Monday, September 25, 2023

About the Book

Book: Jacob’s Well

Author: Urcelia Teixeira

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

Release Date: April 28, 2023

“A mother knows. At least, that’s what everyone told her. That she’d know when something was wrong. Feel it. Deep inside as if there was an invisible cord that had stayed behind the day she brought her son into this life.

Well, they were wrong. Dead wrong.

She didn’t know her son at all. But then, he didn’t know her either.”

Dark secrets swirl around the small coastal town of Weyport as Mary-Jean Foley discovers just how far she would go to protect her son.

Even with a new sheriff in town. Even when her husband doesn’t agree. Even when she thinks God isn’t looking.

But how far is too far and at what cost?

—

As newly appointed small-town Sheriff Angus Reid settles into Weyport, it doesn’t take him long to discover just how corrupt his new town is. With a desk full of suspicious open cases and too much to prove, he is determined to rid his town of crime and win the hearts of his people.

But when two teenagers suddenly go missing, it lays bare sinister secrets and emotional ties that threaten to derail his investigation.

And as the case untangles, the secrets buried deep within the coastal borders of the tight-knit community slowly bubble to the surface.

Determined to find justice for the missing boys and their families, he races against the clock to find them. Unbeknownst of the dark forces that rage against him.

Then he gets a call that a body has been found…

If you enjoy suspenseful, twisty secrets and lies mystery novels that are rooted in faith and leave your heart in your throat, you will have a hard time putting down this page-turning Christian mystery and suspense novel.

Get ready to be taken on an emotional journey through a town where it seems everyone has a secret.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

As the author of a dozen plus Christian suspense thrillers, Urcelia Teixeira writes to first and foremost, bring glory to God. Then, to delight, entertain, and encourage her readers by by creating pulse-pounding stories that are infused with inspiration and biblical truths.

Readers have said her books are “addictive and impossible to put down!”

They describe her work as being “prolific and well written stories that keep you in suspense,” and love her “imagery and attention to detail” that swoop them into the minds of her characters ” as if watching a blockbuster movie!”

Many of her readers appreciate the clean action scenes and love that her “faith shines through in her writing as she stays true to herself, giving pause to contemplate.”

More from Urcelia

Many years ago God gave me a prophetic scripture through which He named me Hephzibah (meaning ‘My delight is in her’). Some time after that, life happened and for a long while I felt unworthy of that name. But, God showed me grace in this area for the nearly ten years that followed and, although I never aspired to be a writer, I wrote my first ever book on a bucket list whim in December 2017. Somehow it evolved into a series, but, while writing the fifth book in my Alex Hunt adventure thriller series, I felt the Holy Spirit nudging and directing me into using my God-given talent for enhancing His Kingdom instead. I obeyed and wrote the final book in that series, The Caiaphas Code, as my statement of faith before switching to writing Christian mystery and suspense instead. Two days later, the idea for Every Good Gift was born and the day I finished writing the last sentence of this book, I heard the Lord whisper in my ear, Hephzibah, Hephzibah, over and over. That has been the most noteworthy highlight of my short career so far: knowing that I have pleased God.

My heart and soul went into writing Jacob’s Well. I have three teenage sons, and raising them in a world filled with all kinds of temptation is not easy. They have to cope with so much more than we had to as kids: social media bullying, peer pressure to fit into a pretentious world that seems to intensify overnight, the lure of riches through online gaming or videos instead of education, to name but a few. But through the years, the pull of narcotics has remained the primary evil that threatens to destroy our children. I am blessed to have boys who aren’t scared to share their struggles with us and upon hearing a few of the stories about kids in their schools and our town, one of the main characters in Jacob’s Well was born. On the flip side, I have a mother’s heart and imagining what it would be like to watch your child go down the wrong path added in an entirely different element to the story, especially if that mother was a Christian. The spiritual and emotional battles that would rage within, the helplessness and desperation that come with wanting to do whatever it takes to save your son, the pride within your church community––these are all human responses. And that is how Mary-Jean Foley’s character was born.

Throw in a lawman and a villain in a coastal town where everyone has a secret and Jacob’s Well spilled out onto the pages!

MY REVIEW

Get ready for a thrilling suspense filled story that takes readers inside a small town where corruption is rampant. It is not easy for the new sheriff Angus as he realizes that the town is hiding secrets that could cost someone their life. I liked his deep faith and instincts as the investigation into a murder and missing person sends shivers down your spine. Angus is determined that he will find out who is behind the criminal activities that are spreading throughout the town.

Jacob is a good kid who has been raised in a Christian home. He has seen his mother and step father struggle with medical bills for his younger brother. He wants to help them financially but has no idea how to. When an opportunity arises he convinces himself that it will turn out good even though he is turning his back on his faith. I understood how much Jacob wanted to help his parents out as his lack of guilt starts to take over. The author delivers a fast pace world where Jacob is in over his head and danger consumes him.

