Review and Giveaway: Living Lies by Natalie Walters May 31, 2019

About:

In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name–but no one knows your secret.

At least that’s what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.

Lane must work with Walton’s newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she’ll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.

My thoughts and giveaway:

You never know what to expect when reading something by a new author. I had heard a lot of good things about this book before I picked it up.

I was not disappointed. For anyone who enjoyed romantic suspense you will love this book.

So many secrets slowly revealed at just the right time. So many questions left unanswered until the perfect moment.

I have never struggled with depression (just the daily, once in a while type), but never had to live with it. But Lane does have to deal with it and figured out to survive for the little boy she loves.

Charlie has his own issues that seem to get entangled with Lane.

Overall, a wonderful read that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Visit Natalie here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

Leave a comment by June 10th for your chance to win 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. All opinions are my  own. 

Upon My Heart Forever by Amber Lynn Perry May 30, 2019

About:

When Clara Moore learns of her brother’s unthinkable scheme—to take her to England and force her into a hasty marriage—she knows she must escape New York. But when she finds out who has accepted the job of taking her to Boston, she almost rethinks her own hurried plan. For the handsome man who comes to her aid is none other than her former love, Ethan Barrik. He left her heart in shambles six years before. Can she trust him a second time?

Ethan Barrik is no stranger to struggle. But tracking the enemy, and war-time spying are nothing compared to the pain of regret. Ready at last to leave his past behind, he accepts one final job for a friend, only to discover the person he’s really helping is the woman he still loves. Despite her ire, he knows he must make every attempt to make it right—and hope she will find a way to forgive him and give their love another chance.

About:

This little book packs a big punch. This is the second book I have read by Amber. I really liked the first one so I didn’t hesitate to pick this one up. I really like her writing style and nothing is lost in this short story.

Ethan and Clara definitely frustrated me. I just wanted them to speak the truth. Of course if that happened too soon there would be no story. The way these two are thrown together makes for a very interesting story.

Visit Amber here.

Grab your copy at Amazon, or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own. 

Whispers and Wildflowers by Sarah Beth Marr May 29, 2019

About:

How many of us find ourselves constantly busy and, deep down, constantly soul-weary? By striving to keep up our busy pace, we can easily miss out on a deeper connection with God. So many of us are overwhelmed and underfed. But there is hope.

In this inspiring and practical book, Sarah Beth Marr helps women develop a regular practice of withdrawing from busyness to realign and refresh their hearts, minds, and souls. She helps them

– discover Scripture that will lead them to peace
– connect with God on a deeper level
– run to God rather than other things that do not satisfy
– experience less stress and more contentment
– be fully present in their lives

Any woman who feels distracted, burnt out, depleted, or overwhelmed will find in Marr a gentle and uplifting guide to greater personal peace and simplicity.

My thoughts:

This is a good book to take your time through, don’t rush it. Take it day by day and answer the questions at the end of each chapter and take the prayer to heart.

I think this book could get to the heart of what is rushing us around if we take the time to slow down and let it do its work. So take a deep breath and read.

Visit Sarah here.

Grab copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own. 

Sweet On You by Becky Wade May 28, 2019

About:

Britt Bradford and Zander Ford have been the best of friends since they met thirteen years ago. Unbeknown to Britt, Zander has been in love with her for just as long.

Independent and adventurous Britt channels her talent into creating chocolates at her hometown shop. Zander is a bestselling author who has spent the past eighteen months traveling the world. He’s achieved a great deal but still lacks the only thing that ever truly mattered to him–Britt’s heart.

When Zander’s uncle dies under mysterious circumstances, he returns to Merryweather, Washington, to investigate, and Britt is immediately there to help. Although this throws them into close proximity, both understand that an attempt at romance could jeopardize their once-in-a-lifetime friendship. Britt is determined to resist any change in their relationship, but Zander finds it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings hidden.

As they work together to uncover his uncle’s tangled past, will the truth of what lies between them also finally come to light?

My thoughts:

I have been waiting for Britt and Zander’s story and it was as good as I hoped.

Becky is such an excellent writer and I love she infuses a bit of mystery into this series.

My only complaint was there was a lot of backstory thrown in. The reader was often pulled out of the present and placed in the past for a good amount of time.

But aside from that I loved this story and how Becky brought Zander and Britt together.

Visit Becky 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 me. All opinions are my own. 

