{Blog Tour} Death Be Not Proud by C.F. Dunn

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of the book through the Kregel Publications Blog Tour program. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions stated above are mine alone.  

{Book Review}

C.F. Dunn introduced us to quite the cast of characters in the first book in her new Secrets of the Journal trilogy, Mortal Fire. (My review of that book is here.) I was intrigued by the story line and left hanging at the end. I hate that. I had to wait far too long to find out what happened to Professor Emma D'Eresby.

One of the things that intrigued me about the first book was that it was set in my state, Maine. Not many books that I read do so. As such, it's always a treat to read them.

Book two, Death Be Not Proud, picks up right where the first one ended - I adore it when authors do this. This second volume could easily be a stand alone book though as the author does give a synopsis of what has occurred thus far. This is also helpful for those of us who know they enjoyed the book, but can't quite remember all the details. That's certainly not due to advancing age or anything. I always blame it on my children!

Book Summary from the author's website: 

Following the vicious attack that nearly killed her and reeling from the discovery that mysterious Matthew Lynes – the man with whom she has inadvertently and irresistibly fallen in love – is lying, historian, Emma D’Eresby flees the college in Maine for her ancient home town in England. With her she carries a precious Seventeenth-century journal and the secrets bound within its pages. Once home, she comes to terms with a shattering revelation, and, just when she thinks she has the answers, faces a future where past and present collide.

I enjoyed this second installment as much as I did the first. I was also left hanging yet again. So now I wait for the third book to arrive

{Blog Tour} The Sons of Jude by Brandt Dodson

I love reading crime novels. I especially love reading ones that make me think and rethink who the bad guy really might be. I love it more when there isn't a lot of extra stuff thrown in such as explicit crime scene descriptions and/or "extracurricular" activity if you know what I mean.

The Sons of Jude by Brandt Dodson filled all of my loves for good crime novels and then some. I have one issue with it and one only....it's only the first book in a series and then others still need to be published! 

I loved this book. As I mentioned above, I really do enjoy reading crime novels. I'm not sure why. I think it may have something to do with the "who-dun-it" part of it. I will say that when I read the last page I literally yelled, "NO!!!!" because I didn't not want it to end. It was that good!

Brandt Dodson has done a fantastic job of drawing you in to the story. He shared this information with those of us reviewing the book....

"The Sons of Jude was written as the first in a series featuring a fictional Chicago police district and a rotating a cast of characters. Major characters in one novel may return in minor supporting roles in other novels, if at all. Characters will marry, die, or get transferred to and from the district. In that sense, this series will be similar to the late Ed McBain's 87th precinct novels, set in the fictional Isola, New York. But it will also be very different in that The Sons of Jude is set in a real police department in a real city. I've lived in the Chicago area and know it well."

The fact that the author was well versed in Chicago was apparent. I have never visited the city, but I now feel like if I ever do, I'll have a working knowledge of it already. I enjoy reading books set in places I've been to or I am familiar with.

You can check out the first two chapters of the book online and if you get drawn in, like I did, I have good news for you....the Kindle version of The Sons of Jude is currently on sale for $5 through Sunday, October 21st.

I, for one, am now eagerly waiting for the sequel to The Sons of Jude series to come out. And I'll be picking up some of Brandt Dodson's earlier works to enjoy in the meantime.

 

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of the book through the Kregel Publications Blog Tour program. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions stated above are mine alone.

{Blog Tour} God Knows Your Name by Catherine Campbell

I am not a huge fan of non-fiction books, but I love biographies. I love seeing how God works in others lives. I love reading about how people survive and thrive. I love having a peak into others adventures.

Many of us have felt rejected at times. We may have felt that God did not know who we were - that we were insignificant. We may have felt hopeless or unloved or even worthless. Catherine Campbell has written a fantastic book to help us remember that God knows exactly who we are and cares immensely for us.

