Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.
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Historical Fiction
2025 Books So Far (Mini Reviews)
February 19, 2025
It has been a while since my last post. I have picked up my reading this year and it has been a lot of fun to dive into these new and new to me stories. Here are my thoughts on what I've read so far. Have you read any of these? What are your thoughts?
Can't wait to share what I'm currently reading next.
Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Toward the Dawn by Mary Connealy hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Toward the Dawn Series: A Western Light #2
Author: Mary Connealy
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: June 18, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Western Romance
Despite trials that threaten their path forward, hope dawns for a future filled with love.
Kat Wadsworth and Sebastian Jones never imagined their lives would entwine so closely. Forced to flee on a wagon train from a vengeful uncle and an unknown gunman, they live in a hidden canyon with the family that rescued them. But as the days turn into months, they each have separate reasons for wanting to move back to society, and the best way to the independence they desperately crave might be through a marriage of convenience.However, settling into their homestead in Cheyenne, Wyoming, reveals a different reality for Kat. Her new husband becomes consumed by his inventions, leaving her feeling lonely and isolated. And just when they think they've left the danger behind, a mysterious attacker lurks in the shadows, threatening the new life they've built. Together, they must confront the perils from their pasts to forge a future with hope and the prospect of love.
Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Novel-Tea Evening with Authors including Lynn Austin, Susie Finkbeiner, Jocelyn Green, Laura Frantz, Kate Breslin, Amanda Barratt, and Joanna Davidson Politano, sponsored by JustRead Publicity Tours!
You are Invited
A Novel-Tea Evening with Authors
September 2, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Palmer House Hilton Hotel, Chicago
Join us at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 2, at Chicago’s historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel for a tasteful evening with tea and talk of books, writing, history, and the power of story. Emceed by Chris Jager of Baker Book House, seven novelists will share what inspires them, tales from the research files, what they’ve learned on the journey, and their hope for readers.
Learn More about A Novel-Tea Evening with Authors
About the Authors
Purchase Tickets to Attend A Novel-Tea Evening with Authors
Excerpt:
I looked up at him, and he leaned nearer, those familiar crescent-shaped eyes and clean-shaven chin, and laid his forehead on mine.I ran my tongue over my lips that had gone dry and met his gaze. “So, now what?”His hand lifted to my cheek and stroked it. “Everything’s different now, isn’t it?” A gentle smile. “What will you do with your life?”I closed my eyes. “Oh, I have a few ideas.”His finger came down the side of my face and teased my lips.“Anything that includes me?”“Perhaps.” I looked up. “How are you at handling horses? I’ve been meaning to hire a driver.”His look was amused and sympathetic all at once. Oh, how I adored this man. “Better than handling certain redheads.”I smacked his arm, and somehow it relieved the night’s tension.Filled the cracks with a bit of joy.“I bet I can guess your plans.” He leaned back. “After your mourning period, you’ll go out and continue to perform, maybe even better than before, and with a newfound joy that no one will truly understand. You’ll appear in concert hall after concert hall all over the Continent and amaze your audiences . . . then come home to a quiet house and live the simple, uncomplicated life you were always meant to have. One you fully deserve.”I gave a polite smile but said nothing to contradict him. I’d known for years what I’d do with myself when I finally possessed freedom, but I dared not shock Richard with it. Not yet. I’d at least let him kiss me first.“You’ll have your pianoforte shop, perhaps a few students, and your friends. Modest and simple and delightfully musical, a life of high quality is what fits you best.”Few people actually knew me, as it turned out. I was a Chopin nocturne—surprising, complex, and impossible to master.Many tried. I’m happy to report that they had all failed.Well, nearly.
Joanna Davidson Politano, The Lost Melody
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2022. Used by permission.
