Gators, Guts, and Glory Review and Giveaway!

Wander on the wild and humorous side of adventure with long distance hiker Lauralee Bliss (trail name Blissful), hiking the 1,100-mile Florida Trail from Big Cypress National Preserve to Gulf Islands National Seashore. From alligators and cottonmouths to tenting among the palmettos and walking on water, from forests of cypress knees and lofty pine to the help of trail angels along the way, “Blissful” uncovers the hidden gems of glory in this National Scenic Trail with a unique journey unlike any other.

My thoughts: I will admit that hiking along a trail that is amongst the gators and cottonmouths does not appeal to this yuppy girl (lol), but I did find Lauralee's account of her adventure a lot of fun to read! Her style of writing drew me in from the get go. Lauralee is hilarious and her adventures keep readers wondering "what will she encounter next?". I enjoyed that she wove her physical and spiritual stories together with this book. Whether you are into hiking or not, this is a delightful book to pick up!
I receive this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

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About the Author:
Lauralee Bliss is an avid adventurer, one of only a few women to hike the entire Appalachian Trail both north and south. She is also the published author of over 25 romance novels and novellas. Lauralee’s desire is that readers will come away with both an entertaining story and a lesson that ministers to the heart. She makes her home in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

More from Lauralee
Why hike the Florida Trail of all things?
L – I’ve had several adventures under my belt, like completing the Appalachian Trail twice (see book one in the Hiking Adventure Series – Mountains, Madness and Miracles – 4000 Miles Along the Appalachian Trail)! We used to vacation in Florida as many do come winter, and once we came upon the Florida Trail sign. I couldn’t imagine hiking among the palm trees. After talking to other hikers who had done it, I knew it would be a unique experience unlike any other. After all, why should life be boring?

It all sounds kind of dangerous – the alligators, the swamps. Were you scared?
L – I’ll admit there are facets of hiking that can cause scary situations. Once I got stuck in mud-like quicksand. In Florida it’s known as sucking mud, and I thought I’d never get out of it. Can you imagine? I also had some rough weather, dangerous water crossings, and an encounter with a cottonmouth. Btu through it I learned about God’s peace and His saving hand in situations where you really have no control.

What did you do to prepare?
L – I hiked as much as I could. I talked with other hikers and asked questions. I joined online trail forums to find out about the Florida Trail. I bought the guidebook for it. I believe one should always try to prepare and not venture into something blind. But of course there’s always the unexpected, which adds to the adventure aspect.

What lessons did you learn?
L – What one can accomplish in life if you keep going and not give up, despite the challenging situations thrust your way. I like to go on these journeys to witness God’s care in my life firsthand and seeing the kindness of others to help a hiker in need. I’ve had people try to give me money. Folks that invited me into their homes or given me rides. The human spirit is amazing and one of the most valuable things I experienced.

What else can you tell us about yourself?
L – I am an avid adventurer covering thousands of trail miles in the US from east to west including two completions of the Appalachian Trail, the Colorado Trail, the Long Trail of Vermont, the Allegheny Trail of West Virginia, and the Foothills Trail of South Carolina. I have also authored of over 25 romance novels and novellas and when not writing or hiking, I love to talk to others about hiking. My motto is – make your dream come true! (and it has, in more ways than one)

For a complete list of the blog stops, go here!

Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Lauralee is giving away a grand prize of a $25 REI gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link here to enter.

Love's Belief Review and Giveaway!

Midwife Pia Hertz and her mother Sabine have been delivering babies long before the Nazis came to power. Now, the Third Reich has implemented mandates that require Jewish babies and other “undesirables” to be killed as part of The Final Solution. Is Pia’s new faith in Christ strong enough to defy the laws of man?

Despite the agony of the injury at the Battle of Drøbak Sound that took his arm, Dieter Fertig is relieved he’s no longer part of Hitler’s army. He returns to Berlin and discovers Jews are being deported by the thousands. When he realizes the Nuremburg Laws require his best friend’s baby girl to be killed, he must find a way to spirit the child out of Germany before the Nazis discover her existence.

Inspired by the biblical story of Shiprah and Puah, the midwives who saved Jewish babies during Pharaoh’s reign, Love’s Belief shows how one person’s actions can change the world.

My thoughts: I love that this book is inspired by the story of the midwives who defied Pharoah and saved Jewish babies back in Moses' day and puts it in a more modern setting. The moral/conviction questions that the story brings up really get the reader to think about what one would do in a similar situation. I loved the characters and how they grow throughout the course of the story. This is an excellent book to pick up! Linda does a wonderful job of bringing the story to life and making it easy to get immersed in. I highly recommend this one!
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

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About the Author:
Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, speaker, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. Linda is a member of ACFW, RWA, and Sisters in Crime. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a trustee for her local public library.

Read an Excerpt
Berlin, late February 1943
Chapter One

“I thought Frau Schmidt was going to die.” Pia Hertz blew out a deep breath. “We haven’t had a difficult birth like that in a long time, Mutti.”
“Ja, but you are a gifted midwife, Pia. I wasn’t too worried.”
Pia chuckled. “You always say that.”
Mutti linked her arm with Pia’s. “We must have confidence, otherwise fear will make us prone to mistakes. Now, let’s reward ourselves with strudel, if we can find it, hmm?”
“A wonderful idea. I’m starving. Hopefully, the baker has some, and the line won’t be too long at this early hour. Selections at most of the shops have been meager as the war has ground on.”
Leaning close to Pia’s ear, Mutti whispered, “Be careful what you say. You don’t want to be accused of sedition.”
Pia cast a glance over her shoulder. “You’re right. It doesn’t seem to take much to get arrested these days.” She sighed. “I don’t understand why God has allowed Herr Hitler to succeed. Why has He not stepped in to save His people, the Jews?”
Dust coated their shoes as they sauntered along the sidewalk, skirting the piles of rubble from the most recent RAF bombing raid.
“There are some things we will never have an answer to, Daughter, but we must trust in His plan. It is difficult. Despite being a believer since childhood, I still struggle with doubts. It’s understandable that you do, too.” She stroked Pia’s cheek. “When we get home, let’s pray together and see what He would have us do.”
Pia stifled a gasp. “What are you suggesting?”
Her lips pressed in a thin line, Mutti frowned. She jerked her head toward the SS officer standing about ten meters away, then tugged on Pia’s arm. Continuing down the sidewalk, they arrived at the bakery. Unlit windows and lack of women waiting indicated there were no more treats to be had for the day.
“Ach, we’ll have to assuage our penchant for a sweet another time.” Mutti rubbed her belly. “Let’s take a shortcut down Rosenstrasse then head for the river. It would be nice to look at something other than damaged buildings and debris.”
“Good idea. It is warmer today than yesterday, and there is a market at the end of the street. Perhaps they have some bread or cheese we can nibble on.”
A chill swept over Pia as they walked past a police officer, their eyes averted to avoid any interaction. An elderly couple tottered along in front of them, holding hands and speaking softly. Pia’s heart tugged. Would she ever find someone to spend her life with: someone to look at her like the wrinkled, gray-haired man gazed at the petite woman by his side? At twenty-eight, it seemed unlikely. Der Führer’s desire to rule the world was destroying an entire generation of young men, and she certainly had no interest in a black-coated member of the SS.

