Saturday, February 15, 2020

About the Book

Book: Leaving Texas

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: January 2, 2020

I know the plans I have for you, plans for good, not evil.

Cruel is the illusion of love. Robbed of her true love by his mean-spirited mother, Charity is given no choice but to leave Texas and follow her Prince Charming to the Golden State. Instantly attracted to her, Morgan agrees to help the young beauty on her journey, but where all other ladies paled after first blush, his initial fascination only deepens with every turn of the wagon’s wheels. Though obvious to all those around the two—how perfect Morgan and Charity were for each other—will the hard-headed, strong-willed daughter of Liberty O’Neal Harrell ever realize it?

Click here for your copy!

MY REVIEW

The author delivers another wonderful story that takes readers to a time when wagon trains were the most common way of traveling. I loved reading about the land from Texas to California. It is hard to imagine riding for months in a wagon. I didn’t realize that most wagons were pulled by oxen. In western movies I always remember the wagon trains with horses. The author has a vast knowledge about this time period which enhances the story.

Charity is a smart young woman who is ready to travel to California to find her fiancé. After not hearing from him in several years, she still believes he is waiting for her to join him. Oh Charity I do wish you weren’t so naive. She is such a fun character to get to know. Her faith is strong and with God’s help she will set across country to find her fiancé. I wonder what will happen if she does find him? After not hearing from him, I would think she would figure out that his feelings have changed for her. One of the best qualities Charity has is her pure heart.

Morgan at first seemed a little distant as he decided to help Charity travel across country. The author paints a picture of him as a strong man who has a past that keeps him guarded and secrets about his life. His story was very interesting and as he gets to know Charity he comes to trust her. Their conversations about God are realistic and sincere. Along the trails they run into Native Americans . I especially liked this part of the story because I am part Comanche. The author describes them perfectly as fearless and ruthless.

The story made me feel like I was watching a western on the big screen. A wagon train that sees tragedy, hardship and pulls together to help each other out. The time spent around the campfire was intriguing as I learned about the meals that were cooked and how they were prepared. It was tough on the trails and by evening it was time to eat and go right to sleep. The relationship between Charity and Morgan is a slow, gradual meaningful beginning of a true friendship. I was cheering them on hoping they would realize that they were meant to be together. It’s funny how Charity was so sure of her future as she first started out on her journey. God has a plan for us and that lesson was eloquently displayed in this story. Once again I am honored to read a book by this gifted and humble author. Thank you for writing stories rich in faith, unconditional love and forgiveness.

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

About the Author

Praying her story gives God glory, award-winning author Caryl McAdoo continues prolificity with her new Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga series. Readers around the world enjoy her best-selling novels and shower them with 5-Star ratings galore. With forty-eight titles—and counting—her love for writing is obvious; the lady loves singing the new songs the Lord gives her as well! (Check out YouTube). Caryl gave Ron four children and the couple shares eighteen grandsugars. The McAdoos live in the woods south of Clarksville, the seat of Red River County, in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

More from Caryl

As my second family saga series—Cross Timbers Romance—grows, and the children of Book One GONE TO TEXAS come into adulthood, I fall more in love with these characters. This story—Book Four in the series, LEAVIN’ TEXAS, takes readers on another wagon train that historically left right about the same time of year as its early spring setting from Red River County, heading for California in 1850.

LEAVIN’ TEXAS is Charity O’Neal’s story wherein she determines to follow her Prince Charming, Eberhart ‘Hart’ de Vecchi, to California to start her new life with him there—no matter the naysayers or rough trails ahead. But as so often is the case, our plans and those God has in place for us don’t always correlate.

Many times, we’ve prayed about it—what we want Him to do, how we expect everything to turn out—and feel certain we are in His will. I personally thank God for praying mothers, friends, and grandmothers who perhaps see us heading in a wrong direction and beseech Him to guide us in His way, not our own.

My life has benefitted from such praying women.
So does Charity O’Neal’s.
I imagine yours has as well!

I love the well-known verse in Jeremiah! “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11 Especially the ‘expected end’ part. I find great comfort in knowing His thoughts—or plans—are of peace and not evil, and that He intends to give us an expected end!

