Wednesday, November 11, 2020

A Great Read!! Be sure that you enter the giveaway!

Synopsis:

It all started with a hike…

Cady Jackson’s vacation plans were simple. Go to Yellowstone National Park, enjoy the scenery, take lots of pictures. She and her cousin, Ashley, have grown up in a strict, conservative Christian family in upstate New York. Cady has never been encouraged to spread her wings. This trip is an opportunity to do so. Only, she doesn’t know how much her life is about to change when she has an unfortunate encounter in the middle of nowhere. Why would God take a personal interest in someone like her? Grant McClintoch generally loves his job as a ranger in the oldest national park in the country. That it includes rescuing stranded visitors to the park is unfortunate. He has been trying to rebuild his life after it had nearly been destroyed. Grant doesn’t realize that God isn’t done with him yet when he stumbles onto an injured hiker.

But can he place his past in God’s capable hands where it belongs?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

As this author was new to me, I was not sure whether this novel would be to my liking. I am pleased to say that I will be reading creations by her again!!

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute that was spent in Yellowstone National Park! Yes, I was so engrossed that my life became quickly entwined with all of the wonderful characters.

The characters were so detailed and realistically described that they quickly became my new best friends. They met with many of the same challenges as you and I. Temptations were in abundance. I kept wondering how strong their faith was. Would they succeed in following the Lord???

The setting was perfect for this story. What a truly interesting place to be!! The descriptions had me living there, even if it was only for a short time.

The plot moved at a good pace with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader glued to the page. You just have to find out what will happen next!!

I am eagerly awaiting the next book in Anne's series, " For Better or For Worse"! So glad to have found another great author to provide me with an escape from reality!!

This book was received from the author. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.

About the Author

Anne Perreault was born and raised in Germany. By the time she was 14 years old, her family moved to Dubai, UAE. While living in this exotic place, she traveled extensively to various countries around the world. After graduating from an American boarding school in Austria, she attended college in England, where she met her husband. She graduated from New England College with a degree in biology, and settled down in Connecticut. Anne became a horseback riding instructor as well as a certified therapeutic riding instructor. She and a group of friends started a therapeutic riding center in Bristol, CT. During that time, Anne also received a masters degree in secondary education and began to homeschool her three children. While raising their three children, she began to write an inspirational story primarily for her daughter. Anne, her husband, and two of their grown children now reside in Southern Vermont, where they are building their home. Besides writing, Anne enjoys reading, spending time with her husband, grown children, and grand-dogger.

More from Anne

Desire of the Heart…

This book is so special to me. I had been pondering what to write a few years back and the thought came to me that I should base my next character on some of the adorable quirkiness of my beautiful daughter, a young woman filled with integrity and strength. Except, when you first meet her, you might think she’s too naïve or too sweet. She has a fire in her and a passion. And then I watched a TV show and one of the character’s were named Cady. I knew I had my main character. My daughter loves to travel, and a few years ago, she and her cousin traveled to Scotland together. It was kind of like fiction came to live right then and there. I had already paired Cady up with her cousin, a young woman who is the complete opposite to Cady. Of course, in real life, my daughter and her cousin are incredibly similar to each other and are both such amazing young women of God.

Her counterpart came about because I was looking for someone with strength and also with great integrity, but someone who was wounded by life. I also realized that I wanted to set the story in a national park. I’ve always enjoyed nature and wanted my main character to be working in some capacity with nature. Grant naturally became a park ranger. It fit his personality so well, I secretly rubbed my hands together in glee.

Setting the story at Yellowstone allowed me to research that beautiful part of the country. I have always been a wildlife enthusiast. My oldest son loves wolves and has studied them all his life. I wanted to include wolves in the story… enough said. I fell completely in love with the park and I will one day travel there and stand where Grant and Cady did.

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, November 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 3

Book of Ruth Ann, November 3

Texas Book-aholic, November 4

Mary Hake, November 4

Inklings and notions, November 5

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 6

Pause for Tales, November 6

Older & Smarter?, November 7

deb’s Book Review, November 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 8

Through the Lens of Scripture, November 9

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 9

Artistic Nobody, November 10 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

21st Century Keeper at Home, November 10

Quiet Quilter, November 11

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 13

Just Your Average reviews, November 13

Spoken from the Heart, November 14

Emily Yager, November 1Daysong Reflections, November 15

Click here to get your copy!