In God Knows Your Name Mrs. Campbell takes a Bible story and fictionalizes it. She adds the emotion and details about living in that time period. She weaves fact and fiction together in a seemingly effortless manner that helps the reader see what it might have been like to be that Bible character. For example, one Bible story that she shares in the chapter on "Helpless" is the woman in the Bible who bled for 12 years. Mrs. Campbell took the verses in Mark (5:21-34) and crafted a short story that gives a glimpse into what life may have been like for this poor woman prior to meeting Jesus and being healed.

Each chapter focuses on an emotion that we may sometimes feel in our lives such as "hopeless" or "loveless." After the Biblical account is shared, Mrs. Campbell then shares something I enjoyed even more...a true story that shows how the Bible is still true today.

Catherine Campbell has written a really interesting and unique book. Once I picked it up, I had a very hard time putting it down. I found it compelling and thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend it.

 

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of the book through the Kregel Publications Blog Tour program. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions stated above are mine alone. 

{Blog Tour} 1 Peter by Sue Edwards - Week 6

Kregel Publications is hosting a "graduated blog tour" of the book 1 Peter: Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times by Sue Edwards. Each week a group of bloggers will be completeing the weekly lesson, blogging about what we've learned, and linking it all up on the Kregel page (you can find that here).   

Week six on this blog tour covers 1 Peter 3:8-12. The title of this week's chapter is called "Pursue Peace with Doves and Dragons." I love the image that brings to my mind!

The subtitle of this entire study is "Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times." I think many times we think we are the only ones going through hard times. We look back fondly on the "good ole days" and reminisce about how much better things were "back then." However, every person - no matter when they lived - went through hard times. And most found that the only way to get through those hard times was to rely on each other and, most importantly, a relationship with the Lord.

1 Peter 3:8 states "Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble." (NIV84)

Simply because someone is a Christian does not mean that everything goes well for them. Everyone experiences hard time and conflicts. However, the Bible shares how one should address conflict in relationship. It gives a step-by-step process you should follow in Matthew 18: 15-17.

Obtaining harmony in a relationship can be hard. Even our relationship with the Lord needs harmony. I know that I allow distractions in to my life that get in the way of my relationships not only with God but also with family and friends. Making a relationship takes work. Any relationship.

One relationship that oftentimes gets overlooked is the relationship of the church and the believers. Finding a church home can take some time and conflict can easily arise once you are there. It's like any other family. This week we looked at the four qualities of the ideal church which are harmony, sympathy, love, and humility. Easy right?

I'm sure most will agree that those four qualities are hard to obtain. After all, we all have a sinful nature and it's easy to get caught up in the moment and forget what our ultimate goal should be - being Christ to others. I've yet to attend an "ideal" church, but I have attended some rather great churches that constantly strive towards that goal. I hope you have one you can attend as well.


Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of the book through the Kregel Publications Blog Tour program. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions stated above are mine alone. 

{Blog Tour} 1 Peter by Sue Edwards ~ Week 3

Kregel Publications is hosting a "graduated blog tour" of the book 1 Peter: Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times by Sue Edwards. Each week a group of bloggers will be completeing the weekly lesson, blogging about what we've learned, and linking it all up on the Kregel page (you can find that here).  

I am enjoying this Bible study more and more the further I get in to it. This week we learned that "we rock." That's right. You rock. I rock. She rocks. We all rock. Why do we need that reminder? Because we tend to lessen our gifts. Cheapen them even. We downplay what the Lord has done for us. I'm just as guilty of this as anyone else.

However, God has promised us something. Something that we sometimes forget to cling to, to hold on to with all of our heart, soul, and strength. God lives in us. He created us. He will never leave us. He loves us too much to ever turn His back on us.

We learned this week that we are just like Jesus - living stones.

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ~1 Peter 2:4-5

So why would this be a comforting verse? I find it very comforting since I learn that Jesus it the true living Stone. He was rejected by men - scorned, laughed at, made fun of, and even beaten. However, God chose him as he was precious to him. Then it tells me.....God views me the same way....previous and chosen.

