Posted in Book Reviews, Celebrate Lit Reviews

Promo Blast for Tatiana

BACKCOVER

Tatiana Bergman views life through a different lens than most. She says and does what she likes without regard for hurt feelings on the way. Living in the 1840s in rural Pennsylvania, her passionate, impulsive behavior confounds her sisters and appalls her peers.

Life only gets more complicated when Tatiana befriends Jonny Creek, a mischievous young man whose Native American blood puts him on the fringes of society. Jonny is trouble; Tatiana is intrigued. Together they spell out disaster. From being chased by wolves, to bashing around fancy gatherings, the unlikely pair get into one scrape after another.
When tragedy strikes the Bergman family, Tatiana is compelled to leave the security of her childhood home to live in the bustling city of Philadelphia. There, she is forced into adulthood as she deals with a mysterious young coworker and an unsavory employer.
Tatiana struggles to subdue her wild spirit and keep her heart pure while making the right choices and wrestling with her own woman she finds herself in a battle of her will between two young men and the God she serves.

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At the beginning of this book, Tatiana is a spoiled child with little thought of anyone but herself.  However, as the book progresses, Tatiana becomes a Christian and attempts to do what is right.  Her friendship with Johnny Creek from the beginning of the book led me to believe there was something special between them.  As the two grow up together, it is apparent that Tatiana thinks of him as more than a friend but ca not allow her heart to follow.  She is determined to marry someone who is a Christian.

I loved how Tatiana interacted with the Reverend and his two children in Philadelphia.  I believe being away from her sisters and father helped her grow up.  I definitely want to read the other books in this series.  Truly it is a book worth reading.

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About the Author

Madeline Brock’s love of people, history, the Lord, and good storytelling flows over into her writing. She was born and raised in Northwest Ohio and came from a homeschooling family of seven. Madeline has loved reading and writing from a very young age.

In childhood, a favorite activity was taking family road trips across the country. Several unique part-time jobs filled her teen years. Among these were: music teacher, nanny, and a historic museum costumed guide. A chocolate factory and a produce stand were also memorable work experiences.

After graduation, Madeline spent two years on a Navajo Reservation in New Mexico. Her primary activity was teaching at a private school. Now California’s beautiful Central Valley is her home. She resides with four cats, her carpenter husband, and their infant daughter.

Two of Madeline’s favorite books are Little Women and Anne of Green Gables. She loves the timeless way the authors relate and portray their characters. Madeline strives to write with the nostalgia and emotion of her favorite authors.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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You can buy the book here.

 

Posted in Book Reviews, Celebrate Lit Reviews, Uncategorized

Review and Giveaway for Escape to Vindor

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About the Book

Book:  Escape to Vindor

Author: Emily Golus

Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy

Release Date: December 1, 2017

Vindor - High Res coverFor as long as she can remember, Megan Bradshaw has imagined herself as the heroine of Vindor, her own secret world populated with mermaids, centaurs, samurai, and more. When school pressures and an upcoming move make life unbearable, Megan wishes she could escape to Vindor for real.
And then she does. Megan finds herself trapped in Vindor, with flesh-and-blood versions of her imaginary characters. Dreaming about being a hero and actually fighting monsters are two very different things–especially when the Shadow, the frightening creature now tearing Vindor apart, is one Megan doesn’t remember putting there.
Megan, playing the part of her alter ego, Selena, embarks on a dangerous journey, accompanied by a know-it-all centaur and a goblin she’s not sure she can trust. Will the Shadow destroy her before she can find a way to save her world?
Click here for your copy.
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As a homeschooling mother, I am constantly on the lookout for new books for our family to read.  So when I had the chance to review Escape to Vindor, I was glad for the opportunity.  This young adult fantasy novel pulled me in from the very beginning.  The storyline is worth reading and the characters captured my imagination.
Megan is a normal girl facing the prospects of having to move because her mother has taken a new job in a new state.  But her imagination takes her on what she believes to be a trip into a fantasy world.  With goblins, centaurs, pixies, wood nymphs and more, Megan takes on the role of Guardian Selena.
Learning to face a shadow that is out to destroy, Megan faces her fears and confronts the evil shadow.  Truly, this is a book worth reading, and I look forward to hopefully reading more books from this author and in this series.  Check out this book for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

Emily GolusEmily Golus has been dreaming up fantasy worlds since before she could write her name. A New England transplant now living in the Deep South, she is fascinated by culture and the way it shapes how individuals see the world. Golus aims to create stories that engage, inspire, and reassure readers that the small choices of everyday life matter.

Her first novel, Escape to Vindor, debuted in 2017 and won the Selah Award for young adult fiction. Its sequel, Mists of Paracosmia, released in April 2019.