I hope you enjoy LEAVING TEXAS and will take time to review it!
BLESSINGS!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 13

deb’s Book Review, February 14

Texas Book-aholic, February 15

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, February 16

Inklings and notions, February 17

For the Love of Literature, February 18 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, February 19

Betti Mace, February 20

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 21

janicesbookreviews, February 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 23

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 24

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 25 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, February 26 (Guest Reviewer Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl 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/f5bf/leaving-texas-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Cold Case Connection

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: February 1, 2020

Convinced his sister’s death wasn’t an accident, private investigator Sergio Ross is determined to catch her killer. But with all the clues hinting at a connection to another unsolved murder, he has to join forces with Helen Pike—a woman linked to both deaths—to find the truth. Can they follow the cold evidence trail to get justice…before they become the next victims?

Click here to get your copy.

MY REVIEW

Adrenaline rush. Action packed. Intrigue. Exciting characters. That is how I would describe this story. The author is well versed in grabbing a readers attention in the first few pages. As the story continues the author draws you in further with characters that are flawed and looking for answers. I love a good inspirational suspense romance that as all the elements that keeps me entertained throughout the book. This story is exactly that and so much more.

I was already invested in the story simply because I love the writing style of the author. She always delivers a well rounded story that is easy to follow. I wanted to know more about what happened years ago to a young girl who was murdered. How would these characters come together and unravel a mystery that has plagued people for years? One night as teenagers go out to have fun, tragedy strikes. Will the murder ever be solved?

Helen has seen her share of tragedies and most recently having to grieve her friend’s death was hard on her. I wanted to know why she felt guilty for Fiona’s death. More importantly is why Fiona’s brother shows up suddenly and why does he blame Helen for his sister’s death? There is nothing more attention getting than a mysterious man who is determined to find a killer. When it is a family member that has been killed, the need to dig for the truth intensives. Sergio is easy to root for because he has taken on the role of raising his sister’s children and will protect them at all cost. The friction between Helen and Sergio can be felt by the curt attitude Sergio throws at Helen.

With every turn of the page, the mystery deepens and Helen and Sergio start to get closer to the truth. I love how the author has a way of connecting the dots in a story with unforeseen twists. I loved the lessons the author gives us in this story. Helen has carried guilt around for years. She will need to learn to forgive herself and trust God to bring the truth to the surface. Sergio has had an anger issue that has caused him to blame others for his sister’s death. Will he learn to let God soften his heart? The author uses faith as a way to guide characters to lean on Him, trust Him and allow Him to soften their hearts. The writing is exceptional and I say move over mystery authors because this is author is taking intrigue to a higher level. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.

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

About the Author

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

More from Dana

Cold Case Connection was really fun to write because it’s Helen’s story. She’s an intelligent, sensitive woman who is the sister to the men living on the Roughwater Ranch. Liam is her biological brother, but she’s just as close to Chad and Mitch who might as well be blood relatives. In this novel, Helen has to relive the worst moment of her teenage life, the night when a mysterious murder occurred during a teen prank. Helen is going to have to face the past in order to preserve her future. Cowboys, a case gone cold, a coastal ranch and a whole lot of danger…I hope you will enjoy the ride!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 14

Among the Reads, February 14

Through the Fire Blogs, February 14

The Avid Reader, February 15

Texas Book-aholic, February 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 16

Inklings and notions, February 16

janicesbookreviews, February 16

Betti Mace, February 17

She Lives to Read, February 17

Genesis 5020, February 17

For the Love of Literature, February 18

For Him and My Family, February 18

My Devotional Thoughts, February 19

Reading Is My SuperPower, February 19

Just Your Average reviews, February 19

Remembrancy, February 20

Older & Smarter?, February 20

Blogging With Carol, February 20

deb’s Book Review, February 21

Bigreadersite, February 21

EmpowerMoms, February 21

Blossoms and Blessings, February 22

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 22

Christian Bookaholic, February 23

KarenSueHadley, February 23

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

Emily Yager, February 24

Christian Bookshelf Reviews, February 24

Pause for Tales, February 24

Simple Harvest Reads, February 25 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 25

Maureen’s Musings, February 26

Hallie Reads, February 26

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 26

Livin’ Lit, February 27

To Everything There Is A Season, February 27

Daysong Reflections, February 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a Mentink giveaway bundle, including a bag, a copy of the book, and an Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f5c6/cold-case-connection-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Hope for New Beginnings