My favorite character was the mother. She loves her children unconditionally and will do anything to protect them. When she discovers that Jacob is mixed up in something that could get him killed or sent to jail, she risks everything to protect him. How far would you go to protect your child? You can feel the turmoil she faces as she knows she is crossing the line in order to save Jacob. Her faith is shaky and her marriage is hanging by a thread. She calls out to God asking why isn’t he doing anything to help her. I thought about the times I felt the same way. Perhaps God is watching to see how you handle difficult choices and if you will still trust Him in your darkest moment.

It’s a race against time as Angus is desperate to find Jacob. The rollercoaster twists in the story bring an adrenaline rush as we follow the sheriff. I loved how the author heightened the ending with an exciting trip into the woods and on a boat. I was shocked at who was behind one criminal act. In fact it took me by surprise. Through everything that happened we still see how God was there to guide Angus and remind us that He is there at all times.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 24

For Him and My Family, September 24

Texas Book-aholic, September 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 26

Girls in White Dresses, September 27

Betti Mace, September 28

Pause for Tales, September 28

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 29

The Book Club Network, September 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 1

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 2 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 2

Cover Lover Book Review, October 3

The Sacred Line, October 4

Blogging With Carol, October 5

Lily’s Book Reveiws, October 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Urcelia is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a paperback copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/27fb9/jacob-s-well-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, September 23, 2023

About the Book

Book: Redemption in the Wilderness

Author: Andrea Byrd

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 19, 2023

Two sisters alone on the Kentucky frontier…love is the last thing they expect to find.

After the death of their parents during the Hard Winter, Margaret and her sister have struggled to survive. Between her mother’s dying wish that Margaret protect her sister, and the nagging sensation that they are not alone, guilt and worry are her constant companions. And if someone is following them, is their watcher friend or foe?

Iain Donegal can’t afford roots, not with the pain and guilt of the life he’s left behind, or the memory of the drink that once threatened to consume him. But his solitary life as a long hunter in the wilds of Kentucky finds a new path when he happens upon a young woman digging a grave for her own mother. Unable to pull himself away when he realizes that she and her sister are on their own, he begins to provide anonymous aid. But when the women truly need him, can he risk leaving his solitary life behind to step in and fill the void?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Andrea Byrd is a Christian wife and mom located in rural Kentucky, who loves to spend time with her family in the great outdoors, one with nature. Often described as having been born outside her time, she has a deep affinity for an old-fashioned, natural lifestyle.

With a degree in Equine Health & Rehabilitation gathering dust and a full-time job tethering her to a desk eight hours a day, Andrea decided it was time to show both herself and her children that it is truly possible to make your dreams come true. Now with over 1,000 contemporary Christian romance novellas sold, Andrea is pursuing her passion of writing faith-filled romance woven with a thread of true history.

More from Andrea

One of my favorite aspects of being a historical fiction author is learning new tidbits of information with each novel I pen.

Not only have I always loved learning, but I also harbor a deep passion for novels that incorporate real places and events. In Redemption in the Wilderness, I was blessed with the opportunity to research the beginnings of Harrodsburg, KY. This town was founded in 1774 as Harrodstown by James Harrod. What began mainly as a civilian fort with the building of Fort Harrod has endured more than 200 years of Kentucky’s rich history. Tourists and locals alike can still visit a replica of Fort Harrod today. And, you, yourself, can visit the original fort in Redemption in the Wilderness.

Beyond historical places and events, I also always find myself on a search engine with the strangest little inquisitions. Such as… What plants are native to Kentucky? When do said plants bloom? And which can be used as a natural remedy for this particular ailment? With this novel, I found that feverfew, a native Kentucky wildflower, was so aptly named because early settlers used this native plant to reduce fever. I cannot wait for you to see what role it played for the characters in Redemption in the Wilderness.

MY REVIEW

The author writes a very realistic story about life in 1780 along the wilderness of Kentucky. I am so thankful I didn’t live in this time period as I discovered how hard it was to get food and shelter for many. It was dangerous at times especially for two young women who lived alone in a cabin. Their struggles to survive were hard to read at times. I thought about how vulnerable they felt being alone with no one around to help them.

Margaret has her hands full trying to provide for her sister and herself after both parents pass away. Many attempts to hunt for food was discouraging as Margaret tried every day to bring home much needed meat. She is a strong character who doesn’t give up and I loved her spirit of looking for a better life. Her sister is so depressed that all she does is sit around all day and not try to help Margaret out. I did sympathize a bit with Muireall because the death of her parents made her feel insecure. I do wish she would have supported Margaret more though.

