this book? What were the rewards?
Belle: It was challenging to write an amnesiac because I had to reconcile her new personality with her old personality. In essence, Ruby was born after the head injury. She’s the same person, but different. So I had to remind myself of that fact. Also, I had to portray amnesia in a realistic manner. I didn’t want to have Ruby suddenly remember everything. I think flashes of memory are more realistic. And also, I had to show that she may never regain those memories because that is what happens with real life individuals who suffer from amnesia.
Alexis:Â If you could spend this Christmas with The Prescott Family, what would you all do? Why?
Belle:Â If I could spend Christmas with the Prescott Family I would ask them to take me sledding with them on the mountain. It would be so much fun to sled in Alaska and share fun times with this incredible family. I would also love to meet Mayor Jasper Prescott because he is the center of this quaint town and quite a character. He would definitely make me laugh out loud.
Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Belle! God bless you and Merry Christmas!
Belle: Thanks for having me on your blog. Merry Christmas to you as well. Blessings!
~*~
About the Author:
 Belle Calhoune grew up in a small town in Massachusetts as one of five children. Although her mother was a doctor and her father a biologist, Belle never gravitated toward science. Growing up across the street from a public library was a huge influence on her life and fueled her love of romance novels. Belle is the author of nine Harlequin Love Inspired novels with a tenth hitting the shelves in March of 2018. She has Indie published the popular and best-selling inspirational romance series, Seven Brides, Seven Brothers. The Secrets of Savannah and Pelican Bay are both spin-offs of her debut series. Belle loves writing romance and crafting happily-ever-afters. When she’s not wrangling her two high maintenance dogs or spending time with her husband and two daughters, Belle enjoys travel and exploring new places.
Follow Sandra on Twitter
*Interview conducted by Alexis A. Goring, contributor
Open Discussion: Christmas Plans
Happy Saturday, folks!
Christmas is right around the corner. Less than 10 days left! What are some of your favorite Christmas memories or your favorite traditions that you carry on every year? And what are you looking forward to most this year?
Share below!!!
Book Review: Straight Flies the Arrow by Sydney Tooman Betts
Hi friends! I have so enjoyed this People of the Book series from Sydney Tooman Betts, especially the merging of cultures that it depicts. Recently, I had the opportunity to review the third book, Straight Flies the Arrow, in which everything comes full circle.
About the Book
During the winter of 1841, Pacing Wolf, the esteemed leader of the Many Lodges, follows the trail of a brutal murderer, leaving behind his beloved woman, Small Doe.
When his tracking party returns without him, the Sparrow Hawks’ Real Chief pronounces him dead, insisting Small Doe grieve, but she cannot bring herself to give up hope her husband will return. The coming spring offers her few choices. She can accept the courageous new warrior chosen for her or risk falling prey to his war-society rivals.
Vengeance and loyalty, hatred and faithfulness, all vie within two enemy villages, one belonging to the Sparrow Hawks and the other the Allies, threatening to crush every hope of happiness for Small Doe and everyone she loves.
goodreads | amazon | barnes & noble
My Thoughts
“…instead of driving me away, His own Son, I-Am-Savior, took my punishment.”
Sydney Tooman Betts’ People of the Book series will make God’s Word come alive for you in fresh ways. Not only does seeing His Story from the Native American’s perspective allow it to be seen with new eyes, but the story itself reflects THE Story, God’s story, in its plot and its characters. Perhaps none more in the series than the third and final novel – Straight Flies the Arrow.
While this can easily be read as a standalone, you really will to want to read the first two in order to understand book 3 in its full context. Because the story told on these pages brings full circle the story begun in A River Too Deep, showing how one woman surrendered to Jesus can influence generations. As you become caught up in this epic saga (which is easy enough reading for teens and up), you will also become inspired to reflect on the ripple effects in your own life. Whose life has influenced yours? Who influenced that person? And then that person? And so on? And… who are you influencing? A spiritual heritage is sometimes even more precious than a genealogical bloodline, and it’s always good to pause from time to time and reflect back on the people who have shaped you.
Along with the spiritual impact, there is also a cultural impact that comes from reading this series. The interactions between tribes as well as with the white community highlight themes that are still relevant today. This shows up even more clearly as we follow Eyes-Like-Water through each book.
Pacing Wolf’s and Small Doe’s story is emotional and compelling, and it will tear at your heart in every way. The setting wraps around you vividly, and you will experience it as though watching it unfold first hand. These characters are not easily forgotten, and their story will linger long after you’ve closed the book.
I requested the opportunity to read this book through Celebrate Lit.
The opinions expressed are my own.
