Monday, March 27, 2023

The Lord Bless You

 


Step into the Lord's Unending Favor 

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible makes it clear that our God has a zealous intent to bless you. In this encouraging devotional, Pastor Terry A. Smith will help you recapture God's heart for His people and discover His extraordinary goodness in your life right now.

You will learn not only how much God wants to bless you, but also how to receive His blessing, how to bring blessing to the world around you and how blessing leads to the discovery of your true purpose. Come, see what He will do in you, to you and through you.

My thoughts: I really appreciated this little book and the challenges that it presented. When I looked at the title, I wasn't sure what I would find in the pages. I appreciated that the author used personal experiences and scripture to weave together 28 chapters of challenges and challenges to step out in faith. A lot of the chapters call us to do hard things, like remembering to forgive those who have wronged us or to step out in faith to a new calling or adventure, but the blessings that come from knowing God and following where He leads are so worth it. 
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review.


Thursday, March 23, 2023

Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness

 

Finding Joy JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness by Christopher Martin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness Title: Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness 
Author: Christopher Martin 
Publisher: Martin Family Bookstore 
Release Date: November 15, 2021 
Genre: Christian Nonfiction; self-help; chronic illness

A 2022 Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal Winner

"Finding Joy is a vital guide on how to best manage and navigate life with a chronic illness." —James Nestor, New York Times bestselling author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art 

Finding Joy presents a comprehensive, practical guide for living your best life with chronic illness. This psychology self-help book integrates personal and professional insights to give you tools for handling various aspects of living with a chronic illness. There is also a chapter specifically for the loved ones and caregivers of the chronically ill. While this book is designed for anyone with a chronic illness, the spiritual content early in the book suggests the value of sticking to your faith and offers several Bible references. 

Ultimately, Finding Joy is an A-to-Z guide that critiques the literature and empowers the reader with:
  1. Positive psychology techniques. These range from self-compassion, positive reappraisal, positive self-talk, and pacing to positive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors such as optimism, humor, and volunteer work.
  2. Stress-reduction methods. These include tools such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, simplification, and (therapeutic) journaling.
  3. Proven therapies. Examples include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
  4. Effective communication strategies and their impact on relationships and even the ability to access quality healthcare.
  5. Numerous tips to both access and optimize your experience with high-quality healthcare.
  6. Important considerations for loved ones of the chronically ill, so they too can know how to best support their loved one and take care of themselves in the process.
“This book offers great value for anyone with chronic illness as it contains clear, practical, and actionable insights and steps that can be naturally implemented into daily life. An engaging, easy, and helpful read. Highly recommended.”—Alla Bogdanova, MSc, MIM, co-founder and past president of the International Empty Nose Syndrome Association

"The thing that sets it apart from others is that it’s written by afellow sufferer who can also give valuable insight as a psychologist.This topic could easily be heavy-going, but it is mainly an upbeat, positive read. Saying that, the author has taken care to balance positivity with reality."—Elsa Bridger on Amazon.co.uk

"What I loved the most about this book is the author has his own chronic illnessess all methods are tried and tested. I really like the way this book was written as it didn't feel like any other self-help book I have ever read; it felt more relaxed. You knew that the author understood you and his manner made me take more in."—Ladyreading365 on Goodreads.com

“I have had various invisible chronic illnesses for nearly forty years, but I was still able to find suggestions that will help me. So many of the things I have gone through are reflected in this book. I highly recommend this comprehensive book.”—Sue on Amazon.ca

My thoughts: This is a wonderful, well written book about the author's journey through dealing with chronic illness. While this is partially about his personal journey, I think that so much of it is applicable to anyone who has had to deal with invisible pain and tough diagnosis. I appreciated how Christopher Martin shares the emotional struggles, since it's so relatable. If you are struggling with a chronic illness, this book is a must to pick up!
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub


About the Author

Christopher Martin

Christopher Martin is a school psychologist, husband, father, and an award-winning author who has lived with multiple debilitating chronic illnesses and their hidden effects - from chronic fatigue to significant pain to seemingly endless infections - for 25 years. As a result, he is all too aware of how disruptive and life-changing they can be to our daily lives.

