Genesis 5020

Stories for His Glory

Lone Star Ranger by Renae Brumbaugh Green December 31, 2019

Filed under: Book Reviews,Uncategorized — Melissa Finnegan @ 2:03 pm
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About:

Elizabeth Covington will get her man.

And she has just a week to prove her brother isn’t the murderer Texas Ranger Rett Smith accuses him of being. She’ll show the good-looking lawman he’s wrong, even if it means setting out on a risky race across Texas to catch the real killer.

Rett doesn’t want to convict an innocent man. But he can’t let the Boston beauty sway his senses to set a guilty man free. When Elizabeth follows him on a dangerous trek, the Ranger vows to keep her safe. But who will protect him from the woman whose conviction and courage leave him doubting everything—even his heart?

My Thoughts:

I forget how much I enjoy Renea’s writing. I have read a couple of her books and they are so well crafted, she immediately draws me into the store. This book was no exception.

This is also a quick read, it didn’t take me much time at all, it helped that it was such an interesting story.

Elizabeth is a determined young woman who doesn’t fit into the mold of how a woman should act, but that doesn’t stop her, not when it means life or death for her brother.

Rett is a wonderful hero who starts to question his eagerness to arrest a man who looks like Hardy, but he isn’t afraid to admit he might have been wrong.

I also appreciated how Elizabeth and Rett start turning toward God and realize how much they need Him in their lives.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this series, if it’s anything like this one it promises to engaging.

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

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

 

Review and Giveaway: Forget me Now by Alana Terry December 30, 2019

Filed under: Book Reviews,Uncategorized — Melissa Finnegan @ 2:15 pm
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Forget-me-now-FB-Banner.jpgAbout the Book

Book: Forget Me Now

Author: Alana Terry

Genre: Christian Mystery and Suspense

Release Date: July 19, 2019

Forget-me-Now-203x300.jpgShe’s forgotten everything … including who it is that wants her dead.

Mia’s trapped in a nightmare inside her own mind. After a brain injury leaves her unable to form new memories, all she knows is that entire months of her life are missing. Those closest to her are dead, and someone’s on their way back soon to finish the job.

Heart-gripping, page-turning Christian suspense from the author whose books are called “intense,” “life-changing,” and “impossible to put down,” Forget Me Now is a psychological thriller with enough twists to keep you reading … and guessing … late into the midnight hours.

Download your copy today for a fast-paced adrenaline rush you’ll never forget.

 

Click here for your copy.

 

About the Author

alana-terry.jpgAlana 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.

 

More from Alana

I love writing Christian fiction suspense. I have multiple series for sale and one of the things my readers have grown to appreciate is how many of their favorite characters show up in more than one series. Another aspect of my books that readers’ enjoy is the mystery, intrigue, and twists and turns involved as they reach the final page.

My new novel, Forget Me Now, has all the favorite elements mentioned above, but includes a new psychological thriller element that I hope readers will love as much as I loved bringing it to them. This novel asks the question, “What would you do if you woke up to find three months of your memory entirely gone? Who would you turn to for answers during that confusing time … and how would you react if you began to question the ones you turned to for the truth?

Read all about how Mia handles a predicament just like this (except even more dangerous) in Forget Me Now, complete with all the thrills and gripping suspense you’ve grown to love from Alana Terry novels as well as the reminder that God is always in control.

If you want, let me know your thoughts after you’ve had a chance to dive into this thriller that is truly unforgettable by emailing me at alana@alanaterry.com.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 27

Back Porch Reads, December 28

Rebecca Tews, December 28

Blogging With Carol, December 29

Mamma Loves Books, December 29

Betti Mace, December 30

Genesis 5020, December 30

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 31

For Him and My Family, January 1

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 1

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, January 2

Emily Yager, January 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 3

Inklings and notions, January 4

Quiet Quilter, January 5

For the Love of Literature, January 5

Texas Book-aholic, January 6

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 6

Hebrews 12 Endurance, January 7

Bigreadersite, January 7

janicesbookreviews, January 8

Maureen’s Musings, January 9

Mary Hake, January 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Alana is giving away the grand prize of a $30 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/f380/forget-me-now-celebration-tour-giveaway

My thoughts:

This is one of my favorite books I have read by Alana. It’s a super quick read but so impactful and good.

