Monday, August 16, 2021

Donkey Devos

 


Did you know the Bible mentions only two talking animals? Each of these creatures had a different message. The first to speak out was the serpent. This character certainly wasn’t a model. If God was using this snake for a test drive, I can see why he kept the mouths of the other animals closed. This snake in the grass spoke words meant for evil. Later God allowed another animal to speak—the lowly donkey. The beast of burden. This time the animal had words of wisdom.

Susan K. Stewart expected dogs, cats, and the occasional goldfish would be all the pets she’d need—until the day Susan met donkeys at a rescue center. A few years after that fateful visit, three donkeys became part of the Stewart family. Susan soon learned these humble creatures are still messengers of wisdom.

Donkey Devos is a collection of forty pearls Susan has learned from spending time learning about her equine friends and chatting with them. She uses her experiences, donkey facts, and Biblical donkey details to share the truths God has taught. The whole family will delight in the donkey tales with a message from God.

 My thoughts: The story of Balaam and his talking donkey was one of my favorites as a kid (okay, and it still is!), so I was thrilled to get this book of delightful devotionals of lessons and truths that Susan has learned. My family had a donkey when I was growing up, but we didn't take the opportunity like what Susan has done with this book. I enjoyed this devotional and her voice 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

Susan K. Stewart didn’t expect to become a “donkey whisper,” as some of her neighbors say. One day God put her in a herd of donkeys, and it was love at first bray. Susan and her husband Bob live in Central Texas with their three dogs, three cats, numerous chickens, and inspiring donkeys. They have three children and six outstanding grandchildren. Susan’s passion is to inspire readers with practical, real-world solutions and a few donkey stories.

 

More from Susan

I like to say, “I can’t not write.” I’m not even sure what event or who encouraged me to follow this pursuit. I do know my dream was to be a news reporter by day and a ballet dancer at night. God has given me the gift of teaching. I teach through written words.

Lois Lane was my inspiration. Seriously, in my teens I envisioned myself as a news reporter chasing after breaking stories around the world. I met my Superman, and Lois retired. But I began my own writing career with the help of friends and mentors.

Cecil Murphey has been a valued mentor and friend for nearly twenty years. His no-nonsense approach to helping this wanna-be writer pushed me forward to being able to call myself an author. And, Kathy Ide showed me I could be an editor. Her example and friendship have improved my writing as well

I grew up in a traveling family. (I went to fourteen different schools before graduating high school.) Of all the places my family lived, a rural ranch was not one of them. Pet donkeys and surly chickens were not part of my life experience or my bucket list.

Then it happened. I met a donkey nose-to-muzzle and a special bond was created. After my first visit to the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, I wanted donkey pets. Alas, our property was too small to meet the adoption requirements. When we made the move from California to Texas, donkeys soon became a part of the small ranch.

Caring for the donkeys turned into a friendship. Like all friends, my donkeys and I have had wonderful experiences. These goings-on became the basis for the stories in Donkey Devos: Listen When God Speaks.

I’ve written four books including the award-winning Formatting e-Books for Writers. When I’m not walking and conversing with my donkeys, I tend a vegetable garden, track family history, and read everything from the great American novel to the back of cereal boxes.

Blog Stops

Girls in White Dresses, August 11

HappyWhenReading, August 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 12

For Him and My Family, August 13

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 15

Cats in the Cradle Blog, August 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 16

Inklings and notions, August 17

For the Love of Literature, August 18

Older & Smarter?, August 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 20

deb’s Book Review, August 21

Texas Book-aholic, August 22

Mary Hake, August 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 23

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize package of $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/112db/donkey-devos-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, August 15, 2021

Catch Me If You Can

 


The big cat sat on the oversized rock, ears pointed toward the sky, every muscle taut, every sense at the ready. “S-s-shut up and f-f-forget it! You’ve s-s-seen nothing and know nothing! I won’t warn you again. G-g-got it?”His head swiveled, his ears twitching as if catching the hint of threat in the whisper. A soft hiss slid from his open mouth and reinforced the overtone of evil pressing in upon the scene… Coaxed into finding the animal killer at Jamieson’s Outfitters, Tara Layne, with her sidekick, Boet, is welcomed by a threatening whisper and the unfriendly eyes of a gruff manager. Within hours, lies and dark secrets are slithering all over the campground. Intermingled with her search, Tara deals with her own buried secrets when a strange old Native American probes into the recesses of her heart forcing her to face her bitter feelings. And Wesley Clarke, manager/guide, both interesting and frustrating, holds an attraction for Tara that is primitive and exasperating.When Tara gets too close, she finds herself—and Boet—the target of someone who’s determined to keep from getting caught. His theme: Run as fast as you can, you can’t catch me.The question: Can Tara run fast enough to catch this real-life gingerbread boy before he decides to get rid of her and Boet?