For a complete list of the blog stops, go here!

Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away a grand prize package with a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of each book in the series!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link here to enter.

Pressure Points Review

This humorous, poignant, and conversational guide invites young men and women to practically apply gospel solutions to all of lifes pressures, big or small. From navigating failure, roadblocks, and spiritual warfare to tackling relevant, hard-hitting topics such as drinking, sex, dating, pornography, and the fear of missing out, Pressure Points by Shelby Abbott encourages college students to consider Jesus in the midst of everyday struggles. With twenty years of experience in college ministry, Shelby Abbott is keenly aware of the pressures young men and women face. Used for biblical reflection, group discussion, devotional reading, or large group Bible study discussion, Pressure Points is full of rich gospel hope for all readers. This flexible resource points to Scripture and Abbotts funny, easily digestible reflections to help modern-day college students maneuver their early years toward the gospel, challenging young adults to see their struggles through a biblical lens. By addressing relevant challenges and practical hardships with gospel advice, Pressure Points guides readers to see and lean on the person of Jesus, reflecting on important issues in light of the gospel. From waiting on the Lord with patience, learning to fellowship with him in his sufferings, to wrestling with purpose, relationships, and the growing challenges of todays culture, Pressure Points is a timely and refreshing voice for young people pointing to a bottomless pit of grace.

My thoughts: Even though my kids are young yet, I have already thought how much the world has changed since I was a teen and in college until now, making me wonder how much it will change between now and when my kids are teenagers. That's why books like this one, Pressure Points, are so necessary. I love how this book tackles a lot of issues that have popped up as technology has exploded, lack of true relationships and self conscience. I highly recommend this book from students and parents alike!
I received this book from New Growth Press. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

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All In Review and Giveaway!

Cami Taylor: a blackjack dealer, a bestselling author, and a fraud.

Cami's boyfriend, Joel, loves her in spite of her flaws. He wants to marry her, buy a house on Long Island, and raise a family--a life that's a million miles from Cami's idea of happiness. Her therapist suggests compromise and trust, but Cami bolts like a deer. She breaks off the relationship and launches on a new quest for happiness, not knowing that a nasty surprise waits around the corner. What follows is a fight to the death.
Who will be the one left standing?

My thoughts: Cami is a fascinating character, who draws the reader in from the get go with her seemingly perfect life as an aspiring author in New York City. As you read on, the story becomes more than it first seemed on the surface. I enjoyed getting to know Cami as she changes after being confronted with ghosts of her past. Cami changes a lot over the course of the story, so there are a lot of situations that she places herself in in the beginning of the book that aren't great. That said, it is a story worth reading! It's unique and I look forward to reading more by L.K.!
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

Purchase a copy here:


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About the Author:
L. K. Simonds is a Fort Worth local. She has worked as a waitress, KFC hostess, telephone marketer, assembly-line worker, nanny, hospital lab technician, and air traffic controller. She’s an instrument-rated pilot and an alumna of Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas. All In is her first novel.

More from L.K. Simonds
How I came to write ALL IN.
Back in the 1990s, I was vacationing in NYC with my buddies. We got out the phonebook—as we always did while traveling—to see how many people with our last names were listed. In that thick Manhattan phonebook was one listing for a person with the same name as my friend’s. Two initials and a surname, as a single woman might’ve listed her number back in those days. The address was only a few blocks from our Midtown hotel, and we joked about calling to see if she was a long-lost cousin, who might take us to her favorite shops and restaurants.
We didn’t call, but the “what if?” stuck with me. What if you did call? What if the person you called was in crisis? Or about to face a crisis? What if that serendipitous phone call resulted in a friendship that became a lifeline? That notion was the inception of ALL IN.
ALL IN is my first offering as a novelist—my best writing to date. I hope you enjoy it!

For a complete list of blog stops, go here.

Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, L.K. Simonds is giving away a $25 Visa gift card and a hardback copy of All In!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link here to enter.

No Greater Love Review and Giveaway!

He said he’d never risk leaving a widow.
She said she’d never love a man in uniform.
Paige McDonald collects antique literature and works at the largest bookstore in Portland, Oregon. When her grandfather, a firefighter, was killed, she vowed never to fall in love with a first responder. An old Bible leads to an unexpected discovery and disrupts everything she knows about herself, her family, and God. Her desire to know the truth sends her to the town of Whitman directly into the radar of Patrol Officer Hamilton Bryant.
After the loss of his best friend and fellow officer, Hamilton vowed never to marry. He won’t risk leaving a widow. Instead, he reserves his passion for serving his family and the town he’s sworn to protect. When a series of robberies and threats against the mayor correspond with Paige’s sudden appearance in Whitman, their paths intersect.

My thoughts: I had a hard time putting this suspenseful romance down! When Gina finds a note in an old Bible, sending her on a journey and into the path of Hamilton Bryant. Both of them are determined not to give their hearts to the other, due to past experiences, but they can't help but grow closer as the story progresses. I enjoyed really enjoyed the suspense side of this story, as well as the wonderful core message that is meant for every reader. This is a wonderful book to pick up! I look forward to reading more in the series.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

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About the Author:
Gina Holder completed the Long Ridge Writer’s Group “Breaking into Print” course and graduated from Faith Bible Institute. In August 2017, she published her first novel, Whither Shall I Go. She is active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads. Her Website and Blog is found at http://storiesbygina.wordpress.com.
She lives in Colorado with her husband and daughter. When she’s not working on her next novel, she enjoys reading, watching movies, singing, and playing the piano and organ.