Review and Giveaway: Pages of Her Life by James L. Rubart May 23, 2019

About the Book

Book: The Pages of Her Life

Author: James L. Rubart

Genre: Christian fiction – suspense

Release Date: May 21, 2019

Award-winning and bestselling author James L. Rubart explores the way our memories shape us . . . and how they affect our beliefs.

Allison Moore has no idea why she got out of her car on that rainy March afternoon and picked up the soaked journal laying on the side of the road. Brought it home. But she did. It was empty. Except for two lines scrawled in the front, too washed out to read. And a Jesus emblem inside the back cover. Something about the journal compels her to start writing in it, capturing thoughts about her newly acquired job that she thought would be heaven, but has turned into hell. Then one day, she finds words in the center of the journal. Words she didn’t write: Mene mene tekel upharsin. After her heart stops hammering, Allison Googles the phrase, and reads the story of Belshazzar’s Feast, where a hand from God writes on the wall, and the king is slain. Fear grips her, certain God is coming after her for what she did twelve years back. What she’s done wrong her whole life. She vows to make things right. Then she discovers more phrases appearing underneath each of her journal entries. Those phrases take her on an emotional roller coaster that forces her to look at everything she believes about her past in a new light, and opens her eyes to a supernatural realm of staggering consequence.

    Click here to purchase a copy of the book.

 

About the Author

James L. Rubart is a professional marketer and speaker. He is the author of the best-selling novel Rooms as well as Book of Days, The Chair, Soul’s Gate, Memory’s Door, and Spirit Bridge. He lives with his wife and sons in the Pacific Northwest. Website: www.jameslrubart.com Twitter: @jameslrubart Facebook: JamesLRubart

 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 21

Spoken from the Heart, May 22

Godly Book Reviews, May 23

Genesis 5020, May 23

Bigreadersite, May 24

Simple Harvest Reads, May 24

Through the Fire Blogs, May 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 25

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 26

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 27

amandainpa, May 27

All-of-a-kind Mom, May 28

Hallie Reads, May 28

Reader’s Cozy Corner, May 29

Reflections From My Bookshelves, May 30

Ashley’s Bookshelf, May 30

Inspired by fiction, May 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 31

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 1

For Him and My Family, June 2

janicesbookreviews, June 2

Maureen’s Musings, June 3

Inklings and notions , June 3

Mary Hake, June 4

Texas Book-aholic, June 4

Retrospective Spines, June 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 5

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, June 6

Blogging With Carol, June 7

Just the Write Escape, June 7

For The Love of Books, June 8

Remembrancy, June 8

All 4 and About Books, June 9

Livin’ Lit, June 9

A Reader’s Brain, June 10

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, James is giving away a finished copy of The Pages of Her Life!!

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/e4f2/the-pages-of-her-life-celebration-tour-giveaway

My thoughts:

Um, yeah. This is a great book. I love James Rubart’s imagination. I have no idea how he comes up with his stories but that are all so unique and deeply spiritual. This book is definitely that.

Allison is going through some stuff as well as her family. They are trying to figure out how to function through the mess and overcome the past. This journal that Allison receives is an answer to prayer and begins to change things.

There are many other things going on in the story that will keep you reading as well. Like what is going on with this new job? Is it a mistake or is God going to do something with it?

If you like books that will get your thinking and encourage your faith I highly recommend this one.

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 me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own. 

Get Well Soon by Lisa Harris Smith May 22, 2019

About:

Walk in Divine Health and Wholeness

We live in the most technologically advanced age of all time, yet we have never been more sick. Even those in good health face constant misdirection.

Certified nutritional counselor, co-pastor and TV host Laura Harris Smith helps you pursue healing and wellness for body, mind and spirit–both naturally and supernaturally. You are meant to enjoy a full, abundant life, and Smith equips you with the tools you need, including

· condition-specific healing prayers
· links to free online videos by Laura
· powerful declarations of faith
· body system blessings for the prevention of sickness
· delicious menus tailored for each of the 15 body systems
· spiritual warfare guidelines for troubleshooting stubborn ailments
· guidance for confronting spiritual sickness–such as grudges, unforgiveness or sin patterns–that may be blocking physical healing
· amazing, miraculous testimonies to build faith

My thoughts:

I love Laura’s words on health. She makes sense and she addresses so many concerns and issues.

I feel I am already on the road to better health but I still found this book informative because there are things that aren’t getting better and I don’t know why. Thanks to this book I can now have a focused prayer for what “ails” me.

I really appreciated her explanation of the difference between healings and miracles, truly eye-opening. If you want better health and continued good health I encourage you to give this book a read.