Golus lives in Upstate South Carolina with her woodworking husband, an awkward cat, and the world’s most talkative baby.

 

More from Emily

In Escape to Vindor, teen Megan Bradshaw spends nearly every quiet moment she has in a world of her own imagination. Writing this part of Megan’s story came naturally to me, because that was the way I spent my adolescence, too.

While other girls were thinking about—I don’t know what they were thinking about, actually. Boys, maybe?—I was creating epic melodramas about rival mermaid queens or magical rainforest civilizations. The world of my imagination filled my quiet life with vivid technicolor.

My stories also helped me survive. Worldbuilding was a welcome escape from my ever-growing list of fears.

See, I was the extra-good girl, the one who followed every rule to a T, always giving a hundred and ten percent. Few people suspected I did all of this not because I had a lot of drive and confidence, but because I thought I had to be extra-perfect in order to be loved—by people, and by God. I had a deep-seated terror of making one little mistake, losing my way, and being abandoned forever.

The world of Vindor started out as a private daydream, a way for me to work through my anxieties. But as I grew, I discovered something amazing—and the story took an unexpected turn.

I wrote Escape to Vindor for the dreamers, the bookworms, and anyone who enjoys dazzling new worlds. More importantly, I wrote it for the quiet ones who struggle without anyone knowing, who need to hear: You are seen, you are known, and you are loved.

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, March 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 20

Texas Book-aholic, March 21

Wishful Endings, March 22 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, March 23

For Him and My Family, March 24

deb’s Book Review, March 25

Through the Fire Blogs, March 26 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, March 27

Emily Yager, March 28

Vicky Sluiter, March 29 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 31

Pause for Tales, April 1

Giveaway

Escape to Vindor Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Emily is giving away the grand prize package of signed copies of both Escape to Vindor and Mists of Paracosmia, an amethyst pendant, and a $25 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f663/escape-to-vindor-celebration-tour-giveaway

Posted in Book Reviews, Celebrate Lit Reviews

Review and Giveaway for Walking with Jesus

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About the Book

Book:  Walking with Jesus

Author: Troy A. Waugh

Genre:  Non-Fiction

Release Date: Feb, 2020

Front cover Walking With JesusWhen God spoke to Troy Waugh saying, “I want you to walk the Natchez Trace,” he obeyed.

Never mind that he wasn’t young anymore—he would be seventy at the completion of the 444 mile walk. Never mind that the thirty-five-day walk would be far above his physical capabilities and experience. Never mind that this was Mississippi—in the summer.

Taking the challenge, Waugh uses the time to slow down and reflect on his life—his upbringing, his relationships, his struggles with workaholism—and to raise awareness for a homeless ministry. More than a travelogue, this is a journey into the soul of a man learning to walk with the Lord daily. His reflections will inspire others to reach for and accomplish their own difficult goals.

I believe my walk on the Natchez Trace was God’s method of shaking me loose from the regrets of my past and firming up my spiritual belief system so I could walk into the future closer to Jesus.

 

Click here to get your copy!

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Full of Biblical truths, Scriptures, personal experiences, and more this book has a lot to offer.  Prompted by God to walk the Natchez Trace, Troy Waugh sets out on an amazing journey full of blessings and more.  I loved reading about his childhood, adulthood, marriages, children and more.  Yet the thing that stands out most to me most in this book is his faith and the importance of having a purposeful and meaningful relationship with God.

The other thing I really loved about this book was the contributions by Sheryl, his wife, who followed along in the car.  The tales of the people they met, the places they stayed, and those who prayed for Troy along his journey brought this book to life for me.  So check it out for yourself.  I promise it is worth reading.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.

 

About the Author

Troy Waugh PhotoTroy Waugh is a CPA with an MBA from the University of Southern California. A mentor with Mission Development International, he helps leaders of Christian nonprofits achieve God’s vision in their lives and their organizations. The retired founder, former president, and CEO of The Rainmaker Academy, a training program for CPAs, is also the author of several books, and he lives with his wife, Sheryl, in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee.

 

More from Troy

Please join me on a spiritual journey along the Natchez Trace Parkway from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. This book relates a journey of spiritual renewal and rediscovery. While it does describe what I encountered on this historic parkway, this is not a hiking or nature book. It is about my walk with Jesus and how He has loved me even during the times I may have strayed from Him.

In 2014 I experienced a deepening of my relationship with Jesus like no other. This book is about that cleansing and invigorating experience. My prayer is that you, too, will feel God’s love for you and you will recommit yourself to loving Jesus.

These thirty-one chapters are based upon notes from the daily journal I kept throughout the hike. Each of the days is unique, and each day God revealed Himself to me in a different way.