The Last Chance Cowboy by Jodi Hedlund (Takeover Blitz & Giveaway)
February 22, 2023
Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Last Chance Cowboy by Jody Hedlund, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book:
Title: The Last Chance Cowboy Series: Colorado Cowboys #5
Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Bethany House Publishing
Release Date: February 14, 2023
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
With danger drawing ever closer, their only hope of saving their futures lies in each other.
As a midwife, Catherine Remington is successful in bringing new life into the world, but she's failed one too many times in finding true love. When she's accused of a murder she didn't commit, she's forced to flee to Colorado to honor a patient's dying wish by delivering a newborn infant to his father.The repentant prodigal Dylan McQuaid is finally back in Fairplay. As sheriff, he's doing his best to prove to the town he's a changed man and worthy of their trust. When a woman shows up with an infant son he didn't know he had, Dylan is left with only complicated choices on what to do next.Having grown attached to Dylan's son, Catherine doesn't want to part ways with the infant, but what she doesn't bargain for is how easily she'll fall for the charming sheriff, or how quickly the past will catch up with her and put their love and lives in danger.
Review: Inventions of the Heart by Mary Connealy
August 29, 2022
Author: Mary Connealy
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 304
ISBN: 9780764239595
Publication Date: July 5th, 2022
About the Book:
Her heart seeks safety. But will trouble find her even here?After her sister's marriage, Michelle Stiles is left hiding at Two Harts Ranch with the handsome but stubborn Zane Hart. She's managed to stay one step ahead of her stepfather and his devious plans, but if he finds her, she will no longer be safe.Zane has problems of his own. Having discovered a gold mine on his property, he must figure out how to harvest it without kicking off a gold rush. Michelle, educated and trained to run her father's business, wants to manage all aspects of the mine, but Zane thinks for a person so smart she can have some misguided ideas. Running the mining operation will be a dangerous job, and he can't risk putting her in harm's way.But danger finds Michelle anyway when she's suddenly attacked. If they go to the sheriff, they'll reveal her location, but if they do nothing . . . their troubles have only just begun.
My Thoughts:
Mary Connealy is an author who has a talent for presenting a wonderful historical/ western based novel and intertwine it with a fair amount of adventure, comedy, romance, and very touching passages.
Inventions of the Heart is another fabulous book that keeps you turning pages to find out what is going to happen.
Michelle and Zane are thrown together by different problems, but they find their strengths can help each other, after a few rough patches that is. But these two character work well together and I enjoyed how their stories played out.
This was a great continuation of the Lumber Baron’s series. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
Inventions of the Heart is another fabulous book that keeps you turning pages to find out what is going to happen.
Michelle and Zane are thrown together by different problems, but they find their strengths can help each other, after a few rough patches that is. But these two character work well together and I enjoyed how their stories played out.
This was a great continuation of the Lumber Baron’s series. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
About the Author:
Thank you to JustRead Publicity Tours, I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The original review can be found @ https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg0XRM4Lunw/.
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Hope Beyond the Waves by Heidi Chiavaroli, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Hope Beyond the Waves
Author: Heidi Chiavaroli
Publisher: Hope Creek Publishers, LLC
Release Date: June 28, 2022
Genre: Christian, Dual Timeline Fiction
From award-winning author Heidi Chiavaroli comes a sweeping dual timeline story that explores hope and enduring love in the midst of the impossible.Massachusetts, 1993After making a grievous mistake that will change her life forever, Emily Robertson is sent away to live with her grandmother on Cape Cod. When Emily finds a timeworn photograph buried in a drawer, she realizes her grandmother has concealed a secret even bigger than her own. Will convincing Gram to reveal their family history help Emily make the most important decision of her life or will it prove her parents right—that family scandal is better off buried and forgotten?Massachusetts, 1916Atta Schaeffer plans to marry the man of her dreams and whisk her little sister away from their abusive father. But when she is diagnosed with a dreaded malady, Atta is forced into a life of exile, leaving her sister in harm’s way.On Penikese Island, Atta’s best hope lies with Harry Mayhew, a doctor who seeks a cure for his patients at any cost. But when experiments fail, Atta runs from Harry—and from God. Can she return to her sister before it’s too late? Or will her illness consume both her body and soul?A testament to faith and love, Hope Beyond the Waves is the raw account of the journey of two generations of women running from desperate situations toward irresistible hope.
