About the Book

Book: Live the Impossible

Author: Jenny Smith

Genre: Memoir

Release date: July, 2021

Jenny Smith was a typical teenager—a gymnast and athlete who loved hair and makeup, played in a band, and was active in her church youth group.

Then one bright summer morning, a spinal cord injury left her paralyzed from the chest down and dependent on others for her most basic needs. Privacy and independence seemed like things of the past.

But Jenny refused to give up or give in to her disability, and over time she discovered that a wheelchair could take her places she’d never dared to imagine. She’s traveled multiple times to Afghanistan and Mexico for wheelchair distributions and sports camps, and even rolled the New York City runway as a model during Fashion Week.

Today, Jenny Smith is a spokesperson for independent and vibrant living with a disability. Her speeches, articles, and social media presence have touched thousands of lives.

In Live the Impossible, Smith shares what it looks like to live with paralysis, from the everyday details most people never think about, to the countless people who have impacted her life along the way. With honesty and humor, faith and fortitude, Jenny shows us how we can all live the impossible, even when life doesn’t go as planned.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Jenny Smith is an advocate, peer mentor, and encourager for those living with spinal cord injuries, and anyone who has faced unexpected or seemingly impossible challenges. Her popular blog and YouTube channel, Jenny Smith Rolls On, explore the practical aspects of life as a quadriplegic. She also speaks to associations and businesses, schools and universities, and faith-based groups. Jenny works full-time supporting and encouraging cross-cultural workers. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, where she rows on the Ohio River with the Louisville Adaptive Rowing program.

You can find out more at www.jennysmithrollson.com.

 

More from Jenny

“I will never write a book.”

I can’t tell you how many times I said those words. How and why did I publish a book after saying I will never so many times?

For several years, I was writing as a side job for a medical supply company. To learn more about the craft of writing, I signed up for an online class. The instructor invited me to take her next class on writing your life story.

That’s when it happened. I felt a little tap on my shoulder and heard—or felt—the words, “It’s time.”

I groaned.

Since my spinal cord injury at the age of 16, I said never and that’s impossible innumerable times. I had said the words before traveling to Mexico and Afghanistan. As I dreamed of living independently as a quadriplegic. I’d said never to playing wheelchair tennis, rugby, and para-rowing. My words that’s impossible and never were proved wrong time and again.

So I started writing.

It turns out I’ve lived what I believed was impossible.

In July 2021, on the 32nd anniversary of my spinal cord injury, my family, friends, and community celebrated with me at the launch party for my memoir Live the Impossible.

Although the book centers on my story of becoming a quadriplegic at 16 and the trials and adventures that followed, the lessons I learned in the years to come are universal:

• How I found my identity
• The importance of taking a risk
• How I became comfortable in my own body
• Acknowledging I have little to offer and yet seeing God do things I could never imagine

We all have unexpected circumstances in life. But I believe we can all live the impossible, even when life doesn’t go as planned.

MY REVIEW 

If you are looking for a book to encourage you this is a must read. The author shares with us intimate details of her spinal cord injury. I can’t imagine having this happen when you are a teenager. Jenny shares how after the first moments of her injury she didn’t know what to expect. Of course the question we would all ask is “why me? Now Jenny faced a life that she never thought she would have to go through. She had many surgeries and some things embarrassing moments that made her grown stronger and more determined.

I appreciate the author  sharing her journey and triumphs. It was nice that she  had family to support her and caring doctors that never gave up on her. The book shows us how important it is to trust God and know that  he has a plan for each of us. There were moments I did cry as I read the book . It wasn’t because I felt sorry for her, but because she showed me that even when things look impossible, never give up. 

There is a lot  to learn from this book about paralysis and how we can all do something to help those who have no one to support them. I was amazed how the author traveled overseas to help people get wheelchairs, speak to them with compassion and never once complain about her own situation. In those moments she knew where God was calling her. Jenny shows us how perseverance will achieve dreams and live with confidence as you reach goals others thought were impossible. 

