Review and Giveaway: Snuffed Out by Barbara Cornthwaite November 30, 2020

About the Book

Book: Brought to Book

Author: Barbara Cornthwaite

Genre: Christian cozy mystery

Release Date: July 24, 2020

Picnics can be murder… scenes.

What was supposed to be a romantic picnic at “their spot” turns criminal when Katrina and Todd stumble—almost literally—over a body.

What’s the college chef doing under a bush up in the mountains? Other than being dead, that is.

Who killed him? Why?

All clues point to people who Katrina is certain didn’t do it. Especially the one who ends up dead himself.

Uh, oh.

Thanks to a slow-burning romantic relationship that can’t seem to get past chapter one, and a determination to save her friend from false arrest, Katrina joins Todd again as they riddle out bizarre clues, weed through unlikely suspects, and learn to communicate on a more personal level.

What do you get when you combine literary humor, sweet romance, and a practical helping of faith? A cozy mystery that’ll keep you guessing. Barbara Cornthwaite’s second Wilkester Mystery has everything you want for a cozy read.

Snag Snuffed Out today.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Barbara Cornthwaite lives in the middle of Ireland with her husband and children. She taught college English before “retiring” to do something she loves far more; her days are now filled with homeschooling her six children, trying to keep the house tidy (a losing battle), and trying to stay warm in the damp Irish climate (also a losing battle). She is surrounded by medieval castles, picturesque flocks of sheep, and ancient stone monuments. These things are unappreciated by her children, who are more impressed by traffic jams, skyscrapers, and hot weather.

Teaser for Snuffed Out

Todd closed the folder with the Franklin case paperwork in it and laid it on top of the stack of folders waiting to be filed. He almost reached for the Delaney case notes again but resisted the impulse. There was no new information in there, and he’d gone over everything a dozen times in the last few days. He had promised Katrina he wouldn’t give up, but without any new leads to pursue, there wasn’t much he could do.

He shook his head, impatient with himself. He’d been doing so well at putting her out of his mind—hadn’t thought of her all day until this moment. Now he’d probably be struggling for the rest of the day.

John Ortega poked his head into Todd’s office.

“Hey, we just got a call from the librarian at Wilkester College about the theft of a manuscript. The chief said either one of us could go, but I thought you might like to take it.”

“Why?”

“Oh, come on,” said John. “You think I’m blind and deaf?”

“It’s no use. Nothing’s going to happen between Dr. Peters and me.”

John leaned up against the door frame and grinned at him. “’Dr. Peters,’ huh? She was ‘Katrina’ for weeks.”

“Well, that was before. Now that I know a relationship isn’t possible, I need to keep my distance.”

“She turned you down?”

“I didn’t ask, but trust me, I know what I’m talking about.”

“Hmm,” John said. “You don’t usually give up on things so easily. Well, do you mind handling this anyway? I’ve got that other robbery case to deal with, and I’m supposed to be interviewing that guy from Tacoma in a couple hours.” Todd hesitated and John added, “She’s an adjunct professor, right? She’s probably not even on campus now, and she certainly won’t be in the library.”

“Oh, okay.” Todd sighed. He pushed back his chair and stood up.

“’Attaboy. Thanks for taking the call.” John turned to go and then looked back. “It will get easier, you know.”

“I know.” As long as I don’t see her again.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 28

Texas Book-aholic, November 29

Nancy E Wood, November 29

The Avid Reader, November 30

Genesis 5020, November 30

For the Love of Literature, November 30

Sodbusterliving, December 1

Artistic Nobody, December 1 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 2

deb’s Book Review, December 2

Remembrancy, December 3

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 3

Splashes of Joy, December 3

Inklings and notions, December 4

21st Century Keeper at Home, December 4

For Him and My Family, December 5

Blogging With Carol, December 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 6

Emily Yager, December 6

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 7

Lis Loves Reading, December 7

Labor Not in Vain, December 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 8

Mary Hake, December 8

She Lives to Read, December 9

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 10

Godly Book Reviews, December 10

SusanLovesBooks, December 10

Daysong Reflections, December 11

Bizwings Blog, December 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Barbara is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/103f2/snuffed-out-celebration-tour-giveaway

My thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book, even more then the first one in this series. One things I really like about Barbara’s writing is that she doesn’t shy away from sharing the gospel. Katrina fully shared it with another character in this book. This is missing from so many books these days.