One thing I learned this week that I never quite connected before. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 it says this - Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. In the Old Testament days, the "temple" was a physical building. You went there to atone for your sins as God required of you. However, once Christ came, he set us free from a physical building. Since the Holy Spirit now lives in us, we have become that temple. Therefore, we must honor God by taking care of our body just as the priests once took care of the temple since God now resides in us, the believers.

I'm finding that even the core questions are very meaty and make me think hard about what it is I am here on earth to do. One verse that we looked up as part of our study this week is a favorite one of mine. I'll end by sharing it and ask that you think about how you could apply this to your life daily....

He has showed you, O man, what is good. 
And what does the LORD require of you? 

To act justly and to love mercy 

   and to walk humbly with your God.

~Micah 6:8

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of the book through the Kregel Publications Blog Tour program. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions stated above are mine alone. 

{Blog Tour} 1 Peter by Sue Edwards ~ Week 2

Kregel Publications is hosting a "graduated blog tour" of the book 1 Peter: Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times by Sue Edwards. Each week a group of bloggers will be completeing the weekly lesson, blogging about what we've learned, and linking it all up on the Kregel page (you can find that here). 

This week's lesson was titled "Respond like a Bone-Dry Babe" and covered 1 Peter 1:13-2:3. This is where God tells us how to behave. It seems we might need some constant reminders given our sin nature. Imagine that. (Please here my tongue-in-cheek-sarcasm here.)

I have said often that many times I feel like God takes a 2x4 and hits me upside the head to get my attention. Over and over in the Bible He tells us how to act, what we need to focus on, and how we should live our lives. And yet we continue to ignore it and whine about our circumstances. Many times we think we can do it on our own - our own strength. That's when God takes that 2x4 to me. It's a reminder that I need Him. I can't do it alone. I prove that every single day. I need His strength to help me become the person He wants me to be.

I'm constantly being reminded how much I need God. Why am I constantly reminded? Because I constantly try to do it on my own. I loved this quote from Dr. Margaret Brand that was used in this weeks lesson:

"God never asks us to do something without supplying

the needed 'tools' for the job, be they physical,

intellectual, or spiritual.  You just begin with trust

and let Him stay in charge."

Sometimes it's hard to remember that last sentence...begin in trust and let Him stay in charge.

This week we were called to "Get Ready." We are called to prepare and set our mind to Christ. I'm reminded of a line in the movie Facing the Giants where the title character is told to "prepare for rain." In other words, trust that the Lord is going to provide and be ready when He does.

Once again I took away so much from this week's study. Not only are we called to be ready but we were encouraged to listen to the Holy Spirit's urging on our lives, to live holy lives as God created us to do, to love one another, and lastly we were encouraged to satisfy our craving - for God. 

This last one hits home. It's something I'm working on right now - craving God more than anything else. More than food. More than anything. 

I'm looking forward to week three.

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of the book through the Kregel Publications Blog Tour program. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions stated above are mine alone. 

{Blog Tour} 1 Peter by Sue Edwards ~ Week 1

Typically this is where I would post a review of a book and share what I liked about. A simple book review. However, I signed up for something a bit different this time and I'm inviting you along for the ride. For the next nine weeks, I will be sharing what I'm learning in my personal Bible study. 

Kregel Publications is hosting a "graduated blog tour" of the book 1 Peter: Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times by Sue Edwards. Each week a group of bloggers will be completeing the weekly lesson, blogging about what we've learned, and linking it all up on the Kregel page (you can find that here). 

Sue Edwards has created a unique Bible study. There are three levels of questions for each day's study. There are six days in each lesson and the book contains nine lessons. The "core" questions hits the nitty-gritty of the study. These are the questions that will help you delve into the study but only take about a 1-1/2 hours total for the week to complete. Then the "digging deeper" questions allow you to do just that - dig deeper. You'll need some extra materials such as an atlas, Bible dictionary, and a concordance to complete the questions. Then there are the "summit" questions. You'll need a few more resources to complete them (such as an interlinear Greek-English text and Vine's Expository Dictionary). You'll also create things such as outlines, charts, and essays. These questions are for those who  really want to dig deep and come away with a greater appreciation of the text being studied.

