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Book Review: In Too Deep

26 Dec

When the dive team is called in to recover a body from a submerged car, they aren’t prepared to find an encrypted laptop–or an unsettling connection between investigator Adam Campbell and the dead accountant.

Adam turns to his friend Dr. Sabrina Fleming — a professor at the local university with unparalleled computer security and forensics skills–to recover the files from the laptop. But the deeper they dig, the deadlier the investigation becomes. When evidence uncovers a human trafficking ring and implicates members of Adam’s own family, he and Sabrina will have to risk everything to solve the case.

The truth could set hundreds free — but someone is willing to do whatever it takes to silence anyone who threatens to reveal their secrets. Award-winning author Lynn H. Blackburn invites readers back to Carrington, North Carolina, where everything is not as it seems and sinister elements lurk behind the idyllic façade.

 

Lynn H. Blackburn believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She’s passionate about CrossFit, coffee, and chocolate (don’t make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in South Carolina with her true love, Brian, and their three children. Her first book, Covert Justice, won the 2016 Selah Award for Mystery/Suspense and the 2016 Carol Award for Short Novel. Her second book, Hidden Legacy, released June 2017.

 

My Impressions:

In Too Deep takes the reader back to the town of Carrington and its dedicated law enforcement officers, especially those involved in the dive team investigations. This series just keeps getting better — the cases are puzzling, the danger imminent, and the romance sweet. The second book in Dive Team Investigations focuses on geeky computer whiz Dr. Sabrina Fleming and handsome Adam Campbell, a white collar specialist. Together they make a good team, professionally and personally. If you are a fan of romantic suspense, you need to check this one out. Recommended!

The Dive Team Investigations series features an ensemble cast of professionals who work together on tough cases. Sabrina and Adam’s story is told in In Too Deep, but the reader will love how they interact with characters found in book one. I loved the developing romance between the two main characters — it was realistically portrayed with missteps, misunderstandings, and doubts that were very believable. Both Sabrina and Adam have some baggage that could cause some rough patches, but I loved how they accepted each other based on their own attitudes and actions. They are also both Christians who rely on God in both good and bad circumstances. Trust in His goodness is a part of both of their lives. This was actually very refreshing, as many books I read have characters with more doubts than faith.  I loved that they both were quick to go to God for all their problems. Human labor trafficking is the center of the police investigation, and Blackburn did a great job in making this reader aware of the insidious evil all around us. And because this book is suspense there is plenty of action with enough twists to keep the reader guessing.

Although it can be read as a standalone novel, In Too Deep is a great continuation of Blackburn’s series. I am eagerly anticipating more danger and romance to come! If you Santa put a gift card in your stocking, consider diving in to these great books!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Book Review: Daisy’s Search for Freedom

24 Dec

It’s the 1850s and Daisy, a slave girl from Alabama, is thrilled when her Mama is brought to her plantation to be the new cook. Six Oaks Plantation has been Daisy’s home for years, and the future looks bright now that she and her Mama have been reunited. The happiness doesn’t last, though, when a dangerous encounter with a notorious slave hunter endangers Daisy’s life. She has no choice but to run. Leaving behind everything she has ever known, Daisy strikes out alone on the Underground Railroad.

Daisy’s search for freedom leads her deep into the woods. Along the way she is joined by Simon, a four-year-old boy and his pet kitten. Pursued by dogs, uncertainty, and a slave tracker determined to capture them by any means necessary, Daisy starts to wonder if she will ever be safe again. Does Jesus care about runaway slaves lost in the woods?

Daisy’s Search for Freedom contains thought-provoking discussion questions for young readers.

Bertha Schwartz is a Swiss Amish transplant to the beautiful farmland of Nappanee, Indiana. She loves spending time with family and friends, including fifty-two nieces and nephews. Her hobbies include scrapbooking, sewing, and reading. Raised near the lovely Swiss city of Berne, Indiana, Swiss is her mother-language. Languages and different dialects are a special interest of hers.