But don't let what was just shared fool you: while he is far from cured of his illnesses, he still maintains a fulfilling life and experiences ongoing joy, peace, and happiness. He appreciates the small things in life such as drinking hot tea, going for walks with his family (when he is feeling up to it), and reading inspirational books. It was his goal, in turn, to give back to others by doing what he loves to do: authoring books on these conditions. He wrote his most recent book, Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness, because few books exist that offer comprehensive, practical guidance on chronic illness. And even fewer books exist that include mental health tips from the perspective of a psychologist and sufferer. Christopher enjoyed integrating his background in psychology with his experiences as a patient into realistic, easy-to-understand and apply strategies. His deepest hope in writing Finding Joy is to inspire the reader to live a more abundant life. 

Learn more by visiting invisibleillnessbooks.com.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will receive $25 paypal cash and an audiobook download of the book!

(3) additional winners will receive an audiobook download of the book!

Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 22, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 29, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

This Life of Mine

 



A woman alone, fleeing for her life. A man on a mission of rescue.

Each fighting their own internal battles, will the survive the one raging between countries?

Will they find healing? Or succumb to the darkness and devastation around them?



Book #2 in The Chronicles of Elira

Marcus is tired of losing those he loves. The last shred of his childhood has been uprooted, and he feels alone… again. When the ruler’s new policies take effect, the anger of the Rusalkan mountain king is unleashed upon the borderlands. With refugees streaming into Elira by the hundreds, the stories from the wall are horrific.

Marcus joins a convoy to lend his medical skills to those in need at the Eliran border. What he finds there requires him to face his own deformities. Will he be able to overcome them? Or will his life forever be marked by suffering and sacrifice?

Dilara’s life as a slave in Rusalka was anything but idealistic. Consumed by a system designed to use, abuse, and discard the likes of her, she has been taken through the very depths. Carrying a traumatic secret and wounded in her frenzied escape, she finds herself with an unlikely protector and an even more confusing relationship. Can she traverse the waters of this new life of hers and make it her own?

Endorsements for This Life Of Mine:

"Make sure you’re stocked up on tissues because Victoria Lynn has crafted yet another masterpiece. This Life of Mine is a poignant, contemplative tale of profound loss, struggle, healing, and faith. Its powerful message, compelling characters, and sweet romance will tug at your heartstrings and push you toward Jesus." -Megan McCullough, author of We Could Be Villains

"Some books stir the imagination, but This Life of Mine stirs the soul. A journey of hope from brokenness, strength in weakness, and power in unity. It’s impossible to miss Victoria Lynn’s passion in this heart-written story and if you open your own heart as you read, you’ll leave behind the world of Elira as changed as its characters." - Nadine Brandes, author of Wishtress, Fawkes, Romanov, and the Out of Time Series

"This Life of Mine has earned a forever home on my bookshelf and in my heart. Featuring memorable characters and a powerful stance on the sanctity of life, it had me in tears with its story of redemption in the wake of regret. Victoria Lynn has done it again, weaving a tale that holds out hope to the ones who have been broken…and to the ones who have broken others." - Laurel Luehmann, author of This Will Not Last and Clarion Hope

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

Thursday, March 16, 2023

The Sound of Light

 


When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden.

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement's legendary 
Havmand--the merman--and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.

My thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed this story of a unique time in WWII, with the Danish and how they were treated when occupied by the Nazis. I also love that the main character is a young woman who has a doctorate in a time when the field is dominated by men. I thought that the author handled the workforce for Else well, bringing to light some of the struggles and triumphs. I also enjoyed how Else interacts with Henrik, who is passing himself as a common laborer. The story has a bit of a reverse Cinderella feel to it, with the hero hiding who he truly is.
This is a wonderful story to pick up! It's a stand alone, but some of the characters from the previous two books by the author make a cameo appearance.
I received this book from Revell. This is my honest review.


Sweeter With You

 


A spirited bakery shop owner.

A cupcake-baking pro ball player.

A game-winning play to find love ever after.

SERENITY LEWIS has a serious problem. After several successful years, her trendy French Quarter bakery is failing—no thanks to a national chain that’s luring patrons by way of lower prices and ease of parking. She’ll do anything to keep her bakery alive. Or so she thinks ...

Philanthropic defensive end, OWEN WALKER is one concussion away from a career-ending injury. With headaches that sideline the blue chip player, he just might need to consider life off the gridiron. But working at a bakery during off season? That wasn’t the side hustle he had in mind. But if it’ll help the beautiful girl he knew in college, he’s all in.