EXCERPT:
Atta took in her last breath of freedom and looked at Papi once more,
knowing any words she spoke would be inadequate. She barely knew this
man she called her father. Felt nothing toward him but resentment. Maybe
even hatred.
“Please, Papi…” She grasped for words. Make wise choices. Think of
Gertie. Stop being so stupid!
His mouth hardened and he turned away. “I’ll have Gertie light a candle for
you at Mass. Goodbye, Atta.”
She walked into the fresh morning light and stepped into the Board of
Health car, a newfound determination overtaking her. She would survive this
ugly illness. The real question was, would her family?
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub
ALSO AVAILABLE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Connect with Heidi by visiting heidichiavaroli.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a Handmade French Market Seagrass Bag, hardcover copy of Hope Beyond the Waves, and Ocean-Lover Bookmark!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 25, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 1, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Heirlooms by Sandra Byrd, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Heirlooms
Author: Sandra Byrd
Publisher: Tyndale
Release Date: July 5, 2022
Genre: Dual Timeline Fiction,Christian
Answering a woman’s desperate call for help, young Navy widow Helen Devries opens her Whidbey Island home as a refuge to Choi Eunhee. As they bond over common losses and a delicate, potentially devastating secret, their friendship spans the remainder of their lives.After losing her mother, Cassidy Quinn spent her childhood summers with her gran, Helen, at her farmhouse. Nourished by her grandmother’s love and encouragement, Cassidy discovers a passion that she hopes will bloom into a career. But after Helen passes, Cassidy learns that her home and garden have fallen into serious disrepair. Worse, a looming tax debt threatens her inheritance. Facing the loss of her legacy and in need of allies and ideas, Cassidy reaches out to Nick, her former love, despite the complicated emotions brought by having him back in her life.Cassidy inherits not only the family home but a task, spoken with her grandmother’s final breaths: ask Grace Kim—Eunhee’s granddaughter—to help sort through the contents of the locked hope chest in the attic. As she and Grace dig into the past, they unearth their grandmothers’ long-held secret and more. Each startling revelation reshapes their understanding of their grandmothers and ultimately inspires the courage to take risks and make changes to own their lives.Set in both modern-day and midcentury Whidbey Island, Washington, this dual-narrative story of four women—grandmothers and granddaughters—intertwines across generations to explore the secrets we keep, the love we pass down, and the heirlooms we inherit from a well-lived life.
"This is women's fiction as it is meant to be written with intriguing characters making decisions that ripple through generations." - Library Journal, starred review
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub
EXCERPT:
Eunhee looked down at the dinners. “I have not eaten a meal in an aluminum tray. Is this likeprepared meals for away duty in the military?”
“Kind of.” A small ice rink of gravy teetered like a lopsided hat atop Eunhee’s portion of
turkey. “Oh! It needs more time in the oven. I’ll be right back.”
Once Helen returned with the meals, fully heated, Eunhee ate slowly, smiling between each
bite of turkey, cornbread, and buttered peas. Helen reached over to take their trays and noticed Eunhee’s was largely uneaten. “Don’t you like TV dinners?”
“They could use a few spices,” Eunhee admitted.
Helen’s heart sank. “I wanted to offer a comfortable, soft nest to you, my new friend.”