More from Gina
Fun Facts about No Greater Love (Don’t worry, spoilers weren’t invited to this party.)
I love the smell of coffee, but I don’t like the taste. I asked my coffee-loving friends on social media for their favorite coffee drinks to use in the story.
Tyler, Tony, and Timothy Thorne were modeled after three brothers I saw playing on a beach in Hurgadah, Egypt.
R. Electronics was based on an actual store my husband and I saw in a mall.
When Paige and Hamilton meet, he is looking for a runaway goat. This happened to my husband and me. We were out admiring large mansions, when a police officer pulled up behind us. We thought we were in trouble for loitering. Instead, he asked if we’d seen a goat running around the neighborhood.
Hamilton’s deceased best friend is named after my childhood friend, William Donnelly. Will was a U.S. Marine killed in battle in Afghanistan. Like the character in the story, he got married only two months before his death and was killed on Thanksgiving Day. No Greater Love is dedicated in his memory.
The character Jessie Faye is named after an elderly woman my husband knew while living in Fossil, Oregon.
The diners in the food court scene were written from personal observations at a food court in Colorado Springs.
While Whitman is a fictional town, it is modeled after the real town of Enterprise, Oregon, at the foot of the Wallowa Mountains.
Several locations in the book are real establishments in Enterprise, including Heavenly’s Restaurant, the Espresso and Car Wash, El Bajios, and the Bowlby stone courthouse.
There are several beloved pets in No Greater Love, including a parrot named Gerald, a Persian cat named Delilah, and a labradoodle named Bruce. All the pets have names except for Aunt Hattie’s Dalmatians.
Paige McDonald works at Powell’s City of Books in Portland, Oregon when the story opens. Powell’s lays claim to the status of the “largest independent used and new bookstore in the world.”
Portland is the fifth city in America with the most coffee shops per capita.
The statistics for the Whitman school—100% graduation rate and a 1:13 student-teacher ratio is not fictional. They are the actual statistics of the Enterprise High School.
Behind the cash registers at Powell’s, there is a fake dictionary definition—“Smell bound: held as if under the spell by the scent of books.” This is the inspiration behind the opening scene of No Greater Love. The word, Bibliosmia, means the smell of old books.

For a complete list of blog stops, go here.

Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Gina is giving away a grand prize of a signed paperback copy of No Greater Love and Whither Shall I Go plus a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link here to enter.

Fragments of Fear Review and Giveaway!

“A rollercoaster ride with a lovable protagonist and a suspenseful, twisty.” —Colleen Coble
Stolen art. A New Mexico archaeological dig. An abandoned dog. And a secret that’s worth killing for.
Evelyn McTavish’s world came crashing down with the suicide of her fiancé. As she struggles to put her life back together and make a living from her art, she receives a call that her dog is about to be destroyed at the pound. Except she doesn’t own a dog. The shelter is adamant that the microchip embedded in the canine with her name and address makes it hers.
Evelyn recognizes the dog as one owned by archaeologist John Coyote because she was commissioned to draw the two of them. The simple solution is to return the dog to his owner—but she arrives only to discover John’s murdered body.
As Evelyn herself becomes a target, she crosses paths with undercover FBI agent Sawyer Price. The more he gets to know her, the more personally invested he becomes in keeping her safe. Together, they’re desperate to find the links between so many disparate pieces.
And the clock is ticking.
“Over the years, Carrie has mastered forensic art, fine art, and her own brand of offbeat humor. As a novelist she combines these skills with another: puzzle writing––scattering puzzle pieces all over her fictional universe and then dropping them into place in twists, surprises, revelations, and side-pocket whimsy until the big picture emerges, never too soon, always on the brink of disaster.” —Frank Peretti

My thoughts: This book was awesome! I enjoyed how the story grabs readers from the get go and keeps one guessing until the very end. Evelyn is an enjoyable and complex character. I liked getting to know her over the course of the story! I've enjoyed all of Carrie's books, but found this one to be one of my favorites. I highly recommend picking this one up for a suspenseful read.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

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About the Author:
Carrie Stuart Parks is a Christy finalist as well as a Carol Award-winning author. She has won numerous awards for her fine art as well. An internationally known forensic artist, she travels with her husband, Rick, across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law-enforcement professionals. The author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing and painting, Carrie continues to create dramatic watercolors from her studio in the mountains of Idaho.

More from Carrie
Using Art to Solve Crime: Techniques Used by Forensic Artists

Since 1981, I’ve been a forensic artist—an amazing feat since I’m only . . .um. . . well, younger than that. In those years, I’ve seen some shifts and trends, but some things have never changed. Despite the overwhelming prevalence of computers in almost every other field, they have never been able to replace a trained forensic artist. Artists have an amazing toolbox of techniques we use to gather the information we need to help solve crime.
The pencil. Any forensic artist worth her weight in graphite knows the power of the lowly pencil and a sketchpad. Law enforcement would love a photographic image of the suspect, but all we have to work with is memory…and memory is faulty. The more the image looks perfect, the more imperfect it is for helping to identify a suspect. We want the drawing to just suggest a likeness and eliminate those not similar.
Now that we brought up the subject of memory, a forensic artist needs to understand how memory works. The average witness will remember between four and five facial features. When they describe the person they saw, they will do so from their strongest memory to their weakest memory, from most important to least important. We listen carefully to the order of facial features.
Whole vs Parts. We don’t look at faces as individual parts, although a particularly outstanding nose or Marty Feldman eyes might catch our attention. We will remember the face as a whole, with the proportions of the face an unacknowledged part of that. Forensic artist prefer to use reference photographs where the whole face is viewed.
Want more? Check out the rest of my article at The Strand Magazine

Blog stops:
For more information, go here!

Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away a grand prize of her book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link here to enter.

Indentity Theft Review and Giveaway!

She can never go back. But the past is about to find her …

Will she recover everything she lost before the vast expanse of Alaska swallows her whole?

If you like faith-based suspense, heart-stopping action, and breathtaking wilderness, then you’ll love this adrenaline rush from bestselling Christian novelist Alana Terry.

Find out why Christian suspense fans are racing head-first into the heart of rural Alaska. Buy Identity Theft and to dive into this breath-taking and unforgettable adventure today.

My thoughts: This book was fast pace from the get go! Lacy is put in a tight spot, left with the decision of figuring out where to go from Alaska or if she should stay put. There are so many twists and turns to the story, leaving the reader racing to finish the story to figure out what is going on with Lacy. Why is she called Jo too? What are her secrets? Be prepared to not be able to put this book down!
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

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About the Author:
Alana is a pastor’s wife, homeschooling mom, self-diagnosed chicken lady, and Christian suspense author. Her novels have won awards from Women of Faith, Book Club Network, Grace Awards, Readers’ Favorite, and more. Alana’s passion for social justice, human rights, and religious freedom shines through her writing, and her books are known for raising tough questions without preaching. She and her family live in rural Alaska where the northern lights in the winter and midnight sun in the summer make hauling water, surviving the annual mosquito apocalypse, and cleaning goat stalls in negative forty degrees worth every second.