The wait is over! Catch Me if You Can by Carole Brown has been released! Be sure to check out this amazing read!

Click here for more information: https://amzn.to/3kBqecX

Rahab's Courage

 


A scarlet cord tethers one ruined woman to the salvation of mankind.

Harboring two fugitives in a city slated for destruction, Rahab has one small chance of escape. In exchange for their safety, she bargains for her own. Their agreement rewards her courage, and she flees Jericho and a life of prostitution for a new life among the people of Israel. Never again will she have to depend on anyone—especially men.

Except Salmah won’t take the hint.

High ranking soldier and leader of the tribe of Judah, Salmah is determined not to repeat his parents’ mistakes. He will keep the Lord’s commandments. Rahab’s growing faith fits right in with phase one of his plans: find a wife who loves the Lord and settle down in the new land.

Rahab finds shelter and meaning in the Lord’s ways until her past comes back to haunt her. As her new faith is put to test, she finds herself alone. Isn’t that what she’d always wanted?

With her courage waning, only the Lord can turn Rahab’s life around again, but will He do it before she loses everyone and everything that really matters to her—to her heart?

Rahab's Courage by Naomi Craig is available on August 17! Don't forget to preorder yours now to get a special discounted pre-order price and a special pre-order gift!

Lawsons Bluff

 


Terrorists attempt a multi-million-dollar art heist while America’s media distracts the world with stories of Alabama hunters slaughtering hogs with dogs and knives. As fearless Jack Lawson is about to catch his thousandth boar, journalist Carla Frederick arrives to cover the hunt for the LA World News. Shocked by the uncivilized Alabamians with their bulldogs and razor-sharp knives, Frederick writes a grotesque, biased story about Jack that goes viral. Belatedly, she discovers the deeper story—deeper and darker than she could have ever known. Barganier has written an unlikely love story wrapped in twisting suspense.

 My thoughts: I found this to be a clever story that gets the reader to think a little deeper about the world around us, especially politics. I enjoyed getting to know Jack and Carla, as they learn to relate to one another after coming from two very different viewpoints. This is a suspenseful read with a gospel message woven into the story. I liked that the twists and turns to the story kept me on my toes and surprised me. 

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

JB Web site shotA former securities broker turned writer/designer, Barganier travels far and wide upon the slightest excuse for something interesting to write about. He’s published four books and his articles on a wide variety of subjects have appeared in newspapers, magazines and on blogs. He’s travel editor for BOOM! Magazine.

 

More from Jeff

I didn’t “come up” with the idea for Lawson’s Bluff. The idea found me after I published a piece about a hunter in Georgia who hunts wild boars with dogs and a knife. Like character Jack Lawson, he never carries a gun, preferring, instead, to tackle the hog and slay it the old-fashioned way. So, as with previous novels, I didn’t write this one either. The story wrote me. I had no clue where the story was going until informed … by the story. This approach is what makes life interesting, I think. And what makes novels interesting, too—twisting action and romance in unpredictable settings.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 14

Texas Book-aholic, August 15

Inklings and notions, August 16

For Him and My Family, August 17

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 18 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, August 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 19

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 20

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 21

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 22

Mary Hake, August 22

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 24

Blogging With Carol, August 25

Pause for Tales, August 26

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Jeff is giving away the grand prize package of a $100 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/112e0/lawson-s-bluff-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, August 14, 2021

Justice at Dawn

 


Cooper Callahan has been an International Retrieval Organization operative for fifteen years. In all that time he has never worked with a trainee like Kitty Claire Briggs. Overflowing with energy, KC isn’t quiet long enough for Cooper to think. But when the boss assigns them a training mission, KC’s serious side emerges.

Former stunt double, KC Briggs wants to be an agent, but she also has an ulterior motive to be accepted by IRO—she wants access to their superior technology. Can she locate her quarry without Cooper finding out?

As Cooper shares the finer points of surveillance with KC, his waning faith is strengthened by her enthusiasm for the Lord and for the job. When the training exercise turns into a real abduction, will KC’s naivete lead to death or to a successful conclusion to the case?

