Thursday, February 2, 2023

About the Book

Book: Fleeing Egypt

Author: Jaycee Pierce

Genre: Women’s Fiction (Christian)

Release date: October 24, 2022

When Jennifer (Jen) Hoyt leaves for college, the word ecstatic feels like an understatement for how she feels. She can finally move away from the dysfunctional family who neglected and abused her to make a better life on her own. After being an overachieving outcast in school, Jen is confident of academic success, but what she wants most is to be a part of a loving family.

During her first year of college, Kyle, a friend of a friend, captures her heart, but her attempts to “make him love her back” have dire consequences. When Jen finds out she is pregnant, she knows one thing: she wants to keep her baby. Will Kyle decide to form the family she so desperately wants? If he doesn’t, how will Jen keep her baby safe from those who hurt her? Jen doesn’t know the Lord yet, but He’s already making a way for her.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

No one is more surprised than I am to read the word author and know it applies to me. I had different dreams as a child, and this was not remotely on my radar. At three, I wanted to be an Olympic swimmer. When I was eight, I “ran for president,” telling people to vote for me in the election year when I would finally be thirty-five (I had calculated it precisely). In my teens, I had lowered the barand just wanted to be a lawyer. While those doors never opened, God has faithfully led me on a winding path to get me where I am today.

I have held a variety of jobs: customer service representative, loan processor, professional video game player, city councilwoman, church secretary, math teacher, and most importantly, mother. While I was training to be a teacher, God inspired me to write a yet-to-be-published children’s book. Not long after, I began this novel. I wrote a week each summer between school years while my son and his father were camping without me. Depending on how you want to count time, it either took me five weeks (of actual time in front of a computer screen) or three years (looking at a calendar) to finish. Then I spent several years editing and finding a publisher. I hope that you find as much pleasure from reading it as I got from writing it.

More from Jaycee

God works in mysterious ways. I honestly never intended to be a writer, and this entire endeavor started in a way that seemed almost accidental at the time. I had just finished my first year of teaching mathematics. That summer, the members of my immediate family went on a five-day “male bonding” camping trip.

Left home alone, I called friends and family members to reconnect and fill my need for social interaction. One conversation in particular left me with a lot of “what if” questions about how life would have been different for me without God in the picture. I wrestled with different scenarios and then decided I needed to organize my thoughts.

I started writing and thirteen hours later ended up with about 40 pages of text. I sent those to my cousin, Jill, who wanted to know what happened next. Her encouragement kept me writing until this novel was completed, two summer camping trips later.

MY REVIEW

I enjoyed following Jen on her journey as she tries to do the right thing for herself and her unborn baby. Finding out that she is pregnant was not met with excitement from her boyfriend. His immediate idea was to get rid of it. Oh how I dislike when someone calls a baby, “it.” Kyle is less than helpful and I wanted him out of Jen’s life. What really bothered me the most was Jen’s mother. She is abusive and tries to still run Jen’s life. I’m not sure that Jen’s decision to leave and take a job as a caretaker is a good idea. We all have made hasty decisions so maybe Jen will find out that God has a plan for her in this remote area of Nebraska.

Stuart is unsure about hiring Jen to be his parents caregivers. She is pregnant, not really trained as a nurse and a complete stranger. Taking a chance he hires her and decides to see how things go. I liked how they became friends and started opening up to each other. Jen’s life has not been filled with love so her choices are not always good when dating someone. Stuart gives her great advice about making better choices. I love how he tells her that she is worth loving. I don’t think she has ever heard that in her life. In that moment a seed is planted and I’m hoping that Jen will start to have confidence in herself.

The story moves at a very quick pace and before I knew it we see Jen and Stuart start to become serious about each other. I won’t ruin the surprises in the story. I do like how the author illustrates that we are all worthy and that God has a plan for each of us. The author left me with several questions so I’m hoping for a follow up to this story.

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, February 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 4

Artistic Nobody, February 5 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, February 5

Cover Lover Book Review, February 6

For the Love of Literature, February 7 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 9

Susan K. Beatty, Author, February 10 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 11

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 12

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, February 13 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, February 14

Guild Master, February 15 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, February 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jaycee is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a 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/23d5c/fleeing-egypt-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

About the Book

Book: Silver Bounty

Author: Victoria McCombs

Genre: YA Pirate Fantasy

Release date: January 10, 2023

Never Trust a Pirate

Emme is tasked with getting rid of the king, but kings are not an easy target, and this one is bent on purging his lands of pirates. As Emme’s job becomes increasingly dangerous, she learns to survive the pirate way—cunning and merciless—while consoling herself with one fact: she’s just doing what it takes to get home.

