Springtime in Surrey: Launch Tour + Book Review
Hello friend!!
Today I have the pleasure of reviewing Springtime in Surrey, an anthology that is being released today! Ever since I found out about this lovely anthology, I was eagerly awaiting the day when I could read it because most of the stories in it are by authors that I know of/have read their works, and I was excited to see what stories they would create, knowing that each story had to be set in County Surrey, England. And man, they did not disappoint! Every story was so unique and reflected aspects of Surrey in many marvelous ways, and I'm thrilled to share *all* my thoughts on them today!
But first, here's everything you need to know about this anthology! XD
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About the Book
This collection of novellas, set in County Surrey, England, features both historical and contemporary stories by new and old authors!
Springtime in Surrey contains the following eight novellas:
Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum
Elinor Chapman, an orphaned laundry woman, must fight to survive after WWI breaks out. She prays her beau doesn’t die on a foreign battlefield like her father did 14 years ago. She is forced to take on nursing, but her passion for helping other orphans distracts her from this job, leaving her little time for rest. Will she run herself into the ground ... or will she learn to rest in Jesus?
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox
During every teatime at her cottage hideaway, Moira struggles to discover hope amongst her lost ballerina dreams. Unsettled by elusive goals of his own, sheep farmer Adrian observes his uncle’s neighbor crying into her tea and wonders why... and what he can do to cheer her up. While facing their regrets, can Moira and Adrian trust that God has a good plan despite crushed dreams and far-off hopes?
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines
With her husband off to war and two evacuee children staying in her home, Joan feels duty-bound to contribute to the war effort via her participation in the Women’s Land Army. She is thrilled to learn that her husband has leave. But when the London Blitz ruins her plans to see him, Joan must decide what is most important in her life: her contribution to the war effort or her calling as a mother?
Her Heart’s Home by Grace A. Johnson
Forced from her childhood home after her father was killed in action, Meredith Tate is forced to seek employment at the Deepdene Hotel until she discovers the next step. Which most certainly does not include the brooding Captain Trevor Seaton, a guest who always manages to catch her at her worst. Despite his gentle magnetism, Meredith is determined not to fall for a military man—but God may have other plans.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté
Caitrìona is determined to rescue her family from poverty by making a brilliant match. She is on the verge of success when her brother is arrested for a sensational crime. Banished to the country, she meets Ewart, a fearful recluse with a younger sister in need of aid. Ewart and Caitrìona grow together through shared goals—but as mysteries are uncovered and characters tested, what truth will be revealed?
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch
Jessamy Aubertine is too much for her university classmates, too little for her overstressed mum, and nothing in between. Then a mysterious letter signed by Jane Austen brings her back to her family’s fading tea shop and a pair of unlikely comrades. Will they find the letter writer—and perhaps discover themselves along the way? Or will their friendship fade with The Muses?
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews
Hardworking Margaret Enfield is thrilled with her engagement to her lifelong best friend Lester. When his brother’s sudden illness forces Lester’s prolonged and indefinite absence, every tomorrow feels bleak to Margaret as lonely drudgery overtakes the once-rosy springtime. As she throws herself into her tasks, can she learn to trust her tomorrows with Jesus—one day at a time?
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth
Rosalind finds herself engaged to Matthias after her former fiancé, his brother, perishes in battle. Determined to forge a connection, she embarks on a risky mission. When Matthias retreats into his own turmoil on a hunting trip, Rosalind disguises herself as a man and follows him to the forest, vowing to fight for their love. Will Matthias summon the courage to stay, or will his fractured mind drive them apart forever?
Other Details
Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction, both Historical and Contemporary
Launch Date: Tuesday, July 25th, 2023
Other important dates: Blog Tour — Monday, July 24th through Tuesday, July 29th & Instagram Tag — July 2023
Where to Find It
About the Authors
Kellyn Roth
Kellyn Roth is a historical romance & women’s fiction author who writes about the empty places
where hope has the most room to grow. Her novels include the inspirational Victorian family
saga, The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy, and the Kees & Colliers series, which follows a broken family in the tumultuous years of the first half of the 20th century.