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Anne is giving away the grand prize package of a bookmark and a signed copy of Desire of the Heart!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/102f2/desire-of-the-heart-celebration-tour-givea

Friday, September 25, 2020

A great New Read from Kate Lloyd!

“Stage Fright”

Synopsis:

Jessica Nash loves to sing but is paralyzed every time she gets on stage. After blowing an excruciating audition, she wonders if she should give up on her dream. She’s already committed to a week-long choral tour of England with her church choir, though, and as a single mom with a limited income, this might be her only chance to travel.

The trip gets off to a rocky start when Jessica has to sit next to Martin, a once-famous British tenor whose career plummeted in a scandal, on the flight to London. Is it her imagination, or does he seem to aim his bitterness toward womankind specifically at her? And to make things worse, once they arrive Jessica discovers she has to room with the choir’s thorny lead soprano.

When Nick, their handsome tour guide, takes a special interest in showing Jessica the sights, things finally seem to be falling into place. She starts to relax and let herself be wooed against the backdrop of the charming English countryside. But is she ready to give him as much as he’s asking for?

Things aren’t as simple as they seem. Almost every person on the tour, it seems, is hiding a secret, and before her English holiday is over Jessica will find herself stretched and tested in every direction—including the soloist’s place center stage.

My Thoughts:

Katr has once again written a book that grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go!! Her characters are so well described that you easily identify with them and become a part of their lives. I felt Jessica's pain as she was so nervous . I , myself, can teach a group of thirty eight year olds but don't put me in front of even a snall group of adults. As Jessica experienced the queasy stomach, the shaking legs take over and the words just wont come out. As a single mother , Jesscia had challenges that at times overwhelmed her. Her chance to be a success as a singer in her church choir presented her with a goal that she was determined to achieve.

The plot moves quickly and keeps your interest as you are experiencing a possible new romance and a goal achieved by a deserving young woman. The unexpected events that crop up kept me up long past my bedtime. Although it is a quick read, it was full of meaning and emotion.

Well done, Kate!! A fast but great read!!

This book was received from the publisher. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.

Another Fantastic Book by Shelley Shepard Gray! Book 2 of the "Dance With Me" Series!

"Take the Lead"
By Shelley Shepard Gray

Synopsis:

Growing up in foster care, Officer Traci Lucky had a rough start to life, but things are looking up now that she’s found a place in Bridgeport with two sisters she never knew she had. One night while on the job Traci finds Gwen, a pregnant teen caught up in a dangerous world of drugs, and takes her straight to the hospital. There Traci encounters the oh-so-charming Dr. Matt Rossi, who surprises Traci with his compassion—and his movie-star good looks.

A busy ob-gyn with a huge, meddling Italian family, Matt Rossi hasn’t had much time for love in his life. All that changes when he meets the beautiful Officer Lucky. He’s intrigued by her strength and the kind heart she tries to hide beneath her tough exterior.

When Matt confides that he needs to learn to waltz for his brother’s wedding, Traci reveals that her sister happens to be a ballroom dance teacher. Next thing they know, Matt and Traci are juggling busy careers, helping young Gwen with her pregnancy and personal safety, and learning to waltz together. But when Gwen’s escalating problems threaten to put all of them in danger, they wonder if they’ll ever find time for a little romance too.

Shelley Shepard Gray takes us back to Bridgeport, Ohio, a town where family comes in all different shapes and sizes, love has no limits, and community means everyone deserves a little help when they’re lost.

My Thoughts:

“Take the Lead” is the second book in Shelley’s Bridgeport collection, once again encountering three sisters who recently found each other! None of them knew that the others existed! That alone, grabs my attention immediately This book centers on one of my favorite sisters, the second sister in this triiogy . A little tough on the exterior but a caring, loving individual who takes a young pregnant girl under her wing , without hesitating.

The characters are all described in such a realisitc detailed way what the reader is caught up in the lives of each of them. I particularly loved Traci. She put on such a tough act as a police officer, however really was such a softy, wanting to solve the problems of the world. A decelopng romance interrupts Traci's well planned out life. Matt is the doctor who everyone dreans of, kind and loving. The two other sisters are also very different from one another. It was very easy to fall into their lives and walk alongside them as they struggle with many cnallenges.

The plot moves quickly with constant action and is filled with unexpected events, successful in grabbing one's attention and NOT letting go. This book was one that I could not put down! It didn't matter that the house needed cleaning and meals needed to be prepared! I was so involved in the lives of my three best friends that the world passed me by.

