By Sam Ferrara
Happy Friday everyone. Sorry my Friday posts have been missing. This has been a crazy busy start to the school year. But I did want to share a song with you today. I heard it and loved it because sometime we make going to Jesus way harder then it should, or needs, to be.
Take a minute and worship Him.
About the Book:
As part of his street performance, a deception specialist who goes by the name The Raven picks his audience’s pockets while they watch. It’s harmless fun–until he decides to keep the wallet of a prominent politician, hoping for a few extra bucks. When he finds compromising photos of the councilman and his “personal assistants,” The Raven hatches a plan to blackmail the man. However, he quickly finds himself in over his head with the Ukrainian Mafia and mired in a life-threatening plot code-named “Nevermore.”
Private investigators Trudi Coffey and Samuel Hill must scramble to sort out the clues to rescue The Raven from a wild card bent on revenge.
My thoughts and giveaway:
This book opens with a very interesting scene and then takes you back in time. As you read you are working your way back to that opening scene. That alone is enough to keep the reader hooked, and I was.
Nappa has crafted another great book. I so enjoyed the first one and grabbed this one without even bothering to read the back cover because I knew it had to be good.
If you read the first book you will love picking up with Trudi and Samual again. They have such great personalities.
The Raven made me smile. The way he thought of Trudi and how he stated things, he was definitely his own person.
The mystery behind what was going on was a great driving force. We really don’t know much going into the story but it never gets dull or frustrating.
Another great book by Nappa!
Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.
Leave a comment by October 6th to win a copy. One winner will be chosen by random.org. (U.S. addresses only. I will not replace books lost or damaged in the mail.)
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Let the Holy Spirit Transform Your Thoughts
Is your life everything you would like it to be? Do you feel like you are fulfilling your destiny or do you constantly fight against thoughts of condemnation, fear, hopelessness, or self-doubt?
Many quote the Bible proverb, “As a man thinks, so is he.” Your thoughts direct your words, shape your future, and ultimately determine your destiny. Kirkwood shows you how to let go of destructive thought patterns and exchange them for life-producing thoughts!
Receive practical tools to:
The enemy tries to keep you from fulfilling God’s purpose for your life by bombarding your mind with lies and torment. Stop agreeing with him! Align your thoughts with God’s and allow the Holy Spirit to prophetically shape your thinking so that your mind is under Heaven’s influence.
Access the power of right thinking to transform your body, soul, and spirit!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kerry Kirkwood is the founding pastor of the Trinity Fellowship Church in Tyler, TX. He carries a strong prophetic anointing and speaks into the lives of individuals, churches, and regions. Pastor Kerry has authored two books and has appeared numerous times on Sid Roth’s It’s Supernatural!, and on radio. In the last two decades, Pastor Kerry journeyed simultaneously as senior pastor, worshipper, and prophetic voice, and brings a wealth of wisdom and experience to the body of Christ.
My thoughts:
If you enjoy Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer you will like this book.
Kerry gives you a lot of things to “think” about and new ways about thinking of things. He talks about why we think the way we do know and how it doesn’t line-up with God’s thoughts about us at all.
I love how he talks about the power of the Holy Spirit and that He is truly what we need to overcome old thought patterns.
My thought life has always been something I have struggled with and if you have too you would enjoy this book and I’m sure gain a lot of new insight into why you think they way you.
Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.
A copy of this book was given to through The Book Club Network, Inc. in exchange for an honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Straight from God’s Heart Start Your Day with a Powerful Prophetic Declaration
So many people—including professing Christians—live aimless, purposeless, and defeated lives without knowing who they are or what they have. This should not be the case when God has so much to say about your identity and your inheritance in Christ.
Grow familiar with hearing God speak. Feel the embrace of His Presence. Listen for the Spirit’s constant voice, speaking through the chaos of life.
Hakeem Collins shares inspiring, prophetic encouragements that will start your day with a fresh word from Heaven. Quiet your soul and listen to hear God’s voice speaking vision and victory over your life. Heaven Declares is a journey that invites the Holy Spirit to powerfully and prophetically begin your day!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dr. Hakeem Collins is a new prophetic voice and governmental minister with a unique anointing in the prophetic, healings and the supernatural. He is a sought-after conference speaker, produces a weekly radio program called “The VOICE,” and author of Born to Prophesy. He is CEO of Champions International based in Wilmington, Delaware, where he resides.
My thoughts:
This is an amazing way to start each day. So much truth is packed in this book. I actually got chills several times reading this.
I loved declaring God’s truths over my life each morning. This is a book I will hold on to and use over and over and I am sure I will gain something new each time.