Kellyn is a student of the Author Conservatory and a writing coach. When not building her author career or her indie-author-helping business, Wild Blue Wonder Press, she is likely getting lost somewhere in the Pacific Northwest with her friends, watching period dramas and facetious comedies, or spending time with her husband.
Erika Mathews
Erika Mathews is an author and editor who writes family-friendly Christian living books, both
fiction and non-fiction, that demonstrate the power of God through ordinary people, transforming
daily life into His resting life. Her works include Truth from Taerna, a kingdom adventure fiction
series with deep spiritual themes, Resting Life, a Christian living nonfiction book about finding rest in Jesus in modern life, and a variety of historical fiction and poetry.
Erika lives in the farm country of Minnesota with her husband and children. She’s a homeschool
graduate with a Bachelor’s in Communications, a Master’s in Biblical Ministries, and a passion
for sharing Jesus Christ and His truth. When she’s not working with books, she enjoys reading,
outdoor activities, piano and violin, organizing, and using the Oxford comma.
Grace A. Johnson
Grace A. Johnson is a Christian fiction authoress, book reviewer, and avid reader. She lives in beautiful (but humid) South Georgia, surrounded by farmland and forestry, with her parents and six younger siblings. She has indie-published the first three novels in a Christian historical romance series, the Daughters of the Seven Seas, and a smattering of short stories and novellas, as well as a devotional. She’s also a marketer and editor who loves helping young authors through her editing business S&J Editors and her small publishing company Sky’s the Limit Press. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook @graceajohnsonauthor or blogging on her website at www.graceajohnson.com. Join her for a virtual cup of tea and a free preview of her debut novel when you sign up for her e-newsletter!
Rachel Leitch
Rachel Leitch discovered the book of writing when she was seven. She’s been turning pages ever since! She lives her own adventure in northern Indiana, with her parents, three sisters, two brothers, and a dog who thinks he’s the hero of her story. She writes young adult historical fiction with a dash of adventure or a spark of magic. When she’s not hidden away writing, she’s trying to fit all her reads on her shelf in a somewhat organized manner, obsessing over character arcs, drinking chai, daydreaming at the piano, or teaching students to be just as bookish as she is. In all her adventures, she learns how to shine brighter for the Father of Lights. For more bookish ramblings (and a free digital short story involving a magical violin) follow her adventure journal at https://racheljleitch.com/!
Bailey Gaines
Bailey Gaines is a Georgia girl who loves history. Through her writing, she hopes to show how God works in all periods of history, bringing healing and helping people know they have value because of their identity as a human created in God’s image. Her stories range from King Richard the Lionheart’s England to 1930s Appalachia to 18th century England to 19th century America.
Bailey is a student of the Author Conservatory, and has a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. When she’s not writing, she’s helping homeschoolers with their writing or working at an escape room. Her hobbies include playing the piano, sewing, and exploring the world of vintage fashion.
Faith Blum
Faith Blum is a wife, mom, author, and entrepreneur. She’s published over 30 books, most of them in the Christian Historical Fiction genre. She loves stories because they can teach history, but in a fun way. It is also her way to have a creative outlet while taking care of a household and toddler.
She’s been a proud small town resident her whole life and wouldn’t have it any other way. She lives in Central Wisconsin with her husband, son, and cat, Smokey. She’s blessed to write as a part time career. You can find her books on books on most eBook retailers.
When not writing, you can find her cooking from scratch, reading, figuring out social media content, or spending time with her family. She also loves playing piano for church and being part of the Author Conservatory.
Katja H. Labonté
Katja H. Labonté is a Christian, an extreme bibliophile who devours over 365 books in a year, and an exuberant writer with a talent for starting short stories that explode into book series. She is a bilingual French-Canadian and has about a dozen topics she’s excessively passionate about (hint: that’s why she writes). Katja writes both contemporary and historical fiction, as well as non-magical historical and contemporary kingdom fiction, and covers themes of worth, love, peace, and Christian growth. She spends her days enjoying little things, growing in faith, learning life, and loving people. You can follow her life journey, find free books, browse her services, and more on her website and blog.