It totally had the 50 First Dates vibe. Pretty early on I knew something was going on that was being hidden from Mia. I bounced back and forth between who I thought hurt her and her mother. Alana did a great job making that a mystery.

I had to hold back tears at the end but I can’t share too much about why because that might give too much away. But I love how she worked the Gospel message in to the book and the impact one life can have.

Five stars for this one!!

Visit Alana here.

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 Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own. 

 

 

Discernment by Jane Hamon December 27, 2019

Filed under: Book Reviews,Uncategorized — Melissa Finnegan @ 1:46 pm
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About:

You Can Hold the Strategic Advantage in Every Spiritual Battle!

We are living in such critical times that it is imperative for every believer to discern the guiding voice of the Holy Spirit. He longs to help you walk with prophetic insight into His good plans–even as He alerts you to hidden schemes of darkness.

With expertise born of personal experience and keen biblical insight, prophetic leader Jane Hamon takes a deep dive, biblically and practically, into this empowering gift of the Holy Spirit. She helps you navigate life with victory as you learn to
· discern the presence of God
· discern the times
· discern angels and demons
· discern hidden motives in others
· discern how to pray more effectively
· discern your next course of action
· and more!

God is speaking to you. Learn to operate in greater spiritual authority and walk in wisdom as you help build His Kingdom on earth.

My thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. So much good stuff in here and it kept my interest.

I honestly am not sure why some non-fiction books captivate me and others I can barely concentrate. Thankfully I could fully concentrate on this book.

I appreciate the author being real with some of her skepticism of things she witnessed. I definitely struggle at times with this. She also addresses people having a religious spirit and I see that often which stifles the Holy Spirit.

Overall, if you are looking for greater discernment in the Spirit I highly recommend 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 by the publisher. All opinions are my own. 

 

Review and Giveaway: Mistletoe Melody and Mistletoe Mission December 26, 2019

Filed under: Book Reviews,Uncategorized — Melissa Finnegan @ 1:37 pm
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About the Books

Book:  Mistletoe Melody and Mistletoe Mission

Author: Stacey Weeks

Genre: Contemporary inspirational romance

Release Date: Book 1 (December 1, 2018) Book 2 (December 1, 2019)

MistletoeMelody_w12697_750-181x300.jpgMistletoe Melody:

Former musician, Melody Staff, spends Christmas at a bed and breakfast in the village of Mistletoe Meadows. While everyone sings familiar carols of Christ drawing near, Melody stumbles over misplaced notes. Her recent diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis has scared off her fiancé and thrust her life into a grand pause. She’s not sure her heart will ever sing again.

Quentin Oxford has endured a devastating year. His preteen daughter suffered a stroke, and they’ve grieved his wife’s sudden death, but the Lord coaxes a surprising refrain from Quentin’s heart as God rewrites his and Melody’s score into a holiday love song that will last for Christmases to come.

Mistletoe Mission:MistletoeMission_w12873_750-180x300.jpg

While her own relationships always end up doomed, Emily Colt is still determined to create happily-ever-afters through her wedding and event planning business. In hopes of expanding her business, she enters her latest project–staging the Christmas wedding of the year–into a town-wide contest. But between crossing paths with the first man to break her heart and dodging a saboteur, she doubts even career success is within her grasp.

Jilted pastor, Luca Wilson, fled to the mission field to escape a broken heart. All the hurt rushes back when he returns home to officiate his cousin’s wedding, and he finds Emily, the girl to whom he once promised forever, organizing the celebration. Despite his lost faith in love, their unforeseen reunion rekindles a spark, and Luca vows to help her save her struggling business. But to succeed, they will have to learn what it means to trust each other and believe in the God of Christmas miracles.

 

Click here to purchase Mistletoe Melody and here to purchase Mistletoe Mission.