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 18

Texas Book-aholic, January 19

An Author’s Take, January 20

Inklings and notions, January 21

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, January 21

deb’s Book Review, January 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 23

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 24

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 25 (Spotlight)

For Him and My Family, January 26

Lots of Helpers, January 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 27

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 28

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 30

Spoken from the Heart, January 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jenny is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed 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/17c5c/live-the-impossible-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Broken Together

Authors: Brenda S. Anderson & Sarah S Anderson

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release date: December 1, 2021

How do you persevere when you have no more will to fight?

Jennifer and Chad Taylor had dreamed of opening a coffee and cocoa shop since before they said, “I do.” When Chad is sent to prison for murder despite claiming innocence, that dream—along with their family—is shattered.

After years of fighting for Chad’s release, Jennifer finally breaks free from her shame, anger, and hopelessness, and forges ahead with the dream the two of them once shared. With the help of their college-aged twins, she begins to move forward.

Without Chad.

When their lawyer arrives with news of evidence that may prove Chad’s innocence, a strange mixture of emotions overtakes her. Does she want Chad to return home? He isn’t the same man he once was, and she certainly isn’t the same woman. She’s worked hard to piece the remnants of their family back together, and his coming home could fracture the family once again.

It all comes down to one question. She loves her husband enough to fight for his release from prison, but does she love him enough to fight for their marriage?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Authors

Brenda S. Anderson writes authentic, gritty, life-affirming fiction that shows God at work in people’s messy lives. She enjoys live music and theater, walking the shores of Lake Superior, and sharing hot cocoa with friends and family. She lives near Minneapolis with her newly retired husband. Together, they plan to travel across the United States, checking items off their bucket list, beginning with a bus trip to Niagara Falls.

Readers can learn more about Brenda S. Anderson at www.brendaandersonbooks.com

A former barista, Sarah S. Anderson loves all things coffee, so when her mother asked her to help with a book set in a coffee shop, the answer was an enthusiastic “Yes!” When not creating imaginary coffee shops, Sarah spends much of her time at the theater, either on stage acting, singing, and dancing, or offstage as musical director. She lives near the heart of Minneapolis with her two cuddly kitties.

 

More from Brenda

Why I Wrote Broken Together

Years ago, I watched a late-night interview with a woman who’d fought to free her husband from prison, and she finally won that fight. Near the end of the show, when the interviewer asked how she and her husband were doing now, she replied that they were divorced. It shocked me that she’d fought so hard for him, but then couldn’t hold their marriage together. I knew then that I needed to explore, through fiction, how that could happen.

I’d put off the idea for years, fearing the topic was larger than I could handle, but the story kept pushing its way through.

My daughter, Sarah, and I had often talked about writing a story together, one that would be set in a coffee and cocoa shop, and Broken Together seemed to be the perfect match. As a former barista, Sarah brought the coffee expertise to the story. As a non-coffee drinker, I insisted equal billing for non-coffee beverages.

Then the legal director for the Great Northern Innocence Project graciously offered to walk me through the many the legal hoops someone has to go through to be released once evidence is found.

With her help, I could no longer avoid writing Jenn and Chad’s story. It was a difficult one to write, but it’s also a story filled with hope.

 

Chad’s Choco-Latte Recipe

Ingredients 

2 shots of espresso

3/4 cup whole milk

3 tablespoons of milk chocolate (chips or sauce)

2 tablespoons English toffee sauce (Chad’s secret recipe)

Whipped cream

 

Instructions:

1. Steam milk with chocolate chips or sauce to 150°F
2. Pull 2 espresso shots (Make sure your shots don’t sit longer than 20 seconds or they will expire!)
3. Add English toffee sauce to the bottom of your cup or mug
4. Add espresso shots to your toffee sauce
5. Pour steamed milk into your cup or mug, making sure the milk hits the far side of your mug to help incorporate the ingredients
6. Stir if needed
7. Top with whipped cream and extra English toffee sauce if desired

MY REVIEW 

This is one of those stories that for me will have a lasting imprint on my life. I enjoyed the journey of Jenn and Chad as they struggled through a very difficult period in their marriage. The story explores pain, loneliness, anger and fractured lives when one is sent to prison. One of the hardest truths they faced was knowing that Chad was innocent. It made me think of all the men and women who are behind  bars  right now who are innocent. 