Visit Lisa 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 me. All opinions are my own. 

Uncharted Destiny by Keely Brooke Keith May 21, 2019

About:

Bailey Colburn is safe in the Land, but her father figure, Professor Tim, never made it to Good Springs. When Bailey discovers Tim is lost in the Land’s dangerous mountain terrain and out of his life-saving medication, she sets out to rescue him. Even with the help of intriguing native Revel Roberts, Bailey faces an impossible journey to save Tim. The mountains are shrouded in dark folklore and full of deadly surprises.

Revel Roberts never stays in one place too long. No matter where he travels in the Land, he avoids the Inn at Falls Creek, his boyhood home and the business he will inherit. But when fearless newcomer Bailey Colburn needs Revel’s help to find her friend, he joins the mission and is forced to return to the place he’d rather forget.

Bailey and Revel’s friendship strengthens as they need each other in ways neither of them imagined. But nothing can prepare them for what awaits in the Land’s treacherous mountains.

My thoughts:

I have so enjoyed this series. It is definitely unique but not too crazy. I find this believable.

The previous book left the reader hanging, wondering what would happen and where Tim was. We pick up right were we left off on this adventure.

I liked watching Revel and Bailey’s friendship blossom and wondered what would happen between them and where this relationship would go.

I really recommend this series or anything written by Keely. If you like this that are a bit different this should right up your ally.

Visit Keely here.

Grab your copy at Amazon, or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own. 

Verity by Lisa T. Bergren May 20, 2019

About:

After leaving England behind for a new life in the West Indies with her sisters, Verity Banning wants something to call her own. Her affinity for animals inspires her to set up a business importing horses, as well as other goods in demand by the island residents. However, when she arrives in the colonies to purchase her goods, unexpected news of Captain Duncan McKintrick awaits her–as does the captain’s handsome brother, Ian, whose sympathies lie with the fledgling Patriot cause.

As the great-granddaughter of a British general and a friend to many Loyalists, Verity believed all she wanted was a peaceful resolution. Yet both the Patriots and the impassioned Ian McKintrick are steadily laying claim to her heart. When faced with the decision of what–and for whom–she will fight, can she set her feet upon a new path despite the danger that threatens to destroy her dreams?

My thoughts:

This is the second book in this series. I forgot how much I liked these sassy sisters.

In this book we get to know Verity more. She is a strong young woman, how doesn’t always follow the rules of how a young lady should behave in that time period.

Ian is a wonderful hero bent on revenge for his brother. The two are drawn together, yet forces and past wounds keep them apart.

This isn’t a fast moving book. although it is never boring, it’s just a longer book that takes a bit more time to get through. And I wanted to savor every image the author put on the page.

Visit Lisa 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 me. All opinions are my own. 

Review and Giveaway: Act of Valor by Dana Mentink May 16, 2019

About the Book

Book: Act of Valor

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational romantic suspense

Release Date: June 1, 2019

A True Blue K-9 story …When airline employee Violet Griffin encounters several suspicious passengers, she’s thrust into the crosshairs of a drug smuggling operation. NYPD officer Zach Jameson and his drug detection beagle, Eddie, can tell this is no small-time threat. Someone’s gunning for Violet, and after recently losing his brother, Zach refuses to lose her, too…especially now that she’s gone from friend to the woman he’s falling for.

 

Click here to purchase your copy.

 

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Barbour, and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

 

More from Dana

Cops and killers and beagles, oh my! It was a ton of fun writing the second book in the new True Blue K-9 Continuity series. First of all, I had the honor of working with some AMAZING authors. (It’s challenging creating a world together and keeping all those details straight!) I had the privilege of following the amazing Lynette Eason, so that’s always a plus! Second, I learned all about the astonishing world of beagles!  Those critters are just amazing. For instance, the original beagles were tiny, only 8 inches tall and could be carried in a pocket, which is why they called them Pocket Beagles. I need one of those! The name beagle comes from the French, which is translated “wide throat” or “loudmouth.” This is well earned by Eddie in my story, who will occasionally let loose with the trademark baying. The beagles small size, general friendliness, and ferocious scent drive, make it the perfect dog to sniff around airports and get into compact spaces. Eddie enjoys doing just that with Zach, his handler and best friend. He earns those gourmet treats that Zach bakes up for him. Best of all, Eddie was rescued from death before he became a canine cop star! It’s just awesome when you can twine fact with fiction to come up with a tail wagging suspense story! I hope you enjoy the second installment in the series!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 16