 

 

About the Author

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Stacey Weeks is the multi-award-winning author of Glorious Surrender (2016) and Chasing Holiness (2020), inspirational romances The Builder’s Reluctant Bride (2016), Mistletoe Melody (2018), Mistletoe Mission (Dec 2019) and inspirational romantic suspense novels In Too Deep (2017), and Fatal Homecoming (2019). Stacey lives in Ontario where she speaks at women’s conferences, teaches writing and bible study workshops, and writes about the things of the Lord. www.staceyweeks.com

 

More from Stacey

It is strange, sometimes, what inspires a story. At the time of writing Mistletoe Melody, the ten-year-old daughter of a good friend was on the recovery side of a massive stroke. This young girl inspired Janie, and she gave the character her contagious smile, a mischievous pre-teen sense of humor, and a fierce love for family. You don’t read all of Janie’s story in Mistletoe Melody, but perhaps you will in a later novella.

Melody was the result of my lovely twenty-something niece receiving a shocking diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. She endured painful tests, had hopes raised and dashed, and was blessed when the Lord saw fit to work through a drug trial to ease her suffering. Watching her life, her plans, and the things she assumed were a given for her future get shaken to their core sent me to the Scriptures.

Not too long before drafting Mistletoe Mission (book two set in Mistletoe Meadows), my husband and I travelled to Haiti. As our driver transported us from the airport to the compound on which we stayed for the duration of our trip, he pointed in the general direction of the beach that receives cruise ships and tourists. He said that portion of Haiti is separated from the rest and is considered by some to be the most beautiful section of Haiti. I disagree.

To be fair, I didn’t visit the cleaned-up beach just around the other side of the mountain, but I saw something most tourists do not get to see. I met the people and visited several in their homes. I witnessed the determination and hard work that life requires from them. I observed a light in their eyes, fueled by a love for Jesus. There is nothing more beautiful than a person on fire for the Lord, a person who is ready to be a light in a dark land.

Luca’s character is loosely based on the Director of Missions and Compassion at Hope Bible Church in Oakville, Ontario. He arranged our trip – my first overseas mission trip – and it changed my life. I have huge respect for the work he is doing, and I am thrilled to see how God is blessing the work.

Another real-life connection that made its way into Mistletoe Mission is a business that inspired the fictional start-up I called One Village. Little by Little is a business for mission committed to empowering Haitian parents. Little by Little sells the Morse Code bracelet featured in Mistletoe Mission. I fell in love with the concept of this business, and it was my delight to write a fictional version into the story. You can visit Little by Little’s website and order a bracelet like the one featured in the book (or maybe you’ll win the one I am giving away on this tour!). http://www.littlebylittle.ca/store/p326/morse-code-bracelet.html

Be blessed this holiday as you seek the Lord who has done and is doing great things.

Stacey

 

Gift From Stacey

Here are a few fun coloring items from Stacey!

 

Get your copy of Under the Summer Mistletoe for free here. (For Canada, click here)

 

Mistletoe Melody Bookmark

 

Mistletoe Melody Poster

 

Mistletoe Melody Coloring Page

 

Mistletoe Mission Coloring page

Blog Stops

Just the Write Escape, December 20

My Devotional Thoughts, December 20

Blossoms and Blessings, December 21

Blogging With Carol , December 22

A Reader’s Brain, December 23

mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 23

Emily Yager, December 24

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, December 25

Deanne’s Book Thoughts, December 26

Genesis 5020, December 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 27

Remembrancy, December 28

Inklings and notions, December 28

Quiet Quilter, December 29

For the Love of Literature, December 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 30

Texas Book-aholic, December 31

janicesbookreviews, January 1

Reading Is My SuperPower, January 2

Batya’s Bits, January 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Stacey is giving away the grand prize of the winner’s choice of a Morse Code Bracelet!! (found here: http://www.littlebylittle.ca/store/p326/morse-code-bracelet.html)

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/f2eb/mistletoe-melody-and-mistletoe-mission-celebration-tour-giveaway

My thoughts:

Mistletoe Melody

This is a sweet, quick read. I got so frustrated with Melody and her not telling Quetin what was going on with her. I wanted to shout out just tell him the truth.

I could relate to her struggle with leading worship when you go through a struggle and God’s gentle way he guided her back to His heart.

Mistletoe Mission

I actually liked this book a lot more, I felt like the tension and the questions where greater. I was concerned about Emily pulling of this wedding. The added stress of Leah’s mom and her superstitions, which many people, even Christians, can fall into. The author did a great job of reminding the reader that with Jesus we don’t have to worry about good or bad luck.

