By Kelly Bridgewater
Spring is here!
I
enjoy the pretty flowers.
All the wonderful colors.
All the nice, fresh, clean scent in the air.
I
love watching the tree’s bloom in purple, pinks, and whites.
I love the raining days.
I love the little warmer weather. Not enough to sweat. But enough for t-shirt weather.
What about you? What do you enjoy about Spring?
By Kelly Bridgewater
A Board Game Holds Keys to Prisoners’ Escape
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this
series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
After the Nazis started the bombing blitz of
England, Beryl Clarke puts her college on hold to return to Leeds, care for her
mother, and work as a secretary at the Waddington game company. While she
endures the war at home, her brother James fights the enemy in the air. When he
is shot down, injured, and captured, James meets American POW Kenneth Anderson,
and they plan to escape the Nazi prison camp. Beryl knows there is a board game
with escape plans being delivered to POWs by the Red Cross. But how will the
men discover the game’s secret?
My Thoughts:
The Escape Game
by Marilyn Turk is a different, yet interesting take on World War II. For
readers familiar with World War II novels, they have read tons of stories on
the concentration camps during World War II. I, personally, have not read any
stories that have to do with Nazi POW camps. This was interesting and
fascinating how well the prisoners were actually treated. The plot does have
two point of views that had a past before the war started. Monopoly played a
huge part in the escape game, which I did not know. The characters, especially
the hero, Kenneth Anderson, was brave and willing to do anything to escape the
Nazi prison. Nicely crafted. The heroine, Beryl Clarke, worked at the war
effort while trying to bring her mother out of her depression since her father
died. The writing style was easy to follow and a nicely handled story with
plenty of action and surprising moments that kept me glued to the story. I
recommend this story to fans of World War II stories.
I received a complimentary copy of The
Escape Game by Marilyn Turk from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions
stated are all my own.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Purchase The Escape Game
By Kelly Bridgewater
“What I am looking for—what I desperately need, Mrs. Weiss—is a spy.”
Adolf Hitler is still a distant rumble on the
horizon, but a Jewish spymaster and his courageous spies uncover a storm of
Nazi terror in their own backyard.
In the summer of 1933, a man named Adolf Hitler is the new and powerful
anti-Semitic chancellor of Germany. But in Los Angeles, no-nonsense secretary
Liesl Weiss has concerns much closer to home. The Great Depression is
tightening its grip and Liesl is the sole supporter of two children, an
opinionated mother, and a troubled brother.
Leon Lewis is a Jewish lawyer who has watched Adolf Hitler’s rise to power—and
the increase in anti-Semitism in America—with growing alarm. He believes Nazi
agents are working to seize control of Hollywood, the greatest propaganda
machine the world has ever known. The trouble is, authorities scoff at his dire
warnings.
When Liesl loses her job at MGM, her only choice is to work with Leon Lewis and
the mysterious Agent Thirteen to spy on her friends and neighbors in her German
American community. What Leon Lewis and his spies find is more chilling—and
more dangerous—than any of them suspected.
Code Name Edelweiss is based on a
true story, unknown until recent years: How a lone Jewish lawyer and a handful
of amateur spies discovered and foiled Adolf Hitler’s plan to take over
Hollywood.
My Thoughts:
Code Name Edelweiss
by Stephanie Landsem promises to be an interesting take on the Nazi’s during
World War II, but on American soil. Even in the heart of Hollywood. The cover
is fascinating, and the writing is top-notch. My imagination flew away with the
characters as they struggled through this trying time in the world’s history. Readers
are introduced to Liesl who is brave, cunning, and intelligent right from the
first chapter. Liesl wants what is best for her children, brother, and mother,
so she is willing to do basically anything to make sure their basic needs are
met. Liesl has a pretty harsh background that makes readers empathize with her
plight. Similarly, the readers are introduced to “Thirteen” and watch his interactions
with other characters and the setting. Readers will discover his backstory as
they read the story. Landsem did a wonderful job at crafting the Hollywood
world of the late 1930’s. It was nice to be “walking” through the sets and
watching the actors walk through the lots. While Landsem did deliver what she
promised, the plot does get a little dry in the middle of the story when Liesl
is tasked to do somethings. Even though this did happen, it did not take away
from my enjoyment of the story. I learned something new about the Nazi’s terror
on the American soil. Overall, Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem
is a different World War II story, which I love the idea and enjoyed the
execution of the plot.
I received a complimentary copy of Code Name
Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions
stated are all my own.
My Rating: 4 out
of 5 stars
Purchase Code Name Edelweiss
By Kelly Bridgewater
St. Patrick’s Day.
A day to celebrate Ireland and the Irish heritage. Here are some novels that have heroines or heroes who come from Ireland or the story takes place in Ireland (All images come from Goodreads).
A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz
No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth
Ludwig
What about you? Think of any other books? Please share them with me!
By Kelly Bridgewater
Book: A Mark of Grace
Author: Kimberley Woodhouse
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release date: January 3, 2023
When everything crumbles, her chance for
a new beginning hangs in the balance.
Ruth Anniston survived an injury that left her physically scarred, broken, and
angry at God. Now, she finds herself working behind the scenes as a kitchen and
dining room supervisor at the El Tovar Hotel, hidden away from curious eyes and
with little hope of finding love. When money begins to disappear from the
hotel, Ruth's entire livelihood is put at risk when she lands on the list of
suspects.
Frank Henderson has at last succeeded in obtaining his dream job as head chef
at the El Tovar. But competition in the kitchen is fierce, and one mistake
could cost him his future. As the thefts at the hotel continue, and his
affection for Ruth grows, Frank's career--and his heart--are in jeopardy.
As tensions run high, Ruth and Frank must work together to save the El Tovar.