Now on to this week's study...

~ Revel in Your Resources 1 Peter 1:1-12~

What would you do if you knew you would be hurt for proclaiming your belief in the one true God? Thousands face this every single day. As the author shares in the introduction to this week - more Christians were martyred in the 20th century than in all past centuries combined. While we live in the US and do not face this on a daily basis as many of our Christian brothers and sisters do in other parts of the world, it seems like it's more of a possibility every day. 

Peter knew first hand what it would feel like. He chose to deny Christ - three times. Christ even told him that it would happen and even looked him in the eye as the rooster crowed. Jesus chose Peter and even trained him personally during his three years of ministry on earth along with John and James. Jesus knew that this would strengthen Peter's faith so he could go and strengthen the faith of the young church after Jesus was gone. 

We are exiles in this world. Peter even addresses this in the greeting in his letter - to the "elect exiles." I have a friend who loves to say that she is "peculiar" and we are called to be so by the Lord. We need to be set apart from the world. We need to appear different, weird even. Our focus needs to be on heaven, not on earth. This is not our home. This is not where our heart should be. Our heart and focus needs to be on our Father in heaven.

I also love how Peter greeted those in his letter - a standard of the time - "May grace and peace be multiplied to you." (1 Peter 1:2b ESV) What if we greeted everyone we met that way? Would it change our perspective and focus?

The last thing I'll share this week is one of the last things I read. In studying the last few verses of the week we examined the prophecies and how the prophets of old were searching. They knew the longed for Savior was coming but they didn't know when. They knew what would happen and what would show his coming, but they still waited. In verse 12 of 1 Peter it says "It was revealed to them [the prophets] that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look." 

That really struck me. The Holy Spirit was revealing things to the prophets that even the angels didn't quite know for sure. They longed to know when the Savior was coming as well. It kind of explains all the rejoicing that happened on that Bethlehem hill so long ago doesn't it?

If you'd like to check out what other bloggers are saying about week 1 of the 1 Peter study, you can check the list out here. Just click on "week 1 reviews." 

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of the book through the Kregel Publications Blog Tour program. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions stated above are mine alone. 

Blog Tour: Code of Justice (And Giveaway!)

Book Summary:

"Follow the drugs."

Her sister's last words shake FBI agent Heather Sloan to the core. They also convince her that the helicopter crash only Heather survived wasn't an accident. Sheriff's deputy Jeremy Latham is assigned the case—he's the only one who can help Heather find the person responsible. If she can convince him they should work together. As they dig for the truth, they learn to trust and care for each other. Will they lose it all when the killer targets Heather? She's willing to risk her life to find her sister's killer—but her code of justice could cost her the chance to win Jeremy's love.

About the Author:

Liz Johnson grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being part of the publishing industry. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, she set out to fulfill her dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream—becoming an author. Along the way to having her novels published, she completed the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course and wrote articles for several magazines. 

Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring the local music scene, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her two nephews and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. Keep up with Liz's adventures in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com.

What I Thought:

I really love a good mystery and Liz Johnson delivered just that in Code of Justice. It started off intense and that level stayed up there right through the end. I didn't feel that the inspirational part of the message was contrived either. Sometimes it seems like the authors try hard to make a character's faith too much a part of the story - almost in an unbelievable way. That wasn't the case with this book. It felt real. I would definitely recommend this so that I am going to give away my copy of the book. It's even a signed copy from the author herself!

How to Enter:

Just leave me a comment on what you love to read the most - what is your favorite genre? That's it! I'll pick a winner next Sunday, April 3rd.



Disclaimer: I am not paid for these book reviews. I am given a copy  of the book  by the author to read in exchange for my review. Of course, this arrangement works well for me since I love to read! 