But when Emme mistakenly takes out the wrong man, not even the protective pirate captain can save her from the consequences. In a string of betrayals, one thing is certain. You can never trust a pirate.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Victoria McCombs is the author of The Storyteller’s Series, and The Royal Rose Chronicles, with hopefully many more to come. She survives on hazelnut coffee, 20-minute naps, and a healthy fear of her deadlines, all while raising three wildlings with her husband in Omaha, Nebraska.

More from Victoria

Pirates are more civilized than I gave them credit for. Did you know the captain didn’t have complete authority over the ship? While researching for the book, I discovered they used a voting system, and the captain followed what the crew wanted. Usually pirate stories depict a strong captain that makes all the decisions, so it was a fun twist to include more of the democracy style of the early pirates into my story. With that, came the fun power struggles as different crew members wanted different things, and they all try to sway the command of the ship. Smaller crew alliances form, friendships are tested, trust broken, and the future of the Royal Rose comes into question as, at times, the greatest threat to them lies within their own crew.

MY REVIEW

Emme is dangerous losing her battle to survive as her illness runs throughout her body. Yet all she thinks about is finding her brother. It is strange that she doesn’t remember that her brother drowned. When a strange older woman boarded the ship I felt shivers down my spine. She wanted to tell Emme her future, but Emme wanted nothing to do with it. As she helps her down the plank a touch sends the woman into a fit of wailing. What did she see when she touched Emme’s hand? Darkness seemed to overtake Emme in that moment as death was near either by her own hands or by someone else. The story just got intense everyone.

I loved the twists in the story that will surprise many. There are some out there that still believe they can save Emme. The determination to rescue Emme is not without sacrifice and I couldn’t wait to see where this adventure would take us. The pirates are plenty as is evil that lurks in the sea. Power is evident as the guiding force behind the wrath of one. The author dies su h a good job of making the characters real that I found myself on the ship as we sailed to the unknown.

Arn is the character that I cheer for as he seeks to save Emme. He will do anything to protect her but would he give up his life as a pirate for her? Arn is someone you want on your side, His loyalty is strong and tells Emme he would die for her. He awaits the time where he comes face to face with the king. You can feel the anger inside Arn as he thinks about how evil the king is.

The part about an island that no one can escape from is eerie. You can try to escape but it brings you back and shows you that you have no hope of escaping. There may be one way to escape for this person but it would cost them dearly. The island doesn’t like to lose someone and the consequences if you do find a way off the island is unforgiving. What would you do if you could escape a prison but it could take a favorite memory, your speech, or even years from your life?

The story is filled with deceit, secrets and betrayals that I had a problem deciding who to trust. Emme must make a hard decision to save herself. Will it be her mother’s freedom or her own? As ruthless as Emme’s mother is, Emme still loves her. What decision will she make? As the ending draws near, I hoped the author would give us closure. But once again the author has left a cliffhanger and I must ask how long do I wait to find out if Emme survives? Does her mother survive? Will Emme’s brother be found alive? Does Arn stay with Emme or will he choose the pirate life?

I received a copy 9f this book fromCelebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 31

Artistic Nobody, February 1 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, February 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 3

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 4

Blogging With Carol, February 5

A Reader’s Brain, February 6 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 7

Lily’s Book Reviews, February 7

Through the Fire Blogs, February 8

For Him and My Family, February 9

Holly’s Book Corner, February 10

Simple Harvest Reads, February 11 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Victoria is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a hardcover 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/23ccd/silver-bounty-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, January 30, 2023

About the Book

Book: The Master’s Inn

Author: Deb Gorman

Genre:Christian Fiction

Release date: October 15, 2022

A novel of human brokenness and God’s still-unfolding drama of redemption.

When two dysfunctional and wounded families wind up unexpectedly at the remote Master’s Inn during a December snowstorm, it’s up to owners Tom and Barb Masters to help—except they’re dealing with their own bitter issues. As the winter snowfall confines them, the three families find themselves coping with their crippled relationships and hard emotions . . . and sometimes tearing one another down in the process.

But when a secret is inadvertently revealed and a rebellious teenage girl takes off into the storm, chaos descends. Will they be tossed into more heartbreak, or will the crisis draw them together against a common enemy?

With a forest in Washington State as the backdrop, join the Masters’ at their B&B as they strive to show Christ’s love to all who cross their threshold . . . even when it threatens their own sanity and safety.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Deb Gorman, owner of Debo Publishing, was born and reared in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She still lives in her hometown with her husband, Alan, and their very smart German Shepherd, Hoka.