Eunhee smiled and looked her straight in the eye. “Perfect cooking does not make a good
friend or a soft nest. A soft heart makes for a soft nest, and love and honest talk make good
friends.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
CONNECT WITH SANDRA: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a King Arthur Cinnamon Roll Kit, including the heavy-gauge pan, plus a $25 Starbucks card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 5, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 12, 2022. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
Blog Tour: Second Chance at Happiness by Greta Picklesimer w. Excerpt (JustRead Tours with Giveaway)
May 28, 2022
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Second Chance at Happiness by Greta Picklesimer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Second Chance at Happiness
Author: Greta Picklesimer
Publisher: Ambassador International
Release Date: April 12, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
After Catherine Reed’s husband dies in a tragic logging accident, Catherine and her four-year-old daughter, Clair, move home with Clair’s mother and brother in order to accept a new position as the teacher for the town’s one-room schoolhouse. But Catherine carries a dark secret that she hasn’t even shared with her mother. Will she ever find forgiveness?Samuel Harris has suffered his own loss, losing his wife and unborn child over a year prior. Although he is the town’s preacher, he struggles to trust God, blaming God for allowing him to be absent when his wife died. The guilt has burdened him ever since. But when his old flame Catherine Reed comes back to town, he wonders if they can find healing together.Catherine believes that anyone who wants to learn should be allowed to learn, but she is quick to find a town divided on that issue. As she and Samuel set out to change people’s minds in a post-Civil War era, they find themselves drawn to each other over and over again. As they join together for the same cause, could they also find a second chance at happiness?
EXCERPT:
1870
Catherine Reed and her four-year-old daughter, Clair—both wearing simple, matching, black mourning dresses—stepped off the train at 3:00 p.m. in her hometown of Harrisville, Kentucky. Catherine looked at the dark green depot and sighed. It was not a contented sigh, but rather one of heaviness and regret. Standing on the small platform facing the depot, she contemplated her next step. She needed to move, but her feet seemed rooted to the ground. Tears began forming at the corner of her eyes, threatening to spill over onto her cheeks. How would she go on without her dear husband, John, by her side? It was supposed to be his last run on the river. He had promised. They’d have enough money to buy their own place. Set up a little farm, keep chickens and a few pigs. All that had come crashing to a halt when he fell between the logs he’d been taking downstream on the Cumberland River to Crestville, where they would be sold. She shook her head as if to shake out the memories. He didn’t even make it halfway there. Flicking her shaking free hand to her side, she tried to wipe the memories from her mind.
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Greta Picklesimer is Michigan-born and raised by Kentucky-transplanted parents. She accepted Jesus as her Savior at the age of five—a happy day in her memory. Besides writing, Greta spends time working on her art journal, painting with watercolors and oil pastels. She is owned by one rescue cat by the name of Pearlie Blue who was named after her father's favorite Bluegrass song. By day Greta works as an office assistant. By night, she writes.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a print copy of Second Chance at Happiness and a spiral-bound notebook with a picture of the cover of the book on it!
Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 24, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 31, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
Welcome to the Takeover Tour for A Promise Engraved by Liz Tolsma, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: A Promise Engraved
Series: Doors to the Past
Author: Liz Tolsma
Publisher: Barbour Fiction
Release Date: May 1, 2022
Genre: Christian, Dual Timeline Fiction, Romance
Can Promises Made in Times of Struggle Endure 200 Years?Young, spirited Josie Wilkins life is about to take a turn when faced with political turmoil and forbidden love in San Antonio of 1836. John Gilbert has won her heart, despite being a Protestant preacher who is forbidden to practice his faith in Texas. Will either of them survive an epic battle for liberty to create a legacy of love?Nearly 200 years later, Kayleigh Hernandez takes breaks from her demanding job as a refugee coordinator working with Mexican migrants to attend flea markets where she has found a uniquely engraved ring. Enlisting the help of appraiser Brandon Shuman, they piece together a love story long forgotten. But will dangers linked to Kayleigh’s work end her own hopes for leaving a legacy built on hope, faith, and love?Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Past series. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance.
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Christianbook | BookBub
MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Promise Engraved and a $15 Amazon egift card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 25, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 1, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
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