Thursday, September 30, 2021

Spouse in the House

A frank and funny look at what to do when together is too close

Two’s company, especially for those who love each other. So what happens when—due to retirement, working from home, or even running a business together—spouses find that being in the same space all the time is awkward, complex, annoying, and just plain challenging? How can partners coexist without co-exhausting each other?

Cynthia Ruchti and Becky Melby know all too well how adjusting to a new, all-the-time closeness can cause the bliss of marriage to form blisters. Drawing from their experiences, and from men and women across the country in the same situation, the authors take a deep breath and dive into the root causes. They dig into what God’s Word has to say, and they offer practical tips for learning the spiritual, emotional, relational, and even physical steps that can help readers replace irritation with peace.

For any couple who wants their home to be a refuge of peace and serenity for all—not just themselves—and who wants to know they aren't alone in the mental and physical claustrophobia of too much togetherness, Spouse in the House is a vulnerable, charming, and pragmatic breath of hope.

Click here to read an excerpt from Spouse in the House.

My thoughts: I have thought what it will be like when, in what feels like the distant future, my children are grown and it's just my husband and I rattling around in the house. This book is a wonderful guide for those who are in that position! I enjoyed the insight, wisdom, and humor that both authors bring with this book. This is an excellent book to pick up and enjoy for those in retirement or with it on the horizon.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy of the book here! This post contains affiliate links.

Enter to win a copy of your own here!

About the Authors

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hope through her novels, novellas, devotions, and nonfiction, and through speaking for women’s events, retreats, writers’ conferences, and workshops. She draws from 33 years of experience writing and producing the 15-minute daily radio broadcast, “The Heartbeat of the Home.”

Ruchti’s more than thirty books have garnered reader, retailer, reviewer, and other industry awards. She serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, is a founding board member of the Deliver Hope ministry and is part of the worship team at her church. She’s also a literary agent with Books & Such Literary Management.

Ruchti and her husband, Bill, live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and six grandchildren.

Learn more about Cynthia Ruchti and her writing at cynthiaruchti.com or by following her on Facebook (@CynthiaRuchtiReaderPage), Instagram (@cynthiaruchtiauthor), and Twitter (@cynthiaruchti).

Becky Melby has authored more than twenty novels and novellas. Spouse in the House is her first non-fiction book release.

The Melbys have four sons and fifteen grandchildren and make their home in southeastern Wisconsin. When not writing or spoiling grandchildren, she may be found touring the country with Bill in their camper or on their Honda Gold Wing motorcycle.

Find out more about Becky Melby’s books at beckymelby.com or follow her on Facebook (becky.melby.9) and Instagram (@beckymelbybooks). She also shares short blog posts each Friday on the Fill My Cup, Lord page on Facebook.

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Creative Fusion

From the beginning of time, God endowed people with His creative intending for them to rule and steward over all the earth.

But Satan—once heaven’s most beautiful and creative angel—convinced Adam and Eve that the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil would give them a power that they already had. The moment that they ate the fruit, they handed their authority over to Satan. Oppression ruled the world; instead of the luminosity of heaven’s pattern advancing through the planet, creeping darkness took hold.

The enemy knows the highly effective powers of creativity all too well. Despite being cut off from its divine origin, he uses it with vigor to effectively communicate his counterfeit and repetitive message across the world.

Creative Fusion follows the interlinking tabernacle pattern of God laid out from Genesis through Revelation to provide Christians with the answers to reclaim the Lord’s creative energy and His DNA that He placed within us.

Author Charity Bowman-Webb wants readers to discover the magnificent wisdom in Scripture that will help them influence every area of society and harvest souls for God’s kingdom.

My thoughts: This is such an encouraging book to pick up and read! I know that I really appreciated the message of the book, as Charity Bowman-Webb does a wonderful job of helping the reader to look at the big picture and how the scriptures show us that picture. I loved the theme of being creative. My children and I are going through Genesis at the moment, so it was neat to see how this book fit in with what we are reading and learning. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book!

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

Click here to get your copy! This post contains affiliate links.

About the Author

Charity Bowman-Webb is passionate about the prophetic and creativity. Her goal is to equip people to discover the creative DNA that God has planted in His children so that they can change culture and live their full design.

Charity works to ignite creative and pioneering ways of releasing God’s Spirit in the church and on the mission field. As the director of Streams Creative House, a mission of Streams Ministries International, Charity’s heart and calling are to help believers explore God though a depth of relationship, develop maturity through their revelatory gifts, and see restoration and understanding of the creativity of God released to transform society. She is passionate about helping Christians deepen their relationship with God by exploring their spiritual gifts and God-given creativity for worship, intercession, and mission.