More from Alana
What’s the first thing that pops into your mind when you think about Alaska? Are you a city soul or do you prefer the country? I’m pretty happy in small-town Alaska, but I’m afraid that wasn’t always the case.
Have you ever lived in a town with 400 residents? Even with all the wide-open spaces, it’s enough to make some personalities feel claustrophobic.
I thought of our move to rural living as our big adventure. (Because what’s more adventurous than feeding chickens and milking goats at negative 40 degrees?) Then I read my first draft of Identity Theft and realized the adjustment wasn’t going as smoothly as I hoped. It was more autobiographical than I had realized!
However, I learned to love rural Alaska, and that’s the main reason I wanted to write my Alaskan Refuge Christian Suspense Novel series – so I could share some of my favorite parts with you.
Identity Theft is the first of three stand-alone novels, all filled with adventure, suspense and thrills, and all set against the backdrop of Alaska. I hope as you settle in to read, you will begin to experience a little of what I’ve grown to love living in this spectacular state.

Blog stops:
Go here for a list of the blog stops for this tour!

Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Alana is giving away a $30 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link here to enter.

Storm Rising

Mentioned in the pages of the Septuagint but lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages hold secrets--and dangers--never before seen on earth.

Tasked with capturing the ancient text, former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe is finally given command of his own team. But their best efforts are ruined when a notorious Bulgarian operative known as "Viorica" snatches the volume right out from under them.

Iskra "Viorica" Todorova is determined to use the book to secure the thing that matters most--freedom. But a series of strange storms erupts around the globe and the coming dangers foretold in the text threaten crops, lives--entire nations. Though both are haunted by secrets of the past and neither trusts the other, Leif and Iskra must form an uneasy alliance to thwart impending disaster. However, the truth hidden in two-
thousand-year-old words could unleash the storm of their own destruction.

My thoughts: While this book was fast paced and interesting, I have to admit to feeling a little lost when Leif puts together his team, since I haven't read many of Ronie's other books. Not knowing the history of his team (now Leif) puts the reader at a severe disadvantage. This book is also the first in the series, so be prepared that the story isn't concluded, but is set up for the next one. That said, I thought that the premise was interesting and I enjoyed the pace of the action. Leif has a hidden past, missing 6 months that even he can't remember, which may be tied to the bigger picture. Iskra is a complex character who wants nothing more than to be free from the evil that has controlled her life. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
I received this book from Bethany House. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

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Secrets Never Die Review

Tallie Brown's life has never made any sense. Raised in isolation by her mother, Julia, Tallie was dragged suddenly and without explanation from one third-world outpost to another until life normalized seven years ago when Julia took a position on a mountaintop in the Pacific northwest. But when Julia unexpectedly dies, Tallie uncovers clues suggesting that Julia had a secret life.
Journalistic phenom Jackson James is still recovering from the devastating mistake that flatlined his promising career. Now he's paying the price, working as the editor of a syrupy community rag in a posh D.C. suburb. But when the very man who destroyed him drops a tantalizing lead about a potential D.C. scandal, the reporter sees his chance for redemption and sets off to chase the story.
Jackson's investigation leads him to Cutler's Ridge, a dying Virginia coal town, and directly into the path of the mysterious and beautiful Tallie. As these two mistrustful loners follow their leads, their stories begin to intertwine until they reach an alarming conclusion - something terrible happened in Cutler's Ridge. As they doggedly pursue the story, the town's cold reception spirals into threats and danger, proving that there are those who will stop at nothing to keep the past hidden forever - because secrets never die.

My thoughts: This book starts off with a bang from the very beginning and doesn't let up until you get the last page! I enjoyed this suspenseful story of secrets, espionage, and mystery. Tallie is a sheltered young woman who has lived in some exotic places, but was kept very isolated. Raised by her seemingly paranoid mother, she is a brilliant scientist who has the chance to find some answers when Julia dies and leaves her a breadcrumb trail of clues to her past. I felt like the ending could of explained things a bit clearer/sounder, but otherwise thought that this book was hard to put down and full of surprises!
I received a copy from Covenant. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.


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Midnight on the River Grey Review and Giveaway!

She knew the house was keeping secrets. If only the darkness would speak . . .
After her elder brother’s mysterious death, Rebecca Hunter vows to expose the man she believes responsible: Mr. Lewis Browning—known by the locals as the Midnight Devil and by Rebecca as her new guardian.
Summoned to his reclusive country estate to await her London season, Rebecca plans her own secret investigation among the darkened corridors of the mysterious Greybourne Hall. Yet Lewis Browning is not as she once imagined, and his motivation is horribly unclear. Recurrent nightmares and Rebecca’s restless feelings are further complicated by the shadow of her mother’s prior descent into madness and wondering if she, too, will follow the same heartbreaking path.
Even as midnight rides, strange injuries, and further murders lead back to Mr. Browning, Rebecca can’t ignore the subtle turn of her heart. Has she developed feelings for the man she swore to see hanged? And moreover, can she trust him with her uncertain future?

My thoughts: This is such an excellent gothic style story! I fell in love with the characters, especially Rebecca, as she battles to discover the truth about her brother, all while trying not to fall in love with the man she believes to be responsible for his death. This story was hard to put down, with the mystery surrounding the mysterious Hall she has moved to. I felt like I was right there beside her as she sought for answers! This is a wonderful Regency gothic story to pick up!
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

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About the Author:
Abigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A Registered Nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the National Parks, attending her daughter’s gymnastic meets, and curling up with a great book. In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA’s Fab Five contest and in 2016, ACFW’s First Impressions contest as well as placing as a 2017 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children. Connect with Abigail at www.acwilsonbooks.com; Instagram: acwilsonbooks; Facebook: ACWilsonbooks; Twitter: @acwilsonbooks.

An excerpt from Midnight on the River Grey
My heartbeat turned sluggish as an ache swelled in the back of my throat. This man—the
person responsible for my brother’s death—expected me to live with him? In his house? Madness.
“And if we refuse?”
“I’m afraid there is little choice in the matter at this point. The arrangements are already complete.”
Mr. Browning narrowed his blue eyes, scrutinizing me, no doubt, as the numbing shock of his declaration faded to resignation across my face. He sighed. “I do realize Greybourne Hall might hold unfortunate associations for you—”
“Unfortunate?” My voice came out a bit louder than I’d expected. “Is that what you choose to call it?”
He gave a sideways glance at Aunt Jo then returned to me, a pained look hovering about his eyes. His voice, however, remained firm. “Forgive me if I startled you. I hadn’t expected such a violent reaction to what I assumed was the logical next step. Perhaps I should make myself a bit clearer.” He gave a curt sigh. “I only intend for you to stay at Greybourne Hall till some place more suitable can be arranged. Unfortunately, there are few options at present.”
Ice enveloped my heart. I had no wish to travel to, let alone live at that dreadful house, not even for a single night. In his letters, Jacob had described the rambling structure as a gray pile of stones fit for vampires, or worse. I could only image Mr. Browning, this dark-headed devil before me, at home in such a place.