I trust your spirit will be renewed as I share some of my experiences of angels’ visits, hearing the audible voice of God, the move of the Holy Spirit, a shocking suicide, the miracle of a change in the climate, and the renewed life that comes from turning your life over to God.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, March 23

Inklings and notions, March 24

For Him and My Family, March 25

Book of Ruth Ann, March 26

deb’s Book Review, March 27

Through the Fire Blogs, March 28 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 30

She Lives To Read, March 31

Older & Smarter?, April 1

Simple Harvest Reads, April 2 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 3

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, April 4

Artistic Nobody, April 5 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Troy is giving away the grand prize of a signed copy of Walking with Jesus!!

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/f72b/walking-with-jesus-on-the-natchez-trace-celebration-tour-giveaway

Posted in Book Reviews, Celebrate Lit Reviews

Review and Giveaway for Capsized by Death

About the Book

Book:  Capsized by Death

Author: Catherine Finger

Genre:  Christian Mystery/Thriller

Release Date: December 2019

As Police Chief Jo Oliver prepares for her dream wedding in Maui, she and her team must keep a serial killer with ties to her past from derailing her plans for the future.

 

 

 

Click here for your copy!

 

 

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This is the fourth book in a series, and to my recollection, I have not read the other books in this series.  While this book can be read alone, I think it definitely loses something without having the context of the earlier books.

Preparing for a wedding should be a joyful and wonderful time in a woman’s life, but that is not the case when a serial killer with ties to Josie’s past appears.  The descriptions of the scenery and the mansion they were staying in on Maui for the wedding were captivating.  But I felt a certain disconnect to the story because I had not read the other books in this series.  I definitely feel this book would be best read in order with the other books in the series.

With Josie trying to ensure a happily ever after and find her place with God, I think this book is worth reading.  So check it out for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.

 

 

 

About the Author

Catherine Finger loves to dream, write, and tell stories. Retired from a wonderful career in public education, she celebrates the ability to choose how to spend her time in a new way during the second half of life. So far, she chooses to write books, ride horses, serve others, and generally find her way into and out of trouble both on the road and at home.  She lives in the Midwest with a warm and wonderful combination of family and friends.

Capsized by Death, the fourth novel in her Jo Oliver Thriller serieswill be released by Elk Lake Publishing in December, 2019. Anchored by Death, the third novel in her Jo Oliver Thriller series, received the Bronze Medal for the 2018 Independent Publisher Book Awards, was a finalist for the National Indie Excellence Awards, and  Her second Jo Oliver Thriller, Shattered by Death, was a finalist in the International Book Awards and the National Indie Excellence Awards. Catherine and her novels have been featured on radio stations, blogs, and in numerous articles—all posted at www.CatherineFinger.com.

Catherine loves to interact with her readers at www.CatherineFinger.com Follow her on Facebook at Catherine Finger, Author, and on Twitter at CatherineFinger@BeJoOliver.

 

More from Catherine

In writing my Jo Oliver Thriller series, I find myself driven by passion. The genesis of the series—Cleansed By Death—was fueled by a passion to create a story about strong women embedded in a male-dominated profession, facing difficulties they could only solve through faith and community. I was vacuuming when I was hit by the idea of pitting two strong women against each other and seeing which one would win, the theme of book 2, Shattered by Death. Information gleaned during an FBI writers workshop on techniques for tracking criminals, superimposed over the mitten map of Wisconsin formed the bones for Anchored By Death, the third book in the series.

My latest novel, Capsized By Death, contains all of my favorite elements. The astute series reader will note that the foundation for the killer’s appearance in this book was introduced years ago in Cleansed By Death. But he first appeared to me during one of my many solo writing vacations on an island.

At the end of a fairytale day spent kayaking, snorkeling and listening to the sound of whales singing under water in Maui, the gorgeous male host of my day trip stood silhouetted in the setting sun. This man was beautiful in every way, and had the sort of personality that describes the essence of attractive—he pulled you into his beautiful ocean world. At that moment, I knew I had found my perfect killer for my next book! It became my goal to create a killer who was beautiful on the outside and evil on the inside. I used the New Testament book of Jude as my guide for the internal workings of my killer and thus the skeletal framework for Jude, my killer in Capsized By Death—book 4 of the Jo Oliver Thriller series—was born.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 28

Mary Hake, March 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 29

Christian Bookaholic, March 30

Blogging With Carol, March 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 31

Betti Mace, April 1

My Devotional Thoughts, April 1

Maureen’s Musings, April 2

deb’s Book Review, April 2

Through the fire Blogs, April 3

Pause for Tales, April 4

Just Your Average reviews, April 4

Spoken from the Heart, April 5

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, April 5

For the Love of Literature, April 6

Texas Book-aholic, April 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 7

She Lives To Read, April 8

For Him and My Family, April 9

Artistic Nobody, April 9 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Inklings and notions, April 10

Life, Love, Writing, April 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Catherine is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of the book and an Amazon gift certificate for $25!!