Andrea Renee Cox
Born and raised in north Texas, Andrea Renee Cox is a born-again child of God who enjoys writing stories that inspire, copyediting fiction manuscripts, tutoring middle school students, and going on road trips with her family. Whether she’s working on historical or contemporary, women’s fiction or romance, she uses her skills in research and writing techniques—as well as a large dose of prayer and guidance from God—at every turn in the journey to produce the best story of her ability every single time. Her books may be found on her website, and readers are welcome to follow her blog for the latest updates in her journey.
Springtime in Surrey | Blog Tour Giveaway
And of course, with a blog tour and book launch, there has to be a giveaway! 😎
The authors of Springtime in Surrey are hosting a huge giveaway with not one but two winners—a US winner and an international winner—over the course of the blog tour! From July 25th to July 31st, make sure to follow the tour, comment on posts, and subscribe to the authors’ newsletters and blogs! The winners will be announced on August 1st and contacted by email.
US Prizes
A print copy of Springtime in Surrey, two bookmarks and a quote sticker, a spring-themed mug,
a bookish ornament, a spring-themed candle, an inspirational journal, and tea.International Prizes
An ebook copy of Springtime in Surrey, two bookmarks and a quote sticker, a gift card, an ebookof choice by Erika Mathews, an ebook from the winner’s Amazon wishlist, an exclusive epilogue
of The Tussie-Mussie, and a phone wallpaper.
Rules
Entrants must be 18+ or have parental permission to enter. Two winners—one US and oneinternational—will be randomly selected at the end of the giveaway and contacted by email. The
winners must be comfortable sharing their shipping addresses. Any and all information provided
through the giveaway will be used only for the purposes stated.
Link
HERE is where you can enter the giveaway!
Feel free to check out Wild Blue Wonder Press on Instagram and Facebook, participate in the social media bookish challenge, or browse the other posts on the blog tour using the . . .
Springtime in Surrey: Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, July 24th
Kickoff Post at Lilacs & Reveries
Interview with Katja H. Labonté at Sheep Among Wolves
Interview with Faith Blum at Library Lady’s Kid Lit
Launch Announcement at Writing to Inspire
Interview with Rachel Leitch at Words & Wildflowers
Three-Novella Review at Miraculous Homeschool
Tuesday, July 25th (LAUNCH DAY)
Collection Spotlight at Of Blades and Thorns
Collection Spotlight & Single-Novella Review at Review from the Stacks
Collection Review at Emily Yager
Collection Review at The Book Dragon’s Alcove
Collection Review at Story of a Christian Girl
Launch Announcement at Resting Life
Wednesday, July 26th
Two-Novella Review at H.S. Kylian
Collection Review at Abbigail B.
“Tips from Editing 7 Novellas in a Month,” a Guest Post by Kellyn at Joyfully Natasha
Collection Review at Imperial Scribis
Thursday, July 27th
“Why We Wrote Stories Set in Surrey,” a Guest Post from Kellyn at A Handful of Quietness
Collection Review at Library Lady’s Kid Lit
Collection Spotlight at Kelsey’s Notebook
Single-Novella Review at Vanessa Hall
Interview with Andrea Renee Cox at Story of a Christian Girl
Friday, July 28th
Two-Novella Review at Read Review Rejoice
Collection Spotlight at Writing to Inspire
Single-Novella Review at Joyfully Natasha
Collection Review at Graceful Reflections
“Why I Love Writing Women’s Fiction,” a Guest Post from Kellyn at Abbigail B.
Saturday, July 29th
Collection Review at Saraina Whitney
Collection Review & Collection Spotlight at Little Blossoms for Jesus
“Children’s Books I Drew Inspiration From,” a Guest Post from Kellyn at Library Lady’s Kid Lit
Wrapup Post at Lilacs & Reveries
Book Review
Jesus, I Am Resting ⭐⭐⭐
Jesus, I am Resting was a solid novella with wholesome, sweet themes and a lovely tie-in with the hymn “Jesus, I am Resting, Resting!”
