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Sunday, January 31, 2016

Pennies from Burger Heaven ~ ~ Blog Tour* & Giveaway

 Pennies from Burger Heaven
by Marcy McKay
Genre: Literary Suspense
Publisher: SkipJack Publishing
Date of Publication: December 28, 2015
# of pages: 340



Eleven-year-old Copper Daniels is homeless and alone. She spends her nights sleeping beneath the cemetery’s Warrior Angel statue for protection, and
her days battling the mean streets of Remington, Texas, hell-bent on discovering what happened the night her Mama disappeared. While Copper and
her rag-tag group of friends find danger at every corner, two horrors are certain:
her Mama’s really missing and someone’s after Copper, too. 

In the tradition of The Lovely Bones and RoomPennies from Burger Heaven
tells a dark story through the eyes of a child. With
wit and wisdom, Copper Daniels will steal your heart,then break it in two.

 Awards for Pennies from Burger Heaven: 
*Winner – Writers’ League of Texas: Best Mainstream Novel 
*Winner – Frontiers in Writing: Best Mainstream Novel   
*Winner – Frontiers in Writing: Best of Show


Praise for Pennies from Burger Heaven


“Against the gritty backdrop of an inner-city ghetto rises the unforgettable voice of 
eleven-year-old Copper ‘Penny’ Daniels, offering poignant and heartbreaking insights 
into the horrors and trials of homeless life on the streets, finding heaven where you l
east expect it, and help in those you never thought to ask.”


– A.G. Howard, New York Times Bestselling Author of the Splintered Series


“At once disturbing and exhilarating, heartbreaking and heartwarming, Pennies is the 
story of an undying love between a mother and daughter. It grabs you by the 
heartstrings from the start and won’t let you go, even after you’ve read the last word.”


– Ken Oder, author of The Closing and Old Wounds to the Heart


“Debut novelist McKay infuses Pennies from Burger Heaven with wit, charm and 
moxie, so much so that the achingly beautifulness of Copper Daniels’ life sneaks up 
on you. All of this wrapped around a mystery that is fast-paced and rife with tension, 
with a satisfying series of twists. Can’t wait for the next Burger Heavennovel.”


– Pamela Fagan Hutchins, author of the Katie & Annalise mystery series




 Copper Daniels is just eleven years old and living on the streets with her mom.
Everyday is a struggle to eat and survive. They try to find places to get free food and
a place to sleep, but it seems to be getting harder to do. Copper is a very tough young
girl with grit and determination. When her mom turns up missing , Copper must
depend on the few friends she has to find shelter and help her look for her mom.
  I found it very intriguing to read the different names the author uses for the group
of people Copper has contact with. It was a bit hard to understand at first , then I
realized this is part of a language that Copper uses on the street to identify different
people. It was somewhat slang terms that are often referred to as stereo typical ,
which for some could be found offensive. She must now try to solve the mystery
of her mom's disappearance and try to stay one step ahead of someone who is out
to hurt her.
  The story is written with such realism that you can visualize Copper walking the
streets at night looking for shelter. The author holds nothing make and I found myself
so engrossed in the story, I couldn't put it down. There are times in the book that the
vivid details were hard to read, but I appreciate the darkness and evils that plagued
Copper as she raced to save her mom.


The book is a heart pounding story of Copper as she relies on street smarts to
survive in a world where she is abandoned by those she thought would never
leave her. The ending is powerful and reminds me of good vs evil as the story
leaves you in the edge of your seat.
I received a copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours for an honest review.





Marcy McKay knew she wanted to write stories the
moment she read about Oompa Loompas in the

fourth grade. She’s an award-winning short-story
author and copywriter, as well as a freelance journalist.
Her work has appeared in Writer’s Digest, Accent West,
Roots & Wings, The Write Practice, Write to Done, 
and Positive Writer and Jane Friedman. Marcy
lives in Texas with her husband and two teens, who all
still like her…most of the time. McKay is a member of the 
Writers’ League of Texas and the Texas High Plains Writers.