I had an idea what might have happened about halfway through the book but I wasn’t totally sure I was correct, but I was 🙂

I also enjoyed seeing Katrina and Todd’s reletionship grow and the misunderstandings they had along the way.

One more thing I really appreciated was the glimpse into fostering. Not easy, but worth it.

Grab a copy of this book 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.

Autumn Skies by Denise Hunter November 28, 2020

About:

Facing the past is easier if you don’t have to face it alone.

The Bluebell Inn is turning a profit, and it’s time for the Bennett siblings to sell it and move on. Only Grace has plans to stay in the small lake town of Bluebell, North Carolina, where she hopes her growing outfitters business will save her from the loneliness of her siblings’ departure and the persistent sense of unworthiness in her life.

A gunshot wound resurrects the past for Secret Service agent Wyatt Jennings, and a mandatory leave of absence lands him in Bluebell. There he must come to grips with the tragedy that altered his life fourteen years ago.

When Wyatt books a room at the Bluebell Inn, sparks fly between him and Grace. She volunteers to be his mountain guide, and he soon opens up to her, drawn to her strength and sense of humor. But both are reticent to talk about the survivor’s guilt they each carry, and when their pasts finally collide, their budding romance might not survive the truth.

My thoughts:

What a perfect ending to this series.

I have thoroughly enjoyed each book and this one brought everything together beautifully. I even cried at least twice. I could feel Grace’s pain so clearly and happiness.

I just knew there would be some deeper connection between Wyatt and Grace then they even realized, and I was right.

If you haven’t read the other books in this series you can still read this as a stand-alone but it will definitely have a greater impact if you read them all.

Visit Denise here.

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

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

Echo Island by Jared C. Wilson November 27, 2020

About:

When four recent high school graduates return home from a weekend of camping, they expect to go back to life as usual. Instead, the boys discover empty streets, abandoned cars, and utter silence—everyone has disappeared. 

As the friends attempt to solve the mystery, they stumble upon more questions than answers. Why won’t the electronics work? Where did the wind go? What do the notebooks full of gibberish mean? With each new discovery, they learn that nothing was ever quite what it seemed on Echo Island and that a deep secret is drawing them in—if only they would surrender to it.

Join Bradley, Jason, Archer, and Tim on this exploration into myth and mystery. Uncover exactly what happened on Echo Island and what these four friends’ story has to do with God, the meaning of life, and the nature of reality. 

My thoughts:

This book took me a little bit to really get into and or invested in. Once I did it moved along pretty quickly. I think upper middle school/high school students would enjoy this book.

I was surprised to learn what had actually happen to these kids and remembering what happened right at the beginning that should have been clues.

There really isn’t any God in this book, except a quick mention of Him and wondering if He is behind what is going on. This book is really more of an allegory inspired from classics the author has read, (which I haven’t).

Overall, an interesting read and if you like something different this might be up your alley.

Visit Jared 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 through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl R. Trueman November 25, 2020

About:

Carl Trueman traces the historical roots of many hot-button issues such as transgenderism and homosexuality, offering thoughtful biblical analysis as he uncovers the profound impact of the sexual revolution on modern human identity.

My thoughts:

This book sounded really interesting and needed. We, as a culture, have dome to accept many things that are complete lies and unbiblical.

This is more of a scholarly book (at least for me) then I normally read, therefore, I did have some trouble connecting with it. But if you connect with that type of book this is a book full of good content, it’s not really a devotional type read, more for information.

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 Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Remember Me by Mario Escobar November 23, 2020

About:

Amid the shadows of war, one family faces an impossible choice that will change their lives forever.

