Review of “The Thorn Keeper” by Pepper Basham

Welcome to the Blog Tour and Giveaway for The Thorn Keeper by Pepper D. Basham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! 

Title: The Thorn Keeper

Series: Penned in Time #2

Author: Pepper D. Basham

Publisher: Vinspire Publishing

Release Date: February 28, 2016

Genre: Historical Romance

With her past in shambles, how can she fashion a future of hope?

Catherine Dougall’s past of manipulation has left her future in threads. With a new faith, she longs to take the remnants of her life and make something beautiful, but shame, societies’ judgments, and the natural consequences of an unplanned pregnancy test her newfound hope. Dr. David Ross doesn’t help either. His kindness, sacrifice, and tenderness tempt her to impossible dreams. A fallen woman doesn’t merit a fairytale.

David Ross has made every effort to keep his life above reproach. His passion for the sick pump fresh purpose through his choices, but without financial support to maintain his war hospital, all is lost. When his notorious aunt offers an easy solution, David is tempted to give in to her demands, but his growing affection for the reformed flirt, Catherine Dougall, unwinds the careful wall around his heart and offers an unexpected choice.

When the worst of war tears them apart, can love renew the memory of what was lost or will tragedy steal away their hope forever.

From the beautiful Derbyshire countryside to the trenches of World War One, Catherine and David must learn to trust in a God who designs a masterpiece out of brokenness and fashions hope in the most unlikely places.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

My Review:

I’m not sure how I missed this wonderful series by Pepper Basham, but I am SO glad that I now have had the opportunity to read it.

This series takes place during the time period of World War 1 and gives us not only an up-close view of those times from a historical viewpoint, but also the sweeping story of the Dougall family and their experiences (especially in the medical field) during the the war.

This particular book features Catherine’s story. She’s been a flirt and a socialite, but has come to realize how shallow and sinful her life has been. She’s now dedicated to helping build a much needed hospital for the wounded soldiers. Her spiritual journey is a touching one, and the romance between she and David is sweet.

My heart was touched by the story of the Dougall sisters. Both had heartaches and made mistakes in their past. My favorite part of this series is seeing the way the sisters returned to God and the way their lives changed to reflect His grace and forgiveness. I enjoyed this series and look forward to reading it again.

EXCERPT

Ednesbury, Derbyshire England September 1915 

There is a distinct difference between a heroine with a promised happy ending and a prodigal who must design her own.  

As Catherine Dougall stared across Ednesbury’s crowded Main Street at Madame Rousell’s Boutique, the French tulle lace and promises of romance taunted her with paper-thin hopes.  Used goods and white lace? Her lips quirked downward. Definitely out of fashion. 

Besides, Rousell’s tempted Catherine’s weakness for the beautiful and extravagant. An old dream, limping beneath the past and reality. Extravagant dreams have extravagant costs. And her purse stood empty. She turned away from the daydream and pushed open the door to Branson’s. The mercantile’ s welcome scents of coffee grounds and hard candies usually encouraged a sampling, but today, the aroma curled her stomach. She stifled a groan. Pregnancy proved as unpredictable as this prolonged war.  

Catherine unhooked the buttons of her coat and visited the small ready-made section of the store. The variety couldn’t compare to Lakes down the street or Rousell’s with their handmade designs, but the less expensive clothes fit the budgets of so many in Ednesbury. Catherine smiled. The women who were thrust into the workforce could look stylish without the additional cost. She skimmed a hand over the trip cut of a sleek daysuit, envisioning a bit more embroidery on the sleeves for her tastes. 

“Ah, Miss Dougall, I see you’ve ventured out early.” 

Catherine closed her eyes and exhaled before turning to the sound of Patterson Dandy’s nasal voice. The notorious owner of the local newspaper dabbled in gossip like an epidemic. So adept at sniffing out a story, he often left grown men near tears. 

Catherine offered her most dazzling smile to the obnoxious man.  “Mr. Dandy, what a delightful surprise this morning.” 

He shoved his thick-rimmed glasses up on his nose and eyed her with his usual suspicion. “Don’t say things you don’t mean, Miss Dougall.” 

“I find those are the only socially acceptable responses I have for you.” 

His sneer twitched his sleek moustache. “Flattery will only increase my interest in you.” 

“Flattery?” Her hand went to her chest. “How clumsy of me. I meant to insult you.”

Descriptions of the other books in this series:

Book #1-The Thorn Bearer

From the decks of the ill-fated Lusitania to the smoke-filled trenches of France, Ashleigh must choose between the forgiveness of her past, life in the present, and a Savior who can rescue her from them all. 

When her fiancé leaves her eight months before their wedding, the unexpected blow ignites a battalion of insecurities stemming from her father’s intimate betrayal. Her worst fears are confirmed – who could ever love a soiled woman? 

In an attempt to escape the shame and disappointment of her past, Ashleigh boards the ill-fated Lusitania to cross the war-torn waters of Europe. Much to her dismay, she isn’t traveling alone. 

Sam Miller is always making up for his best friend’s mistakes. Determined to help Ashleigh, he offers his compassion and protection as she ventures across a perilous sea. With the faint hope of renewing his lost love for Ashleigh’s sister, Sam never expects to find the woman of his dreams in his best friend’s former fiancé and his own childhood companion. 

As they travel across the Atlantic, neither is prepared for the life-altering and heart-breaking journey of their friendship. 

When the truth of Ashleigh’s past explodes in the middle of war and Sam rejects her, Ashleigh must decide if God is enough – or if the double weight of her betrayal and past will crush her life forever.

Book #3-The Thorn Healer

Jessica Ross’ scars run much deeper than the wounds of a world at war. Determined to escape the ghosts of her past and the German influence on her nightmares, she returns home to the sleepy Appalachian town of Hot Springs, NC, only to find the renowned Mountain Park Hotel has been converted into a ‘prison’ for displaced Germans and, much to Jessica’s dismay, her grandparents have befriended one of them.

August Reinhold has not only found kinship with Jessica’s grandparents, but as they share their granddaughter’s letters from the Front, he discovers a surprising bond drawing him toward the independent and beautiful woman. Displaced by a war and a painful history, he find Hot Springs and the intriguing, Jessica Ross, a tempting place to start over. Determined to scale the heights of her bitterness and show her the power of love, August faces more than just Jessica’s resistance, but a more devious design to harm the civilian sailors housed in Hot Springs.

Will August’s tender pursuit show Jessica the healing and hope she needs, or will bitterness force her into the hands of a ‘true’ enemy waiting to destroy much more than her heart?

About the Author:

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her most recent historical romance, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge, showcases her Appalachian heritage and history, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

Pepper loves getting to know readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You may also learn more about her on her website at www.pepperdbasham.com

CONNECT WITH PEPPER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight April 14, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on April 21, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US mailing addresses only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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