In her native Scotland, she led the national creative team for CLAN (Christians Linked Across the Nation) for six years, helping to form a new pioneering community. She is also the cofounder of Blue Flame Ministry and helped to pioneer an evangelistic movement in prophetic and creative mission, training, and leading teams into secular settings.

Charity is also the author of Limitless: God’s Creative Mandate for His Church. She speaks regularly at ministries and churches for conferences, courses, and special events throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, South Africa, and Singapore.

Charity and her husband, Alan, have two daughters and make their home in Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.

More from Charity

We believe that God has planted a creative DNA in every single person (Genesis 1); and when

we understand this and how to apply it, we tap into an incredibly powerful, unending source of

wisdom and creativity for any calling. streamscreativehouse.com

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 29

Inklings and notions, September 30

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 1

Texas Book-aholic, October 2

deb’s Book Review, October 3

Cats in the Cradle Blog, October 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 5

Boondock Ramblings, October 5

For Him and My Family, October 6

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 7

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 9

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 10

Artistic Nobody, October 11 (Spotlight)

Mary Hake, October 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Charity is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and a copy of the book!!

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/11b63/creative-fusion-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Bookers on the Rocks

If it ain’t broke, why’s she so intent on fixing it?

Tessa Booker hates romance.

For 25 years, Tessa Booker has insisted that romance is something Hollywood cooked up to sell books and movies. Yes, she knows the word existed before movies. She doesn’t care. That’s her story, and she’s sticking to it.

So, when Ross gets a gentle nudge from Mallory Barrows to look into what Tessa’s doing every day while he’s at work, he discovers a romance in the works – one that sounds a little too “ripped from the pages of his life”!

Who is this woman, and what has she done with his wife?

Armed with advice from 101 Ways to Romance Your Wife and a copy of the manuscript he printed while she was napping, he’s determined to figure out what’s up with his wife…and if maybe a little romance wouldn’t be a good thing, after all.

In a twist of the “on the rocks trope”, this book introduces the next island in the Independence Islands series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily ever afters.

The Independence Islands Series – Beach listens aren’t just for summer, anymore!

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading this book tremendously, so it was fun to go back and listen to it in audio book! Christa does an excellent job of drawing the characters out and bringing their personalities out. This is a wonderful audio book (or book, if you prefer to read it yourself!) to pick up! My review of the book itself can be found here.

I received this audiobook from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

Click here to get your copy! This post contains affiliate links.

About the Author

Chautona Havig

Author of the bestselling Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

DGroup-39 Christa DelSorbo

“The voice of a friend.”

Christa has a great sense of humor and extensive experience with accents, particularly those of the Southern United States and Great Britain. Her most recent credits include: local live musical theatre actress and choreographer, regional radio commercial voice actress, and speaker for national business events.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 27

Texas Book-aholic, September 28

Inklings and notions, September 29

For Him and My Family, September 30

The Sacred Line, September 30

deb’s Book Review, October 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 3

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 4

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 5

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 7

Batya’s Bits, October 8

Britt Reads Fiction, October 9

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christa is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book in reader’s choice of format!!

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/11b62/bookers-on-the-rocks-audiobook-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady

A knitting group’s change of scenery changes lives in unexpected ways

Margaret, Rose, Jane, and Fran had a good thing going: meet every week in the quiet of their peaceful chapel and knit prayer shawls. No muss, just ministry. That is, until their pastor boots them out of the church in his last-ditch effort to revive the dwindling congregation.

Uptight Margaret isn’t having it. Knitting prayer shawls where people can watch is the most ridiculous idea she’s ever heard of, and she’s heard plenty. Prayer belongs in the church, not out among the heathen masses. How are they supposed to knit holiness into these shawls if they’re constantly distracted by the public? But with no choice, the others embrace the challenge. They pack their knitting bags and drag Margaret—grumbling the whole way—to the mall with them. She can’t wait to prove them all wrong when it fails miserably, and show the pastor that she always knows best.

Without the familiar mold the group has been stuck in, their own losses, pain, and struggles rise to the surface. And the people and situations they encounter every time they try to sit quietly and knit are taking them a lot further out of their comfort zone than they ever imagined. Can they find the courage to tackle the increasing number of knotty issues they learn about in the community--or will the tangle be too much to unravel?