Madrid, 1934. Though the Spanish Civil War has not yet begun, the streets of Madrid have become dangerous for thirteen-year-old Marco Alcalde and his younger sisters, Isabel and Ana. When Marco’s parents align themselves against General Franco and his fascist regime, they have no inkling that their ideals will endanger them and everyone they love—nor do they predict the violence that is to come.

When the Mexican government promises protection to the imperiled children of Spain, the Alcaldes do what they believe is best: send their children, unaccompanied, across the ocean to the city of Morelia—a place they’ve never seen or imagined. Marco promises to look after his sisters in Mexico until their family can be reunited in Spain, but what ensues is a harrowing journey and a series of heartbreaking events. As the growing children work to care for themselves and each other, they feel their sense of home, family, and identity slipping further and further away. And as their memories of Spain fade and the news from abroad grows more grim, they begin to wonder if they will ever see their parents again or the glittering streets of the home they once loved.

Based upon the true stories of the Children of Morelia, Mario Escobar’s Remember Me—now available for the first time in English—explores the agony of war and paints a poignant portrait of one family’s sacrificial love and endurance.

My thoughts:

At first I wasn’t sure I was going to really get into this book but the more I read the more invested I became in the characters and the tragedy that surrounded their lives.

I knew nothing about the Spanish civil war. The interesting part was that the main character’s parents fought for communism, socialism, conversations that have surfaced in the United Stages recently, something I don’t support at all and struggled with sympathy for the parents to some degree. However, I definitely don’t believe families should be torn apart and I can’t imagine sending my children across the country.

The horrible things these children had to endure is heartbreaking. Overall, this ended up being an interesting read.

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 Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Everywhere to Hide by Siri Mitchell November 21, 2020

About:

How can she protect herself from an enemy she can’t see?

Law school graduate Whitney Garrison is a survivor. She admirably deals with an abusive boyfriend, her mother’s death, mounting student debt, dwindling job opportunities, and a rare neurological condition that prevents her from recognizing human faces.

But witnessing a murder might be the crisis she can’t overcome.

The killer has every advantage. Though Whitney saw him, she has no idea what he looks like. He knows where she lives and works. He anticipates her every move. Worst of all, he’s hiding in plain sight and believes she has information he needs. Information worth killing for. Again.

As the hunter drives his prey into a net of terror and international intrigue, Whitney’s only ally, Detective Leo Baroni, is taken off the case. Stripped of all semblance of safety, Whitney must suspect everyone and trust no one—and hope to come out alive.

My thoughts:

Siri has started writing in this new genre and I read her book before this one and loved it so I was very excited to read this one.

I can’t even imagine having face blindness. It made it interesting to read because we are in first person so the whole time the reader is also face blind, we never see anyone’s face. I wonder, though, if that is why I felt a bit disconnected from this book? I struggled with that throughout.

It started off engaging but as it went on I kind of got tired of hearing about all the men that had a crush on Whitney. It was like no man couldn’t walk by her without falling in love. That seemed a bit unrealistic.

There was also no Christian content. It was a clean fiction, but I don’t recall any faith in this book. This could have easily been tied in with her blindness and God helping her to see with the eyes of her heart? I don’t know, just my idea. Or a lesson in trust?

Overall, it was interesting but not what I was hoping for.

Visit Siri 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 through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Covenant Theology November 18, 2020

About:

This book explores the biblical covenants and how they form the structure of the Bible and inform the Christian life. Featuring contributions from 26 scholars, this monumental work in reformed scholarship is biblically grounded, systematically conveyed, and historically connected.

My thoughts:

This book is full of good information. But it is long. This is really more of a scholarly book and written for someone who is in seminary, or really studying theology. If I waited to review this book until I got done it would be a long time from now because it is extremely long.

However, it is full of solid information and I plan to continue reading it slowly and in small chunks. But if you are looking for some deep information into covenant theology, or to even learn about what that means then you might want to consider picking this book up.

Grab your copy at Amazon, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

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

The Cul-De-Sac War by Melissa Ferguson November 17, 2020

About:

All’s fair in love and prank wars.