My Impressions:

Thoughtfully-written, Daisy’s Search for Freedom by Bertha Schwartz is a wonderful book for children in grades 3-6. Set in the American South of the 1850s it features a young slave girl and her journey towards freedom. Daisy is a great character who will capture your child’s imagination. Smart, resourceful, and grounded in her faith, the young teen is determined to make her way North. I loved that Daisy is concerned for her fellow slaves and relies on God in times of fear and danger. There is plenty of suspense to keep readers engaged as Daisy eludes slave hunters. Surprises and twists are plentiful as well; some right up until the end. Along with great historical detail and a challenging vocabulary, a very thorough discussion guide for each chapter makes this book an excellent choice for a homeschool curriculum.

Daisy’s Search for Freedom is the first book in Schwartz’s Searchers series which focuses on a variety of topics in American history. And while I am well beyond the target audience 😉 , I would love to read more from this author.

Recommended.

Audience: children grades 3-6.

To purchase, click HERE.

(Thanks to JustRead for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Book Review: Fate of The Watchman

20 Dec

Lester Sharp is a workaholic, obsessed with the success of his business and oblivious to the world around him.

All of that changes when a peculiar stranger comes into his shop asking for food and help. Lester soon finds himself on an impossible journey around the world to bear witness to some of the greatest tragedies a person can know, all frozen in a single moment of time.

In this challenging and gripping novel, debut author Chad Pettit, delivers a supernatural, pulse-pounding adventure in which Lester Sharp is in for the longest second of his life and learns lessons to last a lifetime.

 

Chad Pettit is a Christian fiction author, poet, and English teacher. He was born and raised in Oregon and then spent ten years traveling around the world in the Army as an infantry soldier. His passion for inspiring people to find their best life drives his writing and is a constant thread through works of Biblical fiction and fantasy. He lives in Central Texas with his wife, sons, and a dog that is far too human.

You can sign up to receive updates on new releases and free offers at:

https://www.chadpettit.net/

or connect with Chad on social media:

Facebook: @ChadPettit.Writer
Twitter: @pettit_chad
Instagram: @chad_pettit

 

My Impressions:

Fate of The Watchman is an allegorical tale exploring a man’s response to the needs and struggles of others in a world that is me-centric. Lester’s life is consumed with the bottom line. He does care for his brother who is serving in the army, but the rest of the world is on its own as far as he is concerned. One fateful night Lester is confronted with the ugly realities of the world — those in far away places and those in his own hometown. As he experiences all aspects of the human drama — violence, homelessness, despair, persecution — he comes to find the importance of joining God in making an impact. Accompanying him on his journey of discovery is an enigmatic guide, Draven, who pulls no punches in showing Lester what his Boss wants him to see. Fate of the Watchman, is as most allegories, a short read. There is not much character development; most of the book is dedicated to Lester’s experiences. I would have liked a bit more, though. I never really felt a connection to Lester, although his changing attitudes and resolve to be more engaged in the world around him (including prayer) did resonate with me. I admit it was slow-going at first, but I finally got into the rhythm of the book and found it a thought-provoking and moving read. It felt a bit like A Christmas Carol and even The Great Divorce.

Fate of The Watchman is for readers wanting a deep message that runs beneath the storyline.

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

(Thanks to JustRead for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

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Children’s Corner — Who Sang The First Song?

19 Dec

Have you ever wondered who hummed the first tune?

Was it the flowers? The waves or the moon? Dove Award-winning recording artist Ellie Holcomb answers with a lovely lyrical tale, one that reveals that God our Maker sang the first song, and He created us all with a song to sing.

 

Too pre-order, click HERE.

 

Singer-songwriter — and now author — Ellie Holcomb began her musical career by touring the country with her husband in the Americana band Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors. Her honest voice and rich lyrics shined on her first solo album and deemed her the Best New Artist at the 2014 Dove Awards. In 2017, she followed with the restorative and hope-filled Red Sea Road. Ellie, her husband, Drew, and their three children live and make music in Nashville, Tennessee.