 My thoughts: I enjoyed this suspenseful story that starts out somewhat casual and quickly goes into a suspenseful search for Sadie and her family. I liked the plot twists, though a couple of them didn't totally make sense. That said, this was an enjoyable mystery with a good side of suspense and romance. I look forward to reading more by the author! 

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

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

IMG_0178American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award winner Valerie Massey Goree resides with her husband on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula of Washington State.

After serving as missionaries in her home country of Zimbabwe and raising two children, Glenn and Valerie moved to Texas. She worked in the public school system for many years, focusing on students with special needs. Now retired, Valerie spends her time writing, and spoiling her grandchildren.

Check Valerie’s website to learn more about her books: www.valeriegoreeauthor.com

Valerie loves to hear from her readers.

 

More from Valerie

Justice at Dawn is the third novel in the Stolen Lives Trilogy. I knew I wanted to tell Cooper Callahan’s story after his brief appearance in Day of Reckoning, the second novel. How did he get his scar? Why was he one-track minded in his work? Why was he single?

 

It is always exciting to invent a backstory for a character. To uncover his fears, his shattered dreams, his greatest desire for the future, and discover how those events shaped his personality and his present life. Cooper takes his role as the chief training officer for the San Diego branch of the International Retrieval Organization very seriously. He tells the newest recruit, “It’s my job to ascertain your skills, and to determine whether or not you’ll make an effective agent.”

 

Of course I had to create a heroine worthy of Cooper’s attention. No petite, helpless, always concerned about her perfect makeup partner for Coop. My heroine in Justice at Dawn is anything but petite or helpless. In Kitty Claire Briggs’s own words, she is not a run-of-the-mill gal, and after describing her unique backstory, she says, “That’s why I grab life by it’s pointy little ears, and I intend to make the most of every opportunity.”

 

Indeed. How will Cooper react if he discovers the real reason KC wants to become an IRO agent? Will the skills she used in her former job as a stunt double and the fact she is a sharp-shooter play a part in her training?

 

Now, don’t get me wrong, KC is vulnerable and has issues from her past she has to conquer, but she is the perfect foil for Cooper. She absorbs his advice, but also uses her initiative and even challenges Cooper at times. He might be teaching her the finer points of becoming a successful agent, but she teaches him how to overcome his past baggage and to live life to its fullest.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 13

Texas Book-aholic, August 14

Inklings and notions, August 15

deb’s Book Review, August 16

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 17

For Him and My Family, August 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 19

The Sacred Line, August 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 22

Batya’s Bits, August 23

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 24

Mary Hake, August 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Valerie is giving away the grand prize package of a Paperback or e-book copy of the book, adult coloring book and crayons, silver hoop earrings, and teal, rhinestone-studded cap!!

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/112df/justice-at-dawn-celebration-tour-giveaway

Fremont's Promise

 


Every time Sibyl visits her mother, she’s criticized, shamed, and leaves in tears. The only thing that can calm her is Fremont’s assurance to move them to a place they can share their faith more freely. While her emotions bounce from frustration to despair, she holds on to the belief that God can help her family.

Fremont, a former hobo, promises to find  a better paying job and spirit his wife away from this unstable family. But only God can work that miracle.

If you love family sagas and drama based on true stories, you will love this book. The 1930s and 40s were a time of difficulty but hope carried them through.

 My thoughts: I have enjoyed reading this series and getting to know the characters! I would recommend reading the series in order, since each book is a continuation of the story.

I liked that this book shows Fremont and Sibyl as they grow together as a couple and learn to stand on their own two feet. It would be hard to be somewhat dependent on family and to realize that it's not a good situation, but having a hard time changing your circumstances. I enjoyed seeing how this young couple's love has grown through the course of the story. This is a wonderful series to pick up and enjoy!

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

Kathryn Spurgeon writes FAITH STORIES FROM THE PAST or Christian historical novels with a focus on 1930s America using true events and actual locations. Award winning author, she won Illumination Award, She studied creative writing at the University of Central Oklahoma and has spoken at many women’s conferences around the world. She grew up on a farm in Oklahoma before moving to South Korea and adopting two daughters. Kathryn and her husband, Bill, have six children and thirteen grandchildren.

 

More from Kathryn

The tumultuous times of the 1930s and 40s are amazingly similar to the difficulties we face today. Read how God guided this prominent family toward greater strength and dependence on him. Based on a true story, this compelling novel is taken from handwritten biographies, personal interviews, and family research.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 9

lakesidelivingsite, August 10

Reviewingbooksplusmore, August 10

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 12

Connie’s History Classroom, August 13

Lighthouse Academy, August 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 14

Inklings and notions, August 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 16

Texas Book-aholic, August 17

Life of Literature, August 17

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 18

For Him and My Family, August 19

deb’s Book Review, August 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 21

Pause for Tales, August 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathryn is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon 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/11209/fremont-s-promise-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, August 13, 2021

Rahab's Courage

 


A scarlet cord tethers one ruined woman to the salvation of mankind.

