Saturday, December 3, 2022

Heaven-Sent Miracles and Rescues

Do You Believe in Miracles?

For more than three decades, Andrea Jo Rodgers has served her small-town community as a volunteer EMT. Over the years, the incredible events she’s witnessed have taught her that behind the scenes of every dark and dire situation waits a God capable of doing the impossible to help, protect, and save those He loves.

In Heaven-Sent Miracles and Rescues, Andrea shares tales of amazing and supernatural occurrences she’s seen from the frontline. From breathtaking water recoveries, to heroic battles against housefires, to astonishing interventions against medical crises, Andrea’s accounts of emergency rescues will have you reading at the edge of your seat while reassuring you of God’s awe-inspiring power over every circumstance.

Whether you’re searching for affirmation that miracles still happen, or you simply love reading exciting and inspiring true stories, Heaven-Sent Miracles and Rescues will leave you uplifted, encouraged, and on the lookout for God’s divine handiwork in your own day-to-day life.

My thoughts: I have read the other books by Andrea, and have enjoyed each of the collections of stories. It is reassuring to read a book of miracles and how, even though there are some pretty scary and crazy things that can happen which are out of our control, God is there in those situations. While not all of these stories end with a miracle, it was a reminder to me that our end goal should not be to live as long as possible, but to make the days count and be prepared for when God calls us home. This book gave me an appreciation for first responders and the heart they have for others.

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

Andrea Jo Rodgers holds a clinical doctorate in physical therapy and has worked as a physical therapist for over 25 years. She has served as a volunteer emergency medical technician on her town’s rescue squad for 35 years and has responded to more than 9,000 first aid and fire calls. She lives on the east coast with her husband, two children, and two fur babies. At Heaven’s Edge, On Heaven’s Doorstep, Help from Heaven, and Heaven-Sent Miracles and Rescues include true inspirational stories based on her experiences as a volunteer EMT. Her middle grade adventure novels, Saving Mount Rushmore and Saving the Statue of Liberty are fun yet educational books that teach faith, courage, patriotism, and friendship.

More from Andrea Jo

Coincidence or the Hand of God?

Have you ever wondered if someone is saved by pure chance? Is it just his or her lucky day? Or is more at play? I believe that people aren’t assisted by mere coincidence. I think the hand of God is at play, putting the pieces in motion to orchestrate miracles.

During my 35 years as a volunteer emergency medical technician with my local first aid and rescue squad, I’ve often witnessed the power of prayer and how God works to put the right people in the right place at the right time. For example, in my latest book Heaven-Sent Miracles and Rescues, I convey how a young woman who gets out of work later than usual sets in motion a dramatic rescue. In another case, a young man stops at a friend’s apartment just in time to alert 911 that she is unconscious and barely breathing due to a heroin overdose. At times, our patients overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to survive.

God’s loving hand doesn’t have to take the form of sensational rescues. It can be more subtle, such as having our squad volunteers be present to pour love on a dying hospice patient during his last hour on earth, or in another instance being available to tuck in a lonely woman grieving the loss of her mother. As a resident of a small town, I’ve been privileged to form strong bonds with some of my patients, and my life is immeasurably richer for it.

The next time you brush something off as just a coincidence, take a few minutes to consider the alternative. Perhaps you are witnessing the loving hand of our Lord at work.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 1

Texas Book-aholic, December 2

Mary Hake, December 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 3

Inklings and notions, December 4

Cover Lover Book Review, December 5

deb’s Book Review, December 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 6

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 7

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 10

Rebecca Tews, December 11

Just Your Average reviews, December 12

For Him and My Family, December 12

Spoken from the Heart, December 13

Cats in the Cradle Blog, December 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea Jo is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift card and a signed copy of Heaven-Sent Miracles and Rescues!!

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/22ec6/heaven-sent-miracles-rescues-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, December 2, 2022

Lord Farleigh and Miss Frost

An Irish miss and a duke's son have little in common, but Christmas at the castle has a way of bringing the most unlikely people together.

Isleen Frost wishes her family had stayed in Dublin for Christmas but understands it would have been folly to decline an invitation to the Duke of Montfort’s Christmastide house party. Isleen refuses to allow the opulent castle and powerful duke to impress her. But the duke’s eldest son, Lord Farleigh, is another matter entirely.

Raised as the heir to a duke, Simon Dinard, Lord Farleigh, has learned to project a calm self-assurance despite an inner fear he will never be as confident a leader as his father. When a friendly wager and a spirited Irish lady challenge all his unspoken thoughts, he determines to prove her wrong—and ignore the growing attraction between them.

Christmas celebrations at the castle are always full of surprises, but Isleen and Simon are not at all prepared for the feelings the season inspires between them. An Irish miss and a duke’s son have no business falling in love. But the magic of sleigh rides, snow-covered hills, and mistletoe might change their minds...

This novel is a sweet Regency romance and can be read as a stand-alone, though readers of the previous books will enjoy seeing old friends again.