Sharon J. Mondragon’s debut is warm and delightful, full of real laughter, grief, and personality. It beautifully illustrates the power of women across generations to reach people for Christ.

To read an excerpt of The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady click here.

My thoughts: I don't know what I was expecting when I picked up this book, but it was not to be utterly blown away by the wonderful characters and message! I enjoyed getting to know each of the ladies: Fran, who has picked up knitting as a way to grieve the loss of her husband; Rose, who is struggling with her children's decision to have her move to a retirement community; Jane, who is struggling with forgiveness; and Margaret, who just wants to keep the group from falling apart. I found myself relating to each of the characters, and enjoying the twists and turns of the story as they step out of their comfort zone. This is such an inspiring story!

I received this book from Read with Audra. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

About the Author

Sharon J. Mondragón writes about the place where kindness and courage meet. Her debut novel, The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady (originally titled The Heavenly Hugs Prayer Shawl Ministry) was the 2017 winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis award in the Short Novel Category, and she has also been recognized by The Saturday Evening Post where her short story, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” was an Honorable Mention Awardee in the 2014 their Great American Fiction Contest.

Mondragón has been active in prayer shawl ministry since 2008 and currently serves as facilitator for the prayer shawl ministry at her church, St. Paul Episcopal in Waxahachie, TX. She also knits with the Circle of Healing at Red Oak United Methodist Church. She is a Level 2 Certified Knitting Instructor through the Craft Yarn Council and teaches beginning knitting at a local yarn store.

Mondragón is the mother of five grown children and has four grandchildren. After 26 years as an Army wife, she has settled in Midlothian, TX with her hero/husband, her laptop, and her yarn stash.

Visit Sharon Mondragón’s website and blog at www.sharonjmondragon.com and follow her on Facebook (Sherry Mondragón) and Twitter (@SJ_Mondragón).

Giveaway! Follow this link to enter to win a copy!

Monday, September 27, 2021

The Sixth Trumpet

And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, a day, a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. Revelation 9:15

The sixth trumpet has sounded. The world is at war.
Compelled by a night terror, Jackson leaves the relative safety of Red River County on a quest to rescue his missing mother. He plans a quick dash to retrieve her from bondage in Rockwall, but he is thwarted by others who need rescuing at every turn. Big girls, little girls, a medium-size boy, the smartest kid he’s ever known, and one giant dog comprise his army. If there is a God in Heaven, is He really watching out for him? Fifteen-year-old Jackson still hasn’t decided.

My thoughts: While I have enjoyed many of Caryl McAdoo's stories, this one was in a totally different genre than what I am used to reading by her! I love that it's geared towards Middle School age kids, since it talks about some interesting events found in Revelations that we have in the future. I love how she brought the characters together, with Jackson as their leader, on a quest to find his missing mother. This is well written, and my only complaint is that the ending came to fast! It left me with some questions that I hope will be answered in the next book in the series. I highly recommend picking up this title!

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

Click here to get your copy! This post contains affiliate links.

About the Author

Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story gives God glory, and those best-selling stories—fifty-nine titles now—delight Christian readers around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her—listen at YouTube! Sharing four children and twenty-one grandsugars (three greats), Caryl and Ron (her high-school-sweetheart-husband of fifty-plus years) live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas. The McAdoos wait expectantly for God to open the next door.

More from Caryl

Some would call THE SIXTH TRUMPET a dystopian fantasy, and it is . . . but it’s also possible that tomorrow, an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) could be detonated over the Midwest and throw America back into the 1800s, before electricity and instant communication we enjoy today.

The “Days of Dread Trilogy” stories are packed with adventure as their young hero, Jackson Allison, his genius and devoted sidekick Albert Einstein Hawking, and his sort-of girlfriend Aria face dangers at every turn trying to save others.

An editor asked, “Why would you write a book about the end times for mid-grade and young adult readers?”
My answer?

“To let them know through reading them that when tough times get here—and they will come—I want my readers to realize God will be right there with them and protect and provide. My hope is to build their faith.”

Jackson starts out an agnostic, but God loves agnostics, too. Jesus died on the cross for them like He did for you and me. He loves Jackson so much that He shows him His power and provision time and time again—

Of course, the boy’s mother and sister, and grandparents, and Uncle Roy are all praying for his salvation. We know what can happen when God’s people pray! How many times have you prayeds, “Father! Whatever it takes, draw my loved one to Your heart!”

Jackson, though, is a stubborn as a Texas Ranger on a mission! His lieutenant succumbs to Holy Spirit’s calling in this story, but not Jackson, although he is being drawn to believe by all the things he cannot explain.