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/f7e7/capsized-by-death-celebration-tour-giveaway

Posted in Book Reviews, Celebrate Lit Reviews

Review and Giveaway for The Ministry of Healing

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About the Book

Book:  The Ministry of Healing

Author: AJ Gordon

Genre:  Christian non-fiction, spiritual growth

Release Date: January 17, 2020

Ministry of Healing CoverClassic Christian author A. J. Gordon expresses curiosity about whether the healing miracles from the Middle Ages up to his day can be verified as a continuation of Christ’s Spirit in the church. Through deep study and inquiry of the established history, Gordon concludes that the power to heal followers remains with the church—there was no special era of miracle working. God and His powers remain the same in the modern era as they have right through human history. For Gordon, God’s intervention in the suffering and sickness of His followers is frequent; the will of the Lord however is variable—but He will not prolong the pain of someone whose illness is too great. Throughout this text, A. J. Gordon makes his argument from a biblical perspective, citing passages in both the Old and New Testament that support the continuation of spiritual gifts. Quoting testimonies of believers across the ages, he offers a convincing argument that the church ministry is, to this day, one of healing.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

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The Ministry of Healing is a detailed and in-depth look into the Biblical basis for healing after the times of the apostles.  This book is meant to be studied and not rushed through.  Some people may find the book dry and at times hard to follow.

My husband was a Primitive Baptist deacon when we first met.  Then shortly after we were married he was ordained as a preacher.  Many times through the years, I have watched my husband and his father and grandfather go out to various homes to pray for them. While praying, they frequently anointed the people with oil as a way of connecting more meaningfully with God.  So I loved reading that section.

I recommend you check out this book for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.

 

About the Author

Adoniram_Judson_GordonAdoniram Judson (A. J.) Gordon (1836–1895) came to prominence in the United States as the evangelical pastor of Clarendon Street Baptist Church in Boston for more than twenty-five years. During his tenure there, he saw the church completely transformed into one of the most spiritual and aggressive churches in America, with an unsurpassed effort in missions. A missionary training school and publishing house were associated with the church, and Gordon preached at many of D. L. Moody’s Northfield Conferences, along with other notable preachers such as A. B. Simpson, A. T. Pierson, and R. A. Torrey. His training school eventually became Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. He also founded Gordon College, in Wenham, Massachusetts. He wrote his most famous book, The Ministry of Healing, in 1882, but he also wrote at least fifteen hymns, including “My Jesus, I Love Thee,” as well as other books of Christian instruction.

 

More from Whitaker House

This classic Christian work has previously only been self published. Gordon is renowned as founder of Gordon-Conwell Seminary and Gordon College. His writings became foundational work for what later became the spirit-filled movement.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 18

Blossoms and Blessings, March 19 (Spotlight)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 20

Artistic Nobody, March 21 (Spotlight)

Inklings and notions, March 22

Lukewarm Tea, March 23 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, March 24

Andrea Christenson, March 25 (Spotlight)

deb’s Book Review, March 26

For the Love of Literature, March 27 (Spotlight)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 28

Simple Harvest Reads, March 29 (Spotlight)

CarpeDiem, March 30

For Him and My Family, March 31

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Whitaker House is giving away the grand prize of a $20 Starbucks Gift Card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f6ea/the-ministry-of-healing-celebration-tour-giveaway

Posted in 2020 Home School Review Crew Posts, Book Reviews, history, Uncategorized

YWAM Publishing’s Heroes of History: Billy Graham: American’s Pastor – A Review

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Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way

I love adding  Christian biographies to our studies so I was excited to review Billy Graham, one of the books in the  Heroes of History Series from YWAM Publishing.  From the very first home school convention we attended in North Carolina, YWAM Publishing became a favorite of our family for quality Christian books.  Through the years we have established quite a collection of these quality books and our 17-year-old daughter loves having the opportunity of participating in reviews for these books.  For this review, we received a physical copy of Billy Graham: America’s Pastor along with a downloadable copy of the Unit Study Guide.

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According to its website, “YWAM Publishing is committed to the production and distribution of books that encourage Christians to make a difference in a needy world. We specialize in books that focus on evangelism, homeschooling, prayer, discipleship, and mercy ministries.”.  As a parent, I love having these Christian-centered books for our family to read.  As a voracious reader myself, I love reading these books.  Every time we have the opportunity to participate in a review for YWAM Publishing, I love watching our daughter’s face as she makes her selection of what book to get.

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With these books, I love hearing our daughter share tidbits of information she gains from reading the books.  We both appreciate how the books combine both God and faith along with history.  For example, she enjoyed reading about Billy Graham’s interactions with Dwight D. Eisenhower and Winston Churchhill.  This book illustrated how many rich and powerful people need God as well as those will less power and wealth.