If you are looking for a powerful way to start your day I can’t recommend this book enough. This is something quick, yet it will get you in the Word and speaking truth over yourself and your day.
If you want life change grab this book.
Visit Hakeem here.
Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.
A copy of this book was given to my through The Book Club Network, Inc. in exchange for an honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can she move forward without knowing her past? Will he enjoy his present if he can’t free himself from what he left behind?
In the heart of the Adirondacks, Isabelle lives in the shadow of a dark family secret whose silent burden strips her family of emotional warmth and faith in God. Tyler belongs to the religious sect called The Faithful, which Isabelle’s father dislikes immensely. Yet, because Tyler belongs to this group, Isabelle sees only a man devoted to his family and faith.
She wants it; she gets it; they marry.
And when the truth comes out, Isabelle faces two choices:
Staying could endanger her child.
Leaving could cost her life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Raised in Brooklyn, NY, Elaine was greatly influenced by a mother who loved to read as well as by an aunt who loved to tell a good story. As a result, Elaine always has stories parading around in her mind. While a middle grade student, she fancied herself as the next famous playwright, a la Neil Simon, or screenwriter, a la Mel Brooks. Yet, bumps in the road forced her onto a detour toward mainstream-contemporary fiction. Her stories may start off on a darker note, reflecting upon a difficult slice of life and struggles, but each story is written to encourage others that as long as they have God, they can face joys despite their trials in this crazy, mixed-up world. A former RWA member, Elaine enjoys membership in the American Christian Fiction Writers. She also belongs to the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. She has a 98% addiction to Twitter, makes an effort to say hello on Facebook, and tries to sneak a look at the aisles of bookcases on Goodreads. In the spring of 2011, Elaine placed in the Semi-finals category in the ACFW Genesis Contest for her novel Walk With Me. In 2013, she received My Book Therapy’s Frasier Bronze Medalist award for her novel No Going Back. And in 2014, her short story, In His Own Time, won the People’s Choice Award in the FamilyFiction Contest and has been published in a printed anthology: The Story: 2014 Anthology. Her short story The Forever Christmas Gift is published in the Amazon best seller Christmas Treasures: A Collection of Christmas Stories. Elaine also enjoys writing non-fiction articles as a contributing author to the international publication, “Happy Sis Magazine.” Elaine has now been living in upstate, rural New York with her husband for more years than her stint as a NYC gal. She’d love for you to visit elainestock.com where she shares about her novels, as well as hosts her popular blog Everyone’s Story centering around hope and story with guests featured every week.
My thoughts:
This is a story showing how easily truth can be twisted into what we want to believe and how secrets can hurt us.
The book starts with an attention grabber and some intense scenes. There is obviously some manipulation going on with both of our characters lives.
However, I did have trouble really connecting with this book. I just didn’t really get into it. Things seems a bit forced to me and didn’t seem to flow naturally.
But with that being said, this book is getting very good reviews so this is my opinion only. If this book sounds interesting to you I suggest you give it a read and decide for yourself.
Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your favorite retailer.
A copy of this book was given to me through The Book Club Network, Inc. in exchange for an honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
“Blessed are you, Mary, chosen of God.”Mary is ordinary girl from Nazareth. She helps her mother with household chores, she daydreams about a handsome carpenter’s son named Joseph, and at night she lies on the roof and contemplates at the stars. But one evening, a heavenly visitor comes with unexpected news; and her life is changed forever. Experience the life of the Messiah from the perspective of his mother, who must place her trust and obedience in Adonai, the Most High, as he fulfills centuries of anticipation in the middle of her daily life. Walk with Mary as she witnesses Yeshua grow, mature, minister, and even crucified; and then raised again, to the kindling of her new faith.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I’m a grandmother with six grown children and 10 grandchildren. I had my first poem published when I was twelve and got hooked on writing. Then life got in the way. Now I’m enjoying writing Biblical Fiction and Christian Fiction AND being published by Revell! Mary Magdalene will be out June 2012, and my present project, a book on the wife of Pontius Pilate, June 2013.
My thoughts and giveaway:
How can you breathe fresh life into a story you know so well? Well, Diana has managed to do just that.
Even though I knew what would happen in this story I couldn’t wait to read and see how Diana would spin it and bring it to life. I really enjoyed her take.
So many times we think, oh, how sweet, Mary was pregnant with the Son of God. We forget about the shame and judgement that followed her because of what people didn’t know. She had this wonderful news yet who would believe her?