For a complete list of blog stops, go here!

Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Abigail is giving away a grand prize of a copy of her book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link here to enter.

Pulse Review and Giveaway!

What do you do when the whole world stops?
Andrea, Lexie and Sarah are just ordinary teens until a mysterious event shuts down all technology. In the dead of winter, there’s no heat, no internet, no cell phones–not even a working car.
In this chilling Christian YA tale, most of the population doesn’t survive. Pitting faith and grit against a world without power, the girls and their families must beat the odds. But can they find the strength to survive when society collapses and technology fails?

My thoughts: I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into when I first picked this book up. The story totally caught me by surprise, since it was an excellent dystopian YA that brought to life a very real situation. What would happen if the world just stopped one morning? Phones no longer work, people are stranded, and food soon becomes scarce. I liked that the three girls are in very different situations, showing how things might be in the city vs. the country, and how much heartache you could save by being prepared. I was a little surprised by how violent the situation becomes, though it is done without being graphic and is very realistic. I thought Linore did an excellent job of drawing the reader's attention to how serious the situation would be, while still having a message of hope in the story. This is an excellent start to the series! I look forward to seeing where the other two books take Andrea, Lexie, and Sarah!
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

Purchase a copy:


This post contains affiliate links.

About the Author:
Linore Rose Burkard wrote a trilogy of genuine regency romances for the Christian market before there were any regencies for the Christian market. Published with Harvest House, her books opened the genre for the CBA. She also writes YA Suspense/Apocalyptic fiction as L.R. Burkard. Married with five children, Linore home-schools her youngest daughter, teaches workshops for writers, and is the Vice President of the Dayton Christian Scribes. Her latest PULSE EFFEX SERIES, takes readers into a “chilling possible future for America, while affirming the power of faith in the darkest of times.”

More from Linore
When my sweet historical romance series was published, I never dreamed my next would be YA/dystopian. What a switch in genres! So, how did I go from one end of the writing spectrum to another? Blame it on an idea that refused to die. I read a headline about how close the earth came to suffering a catastrophic electromagnetic pulse, or EMP, in 2012. We missed the worst effects of a solar flare by a hair (in space terms); but the “what if” factor had been set in motion. What if that flare hadn’t missed us? What if I was a teen raised on electronics–or an adult medically dependent on them–and it all went dead in a matter of seconds? What if the next flare doesn’t miss? PULSE, the first book in my PULSE EFFEX Series, was born.
The books shows life in the aftermath of such an event for three teens and their families. With the world plunged into a new dark age, can they keep hope alive?

For a complete list of blog stops, go here.

Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Linore is giving away the grand prize of an eBook copy of her book and a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Go here to enter!

Mosaic Collection Blitz: Hannah R. Conway

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz  for The Mosaic Collection, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE COLLECTION

For His glory...
 

The Mosaic Collection is an international community of women authors who use faith-based fiction to touch hearts with the good news that Christ's finished work on the cross has made us one family, and to nurture affection for the people God has placed within our circles of influence, so that the grace and glory of God may become visible and personal to everyone we meet.

...and our good




We are sisters, a beautiful mosaic united by the love of God through the blood of Christ. We have experienced the redemptive, restorative power of God's grace in our marriages and families, and we believe our God is able to heal, restore and redeem our brokenness. His love fills us with the courage to persevere, and to offer others a Christ-like compassion that is full of His wisdom and grace.

Visit the Mosaic Collection Website to stay posted on each new release & follow the collection blog for meaningful posts from the authors!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hannah R. Conway is a military wife, mother of two, middle school teacher, best-selling author, and popular speaker. Her novels are a deployment experience of their own, threaded with faith, and filled with twists and turns. Hannah is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and My Book Therapy. She and her family live in Tennessee.

CONNECT WITH HANNAH: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pnterest

Cornerstone message from the collection: 
My cornerstone message is about freedom. Freedom from the past, from the messes, the mistakes, regrets, fears, and failures. As a military wife, freedom means so much to me, but as a Christian, I want to be as free on the inside as I am on the outside. This cornerstone message resonates with many believers. We say we’re free, but often we’re in that freedom.

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Fun Facts!

Favorite place to read: 
Curled up on my couch with a cup of coffee. A front porch is a pretty good place too.
Favorite book character from childhood: 
Robin Hood. I love that story! 
Favorite movie: 
Ever After, or the Harry Potter Series. I seriously could watch all of these movie on repeat.
Favorite quote or Bible verse: 
John 15:17--”This is my command: Love one another.”

Favorite splurge/treat: 
Movie theater popcorn! Melting chocolate chips with peanut butter and rice krispies! DELISH!

Favorite character you’ve created: 
Audria Rylatt from my novella, “Christmas on a Mission”. She has this heart for helping others, and mexican food--we could totally be best friends. 

Last 3 great books you read:  
The Line Between by Tosca Lee
Take a Chance on Me by Susan May Warren
The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bishchof

Dream vacation: 
A month long tour of Europe. I’m imagining it now...train rides, a sea breeze, castles, cobblestone roads...a little piece of heaven!

Hidden talent/little-known fact: 
It’s a little strange, but I can pick up almost anything with my toes. It comes in handy when cleaning the house. Socks on the floor? No problem! My toes can pinch them up.

Plotter or pantser: 
Definitely a plotter, but I do have moments of pantsing when my characters just take over and do what they want. Crazy characters!

In no particular order, ten of your favorite things (i.e. hot cocoa, a warm breeze, the sound of my kids’ laughter, etc.) : 
1: The way my kids come and find me in the morning...warm hugs and sleepy smiles
2: The smell of coffee and toast in the morning...it reminds me of waking up to the smell of my mom making breakfast
3: Dogs: I love animals in general...I adore our dog, Albus
4: Cuddling: I can’t sit close enough to my husband; I’m a cuddle bug and thankfully he’s okay with that
5: History: all things history; old buildings, old graveyards, any old historical site, antiques...I just adore anything that screams “history”
6: The woods: the beach is wonderful, but there’s something about being amongst the trees, dirt path beneath my feet that resonates with me
7: Bookstores: I have a serious book buying problem...but it’s a good problem
8: Fall: hands down my favorite season; pumpkin-spiced everything, festivals, corn mazes, cool nights, campfires, big scarves--YES!
9: Chocolate: Is there anything better than sweet chocolatey treats? I didn’t think so. Chocolate takes a good day and makes it great!
10: Traveling: love, love, love to visit new places and meet new people. Walking the streets, taking in the sites and sounds...sampling the local cuisine--wonderful!