Overall, I enjoyed these sweet Christmas reads.

Grab your copy at Amazon, Barnes and Noble 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: Daybreak by Beckie Lindsey December 23, 2019

Filed under: Book Reviews,Uncategorized — Melissa Finnegan @ 2:24 pm
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Daybreak-FB-cover-1.jpg About the Book

Book: Daybreak

Author: Beckie Lindsey

Genre: YA Fiction

Release Date: July, 2019

Daybreak-cover-200x300.jpgEvery girl has a secret she hopes the light will never find—

but the demons already have.

Krystal, Mackenzie, Tammi, and Sadie fight a spiritual battle between unseen forces of good and evil that reaches deadly proportions.

When Krystal’s relationship with lifelong friend, Bryce, turns romantic, she is faced with the most important decision of her life. No matter her choice—everything will change forever.

As the friends rally to help Krystal, they each face their own battles against the forces of darkness and within themselves.

When tension between the group and members of a rock band continue to escalate, only time will tell which bonds will grow stronger and which will break.

“The thief comes only to kill, steal, and destroy.”

 

Click here to get your copy.

 

About the Author

Beckie-Lindsey-220x300.jpgBeckie Lindsey is an award-winning author, poet, blogger, and the editor of Southern California Christian Voice, a division of One Christian Voice, a national news syndicating agency. She is a major coffeeholic and enjoys a good book with a cat on her lap. She also loves to hike and hang out with family and friends. Beckie and her husband, Scott have three adult children, two adorable cats and live in California.

 

More from Beckie

Why I write YA and the BFA series

 

I believe a teenager still exists inside each of us.

 

We hear a familiar tune from our “glory days” and are instantly tapping our toes. Mentally, we’re back in high school —poofy bangs, scrunchie, neon off-the-shoulder sweatshirt — and all. Oh, wait. That’s me back in the ‘80s!

 

Ah, yes. There is something wonderfully awful about those coming-of-age years.

 

From the first kiss to the first breakup, there are memories we cherish and some we don’t care to ever revisit. Being a teen can be exciting, confusing, painful, joyous, or even all of those things at once!

 

No matter how different your teenage experience was from mine, one thing is true for us all: these years have an enormous impact on who we become as adults. We can all sympathize with the plight of puberty and the longing for independence and acceptance. Yeah, there’s still a teenager in all of us!

 

These are the reasons I write YA.

 

My hope is to use the power of storytelling to move past barriers and open hearts to accept how much God loves and desires a personal relationship with us.

 

At every age, we all need the grace and love of Jesus.

 

In the Beauties from Ashes (BFA) series, I write about relatable characters with difficult issues and traumatic pasts to enlighten readers about the unseen spiritual battle referred to in Scripture. Each character has a secret that has left them vulnerable to the battle in an invisible realm where demonic creatures fight to keep them chained to their pasts and angels of light work to free them.

 

The characters and their issues are complex, just like real life. In fact, some of the topics are often considered too taboo to talk about openly. But what is left in the dark, festers and grows. It is only in the light that we can be free. In the BFA series, readers experience the character’s quest for truth, love, grace, and freedom while hopefully finding the same for themselves.

Blog Stops

Genesis 5020, December 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 24

Simple Harvest Reads, December 24 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, December 25

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 26

Emily Yager, December 27

Through the Fire Blogs, December 28

Where Christ & Crisis Collide, December 29

Blogging With Carol, December 30

For Him and My Family, December 31

Artistic Nobody, December 31 (Author Interview)

Remembrancy, January 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 2

janicesbookreviews, January 3

A Reader’s Brain, January 4

Inklings and notions, January 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Beckie is giving away the grand prize of a $20 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/f37e/daybreak-celebration-tour-giveaway

My thoughts:

This series deals with some very real issues that teens go through and are dealing with. I have read every book in this series I am so impressed with the honest way Beckie deals with these issues.

The extra perspective we get is how the enemy is working to destroy these teens, which I believe is extremely realistic.

I also love the perspective that we get of the power of our prayers. We have no idea what one little breath of prayer may set into motion but this book shows it can make a big difference.

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 Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own. 