I really was touched by Chad’s story and what he faced being in prison. It was hard to know that while his life was put on hold, his wife and children had to keep going. There were times he was angry that God wouldn’t answer his prayers. Oh he knew the Bible and what it said about forgiveness, but right now he was too angry to show grace to anyone. There is hope for him as someone is working on getting him released. Will he be able to hold on and trust God?

Jenn is having a hard time adjusting to being a single mom. Her husband is in prison for something  he didn’t do. She has lots of emotions going on, but one thing she knew for certain was she loved her husband. Jenn never once doubted his innocence and worked closely with someone to help free him. The relationship between her children and her are strained most days. I liked how the author illustrated how the entire family was struggling with their new lives. 

The beautiful story shows how one misstep can cause many people to suffer. I never thought what it might be like when someone is released from prison.  They have to start over, reacquaint themselves with not only their family but the world. The part about the coffee  shop was very inspiring and to me honored Chad and brought his dream to reality. The faith element is strong and weaves through each situation. The story taught me to not judge, learn to forgive  and never give up hope. This story  is the first on my list for best  book for 2022. 

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

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Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 5

An Author’s Take, January 5

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 6

By the Book, January 7

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 8 (Spotlight)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 8

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 10

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 11

lakesidelivingsite, January 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 12

Pause for Tales, January 13

The Sacred Line, January 13

deb’s Book Review, January 14

For Him and My Family, January 15

Spoken from the Heart, January 16

Inklings and notions, January 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 17

Texas Book-aholic, January 18

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Brenda and Sarah are giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a paperback 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/1718c/broken-together-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: God the Father, Jesus the Big Brother, Holy Spirit the Best Friend

Author: Sunshine Rodgers

Genre: Christian Nonfiction

Release date: February 25, 2015

Ever confused about the Trinity? Are there three Gods or One? And how is the Trinity important to my life? Take a deep look inside this book for the answers. There is so much more to your life when you allow God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to be inseparable parts of your existence. With your Heavenly Father, Big Brother and Best Friend by your side, you can reach the impossible and do the unthinkable. Learn about Heaven’s family and the Divine resources offered to you to succeed in life. Learn from the real testimonies from people who have been touched by this glorious revelation. Take one step closer to the three greatest loves of your life and have an experience of your own with this great Fellowship.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Sunshine Rodgers is an International Best-Selling Author on Amazon and she has attended 31 book signings and 4 Book Tours. Her books have landed on 21 different Amazon Best Seller lists in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada including #1 in the U.K. for Bible Study and #2 in the U.S. for Bible Commentaries. She has been promoted in various newspapers, newsletters and magazines and she has been a guest on podcasts and radio. Check out all 10 of Sunshine’s books and feel the love and passion for life on her pages! Sunshine is married to her best friend, Travis and they live in sunny Florida. SunshineRodgers.com

 

Excerpt from the Book

“I pray Colossians 1:9–11 over you as the reader. I pray that you will not cease to make your requests known to God, and that you may be filled with the deep and clear knowledge of God’s will operating in spiritual wisdom. I pray that you will have comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God, and that you will be able to understand and discern spiritual things during the day and during your life (vs. 9). I pray that you will live and conduct yourself in a way that pleases the Lord, and that you will desire to make Him smile in everything that you do. I pray that you will bear much fruit walking with God and continue to do good works as well as growing and increasing in your knowledge (vs. 10). I pray that you will be invigorated and strengthened with His power to bring out His glory in your life. I pray that when life gets too tough, you will always choose to get closer to God, and exercise endurance and patience with joy. Know that throughout it all, you are surrounded by your Father, your Big Brother and your Best Friend every step of 
the way.” – excerpt from page 202–203 (Book: God the Father, Jesus the Big Brother, Holy Spirit the Best Friend)

MY REVIEW 

The book does emphasize the unconditional love that God has for us. He is always there for us, but we need to spend more time with Him. The author does give examples where God has answered prayers and opened doors that people thought were impossible. It is a matter of faith and trust in Him that shows  us that He is in control. There are times in the book that I couldn’t quite follow the direction the book was going. It did seem to be repetitive and lacked some much needed focus. 