 

My Impressions:

Who Sang The First Song? is a beautiful storybook you and your child are going to love. With intricately detailed and vibrant illustrations, this book is a joy to read. Besides the fun of exploring each page’s artwork, your family will love the message of God’s song that is beautifully expressed through rhyming verse. The book explores all parts of God’s creation — the sea, the arctic, even the backyard —  looking for the answer to the title’s question. I loved this — “When God made the earth, He decided to sing, And He wrote his song into everything.” Appropriate for children preschool to 3rd grade, Who Sang The First Song? is a treasure. Highly recommended.

Highly recommended.

Audience: children preschool to 3rd grade.

To purchase, click HERE.

(Thanks to B&H Kids for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

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Book Review (+Giveaway!): Catching Christmas

17 Dec

About the Book

Book: Catching Christmas

Author: Terri Blackstock

Genre: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christmas

Release Date: October 9, 2018

This Year, Christmas Comes Just in Time

As a first-year law associate, Sydney Batson knows she will be updating her resume by New Year’s if she loses her current court case. So when her grandmother gets inexplicably ill while she’s in court, Sydney arranges for a cab to get her to the clinic.

The last thing cab driver Finn Parrish wants is to be saddled with a wheelchair-bound old lady with dementia. But because Miss Callie reminds him of his own mother, whom he failed miserably in her last days, he can’t say no when she keeps calling him for rides. Once a successful gourmet chef, Finn’s biggest concern now is making his rent, but half the time Callie doesn’t remember to pay him. And as she starts to feel better, she leads him on wild goose chases to find a Christmas date for her granddaughter.

When Finn meets Sydney, he’s quite sure that she’s never needed help finding a date. Does Miss Callie have an ulterior motive, or is this just a mission driven by delusions? He’s willing to do whatever he can to help fulfill Callie’s Christmas wish. He just never expected to be a vital part of it.

Click here to purchase your copy.

My Impressions:

My book club always picks a Christmas-y book for our December discussion. And since Terri Blackstock is one of our go-to authors, we knew we had to read Catching Christmas. And while this novella is not her typical romantic suspense, Blackstock fans will not be disappointed by the sweet story of second chances. Recommended!

Sydney is an overworked first year attorney facing an impossible case. Finn is a former chef turned cab driver who lives with lots of regrets. The two are brought together by Sydney’s adorable grandmother, Callie Beecher. Callie may be ill and not always in the present, but she does know a lot about love and faith. As Sydney and Finn wrestle over Callie’s care, they learn just what is important in life.

I really liked Catching Christmas. Filled with laugh out loud scenes and poignant moments, this story is true to life — there are plenty of people in this world struggling to make sense of missed opportunities, life-changing mistakes, and the need to connect with others. Callie is the best of characters. She epitomizes the impact a person of faith can have on those around her. The action takes place in the days leading up to Christmas, and the reader can feel Callie’s urgency to beat the deadline for bringing happiness into her granddaughter’s life. Finn and Sydney are very relatable in their disconnected lives. Catching Christmas is a great reminder of what is really important. A fast-paced read, you’ll finish this book in no time, but be prepared for a bit of sorrow in leaving this wonderful story.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

About the Author

Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series. Catching Christmas is her first Christmas romance. Visit her website at www.terriblackstock.com

Facebook: tblackstock

Twitter: @terriblackstock

From Terri Blackstock

Enjoy this premium excerpt from Catching Christmas

https://aerbook.com/books/-128993.html?utm_source=pubpage

To get you in the Christmas mood, here’s an early holiday playlist:

“White Christmas” sung by Bing Crosby

“I Heard the Bells” sung by MercyMe

“Light of the World” sung by Lauren Daigle

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” sung by Amy Grant

“Don’t Save it All for Christmas Day” sung by Avalon

“Till the Season Comes ‘Round Again” sung by the Katinas

Blog Stops

 

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 15

Daysong Reflections, December 15

Genesis 5020, December 15

Back Porch Reads, December 15

The Power of Words, December 16

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 16

Quiet Quilter, December 16

Among the Reads, December 17

Kathleen Denly, December 17

By The Book, December 17

Lighthouse Academy, December 17

Cultivating Us, December 18

Simple Harvest Reads, December 18 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