Deb is a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, cleverly disguised as a wife, mom, grandmom, and author.

Her purpose is to connect with God’s most beautiful and clever creation, the human family, using the literary talent and imagination God gave her.

Her prayer is that as she journeys together with you, we will discover encouragement and redemption in our most important relationships.

Connect with Deb at https://debggorman.com where you will find her blog posts and information about her books, both published and forthcoming.

More from Deb

One Sunday morning in 2012, I listened to our pastor give one of his excellent sermons.

I don’t remember what he said to spark this idea, but I grabbed my church bulletin and began scribbling furiously. By the time the service ended I had a rough outline, character sketches, and the opening scene written. And the title—The Master’s Inn. Some details, of course, changed over the years, but the title stayed the same.

The Master’s Inn was first birthed as a ninety minute play, which my church produced over one weekend in December of 2013. I wrote the play and directed it. I had an excellent cast of characters, plenty of folks lending a hand from technical details to the dinner we hosted for our guests. It was truly a team effort.

The Master’s Inn play was the first serious effort I’d ever made at writing. After it’s success, I began thinking about writing a book. Now, ten years later, I’ve written three creative non-fiction, devotional-style books and contributed to a Chicken Soup for the Soul volume.

During the process of publishing those first three books, the characters from The Master’s Inn pestered me day and night to put them in a novel. Who was I to argue?

And so, those characters got what they wanted. They are no longer confined to ninety minutes and one weekend of publicity. They’re now out there for the whole world to see.

The Master’s Inn is a novel of human brokenness and God’s still-unfolding drama of redemption . . .

When two dysfunctional and wounded families wind up unexpectedly at the remote Master’s Inn during a December snowstorm, it’s up to owners Tom and Barb Masters to help—except they’re dealing with their bitter issues. As the winter snowfall confines them, the three families find themselves coping with their crippled relationships and hard emotions . . . and sometimes tearing one another down in the process.

With a forest in Washington State as the backdrop, join the Masters at their B&B as they strive to show Christ’s love to all who cross their threshold—even when it threatens their own sanity and safety.

MY REVIEW

The setting of Master’s Inn is covered with snow, beautiful scenery and unexpected guests. I loved the owners Tom and Barb who have a gift for hospitality. They weren’t expecting guests since the snow was coming down so hard. God has a plan that was starting to fall into place as the first unexpected guests arrive on their doorsteps. A family stranded in the snow desperately looking for a place to take shelter.

Soon after another family comes looking for a place to stay until the winter snow stops. Tom and Barb find themselves with a full house, no electricity and some unhappy visitors. As we get to see the characters take shape I realize that these two families each need encouragement and God. The author tackles some issues that may be triggers such as PTSD, death and adoption.

It is hard at times to read the book only because the emotions are very realistic. A teenager so out of control that her parents can’t handle her take center stage in the story. The constant fighting in this family was a lot to take in. It took me back to my childhood where every night my dad and brothers would get into fist fights. The family in this story was more emotional abuse which is very damaging. Will this family find a way to communicate and forgive each other?

One of the couples deals with the loss of their three year old daughter. It was years ago, but the pain is still there. They had waited so long to have a child and three years later she passed away. I understand the anger the parents felt. Why would God allow this to happen? After forty years their loss still hurts.

The last couple in the story have two small children. They were traveling to see the wive’s mother who has taken ill. We see a glimpse of worry and blame when their travel plans keep them from getting to her. I didn’t think the author spent too much time on this family and that disappointed me.

I did like how all the families began to open up to each other and start to share their struggles. The author shows how God can work in mysterious ways when these strangers find themselves together at a place where healing, forgiveness, and a fresh start await the. There are a few parts in the story about a bear that I thought was a little to graphic for me and when one character shares the story about his friend and how he died in Iraq it was too much detail for my taste.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 27

Blogging With Carol, January 27

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 28

Bizwings Blog, January 29

Texas Book-aholic, January 30

deb’s Book Review, January 31

Cover Lover Book Review, February 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 3

Pause for Tales, February 4

Dee S. Writes, February 4

Spoken from the Heart, February 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 5

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 7

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 8 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, February 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Deb is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a 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/23cca/the-master-s-inn-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, January 29, 2023

About the Book

Book: Barking Up the Wrong Tree

Author: Janice Thompson

Genre:Christian Fiction / Mystery / Romance

Release date: January 1, 2023

Inquisitive, detail-oriented, Veterinarian Kristin Keller prides herself on winning over any dog. But has this self-proclaimed dog whisperer finally met her match in a Sheltie named Remington who has just won the Texas state agility course competition? The champion pooch is acting out of sorts—almost as if he is not the same dog. Has he, by chance, been switched out with another dog just before the next big competition? Kristin and the other Lone Star employees will do anything to help the Atkinson family figure out this mystery surrounding their beloved Remington.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Janice Thompson, who lives in the Houston area, writes romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, nonfiction devotionals, and musical comedies for the stage. She is the mother of four daughters and nine feisty grandchildren. When she’s not writing books or taking care of foster dogs you’ll find her in the kitchen, baking up specialty cakes and cookies.