Owen’s baking prowess and presence is a PR magnet, but it stirs Serenity’s desire for the only guy she ever considered letting into her heart.

Too bad she can’t give Owen what he wants most. Working alongside Serenity emboldens Owen to consider retirement faster than he can crack an egg in his palm. And accounting records prove the two make a winning team.

But when Serenity reveals her secret, will it send Owen running? Will the uncertain outcome of Owen’s head injuries be a justified reason to reject him first? Or will they huddle together and let love win the day?



My thoughts: I loved this unique spin on a classic story of a young woman trying to make a go with her bakery. I love reading stories that feature baking, since my family owned a bakery for years when I was a teen and in college. So, it's a trope that is near and dear to me! 

I enjoyed the characters and how they come from such different backgrounds, and yet have known one another for years. I can only imagine how hard it would be to be in Serenity's shoes, with her having feelings for Owen and yet feeling like she can't pursue those. This is a sweet, delightful story that I recommend picking up and enjoying!

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




Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.


Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Woodencloak

 

Woodencloak JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Woodencloak by Dawn Ford, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Woodencloak Title: Woodencloak 
Series: Band of Unlikely Heroes #1 
Author: Dawn Ford 
Publisher: Scrivenings Press 
Release Date: February 7, 2023 
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Thirteen-year-old troll princess Horra Fyd’s life changes forever after an unexpected visit from the fairy queen and her two daughters. Tales of fairies gave Horra nightmares as a young troll. Before evening falls, however, a real nightmare unfolds. Horra’s father, King Fyd, goes missing. Her woodgoblin instructor is poisoned and uses his magic to revert to a seed. And a mysterious, gaunt man wearing a cape and playing a panflute joins the fairies in trying to capture her.

Horra flees but is instantly lost in a world she’s never had to travel alone. A letter hidden in her knapsack from her late instructor informs her that a power hungry Erlking seeks revenge against her kingdom and their allies for a two-generation old war. She is tasked with getting his seed to the Weald, a magical forest. There it can regenerate into a druid, the only creature with the power to hold the balance between good and evil, and who is able to defeat the Erlking. 

However, the Erlking is always one step behind her.  Horra must fight to protect herself, but she has no magic. She accepts a gift from a dead druid spirit of a charmed woodencloak to disguise her. But magic failed her mother, how can she possibly trust it? 

Can Horra have faith and courage enough to trust a power she can’t see, and become a warrior heroine her foremothers can be proud of? Or will she allow fear to rule over her and lose everything that matters—including her life?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this delightful, middle school level, fantasy story. With a young daughter myself, I appreciate stories where the emphasis isn't on beauty, but strength of character. I like how Horra is a troll princess who's life is abruptly turned on end, sending her on an adventure to break a spell. This is a delightful, well written story, filled with sweet characters and fun twists. I look forward to reading the next book in the series! 
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.
 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

Also Available

The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes


About the Author

Dawn Ford

Dawn Ford lives in a small town nestled among the Loess Hills in Western Iowa with her husband and Snickers, the Wonder Beagle. Dawn’s love for stories came naturally to her as a child who was lucky enough to be able to explore the Iowa pastures and countryside in search of adventure.

Dawn adores anything steampunk, is mesmerized by shiny, pretty things, loves purses, shoes, and needs at least one good, strong cup of coffee a day to wake up. Dawn’s novel, The Girl With Stars In Her Eyes, won the 2016 ACFW Genesis Award under the title, Kingdom Come. Her flash fiction stories have been featured in Havok, an online magazine. 

Connect with Dawn by visiting dawnfordauthor.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will receive a signed paperback copy of Woodencloak!

Woodencloak JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 13, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 20, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Monday, March 13, 2023

The Underground Book Readers: United Forces

 


The world was not ready for what happened. And in the mountains and valleys of Virginia, a group of young friends wondered what to do in this different world. Their parents and older siblings were taken away, or "disappeared," and have not been seen since that fateful day. Schools were destroyed, churches burned, and books banned. There was no fuel or electricity available for anyone. Cars and other vehicles no longer worked and were found abandoned beside the roads rusting and in disrepair. Only the World Force military had fuel and vehicles.