Shelley has done a superior job at dealing with addiction, new loves, an unexpected, somewhat unwanted child, and new family members dealing with all of this! This super storyteller used her unique style of writing to totally engage readers of any age!! Well done, Shelley!!

This is a five star book! \

Don't miss it.

This book was given to me by the publishers. The opinions and thoughts expressed are honest nd my own.

Sunday, August 9, 2020

An Amazing Start to Charlotte Hubbard’s New Series ! "Morning Star"

"Morning Star"
By Charlotte Hubbard

Synopsis:

When five maidels join forces to turn an abandoned barn into an Amish marketplace,
the unmarried women have community in mind. But their fledgling enterprise promises to reap surprising rewards for each in turn, including the gift of unexpected love . . .

For Regina Miller, the new Morning Star Marketplace is a chance to share her secret work with the world—without revealing herself. Old Order Amish forbid the creation of art without purpose, but
without a husband, Regina has been free to explore the joy of painting in her attic. Yet when Gabe Flaud’s curiosity leads him to speculate that Regina herself is the painter, the full weight of their community’s judgement falls on her shoulders.

When Gabe stands up to defend Regina, questioning the Order’s restrictions, he reveals his own guilty secret and is shunned along with her. Forced to turn to each other for companionship, the young couple must learn to balance their own needs with their deep faith . . . and a love that will show them all things are possible.

My Thoughts:

This book is the first in Charlotte's new series entitled "The Maidels of Morning Star". I have to admit when a favorite author begins a new series, I am always a bit worried that it will not be as good as the last. But I can honestly and happily say , that this book was every bit as well written as all of her previous books!!

The novel commences, introducing us to five unmarried Amish women who all exhibit love for their families and community. They each have their own quirky and unique personalities which keeps the reader intrigued throughout this tale. Each of them is able to open businesses, due to the free thinking bishop, that will not only give them freedom to express their creativity but to benefit the community by sharing profits to aid in the attainment of a new school.These ladies are described in a vivid, realistic way enabling the reader to easily identify with each of them. I felt their every hurt, challenge and success! Regina became my best friend as she stumbled in her rocky road of life. Who would ever guess that her talent would lead to a romance??

The plot was complicated from the very beginning. The reader has to be aware of the fact that creativity and certain talents are frowned upon by the Amish faith as they believe them to lead to pride and worldliness. Regina has had to hide her God given talents only because it would displease her community and could cause shunning ! Unexpected events and twists and turns in the plot kept me glued to the page. i just could not put this book down. This book is to be commended on its well developed plot!

Well writtien, very different from the norm usually seen in the Amish genre!!

Five stars for this winning tale!!

I can hardly wait for book two!!!

This book was given to me. A positive review was not required.

The Many “Why’s” Asked About Writing Amish Fiction! Beth Wiseman has the answers!

"Writing about the Amish:
A Memoir"

By Beth Wiseman

Synopsis:

WHY DOES EVERY BETH WISEMAN BOOK INCLUDE A RED SUITCASE?

This is one of the many questions answered by an author who has sold over two million books. Beth has penned more than forty books about the Plain People in Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Indiana. In this collection of essays, Beth gives readers a glimpse into her personal life and shares experiences she's had while writing about the Amish.

INCLUDES PHOTOS, AMISH RECIPES, AND A "BONUS" SHORT STORY!”

My Thoughts:

As many of my blog followers know, Beth Wiseman is a favourite author of mine. I have been reading her books since the first one was published! Never has one of her creations disappointed me!! Each is unique and full of unexpected twists and turns. This book is very different in that it answers questions that many of lovers of the Amish genre have. It is a short collection of memoirs that Beth has put together so that we can better understand how she gathers her information. It is full of her experiences, many of which are humorous and will leave you in giggles at times. I did find out about Beth's hidden red suitcase several years ago and have had such fun attempting to find it in each new book that she writes. I loved finding out how Beth did her research so that she can portray the Amish in an accurate, realistic fashion. Beth relates her experiences in such a way that you can easily identify with them. i guarantee that you will enjoy this creation! I smile when I think back of the situations Beth encountered.

Beth also includes a short story about an orphan boy. It tugs at your heartstrings, as it is related in this author' s unique style of storytelling. I enjoyed every page and was only disappointed when I read the words, "THE END"!

Also included are some Amish recipes. What a bonus!!!

This book was supplied by the author. I was not required to write a positive review.

Sunday, August 2, 2020

Today's Spotlight is a FABULOUS new book by Kimberly Rose Johnson, "Direct Threat"

Direct Threat

By Kimberly Rose Johnson

About the book:

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: June 1 2020

One little girl.