Our daughter also appreciates how the books tell of the person’s childhood and then moves forward in time.  Having been blessed to know three of her four grandparents, our daughter was captivated by the story of Billy Graham and his grandmother at the time of her death.

Billy Graham’s visits to England, Bombay, and other places show how much God’s word needs to be shared around the world and how much power His Word can have.  Another part our daughter enjoyed was reading about how Billy Graham was approached about doing a radio show.  He said he would do it if $25,000 was raised by the end of the night.  He left the event with $24,000, but when he arrived back at his hotel, he received two envelopes from two different men with $500 each in them.

The study guide allows families to examine key quotes, create a display corner, answer Chapter Questions, do Student Explorations, and more.  As a parent, I appreciate the variety of activities provided along with how there are reproducible and more I can utilize.  I also appreciate how directions are provided for both parent-directed and student-directed instruction.  Here are some sample pages from the study guide.

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At the time we were notified of this review, we were living in Texas; but we wound up moving to Charlotte, North Carolina thanks to the military.  As we were driving from Texas to Charlotte, our daughter and I discussed how we could visit the Billy Graham Library and take a tour of the family home.  Because of this, I decided not to have our daughter use the study guide right now.  Instead, we will revisit the book and the study guide when circumstances allow us to visit the library and other points of interest.

You can YWAM Publishing on Social Media at the following links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YWAM-Publishing-482973445102/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/YWAMpublishing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ywampublishing/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/YWAMpublishing

So if you are looking for some wonderful historical books about great Christians from history, check out the book series from YWAM Publishing for yourself.  This week other members of the Home School Review Crew are sharing their families’ thoughts on both the Christian Heroes: Then & Now and the Heroes of History.  These books make a wonderful way of learning history while also learning about great Christians. So click here or on the graphic below to read more reviews.

 

Posted in Book Reviews, Celebrate Lit Reviews, Uncategorized

Review and Giveaway for Enduring Love

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About the Book

Book:  Enduring Love

Author: Danyelle Scroggins

Genre:  Christian fiction

Release Date: March 16, 2018

Enduring Love(FrontCover)completeNo one ever truly realizes the power of their love, until love is tested and they have to endure things unimaginable and sometimes hurtful. And if the truth is declared, no one wants to but…

Sometimes we find ourselves standing in the test of love and this is exactly where Priscilla Marshall finds herself. Married to Steven since she graduated college, together they were the perfect couple. Both making successful business moves, both loved their choices, but one had a secret that could change their lives.

Priscilla, now forced to make a plan to secure her future, finds out that a plan without God involved is not a plan at all because “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).

What will God use to make this woman’s plan come full circle with His own, and after the test, will they find that they truly do have an Enduring Love?

 

Click here to get your copy!

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Have you ever read a book that made you laugh, cry, and more throughout the pages?  This book is one of those books.  Priscilla is an incredibly strong and successful woman who has hard decisions to make.  But we do not realize what all those decisions are until later in the book.

Steven and Priscilla seem to have everything the world views as important:  money, a powerful and successful spouse, and a beautiful home.  Yet appearances can be deceiving.  An unexpected pregnancy seems to set off a tidal wave of destructive forces on their marriage.  Yet they are blessed to have faith in God along with faithful friends to walk beside them.

Regina, Priscilla’s assistant, plays a role in this story, but I can not wait to read her own story.  Nathan, a waiter, has a story of his own that is waiting to be told with Regina’s.  I look forward to reading it.

This book illustrates the power of faith, God, and friendship.  It shows how the prayers of the righteous can be answered.  The Biblical passages quoted, the prayers offered, the Women’s retreat and more come together to make this a powerful book of how God has power.

So I definitely suggest you check this book out for yourself.  It is the first book in a series, and I can not wait to read the next story.

 

About the Author

Danyelle ScrogginsDanyelle is the Senior Pastor of New Vessels Ministries North in Shreveport, Louisiana. She is a dynamic author of both Christian fiction and non-fiction books. She studied Theology at Louisiana Baptist University, has a Psychology Degree from the University of Phoenix, an Interdisciplinary Degree in Psychology /Biblical Studies, and a Masters in Religious Education from Liberty University. She owns Divinely Sown Publishing LLC.

 

More from Danyelle

I am so elated that you are a part of this awesome Enduring Love blog tour. I’ve always been a love child per se…loving all things romance. When my second grade teacher introduced me to Amelia Bedelia books by Herman Parish, I knew I would write. Then my mom introduced me to romance by Danielle Steels and the bad girl of books—Jackie Collins. Finally, I decided I’d be the Danyelle with the “y” who will write books about love.