Follow their journey of hope and adventure in the second book of this series: 
The Underground Book Readers: United Forces. See what happens when the World Force tightens its grip on the teens and children of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Increased patrols and drones are seen nearly every day as the group visits their underground cavern to read forbidden books and study the Bible. Are other teens hiding in the woods who need help? Can the Underground Book Readers find others to join their own group? Will they at last determine the identity of a mysterious group seen on a nearby mountain? A spy mission is planned to uncover clues about people who escaped the rule of the World Force in search of a free territory. But will the spy mission find more questions than answers?

Join the Secret Society in Book 2 of 
The Underground Book Readers: United Forces.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

Stormy Encounters

 


In one unforgettable summer, Steven Carlson is pushed to the edge of disaster and forced to confront his prison of self-doubt.

Stormy Encounters: Lightening Fast Cars, Daunting Dilemmas, Fearsome Choices

Summer is supposed to be fun. But, when the biggest bully in town has Steven Carlson in his crosshairs, the choice is to run or to dig deep inside and discover who he truly is. Steven finds himself driven by a debt he cannot afford. His plans for a summer of fun are exchanged for a summer that takes him to places he never intended to go.

There are storms on the plains and equally daunting storms of the heart. Steven struggles to unravel the mystery surrounding his single-parent household. With a father he doesn’t understand, a mother he cannot remember, and an adversary who has it out for him, Steven's sixteenth summer launches him on a journey that will forever alter his world.


Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

Thursday, March 9, 2023

The Sound of Light

 



When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden.

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement's legendary 
Havmand--the merman--and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.

My thoughts: I loved this well written, WWII novel! I enjoyed that Henrik is somewhat of a reversed fairy tale, since he is the one who has changed who he is in order to hide and aid the Resistance. I loved how unique both he and Else are, with her being a physicist back when it could be hard to have your voice heard in a male dominated field. I love how Sarah Sundin brings to life the importance of the Danish Resistance, even though pre 1943 they received a lot of criticism for not receiving the brunt of Hitler's madness. This is a wonderful book of hope and standing up for what is right. My only small grievance is that I felt like Henrik did not use his brain towards the end of the book, and makes a poor choice that shouldn't of been an option. But, I won't say much more, and it doesn't affect my overall rating of the story. It's a wonderful book, well written story.

I received this book from the publisher. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass

 



After years of drifting, fifty-year-old Pete Ryman has settled down with his potbellied pig, Pearl, in the small town of Sleeping Grass--a place he never expected to see again. It's not the life he dreamed of, but there aren't many prospects for a high school dropout like him.

Elderly widow Wilma Jacobsen carries a burden of guilt over her part in events that led to Pete leaving Sleeping Grass decades ago. Now that he's back, she's been praying for the chance to make things right, but she never expected God's answer to leave her flat on her face--literally--and up to her ears in meddling.

When the younger sister Pete was separated from as a child shows up in Sleeping Grass with her eleven-year-old son, Pete is forced to face a past he buried long ago, and Wilma discovers her long-awaited chance at redemption may come at a higher cost than she's willing to pay.

Set in northern Montana along the rugged and remote Hi-Line, Katie Powner's latest interweaves poignancy and humor to present a story of friendship, forgiveness, and moving forward.


This post contains affiliate links.

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Her Surprise Hometown Match

 

Her Hometown Match JustRead Blog Tour 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Her Surprise Hometown Match by Tara Randel, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Her Surprise Hometown Match Title: Her Surprise Hometown Match 
Series: The Golden Matchmakers Club #4 
Author: Tara Randel 
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming 
Release Date: February 21, 2023 
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Sweet/Clean) 

Can she be honest… 

With the rodeo cowboy? 

Juliette Bishop is living a lie. And she won’t let any man get close enough to discover she’s not the hero Golden residents imagine. But rebellious former rodeo cowboy Ty Pendergrass slips under her radar…and straight into her heart. No stranger to the struggles of shedding a reputation, the daring trick rider could be her perfect match. If she has the courage to come clean with him and her hometown! 

USA TODAY Bestselling Author 

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this small town story with a delightful cast of characters! Opposites attract in this sweet romance, when good girl, hometown hero Juliette gets to know reckless Ty. I could relate to Juliette, in a way, and her struggle with feeling like she can't live up to the picture her town has painted of her (though I am not my hometown hero! lol). I thought that the author did a great job of writing a wide variety of characters, including a young woman who has Aspergers and a sweet group of meddling matchmakers. This is a fun story to pick up and enjoy!
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

More Books in this Series

Stealing Her Best Friend's Heart Her Christmastime Family His Small Town Dream


About the Author

Tara Randel

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and, of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. She writes for multiple genres, including romance, mystery and Women’s fiction.