My thoughts: While I have enjoyed the whole series, I think that this one was my favorite! I loved the blending of the Irish and English Christmas traditions, as Isleen's family spends the holiday season at Clairvoir Castle. I loved catching up with some of the characters from the previous stories in this series as they gang up on Simon to help him remember not to take life too seriously. This is the perfect story to pick up this holiday season!

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

Aberration

Freedom Awaits, but the Consortium is Watching

When rogue drones threaten citizens and the ship’s crew falls ill, the Recorder answers their call for help, once again drawing scrutiny from the Consortium.

With no other option and under an Elder’s overbearing watch, she returns to Pallas Station where she nearly lost her life in the hope of finding something—anything—to save her friends and countless others. Her friends are determined to keep her safe, but for the Recorder, saving others comes first, no matter the cost.

My thoughts: I highly recommend reading this series in order, since it will make more sense to have read about the world in Recorder before picking this book up. I was thrilled to get the chance to read this story after having enjoyed the first book! I love that this story continues with some of the characters from Recorder while adding some new ones in as well. There is plenty of action, as well as thought provoking questions to go with this different world. I look forward to reading the next book!

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

Cathy McCrumb graduated from Biola University with a degree in English Literature and a love for stories. She and her husband, whom she met while writing letters to soldiers, have five children and currently live within the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. While writing is one of her favorite things to do, she also enjoys reading, long hikes and long naps, gluten-free brownies and raspberries, and crocheting while watching science fiction movies with friends and family.

More from Cathy

After I finished writing Recorder, my main character was stuck.

Or, more precisely, I was.

Don’t get me wrong, I knew where she was, roughly what was going to happen, and what was going on elsewhere. But after the rush of finishing the first book and even having a great opening line for the second, I was at a standstill. Starting there didn’t make sense, didn’t set the scene. I tried again. And again.

It bothered me for months.

Then, on my way into work, a phrase popped into my head. Eyes on the stoplight, I fumbled in my bag, grabbed the first pen I could find, and scrawled the words on my left forearm in large block letters: NEED HELP WITH THE BODIES.

And like that, I knew where to begin.

(Fortunately, my coworkers were more amused than not, though I did wear long sleeves to church the next day, since I figured no one would find my Sharpie-scrawl comforting.)

While some of the story fell into place as I had expected, it turns out anticipation of a few scenes didn’t dull the edge, and I cried for those. My characters didn’t always comply, and aside from the black block letters on my arm, Aberration had other surprises that made me laugh or cringe. Two of those twists shifted the book’s trajectory, and the Recorder still must deal with the repercussions.

Life is like that. Some things trundle along like they should, but when change rears its head, everything can go sideways. A move, a sickness, a loss, a gain, a promotion… The good things—smiles, laughter, friends, song, color—don’t negate the uncomfortable things—failure, disappointment, isolation. But for those who believe in Christ, sorrow doesn’t have the final word. There is a sudden turn of joy, a grace in an unexpected twist that reminds us that there is no universal defeat awaiting us, even when it feels like all hope is lost.

Writing frequently reminds me of a difficult child who doesn’t want to cooperate. Characters show up uninvited to reshape scenes, or the plot goes exactly as I expect, but carries a completely different meaning. Sometimes I have to pause and let the story wash over me.

A lot like life.

The reversal of sorrow to joy, of catastrophe to eucatastrophe, shows us a glimpse of the home that awaits. Light pierces the shadows of story and heart, illuminating the core of who we are as we journey further up and farther in.

When you continue with the Recorder on her search for a name, for meaning, for hope, I hope that in those sudden surprise turns, you, too, hear the silver trumpets calling you home, no matter where or when you might be stuck.

Because, really, you aren’t.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 30

Story Craft, November 30

Texas Book-aholic, December 1

Stories By Gina, December 2 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 2

Inklings and notions, December 3

deb’s Book Review, December 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 5

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 7

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 9

Lily’s Book Reviews, December 10

Blogging With Carol, December 11

For Him and My Family, December 12

Through the Fire blogs, December 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cathy is giving away the grand prize of a signed hardback copies of Recorder and Aberration!!

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/22ec5/aberration-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Meriden Park

Meriden Park JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Meriden Park by Julie Daines, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Meriden Park

Author: Julie Daines

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Release Date: December 5, 2022

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance/Historical/Regency/Suspense

Following her childhood rescue from the gutters of Calcutta, Mary Grace’s life has been an astonishing rags-to-riches tale. The Wellings raised the half-Indian orphan with all the love and care the childless couple possessed, allowing her to grow into a beautiful and refined woman. But upon Mr. Welling’s death, it is time for Mrs. Welling to take Mary home to England―home to Meriden Park.