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

 

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card & an ebook prize pack*!

Winner will receive an ebook of:

• Where She Belongs
• Pieces of Granite
• Lifelines
• Christmas on a Mission
• Vigilant
• Other Side of the River
• The Third Grace
• Carolina Grace
• The Benefit Package (a devotional)
• Dance of Grace
• When Love Calls

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 10, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on July 24, 2019. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally, but international winner will receive a gift card only *(may be substituted for a Book Depository gift card if winner cannot accept from US Amazon)

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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See tour landing page for a complete list of authors & book release dates. 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Underestimating Miss Cecila Blog Blitz!

 

Welcome to the Blitz for Underestimating Miss Cecilia by Carolyn Miller with JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Underestimating Miss Cecilia 

Series: Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley, Book 2
 

Author: Carolyn Miller
 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: July 23, 2019
 

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Shy, sweet Cecilia Hatherleigh has always been in love with Edward Amherst, the boy next door. Yet he’s never seen her as anything but the quiet girl in the background as he flirts with the other vivacious women of the ton.



When a near tragedy brings Edward’s attention to his family duties, this prodigal son decides he needs to settle down with a proper wife. Cecilia hopes to convince him to choose her—but God may want her to forget the wayward nobleman and put her future in His hands alone.



These two try to find their way toward happiness, but prejudice, political riots, and the changing face of England’s societal structures begin to block them at every turn. Can their struggles turn to triumph—or will their paths permanently diverge?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Christian Book

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband she has pastored a church for ten years, and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her Regency novels include The Elusive Miss Ellison, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, Winning Miss Winthrop, Miss Serena's Secret, The Making of Mrs. Hale, A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, and Underestimating Miss Cecilia, all available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Koorong, etc.

 



CONNECT WITH CAROLYN: Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram

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*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Mosaic Collection Blitz: Johnnie Alexander

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz  for The Mosaic Collection, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE COLLECTION

For His glory...
 

The Mosaic Collection is an international community of women authors who use faith-based fiction to touch hearts with the good news that Christ's finished work on the cross has made us one family, and to nurture affection for the people God has placed within our circles of influence, so that the grace and glory of God may become visible and personal to everyone we meet.

...and our good




We are sisters, a beautiful mosaic united by the love of God through the blood of Christ. We have experienced the redemptive, restorative power of God's grace in our marriages and families, and we believe our God is able to heal, restore and redeem our brokenness. His love fills us with the courage to persevere, and to offer others a Christ-like compassion that is full of His wisdom and grace.

Visit the Mosaic Collection Website to stay posted on each new release & follow the collection blog for meaningful posts from the authors!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Johnnie Alexander creates characters you want to meet and imagines stories you won’t forget. Her award-winning debut novel, Where Treasure Hides (Tyndale), is a CBA bestseller. She writes contemporaries, historicals, and cozy mysteries, serves on the executive boards of Serious Writer, Inc. and the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference, co-hosts an online show called Writers Chat, and interviews inspirational authors for Novelists Unwind. She also teaches at writers conferences and for Serious Writer Academy. Johnnie lives in Oklahoma with Griff, her happy-go-lucky collie, and Rugby, her raccoon-treeing papillon.

CONNECT WITH JOHNNIE: Website | https://linktr.ee/johnniealexndr

Cornerstone message from the collection:
One of the first verses I ever claimed as my own was Proverbs 31:25. The translation I love most reads: Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.
The first part of the verse is almost a mantra, a phrase I repeat to myself when I need courage. Maybe I’m faced with something as simple as a phone call I don’t want to make. Or maybe the situation is much more serious. An ectopic pregnancy. Family tensions. Divorce. A dying parent.
Life takes courage. And at the heart of courage--true courage--is trust. We can smile at the future, no matter what difficult, frightening, horrible situations we face because of God’s steadfast love and His promise of eternal life with Him.

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Fun Facts!

Favorite place to read: I love to read in my comfy spot on the sofa. My little papillon Rugby curls up on the leg rest, and I usually put down the middle console which has a cup-holder for my drink. It’s all very relaxing and cozy. 

Favorite book character from childhood: I have so many, but if I must choose one I’ll go with Encyclopedia Brown. I read all those books I could find when I was a kid. 

Favorite movie: I’m not sure I ever answer this question the same--I have so many favorites, it’s always hard to choose just one. Today’s choice . . . Captain America: Civil War. And just about anything starring Cary Grant.

Favorite quote or Bible verse: “Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun.” Ecclesiastes 11:7

Favorite splurge/treat: Going to the movies!

Favorite character you’ve created: This is a toss-up between two of my heroes: Ian Devlin from Where Treasure Hides (WWII historical) and AJ Sullivan from Where She Belongs (contemporary). Ian is known for his heart-flipping grin, and both guys have a mischievous streak. Both are strong, capable, and upright. AJ needs to overcome a childhood of loss, deceit, and painful grief. Ian has his own burden and confronts horrific circumstances as a WWII soldier.

Last 3 great books you read: We Hope for Better Things by Erin Bartels; The Divide by Jolina Petersheim; Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.

Dream vacation: I’ve been blessed to take a dream vacation already. My sister and I flew to Barcelona, traveled by train through France, Italy, Switzerland, and Spain, then spent a week in Lisbon. It was the best trip ever! My new dream vacation is to visit the Pacific Northwest. Or New Zealand (Middle Earth!).

Hidden talent/little-known fact: I’ve been known to choke on, among other things, a giant Sweet-Tart, water, and . . . air!

Plotter or pantser: Depends on the story--I truly do both. I recently wrote a novella based on nothing more than the back cover type blurb I submitted in the proposal. But I also write novels for a particular publisher based on the chapter summaries I’ve created. I’ve discovered that the more planning I do upfront, the easier it is to write the story. 

In no particular order, ten of your favorite things (i.e. hot cocoa, a warm breeze, the sound of my kids’ laughter, etc.) : 

Sunshine through a window.
Dandelions.
Sprawling trees.
Freshly-squeezed lemon juice in a glass of ice-cold Pepsi.
Hugs from the grands.
My collie’s deep “sighs” (You have to hear it to “know” it!)
Typing “The End”
Blank books.
My adult kids laughing about childhood memories.
Surprise blessings.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

 

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card & an ebook prize pack*!