Remembrancy, December 18

Caffeinated Christian Raves – N – Reviews, December 19

Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis and Christ Collide, December 19

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, December 19

All-of-a-kind Mom, December 20

amandainpa, December 20

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, December 20

Multifarious, December 21

Cathe Swanson, December 21

Stories By Gina, December 21

Connect in Fiction, December 22

Have A Wonderful Day, December 22

Splashes of Joy, December 22

Bibliophile Reviews, December 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 23

Lis Loves Reading, December 23

Mary Hake, December 23

Bigreadersite, December 23

Book by Book, December 24

Pause for Tales, December 24

To Everything A Season, December 24

Southern Gal Loves to Read, December 25

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 25

Vicky Sluiter, December 25

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 26

Inklings and notions, December 26

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 26

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 27

Captive Dreams Window, December 27

Texas Book-aholic, December 27

A Baker’s Perspective, December 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 28

Older & Smarter?, December 28

Janices book reviews, December 28

Carpe Diem, December 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terri is giving away a grand prize of a finished copy of Catching Christmas and a Christmas Tree Ornament!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click HERE to enter.

 

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Book Review (+Giveaway!): Mind Games

13 Dec

About the Book

Book: Mind Games

Author: Nancy Mehl

Genre: Suspense

Release Date: December, 2018

Publisher: Bethany House

FBI Behavioral Analyst Kaely Quinn’s methods may be highly unorthodox, but her talent is undeniable. She’s done her best to establish a new life for herself after being demoted and transferred to St. Louis when a reporter revealed she’s the daughter of an infamous serial killer. But when that same reporter claims to have received an anonymous poem predicting a string of murders, ending with Kaely’s, it seems her old life has followed her.

When a body is found that fits the poem’s morbid predictions, Kaely and her new partner, Special Agent Noah Hunter, are forced to move past his skepticism of her approach and work together to unravel the deadly riddle.

With a brazen serial killer who breaks all the normal patterns on the loose, Noah and Kaely are tested to their limits to catch the murderer before anyone else, including Kaely, is killed.

Click Here to purchase.

 

My Impressions:

Wow! That is my first impression of Mind Games by Nancy Mehl. From the opening paragraph I was hooked on this psychological thriller. It is definitely going on my best of 2018 list. Great characters, taut plotting, and a premise that is as clever as you will find make this one highly recommended!

What is so great about Mind Games? First, the premise of the daughter of a serial killer who becomes a profiler and then has to find a killer targeting her through copy-cat crimes — that is definitely a mind-bending mind game! The plot twists and turns and keeps everyone, including the reader on his/her toes. I had my own list of suspects that constantly changed. Like main character Kaely, I didn’t trust anyone. Mehl did a great job of making everyone look guilty. LOL! Second, main character Kaely is intriguing and complex. Admired, feared, and even ridiculed within the FBI, she is a force to be reckoned with even as she uses unorthodox methods to get into the heads of UNSUBS. I loved her analytical mind and her desire for justice and truth. And while she had a father who betrayed her and friends who abused her trust, she stands firm in her belief in the goodness of God, even as evil seems to win at every turn. Supporting characters are well-written too, making this novel have a depth not always found in plot-driven suspense. I found the references to the many FBI cases a clear clue into the exhaustive research Mehl had to have done to write this book. While there is a definite creep-factor going on in Mind Games, it was never graphic or gory. And the best part of all? This is just book 1 in a series. Yay! I am so looking forward to working more cases with Kaely Quinn!

Mind Games is on my book club’s 2019 reading list. I can’t wait to get the discussion going. My group is going to love it!

Highly recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Bethany House for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 



 


About the Author


Nancy Mehl (www.nancymehl.com) is the author of more than thirty books, including the Road to Kingdom, Finding Sanctuary, and Defenders of Justice series. She received the ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award in 2009. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW and RWA. She writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their Puggle, Watson. She is part of The Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com, along with several other popular suspense authors. She is also very active on Facebook.


