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Last Two Days of Celebrate Lit! Reviewing my new release Amish Romance, “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise”
Today and tomorrow I’ll list a couple of blog posts each day so you can optimize your chance of winning the giveaway!
Remember to click the links for each blogger for your chances to enter!
Here is what Holly has to say:
My Review: By Holly.
Click link above to enter giveaway!
I thought this was a cute story. I loved how cats were involved in helping Ruth and Jonas to get together. I liked how both Jonas and Ruth had lost spouses so they understood each other and I liked how they helped each other work through moving forward and finding love again. I liked some of the secondary characters and their matchmaking efforts. I thought the story was well written with lovable characters.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Thanks, Holly!
Next up is Cheri, from her blog “Finding Jesus in the Everyday”
My Review of Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise
by Cheri of Finding Jesus in the Everyday
“This is a new author to me and I thoroughly enjoyed this story – beginning to end. What drew me to this book was the fact she raised goats. Reminded me of a great friend who loves stories about goats and it made reading the story that much more enjoyable. Great characters, I felt as though I was part of the community with Ruth. This story captured my attention and kept me reading. I didn’t have a chance to read the first book, but will be reading that one too. I hope there will be more in this series. I love this author’s style.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.”
Finally today, let’s see what the blogger from “Because I Said So – And Other Adventures in Parenting” has to say! (She has an orange kitten too, and the same kind of dog as my protagonist, Ruth!)
https://becauseisaidsomyadventuresinparenting.blogspot.com/
My Thoughts
“Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise is written by Anne Blackburne. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and it will not be my last. This book is well written with an engaging storyline. This book is part of the Heart of the Amish Series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Ruth has worked hard to keep body and soul together since her husband, Levi’s, death. She tends her herd of goats, making her living from the milk and fiber she gets from them, all while running a farm and household by herself. She was never able to have kids – and when she meets fellow widower, Jonas Hershberger and his adorable daughter, her heart melts.
Can the two of them work together? What will happen when the bishop’s granddaughter sets her sights on Jonas?
Ruth is very relatable. She is determined and she had some similar things in her life that I have in mine. I love the orange kitten on the cover. I recently also have gotten an orange kitten, Grover. I loved the kitten throughout the story. She also has two Great Pyrenees that protect the goats, and I have one also.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book -all thoughts are my own.”
Thanks to you, Because I Said So!
Come back tomorrow for your last chance to enter the giveaway for a print copy of my book and a $25 Amazon e-gift card!
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“The Quintessential Sweet Amish Romance”
So says Celebrate Lit Blogger Erin from the blog “For Him and My Family” in her review of “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise.” In addition to being a popular blogger, Erin is a homeschooling mom of 12, and a homesteader, along with her husband and children. I enjoyed her take on my book! Thanks for taking the time, Erin.
Be sure to click through to her blog in the link below so you can enter to win a print copy of the book and a $25 Amazon e-gift card!
Erin’s Review:
My Thoughts on Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise
Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise is a fun debut novel for this author that is sweet and you’ll love reading it as well! This is the quintessential sweet Amish romance. You’ve got Ruth who is very independent which isn’t the norm for Amish women. But she’s a widow who is able to run her farm and her business on her own.
And then the bishop suggests she change. That someone else might benefit from her farm and her home. But Ruth isn’t ready to give up what she has.
Jonas is also a widow and has a successful business that he needs a larger space for. He also has a sweet and precocious daughter while Ruth never had children and just has her goats, dog, and new cat.
Can the two get to know each other and come up with a solution that will help them both? And what should they do with the interfering bishop?
Great novel from a debut author. I loved getting to know the characters. The book read quickly and I definitely would read it again or another book by this author.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
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CelebrateLit Blog Tour of “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise” Continues with a review by Gina Holder of StoriesbyGina
Today’s blog is actually an interview with me! I’m author Anne Blackburne, and this is my very first book, an Amish romance with a very Happy Ever After ending. Be sure to click through to Gina’s blog post, below, for a chance to win a print edition of my book, and a $25 Amazon e-gift card.
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger
INTERVIEW WITH ANNE
Share something your readers wouldn’t know about you.
I’m a big nerd. I love hunting for beach glass, or interesting rocks and fossils. I’ve played Pokemon Go since it came out in 2016, even though my kids quit years ago. I write an original Sherlock Holmes mystery play every other year, and direct it as a tourism weekend in my home town. I’ve had both hips replaced; I’m bionic!