Blog Tour: Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor

Sir Quinlan grew up with the nickname "Twitch" due to a muscle spasm in his cheek that occurred when he was nervous. While he wanted to follow the Prince and be a Knight of the Kingdom and fight evil, he never really thought he'd amount to much. Soon he learns that the Prince has other plans for him and Sir Quinlan must learn to overcome his feelings of being inferior and worthless to help fight the battle of his life.

Early last year I reviewed Book #4 of the Knights of Arrethtrae last year. I found book #5 just as compelling. While these are geared towards teens, I enjoyed it very much. I really want to read books #1-3 as well as continue the series.

Chuck Black does a really fantastic job weaving biblical truths throughout his stories. He takes the theme of knighthood and turns it in to the way we should live our life for Christ. Another excellent job.

About the author:
CHUCK BLACK, a former F-16 fighter pilot and tactical communications engineer, is the best-selling, award-winning author of the Kingdom series and the Knights of Arrethtrae series. He has received praise from parents across the country for his unique approach to telling biblical truths. His passion in life is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and to love his wife, Andrea, and their six children. He lives with his family in North Dakota.



Disclaimer: I am not paid for these book reviews. I am given copies of the books by the WaterBrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program to read in exchange for my review. Of course, this arrangement works well for me since I love to read! If you are interested in seeing how to get free books to review, click on the link in my side bar.

Blog Tour: Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball

From the publisher: 
Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas?
 
In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.
 

Read the first chapter.

About the Author (taken from her website): Donita K. Paul retired early from teaching school, but soon got bored! The result: a determination to start a new career. Now she is an award-winning novelist writing Christian Romance and Fantasy. She says, “I feel blessed to be doing what I like best.”She mentors all ages, teaching teenagers and weekly adult writing workshops.
“God must have imprinted 'teacher' on me clear down to the bone. I taught in public school, then home schooled my children, and worked in private schools. Now my writing week isn’t very productive unless I include some time with kids.” Her two grown children make her proud, and her two grandsons make her laugh.

My thoughts: Overall I enjoyed the story. It was an extremely quick read and the storyline was simply charming. It was a sweet romance. The two main characters work together and have for years but never noticed each other until the some old matchmakers get involved. One thing I really liked was this was not a typical "dating" story. The male lead, Simon, was interested in someone a woman who would be able to accept him and his family (parents and disabled sister). He was interested in courting as well. I thought these two elements were a fresh take on a romance.

One thing I did find interesting was this statement made mid-way through the book...."We don't believe in witches. Wizards are another thing. Old and wise, that's what the root of 'wizard' means. And did you know a wizard can be male or female?"  Now let me just state that I enjoy fantasy novels. In fact, the Harry Potter books are favorites of mine. Having said that, I felt this statement a bit unnerving for some reason in a seemingly Christian novel. It seemed to me that the author was trying to justify the use of wizards in her story. I did not find it offensive, just curious.

In general I thought this a cute story and a fun read. Quick and simple. Although, I did think it ended too quickly. Given that it's a novella that's to be understand. But I'm always the reader that wants to know...what happened next?

You can purchase the book here.



Disclaimer: I am not paid for these book reviews. I am given copies of the books by the WaterBrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program to read in exchange for my review. Of course, this arrangement works well for me since I love to read! If you are interested in seeing how to get free books to review, click on the link in my side bar.

Blog Tour: Shades of Morning

Summary:

Marnie Wittier has life just where she wants it. Quiet. Peaceful. No drama. A long way away from her past. In the privacy of her home, she fills a box with slips of paper, scribbled with her regrets, sins, and sorrows. But that’s nobody else’s business. Her bookstore/coffee shop patrons, her employees, her friends from church—they all think she’s the very model of compassion and kindness.