Harboring two fugitives in a city slated for destruction, Rahab has one small chance of escape. In exchange for their safety, she bargains for her own. Their agreement rewards her courage, and she flees Jericho and a life of prostitution for a new life among the people of Israel. Never again will she have to depend on anyone—especially men.

Except Salmah won’t take the hint.

High ranking soldier and leader of the tribe of Judah, Salmah is determined not to repeat his parents’ mistakes. He will keep the Lord’s commandments. Rahab’s growing faith fits right in with phase one of his plans: find a wife who loves the Lord and settle down in the new land.

Rahab finds shelter and meaning in the Lord’s ways until her past comes back to haunt her. As her new faith is put to test, she finds herself alone. Isn’t that what she’d always wanted?

With her courage waning, only the Lord can turn Rahab’s life around again, but will He do it before she loses everyone and everything that really matters to her—to her heart?

 My thoughts: I enjoy picking up Biblical fiction and earning a new appreciation for the little glimpses of the lives we have from the Bible stories. I thought that the author did a wonderful job of bringing not only the showing us the bigger picture of Rahab's sacrifice to help the Israelites, but also the customs of that time and what it would of been like to join a whole other culture. This story is a beautiful one of faith. 

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

Naomi writes Historical Fiction set in Bible times.
She lives in a small town in the south-eastern mountains of Arizona
She is an avid reader, Pastor’s wife, and homeschool mom.

 

More from Naomi

Matthew 1:4b-6a (NKJV)

Nahshon begot Salmon.  Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse,  and Jesse begot David the king.

On the brink of war and conquering the Promised Land, The Israelites stand fierce and determined, ready to see God’s victory. This time they will not waiver.  This time, obedience will be their theme. But it wasn’t always that the Israelites stood with resolve as strong as Jericho’s impenetrable walls.

Rewind forty years. The Israelites have just been delivered from slavery in Egypt. 12 spies were sent into the land and brought back a good report. There were bountiful crops peace and giants.

Nahshon, as the leader of Judah (Numbers 2:3), should have been influential in his tribe’s decision to trust the Lord—especially since Caleb one of the two who trusted, was from Judah. Yet nobody believed. They all grumbled. So instead of what should have been a quick journey, it took forty years.

And the entire generation couldn’t enjoy the benefits of trusting God and His promise.

Enter Salmah.

He sees the penalty of his father’s disobedience. It shapes his life he adheres to the ways of the Lord. Plague after disobedience hardens his resolve. He will obey the laws of the Lord so it will go well with him in the new land.

So what is a man with this moral stature doing with a Canaanite? A harlot? Every sordid detail that makes up Rahab goes against his moral fiber.

But faith.

Faith that was spoken about all the way into the New Testament. Rahab steps out in sacrificial faith to a God she doesn’t yet know, for strangers who have no reason to trust her.

As such, the Lord honored her faith. As He does when you and I step out on that limb because we’ve felt that stirring in our soul.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

Not only did the Lord spread His mantle of protection over Rahab, He also saw fit to include her in the lineage of His Son, Jesus.

Rahab’s Courage is a love story. A story of stepping out in faith. Of changing expectations of yourself and others. Of how the Lord can redeem and use any who are willing to put off the old and become that new creation.

***The scripture is clear that Rahab is a harlot. Due to the nature of this life, this story addresses prostitution, rape, and post traumatic stress. Please use caution with younger readers and if these subjects would act as a trigger for you. If Rahab’s Courage was a movie, it would have a rating of PG-13

Blog Stops

Rebecca Tews, August 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 13

Inside the Wong Mind, August 14

Inklings and notions, August 14

For Him and My Family, August 15

Breny and Books, August 15

lakesidelivingsite, August 16

She Lives to Read, August 17

Boondock Ramblings, August 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 18

Betti Mace, August 19

Texas Book-aholic, August 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 20

deb’s Book Review, August 21

Cats in the Cradle Blog , August 21

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 22

Through the fire blogs, August 22

Connie’s History Classroom, August 23

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 24

Labor Not in Vain, August 24

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 25

Back Porch Reads, August 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Naomi 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/11419/rahab-s-courage-celebration-tour-giveaway