And then how would she feel when this child went to the cross? Definitely gives you a great perspective in this book and brings familiar story, new life.
Biblical fiction readers will love this, or anyone who loves the story of Jesus!!
Visit Diana here.
Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.
Leave a comment by Sept. 29th for your chance to win a copy. One winner will be chosen by random.org. (U.S. addresses only. I will not replace book lost or damaged in the mail.)
A copy of this book was given to me through The Book Club Network, Inc. in exchange for an honest review.
Today we get write to the point with Angela D. Meyer. Read on to learn more about her.
Tell us about yourself, family, where are you from, how long have you been writing?
Raised in Oklahoma, I have been writing since my junior high years. After college, I spent several years in New England as a nanny. I met my husband in that area and we have been married 25 years and have 2 children. I enjoy sunrises and sunsets (Oklahoma was great for these!), oceans and reading a good book. Someday I hope to go on a hot air balloon ride.
How did you come to know Jesus as your Savior?
I grew up in a Christian home, but really owned my faith during junior high. God’s been growing and stretching me ever since!
Tell us about your latest book(s). What do want your readers to take away after the last page?
Where Healing Starts is the second book in the Applewood Hill series and is releasing tomorrow! Here is the book cover blurb:
Joanna, full of bitterness over the past, can no longer ignore the growing storm inside her and is bent on self-destruction as she seeks to ease her pain. But the refuge she seeks is always out of her reach.
Her brother Blake must choose between what has always been safe and what he has always wanted. One mistake after another leads him down a dangerous path.
The one for all, all for one sibling bond can’t help them now. They are both determined to hang onto their anger, never forgetting. Never forgiving. 
They see no reason to trust God.
After so many years of turmoil, will the Hannigan siblings find refuge in the God who loves them? Or will they get lost along the way?
After reading Where Healing Starts, I want readers to better understand that God can and does redeem anything that we are willing to give to Him.
You can read chapter 1 of Where Healing Starts HERE.
How often do you blog and what do you cover in your blog?
Typically, I blog about once a week. I also have guests on occasion. My goal is to share tools and encouragement to help women stand firm on a foundation of truth, to grow in their faith and to thrive no matter what life throws at them. That might happen through a good story, a blog post, random thoughts, book recommendation, devotionals, Bible study or a bit about my life. I also blog about writing and author updates from time to time. For the past month I’ve been doing a lot of author blogging for my book launch.
What are you reading right now?
In the fiction category, I’m reading Touches of Time by LoRee Peery. In non-fiction, I’m reading Forgotten God by Francis Chan.
Can you share with us a Genesis 5020 in your life?
About 4 years ago, I discovered my husband’s sexual addiction. Even though I was devastated and angry, I chose to forgive. We both wanted to save our marriage. We sought counseling. He joined a men’s group to help him make changes and hold him accountable. He is now an overcomer and God continues to restore us. We rebuilt trust and our communication is better than it has ever been. God has taken what the enemy meant to harm us and brought us out stronger and to a place where we can help others.
Unfortunately, challenging marriages are not rare and it can be difficult to talk about and find the support one needs. One of my hopes is to use what God has brought me through to encourage other women who live in challenging marriages. I want to help women thrive no matter the circumstance. If anyone needs encouragement in this area, please feel free to contact me via the contact form on my website. I would be happy to pray with you, listen, share names of resources that have helped me and encourage you.
Sounds like you and I hav the same hope for marriages 🙂
Do you have a life and/or a ministry verse?
“Therefore this is what the LORD says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman.” Jeremiah 15:19a
Where can we find you on the web?
Website Facebook Pinterest Google+ Twitter Goodreads Newsletter
Is there anything I didn’t ask that you would like to add?
I have a book trailer! You can watch it HERE.
If you would like to purchase Where Healing Starts, you just got in on the pre-buy special which ends tomorrow. My publisher has agreed to send the Kindle version of Where Hope Starts, the first book in the Applewood Hill series, for free to anyone who pre-buys Where Healing Starts. Click HERE to order your copy and then my publisher, CrossRiver, will send you instructions to download your gift.
Thank you for having me on your blog!
You’re welcome, thanks for much for sharing with my readers!
Film Synopsis
Battling his own inner-demons, Jesse (Rusty Joiner: Last Ounce Of Courage, Dodgeball, “Days of Our Lives”) encounters a young, pregnant teen overcome with grief that, after an impulsive abortion, has her family blaming Jesse for more than just her final decision. Jesse’s wife Julia (Jocelyn Cruz: Strike One, This Is Our Time) must come to terms with her own choices and decide if she can support her husband as opposition mounts against him. Comedian Paul Rodriguez also stars as Virgil with James Russo as Pastor Gil.