The author does talk about times where people will let us down, but God never will. I am not quite sure I agree with everything in the book and at times had to read scriptures to see what the Bible said. This is the kind of book that does perhaps give personal beliefs so some may not agree with the author. I do appreciate the emphasis of knowing God intimately and keeping your eyes focused on Him. With the title you can see that the author goes into some detail about what each part of the title means. I read the book twice because I wanted to understand what the explanations were. For me, the book was not easy  to understand. I will say that anyone reading the book should have an open mind and allow God to show you His undeniable love for us.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 15

For the Love of Literature, January 16 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 16

Texas Book-aholic, January 17

Inklings and notions, January 18

For Him and My Family, January 19

deb’s Book Review, January 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 21

Through the Fire Blogs, January 22 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 23

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 24 (Spotlight)

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 26

Cats in the Cradle Blog , January 27

Mary Hake, January 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sunshine is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Visa 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/17c5a/god-the-father-jesus-the-big-brother-holy-spirit-the-best-friend-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Both Sides of the Border

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: March 30, 2021

Inspired by True Current Events.

Dolores, Ernesto, and Emilio Sanchez are on a quest to America to find work and to save their family, who has been devastated by their father’s accident and the drought in their home country of Honduras. But making their way to America would be too expensive for a family stricken by poverty. With only their faith in God to see them through, the teenaged siblings set off for their new home, despite the threat from the cartel, corrupt police officers, starvation, and death.

Meanwhile, Eva Jordan is determined to start a new life on the American side of the Mexican border, hoping to shake off the scars from a horrible marriage. Despite her mother’s concern for her daughter living so close to the border, Eva decides to take a vacation to the other side to sharpen up her Spanish and relax before her new job begins. She is struck by the beautiful towns of Mexico, but slowly, her eyes are opened to the dangers that are knocking at her front door.

When a hurricane washes away the border walls, will the two sides collide in hatred or unite in perfect harmony?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children and six grandchildren. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. She recently penned her first poetry book in honor of servicemen and women. Her book “Both Sides of the Border” is a Firebird Book Award winner in the categories of Cross-Genre, Socio-Political Fiction, and Women’s Fiction. She and her husband live in the southern tip of Texas where they enjoy semi-tropical weather and spending time with their friends and family.

 

More from Terry

As a Christian author, my goals in writing “Both Sides of the Border,” were to have the reader question their own understanding of the people and events of U.S.-Mexico border, analyze these world events through a Christian worldview, and enjoy the plot’s twists and turns. During their travels, the main characters of the story display different levels of their own faith. In the end, both women have increased their faith and understanding of God.

MY REVIEW 

The author gives us a chance to walk beside people who are desperate to find freedom in The United States. We follow Dolores and her two brothers  as they travel from Honduras to the border of Texas. I was captivated by the journey they took. This subject is on the news a lot but I don’t think I have thought much about it til now. It is controversial for some but I appreciate how the author focused on what it is like for those wanting a better life. We see the danger they face as the cartel are everywhere. I held my breath as men kidnapped people and lead them away to the unknown. 

Eva moving to Brownsville was not my favorite part of the story. I knew somehow the author would put her in the path of Dolores and her brothers. I thought it was strange that Eva took to Steven so fast and went off to explore Mexico with him away from the tour group she was with. It bothered me that her mom  continuously called her and warned her about the hurricane and the dangers of living so close to the border. I understand that the author was showing us two sides of the border but I wasn’t able to connect with Eva at all.  

The author does do a good job of describing the sights that can be found in Mexico and the authentic food. Although the book does try to compare two different points of view about the border, the most captivating for me was Dolores and her brothers. Their journey was realistic and I liked how fearless they were. The ending fell flat because it is not true to what is going on right now. It does  show hope for the future but there is much work to be done before that reality happens. 

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 15

Texas Book-aholic, January 16

For Him and My Family, January 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 18

Inklings and notions, January 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 20

deb’s Book Review, January 21

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 22 (Spotlight)

Through the Fire Blogs, January 22 (Author Interview)

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 24

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

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 26

Blossoms and Blessings, January 27 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card & 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/17c59/both-sides-of-the-border-celebration-tour-giveaway