Bree Leake doesn’t want to be tied down. She’s had more jobs than she can count, and she plans to move as soon as the curtains fall on her less-than-minor stage role at The Barter—the oldest live performance theater in the US. But just when it’s time to move on again, Bree’s parents make her an offer: hold steady for a full year, and they will give her the one thing she’s always wanted—her grandmother’s house. Her dreams are coming true . . . until life at the theater throws her some curve balls. 

And then there’s Chip McBride—her handsome and infuriating next-door neighbor. 

Chip just might be the only person whose stubborn streak can match Bree’s. She would move heaven and earth to have him off her cul-de-sac and out of her life, but according to the bargain she’s struck, she can’t move out of her house and away from the man who’s making her life miserable. So begins Bree’s obsessive new mission: to drive Chip out of the neighborhood—and fast. 

Bree isn’t the only one who’s a tad competitive, and Chip is more than willing to fight fire with fire. But as their pranks escalate, the line between love and hate starts to blur—and their heated rivalry threatens to take a hilarious, heartwarming, and romantic new turn.

My thoughts:

This is a fun read. These two characters will have you laughing at their crazy antics. Two people couldn’t be more different yet fit perfectly together.

There isn’t a huge faith element in this book but it is there a tiny bit.

I enjoyed Bree’s acting journey since I have been in plays myself and direct them, it make it interesting to read about a character who is involved in theater.

If you are looking for a lighter read you will enjoy this.

Visit Melissa 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 through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.

Review and Giveaway: The Gene by Timothy Browne November 16, 2020

About the Book

Book: The Gene

Author: Timothy Browne

Genre: Medical Thriller

Release Date: July 12, 2020

We are the dwelling place of God—it is woven into our very DNA. Do we change the core of who we are by manipulating our genes? Is gene-therapy a miraculous cure or a slippery slope into eugenics?

Following their marriage, Dr. Nicklaus Hart and Maggie Russell enjoy the splendor and passion of a honeymoon in Hawaii. They learn that their union has brought new life, but the overflowing joy of Maggie’s pregnancy and their romantic getaway is interrupted by the shocking news of a genetic disorder discovered in Maggie’s family lineage. The devastating possibility that both Maggie and the baby carry the mutated gene for the horrific Huntington’s disease, shakes their faith.

Faced with this dreadful diagnosis, Nick and Maggie seek peace as they wrestle with the heartbreaking discovery of a genetic disease versus the knowledge that God is good—He has made their baby in His image and knit him together in Maggie’s womb. Like the millions of people around the world affected with genetic disorders, Nick and Maggie look for answers. With the belief that people are the dwelling place of God, and He is woven into the DNA, what should they do when that DNA has been corrupted?

Nick and Maggie travel to Poland, where the top geneticist, Emmanuelle Christianson, has founded and operates BioGenics whose mission statement is: Advancing the Human Genome. They understand that medical advances always cost something, but they face impossible decisions. They are unaware that the sinister side of genetic research has slithered in from the horrors of Nazi death camps into this modern-day technology. Their journey reveals more than the fight for knowledge, it uncovers a simmering evil left over from World War II. One that puts their lives in danger.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Timothy Browne, MD draws from life and work experience when writing. For many years, he has worked as an orthopaedic surgeon and medical missionary for Operation Blessing, Mercy Ships, and Hope Force International. His work has taken him to Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Brazil, Ukraine, Borneo, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, North Korea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Haiti and Sierra Leone. He now resides in Western Montana with his wife, Julie, who along with their three sons, served with him.

More from Timothy

Christian Fiction that will get your heart pounding!

After finishing, The Gene, the fourth book in the Dr. Nicklaus Hart Series, I have been able to look back at this body of work. The heart of my prose remains the same: to entertain and educate—fueled with imagination, inspired by history, and grounded in truth. I explored the mystery of North Korea and the threat of bioterrorism in Maya Hope, the complexities of the middle East and the history of Mesopotamia in The Tree of Life, the controversies of Big Pharma and our health in The Rusted Scalpel, and now examine the history of eugenics and the pitfalls of gene-therapy in The Gene.