Life has been so rewarding as I finally realize that everything I’ve ever faced was simply for my good. The good, bad, and the ugly now find itself woven in the corridors of my books and I’m grateful to be able to share stories with the world of God’s goodness, grace, mercy, and love.

And you know what’s even greater? We don’t have to be perfect to be a part of His family, to receive His love, or to be a recipient of His grace.

He has shown me that I can write about love, problems, situations, and circumstances that we face as humans but also show how we overcome the situations and circumstances we face, by the blood of the lamb and the words of our testimony.

As you read this book or any of my books, understand that they are in fact a testimony to God’s goodness, grace, mercy, and love towards His people.

Be Blessed, Danyelle Scroggins

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 12

Godly Book Reviews, March 13

Batya’s Bits, March 14

Artistic Nobody, March 15 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, March 16

Texas Book-aholic, March 17

A Diva’s Heart, March 18

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 19 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, March 20

Just the Write Escape, March 21

deb’s Book Review, March 22

SusanK. Beatty, Author, March 23 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 24

Simple Harvest Reads, March 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Danyelle is giving away the grand prize package of all five (5) of the books from the E Love Series!!

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/f6e6/enduring-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

Posted in Uncategorized

Review and Giveaway for In the Garden

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About the Book

Book:  In The Garden

Author: Whitaker House Editorial

Genre:  Christian non-fiction, Biblical history, cultural, Biblical reference

Release Date: January 10, 2020

In The Garden CoverConsider not only the lilies of the field, but all the plants, trees, herbs, shrubs, and flowers that play a role in the biblical narrative through this illustrated guide. From the barley Ruth harvested to the hyssop David craved, from the frankincense the wise men brought to Jesus to the sycamore tree Zacchaeus climbed, the Bible is peppered with allusions to the plants that were a part of daily life in the ancient Near East and in New Testament Israel. With original illustrations, this beautiful gift book clarifies the biblical references to fifty plants and provides delightful new insights into the Word of God. Includes indexes to each plant and its corresponding Scripture references, a calendar of Jewish festivals and the growing seasons in Israel, and tips for growing your own biblically inspired garden.

 

Click here to get your copy!

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This book caught my attention because I am very interested in learning about the plants mentioned in the Bible and how they were used.  This book does an excellent job of tying the plants themselves, the Biblical references, and the uses altogether.  The color pictures in this book bring the book to life.  More importantly, I appreciate how there are tips for growing a Biblical garden.

I feel this book would be perfect for picking a plant a day to read about and then study more in-depth both from the Bible and from a gardening perspective.  Wanting to grow my own garden, I found this book worth reading.

This book provides a beautiful way to spark one’s imagination between Biblical truths, God’s presence, and growing one’s own garden.  So if you are interested in learning more about the plants in the Bible, developing a deeper relationship God the Master Gardener, or want to grow your own Biblically-based garden, check out this book for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.

 

More from Whitaker House

Rather than being a dictionary of the plants mentioned in the Bible, In the Garden, with its original illustrations and plant descriptions, is meant to spark the reader’s spiritual imagination. It is our hope that these pages about the plants of the Bible will prompt your imagination and inform your study of the precious Word of the living God

Blog Stops

She Lives To Read, March 11

Texas Book-aholic, March 12

For the Love of Literature, March 13

For Him and My Family, March 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 15

deb’s Book Review, March 16

Mary Hake, March 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 18

CarpeDiem, March 19

Inklings and notions, March 20

Robin’s Nest, March 21

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 22

Mamma Loves Books, March 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 24

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Whitaker House is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and finished 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/f6fd/in-the-garden-celebration-tour-giveaway

Posted in Book Reviews, Celebrate Lit Reviews

Review and Giveaway for Balaam’s Curse

Balaam's Curse FB Banner

About the Book

Book:  Balaam’s Curse

Author: C.L. Smith

Genre:  Biblical fiction

Release Date: 2016

Balaam's Curse front coverUnfathomable evil grips the ancient homeland of the Children of Israel. When Yahweh, Most High God, led his people out of slavery in Egypt to confront it, they failed miserably and spent the next forty years wandering homeless in the desert. Now they are ready to try again. But before they can cross the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land, the prophet Balaam is summoned from Babylon to stop them. Joining forces with supernatural powers, he unleashes a plot so twisted that the name of Balaam is used as a synonym for seductive evil a thousand years later in the Book of Revelation.

Aided by the ruthlessly ambitious Princess Cozbi, the prophet gathers a coalition of five Midianite kings who will stop at nothing to defeat Israel and prevent a crossing that will change the world. Balaam’s Curse, Book One of The Stones of Gilgal, is an epic telling of the resulting deception, revolt, plague, and war. Familiar biblical characters—Moses, Caleb and Joshua—stride through this tale of mayhem and miracles. But this is the coming-of-age story of the next generation, young people nurtured in a simple wilderness life who suddenly find themselves caught in a vortex of violence and upheaval beyond anything they could have imagined.