 

Review and Giveaway: The Wedding Dress Christmas by Rachel Hauck December 20, 2019

Filed under: Book Reviews,Uncategorized — Melissa Finnegan @ 5:09 pm
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The-Wedding-Dress-FB-Banner.jpg About the Book

Book:  The Wedding Dress Christmas

Author: Rachel Hauck

Genre: Romance, Christmas

Release Date: October 22, 2019

The-Wedding-Dress-Christmas-Cover-200x300.jpgDecember covers quaint Heart’s Bend, Tennessee with a blanket of white and the glitter of Christmas lights.

For JoJo Castle there’s no place like home. It’s her safe place. Her one-time love of adventure ended when life in the big city shattered her hopes and dreams. Now that she’s returned to Hearts Bend, she never wants to leave again.

Buck Mathews, the biggest country singing sensation in decades, has the world on a string – his guitar strings, to be exact. However, when news of his mother’s illness sends him back to Hearts Bend for the holiday season, he remembers how good it can be to live among family and friends.

Working with her cousin Haley in The Wedding Shop, JoJo has no aspirations of love. Leaving home, surrendering her heart again, is just too risky.

When she runs into her friend and high school crush Buck Mathews, she discovers Love might have other plans for her[BV1] .

Buck’s career is on the verge of an momentous leap. But seeing JoJo awakens feelings he’d buried long ago. Falling in love is easy, but winning her heart will take more than one of his melodic tunes and clever lyrics.

JoJo and Buck want opposite things for their lives, leaving no room for compromise. Can love, especially the kind that touches hearts at Christmastime, overcome her fears andhis quest for greatness?

When a very special gown – the wedding dress – begins to make its presence known, JoJo and Buck’s hearts bend in a way neither ever thought possible.

 

Click here to get your copy.

 

About the Author

rachel-hauck-HR-5-200x300.jpgRachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner.

Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie.

Rachel has been awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.

A member of the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.

At home, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.

A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.

She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.

More From Rachel

Hello Royal Rockstar Readers!

I’m thrilled to share The Wedding Dress Christmas with you. I’ve heard from so many how much The Wedding Dress has touched them, and as I noodled over new story ideas, my thoughts drifted toward the wedding dress and Christmas. What’s more romantic than a Christmas wedding?

This novella is set in Hearts Bend, Tennessee, the fictional town ofThe Wedding Chapel and The Wedding Shop. Even if you’ve never read one of books inThe Wedding Collection, you’ll enjoy this story, the mystery of the dress, and the women whose lives it changed.

I love weddings. They remind us of the purity and the hope of love, the power of commitment. Something powerful is released when two people pledge to spend their lives together, loving and serving one another in both good and bad times. Every wedding I attend reminds me of the vows I made to my husband and I sign up all over again.

Stories are a powerful reflection of life. Yes, fictional stories are often told with wild hyperbole, but that’s what makes them fun to read.

I also love wedding stories because they remind us of God’s love for us, and that one day there will be the grandest wedding of them all. Isn’t it wonderful that God planned a wedding before He created the earth?

In The Wedding Dress Christmas, JoJo and Buck have their issues, but love proves strong enough to conquer them all.

Thanks for going on this little tour with me and The Wedding Dress Christmas.

Yours,

Rachel

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, December 18

Through the Fire Blogs, December 18

Livin’ Lit, December 18

Robin’s Nest, December 18

Reading Is My SuperPower, December 19

By The Book, December 19

Wishful Endings, December 19

All-of-a-kind Mom, December 19

Among the Reads, December 20

Genesis 5020, December 20

Life as Lanhams, December 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 21

Daysong Reflections, December 21

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, December 21

Bigreadersite, December 21

Simple Harvest Reads, December 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Remembrancy, December 22

Britt Reads Fiction, December 22

She Lives to Read, December 23

Empowermoms, December 23

Inside the Wong Mind, December 23

Mia Reads Blog, December 23

Splashes of Joy, December 24

Christian Bookaholic, December 24

Hallie Reads, December 24

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 25

Where Faith and Books Meet, December 25

Blogging With Carol, December 25

For Him and My Family, December 26

Hebrews 12 Endurance, December 26

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 26

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 27

My Devotional Thoughts, December 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 27

Mamma Loves Books, December 27

Betti Mace, December 28

Batya’s Bits, December 28

The Christian Fiction Girl, December 28

Quiet Quilter, December 29

mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 29

janicesbookreviews, December 29

A Reader’s Brain, December 30

Inklings and notions, December 30

Texas Book-aholic, December 30

Carla Loves to Read, December 30

Back Porch Reads, December 31

CarpeDiem, December 31

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, December 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a print copy of the book and a Visa gift card for $25. Swag!!