My thoughts:
This was a very powerful movie and dealt with some sensitive topics. However, it is handled very well.
It shows many aspects of abortion, the before, after, the choices woman are faced with, how as Christians we need to be careful how we say things.
This movie also showed how afraid we can be as Christians to really stand up for what we know Jesus is calling us too. It seems easier to “pray” about it but never move. I believe we need to do both of those things.
Jesse and Julia finally talk about their past and I just wanted to yell, “That’s your testimony. That’s how you will reach these women.” When we hold on to what Jesus has done in our lives we might miss opportunities to help someone else. I believe God calls us to share our stories so we can help others overcome.
I loved how Jesse finds ways to connect with the community and ultimately wake up his church. We could all use a wake-up call.
A viewing of this movie was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
About:
Robert came to Galveston to fulfill his promise to a dying man and look after his widow. He didn’t expect to find love in the unlikeliest of places.
Robert Truax, former Second Lieutenant and Confederate officer in the Civil War, made a promise to his comrade Phillip Markham. If anything happened to Phillip, Robert would look after his beloved wife, Miranda. She was his life, his world, his everything.
After the war, Robert is left to pick up the pieces and fulfill his pact. When he arrives at Miranda’s home in Galveston, Texas, things are worse than he imagined. Phillip’s name has been dragged through the mud, everyone in town believes him to be a traitor, and his widow is treated as an outcast. Even more disturbing is her emotional well-being. Miranda seems hopeless, lost, and so very alone.
Robert had thought his duty would be simple. He would help Miranda as quickly as possible in order to honor a promise. But the moment Robert laid eyes on her, his plans changed. He’s mesmerized by her beauty and yearns to help her in any way he can.
He makes it his duty to protect Miranda, turn her reputation around, and to find some way to help her smile again. But it doesn’t prove to be an easy task—Robert knows something about Phillip that could shake Miranda to the core and alter her view of the man she thought she knew so well.
My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this story. Shelley has created a wonderful cast of characters and a great beginning to a series. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Miranda is a very hurt young woman, not only dealing with losing her husband but then the rumors flying around about him. The disrespect of the community really got under my skin and had me rooting for Miranda from the beginning.
Robert is a great hero who is trying to help and wants to protect Miranda. I was captivated by him and his heroic efforts.
Then there are the people who work at Miranda’s house, they are a great bunch of characters as well with a past of their own.
Overall, a great read that historical romance readers will love.
Visit Shelley here.
Grab your copy at your local bookstore or at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.
A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
BOUT THE BOOKS:
Eight BRAND NEW, never before released “hidden identity” contemporary romantic suspense novellas from today’s best selling Christian authors in one anthology! THE LONG VIEW by Connie Almony: J.T. MacGregor is ex-FBI and training with terrorists. When his former boss makes an unusual request, J.T. wonders about his motives and how he can use them to his advantage. Destiny Long is no stranger to her father’s covert world of catching terrorists, but who is he after now? When J.T., the man behind the one kiss she will never forget joins a fitness club owned by a suspected member of ISIS and he’s found praying head-first into a tasseled rug, she wonders what side of the war on terror is J.T. MacGregor really on. TAKEN by Sally Bradley: Cam Winters has never talked about his past, about life before he became a Christian. Jordan Foster knows that Cam’s a strong, caring man–a man she can see herself with. But he refuses to ask her out for fear of what her brother, one of his closest friends, might say. So Jordan takes things into her own hands. When Cam admits to sharing her feelings, the two fall quickly in love–just as that past that Cam won’t ever talk about returns for Cam and those he loves. A group which now includes Jordan.
ON THE ROPES by Hallee Bridgeman: Doctor Ruth Burnette is placed in witness protection after witnessing a Russian mafia execution. Just a week before the trial, Victor Kovalev finds her. Memories of planning her wedding with Victor are wiped clean by the vision of his father executing three men. Does he want to help her survive to her testimony, or is he trying to stop it all together?
OUT OF CIRCULATION by Heather Day Gilbert: When Russian mobsters threaten small-town librarian Katie McClure, she is forced to accept an offer of protection from Manhattan bodyguard Ace Calhoun. As they race the clock to find a long-hidden bank stash, Katie discovers too late that Ace might be the wrong man to trust with her life…and her heart.