 

Click here to get your copy.

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Balaam’s Curse is the first in a three-book series, and I have to say I had a hard time getting into this book.  The introduction did not capture my imagination or attention.  I love reading from my King James Version Bible because the stories seem to flow, but this book seemed dry, choppy, and disjointed.

I tried picking it up and ended up putting it down more times than I wanted to do.  I think part of my problem was that it jumped around too much for my liking.  Just when I thought I might start enjoying a particular storyline, it seemed to abruptly change to a different character’s story.

I wish I could say I recommend this book, but I can not.  What I will say is for you to check it out yourself and form your own opinion.

 

About the Author

cl smithC.L. Smith, retired junior high school English and history teacher, former missionary, and lifetime student of the Bible, has been captivating audiences around the world for years with the timeless thrill of biblical tales. More than twenty years ago while reading the books of Joshua and Judges, Othniel caught her attention and then his future wife, Acsah. They are only mentioned in a few short verses, but there were a lot of possibilities embedded there. They lived through an exciting era peppered with some other fascinating minor characters of the Bible. The more she thought about them, the more it seemed they were begging her to tell their story. Well, Acsah was. Othniel didn’t say much. He’s pretty quiet. But they convinced her that their impressive and important story had been buried too long among the spectacular events of the time of Joshua. It was about time someone told it. The idea for a biblical novel quickly grew into The Stones of Gilgal series. Balaam’s Cursewas published in 2016, A River to Cross in 2017, and Trouble in the Ruins in September, 2019.

 

More from C.L. Smith

The light of God’s love dispels the darkness obscuring the era of Joshua and the violent conquest of Canaan. Be inspired by this epic series of biblical novels illuminating the murky mists of ancient time with truth applicable to modern life.

 

Balaam’s Curse

The first book of the series plunges the reader into a nightmarish tale of terror instigated by an evil prophet from Babylonia. If you think you remember the story of Balaam and his talking donkey from Sunday School, think again. When God puts words of blessing in the prophet’s mouth, thwarting his attempt to curse Israel, Balaam joins forces with supernatural powers in a scheme so twisted that his name is used as a synonym for seductive evil a thousand years later in the Book of Revelation.

 

Forming a coalition with five Midianite kings and the ruthlessly ambitious Princess Cozbi, the evil prophet unleashes a deadly plot against the twelve tribes of Israel. He will stop at nothing to prevent them from crossing into the Promised land to claim their inheritance. This is a gripping tale of the seduction, revolt, plague, and war that traps the Children of Israel in the Valley of Acacias east of the Jordan for months. Well-known Biblical heroes—Moses, Caleb and Joshua—stride through its pages, but the story unfolds primarily through the eyes of the next generation, young people born and nurtured in the simple wilderness life of the forty-year Wanderings. Suddenly, on the brink of their new life in the Promised Land, they find themselves in a life or death struggle that tests their strength and batters their faith before they’ve even crossed the river.

 

The Story Behind the Story

This series of biblical novels began with a new interest in Othniel, the first of the biblical hero-judges. His love story with Acsah and his heroic adventures are summarized in only a few words of scripture, but I saw a lot of possibilities embedded in those brief verses. Digging deeper, I realized that Othniel and Acsah came of age during the turbulent era of Joshua along with a handful of other fascinating minor biblical characters. The more I thought about Othniel, Acsah, and friends, the more I was convinced that their impressive and important story had been buried too long among the spectacular events of the time of Joshua and it was about time someone told it. The result is the six-part Stones of Gilgal saga showing how the obstacles overcome in their youth shape each character for their ultimate roles in the story of the settlement of Canaan. The series ends with Othniel rising to save Israel from an oppressive enemy as the first and most noble of the hero-judges.

 

The Dark Side

The Stones of Gilgal saga includes several “tales of terror,” dark episodes standing in juxtaposition to some of the Bible’s most dazzling miracles. I see these stories as dark and light puzzle pieces, making sense only when viewed within the framework of the Great Cosmic War. Whether read as ancient history or truth-teaching myth, these incidents are chapters in the epic story of the entire Bible, a good God working to save humanity from the forces of evil.

 

The Characters

Six of my characters are minor but real characters found in scripture who lived during the era of Joshua, experiencing the transition from the Wilderness Wanderings to the Promised Land. They all crossed the Jordan, witnessed the fall of Jericho and the sun standing still at a word from Joshua—life-changing events that prepared them for leadership roles in the book of Judges.