Genesis 5020, May 16

Multifarious, May 17

Through the Fire Blogs, May 17

Lighthouse Academy, May 17

Reading Is My SuperPower, May 18

Blogging With Carol, May 18

Daysong Reflections, May 19

Carla Loves to Read, May 19

Wishful Endings, May 20

EmpowerMoms, May 20

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, May 20

Remembrancy, May 21

Blossoms and Blessings, May 21

Simple Harvest Reads, May 22 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Hallie Reads, May 22

Among the Reads, May 23

Moments, May 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 24

Just Your Average reviews, May 24

Real World Bible Study, May 25

Pause for Tales, May 25

Ashley’s Bookshelf, May 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 26

Texas Book-aholic, May 26

Bigreadersite, May 27

janicesbookreviews, May 27

Inklings and notions, May 28

Rev. Rebecca Writes: Read, Write, Pray, May 29

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize of a print copy of the book, a beagle coloring book, and an 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/e012/act-of-valor-celebration-tour-giveaway

My thoughts:

As always I enjoy reading Dana’s books. I know I will not be disappointed and I wasn’t with this book.

The first page opens up with some suspicious circumstances and only build from there.

Violet frustrated me so much. She is very stubborn and didn’t always think things through and what might happen. But, of course, that made things more interesting.

Zach is a true hero but he is angry at God. His anger made me sad. I wanted him to open his mind and heart to what God might be trying to teach him.

This is a wonderful romance since the two have been friends before they fell in love, that always makes things interesting. Overall, a very enjoyable read.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christainbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own. 

Review and Giveaway: Strike the Mark by James W. Goll May 15, 2019

About the Book

Book: Strike The Mark

Author: James W. Goll

Genre: Christian non-fiction, prayer, spiritual warfare

Release Date: April 19, 2019

Prayers that strike the mark are specific prayers authorized by the Holy Spirit and endowed with divine power to accomplish the will of God in your life and for the needs of the world. On the cross, Jesus fulfilled the ultimate answer to all of our prayers, but He awaits our invitation to come into our situations and circumstances. When people of prayer intercede, they create a meeting place between the heavenly Father and His children. God comes upon the person who is praying and moves them from the natural to the supernatural. Empowered by God, the intercessor has the authority to cut down enemy forces and pick out “targets” for God’s lightning bolts of glory, bringing victory and breakthrough.

Intercession could be called “extreme prayer” because it links extreme needs with the extraordinary power of God. Inserting ourselves into the gap between God and a need, we call upon the Holy Spirit, our Helper, who is ready to move us from finite ability to infinite ability, take hold of difficult situations, and help accomplish the will of God. We have the great honor of being called to “paint targets” on cities, churches, ministries, family members, contemporary “Sauls” (those who persecute or cause difficulty), and even ourselves. Our believing, persistent prayers will Strike the Mark!

“He covers His hands with the lightning, and commands it to strike the mark” (Job 36:32 NASB).

 

Click here to purchase your copy.

 

About the Author

JAMES W. GOLL is the president of God Encounters Ministries and has traveled around the world sharing the love of Jesus, imparting the power of intercession, prophetic ministry, and life in the Spirit. He has recorded numerous classes with corresponding study guides and is the author of more than forty books, including The Seer, The Discerner, Releasing Spiritual Gifts Today, Passionate Pursuit, The Lost Art of Intercession, and The Lifestyle of a Prophet. James is the father of four wonderful children with a growing number of grandchildren, and makes his home in Franklin, TN.

 

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 11

For the Love of Literature, May 12

Spoken from the Heart, May 13

Mary Hake, May 14

Genesis 5020, May 15

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 16

Just the Write Escape, May 17

Artistic Nobody, May 18 (Spotlight)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 19

Texas Book-aholic, May 20

janicesbookreviews, May 21

Power of Words, May 22 (Spotlight)

A Reader’s Brain, May 23

Inklings and notions, May 24

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, James is giving away a 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/e2ac/strike-the-mark-celebration-tour-giveaway

My thoughts:

I have read other books by James and have enjoyed them, now I will add this one to the list of books I have devoured by James W. Goll.

If you are looking to reignite your prayer life and maybe get to the bottom of why you have been asleep in your prayers this just might be the book to wake you up.

This book wasn’t really geared toward waking you up so much as giving you direction but for some reason, for me, this book ignited something in me. At one point I found myself crying and actually getting excited about praying again. It has been a struggle for the last 9 months or so. Whatever the reason, I needed this book.

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 me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.