DANGEROUS ALTERNATIVE by Kelli Hughett: Summer in Southern California doesn’t get any hotter than this. When Levi Boulter agrees to work for the FBI behind the scenes in Hollywood, he never plans on becoming an operative working to thwart a plan to assassinate the President’s wife—or on keeping a deadly secret from Mahari, the love of his life. When Mahari is kidnapped, Levi makes the gamble of his life in order to save her. Will Levi’s secret divide them forever, or will they come together in time to stop an assassination?
IDENTITY THEFT by Alana Terry: After losing her fiancé in a devastating accident, Lacy meets Kurtis, an Alaska state trooper, and his delightful four-year-old daughter who would love nothing more than to make Lacy her new mom. Things could be perfect, except Lacy can’t shake the nagging suspicion that her fiancé isn’t dead like the police reports claim. All she wants is closure, but as she seeks out real answers, she discovers how deadly the truth can actually be.
OBSESSION by Rachel Trautmiller: A surge in crime has left two homeless women dead and Detective Amanda Nettles’ Alzheimer’s-riddled mother as the prime suspect. As his wife embarks on a dangerous game of hide-and-seek with a remorseless serial killer, FBI Agent Baker Jackson Robinson knows he can’t sit idly while the city of Charlotte destroys Amanda’s career a second time. Is her near decade-long obsession with protecting her hometown bigger than the needs of her family? Or are they one and the same?
SCENT OF DANGER by Alexa Verde: To find her missing sister, small-town cop Maya Hutchinson risks her life by posing as her glamorous twin. Under escalating attacks, Maya accepts protection from dashing senator’s son Connor McNamara. Cop turned PI, Connor McNamara has his own secret mission and is forced to choose between family loyalty and love. When the scent of danger draws near, will Connor and Maya survive long enough to forgive and accept each other?
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
With more than half a million sales, Hallee Bridgeman is a best-selling Christian author who writes action-packed romantic suspense focusing on realistic characters who face real world problems. Her work has been described as everything from refreshing to heart-stopping exciting and edgy.
Connie Almony just a suburb gal from the Baltimore-Washington megalopolis. And that’s what Connie Almony’s fiction is about, a diverse population which is truly, and beautifully, colorful.
Sally Bradley writes big-city fiction with real issues and real hope. A freelance fiction editor and former president of her local writing chapter, Sally has won a handful of awards for Kept and another work-in-progress. Visit her online at sallybradley.com, at Twitter at @SallyBWrites, and at Sally Bradley, Writer on Facebook.
HEATHER DAY GILBERT writes novels that capture life in all its messy, bittersweet, hope-filled glory. Born and raised in the West Virginia mountains, generational story-telling runs in her blood. Heather is a graduate of Bob Jones University and is married to her college sweetheart. Having recently returned to her roots, she and her husband are raising their three children in the same home in which Heather grew up.
Kelli Hughett writes romantic suspense that spans the genres. Not your quintessential minister’s wife, Kelli’s ability to weave romance into fast-paced action keeps pages turning long after bedtime. Her books have been described as sensual, thrilling, a mini mom’s vacation, and a delicious journey. She finds joy in homeschooling her kids, working with the Church and Oil In My Lamp ministries, and in rural life outside Windsor, Colorado.
Alana is a pastor’s wife, homeschooling mom, self-diagnosed chicken lady, and Christian suspense author. Her novels have won awards from Women of Faith, Book Club Network, Grace Awards, Readers’ Favorite, and more. Alana’s passion for social justice, human rights, and religious freedom shines through her writing, and her books are known for raising tough questions without preaching. She and her family live in rural Alaska where the northern lights in the winter and midnight sun in the summer make hauling water, surviving the annual mosquito apocalypse, and cleaning goat stalls in negative forty degrees worth every second.
Rachel strives to write novels filled with murder, mayhem and romance that leave her readers wanting more incredible twists and turns. Side note: A nightlight may be required. Some bleary-eyed, early mornings have been known to occur.
Alexa Verde writes sweet, wholesome books about faith, love, and murder. She penned her first literary masterpiece, a rhymed poem, at the ripe age of eight, and since has had 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks.
My thoughts:
If you enjoy romantic suspense this is a collection full of them. Each is so unique I never would have guessed what each story held.
Each is very well written, some of them took me a bit more time to get into then others but overall I was very pleased with each story hidden in this collection.
Some of the authors have connected these stories to other books they have written so if you have read something by some of these authors you might come across some familiar characters.
Again, if you enjoy romantic suspense I think this is a collection of stories you would enjoy for a few quick reads.
Grab your copy at Amazon, it’s only $0.99.
A copy of this book was given to my through The Book Club Network, Inc. in exchange for an honest review.
Genesis 5020 