This review was originally posted on ReadingIsMySuperPower.org
About the Author
Sydney Tooman Betts and her protagonist-husband currently reside near the extensive cavern system that inspired the setting for several early chapters of this book.
While single, Ms. Betts (B.S. Bible/Missiology, M.Ed) was involved in a variety of cross-cultural adventures in North and Central America. After marrying, she and her husband lived in Europe and the Middle East where he served in various mission-support capacities. Her teaching experiences span preschool to guest lecturing at the graduate level and serving as the Sunday School Superintendent, Children’s Church Director, or Women’s Ministries facilitator in several evangelical denominations.
Before penning her first novel, A River too Deep, she ghost-wrote several stories for an adult literacy program.
Have you ever heard the Gospel story told by a culture different from your own?
Eyes-Like-Water’s adaption of Jesus’ story in a way that assimilated best with the Native American culture is the part of this story that impacted me the most.
Book Spotlight: Reunited at Christmas
Happy Wednesday, Reader Friends!
Thanks for stopping by Diversity Between the Pages.
Today, we’re featuring a holiday story by Belle Calhoune! It’s called Reunited at Christmas.
~*~
About the book:
  A Season to RememberÂ
Two years after the avalanche everyone thought had claimed her life, Ruby Prescott returns to the remote Alaskan town of Love. And no one is more ecstatic than her husband, Liam, and their young son. Even if amnesia has robbed Ruby of her memories, she’s soon woven back into the fabric of their lives. As they celebrate the holiday season, Ruby is falling head over heels for the man she’s told was the love of her life. But she can’t escape the feeling that there’s something Liam is keeping a secret. Will the return of her memories tear them apart for good—or will this be a Christmas she’ll never forget?
Book purchase link:Â Amazon
~*~
About the author:
 Belle Calhoune grew up in a small town in Massachusetts as one of five children. Although her mother was a doctor and her father a biologist, Belle never gravitated toward science. Growing up across the street from a public library was a huge influence on her life and fueled her love of romance novels. Belle is the author of nine Harlequin Love Inspired novels with a tenth hitting the shelves in March of 2018. She has Indie published the popular and best-selling inspirational romance series, Seven Brides, Seven Brothers. The Secrets of Savannah and Pelican Bay are both spin-offs of her debut series. Belle loves writing romance and crafting happily-ever-afters. When she’s not wrangling her two high maintenance dogs or spending time with her husband and two daughters, Belle enjoys travel and exploring new places.
Follow Sandra on Twitter
Open Discussion: Getting More Diverse Books in Your Local Libraries (and other ideas)
Happy Saturday, folks!
In past posts, we’ve been talking about the importance of introducing more diverse fiction into Christian fiction, why we love reading diverse fiction, why it’s important, what some of the roadblocks have been, and sharing some of our own stories.
Today I’d like to focus on some things we can do to bring more diverse fiction to our own neighborhoods. Because there are many ways to give at Christmas time and sometimes that can be a few extra minutes of our time! So, here are some of the ways I thought of:
- Go to your local library once per month and request a new diverse book they don’t have yet.
- Go to your local (non-chain) bookstore and request a diverse book that you’ve read and loved but don’t see on their shelves.
- Have a church group or a book club? Invite your favorite author of diverse books to speak. You never know, they might say yes! It means more sales for them and more exposure, plus added knowledge for our churches and book clubs!
- Have connections at your local schools or universities? See about getting more diverse fiction on their shelves or about inviting your favorite author of diverse fiction for a speaking engagement.
- When you read diverse books, make sure to write reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. This helps with sales and spreading the love!
- Consider writing diverse fiction, if you don’t already. Writing is sometimes as fun as reading (though it’s a bit more work). 🙂
What other ideas do you have about spreading the love of diverse fiction in your neck of the woods?
Comment below!
Book Review: My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah
Hi, reader friends! Have you ever gone Greek? Besides watching “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” my knowledge of this rich culture is limited so I am delighted by all the history and heritage within the pages of today’s featured book!
About the Book
Schoolteacher Leanna McKee plans on leaving the coal mining town of Castle Gate, Utah, and never looking back. Good riddance to coal dust, rugged men, and the fatal mine that took her husband’s life.
Until the widow meets a widower who awakens her heart…and she finds herself inexplicably falling for miner Alex Pappas which stirs up a whole heap of trouble.
Alex’s Greek parents have arranged a more traditional match for him. When the schoolteacher’s association with the Greek family begins to anger the American miners, they threaten Alex and his family. Leanna has received an offer to teach elsewhere and feels she has no choice but to leave Castle Gate. . .though she will be leaving her heart behind.
goodreads | amazon | bookdepository | christianbook
My Thoughts
This story of love, hope, and second chances amid heartbreak, disappointment, and prejudice tugs at my heartstrings and reveals yet another pocket of history we would do well to remember.