Who do you know who would love these stories? Besides you, I mean! I know you will! Who do you know who needs to read them?

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 23

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 24

Mary Hake, September 24

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 26

Texas Book-aholic, September 27

Inklings and notions, September 28

Girls in White Dresses, September 29

deb’s Book Review, September 30

For Him and My Family, October 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 2

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 3

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 4

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl 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/11b5a/the-sixth-trumpet-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, September 26, 2021

Undercurrent of Secrets

Two women, a century apart, are bound by a haunting secret aboard a legendary steamboat.

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

As wedding coordinator for the 100-year-old steamboat The Belle of Louisville, Devyn Asbury takes pride in seeing others’ dreams come true, even though her engagement had sunk like a diamond ring to the bottom of the Ohio River. When the Belle becomes a finalist in the Timeless Wedding Venue contest, Devyn endeavors to secure the prestigious title with hopes to reclaim some of her professional dreams. What she hadn’t planned on was Chase Jones showing up with a mysterious photo from the 1920s.

A century earlier, Hattie Louis is as untamable as the rivers that raised her. As the adopted daughter of a steamboat captain, her duties range from the entertainment to cook. When strange incidents occur aboard the boat, Hattie’s determined to discover the truth. Even if that means getting under First Mate Jack Marshall’s handsome skin.

My thoughts: It's been a long time since I was last on an actual steamboat, something my parents took us on when I was a kid, so I had to review what an actual one is like when reading this book. I think one of the things that I forgot was just how big they can be! I enjoyed the trip back to the past that this mystery presents, and the mystery that surrounded Hattie and her story. This book was a unique look at the 1920's, since Hattie has lived her life on the steamboat, a very different atmosphere then the majority of the United States during that time period. I also enjoyed the modern setting and how Devyn is trying to put together an event to impress the judges for a wedding magazine contest. Both settings were unique and delightful. I enjoyed this book tremendously!

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

Click here to get your copy! This post contains affiliate links.

About the Author

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. Rachel can be found online at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms. Her work is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency. Rachel resides in Ohio with her husband and two children.

More from Rachel

A Century on the River

In 1914, America hadn’t joined WWI yet. Airplanes, or flying machines as they were called, were still a phenomenon. Radios weren’t a thing. Hawaii and Alaska weren’t part of the United States. The world as a whole looked different than the one we walk today. But one thing remains true as it had 100 years ago—The Belle of Louisville graced the waters. In fact, the century-old steamboat is like a floating time capsule.

First named the Idlewild, this boat was built in Pittsburgh, PA and was launched in October 1914. It began its days as a packet boat, hauling freight and ferrying passengers. During the ‘Roaring 20s’ there wasn’t much documentation for her travels. But it’s believed the Idlewild spent the decade tramping—a steamboat term for going up and down the river, stopping at various towns and taking passengers for excursions. Which worked perfectly for Undercurrent of Secrets.

The boat was then sold to New Orleans where it continued to ferry passengers. In 1931, The Idlewild spent a season in Louisville running trips to Rose Island and Fontaine Ferry amusement parks. It then spent the next several years coursing the waterways from Canada to New Orleans, living upon the Mississippi and Ohio river systems until WWII. The second world war brought a lot of action to the Idlewild which was then outfitted with special equipment to push oil barges along the river. She also served as a floating USO nightclub for troops stationed at military bases along the Mississippi River.

In 1947, she was sold and renamed the Avalon. For the next two decades the legendary lady spent her days along the rivers, hosting excursions, bringing adventure to the hearts of many Americans. But all those years and miles eventually caught up to her and she fell in disrepair. In 1962, she was put up for auction in Cincinnati where she was purchased by Jefferson County Judge Executive Marlow Cook for $34,000. She then received her third name, The Belle of Louisville.

The restoration of the boat was supervised by marine architect Alan L. Bates (later Captain Bates). Capt. Bates’ books, Str. Belle of Louisville, and Moonlight at 8:30, were a huge help to me while researching the history of the boat and the crews who worked on her. The reno crew worked tirelessly rebuilding the Belle and on April 30th, she tested the waters again by racing against the Delta Queen in the first Great Steamboat Race. The Belle has been wharfed in Louisville ever since. This century-old steamboat has stood the test of time, surviving decades, sinkings, storms, weathering all the trials with grit and grace. If you ever find yourself in Louisville, you could book a cruise on the Belle and experience history.