More from Janice

Barking up the Tree is book three in the Gone to the Dog series. Kathleen Y’Barbo and I are writing six books, in total, and we’re very excited about this series. I happen to be in the dog rescue business. I’ve worked with multiple Houston-based dog rescues over the past five years and have been blessed to care for over fifty dogs in nearly every shape, size, and breed. I am always interested in dog-themed stories.

As a Texan I wanted to place this series in my neck of the woods. Kathleen and I settled on Brenham, Texas, a town not far from where we both live. It’s the home of Blue Bell ice cream (yum!) a favorite here in the Lone Star state. We created a large fictional cast of characters and placed them in a town we know and love.

Along with writing books I’m also a baker and run a baking blog (www.outoftheboxbaking.com). With that in mind I would love to share a recipe from the book. Enjoy!

Nanny’s Coconut Pecan Cake (aka Italian Cream Cake)

Ingredients

FOR THE CAKE:

1 white cake mix
1 yellow cake mix
6 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 stick butter
1 cup water
1 cup milk
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup sweetened coconut (flakes)
2 tsp vanilla
1 small box instant vanilla pudding (powder)

FOR THE FILLING/TOPPING:

Toasted coconut
Toasted chopped pecans

FOR THE FROSTING:

1 cup (two sticks) salted butter (softened)
1 block cream cheese (softened)
1 rectangle Crisco (can omit if you prefer traditional cream cheese frosting)
1 bag (7-8 cups) powdered sugar
Clear vanilla extract

Instructions

MAKING THE CAKE:

Combine all ingredients except nuts and coconut. Mix well.
Work in the nuts and coconut.
Grease and flour three 9” pans.
Divide batter between the three pans and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes (approximately) until cake springs back to the touch.

MAKING THE ICING:

Bring ingredients to room temperature.
Mix butter and cream cheese until soft and creamy.
Add Crisco and continue to beat until incorporated. (You can leave out the Crisco if you prefer traditional cream cheese frosting.)
Add extract and then lower the speed of your mixer to add powdered sugar (more or less to desired consistency).

FILLING AND ICING THE CAKE

Level all three cakes.
Put one cake on your cake board and add a layer of cream cheese frosting.
Pipe a ring around the edge of the cake and add some toasted pecans and coconut.
Continue to stack and fill.
Turn the top cake upside down, so that it’s bottom up.
Ice the cake with a crumb coat and chill.
Once chilled, ice liberally with frosting.
Add chopped (toasted) pecans and coconut to the sides and top then pipe trim or rosettes to add further décor.

MY REVIEW

Welcome back to the series where dogs are the stars and laughter abounds in this adventure filled with fun, faith and of course dogs and more dogs. I love getting to know Kristin better in this story and how compassionate she is. She has this knack for winning over even the most difficult dog until a strange mix up happens. Our Star dog is Remington who has just won the Texas state agility course. What an exciting time as Remington is now up for the nationals.

Something strange is going on with Remington as he is not himself at all. His health has declined and he is not friendly at all. When blood work comes back, it is discovered that Remington is not Remington. Someone switched dogs and the mystery begins. Why would someone take someone’s dog and leave them with a sick dog? Oh my the questions are plenty in this dog napping adventure. With a flair of I Love Lucy show, the sick dog is now named Fred Mertz. The team starts the work to help this poor dog. The question still looming is “Where is Remington.”

I love how the author gives us several suspects as the staff is on the case. Could it be someone from the competition that was jealous? Maybe it is the lady who is a hoarder or puppy mill as I think of them. Or could it be the woman who owns a mobile grooming company that didn’t like her unfavorable review from Remington’s owner?

I loved being back with friends and seeing how Mari and Parker’s relationship was slowly blossoming. Mari’s rescue group is in full swing and continues to find dogs who need love and care. Will we hear weddings bells from these two soon? I can’t wait to follow their journey and perhaps witness a special occasion in the future.

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