 


Guest Post from Nancy


Writing Mind Games is a dream come true. I’ve been interested in FBI profiling for years. I’ve read about it, studied it, and watched every TV special I could find on the subject. So when the chance finally came to write the book I’ve always wanted to write, I jumped at it. Thankfully, through the help of another writer, I was hooked up with a retired FBI profiler. I was so excited. Until I found out I had almost everything wrong. Yes, I had some understanding about profiling, but I knew nothing about the FBI and how it works.


First of all, the FBI doesn’t call the men and women who profile criminals, profilers. They’re called Behavioral Analysts. The plot for Mind Games had my analyst running around the country solving crimes while she was stationed in St. Louis. Uh, no. Behavioral analysts do travel, but they all work out of Quantico in Virginia. So…I rewrote.


There were ways around my conundrum, but one solution led to more and more problems. We finally worked through them. Then I spent the next few months learning acronyms. CIRG, CJIS, NCAVC, HRT, UNSUB, CNU, THU, ViCap, CODIS, SWAT, ERTU, OPU, THRU, ERT… Well, the list goes on and on. The FBI is made up of many specialized units. And a plethora of acronyms, it seems.


I rewrote Mind Games three times before my source said we were good to go.


If you assume I’m out of the woods now, you’d be wrong. I haven’t had the nerve to open up the manuscript I sent her for book two in my Kaely Quinn Profiler series. I figured I had Fire Storm right but… Well, I can tell from her email comments I’ll be doing more rewriting. Sigh.


So is it worth it? A resounding yes! I love learning, and as long as my analyst friend hangs in with me (she has the patience of Job), I’ll keep at it.


I hope you enjoy Mind Games. It’s edgy but fun. Kaely Quinn is a quirky character. She was thrown out of Quantico because her version of profiling is… Well, you’ll just have to read the book to find out!


Blog Stops


Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 11


Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 11


The Lit Addict, December 11


amandainpa, December 11


A Reader’s Brain, December 12


Daysong Reflections, December 12


Livin’ Lit, December 12


Reading Is My SuperPower, December 13


By The Book, December 13


Lighthouse Academy, December 13


Multifarious, December 14


Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis and Christ Collide, December 14


Splashes of Joy, December 14


Back Porch Reads, December 15


Real World Bible Study, December 15


Robin is Bookish, December 15


Janices book reviews, December 15


C Jane Read, December 16


Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 16


The Becca Files, December 16


Bigreadersite, December 16


Quiet Quilter, December 17


Margaret Kazmierczak, December 17


Godly Book Reviews, December 17


All-of-a-kind Mom, December 18


Just the Write Escape, December 18


D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, December 18


Simple Harvest Reads, December 19 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)


Mary Hake, December 19


Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 19


For the Love of Literature, December 20


Remembrancy, December 20


Inklings and notions, December 20


Carpe Diem, December 20


Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 21


Locks, Hooks and Books, December 21


Pause for Tales, December 21


A Baker’s Perspective, December 21


Have A Wonderful Day, December 22


Book by Book, December 22


A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 22


Bibliophile Reviews, December 23


To Everything a Season, December 23


Southern Gal Loves to Read, December 23


Cafinated Reads, December 24


Texas Book-aholic, December 24


Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 24


Giveaway


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To celebrate her tour, Nancy is giving away a grand prize of a copy of Mind Games and the three books in Nancy’s Defenders of Justice series, plus a $20 Starbucks gift card!


Two additional winners will also receive a copy of Mind Games!


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/d73b/mind-games-celebration-tour-giveaway

				
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Children’s Christmas Corner — 3 Books from Zonderkidz

	
		12
		Dec
	

	

	

		
I’ve got 3 Christmas-y children’s books to share with you today — 2 pretty storybooks and a joke book sure to tickle the elementary set. All three are great for family time around the tree.