Leanna McKee is angry and frustrated by her circumstances and I can’t say that I blame her! She surely didn’t expect to end up a poor miner’s widow practically stranded and alone. I have to admire Leanna for marrying both for love and for the freedom to follow her convictions and dreams of teaching the less fortunate.
Alex Pappas has been working in the mines for several years now and he has dealt with a lot over the years. He is a dedicated worker and devoted family man. Alex has made more friends than enemies during his time in America yet it is the actions of a few that tend to be the loudest and most troublesome.
I would love to spend a day or two visiting with the extended Pappas family (especially after they learn a little more English because I don’t speak Greek!) not only for the company but also for the FOOD! Oh, the many tempting dishes in this book make me want to hunt down the nearest Greek restaurant and try everything!
I definitely recommend this story and look forward to more stories from this author and within this series!
I requested the opportunity to read this book through Celebrate Lit.
The opinions expressed are my own.
This review was originally posted on Faithfully Bookish.
About the Author
Angie Dicken is a third generation Greek American, the granddaughter of strong men and women who endured hardship to grow American roots.
My Heart Belongs In Castle Gate, Utah is set near the birthplace of her grandfather, a Greek coal miner’s son, and published 100 years after his birth.
Angie is a contributor to The Writer’s Alley blog and an ACFW member since 2010. She lives with her husband and four children in the Midwest where she enjoys exploring eclectic new restaurants and chatting with friends over coffee.
website | facebook
Author Interview | GUEST POST on Faithfully Bookish
What aspects of Greek culture do you find most interesting or appealing?
The Pappas family’s deep appreciation for food is completely endearing.
Review by Beth Erin
Book Spotlight: A Champion’s Heart
Happy Wednesday, Reader Friends!
Thanks for stopping by Diversity Between the Pages to check out the latest book spotlight. We’re featuring Piper Huguley’s A Champion’s Heart. If you haven’t read it, now’s the time to learn more about it!
About the Book:
The Blurb: “1935. Champion Bates left poky old Winslow, Georgia when he was seventeen years old. He had promised to elope with his childhood sweetheart, but pressured by other influences, he took an earlier train leaving his Delie behind. The pain at leaving her behind has tormented him for the seven years he fought as a ham and egg boxer, trying to make himself worthy of her. He had no chance for the big time until now. He has a fight with a contender boxer–a white man. However, he has been told more fighting will possibly blind him.
Back in Winslow, Cordelia “Delie” Bledsoe is out of luck. A teacher in the local school, she has the care of several children who have been abandoned by their parents. She’s offered $200 to take the children out of Georgia. She wants to take them to her family in Pittsburgh to live on a family farm, but Champion Bates shows up, insistent on helping her. She does not want to trust her old love, but has little choice.
Champion wants to redeem himself with his former sweetheart and doesn’t expect much, but the hair and eyes of one of Delie’s young children tugs at his heart. In this story of sacrifice, Champ and Delie struggle to learn about love and both must grow A Champion’s Heart.”
About the Author:
Piper G Huguley, named 2015 Debut Author of the Year by Romance Slam Jam and Breakout Author of the Year by AAMBC, is a two-time Golden Heart ®finalist. and is the author of “Migrations of the Heart,” a three-book series of historical romances set in the early 20th century featuring African American characters, published by Samhain Publishing. Book #1 in the series, A Virtuous Ruby, won Best Historical of 2015 in the Swirl Awards. Book #3 in the series, A Treasure of Gold, was named by Romance Novels in Color as a Best Book of 2015 and received 4 ½ stars from RT Magazine.
​
Huguley is also the author of the “Home to Milford College” series. The series follows the building of a college from its founding in 1866. On release, the prequel novella to the “Home to Milford College” series, The Lawyer’s Luck, reached #1 Amazon Bestseller status on the African American Christian Fiction charts. Book #1 in the series, The Preacher’s Promise was named a top ten Historical Romance in Publisher’s Weekly by the esteemed historical romance author, Beverly Jenkins and received Honorable Mention in the Writer’s Digest Contest of Self-Published e-books in 2015.
Her new series “Born to Win Men” starts with A Champion’s Heart as Book #1. A Champion’s Heart was named by Sarah MacLean of The Washington Post as a best romance novel selection for December 2016.
She blogs about the history behind her novels at http://piperhuguley.com. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and son.
Diversity Between the Pages 