Then Marnie’s past creeps into her present when her estranged sister dies and makes Marnie guardian of her fifteen-year-old son—a boy Marnie never knew existed. And when Emmit arrives, she discovers he has Down syndrome—and that she’s woefully unprepared to care for him. What’s worse, she has to deal with Taylor Cole, her sister’s attorney, a man Marnie once loved—and abandoned. As Emmit (and Taylor) work their way into her heart, Marnie begins to heal. But when pieces of her dismal past surface again, she must at last face the scripts of paper in her box, all the regrets and sorrows. Can she do it? Or will she run again?

Author Bio:

Marlo Schalesky is the author of several books, including Beyond the Night and Empty Womb, Aching Heart. A graduate of Stanford University, Marlo also has a masters of theology with an emphasis in biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Married over twenty years, she lives with her husband, Bryan, and their five children in California.

My Thoughts

I enjoyed this book although the twist at the end sort of threw me a bit. I won't say more than that. I did enjoy the style and the plot really made you think. The main character threw away her life path based on what she thought was the reality of the situation. She refused to deal with it and just her whole life as full of regrets. That's not what life is about. Our mistakes and regrets are what help us to grow as people. I know that I try to take those same things and use them to make me better. Overall I did enjoy the book. It was a quick, easy, and enjoyable read but it also made me think. Always a good thing in a fiction book.

You can purchase a copy of the book here or here.

Disclaimer: I am not paid for this book reviews. I was given a copy of the book by the WaterBrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program to read in exchange for my review. Of course, this arrangement works well for me since I love to read! If you are interested in seeing how to get free books to review, click on the link in my side bar.

Blog Tour: Life, In Spite of Me

About This Book

She wanted to die. God had other plans.

Why does my life have to be so painful?
What’s wrong with me?
It’s not going to get better.
It could all be over soon, and then I won’t hurt anymore.
 
Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture-perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook: three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a seemingly bottomless depression.

One January night, the seventeen-year-old decided she no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited for a freight train to send her to heaven…and peace.

But Kristen's story doesn’t end there.

In Life, In Spite of Me this remarkably joyful young woman shares the miracle of her survival, the agonizing aftermath of her failed suicide attempt, and the hope that has completely transformed her life, giving her a powerful purpose for living.

Her gripping story of finding joy against all odds provides a vivid and unforgettable reminder that life is a gift to be treasured.  

Author Spotlight

Kristen Jane Anderson has been featured on Oprah and is a popular speaker at colleges, women’s and youth events, churches, and suicide prevention outreaches. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute and the founder of Reaching You Ministries, Kristen seeks to help those who are hurting, hopeless, lost, suicidal and depressed.

Tricia Goyer is the author of three hundred articles for national periodicals, as well as fourteen novels and six nonfiction books, including Blue Like Play Dough.

My thoughts:
I lost a classmate to suicide when I was a sophomore in high school. That still touches my life all these years later. It's tough on those left behind. It's also tough on those who feel that is their only answer. I've also struggled with depression throughout my life. It's tough when you feel you have no hope.

This book was simply amazing. Not simply because Kristen survived her suicide attempt but to see all the ways in which God saved her. She should not have survived. Over 30 freight cars passed over her body and severed her legs. However, she not only survived but is now thriving and helping others who face what she once did to find the hope she did - faith in Christ.

I highly recommend this book. I found the story well written and the message it contained wonderful. You can purchase a copy here.

If you are hurting or know someone who is, please check out Kristen's website - Reaching You Ministries. Talk to someone. There is hope - always. We just need to be reminded of that from time to time.



Disclaimer: I am not paid for these book reviews. I am given copies of the books by the WaterBrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program to read in exchange for my review. Of course, this arrangement works well for me since I love to read! If you are interested in seeing how to get free books to review, click on the link in my side bar.

Blog Tour: Indivisible

An inseparable bond. 

An insatiable force. 
Battling his own personal demons, Police Chief Jonah Westfall knows the dark side of life and has committed himself to eradicating it. When a pair of raccoons are found mutilated in Redford, Colorado, Jonah investigates the gruesome act, knowing the strange event could escalate and destroy the tranquility of his small mountain town. With a rising drug threat and never-ending conflict with Tia Manning, a formidable childhood friend with whom he has more than a passing history, Jonah fights for answers—and his fragile sobriety. 