Mouse’s Christmas Gift by Mindy Baker


In Mouse’s Christmas Gift, written by Mindy Baker and illustrated by Dow Phumiruk, one tiny church mouse must find a way to bring Christmas spirit to his little town when Parson gets sick and the usual Christmas Eve service is cancelled. Mouse never gives up hope as he prepares the nativity set and lights a small candle in the window to signal the villagers. Mouse’s small act of faith sparks a chain reaction of hope and love, demonstrating that even the smallest creature can make a big difference. This adorable book, with a cover adorned with foil and glitter, captures the spirit of Christmas and the joy of doing for others during the holiday season.


My Impressions: 


Beautiful illustrations with old world charm accompany this sweet book featuring a small mouse with a big gift. The message is beautiful as well — Jesus fills our every need. This one is perfect for Christmas Eve around the tree.


A Savior Is Born: Rocks Tell The Story of Christmas by Patti Rokus


By arranging a few rocks together an entire story can be told. A Savior Is Born, Rocks Tell the Story of Christmas, created by Patti Rokus, is an unforgettable picture book that uses majestic rock art and simple yet powerful text to inspire wonder and awe as the miracle of Christmas unfolds across the pages. Readers will be absorbed in the nature-filled artwork that shows the birth of Jesus and the celebration of the very first Christmas in a powerful and unique way.


My Impressions:


This book is a clever and inventive way to tell the Christmas story. On each page rocks are arranged in the shape of angels, stars, animals, and people. Accompanying the unique illustrations are simple statements and scripture references. If you find rocks in the pockets of your child’s clothes, this one is for them!


Lots of Christmas Jokes for Kids by Whee Win


Christmastime just got a whole lot merrier with Lots of Christmas Jokes for Kids. Over 250 hilarious, kid-friendly jokes and riddles will make the whole family laugh out loud!


Q: Why is it always cold at Christmastime?


A: Because Christmas is in Decembrrrr.


Q: Who delivers Christmas presents to cats?


A: Santa Claws!


My Impressions:


Be prepared for jokes galore when your kids get their hands on this book. Jokes of all kinds revolving around Santa, snow, holiday food, decorations etc. will delight the elementary-aged kids in your family. I won’t pretend there aren’t a few (ok, a lot) of groaners in the bunch, but you will chuckle at the fun your kids will have.


(Thanks to Zonderkidz for the books. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

				
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Audiobook Mini-Review: The Christmas Light

	
		12
		Dec
	

	

	

		
In the small town of Grandon, five very different people discover the true meaning of Christmas. Jennifer and Ryan are both single parents, struggling with their own losses and heartache as they attempt to move forward in the present while still holding onto the memories, joy, and heartache of the past. Sixteen-year-old Kaylee is faced with a life-changing situation that has affected her whole family. Stephen and Lily are happily married and ready to start a family. All of them are facing their own struggles, and all are finding their way through the dark. When they are brought together for a rather unconventional church Nativity, they will learn that with strength, courage, and love, there is always hope.


 


Donna VanLiere is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author and gifted conference speaker. She has published ten titles including The Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Blessing, both of which were adapted into movies (starring Rob Lowe, Kimberly Williams-Perry and Neil Patrick Harris) and garnered big ratings for CBS television. LifetimeTelevision adapted The Christmas Hope (starring Madeline Stowe) and premiered it December 2009 to stellar ratings as well. Donna’s non-seasonal novel, The Angels of Morgan Hill, has captured the same warmth as her Christmas books and continues to please loyal and new fans alike.


Donna is the recipient of a Retailer’s Choice Award for Fiction, a Dove Award, a Silver Angel Award, an Audie Award for best inspirational fiction, a nominee for a Gold Medallion Book of the Year and was recently inducted into the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges Hall of Excellence joining such luminaries as Coretta Scott King, Hugh Downs, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and Senator John Glenn. Donna is an in-demand conference speaker having appeared at countless women’s and family events, including select Women of Faith and Extraordinary Women conferences.


The Library Journal says of Donna’s latest book, The Christmas Star (2018), “Second chances abound in this story, resulting in a Christmas gift worth waiting for . . . This sweet tale of love and overcoming obstacles offers a festive atmosphere readers will savor.”


Donna lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with her husband, Troy, and their children, Grace, Kate and David.