Author: Shirley Crowder, Howard A. Eyrich

Genre: Non-fiction / Religion / Devotional

Release Date: November, 2018

Hope for New Beginnings: Devotions for the Adventure – Stepping into any new beginning not knowing what is ahead, is exciting and unsettling at the same time. Our Hope, as Christ-followers, rests in knowing that we do not move forward in our own strength, but in the strength of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. We pray these devotions will help prepare your heart to learn from the Lord as He affirms His steadfast love that gives the strength and hope needed to walk boldly into whatever new beginning the Lord has in store for you. These devotions will guide your thoughts toward the biblical truths presented in the background and focal Scripture passages. Each devotional has exercises (you will choose at least one to do each day) that lead you to interact with the biblical truths presented and gain a deeper understanding of the truths in each devotion. Biblical Counselors, when you are ready to dismiss a counselee, this makes a great assignment for the next thirty-one days, then have the counselee come back for a final check-up.

Click here to get your copy.

MY REVIEW

I could tell this devotional was going to be different from ones I’ve done recently. It is set up the same as most but has more depth to it with thought provoking questions that have you dig into scriptures. Right from the start the book asks you to read Psalm 15. Well that seemed easy. I love reading anything from Psalm. Next it asks you to list the things that will be shaken according to scripture. Well I am beginning to like this more. Then the tough question comes. The next assignment asks you to forgive yourself for the things you just listed that you are struggling in. Wait a minute. I have to admit that I am not following God’s Word? God you have a sense of humor. He knows I have been struggling with things in my life and now He wants me to look at myself and make a plan to improve what I’m lacking in. Okay I’m able to admit I was ready to stop before I got started, but I didn’t.

The book is a good source to strengthen you and help you overcome things that will get in the way of your time with God. Each chapter has a different topic that is easy to apply to your life. It is designed for thirty-one days but I chose to take my time and do each chapter for a week at a time. I didn’t want to rush what God was showing me and I wanted to answer the questions while studying His word with an open heart. I really liked the chapter about Joseph. He has experienced a very trying time in his life. He could choose to take revenge on his brothers or he could treat them with forgiveness and unconditional love. It can be so hard to do this when someone has hurt you. You want revenge, but it is not for us to do.

I have really enjoyed this devotional and am thankful that God loves me when I struggle. He is always there to pick me up and let me know that He will never abandon me. “Even though we may not understand what is happening in our lives, we can always know that God is in control.”

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

About the Authors

Dr. Howard A. Eyrich’s career has spanned more than sixty years. He has filled various roles including seminary professor and president, Pastor and church planter. He retired as the Director of Counseling Ministries at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama;

He has served on the boards of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors, Birmingham Theological Seminary, Trinity Seminary, the Biblical Counseling Coalition, and The Owen Center, as well as various Presbytery and Presbyterian Church in America denominational committees to name some of major roles.

His publishing efforts include two books as solo author, three books with a co-author, and numerous chapters in significant volumes in the biblical counseling field, as well as articles for The Journal of Biblical Counseling and several other magazines.

Dr. Eyrich and his wife Pamela have two grown children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Retirement for him is a time for ministry. He writes, teaches, preaches, and travels for the Kingdom. He also enjoys the hobbies of model railroading, hunting, and shooting.

Dr. Eyrich is available to speak in conferences, fill pulpits, and for intensive marriage interventions, especially with ministries couples.

Shirley Crowder was born in a mission guest house under the shade of a mango tree in Nigeria, West Africa, where her parents served as missionaries. She and co-author Harriet E. Michael grew up together on the mission field and have been life-long friends. Shirley is passionate about disciple-making, which is manifested in and through a myriad of ministry opportunities including: biblical counseling, teaching Bible studies, writing, and music.

She is a biblical counselor and is commissioned by and serves on the national Advisory Team for The Addiction Connection. Several of her articles have appeared in “Paper Pulpit” in the Faith section of The Gadsden Times, and in a David C. Cook publication. She also writes articles for Life Bible Study, Woman’s Missionary Union, InspiredPrompt.com and TheAddictionConnection.org. She has authored, co-authored, or contributed to six published books, and she has a four-book devotional series she co-wrote that is scheduled for publication over the next couple of years.