 
WEBSITE    FACEBOOK    TWITTER

3 WINNERS WILL WIN THEIR CHOICE OF AN eBOOK OR PRINT COPY OF PENNIES FROM BURGER HEAVEN. 


Check out these other great blog stops on the tour!

1/18       My Book Fix Blog  -- Review
1/19       Hall Ways  -- Promo
1/20       The Page Unbound  -- Author Interview
1/21       bookishjessp  -- Guest Post
1/22       Because This is My Life Y'all  -- Review
1/23       The Crazy Booksellers -- Promo
1/24       All for the Love of the Word -- Author Interview
1/25       Books and Broomsticks -- Guest Post
1/27       Missus Gonzo -- Review
1/28       The Librarian Talks -- Guest Post          
1/29       Belle Whittington on Tumblr  -- Author Interview
1/30       Book Crazy Gals -- Promo
1/31       Secret Asian Girl  -- Review
2/1         Texas Book-aholic -- Review



 blog tour services provided by
http://www.lonestarliterary.com 


Taylor Cabot  an ER nurse,  has recently lost her husband in a tragic accident. She feels guilt because they argued the night of the accident. As the third anniversary of his death is coming up, she decides that it is time to move on, to live again and perhaps let a man back into her life. Has she truly let go? Has she been through all the steps of grieving?

Seth Donovan is a crisis chaplain and was friends with Taylor at one time. He worries that she is not moving on and wants to help her out. They find  themselves working together when a terrible accident occurs at a kite festival. A plane is out of control and is barreling down on the crowd. Taylor rushes down to help and together with Seth they begin to help the people. Seth is very dedicated to his faith and the author writes his character as a caring person who is not preachy but does  share his faith with gentle and kinds words .

Later at the hospital, they have to deliver hard news to someone who just lost their loved one. Taylor and Seth work very well together on the crisis team. They both have a comforting tone and are able to speak to the victim's family and assure them they are there to help with whatever is needed. It must be a very emotionally draining job to deliver heartbreaking news.

The characters are well versed in medical language and helps the story flow with precision. The author delivers a fast past action packed story with details that are precise and believable as they race to save patients. Her attention to detail is always seen in each of her books,  and brings the medical field to the forefront with her gifted knowledge of a hospital. It ls like watching a scene from the show "ER"  where orders are being given, nurses are rushing around and the action is swift and fast
.
When a car accident occurs several members of the hospital staff are involved. As the investigation begins, the question arises that it could have been a deliberate act. Who was out to hurt someone that day? This is where the real mystery begins. Several  characters lives will be forever changed as the investigation takes a  suspicious turn toward someone on staff?

I especially liked Sloane. She was a complicated woman  with a secret that could hurt several people. She had a guilty conscious about something and her character was very well developed with an attitude of hardness and hate toward others. The author showed her vulnerable side and gave us insight to the pain that stays with guilt overtakes your life. The story is about a crisis team that works together to comfort others and along the way help each other. It is not easy to let go of a loved one and the book draws on that with compassion and a beautifully written story. Once again the author has delivered a superb story with mystery, hurting people and a touch of romance. Not everything is easy to overcome . Sometimes all you can do is go STEP BY STEP.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Blog Network for an honest review.

AUTHOR Q & A
http://mediacenter.tyndale.com/downloads/press_kits/StepbyStepQA.pdf

Friday, January 29, 2016


LOVE SO DIVINE by JoANN DURGIN

Heather is a beautiful woman who is a ballerina and comes from a very wealthy family. She is a very determined outspoken person who has aspirations to become a marketing director someday. She does have some things from her childhood that have plagued her few awhile. It has hampered her ability to have a relationship with anyone and she knows that she needs to let the past go.

Chase is a strikingly handsome man who is a youth pastor. He has a deep commitment to his faith and is always available when a young person needs help. His relationship with his dad is strained at times due to his past bad choices, but Chase is always there to help him. His past is heartbreaking and he still blames himself for not being able to help his friend when she needed it the most.

What happens when a wealthy young woman and a youth pastor meet at a wedding? They come from different backgrounds, but does God have a plan for them?