Learn more at http://www.DonnaVanLiere.com


My Impressions:


There is just something about a Christmas novella by Donna VanLiere that I cannot resist. I downloaded the audio version of The Christmas Light and was immediately swept away to the warm and welcoming town of Grandon. Longtime residents and familiar characters, Gloria and Miriam, are a hoot as they navigate the treacherous waters of a church nativity program. They, along with new characters, fill the pages of this book with humor, wit, wisdom, and hope. Yes the book is a bit predictable — I saw the endings for many of the characters coming — but that didn’t keep me from loving every minute and shedding a few tears. One particularly moving (and hilarious) moment is when one of the children proclaims “the baby of all babies has been born!” Isn’t that just wonderful! There’s a little bit of something for everyone — second chances, new starts, and new love. The audiobook is narrated by the author, so you get exactly what she was going for in terms of inflection and meaning.


A fun and very Christmas-y read, this one is perfect to help you get in the spirit!


Recommended.


Audience: adults.


To purchase, click HERE.


(I purchased the audiobook from Audible. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

				
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Book Review: Dead Sea Rising

	
		10
		Dec
	

	

	

		
Nicole Berman is determined to find there the first concrete evidence of the biblical patriarch Abraham while leading her first archeological dig in Jordan. During the excavation, Berman discovers a 4,000-year-old complex that includes evidence she believes proves her theory. But a devastating cave-in nearly kills her and she awakens in a Saudi clinic, haunted by visions of what she may have seen ― evidence of Abraham and his two sons, the half-brothers Isaac and Ishmael. One discovery leads to another and Nicole sets off across the region to connect pieces of an ancient puzzle. She is secretly opposed by a striking Palestinian, Abed Hassan, whom she falls in love with, unaware of his ties to a clandestine organization, as the head of the World Islamic Network (WIN). Nicole is on the brink of revealing new truths that could revolutionize the relationship between Jews and Arab Muslims. Meanwhile, a new volunteer on her dig team, Max Nguyen from Vietnam, discloses alarming revelations that affect everything Nicole thought she knew about herself and her family. While she doggedly pursues pieces to the Abrahamic puzzle ― which she believes holds explosive implications for the 21st century ― her own history may be coming apart at the seams.


Author of more than 195 books with sales of over 70 million copies, including the best-selling Left Behind series, Jerry B. Jenkins is former vice president for publishing and former chairman of the board of trustees for the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago.


Jerry’s writing has appeared in Time, Reader’s Digest, Parade, Guideposts, and dozens of Christian periodicals. Twenty-one of his books have reached The New York Times best-seller list (seven debuting number one).


Jerry owns the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, through which he trains writers online.


 


My Impressions:


I have always enjoyed novels by Jerry Jenkins. His best-selling Left Behind series was riveting, and more recently, The Valley of Dry Bones earned a recommended read from me. However, I found his latest book, Dead Sea Rising, to be a mixed bag. There are three storylines in this first book in the Dead Sea Chronicles series — present day suspense involving archaeologist Nicole Berman and family, a Vietnam-era thread focusing on Nicole’s father Ben, and an ancient tale detailing the history of Abraham’s father Terah. Just what all these have in common I never figured out. The book leaves the reader with some big cliffhangers. And therein lies the rub — I never felt like I was getting anywhere in any of the stories. Short chapters alternate between the three, and they are easy to follow, but I was frustrated by the lack of forward motion. Modern-day characters were appealing, and I was genuinely interested in their difficulties. The Biblical account? Not so much. Biblical may be stretching it a bit too. Terah’s story involves a good bit of what-ifs and some pronouncements from God that sound like something He would say, but are not actually found in the Biblical record. Terah is a thoroughly despicable character and cartoonish in my opinion. This portion of the book did make me want to dig into what the Bible has to say — a definite positive.


I hate to be so negative, but I really had a hard time with this novel and am not sure I am invested enough in any of the stories to read the next book, Dead Sea Conundrum. To be fair, there are many positive reviews on Amazon. Be sure to check them out.


Audience: adults.