Shirley has spiritual children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren serving the Lord in various ministry and secular positions throughout the world.

More from Shirley

New beginnings are a regular part of life. Sometimes they are well planned, and we eagerly anticipate the future. At other times, we are reticent to move forward into the new beginning. As we think about new beginnings it is appropriate for us to look at the beginning of God’s Word—the Bible.

In Genesis 1:1 ESV, we read, In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Here God is the subject, as He is the subject of the entire Bible. From this verse we learn something very important about God—He existed before the universe was created. God has always been, is now, and will always be, present.

Next, we learn that from nothing God created the universe and everything within it. He is the holy, sovereign, majestic, powerful, all-knowing God.

Every time I read these first few verses of the Bible, I am amazed that with just four little words, Let there be light (verse 3), the Creator God spoke into existence light that drove away the darkness. What astounding power! From these verses, we learn that God is the Author of light. Other places in Scripture tell us that God is light itself (1 John 1:5), and James calls Him the Father of lights (James 1:17).

Think about it: here we are today, many years since God spoke those four little words, Let there be light, and as John tells us, The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5). The Light—God—brings clarity, order, and understanding, while darkness is seen as evil, void, and chaotic.

I watched the coverage of a solar eclipse on several websites. It was so interesting to listen as a myriad of scientists and others explained the wonders of the universe, and while the science behind it all was quite interesting to me, the coverage fell flat. Why? Because it was totally devoid of any mention of Creator God. Only one man explained the solar eclipse through the lens of God’s Word. As he explained the science behind the solar eclipse, he also explained that THE God of the Universe who created everything that we see, holds the entire universe in His hands, and controls everything that happens, including a solar eclipse.

In the midst of a new beginning or anything else going on in your life, the truths in these passages are wonderful reminders that we can step confidently into any new beginning as we trust in the God who was here in the beginning, is here with us now, and who will be with us always. And what a comfort it is to remember that the light of God dispels the darkness and chaos of sin.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, February 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 16

Older & Smarter?, February 17

Inklings and notions, February 18

For Him and My Family, February 19

deb’s Book Review, February 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 21

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 22 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 22

CarpeDiem, February 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 24

SPLASHES of Joy, February 25

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 26 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, February 27

Just the Write Escape, February 28

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Shirley and Howard are giving away the grand prize package of a print copy of the book and 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/f5c7/hope-for-new-beginnings-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, February 14, 2020

About the Book

Book: Grandparenting with a Purpose

Author: Lillian Penner

Genre: Non-fiction / Christian family and relationships

Release Date: June 6, 2015

Front cover Grandparenting With a Purpose

Culture tends to shape our grandchildren by what it presents as normal, which is very different from the normal in which we grew up. But through prayer and godly counsel, grandparents who love the Lord can stand in the gap and help their grandchildren and their parents navigate their world and cultural influences.

Being a grandparent is a blessing—the grandchildren are so sweet, and we love the hugs and pictures. But these days, many grandparents have the added responsibility of raising their grandchildren, while others are restrained from seeing their grandkids. Grandparenting: Effective Ways to Pray for Your Grandchildren will share some insight into these difficult issues. And no matter your situation, God gives grandparents a sacred trust—an opportunity to imprint another generation with the message of His faithfulness.

From cell phones to photo prayer journals, you’ll find tools and Scriptures to pray intentionally for your grandchildren and their parents. Regardless of how far they live from you, your prayers can bridge the distance between you and leave your grandchildren with an inheritance more precious than gold.

I remember my grandmother and hoe faithful she was praying for my brothers and I. She was a school teacher and Sunday School teacher. When I would spend a couple weeks with her in the summer, she dressed me up in pretty dresses and off we went to church. I will always remember her taking me to Vacation Bible School and praying with me every night. The book as questions at the end of each chapter

Click here for your copy!

MY REVIEW

I am so excited to read this book knowing that in June my husband and I will be first time grandparents. We are over the moon and are thankful that He answered our prayers. Grandparents are very special and in this book the author has provided biblical principles to help us pray for our grandchildren. I love how the author says we are living in the now generation. It is time to make a difference and instill Godly values over our children and grandchildren.