I have read several of the authors' books, but this one is the most beautiful story of faith, forgiveness and love I have ever read. The characters are written with flaws that the author uses to bring them closer to God and to show their vulnerability . We all want to be accepted and loved, but what if we had things from the past that keep us guarded around others? Can Heather find a way to forgive her father and finally break the chains that have held her captive in bitterness and mistrust? Will Chase be able to reach the kids that are walking through a troubled time and steer them to the One who saves?

I loved how the author wrote about the attraction between Heather and Chase without rushing it. The story was so well written I couldn't put it down. It draws on your emotions and guides you with scriptures toward a story that will stay with you forever. This is a love story not just between two people, but also with God as the author's words delicately dance across the pages. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a clean faith filled romance that shares about forgiveness and accepting others.

"It's how we respond to our circumstances that make all the difference."

WORTHY HEART by SUSAN ANNE MASON

Maggie Montgomery  is off on a trip to New York accompanied by her brother Gabe. She needed to get away from a man who she didn't care to become invoked in. The story is set in the early 1900s and the details that the author gives about this time period is picturesque . Maggie is keeping a little secret from her family that has stayed back home in Ireland . Will they be devastated when they find out her intentions?

Maggie is a very strong willed young woman with a determined spirit. I loved her character and how the author really played up her character traits with grace and elegance. Her brother has a big dream of becoming a firefighter back in Ireland. Will his dream come true, or will someone change his mind and stay in New York?

The story has several characters that will have an encounter with each other as the adventure keeps us mesmerized.   The addition of Aurora Hastings and Adam O'Leary from IRISH MEADOWS  to this book is a wonderful treat as we get to know them better. Their characters are interesting and a key ingredient to a well thought out storyline. Does Adam's checkered past make him an untrustworthy person? Can he repair his relationship with his father? It is a great historical romance book filled with love, determination and faith. I must mention how breathtaking the cover of this book is.

I received this book from The Book Club Network for an honest review.

PRINTER PROBLEMS by B. W. MACKEY

Brian is your typical kid with interests in video games, a pesty little sister and two patents that remind him to do chores and especially his homework. His dad gets Brian a printer from a pawn shop so he can print out his assignments for school.

It seems that the printer has a mind of its own though. I loved the story and the lessons thst weaved throughout the book. Brian and his friend have a mystery to solve. Whenever Brian  says something that is mean, the printer does  something very mysterious. What can a printer do to make two kids become scared? Can they solve the printer mystery before it is to late?

The author has written a great story for middle age children that will keep them guessing throughout the book. The printer seems to be teaching the kids a lesson on kindness. Will they try to change their attitude? The story reminds  me of a Hardy Boys mystery with intrigue and young kids who work together to help each other out. I loved how the author shared through the story what out thoughts and mean words can do. There are consequences for not being nice to those around us and the story is a perfect format to share a mystery and along the way teach kids about being nice to others. I look toward to more great adventures from this gifted and talented author.

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

TERRI BLACKSTOCK
Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of "Intervention," "Vicious Cycle," and "Downfall," as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series.
ABOUT THE BOOK
If I Run
If I Run (Zondervan, February 2016)
Casey knows the truth. But it won’t set her free.
Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking to police; they have failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she’s arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.
But what is the truth? That’s the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren’t adding up. Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan’s skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn’t guilty, why did she run?
Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices. The girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