They find themselves growing closer . . . but can their combined ingenuity
overcome the odds against them?
My Thoughts:
A Mark of Grace
by Kimberley Woodhouse is Ruth Anniston’s story. If readers are familiar with
the other stories in this series, Ruth is the head waitress at El Tovar. After
an unfortunate accident, Ruth has a little depression to handle and deal with.
Woodhouse’s writing style is nicely done. She writes with such fluidness and
accuracy that I forget that I am reading a story that took place over a hundred
years ago. The plot is a little mysterious with a touch of realism. Readers
will enjoy the hunt for what is actually happening to El Tovar. Who is doing
all the damage to their building and their reputation? A nice twist to a
historical romance story. Speaking of romance, the romance between Ruth and
Frank Henderson comes to a head in this volume. Nothing too over the top. Just enough
to see the sparks fly. But of course, what would any type of romance if
something did not get in the way and made this romance veer off course.
Overall, A Mark of Grace by Kimberley Woodhouse was not a book that I
typically pick up to read, but since I downloaded A Deep Divide in
December when the ebook copy was on sale and enjoyed it, I choose to read this
novel too. A nicely handled and well told story. A delight to spend time with.
I received a complimentary copy ofA Mark of
GracebyKimberley Woodhousefrom Bethany HousePublishing, but the opinions
stated are all my own.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Purchase A Mark of Grace
Kimberley Woodhouse (www.kimberleywoodhouse.com) is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 30 fiction and nonfiction books. Kim and her incredible husband of 30-plus years live in the Poconos, where they play golf together, spend time with their kids and grandbaby, and research all the history around them.
It is such a thrill to be able to bring readers A Mark of Grace, book three in my Secrets of the Canyon series. These books have been near and dear to me since 2009, right from the moment the idea of setting a Harvey Girls series at the El Tovar on the rim of the Grand Canyon first hit me.
Ever since the release of A Deep Divide, book one in the series, I’ve received tons of messages from readers who hoped Ruth would have her story. All along, the plan was for the final installment to be hers.
Ruth has been a strong character throughout the series. A mentor. A friend. A headwaitress. But when a crisis hits her life, it affects every area—emotional, physical, and spiritual—and her confidence in everything she thought she knew crumbles.
Life isn’t easy for any of us, and I love a good story that I can grow and learn through. I pray A Mark of Grace is that for you.
Bigreadersite, March 11
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 11
Texas Book-aholic, March 12
Karen Baney Reviews, March 12
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 13
deb’s Book Review, March 13
Cover Lover Book Review, March 14
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 14
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 15
Where Faith and Books Meet, March 15
Blogging With Carol, March 16
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 16
Betti Mace, March 17
Connie’s History Classroom, March 17
She Lives to Read, March 18
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 18
Stories By Gina, March 19 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, March 19
Batya’s Bits, March 20
Splashes of Joy, March 20
Pause for Tales, March 21
EmpowerMoms, March 21
Through the Fire Blogs, March 22
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 22
For Him and My Family, March 23
Holly’s Book Corner, March 23
lakesidelivingsite, March 24
Book Looks by Lisa, March 24
To celebrate her tour, Kimberley is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback set of the full SECRETS OF THE CANYON series!!
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/24b79/a-mark-of-grace-celebration-tour-giveaway
By Kelly Bridgewater
Bestselling author Jocelyn Green sweeps
you away in a dazzling novel of secrets, betrayal, and romance within one of
New York City's most esteemed museums.
For years her explorer father promised Dr. Lauren Westlake
she'd accompany him on one of his Egyptian expeditions. But as the empty
promises mounted, Lauren determined to earn her own way. Now the assistant
curator of Egyptology for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lauren receives two
unexpected invitations.
The first is her repentant father's offer to finally bring her to Egypt as his
colleague on a new expedition. The second is a chance to enter the world of New
York's wealthiest patrons who have been victims of art fraud.
With Egyptomania sweeping the city after the discovery of King Tut's tomb,
Detective Joe Caravello is on the hunt for a notorious forger preying on the
open wallets of New York's high society. Dr. Westlake is just the expert he
needs to help him track the criminal. Together they search for the truth, and
the closer Lauren and Joe get to discovering the forger's identity, the more
entangled they become in a web of deception and crime.
My Thoughts:
The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green is a unique trip through the world of a history museum. What is better than a fraud system with historical artifacts? The main heroine, Dr. Lauren Westlake, is a unique yet realistic heroine because she is hunting for the affections of her father. I love the connection to the ultimate connection of trying to find satisfaction in another person but knowing the true joy will come when anyone finds that joy in seeking and discovering God. The plot captured my attention with plenty of secrets and moments of intrigue that kept me moving through the story. While reading it, I wished I did not have to go to work because I had to put the story down. The setting is different, yet fascinating. I love museums, so this was a nice way to see the underscore world of a historical museum. Overall, The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green was a unique, yet engaging story. Definitely a book for my keeper shelf.
I received a complimentary copy of The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green through Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Purchase The Metropolitan Affair
By Kelly Bridgewater
On the People magazine in February 2022, they ran an article with 14 different pictures about Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn. They have been together since 1983. He had a daughter from his first marriage. Goldie had Kate and Oliver Hudson from her first marriage, and they had a child together.
The pictures were of their current family and all of their grandchildren. Nice family. Looks very happy together.
They
have never been married, but Kurt is the father figure for all of their four
children and all their grandchildren. Works for them.
Most Hollywood couples do not even last that long.
I think it is nice that they are happy and have stayed together that long. Wonder what their secret is?
Wonder if I could create a couple that has the same loving power as these two do?
What about you? What do you think of Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn’s relationship? Or do you have no opinion at all?