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/f1fe/the-wedding-dress-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway

My thoughts:

This is a super quick Christmas read. So if you’re looking for something to read in the next week you could do this!

I haven’t read the book that pre-quels this one but that didn’t keep me from enjoying this.

The odds seem stacked against Buck and JoJo getting together. I wondered thoroughout if they did want to be together who would compromise, would would give up the life they currently have?

I loved the mystery of the wedding dress, how did it keep getting out of the trunk and the pull it seemed to have on the right people.

A great Christmas read.

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 Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own. 

 

Review and Giveaway: Wings Like a Dove by Camille Eide December 19, 2019

Filed under: Book Reviews,Uncategorized — Melissa Finnegan @ 1:08 pm
Tags: ,

Wings-like-a-dove-FB-Banner.jpgAbout the Book

Book:  Wings Like A Dove

Author: Camille Eide

Genre: Historical fiction/romance

Release Date: December 1, 2019

Wings-like-a-Dove-cover-200x300.jpgCan the invisible walls that separate people ever come down?

In 1933, Anna Leibowicz is convinced that the American dream that brought her Jewish family here from Poland is nothing but an illusion. Her father has vanished. Her dreams of college can’t make it past the sweat-shop door. And when she discovers to her shame and horror that she’s with child, her mother gives her little choice but to leave her family. Deciding her best course of action is to try to find her father, she strikes out…hoping against hope to somehow redeem them both.

When Anna stumbles upon a house full of orphan boys in rural Indiana who are in desperate need of a tutor, she agrees to postpone her journey. But she knows from the moment she meets their contemplative, deep-hearted caretaker, Thomas Chandler, that she doesn’t dare risk staying too long. She can’t afford to open her heart to them, to him. She can’t risk letting her secrets out.

All too soon, the townspeople realize she’s not like them and treat her with the same disdain they give the Sisters of Mercy—the nuns who help Thomas and the boys—and Samuel, the quiet colored boy Thomas has taken in. With the Klan presence in the town growing ever stronger and the danger to this family increasing the longer she stays, Anna is torn between fleeing to keep them safe…and staying to fight beside them.

Oh, that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest

 

Click here to get your copy.

 

 

About the Author

Camille-Eide-263x300.jpgCamille writes poignant, inspirational love stories some call “more than a romance.” She lives in Oregon with her husband and is a mom, grandma, office admin, lead foot, cinnamon roll baker, and a bass guitarist. She’s a fan of muscle cars, tender romance, and Peanut M&Ms.

 

More from Camille

If Only I Could Fly Away…

“Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.” -Psalm 55:6-8

What do you think of when you read this passage from Psalms? Does the idea of escape tempt you? Have you ever cried out for relief from life’s storms?

In Wings Like a Dove, Anna faces growing difficulties in her life. Psalm 55:6 is brought to her attention and she ponders it more than once, especially as the difficulties in her life steadily increase.

As Polish Jews in the early 1900s, Anna’s family lived in constant upheaval, so fleeing danger is nothing new to her. The problem is that Anna craves connection and community. While she was often uprooted, at least Anna enjoyed the security of family—until now. As the story begins, she is turned out of her home and must journey across the country alone, a heartache that only intensifies the persecution she faces as a Jew, an immigrant, and an unwed woman with child.

But her journey is temporarily delayed out of necessity, and she quickly falls in love with those who have taken her in. The idea of leaving them is as painful a prospect as leaving her own family, but because of the troubles that follow her, it seems she has no choice.

Psalm 55:6 isn’t tempting Anna to leave her surroundings; it tempts her to escape the negativity that robs her joy.