Connect with Tara by visiting tararandel.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive an autographed copy of His Small Town Dream as well as Stealing Her Best Friend's Heart, a bookmark, and a $25 Amazon gift card!

(1) additional winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card!

Her Surprise Hometown Match JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 6, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 13, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

A Ransomed Grete

 


October 1939—What happens when you run from danger… and into a trap?

After the Anschluss, Austria becomes a place its citizens don’t recognize—especially its Jewish citizens. Whispers ripple through Jewish communities—whispers about a chalet where a woman protects Jewish children from discovery. She’ll keep them safe, fed, and far away from Nazis.

Parents are forced to make horrific decisions. Send their children away to safety, possibly never seeing them again, or keep their families together and risk their children’s lives?

Hans Hartmann arrives at the chalet with a chip on his shoulder and a little girl in tow. He found Grete waiting at the train station. Alone. But life at Chalet Versteck feels more ominous than the streets of Vienna. Children sometimes vanish, and before Hans can figure out what’s happening, a high-ranking officer appears—and is killed.

It’s a race to find out who killed the man and get himself (and probably that pesky Grete) out!

A Ransomed Grete is the bridge book between the 1920s and 1940s Ever After Mysteries, combining fairy tales with mysteries.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My thoughts: I have been reading quite a few stories set during WWII lately, which is just fine with me, as it is a time period that I find fascinating. This book wound up being a wonderful addition to the stories that I have read lately, since it was quite unique! I think that one of the things that fascinates me the most about this era is the varied responses of people in occupied countries. In this re-telling of Hansel and Gretel, we see an old woman doing the right thing, with taking children in, but not with the right heart behind her actions. I appreciated some of the other characters in the story and how kindness showed in their actions. This is a wonderful, interesting  story to pick up and enjoy.

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

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author of 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.

 

More from Chautona

Picture it. Ventura, California,1982. Why I went to the lock-in, I still don’t know. It wasn’t my church, I didn’t actually like the girl I went with, and I knew no one else. In hindsight, I think God put me there, because that was the night I was introduced to Corrie Ten Boom.

Yes, they showed The Hiding Place, and a near obsession with all things Holocaust followed.

I don’t remember when my brain connected The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to that same war and helped me realize that the people bombing London and making the need to protect those children were the same ones ripping fathers, mothers, and children from homes in other countries and sending them “out into the country” too. But it happened. A sickening, nauseating understanding that still infuriates me today.

I railed against the evil soldiers. How could they do such a thing? My ever-patient father said, “Like our airmen should have refused to drop the bombs that ensured we’d end the war with Japan? When do soldiers get to decide which orders they will obey and which they will not?”

In my self-righteous, ever-black-and-white mind, I remember saying something to the effect of, “If they’d all refused, then the generals would have to listen. You can’t kill all your soldiers for insubordination.”

Dad’s quiet voice (it wasn’t always, but it was when he was deadly serious) answered that with a… “Considering the millions of Jews they slaughtered, I think they might have. Live soldiers can make a small difference.”

Look, Dad wasn’t defending the Nazi regime. He wasn’t defending sending innocent people to their deaths because some madman said they must. He did, however, point out that sometimes what seems to be acquiescence is really a front for helping people under the radar. Without proof of someone’s guilt, we could hope there was more to it than fear for self.

And that taught me another lesson—to assume the best of people until they gave me a reason to know otherwise. It also sparked ideas. How many men, women, and children pretended to be in league with the Nazis when they weren’t? How many people cowed to Nazi ideals out of self-preservation? How many others didn’t really see the evil until it was shoved down their throats?