But he can’t penetrate every wound or secret—especially one fueled by a love and guilt teetering on madness. 

From best-selling author Kristen Heitzmann comes a spellbinding tale of severed connections and the consequences of life lived alone. 

KRISTEN HEITZMANN

While home schooling her four kids, Kristen Heitzmann wrote her first novel. It became one of a five book historical series. Since then, she has written three more historical novels and eight contemporary romantic and psychological suspense novels including The Still of Night, nominated for the Colorado Book Award, The Tender Vine, a Christy Award finalist and Christy Award winning Secrets. She lives in Colorado with her husband Jim, sundry family members, and pets. 

Follow Kristen Heitzmann online at www.KristenHeitzmann.net.


My thoughts:
I'm pretty sure this is the first Kristen Heitzmann book that I have read. It won't be the last. I sat down and quickly devoured this book in about 24 hours. It was excellent. Added to that was that it was written by a homeschooling mom. I loved that. I immediately went to Paperback Swap (my favorite place to find books) after I finished reading Indivisible and snatched up two more books by Kristen (we're on a first name basis now). I can't wait to read them.


If I were giving out stars for this book - it would be five stars - hands down.


You can purchase this book here.




Disclaimer: I am not paid for these book reviews. I am given copies of the books by the WaterBrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program to read in exchange for my review. Of course, this arrangement works well for me since I love to read! If you are interested in seeing how to get free books to review, click on the link in my side bar.

Blog Tour: The Bridegrooms

About This Book

It Only Takes an Instant for Love to Strike

Tragedy hits the Allenhouse family on a hot summer night in Ohio when a mother of four vanished. Eight-year-old Vada virtually grew up overnight and raised her three younger sisters while her father lost himself in his medical practice in the basement of their home.

Now, Vada is a grown woman, still making her home with her father and sisters. Her days are spent serving as an errand girl for Cleveland’s fledgling amateur orchestra; her evenings with Garrison Walker, her devoted, if passionless, beau.

Dizzying change occurs the day the Brooklyn Bridegrooms come to town to play the Cleveland Spiders and a line drive wallops the head of a spectator. The fan is whisked to the Allenhouse parlor, and questions swirl about the anonymous, unconscious man.

Suddenly, the subdued house is filled with visitors, from a flirtatious, would-be sports writer to the Bridegrooms’ handsome star hitter to the guilt-ridden ballplayer who should have caught the stray shot. The medical case brings Dr. Allenhouse a frustration and helplessness he hasn’t felt since his wife’s disappearance. Vada’s sisters are giddy at the bevy of possible suitors. And Vada’s life is awakened amid the super-charged atmosphere of romantic opportunity.

About The Author

Allison Pittman is the author of Stealing Home, the Crossroads of Grace series, and her nonfiction debut, Saturdays With Stella. A former high-school English teacher, she serves as director of the theater arts group at her church. Allison makes her home in Texas with her husband and their three boys. Learn more about the author at www.allisonpittman.com.

My Thoughts

I liked this book. I found it enjoyable. I liked the story line. I liked the underlying theme as well. "The grass is not greener on the other side of the fence." This was the first book I have read by this author and I liked it well enough to search out more by her.

The Bridegrooms can be purchased HERE.



Disclaimer: I am not paid for these book reviews. I am given copies of the books by the WaterBrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program to read in exchange for my review. Of course, this arrangement works well for me since I love to read! If you are interested in seeing how to get free books to review, click on the link in my side bar.