For Anna, and for the rest of us, we can’t flee trouble any more than we can grow wings and fly. The desire for relief is understandable. But what if there is a purpose in the difficult situations we face? What if we are called to more than simply outlast life’s storms? What if our weakest moment is exactly what God wants to use to show his power, love, mercy, and grace?

What if God is waiting for us to stop fluttering our wings and find joy in knowing that we are in the very place we need to be, for a purpose, for such a time as this?

Quote from Anna:

“If these past months have taught me nothing else, they have taught me that though I am only a seed blowing in the wind, I must still be fruitful wherever I land. I have learned that wherever we find ourselves, we must have the courage to stretch out roots and produce something useful, even in times of difficulty. We must bloom boldly in whatever field our seed has fallen.”

 May you find the sweet spot of joy and purpose in the midst of your storm!

 

-Camille

Blog Stops

KarenSueHadley, December 17

My Devotional Thoughts, December 17

Reflections From My Bookshelves, December 18

Mia Reads, December 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 19

Genesis 5020, December 19

Emily Yager, December 20

mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 20

Betti Mace, December 21

To Everything A Season, December 21

Christian Bookaholic, December 22

April Hayman, Author, December 22

For the Love of Literature, December 23

For The Love of Books, December 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 24

Bloggin’ ’bout Books, December 24

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, December 25

For Him and My Family, December 25

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, December 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 27

Deanne’s Book Thoughts, December 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 28

janicesbookreviews, December 28

Pause for Tales, December 29

Texas Book-aholic, December 29

A Reader’s Brain, December 30

Inklings and notions, December 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Camille is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon card & a signed 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/f2ec/wings-like-a-dove-celebration-tour-giveaway

My thoughts:

I really liked this book. I believe this is the first book I have read by Camille but it won’t be my last.

I was really surprised by the prejudice that existed towards the Jews in the U.S. I guess I always just assumed that was in Germany, but not apparently that wasn’t the case.

The author did a great job building tension and questions throughout the book. I really didn’t want to put this one down so I could see what would happen next.

The boys in this book will wiggle their way into your heart as well, especially Sam, what a sweet heart.

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 Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own. 

 

Your Highest Calling by Dr. Bill Hamon December 18, 2019

Filed under: Book Reviews,Uncategorized — Melissa Finnegan @ 9:45 pm
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About:

The Process Is Now but the Rewards Are Eternal

All Christians who long to be conformed to Christlikeness will go through two crucial processes: the Process for Conformity and the Law of Transformation. Gain a workable knowledge of what they are and how God is using them to fulfill His highest calling for your life.

With keen scriptural insight and personal application, Dr. Bill Hamon tackles the hard issues believers face as the crowning glory of creation. Here you will discover

· how you are a co-laborer together with God
· how to have a new view of the trials you face
· how to apply wisdom and insight to your life every day
· how your “enemies” are actually working for you
· and more!

Only as we understand the process through which God conforms us to the likeness of His Son do we accomplish our highest calling–and reign with Jesus for all eternity.

My thoughts:

I really liked this book. I often struggle with non-fiction but this was not one of those books. I was able to stay focused and gain some new understanding.

Our highest calling is to be like Jesus. Simple, yet not.

So many truths in this book I couldn’t begin to touch on them all.

One thing that really suck out to me was if we are truly searching for God’s highest calling we would stop asking God, “why?”. That one hit me because I have been in a season of asking God why about many things. He doesn’t owe me an explanation for the things that happen in our lives.

I also loved when the author talked about our trails working for us, like they are actual employees and we should be grateful for the work they are doing in our lives. Really something to think about there.

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

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

 

A Worthy Heart by Sara Beth Williams December 17, 2019

Filed under: Book Reviews,Uncategorized — Melissa Finnegan @ 12:29 pm
Tags:

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About:

Joel Bennett has always known Serena Hayes as his sister’s gregarious best friend. In the three years since Lacey began college, Serena became a regular houseguest, but lately, she’s absent more than not. When Joel discovers she’s in an abusive relationship, protectiveness from within roars to life.

With only a part-time job to support her and nowhere to go, Serena fears leaving her current relationship would jeopardize her chances of graduating college. After a brutal attack leaves her no choice, she courageously moves out. On her journey toward regaining confidence, self-worth, and independence, Joel falls in beside her, encouraging her. The way he emulates Godly love and compassion draws her close—not just to him, but to the God who can satisfy her longing for love better than any man,

Attraction sizzles between them, but events from their pasts cast shadows of doubt.
When the unthinkable happens, can Serena open her heart to a second chance at love, or is she destined to be alone?