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Tenacious. Persistent. Stubborn.
What book is currently on your bedside table?
I have a number of books waiting on my Kindle. Right now I’m reading Amanda Flower’s Amish mystery, “Matchmaking can be Murder”, which is really fun. I recently finished Jennifer Beckstrand’s “Home on Huckleberry Hill”, which I loved! Next, I’m going to read Patricia John’s “A Boy’s Amish Christmas”, which is part of her Butternut Squash B&B Series. I love Kelly Miller’s stories, based on the books by Jane Austen. They’re wonderful! And I love Jane Austen; I always have one of her books on standby.
What has been your favorite part of the publishing journey?
Oh, my goodness, this is all so new and exciting! Each new thing that happens is a thrill. They offered me representation – a thrill! I signed my first contract – a thrill! They sold the large print rights – a thrill! I got a really good review from Publishers Weekly – a thrill! And the people I’ve met are all wonderful. Yes, I think the people I’m meeting on this journey are my favorite part. I’m a people person, and I love meeting the other authors, the readers, the folks at book stores, and libraries, and my agent, and all the amazing people at Barbour Publishing. You can’t exist in a vacuum!
Can you share with us something about the book that isn’t in the blurb?
My protagonist, Ruth, nearly dies in a blizzard! She is saved by a rope tied to her house, leading to the barn, the chicken coop and back to the house by Jonas. But she loses hold on the rope, and only by the grace of God does she find her way back.
Does one of the main characters hold a special place in your heart? If so, why?
I think Lydia Coblentz may be my favorite character. I’ve always enjoyed spending time with elderly people, especially women. My own parents and grandparents are gone, so I tend to “adopt” elderly women into my life. I plan for Lydia to appear in all my Willow Creek books, and she has exciting things ahead of her! She is the one who gives Ruth, and a number of other young Amish women, a kitten from her cat Hepzibah’s last litter. She is something of a surrogate grandmother to all of my characters. I think you’ll love her.
What were the highlight or key challenges you faced when writing this book?
Remember those three words I used to describe myself? Well, my writing journey spans nearly 30 years! I’ve written a number of books, and this is the first I sold. It’s such fun writing a book; I laugh and cry, by turns. And if I hadn’t refused to take no for an answer, I wouldn’t be here answering these questions today.
What is the key theme and/or message in the book?
Don’t give up on your dreams. Anything can happen if you let it!
Where can readers find out more about you and your books?
I have a Facebook page, Anne Blackburne, and a website, AnneBlackburne.com. I’m just learning how to manage these things, and I try to post regularly. Please be patient!
Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?
Now that you ask . . . lol. Yes! My second book in The Heart of the Amish series will release in June. It’s about Mary Yoder (whom you’ll meet in Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise!). Mary is 29 years old, and was seriously injured in an accident as a child. She doesn’t let that stop her, though! She does feel that she probably won’t marry, and has made peace with that. Enter Dr. Reuben King, a Mennonite physician, and all that changes. They fall for each other; but how can they have a life, unless she gives up her community, or he gives up his career? You’ll have to wait and see!
I’m also working on a “Lucy’s Christmas Sunbeam”, a novella set in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, about a young woman raising her little sister, who was born on Christmas day. This comes out at Christmas, 2024.
Thanks, Gina!
Be sure to come back tomorrow for more reviews from bloggers. The Celebrate Lit Virtual Tour of Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise ends in a couple days. But you’ve still got time to enter to win a book and e-gift card!
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Celebrate Lit Tour Continues!
Today, Cheryl from Cover Lovers Book Reviews, reviewed my book. I’ll post her review here, but be sure to click her link so you can enter to win a print copy of the book, and a $25 Amazon e-gift card.
Cheryl freely admits she is often drawn to a book by its cover – and aren’t we all? And she LOVES the cover of Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise! Hooray!
Here’s what Cheryl has to say about my book!
MY REVIEW: Cheryl from Cover Lover Book Reviews!
“Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise” by debut author Anne Blackburne is a sweet, heartwarming story with elements of love, resilience, and faith within an Amish community. The story revolves around Ruth and Jonas, both widowed and facing challenges in their lives.
Ruth is independent and resilient. As she strives to maintain her farm, she is determined to defy the community’s expectations. Jonas is running a business and raising his daughter, Abigail after his own loss. As they navigate grief, opportunities arise and lead them to solace and love in each other.