 

  • Othniel, who becomes the first hero-Judge of Israel
  • Acsah, only daughter of the heroic Caleb
  • Phinehas, grandson of Aaron, future high priest
  • Jonathan, grandson of Moses whose story appears in Judges 17-18
  • Salmon, prince of the tribe of Judah, who appears only in genealogies as the husband of Rahab
  • Rahab, the courageous Canaanite harlot not only saved by faith but honored with a place in the lineage of King David and Jesus Christ.
  • Plus Abihail, fictionalized daughter-in-law of the biblical Achan

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 20

For Him and My Family, March 21

Texas Book-aholic, March 22

My Devotional Thoughts, March 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 24

The Forgiven Former Feminist, March 24

Inklings and notions, March 25

Betti Mace, March 26

For the Love of Literature, March 27

Mary Hake, March 27

deb’s Book Review, March 28

Rebecca Tews, March 29

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 30

Bigreadersite, March 31

Emily Yager, April 1

Batya’s Bits, April 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, C.L. is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f6eb/balaam-s-curse-celebration-tour-giveaway

Posted in Book Reviews, Celebrate Lit Reviews

Review and Giveaway for Forks in the Road

About the Book

Book:  Forks in the Road

Author: Tamera Lynn Kraft

Genre:  Christian Western

Release Date: October 15, 2019

Forks in the Road CoverOrphans, Outlaws, and Redemption in the Old West!

(Looking for a prairie romance? Don’t look here!)

A classic Western tale of Joshua and Jonathan Jackson, brothers orphaned during the Civil War. They needed someone to give them a chance, but the war-torn countryside and people had little to spare.

After the war, the teen brothers headed West to find their fortunes and escape their past. Instead, they found a hard land and nobody willing to lend a hand. At every fork in the road, fear, grief, or pain prompted them to choose the wrong path.

By the time they were grown men, they had traveled so far into trouble, there was no way out except prison or death. They had one chance for redemption. Would they take it?

If you’ve read LOST IN THE STORM, you met Jed Jackson – this is the story of what happened to Jed and his brothers.

 

Click here to get your copy!

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Set in the Old West, this story plays true to the period and has a wonderful storyline.  I totally enjoyed reading this book.  The characters pulled me into the story.  I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book.

The book illustrates how sometimes a person can believe he or she is too far down the road of sin and bad choices to believe redemption is possible.  Yet sometimes it takes courage to take the fork in the road that leads to redemption and God.

The boys’ story in this book broke my heart.  Orphaned during the Civil War, life becomes hard. Few people have time or compassion for the boys.  As they make their way west and into adulthood, they find themselves going down the road.

So if you like books set in the Wild West that pull you into the story, check out this book for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.

 

About the Author

Tamera KraftAward winning author Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. Alice’s NotionsRed Sky Over AmericaLost in the StormResurrection of Hope, and Soldier’s Heart are among her published works.

Tamera been married for 40 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and three grandchildren. She has been a children’s pastor for over 20 years. She is the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire for Kids where she mentors other children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist and has written children’s church curriculum. She is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.

 

More from Tamera

I have always loved westerns. As a child, I remember watching shows on television like Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Maverick, Big Valley, Alias Smith and Jones, and many others. I also loved the great western movies such as High Noon, The Quaker and the Bad Man, Three Godfathers, and Stagecoach. My favorite were the stories with an element of redemption in them. There is no better redemptive story than a man’s man out on the trail realizing he needs God.

 

Three Godfathers with John Wayne is my favorite movie. I first watched it when I came home from the hospital after giving birth to my first child. John Wayne plays an outlaw who, with his two friends, robs a bank and escapes into the desert. The outlaws happen on a wagon where a woman is giving birth. She dies shortly after. They have a choice. Either they risk their lives and freedom saving the child, or they leave the child to die and get away with the loot. I highly recommend it.

 

When I decided to write Forks in the Road, I wanted to capture that redemptive spirit in many western novels. Joshua and Jonathan are brothers who were orphaned at the ages of 10 and 12 when Quantrill’s raiders ravaged Lawrence, Kansas. They headed west to make it on their own, but at every fork in the road, they made wrong choices. They grew up and became outlaws, but they never became hardened or callous toward others. Even so, God had a plan of redemption for them. Would they take it?

Blog Stops

For the Love of Literature, March 9

Through the Fire Blogs, March 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 11

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, March 12

Wishful Endings, March 12 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 13

Inklings and notions, March 14

For Him and My Family, March 15

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 16

deb’s Book Review, March 17

Betti Mace, March 18

Bigreadersite, March 19

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, March 20

My Devotional Thoughts, March 20 (Author Interview)

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tamera is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card & copy of Forks in the Road!!

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/f6d7/forks-in-the-road-celebration-tour-giveaway