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Guest Post from Molly Jebber
Grace in “Grace’s Forgiveness”, my second book in my keepsake pocket quilt series, was fun to write. Strangers gasp when she turns her face, and they discover her birthmark on her cheek. You’ll find out how she copes with it. I hope you’ll laugh, cry, and rejoice with her like I did.
Grace and Mark’s story unfolds with twists and turns to keep you guessing. Their Amish laws are not always easy to follow!
I had more ideas than usual for this story. In the grocery, and of course I couldn’t find paper and pen! In the middle of the night, and I was too sleepy to get up and write them down, and while doing laundry. What a mess! Let’s just say, I ran the rinse cycle twice on those clothes. Note to self. Don’t put in detergent while rolling a story idea in my head!
Love. Doesn’t just saying the word make you smile! That giddy, wonderful, and exciting feeling. The grass is greener, the sky is brighter, and you want to hang onto to it for life. I found it with my soulmate and husband, Ed. He’s my rock and inspiration.
God, my Heavenly Father is available 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. When I get discouraged and need to talk at two in the morning, He’s there! I love Isaiah 41:10, King James Version, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
I love this. He’s saying, “You can do it! Just trust me! We’ve got this!”
You also life me up. I couldn’t keep writing without encouragement from you! Thank you so much for your kind words and support! Please visit my website to find out where I’ll be speaking. I’d love to meet you!
Book Information
A handsome newcomer with secrets shows a yearning Amish woman a chance at happiness—but their love will need all their courage to keep . . .
Grace Blauch is skilled at midwifery—and crafting quilts that help others pass on messages of enduring family love. But a disfiguring birthmark keeps the young Amish woman from a husband and home of her own—until Mark King arrives from another community. His helpfulness and independent nature earn Grace’s respect. And he finds her outspoken ways and determination to do right irresistibly appealing. Soon Grace is planning a wedding quilt of her very own . . . until her father discovers that Mark’s shunned brother is hiding somewhere in town . . .
Grace can well understand why Mark took such a risk once she hears his wrenching reasons. But she fears even prayer will not convince her father to restore his blessing on their union. She wills herself to face the end of her dreams, but sudden danger and an impossible act of generosity will show her that abiding hope can inspire the most precious of miracles  . . .
Author Information
mollypicture.jpgMolly Jebber is an educational, motivational, and Women’s Christian Connection speaker. She was raised in a small town in the Midwest, and insists if you had blinked twice, you would’ve missed it. She loves God, her family and friends, sunshine, swimming and traveling to the Amish communities.  Creating historical Amish characters and throwing them into difficult situations and joyous times has been challenging and fun for her. The greatest reward she’s experienced in becoming an author is meeting wonderful people from all over the world who’ve been encouraging and supportive.




Review.jpg

Grace is a lovely girl, but is very self conscious of the birthmark on her face. She knows people stare at it , but she tries to not let it bother her. She is a midwife and also works at a store that sells quilts. Grace longs for a husband and family , but thinks her birthmark keeps suitors away.
Mark has just moved to the town and opens a furniture shop next door to Grace's. He is very kind and they seem to really hit it off. He does notice her birthmark, but it doesn't bother him. He sees past that and looks at the beautiful young woman with a graceful and humble attitude . How many of us can look past imperfections ? Are we guilty of judging others because they may look or act differently.
The story is very well written with Amish traditions and makes you feel like you are there in the town with the characters. When Grace is asked to deliver a baby, the details are so precise I felt like I was there with Grace watching a miracle happen. The story flows very smoothly and shows how forgiveness is something we should do everyday. I loved the description of the pocket quilt. It is a lovely quilt that has a place to put a letter in . What a wonderful gift that would be to have a gorgeous quilt and a handwritten letter.
Mark has a secret that could get him shunned from the community. He has come to love Grace and respect her parents. What will happen when his secret is revealed? Can the community forgive him or will he have to move away? The story is beautifully written with wonderful characters. The author has written a story that is compelling and heartfelt. I would encourage everyone to grab a copy of this book and read a story that is emotional, faith filled and shows how forgiveness can touch lives.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and the author for an honest review.
Giveaway  

Blog Tour Stops

Just Kin (Book 6 of Texas Romance Series) Book Tour and Giveaway

Just Kin
Author: Caryl McAdoo
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Book Information:
Love covers a multitude of sin.

A stolen kiss ignites a fire that burns all the way from Texas to New York City. Torn apart by war, rejection, and a letter with news she never wanted, Lacey Rose takes her shredded heart and runs. Charley figures out something isn’t right, but is duty-bound to the Confederacy until a deathbed order sets in motion a series of events that tests his love, honor, and commitment to the breaking point.
Can the two lifelong friends see past the pain to finally realize God’s plan for them to be more than just kin?
Author Info: 

