Tea Party for Rita Gerlach, C.J. Chase and Kelly Long and a Celebration of Washington's Birthday!

Welcome to our Tea Party in honor of Rita Gerlach,  C.J. Chase, and Kelly Long, three amazing authors!

This is George Washington's birthday!

Come in and have a seat!  We have an assortment of teas that have come from the Netherlands!  And terrific desserts and sandwiches for our guests!

Rita Gerlach

Rita will give away one copy of a book of a reader's choice. Her titles are Surrender the Wind (stand alone)
From the Daughters of the Potomac series, book 1 Before the Scarlet Dawn, book 2 Beside Two Rivers, book 3 Beyond the Valley.

C.J. Chase

C.J. will be giving away a copy of "The Reluctant Earl" to one commenter.
C.J.'s dad would have been 75.  He died when he was only 40.

THE RELUCTANT EARL

Caught in the Act 

Alone in a gentleman's bedchamber, rummaging through his clothing-governess Leah Vance risks social ruin. Only by selling political information can she pay for her sister's care. And the letter she found in Julian DeChambrelle's coat could be valuable-if the ex-sea captain himself had not just walked in. 

As a navy officer, Julian knew his purpose. As a new earl, he's plagued by trivialities and marriage-obsessed females. Miss Vance's independence is intriguing-and useful. In return for relaying false information, he will pay her handsomely. But trusting her, even caring for her? That would be pure folly. Yet when he sees the danger that surrounds her, it may be too late to stop himself...

C. J.'s website: http://www.cjchasebooks.com/cjchasebooks/C.J._Chase.html

BEYOND THE VALLEY

Book 3 in the Daughters of the Potomac series

When Sarah's husband Jamie drowns, her young life if shattered and takes a turn that she never expected. Pregnant and now widowed, she reaches out to Jamie's family for help but they are unwilling. Instead they devise a plan to have her kidnapped. She is deceived and taken aboard a ship headed for the Chesapeake to be sold as an indentured servant, bound to unspeakable hardship and forced into the same harsh world she left.

Caught in the talons of servitude, she falls in love with a young conscientious doctor, Alex Hutton, who has arrived in Virginia to care for his widowed sister in law and two young nieces. Called back to serve in Washington's army, he promises he will return for her, gain her freedom and wed her. Yet other plans were made for Sarah when her bankrupt owner sells her. Will she make her way back to Alex and freedom as he searches for her? Or will her hopes be crushed at the hands of the man who deceived her long ago in Cornwall when she faced destitution?

Beyond the Valley is a delightful escape of adventure and romance and a sweeping saga of tragedy and hope that you won’t want to miss! (5 Stars)

MaryLu Tyndall, author of the Surrender to Destiny Series 

Review in RT Book Reviews Magazine - 4 stars

(Creating characters with intense realism and compassion is one of Gerlach's gifts. Her books typically involve dramatic situations, giving her characters a chance to rise above their adversity. Beyond the Valley is a shining example of that, reminding us that we are never forsaken. This is the third in the Daughters of the Potomac series. Sarah's character was introduced in the first novel, Before the Scarlet Dawn, and now she has her own heart-wrenching story that takes us from England to Virginia and Maryland. The historic setting is vividly descriptive, bringing the story to life, almost becoming a character unto itself. You may shed some tears, but you'll come away with deep contentment and satisfaction of a story well told.)

READ THE OPENING CHAPTERS FOR FREE: http://tinyurl.com/ang2ygn

Rita's website: http://ritagerlach.blospot.com

Reproduction pieces of George and Martha Washington's China

Kelly Long's "Threads of Grace" also just released from Thomas Nelson. We're giving away a copy of this book, choice of format (ebook only for international winners.)

Threads of Grace by Kelly Long

Come in on this wintry day, put your feet up to our virtual fire in the hearth,  and have a good old chinwag with us.  Note: Feel free to come "in character" if you wish, and tell us about where you are from! 

Question: Do you have a favorite tea and do you have a special colonial "treat" that you enjoy?

Four piece tea cup with strainer and cover.

Giveaways:  In ADDITION to the copies of Rita's, CJ's, and Kelly's books, we have some special tea for one of our readers and a lovely teacup from the Yorktown Victory Center museum!  Leave your email address.  

Note from Rita: In celebration of the release for Beyond the Valley, my publisher is offering Book 2, Beside Two Rivers, for free in Nook and Kindle today.
FREE IN NOOK -- http://tinyurl.com/afqtbze
FREE IN KINDLE -- http://tinyurl.com/au5mu73 

In some parts of the US it is very cold today. So sit by the fire with us, will you? For a proper tea here are two essential recipes.
 
Cream Scones Recipe & Video
http://www.joyofbaking.com/scones.html

Devonshire (Clotted) or Devon Cream
http://www.joyofbaking.com/DevonshireCream.html

Please feel free to ask the authors questions about their books, writing, or anything to liven the conversation. So glad we are all gathered here today.
 

Review of C.J. Chase's "The Reluctant Earl" by Guest Marian Baay

The Reluctant Earl

 
The Reluctant Earl

by C.J. Chase

5 stars~*****

Reviewed by Marian Baay

England, 1817

The new earl of Chambelston—Julian DeCambelle, or Lord Chambelston is not yet used to his newly acquired position. His father recently died due to being wounded in an accident. Now he got an anonymous letter that states that it was no accident after all. To search for answers Julian travels to the estate of his sister to speak with her husband, Lord Sotherton. 

When he is retiring he finds his niece’s governess—Miss Leah Vance searching his room with the letter in her hands. Julian demands an answer what she is looking for and why.

Leah has been Miss Teresa’s governess for eight years. The position doesn’t bring in enough money to also support Leah’s mentally ill sister. She is hired to spy for an anonymous person who wants to know what is happening in the Sotherton household for political reasons. With this money she is able to pay for her sister’s care in the asylum.

Leah is shocked to be caught with the letter in her hands. What explanation can she give Julian without bringing her cousin and sister in danger?

After Julian has figured out what Leah was doing he decides she can be of help in his search to the truth about his father’s death. He offers to hire her if she agrees to give information, which he shall provide, to her contact man. Leah doesn’t have much choice and agrees with his proposal. But can Julian ever trust her now she’s working for both parties?

When people are attacked, dying, and disappearing—Julian and Leah must work together and learn to trust each other. But above all they must learn to trust God.

While reading how a lovely romance develops we are also trying to solve a murder case, and trying to prevent a political murder.

This is the first book I have read by C.J. Chase and certainly not the last. This story has all the ingredients I like to see in a novel—history, suspense, romance, and a believable storyline. C.J. mixes all the ingredients into a delightful story.

Marian Baay is a freelance editor in the Netherlands, working for Kok Publishing.  She is a contributor on the Overcoming With God group blog.

Highly recommended!

CFP:  Thanks Marian, for the review!  This book is available for pre-order and releases February 5th. 

GIVEAWAY:  We will be giving away one signed copy of C.J. Chase's new release to one lucky commenter!