(Thanks to Worthy for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

				
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Book Review (+Giveaway!) — Reason to Breathe

	
		5
		Dec
	

	

	

		
Reason to Breathe_Blog


We are excited to introduce Deborah Raney’s new series with a blog tour and giveaway for book #1 – Reason to Breathe – hosted by JustRead Tours.


ABOUT THE BOOK


reason to breatheTitle: Reason to Breathe

Series: Chandler Sisters #1

Author: Deborah Raney

Publisher: Gilead Publishing

Release Date: October 23, 2018

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction/Romance


Phylicia thought life was passing her by, but maybe this was love’s plan all along. . . 


At twenty-nine, Phylicia Chandler put her life on hold to care for her dying mother with her sisters, Joanna and Britt. Now Mom is gone and their father stuns them all by running off with a woman young enough to be their sister. Life is moving forward all around her, but Phylicia feels stuck—until her father’s protégé, Quinn Mitchell, presents the sisters with an intriguing business opportunity to purchase a trio of cottages just outside of Langhorne, Missouri. Joanna and Britt are convinced the three of them should launch a vacation rental venture, but Phylicia remains skeptical.


To complicate matters, Quinn soon finds himself falling hard for Phylicia. But how can he pursue this beautiful, talented woman twelve years his junior when she’s still reeling over her father’s hasty engagement to a younger woman? Quinn is determined to give Phylicia her happily-ever-after. But first, he must help her come to terms with her discovery of long-held family secrets and persuade her that true love can transcend their differences.


PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository




ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Deb-Raney-HR-9-17


Deborah Raney dreamed of writing a book since the summer she read Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books and discovered that a Kansas farm girl could, indeed, grow up to be a writer. Her 30-plus books have garnered multiple industry awards including the RITA® Award, HOLT Medallion, National Readers’ Choice Award, Carol Award, and have three times been Christy Award finalists. Her first novel, A Vow to Cherish, shed light on the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease and inspired the highly acclaimed World Wide Pictures film of the same title. A Vow to Cherish continues to be a tool for Alzheimer’s families and caregivers. Deborah is on faculty for several national writers’ conferences and serves on the executive board of the 2600-member American Christian Fiction Writers organization. She and her husband, Ken Raney, traded small-town life in Kansas — the setting of many of Deb’s novels — for life in the city of Wichita. They often travel to teach at writers conferences across the country and to visit their four children and a growing brood of grandchildren who all live much too far away.


CONNECT WITH DEB: website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram


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MY IMPRESSIONS:


A mix of subjects — a fixer-upper project, a grieving family, and a budding romance — combine in one very good contemporary novel by Deborah Raney. Raney has the knack of bringing her fictional worlds to life, and Reason to Breathe is a great example. The first novel in the Chandler Sisters series, this book had everything I could want — real and relatable characters, great writing, and a naturally developing love story. Add in the Christ-centered message and you’ve got a winner. This one is a recommended read!


I loved all the characters in Reason to Breathe, but Phylicia (Phee) and Quinn are the focus of this first book. Their relationship has a few obstacles — an age gap, trust issues, and uncertainties of family dynamics — but it definitely is a romance readers will cheer on. The fixer-upper story line is a great vehicle for the budding romance and fun for the reader as well. Phylicia and Quinn are both believers, and Raney develops their relationship with an emphasis on God-honoring actions. In today’s world that is indeed refreshing. In fact the entire novel is infused with spiritual truths including the major theme of God’s timing — a message I certainly needed reminding of. Although Reason to Breathe is Phee and Quinn’s story, the two other sisters, Joanna and Britt, play major roles in the action. I am looking forward to the development of their characters and storylines.


Well-written and true to life, Reason to Breathe is a great choice for all readers.


Recommended.


Audience: adults.


(Thanks to Gilead Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)


 




reason to breathe giveaway


TOUR GIVEAWAY


(1) winner will receive (US only):


    

  • a print copy of Reason to Breathe 
    • 

  • $15 Amazon gift card
    • 



Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight December 3, 2018 and last through 11:59pm December 10, 2018. US only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.


Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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


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