I remember my grandmother taking me to church when I was little. I would spend a few weeks with her in the summer. She would dress me up in pretty dresses and off we would go to church. My grandmother was a school teacher, Sunday school teacher and worked in the office at church. During my time with her I really saw how dedicated she was to God. As I reflect back on my grandmother , I realize how much she impacted my life. I’m thankful for her prayers and her example of a Godly woman.

I like the idea of leaving a journal for our children and grandchildren. In it I want to include Bible scriptures, prayers , and have a section for each child. As they pass the journal on, their heritage will show Christian values , parents and grandparents that were warriors for them. Recently in the news, we are hearing more and more children are being raised by grandparents. It is a big responsibility and it gives them an opportunity to show the grandchildren that they are loved by them and God.

At the end of each chapter are questions to use as a personal study. There are also prayers and examples from the Bible that are good role models that exercised how grand-parenting is. I enjoyed reading the book and getting information that will help as we pray for our grandchildren.

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

About the Author

Lillian Ann Penner is an author, speaker, and grandmother residing with her husband, John, in Portland, Oregon. They have been married for more than fifty years and have three married sons and nine grandchildren.

Penner is the national prayer coordinator for Christian Grandparenting Network (CGN), and she writes about her passion of intentional praying grandparents for CGN’s website. She is involved in leadership in the women’s Bible study, the fifty-five plus group in her church, and leads a Grandparents@Prayer group.

She has been active in church ministry for over fifty years, led an outreach ministry for young mothers, a mentoring ministry for women, and various other church ministries. She has participated in short term missions in Ukraine and volunteered with several Christian ministries.

She and her husband enjoy traveling, but most of all, enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.

More from Lillian

Finding Joy in Praying for my Grandchildren

What a joy it is to have that precious little grandchild come running into your arm with hugs and kisses. The six-year-old calling to tell you she lost her first tooth or your seven-year-old grandson excited about making his first goal in his soccer game.

In addition to senior discounts, grandchildren are one of the rewards of growing older. Mary H. Waldrip says it well, “Grandchildren are God’s way of compensating us for growing old.”

I now have nine grandchildren, ages ranging from sixteen years to thirty-eight years, four are married, and we have five great-granddaughters. As a long-distance grandmother for many years, I was not fully aware of my grandchildren’s immediate needs. I prayed that God would bless them, give them good health and protection. Ultimately, I became frustrated and felt something was lacking with my vague and general prayers. I asked God to show me how to become more deliberate in praying for them.

After reading books about grandparenting and prayer full of practical advice, I was encouraged to use specific Scriptures in praying for my grandchildren. The books motivated me to pray regularly for their emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

Best of all, praying God’s Word has enabled me to pray with His power, direction, and wisdom. As their grandparent, I can have a significant role in influencing their lives by praying for them during these turbulent years has given me fulfillment and satisfaction in praying for them.

The faith of our children is weakened in the classrooms; young adults raised in our hostile environment are walking away from God in record numbers. Hopelessness is prevalent, and our society is reeling from the opioid crisis, mass shootings, fatherlessness, divorce, and so much more.

Recognizing the urgent need for my grandchildren’s spiritual needs God gave me a passion of praying Scripture for my grandchildren. I felt God wanted me to share my passion with other grandparents so I wrote the book Grandparenting with a Purpose: Effective Ways to Pray for your Grandchildren about ten years ago. It has blessed and encouraged many grandparents. This past year I felt God wanted me to revise and expand the book, so I added the following chapters with a study guide for each chapter.

I have found there are many hurting estranged grandparents today with heavy hearts, so I am addressing that issue in a chapter. Is your grandparenting Painful or a blessing?
I include a section looking at a view of the culture our grandchildren and their parents are navigating today.
God’s Design for grandparenting plus several additional chapters and Scriptures to Pray for Teens and Scriptures for Grandparents to pray for themselves.

The book retails for $14.99. However, it is available for a discounted price of $15.00, including shipping and handling costs in the U. S. for a limited time. A bonus of a Scriptural Prayer resource will be included with your purchase. The book is available in EBook format for $3.99 for those who would prefer the EBook format or live outside the U. S. to save on shipping costs.

This book will challenge you and give you resources for the spiritual battle with the enemy. It will show you how to be an intentional disciple-maker and prayer warrior to impact the next generation.