It took forty years to do it, but those questions became the basis for A Ransomed Grete (pronounced Gret-uh, if it matters to you). What happens when the horrific occurs and self-preservation becomes a means of evil? I hope I offered enough hope amid the horror of Jewish genocide.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 24

deb’s Book Review, February 25

Texas Book-aholic, February 26

Blogging With Carol, February 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 28

Lots of Helpers, March 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 2

An Author’s Take, March 3

Denise L. Barela, Author, March 4 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 4

Connie’s History Classroom, March 5

For Him and My Family, March 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 7

Betti Mace, March 8

Inklings and notions, March 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon 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/24704/a-ransomed-grete-celebration-tour-giveaway

Moms Raising Sons to Be Men

 

Moms Raising Sons to Be Men JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Moms Raising Sons to Be Men by Rhonda Stoppe, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Moms Raising Sons to be Men Title: Moms Raising Sons to Be Men 
Author: Rhonda Stoppe 
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers 
Release Date: March 7, 2023 
Genre: Religion / Christian Living / Women's Interests/ Parenting 

Bringing up boys isn’t for the faint of heart, but bestselling author Rhonda Stoppe has been there before—and she’s here to help! Drawing on insights from fellow boy-moms and from Scripture, Rhonda reveals why walking with Christ is every mom’s key to parenting well. 

You’ll discover how motherhood gives you unique opportunities to grow in faith as you draw nearer to God through prayer, Bible study, and mentorship from godly women. You’ll also find practical advice for shaping your son in character and faith as you encourage his passions, teach him biblical masculinity, and protect his spirit without smothering his individuality. 

Your success as a mother doesn’t depend on what your son does with his life, but on how you obey God’s guidance on this mission of motherhood. Moms Raising Sons to Be Men provides the biblical hope, wisdom, and encouragement you need to help your son live a life without regrets!

“You will be encouraged, enlightened, and empowered to become the mom you’ve always wanted to be—and to guide your son into becoming the man God intended.”

—Cindi McMenamin, national speaker and author of When Women Walk Alone

My thoughts: This book is such a wonderful resource for those who are raising boys! While mine are still little, I really appreciated all the insight that Rhonda Stoppe provides in this book. We haven't reached the point where we are ready to have some conversations with my boys, but I like that this book got me thinking ahead to some of the discussions we have in our future and how to prepare for them. Grounded in Scripture, this book is a must have. If you have sons or boys in your care, I cannot recommend this book enough!
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Christianbook | BookBub

Also Available

Real-Life Romance The Marriage Mentor If My Husband Would Change, I'd Be Happy


About the Author

Rhonda Stoppe

Rhonda Stoppe is a transparent, humorous, and biblically sound speaker and podcast host of: "Old Ladies Know Stuff". She is the bestselling author of 7 books and a frequent guest on Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk. Her boy-mom interviews on Focus on the Family were named in their 'Best of 2021' episodes. Rhonda has been joyfully married to her pastor-husband, Steve, for 41 years. Their 4 happily married children have blessed them with 15 grandchildren.

Connect with Rhonda by visiting NoRegretsWoman.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card! (1) additional winner will receive a copy of Real Life Romance!

Moms Raising Sons to be Men JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 8, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 15, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

In This Moment


 

I loved the first book in this series, but I think that this one was even better! I love that Margaret has three different time lines in this one, and that each one dealt with something unique. I love how the author tied it all together. I can only imagine how hard it would be to have to choose one story to be a part of! I highly recommend picking up this story!

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

Monday, March 6, 2023

Amish Wilderness Survival

 


To stay alive,

she must escape a killer’s clutches

When her brother goes missing, Leora Mast will do anything to find him…even if it means putting her life in danger. Upon arriving in Montana, she finds an ally in Fletcher Shetler, but almost as soon as they meet, they’re running for their lives. With Fletcher’s help, Leora must unravel the truth about her brother’s disappearance…before the man who wants them dead tracks them down.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.


Excerpt:

I have to help a friend... 

Fletcher Shetler couldn’t get the last words his friend said to him out of 

his head. At the time, he hadn’t thought much about it. That was Ethan— 

always lending a hand to those in need. Yet the week of silence certainly 

wasn’t like him. Far from it. Especially not with the new venture Ethan had 

recently embarked upon demanding so much of this time. 

Training dogs for search and rescue missions into the mountains had become Ethan’s passion. He’d worked with military dogs during his career in the marines and talked about how rewarding it had been. When the opportunity arose to train dogs for mountain conditions, Ethan had come to Fletcher to assist, and Fletcher was happy to help. Truth be told, he enjoyed the work. 

So far, they had five young dogs going through the training process, and all were promising. 

When Ethan had left, he’d assured Fletcher he’d only be gone a couple of 

days. The time frame had come and gone. The silence on Ethan’s part was setting off all sorts of alarms in Fletcher’s head. 


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