Despite her genial nature, Mary is received with suspicion by the villagers. For his part, however, Mr. Robert Markham is intrigued by the curious new beauty in town. Determined to make her acquaintance, he offers Mary a bargain she can’t refuse: a hot cross bun for a kiss. That seemingly innocent exchange is the first of many encounters between Robert and Mary, whose friendship blossoms into love during long walks in the privacy of Sherwood Forest. But the shadows of the forest hide a sinister secret, one Mary fears Robert might be a part of. As the mystery of the recent string of murders creeps closer and closer, Robert and Mary are drawn into a dangerous game, and unless she can unearth the truth, the couple risks losing one another forever.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

My thoughts: I enjoyed this story and the rich history that it is set in. Having enjoyed the tales of Robin Hood since I was a child, I enjoyed the nod to Sherwood Forest and the famous bandit. I loved the characters: Mary with her struggle to fit in either world, with the mystery of her parents, and Robert with his protector's heart. This is a wonderful, well written historical mystery.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Daines

Julie Daines is an award-winning and best-selling author. She was born in Concord, Massachusetts, and was raised in Utah. She spent eighteen months living in London, where she studied and fell in love with English literature, sticky toffee pudding, and the mysterious guy who ran the kebab store around the corner.

She loves reading, writing, and watching movies—anything that transports her to another world. She picks Captain Wentworth over Mr. Darcy, firmly believes in second breakfast, and never leaves home without her vervain.

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

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of book, $25 Amazon gift card, bookmark, stickers, and button.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 5, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 12, 2022. 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 HERE

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

A Trail so Lonesome

Spending five months eating trail dust wasn’t Leo Spencer’s first choice. Or his second. He’s not one to run away, but some situations can’t be fixed and his family—two brothers and a sister—needs to start over. Which is how he finds himself on a westbound wagon train.

Evangeline has a secret, one that has sent her on a journey across the plains on the Oregon Trail. When her father is badly hurt and she needs help, Leo is there. A deal is struck and the two unlikely friends form an alliance… that leads to more.

But Evangeline’s secret looms over her… and Leo’s family troubles are far from over.

A Trail So Lonesome Excerpt 1

“I want to pay you to take my family to Oregon.”

Leo stood dumbfounded, staring into the darkness.

A few minutes ago, he'd been rousted from a deep sleep to Coop’s whispered, "Evangeline needs you,” and he still wasn’t fully awake, his brain sluggish and slow.

He still felt the shape of her burned into his memory. Had it been instinct or something he didn’t want to admit even to himself that had prompted him to reach for her in his half-awake state?

"Start at the beginning," he said.

He heard her inhale. "You said yourself that Father won't be able to drive the wagon. I can learn how to do it, but there is so much else. Taking care of Sara and now Father. Feeding the oxen. Driving the team. Cooking supper. I can't do everything on my own."

“Why not ask Owen? He seems sweet on you. He wouldn't even need to be paid. Or someone else.” His gut twisted when he said it.

He felt some motion in the darkness, as if she had waved her hand. He could perfectly imagine the dismissive gesture.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

Excerpt One: https://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/2022/12/a-trail-so-lonesome.html

Excerpt Two: https://guildmaster97.wordpress.com/2022/12/23/a-trail-so-lonesome-epic-book-launch-excerpt/

Excerpt Three: http://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/a-trail-so-lonesome-book-excerpt/

Excerpt Four: https://catsinthecradle.blog/2022/12/07/a-trail-so-lonesome-epic-book-launch/

Excerpt Five: https://nannie3.blogs

A Daughter's Courage

Her quest to repair what’s been broken leads to imminent danger–and soon it’s more than her own life on the line.

After accidentally destroying the intricate chalice her people have treasured for over a hundred years, Charlotte Durand sets out on an expedition in search of a skilled artisan who can repair the damage. What she expected to be a two-day hike becomes much more daunting when a treacherous snowstorm sets in.

The last thing Damien Levette needs in the middle of a mountain blizzard is to tend to another person, but he can’t leave behind the mysterious woman he found half-frozen at the edge of a mountain lake.

As they battle both the elements and each other, Charlotte and Damien must work together to survive the peril of the mountains—or it could be the downfall of them both.

My thoughts: I have read many of Misty Beller's stories and have noticed how much detail she adds to her historical novels, making me feel like I am back in that time period! I have enjoyed this series and the rich history it has brought to life.
Charlotte goes on a quest to find an artisan to help repair an heirloom, leaving her stranded and at the mercy of Damien. Together, they must figure out a way back in the treacherous wilderness. This story shows how difficult and rewarding it was to live back then. I highly recommend picking it up!

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

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

More from Misty

Behind the Scenes of A Daughter’s Courage

I always love stories where the characters are on a journey, and I knew that’s exactly what the characters in this book would be doing. Our heroine, Charlotte, is the younger sister of the heroine in book 1 of this series, and we’ve gotten to know her a little better with each book. Her mother died when she was young, and she’s been the homemaker for their little family for over a decade now, never straying farther from the village than the berry patches in the next valley over. So I knew it would take something big to get her away from Laurent for the journey I had in mind for this story. Something lifechanging.

Our hero is a trapper who left the larger group he’d been traveling with to strike out on his own. I knew it would take a considerable amount of tragedy to make a man seek such complete aloneness. Damien has his trusty mule Gulliver with him, so I guess he’s not completely alone, but he’s definitely hoping to stay far away from people. As I uncovered the pain that brought him to this point, my heart broke for him and all the loss he experienced.

I love the way Charlotte’s need and the fierce mountain snowstorm drew Damien from his grief and gave him new purpose. Watching him come back to life and grasp onto God’s love for him was so inspiring!

Blessings!

Misty