There is a balance of joy and sadness, so I appreciate the inclusion of humor and sentimentality. Most of all, I love the central themes of overcoming grief, finding love, and trusting in God’s plan in this story of second chances.First Line: “Just stop blowing for one minute and I’ll be done!” Ruth Helmuth spoke around a wooden clothespin clenched in her teeth, the wind nearly whipping the damp, snowy-white apron out of her hands as she secured it to the line.
Series: The Heart of the Amish book 2
Genre: Amish Romance
Author: Anne Blackburne
Page Count: 256#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
Opinions are 100% mine. Cover Like ❤❤❤❤
Thanks, Cheryl!
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Celebrate Lit Tour Continues!
Today’s Blog Post comes from “She Lives to Read“
Here is the link to her blog; remember to click through to enter for another chance to win a print copy of the book and a $25 Amazon e-gift card! There are still nine more bloggers who will review Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by December 22. If you read my book and enjoy it, I’d love to hear from you! You can leave comments on my Facebook page.
And remember, leaving a positive review, even just a few words long, on Amazon.com or Goodreads, is so helpful to an author! It’s the gift of your time, and we authors really appreciate it!
My review:
“This story is filled with faith, hope, and love! Ruth Helmuth is a faithful and resourceful young Amish widow who has worked hard to maintain her family farm after the death of her husband. When her bishop begins to pressure her to sell the farm to another Amish family, Ruth becomes determined to find ways to keep her family home.
Ruth never stopped looking for ways to help others, and she also kept a great balance of faith and hope as she allowed God to direct her in the right way. There’s also a very sweet romance that blooms for Ruth between her and widower Jonas Hershberger. This storyline flows so well, and it was a fun to see how Ruth’s life takes a turn that she could never have imagined.
This is the first book that I’ve read by this author, and I love her writing style. She created a beautiful Amish community in this book, and I’m hoping that I’ll be reading more from her soon.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.”
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Days 5 & 6, Celebrate Lit Virtual Tour!
I got a little behind on telling you all about Days 5 and 6 of the Celebrate Lit virtual book tour of Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise. I had a book signing yesterday, and movie night with my daughter. But here we go with two days worth, and three amazing bloggers’ opinions/reviews of my book!
First is Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy. Be sure to click on all the links below for three chances to win a print edition of my book, and a $25 Amazon e-gift card!
https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/
Scroll down, as my book’s review is not the first you’ll see.
Here is what Patti Pierce of Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy has to say!
“Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne is a work of Amish Christian fiction. A widow, Ruth tends her goats and makes a living by selling their milk and fiber. But the bishop believes she should sell her family’s farm to a family who can fill the rooms and marry again. Enter widower Jonas Hershberger, who has an adorable daughter, a basket-making business, and a pair of dimples that grab Ruth’s attention.
Truly, this book will draw you in and keep you reading. I found myself unable to put the book down. Oh yes, read this book to learn about some adorable kittens and the bishop’s pushy granddaughter add to this story. The Amish typically do not keep house kittens or cats, but you need to read this book to find out who Ginger Snap is and its role in the story.
So, if you enjoy Amish/Christian fiction, check out Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.”
Thanks, Patti!
Next is Hannahbandanarama, who said this on her Instagram blog:
Next up on the winter reads: I had the opportunity to read Anne Blackburne’s debut novel, Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise. As a true labor of love – a dream the author describes as being 30 years in the waiting – this book is a great read if you’re looking for a happily-ever-after story to get lost in on a long winter’s night. Not to mention two big dogs, a cat, and a few goats (clearly you see why I loved it now!). It is the first novel in a series she is working on, and I can’t wait to read the rest of them!
What is even better is that to celebrate, Anne is giving away the grand prize of a print copy of the book and a $25 Amazon eGift card!! Click the link below to enter (also found in my bio!) – and comment on the blog stops below for nine extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/2924b/ruth-s-ginger-snap-surprise-celebration-tour-giveaway.Thanks, Hannah!
Finally today is a lovely post from Kendra at her blog, Happily Managing a Household of Boys.
Here is what Kendra has to say:
“Amish Fiction is my favorite Genre of books. Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne is Book 2 in The Heart of the Amish Series. The series is written by various authors and they can be stand alone books. I read Book 1 in the series and was excited to read Book 2.