My thoughts:

This was a good book. I’ve never read anything by this author. But she dealt with some tough realities.

I can’t imagine being in an abusive relationship with someone who claims to love you. For me I think just walk away but I have never been in those shoes to have to deal with it.

Joel is a great guy and I couldn’t wait for Serena to open heart to him.

These characters are younger then I first expected, college age, still dealing with going to school, working and making all of that happen so it was a bit hard to relate to them at times but overall  it is a good read.

Visit Sara here.

Grab your copy at Amazon or your favorite retailer.

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

 

The Dating Charade by Melissa Ferguson December 16, 2019

Filed under: Book Reviews,Uncategorized — Melissa Finnegan @ 3:28 pm
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About the Book

Book:  The Dating Charade

Author: Melissa Ferguson

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Fiction, Romantic  Comedy

Release Date: December 3, 2019

The-Dating-Charade-cover-197x300.jpgCassie Everson is an expert at escaping bad first dates. And, after years of meeting, greeting, and running from the men who try to woo her, Cassie is almost ready to retire her hopes for a husband—and children—altogether.

But fate has other plans, and Cassie’s online dating profile catches the eye of firefighter Jett Bentley. In Jett’s memory, Cassie Everson is the unreachable girl-of-legend from their high school days. Nervously, he messages her, setting off a chain of events that forces a reluctant Cassie back into the dating game.

No one is more surprised than Cassie when her first date with Jett is a knockout. But when they both go home and find three children dropped in their laps—each—they independently decide to do the right and mature thing: hide the kids from each other while sorting it all out. What could go wrong?

Melissa Ferguson’s hilarious and warmhearted debut reminds us that love can come in very small packages—and that sometimes our best-laid plans aren’t nearly as rewarding and fun as the surprises that come our way.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Melissa-Ferguson-200x300.jpgMelissa Ferguson lives in Bristol, Tennessee, where she is an adjunct professor at King University and pens books that make her laugh and grow. She used to have hobbies like running and backpacking the Appalachian Trail outside her door. Now she and her husband are outnumbered, and her hobbies include diaper changes, chasing toddlers in parking lots, and admiring the Appalachian Trail out her minivan window while singing “Winnie the Pooh.” She survives by Jesus, rom coms, and roughly two espresso shots a day. The Dating Charade is her first novel.

 

Read an Excerpt

Read an excerpt of The Dating Charade here.

Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, December 16

Genesis 5020, December 16

Kat’s Corner Books, December 17

Robin’s Nest, December 17

EmpowerMoms, December 17

Reflections From My Bookshelves, December 18

All-of-a-kind Mom, December 18

For Him and my Family, December 18

Carla Loves to Read, December 19

CarpeDiem, December 19

Cultivating Us, December 19

Quiet Quilter, December 20

Through the Fire Blogs, December 20

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, December 21

The Christian Fiction Girl, December 21

SusanLovesBooks, December 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 22

Texas Book-aholic, December 22

A Reader’s Brain, December 23

janicesbookreviews, December 23

Just Your Average reviews, December 23

Emily Yager, December 24

Vicky Sluiter, December 24

Hallie Reads, December 25

Remembrancy, December 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 26

Just the Write Escape, December 26

Simple Harvest Reads, December 26 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 27

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 27

Pause for Tales , December 27

As He Leads is Joy, December 28

A Rup Life, December 28

Batya’s Bits, December 29

With a Joyful Noise, December 29

Inklings and notions, December 29

*No Giveaway for this Celebration Tour

My thoughts:

I love when an author can make me laugh and reflect at the same time. Melissa has done this.

I will say it frustrated me that Cassie and Jett just didn’t tell each other what was going on in their lives, but of course that made the story interesting and the author did a good job of explaining their reasons.

I literally laughed out loud several times in this book. There are some comical situations. But there are also some very real and serious issues going on that are heart breaking and as I teacher I know they are all too true.

Melissa is definitely an author I will be looking for in the future.

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.