Winner will receive an ebook of:

• Where She Belongs
• Pieces of Granite
• Lifelines
• Christmas on a Mission
• Vigilant
• Other Side of the River
• The Third Grace
• Carolina Grace
• The Benefit Package (a devotional)
• Dance of Grace
• When Love Calls

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 10, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on July 24, 2019. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally, but international winner will receive a gift card only *(may be substituted for a Book Depository gift card if winner cannot accept from US Amazon)

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

---

 

See tour landing page for a complete list of authors & book release dates. 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Starla's Christmas Conundrum Review and Giveaway!

In the greatest conflict of her life, can she figure out who to trust?

Starla Devaroux is at the peak of her music career. Life as a popular Christian music artist is good. This Christmas she finds herself at the crossroads of several life-altering choices. It's quite a conundrum; the path she takes this time will not only define her future but alter the lives of others as well.

"It was charming and romantic, and I want to marry Mason, lol."

"It is a beautiful story of how we can be deceived, but God will show us the truth if we remain open to it. I love the characters and dialogue."

"The main characters were very likable, I could really put myself in Starla's shoes."

My thoughts: I have often thought that it would be both a blessing and a curse to be famous, especially if you trying to use your talents for the Lord and yet constantly feeling pulled in other directions. I like that Starla realizes that something is off with her relationship with the Lord, which causes her to step back from her music career for the Christmas season. I enjoyed getting to know her and Mason as their relationship takes off! This is a delightful read, no matter when you pick it up: in the middle of a heat wave or during the Christmas season!
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

Purchase a copy or read on Kindle Unlimited:

This post contains affiliate links.

About the Author:
Carol E. Keen enjoys fresh coffee, hot tea, and a good book. She was published for several years in FAMA magazine (Freshwater And Marine Aquarium) as a contributing editor. She published her first book on CD, called Simply Seahorses.

She is the author of The Beauty Series and The Corandira Station, to name a few of her works. She currently resides in the South with her husband and family and spends her time writing, reading, working in photography, and being with her much loved critters.


More from Carol
This book started off in an anthology and now is its own ebook. Christmas and romance go well together, and so I set forth to create a book that could meet that challenge. When I started thinking about writing this, it made me want to use one of my favorite locations as the main setting for this book. When you read it, I hope you will feel like you had a mini-trip to that area. (It’s beautiful there!) I also wanted to include writing about things that I’m very involved in or know a great deal about. Music is one of those things. I hope you enjoy Starla and Mason’s story and the things that God brought about in their lives in this book.

Blog Stops
For a complete list of blog stops, go here!

Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Carol is giving away a grand prize of a $10 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link here to enter.

Mosaic Collection Blitz: Angela D Meyer

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz  for The Mosaic Collection, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE COLLECTION

For His glory...
 

The Mosaic Collection is an international community of women authors who use faith-based fiction to touch hearts with the good news that Christ's finished work on the cross has made us one family, and to nurture affection for the people God has placed within our circles of influence, so that the grace and glory of God may become visible and personal to everyone we meet.

...and our good




We are sisters, a beautiful mosaic united by the love of God through the blood of Christ. We have experienced the redemptive, restorative power of God's grace in our marriages and families, and we believe our God is able to heal, restore and redeem our brokenness. His love fills us with the courage to persevere, and to offer others a Christ-like compassion that is full of His wisdom and grace.

Visit the Mosaic Collection Website to stay posted on each new release & follow the collection blog for meaningful posts from the authors!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Angela D. Meyer lives in Nebraska with her husband of over 27 years. They have two children, both of whom they homeschooled and graduated. She is the author of the Applewood Hill series and is a contributor to The Benefit Package, a devotional compilation.

Angela graduated from college with a degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, but instead of working overseas, she spent several years in New England as a nanny. She co-teaches a women’s Bible study at her church and serves on the advisory board of her local Christian writers’ group, Wordsowers.

She enjoys the ocean, beautiful sunrises and sunsets and hopes to someday ride in a hot air balloon. Her aim in life is to love God and love others.

Social Links

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAngelaDMeyer/
https://twitter.com/AngelaDMeyer
https://www.instagram.com/angeladmeyer/

Cornerstone message from the collection: 
There is brokenness all around us and people turning to the wrong things for answers. Only God can make whole. I want my stories to be powerful in their showing of God’s truth, love and grace, lighting the path that leads directly to God. 
I have experienced firsthand the redemptive, restorative power of God’s grace in my marriage and I want to share with others that.God is able to heal, restore and redeem any brokenness.

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Fun Facts!

Favorite place to read: In a recliner with my feet up.

Favorite book character from childhood: I remember whole books more than individual characters. My favorite book was The Little Engine That Could with a close second being Where the Wild Things Are. 

Favorite movie: The Princess Bride

Favorite quote or Bible verse: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deut. 31:6

Favorite splurge/treat: peppermint ice cream 

Favorite character you’ve created: Joanne in Where Healing Starts. (Where Healing Starts is part of My Applewood Hill series is currently waiting re-release sometime after my Mosaic title.) Joanne is a rough character who truly experiences healing from great brokenness. 

Last 3 great books you read: The Line Between (Tosca Lee), Never Let You Go (Erin Healy), The House on Foster Hill (Jaime Jo Wright)

Dream vacation: In a beach house. 

Hidden talent/little-known fact: I took piano lessons for 7 years starting in elementary. 

Plotter or pantser: A combination of both. I research any facts I need, do a rough outline, then let the characters take the  story where they want, filling in all the blanks. 

In no particular order, ten of your favorite things (i.e. hot cocoa, a warm breeze, the sound of my kids’ laughter, etc.) : Sunrises/sunsets, birds singing in the early morning before the rest of the world is awake, the sound of ocean waves, dark chocolate, thunderstorms, fresh ripe fruit, a great book (suspense is my favorite), peppermint ice cream, family, 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

 

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card & an ebook prize pack*!

Winner will receive an ebook of:

• Where She Belongs
• Pieces of Granite
• Lifelines
• Christmas on a Mission
• Vigilant
• Other Side of the River
• The Third Grace
• Carolina Grace
• The Benefit Package (a devotional)
• Dance of Grace
• When Love Calls

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 10, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on July 24, 2019. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally, but international winner will receive a gift card only *(may be substituted for a Book Depository gift card if winner cannot accept from US Amazon)

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

>

---

 

See tour landing page for a complete list of authors & book release dates. 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Hadassah: Queen Esther of Persia

One of the great heroines of the Old Testament, Hadassah was a beautiful, graceful young woman who put her faith in God and her guardian, her cousin Mordecai.
She dreams of marrying Shamir, a tall, handsome, studious young man who is the rabbi’s son. Her heart beats faster when she hears the sound of his deep voice as he reads the Torah. And she hopes that he will visit Mordecai soon to present a betrothal request.
Then, an upheaval in King Xerxes’s palace changes everything. Queen Vashti has been banished and an edict goes out for all qualified young virgins throughout the empire to be taken to the palace as he searches for a new queen.
Fear strikes in the hearts of many, including Mordecai, as he realizes Hadassah will be taken. To hide her identity as a Jew, he tells her to go by the name of Esther. Since he works as a record-keeper at the king’s gates, he can keep tabs on how she is doing.
Hadassah: Queen Esther of Persia imagines what life was like for the woman who saved her people—and perhaps found love in the process.