Iain is a skilled hunter and when he stumbles upon the sisters his heart can’t help but want to care for them. When an incident happens he steps up to protect them. He has no desire to plant roots or even have a family. Faced with a hard decision I admired him for his integrity. With a quick thought he decides that he must take them to a safer place; one where there are more people and supplies that will help them as the enemy tries to descend upon them.

I loved reading how the journey was treacherous at times and the obstacles that tried to slow them down. Getting a little background on Iain’s life was interesting. Readers can begin to understand his hesitation to have a family after it is revealed what he went through as a child. Growing up he seemed to have carried some bad habits witnessed from his father. He can’t allow himself to become attached to anyone but that could prove to be a problem the longer he is with Margaret.

The faith element in the book is strong as we see how mistrust traps several characters from allowing God to help them. Believing that God has turned His back on them these characters are afraid to believe that God has a plan for their life. With sacrifices made, forgiveness that heals relationships and a bond that is not easily broken this story has been a pleasure to read. The frontier life was not easy but “with God all things are possible.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 19

Holly’s Book Corner, September 19

Alena Mentink, September 20

Pause for Tales, September 20

Lighthouse Academy Blog, September 21 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 22

For Him and My Family, September 22

Texas Book-aholic, September 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 25

lakesidelivingsite, September 26

Karen Baney Reviews, September 26

Bigreadersite, September 27

Connie’s History Classroom, September 28

Cover Lover Book Review, September 29

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, September 29

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 30 (Author Interview)

Avid Reader Nurse, September 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 1

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 2

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2813b/redemption-in-the-wilderness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, September 22, 2023

About the Book

Book: The Eternity Gate

Author: Katherine Briggs

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: September 12, 2023

Destroy the key. Save her people and herself.

The Eternity Gate is found, and kings and monsters battle over its legends of treasure. But rumors whisper that someone stole the gate’s ancient key.

Seyo, handmaiden to the princess, keeps three secrets. First, she’s gifted in fire, not light, and may as well be cursed. Second, she translates a prophecy warning that the gate does not offer treasure but judgment. Third, Jorai, the scorned prince and Seyo’s confidant, entrusts her with the key and disappears.

Surrounded by war, Seyo and her companions embark on a journey to seek help from a faraway empire and find Jorai, unaware of the trap awaiting them. But what should Seyo do with the key? Who can survive judgment, especially someone as flawed as her? Will hiding the key—or destroying it—save her people or ensure their defeat?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Katherine Briggs crafted her first monster story at age three. Since graduating from crayons to laptop, she continues to devour and weave fantasy tales while enjoying oolong or chai tea. Katherine, her coadventurer husband, and rescue dog reside reside outside Houston, where she classically educates amazing middle school students, teaches ESL to adults, and studies other languages.

More from Katherine

Hello friend,

Journey. Friendship. Choices. Do these three words resonate with—even haunt—you too?

As I mature, I see my life and those of others’ as a journey. Aren’t you glad that, through Jesus, it’s leading somewhere amazing, and that the twists and turns have a purpose?

Believing thought leaders look at trends in current culture and diagnose that we’ve forgotten how to be a friend. What ingredients make a strong friendship? A listening ear? Sacrifice? Loyalty? Speaking truth in love? Encouragement? Are you honored to participate in an “unlikely friendship,” meaning someone who is different from you?

I’m sure you’ve faced many choices, even those of the impossible variety. Are you facing such a choice right now? Can you remember a past impossible choice and the light, albeit hard to see, that was always shining through?

Seyo, the main character in my debut YA fantasy The Eternity Gate, can relate. Even though she hides that she inherited the wrong gifting, her enemy’s gifting, she embarks on a journey across dangerous lands to save her country, despite feeling unworthy. She travels with friends and makes some surprising new ones. Along the way, she’s faced with unfathomable choices that will determine the fate of her home. Choices much too big for her shoulders, but that’s because she, like us, has Someone far more powerful helping her.

I encourage you to grab a tasty, warm drink. Since it’s autumn, I suggest The Republic of Tea’s pumpkin spice latte, and you can click here to grab the recipe. Sit back, relax, and remember:

What part of your journey has made you stronger?
Is there a friend you can reach out to with an encouraging word?
Small actions change the world. Don’t give up.

Sip your cozy drink and please enjoy Seyo’s journey. I hope The Eternity Gate invites you into a grand adventure.

Sincerely,

Katherine Briggs

MY REVIEW

With action that doesn’t stop, this book will have you feeling like you are there with the characters. I love a strong female character and the author has gifted us Seyo. Strong, fierce and ready for whatever comes her way , she defends with confidence. There is a side to her that is vulnerable which makes her very relatable. How many of us knows what it feels like to not feel accepted by others? Seyo deals with this yet still stays focused on her mission.