Writing The Gene has taken significant research: exploration of Poland, investigation of the Nazi doctors and their horrendous medical experiments, the history of eugenics around the world, and of course, the science of genetics. The work has been satisfying, edifying, and many times, heartbreaking.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 15

Texas Book-aholic, November 16

Genesis 5020, November 16

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 17

Betti Mace, November 18

deb’s Book Review, November 18

Inklings and notions, November 19

For Him and My Family, November 20

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 20

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 21

Rebecca Tews, November 22

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 23

For the Love of Literature, November 24

amandainpa, November 25

Artistic Nobody, November 25 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Emily Yager, November 26

Blogging With Carol, November 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 27

Pause for Tales, November 27

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Timothy is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1039f/the-gene-celebration-tour-giveaway

My thoughts:

This book was so interesting. It dealt with so much; the horrible things done to twins in WWII, abortion, modern eugenics.

I will give a word of caution, this book really pushes it in the Christian reading comfort zone. There is sex and it is blunt. Not graphic. I didn’t feel uncomfortable but it definitely isn’t like most Christian books that closes the door before anything happens. There is also cursing and a homosexual character. For me this made this book more real, like what real people deal with. We work with people who believe and act differently then us. The book was in no way saying from a Christian perspective that these things are okay.

If none of that bothers you I think you will really enjoy this book. It gives the reader so much to think about. It’s also scary to think this can be happening (and in a away it is, as it is addressed in the book).

If this book sounds interesting I recommend picking it up, it was very good.

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

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

Another Gospel? by Alisa Childers November 11, 2020

About:

A Movement Seeks to Redefine Christianity. Some Think that It Is a Much-Needed Progressive Reformation. Others Believe that It Is an Attack on Historic Christianity.
Alisa Childers never thought she would question her Christian faith. She was raised in a Christian home, where she had seen her mom and dad feed the hungry, clothe the homeless, and love the outcast. She had witnessed God at work and then had dedicated her own life to leading worship, as part of the popular Christian band ZOEgirl. All that was deeply challenged when she met a progressive pastor, who called himself a hopeful agnostic.

Another Gospel? describes the intellectual journey Alisa took over several years as she wrestled with a series of questions that struck at the core of the Christian faith. After everything she had ever believed about God, Jesus, and the Bible had been picked apart, she found herself at the brink of despair . . . until God rescued her, helping her to rebuild her faith, one solid brick at a time.

In a culture of endless questions, you need solid answers. If you or someone you love has encountered the ideas of progressive Christianity and aren’t sure how to respond, Alisa’s journey will show you how to determine—and rest in—what’s unmistakably true.

My thoughts:

Wow. This book is awesome.

First of all if you are interested in church history but don’t want to read a book that will overwhelm you this is a book that explains so many things very clearly. Like how to we know the Word of God really is the Word of God. Now I want to read the more challenging books.

The things the author talked about are scary. The fact that some pastors are teaching the things Alisa shared should scare all of us who desire truth. I have not encountered this teaching personally but I can definitely see the Church could be lead astray through this teaching.

Essentially the progressive gospel is Jesus plus anything else. This is not truth. It’s just Jesus. That is all we need. Not Jesus plus new knowledge, that is not Biblical.

A few other things she made clear was what a Gnostic is: “Gnostics, therefore, believed that Jesus came not to save us from sin but to impart special knowledge that would essentially lead us to participate in the divine pleroma. To find this knowledge was to find salvation.” Yikes, this is not truth but I think I believed this for years. That if I could just get new knowledge, new revelation I could be even more “spiritual”.

She also talked about universalism. Which I am discovering many pastors I once followed believe. She says about universal reconciliation, “…..holds that while Jesus is the only way to salvation, all humans will eventually be reconciled to God through Jesus.” Again, not truth, not Biblical.

Alisa stated things so clearly, things I had been hearing and wondering about. If you are hearing these lies I highly recommend this book as a way to start learning how to defend your faith.

Visit Alisa 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 through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.