Blog Tour: Forget Me Not

Summary:  

A mother who cannot face her future.
THEIR ELUSIVE ENEMIES TOOK EVERYTHING.  NOW THEY WANT MORE.
 Crossroads Crisis Center owner Benjamin Brandt was a content man—in his faith, his work, and his family.  Then in a flash, everything he loved was snatched away.  His wife and son were murdered, and grief-stricken Ben lost faith.  Determination to find their killers keeps him going, but after three years of dead ends and torment, his hope is dying too.  Why had he survived?  He’d failed to protect his family.

Now, a mysterious woman appears at Crossroads seeking answers and help—a victim who eerily resembles Ben’s deceased wife, Susan.  A woman robbed of her identity, her life, of everything except her faith—and Susan’s necklace.

The connections between the two women mount, exceeding coincidence, and to keep the truth hidden, someone is willing to kill.  Finding out who and why turns Ben and the mystery woman’s situation from dangerous to deadly.  Their only hope for survival is to work together, trust each other, and face whatever they discover head on, no matter how painful. But will that be enough to save their lives and heal their tattered hearts?

Author Bio:

Vicki Hinze is an award-winning author of twenty-three novels, three nonfiction books, and hundreds of articles. Selected for Who’s Who in America in 2004 as a writer and educator, Hinze is active in Romance Writers of America and serves as a Vice President on the International Thriller Writers Board of Directors. Vicki lives in Florida with her artist husband, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. Visit www.vickihinze.com to learn more about Vicki’s books, blogs, and writing programs.

My thoughts:
I couldn't decide if I liked this book or not. I spent the first half of the book trying to figure out if I was missing something. It felt like I jumped in to the middle of a story without having any background information given to me. About halfway through the book, when the author began to connect the dots for the characters, did it finally get to a point where I enjoyed it and wanted to see what happened next. Overall it was a pretty good book, although, I did find the start of it confusing and frustrating at times.

You can find the book HERE.

Don't forget - I am currently hosting a giveaway for the last book I reviewed: This Little Prayer of Mine.



Disclaimer: I am not paid for these book reviews. I am given copies of the books by the WaterBrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program to read in exchange for my review. Of course, this arrangement works well for me since I love to read! If you are interested in seeing how to get free books to review, click on the link in my side bar.

Blog Tour: This Little Prayer of Mine (and giveaway!)

What a sweet, sweet book. I read this to all the boys one day during school. The illustrations are wonderfully done. The story is cute and does a good job showing children how God is just a simple prayer away. We loved it. 

Summary:   Author Anthony DeStefano’s adult books, The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven, have sold a quarter-million copies. Illustrator Mark Elliott’s cherished artwork has appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s ever-popular Princess Tales series.

Now, these acclaimed inspirational experts have come together to create This Little Prayer of Mine, a beautiful and alluring book designed to guide children into a very simple, real and expressive relationship with God.

Through engaging  rhymes and alluring illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine shows children—and their parents and grandparents—that complete dependence on God is what brings peace and fulfillment. It invites children to know and believe that God is always  just a simple prayer away and that He longs to respond to them with a resounding, “Yes!”

This Little Prayer of Mine appeals to readers from all different faiths. Easy-reader format allows children to read alone, or with someone older, and encourages them to openly express their fears, thanks, and needs directly to God.

Author Bio:

Anthony DeStefano is the author of The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven. He has received prestigious awards from religious organizations worldwide for his efforts to advance Christian beliefs in modern culture.

Mark Elliott’s brilliant illustrations have appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s Princess Tales series. His acclaimed artwork delivers inspiration, wonder, and timeless beauty on every page.

Giveaway!

I have one copy of This Little Prayer of Mine to giveaway to one of my readers. 

• Leave a comment below for one entry.
• Become a follower for a second entry. If you are already a follower, just let me know and that will get a second entry as well. Be sure to leave this as a second comment - to make it easier for me to use a random generator to pick the winner. Thanks!

Click here to see where to buy this book.



Disclaimer: I am not paid for these book reviews. I am given copies of the books by the WaterBrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program to read in exchange for my review. Of course, this arrangement works well for me since I love to read! If you are interested in seeing how to get free books to review, click on the link in my side bar.