WOW, Jonas and Ruth’s story is hearbreaking yet heartwarming . I am glad I had an afternoon to sit and read, as I read until I was done, about 3hrs. Ruth and Jonas have been lost their spouses in recent years. Jonas has a daughter, Abigail, and runs a business. Ruth never had children and she focuses her time keeping up with tasks at her Farm. I really LOVE how both, Jonas and Ruth, live life day by day, even through the difficulties of life. Ruth is a very independent woman and her strength and determination throughout the book is awe inspiring. The 2 begin a working relationship and they realize they have feelings for one another. I truly enjoyed watching Ruth and Jonas keep their faith and realize God’s plan is greater then their own plans. A VERY Sweet Romance blossoms! This is a WONDERFUL Story and anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction will enjoy this book! FANTASTIC BOOK!”
And she gave it five stars! Thanks so much, Kendra!
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Dayspring Christian Bookstore Signing Tomorrow!
Tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 16, I’ll be at Dayspring Christian Bookstore in New Philadelphia, Ohio signing copies of my book, Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise. I hope you’ll come out and say hello, and maybe buy a book!
Dayspring has many lovely books, as well as beautiful gifts and all sorts of Christian-related merchandise.
And New Philadelphia is a sweet little town with beautiful murals painted all over the place! There are some fabulous shopping opportunities, too.
Plenty of good places to eat, too. Oh, and you might win a little painting I’m doing of Ginger Snap!
So come on out and say hello! I’ll be there from noon to 2 p.m.
The store is located at 143 West High Ave. in New Philadelphia. Hope to see you tomorrow! And if not, you have a Merry Christmas!
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Dave Five Celebrate Lit Tour: But Wait, There’s More! Today’s Bonus Second blogger, Locks, Hooks and Books!
Be sure to click through to their post and enter to win a print copy of the book, and a $25 Amazon e-gift card!
Here’s what they have to say about my book!
My Review: By Amy C. of Locks, Hooks and Books
Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise is the second installment from the multi author series, The Heart of the Amish. This contribution is from new to me author, Anne Blackburne. I enjoyed this sweet and delightful romance. I loved getting to know Ruth and Jonas and seeing the two interact with one another. I wanted to see what would become of them and sweet little Abigail. A good and entertaining book to read.
I am giving Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean Amish romance. I am looking forward to continuing The Heart of the Amish series, Lisa Jones Baker’s The Quilt Room Secret. I would, also, would love to read more from the talented Anne Blackburne.
I received a paperback copy of Anne Blackburne’s Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
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Day Five: Celebrate Lit Tour!
Today is Day Five of the Celebrate Lit virtual tour of “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise”, and two great bloggers posted about my book!
Here’s what the first one, Roxanne C. from Girls in White Dresses Blog has to say about my book: (Be sure to click through to the post so you can enter to win a print copy of the book, and a $25 Amazon e-gift card!
My Thoughts: By Roxanne C. from Girls in White Dresses
This was a well-done debut novel for the author; I liked reading about how excited she was to find an agent and a publisher. I’ve read several Amish fiction books and a few things I enjoyed about this one were 1) the emphasis that the Amish have of dealing with life’s disappointments by reminding themselves that all things are God’s will (“Holding tightly to the living hope of salvation while accepting whatever came as God’s will, as was the Amish way, had helped her through some very hard times”). This thought has been emphasized many times in the weekly Amish columns I read. I also found it interesting that 2) the Amish feel it’s strange to have pet cats in the house, rather than outside. I was heartened, as an animal lover, to see that all the cats in this book were safely indoors
If you enjoy Amish fiction with a bit of romance, give “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise” a try.
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Day 4 Celebrate Lit Virtual Book Tour for “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise”, Bonus Blog Review!
Today I was fortunate to have two popular bloggers review my new book!
Check out my previous post by The Avid Reader!
This post is by Lakeside Living site. Here is what they have to say!
Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne is part of the Heart of the Amish series. This is a series of Amish stories written by different authors. This is an enjoyable story of Ruth and Jonas. They have both lost their spouses and are being given a second chance at love. I enjoyed reading this nice story of neighborly friendship that grows into much more and enjoyed seeing how the two would react. I found Jonas’s daughter to be a cute part of the story. The addition of the house cats also makes for fun reading. This story gives the reminder of importance of prayer and how God answers the prayers. When the Bishop tries pushing Ruth into selling her family farm, many opportunities present themselves to give her a reason to stay. I enjoy the strength she has and how she is open to new things.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
Be sure to visit their blog post and click through to win another chance at a print copy of the book and a Amazon e-gift card! Oh, and scroll down past the first review of another great book!
Amish Stories