Two bodyguards.

Only one chance to guard their hearts.

Protection Inc. co-owner, Carissa Jones, an ex-cop turned bodyguard, has one goal—keep her young client safe. When her business partner brings in a new guy to help, she discovers her heart desires more. Can she still do her job and follow her heart without compromising her client’s safety?

Marc Olsen, a former Military Police officer, struggles to find his way as a civilian. He agrees to help out an old friend for the summer. He gets more than he bargained for when he’s assigned to work with the feisty co-owner of Protection Inc.

When sparks fly faster than bullets, will the bodyguards be distracted from their task, or will they work together as an even stronger team?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

You can sign up for Kimberly’s newsletter via her website at: https://kimberlyrjohnso n.com/

More from Kimberly

Direct Threat is the first book in the Protection Inc. series. The series follows a group of bodyguards who are all either former cops or military police. They are on location in Lincoln City on the Oregon coast in book one, but their business is based out of Seattle.

I’ve been to Lincoln City more times than I can remember, but I took a research trip there with my husband, specifically for this book.

While in Lincoln City my husband and I walked the same beach my characters walk. I studied the access points to the cliffside homes from the vantage point of the beach, as this was an important aspect in the story. We also visited the ice cream shop mentioned in the book. You’ll understand significance of the shop when you read the story.

My writing career has taken some twists and turns. When I first began writing in 2006 I wrote romantic suspense. Then switched over to writing contemporary romance, which turned out to be the genre of my first contracted book and many more after that. After writing several romantic mystery novels for my publisher, I decided to dust off my romantic suspense manuscripts and publish them. Direct Threat is one of those manuscripts.

I absolutely love reading and writing suspense as well as romance, so joining the two together comes naturally for me. I hope you will read and enjoy this story.

You can learn more about Kimberly Rose Johnson and her books at https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, July 25

deb’s Book Review, July 25

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 26

A Baker’s Perspective, July 27

Texas Book-aholic, July 28

reviewingbooksplusmore, July 28

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 29

Because I said so – adventures in parenting, July 29

Quiet quilter, July 30

Inklings and notions, July 31

Maureen’s Musings, July 31

For Him and My Family, August 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 2

Read Review Rejoice, August 2

Daysong Reflections, August 3

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 4

Batya’s Bits, August 5

Mary Hake, August 5

Simple Harvest Reads, August 6 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Betti Mace, August 6

Just the Write Escape, August 7

Blossoms and Blessings, August 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kimberly is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/fe34/direct-threat-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, July 13, 2020

Today's Spotlight!! "Flowers from Afghanistan" by Suzy Parish! Make sure that you enter the giveaway!

"Flowers from Afghanistan"
By Suzy Parish

About the Book:

Genre: Christian War Fiction

Release Date: August 10, 2018

Weighed down by guilt following the death of his two-year-old son, Mac McCann accepts a
year-long position training police officers in Afghanistan. Leaving his wife Sophie to grieve alone, he hopes the life-or-death distractions of his self-imposed exile will build a wall between him and his pain.

As camaraderie builds between Mac and the men on base—including a local barber and his precocious little boy—Mac’s heart becomes invested in stories beyond his own tragedy and he learns he is not the only one running from loss. But when the hour of attack arrives, will he be able to see past his guilt to believe there’s still something—and someone—worth living for? With touching details based on true events, Flowers from Afghanistan is a redemptive journey of healing, a chronicle of hope in crisis, and a testament to the faithfulness of God through it all.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Suzy Parish wrote as a Community Columnist for the Huntsville Times. She is a member
of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Suzy discovered her love of books as a child in Richmond, Virginia when she took refuge from the summer heat in the local Bookmobile. She believes the power of literacy can change lives and stewards a Little Free Library in a local park. She currently resides in Huntsville, Alabama with her husband, a retired Investigator from the Huntsville Police Department. Their tennis-ball addicted dog, Charlie, is her writing companion.

More from Suzy

Have you or a family member served in the military or as first responders? I had you on my heart when I wrote Flowers from Afghanistan. You might say this novel is my “Thank you” to families all over who sacrifice their time and sometimes even their lives to help make the world a safer place.

It’s also my hand, reaching out through my keyboard to beautiful children like the character Bashir. These children want the same things as any child the world over, shelter, food, and to know they are loved. And finally, this book is a love letter from myself to Jesus Christ. He is the reason I write.