My thoughts: This book is excellent! I love that the author not only writes about the story from the Bible, but she also brings to life the story of Hadassah starting before she becomes queen, as well as what happens after Haman's plans are thwarted. I thought that Diana did a wonderful job of trying to remain historically accurate as much as possible, when not a lot is known about Queen Esther. This is an excellent story of courage and love! I enjoyed it tremendously!
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

Purchase a copy:

This post contains affiliate links.

About the Author:
Diana Wallis Taylor was first published at the age of twelve, when she sold a poem to a church newsletter. After receiving her B.A. in Elementary Education at San Diego State University, she was an elementary school teacher for twenty-two years. Diana has also sold real estate, opened two coffeehouse/used book stores, and was a conference director for a private Christian college.
She has an extensive portfolio of published works, including a collection of poetry; an Easter cantata, written with a musical collaborator; contributions to various magazines and compilations; and several books, including Lydia, Woman of Philippi; Mary, Chosen of God; Ruth, Mother of Kings; and Halloween: Harmless Fun or Risky Business?
Learn more at www.dianawallistaylor.com.

Read an Excerpt
Besides the usual vendors, there were strange, sweaty men with beady eyes who were looking to get rich from the additional population.
In the wee hours of the morning, while Mordecai sat with his head in his hands, silently praying, Jerusha stopped breathing, slipping away so quietly that Hadassah thought she was still sleeping.
One day, to the people’s relief, the news was spread that the unwelcome banquet guests had been ordered back to their provinces—to prepare for war.
Instead of bowing, Hadassah smiled unabashedly and gazed directly at the king, who at that moment had turned his head.
“Do not give your name as Hadassah, but tell them it is Esther, which is a Persian name. I would have you hide your Jewish heritage for now.”
She felt their eyes silently appraising her; some with open interest, some with sympathy, and others with calculating shrewdness.
Esther asked each maid gentle, innocuous questions about her homeland, favorite foods, culture, and the like, listening attentively to their answers and making sure to speak to them by name both to let them know they were important to her and also to help her remember who was who.
“If you maidens help me to be my very best when I am called to the king’s chambers, if he honors me by selecting me as his queen, I will not forget you, who helped to put the crown on my head.”
Esther had seen some of the women pass her quarters so laden with jewelry they could hardly walk. She wanted to laugh out loud, but suppressed even a smile.
Recognition came. “Ah, the maiden in the crowd. I thought about you many times.” He moved closer. “I remember your hair, like a cloud around your face.”

Blog Stops
For a complete list, go here!

Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Diana is giving away a grand prize of a $20 Starbucks card and a surprise book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link here to enter.

Mosaic Collection Blitz: Sara Davidson

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz  for The Mosaic Collection, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE COLLECTION

For His glory...
 

The Mosaic Collection is an international community of women authors who use faith-based fiction to touch hearts with the good news that Christ's finished work on the cross has made us one family, and to nurture affection for the people God has placed within our circles of influence, so that the grace and glory of God may become visible and personal to everyone we meet.

...and our good




We are sisters, a beautiful mosaic united by the love of God through the blood of Christ. We have experienced the redemptive, restorative power of God's grace in our marriages and families, and we believe our God is able to heal, restore and redeem our brokenness. His love fills us with the courage to persevere, and to offer others a Christ-like compassion that is full of His wisdom and grace.

Visit the Mosaic Collection Website to stay posted on each new release & follow the collection blog for meaningful posts from the authors!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sara Davison is the author of the romantic suspense novel, The Watcher, and the romantic suspense series, The Seven Trilogy and The Night Guardians Series. She has been a finalist for eight national writing awards, including Best New Canadian Christian author, a Carol Award, and two Daphne du Maurier Awards for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a Word and Cascade Award winner. Sara currently resides in Ontario, Canada with her husband Michael and their three children, all of whom she (literally) looks up to.

CONNECT WITH SARA: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Cornerstone message from the collection: 

God never promised believers that life would be easy, he promised us that he would never leave us or forsake us. Whatever we are going through, he is with us and we are never alone.

I hope and pray that my message encourages readers to remember that they are not alone when they are going through tough times. We often don't understand why God allows certain things to happen to us or those we love, but we can trust that he is good, that he is sovereign and in control, and that he will never leave us. >

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Fun facts

Favorite place to read: On a Muskoka chair on the shore of a lake

Favorite book character from childhood: Anne of Green Gables

Favorite movie: Shawshank Redemption

Favorite quote or Bible verse: ...the mere obeying is also intrinsically good, for, in obeying, a rational creature consciously enacts its creaturely role, reverses the act by which we fell, treads Adam’s dance backward, and returns. (C.S. Lewis)

Favorite splurge/treat: Really good, high quality chocolate

Favorite character you’ve created: Captain Jesse Christiansen in The Seven Trilogy

Last 3 great books you read: Heaven by Randy Alcorn, Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, and The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

Dream vacation: Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales - my husband and I are hoping to go for our 25th anniversary in two years

Hidden talent/little-known fact: I won the science award in eighth grade and several public speaking awards in elementary school - interesting because I now have very little interest in science and would rather do almost anything than speak in public

Plotter or pantser: Plottser? Pantter? Definitely a bit of both. I like a reasonable outline when I begin - for sure I like to know where I’m beginning and where I will end up and as much of the journey to get there as possible, but I also like to leave it open for the story and characters to take me where they will along the way.

In no particular order, ten of your favorite things (i.e. hot cocoa, a warm breeze, the sound of my kids’ laughter, etc.) : live theatre, road trips, coffee with friends, sleeping in, chocolate, afternoon naps, reading, family gatherings, hugs from my kids, date nights with my husband

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

 

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card & an ebook prize pack*!

Winner will receive an ebook of:

• Where She Belongs
• Pieces of Granite
• Lifelines
• Christmas on a Mission
• Vigilant
• Other Side of the River
• The Third Grace
• Carolina Grace
• The Benefit Package (a devotional)
• Dance of Grace
• When Love Calls

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 10, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on July 24, 2019. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally, but international winner will receive a gift card only *(may be substituted for a Book Depository gift card if winner cannot accept from US Amazon)

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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See tour landing page for a complete list of authors & book release dates. 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.