The Cottage on the Hill ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This beautiful novella had a lovely strangers-to-lovers romance, a gorgeous countryside setting with a cottage, and two incredible main characters! I adored Adrian and how he was incredibly charming but also gentle and caring. And Moria was so sweet, and I loved how she was a ballerina! Reading this novella made my heart so happy, and if you enjoy stories with the aspects mentioned above and also a theme of finding a new path and joy in life after a previous passion has been forced to end, I can’t recommend this novella enough!
If I Knew You Were Coming ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If I Knew You Were Coming is such an emotional (and thus heavier) story that beautifully displays the themes of motherhood, family, and the hardship of dealing with grief, separation, and making tough choices. The three children in the story were the absolute sweetest and I just wanted to give them all hugs, and Joan was such an amazing mother! Overall, I enjoyed it a lot and it's definitely one that I'd come back to reread!
Her Heart’s Home ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This touching, heartwarming novella is one of my favorite romances that I've read so far this year because 1) the main characters are older (as in middle-aged, 30s-50s) and I strongly believe that we need more romance stories with older couples, 2) the Christian messages weaved throughout the story were absolutely marvelous, and 3) I did not expect the plot twist and it made me smile so hard.
The Tussie-Mussie ⭐⭐⭐⭐
An entertaining mystery with some lovely sibling relationships, a hint of sweet romance, incredible character growth, and beautiful, godly themes, The Tussie-Mussie is a novella that pleasantly surprised me and one that I'd come back to read anytime! (Also, it was so fun discovering what a tussie-mussie is, and I 100% want one someday XD.)
The Odd Duck Society ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I adored the cozy settings, delightful bookish references, sweet friendships, and intriguing mystery in this story. And because the wonderful plot has some amazing twists, this is a novella that I won't forget for a long time!
Fear Not Tomorrows ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A tender, heartwarming novella filled to the brim with lessons on learning how to give thanks to God in all circumstances (even in the bad ones) and trusting Him daily, Fear Not Tomorrows had many lovely aspects (like the vivid descriptions of nature, a charming romance, and sweet sibling relationships) and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Courage to Stay ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A few of my favorite parts of Courage to Stay was the energetic, fearless, yet caring female protagonist, the appropriate way the subject of PTSD is handled, and Matthias' amazing friend group (I want a story featuring Tacitus XD). I would say that this novella is for more mature readers because Kellyn Roth doesn't shy away from promoting a loving, godly marriage between husband and wife (So there is one scene and some comments that do infer things that happen between a married couple. However, everything was appropriate and nothing went overboard, in my opinion). I personally wasn't bothered by anything, but I know some readers might be, so I wanted to let others be aware of this. Overall, I really liked this novella, and it was a great conclusion for the anthology!
Overall rating of the anthology: 4.5 stars
*I received a complimentary copy of the anthology from the kind publisher and these are my own, honest thoughts*
To wrap this quite large post up (I do believe this is my longest post ever hehe XD) I want to personally congratulate the authors and everyone over at Wild Blue Wonder Press on this release and I can't wait to see what else they'll publish in the future!
~The Book Dragon
Let's Talk!
Are you interested in reading Springtime in Surrey ? Have you heard of County Surrey, England? (I admit I had no idea such an enchanting place existed until this anthology, and I definitely plan on learning more about it!) Do you prefer historical or contemporary stories?
Thank you so much for sharing this! We are so grateful in every way for the support we've received from you ... and I'm thankful in particular for your willingness to post your review! Because that's kind of a big deal for us, hehe.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! I enjoyed it a lot!
DeleteThis look delightful.
ReplyDeleteIt is! :)
DeleteOoo I LOVE your review, Emma!!!! I cannot wait to be able to read springtime in surrey! It's high up on my TBR list!! All of the stories look amazing and I am ESPECIALLY stoked to read Her Heart's Home!
ReplyDeleteAww thank you!! <3 They really are so amazing, and yes, I figured you're excited to read Her Heart's Home! *laughs* But in all seriousness, Grace is a master at writing romance, it was so beautiful! <3
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