There is a strong message which I loved discovering in the story. Sometimes we can do something that feels like a sacrifice yet still wonder if we chose the right path. A character in the story illustrates that very well. Fast paced with excitement gives this book a feeling of never wanting to leave. I loved the inspirations in the story that inspire us. Overall a great story with this reader looking forward to the next book. I’m glad I have had the privilege of finding a new author to read.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Bliss, Books & Jewels, September 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 21

Texas Book-aholic, September 22

Through the Fire Blogs, September 23 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 25

Artistic Nobody, September 26 (Author Interview)

Madi’s Musings, September 26

The Book Club Network, September 27

Guild Master, September 28 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 29

Blogging With Carol, September 30

Labor Not in Vain, October 1

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 2 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 3

Simple Harvest Reads, October 4 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Katherine is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card and one hardcover copy of The Eternity Gate!!

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/27fb7/the-eternity-gate-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

About the Book

Book: Battered & Torn

Author: Allison Pearl

Genre: Faith-Based Romantic Suspense

Release Date: February 6, 2023

As just another staff member in the mansion of billionaire Archie Hamilton, Nora’s finally found a place to hide from her murderous family. But when the handsome bigshot asks her out on a date, she worries Archie’s interest—no matter how thrilling—will blow her cover and shoot up a flare for those hunting her. And if she can’t squash his crush, only God will be able to keep him out of danger.

When Archie turned in his scalpel to run the family business, life became too busy to go home and deal with his grief. But when he discovers a suspicious hire at his ancestral estate, he’s forced to confront the situation as well as his anger at God for taking not only his family, but his dreams. Despite his objections, his grandmother is determined to keep Nora on staff, but that isn’t going to stop him investigating her on his own—no matter how attractive he finds her. But the more he digs, the more questions he has.

Drawn to Nora again and again, Archie wonders if she’ll help lead him back to the truth or get him killed. Is trusting a beautiful stranger worth the risk to his family, his life, and his heart? And when Nora’s past catches up with them, will anyone be left alive?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Allison Pearl is a small-town girl who’s lived just about everywhere. She loves books, tea, chocolate, and watching old movies with her husband and furbabies. To keep in touch and get updates on new releases visit www.allison-pearl.com or follow her Facebook page ‘Books by Pearl’ at www.facebook.com/allisonnicolepearl/, on Twitter at @AllisonPearl5, and on Instagram at @allisonnicolepearl.

More from Allison

We’ve all fantasized about running away and starting over. Maybe it’s to some gem of a small town or a thrilling big city, but who hasn’t wondered what it would be like to leave our history, our anxieties, and our problems behind and trade them in for something fairytale-worthy and new? Nora didn’t just dream about starting over, she did. But did she run far enough? The nightmares that haunt her at night say otherwise, leading her to wonder Can we ever really start over or do our fears just lie in wait?

Nora’s written her own fairytale, but will her murderous family steal the happy ending? Find out the truth by getting your copy of BATTERED & TORN!

MY REVIEW

The book is a suspenseful story that draws readers into the world of deceit. Nora is trying so hard to run away from her past but can she really ever be safe? I thought she was a complex character with deep scars and trust issues. It is understandable why it is hard to trust when you come from such a dysfunctional family like hers. When she is taken in by a sweet older woman she starts to relax a bit. Unfortunately that secure feeling won’t last for long.

Archie is a good character who adores his grandmother. He is fiercely protective of her and it shows when he interrogates Nora. Why has his grandmother allowed a stranger to come live with her? There are some tense moments between Nora and Archie that put them both on guard. Archie is angry at God for taking his loved ones but he is determined to keep his grandmother safe from the stranger living in the house.

I like the way the author develops the relationship between the two main characters. It is subtle and not without doubts that lead them to try to sort out their feelings. Nora has this idea about love that she explains to Archie. “Knowing when to let someone go is just as much an act of love as chasing them.” You can see the question in Archie’s eyes when she tells him this. There is pain deep within Nora and I think at that moment, Archie feels this need to protect her.

Nora’s past is getting closer to being exposed as unexplained accidents start happening. I loved the suspense throughout the book and the faith thread scattered in and out of the storyline. Someone wants Nora harmed but will Archie be able to protect her?

The author gives us some unexpected twists that had me on the edge of my seat. There are people after Nora but among her enemies is someone I never thought was capable of inflicting harm on someone else. It is a rollercoaster ride as the drama intensifies and the secrets start to explode in front of Nora.

During a very intense moment Archie reminds Nora that she is free because God loves her and has forgiven her. Will Nora trust Archie or leave with someone who she has been running from? There are a few moments in the story where sensitive subjects are mentioned. The author does handle this with grace but still could be a trigger for some readers. The author ends the story with a cliff hanger that tells me I have another book from her coming soon. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

“If you spend your whole life focusing on the bad, you’ll never see the good things you have left.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.