Caryl, praying her story gives God glory, loves writing for Christian genres–historical and contemporary romance, Biblical fiction, and mid-grade especially. In 2014, Simon and Schuster debuted VOW UNBROKEN, a historical Christian romance set in 1832 Texas, and Caryl followed with three additional novels. In April, LADY LUCK’S A LOSER (contemporary, mature, inspirational romance); September’s debut, HEARTS STOLEN (set in 1839-1844), book two of her historical Christian Texas Romances–a #1 Amazon Best-seller; and in November, A LITTLE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS, volume one of her new Biblical fiction series, The Generations–also an Amazon #1 Best-seller.
In 2008, her high school sweetheart-husband Ron moved her to the woods of Red River County. Caryl counts four children and sixteen grandsugars life’s biggest blessings believing all good things come from God. Praying her story gives God glory, she hopes each one ministers His love, mercy, and grace to its readers. She and Ron live in Clarksville, Texas with two grandsons, Christian and Benjamen.
Review.jpg

Lacey Rose has been in love with Charley forever. She is heartbroken when he goes off to war. When she receives a letter from Charley that they are "just kin" it breaks her heart. Can you imagine being sixteen, in love and receive a letter like that.?  Lacey decides she can't take the pain and runs away from home. How many of us run away from our problems? We think by running away the problem is left behind, but it follows us everywhere until we deal with it.

Lacey becomes mixed up with  more than she bargained for. In the story there is prostitution, gambling, drinking and pre marital sex. For some readers this may be offensive , but the author uses these as tools to show what happens when you turn your back on God. Lacey finds herself doing things she thought she would never be part of, but sometimes we have to find out for ourselves what it is like without God guiding our path.

It seems that Lacey is looking for love, but has forgotten her first love , God. As you read the book, the author has done a great job of giving us characters that are not perfect and find themselves being judged by others. Are we guilty of judging someone when they fall into sin? We have all been in a place in our life where we needed compassion and love, but like Lacey there were people who turned their backs on her because they couldn't look past the imperfections.

Lacey learns some hard lessons and realizes that running from your past is not the answer. One of the many themes in the book is about forgiveness. It is hard to do, especially when you have to forgive yourself first. I loved how the author shows us that sometimes when we are rejected, we feel like the world is caving in, The good news is that God loves us and will never leave us. The story was very well written and I appreciate how the author shows us through a story, that "love covers a multitude of sin. " I appreciate the realism of the story and how the author used God in every situation to show that even though a person may sin, He is always there to forgive and love unconditionally. Do we do the same for others? Can we look past the sin without judgment ? Thanks for a book that reaches into the raw emotions of people and shows us through love and forgiveness, that our past does not define who we are today.,


I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and the author for an honest review.,

Give away Link:   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, January 25, 2016


VENDETTA by LISA HARRIS

The day Nikki Boyds' life changed forever was the day her sister Sarah turned up missing ten years ago. It is not something you forget or get over. As a special agent for the Tennessee Missing Persons a task Firce, Nikki now finds people for a living. She likes her job and along the way, she hopes to find out what happened to her sister. The not knowing is the hardest thing to live with. You can let your imagination go crazy, but she needs to stay grounded.

One day while off work Nikki get a call that a girl is missing. With the help of her friend Tyler they start their investigation . As they dig deeper into the case, Nikki finds a link to her sister's case. The question is could this be the same person who took both her sister and the missing girl they are investigating? I loved the action and the twists and turns of the story. The character development is quite good and the intense scenes are a sure way to keep the reader intrigued . It is not a book you want to put down, until the last page is read.

The relationship between Nikki and Tyler is a definite attention grabber. As the story continues, you feel like you are in a maze trying to find your way out. Just as you think you have the mystery figured out, you hit a dead end and the the suspense builds until you find yourself on the edge of your seat . The author has done an amazing job of writing a story that grips you from the beginning and takes you on a roller coaster ride of sheer intrigue at its very best.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

A MOMENT OF WEAKNESS by KAREN KINGSBURY

Jade Conner and Tanner Eastman grew up together and became best friends. They were always together and had the best time. Tanner told Jade that one day he would grow up and marry her. How many of us have made that promise as kids ? It is a sweet memory that sometimes can  become real. Everything is going well until one day Jade and her family move. They have hopes of finding her mom that left them. It was hard to leave her best friend, but she hoped one day to return and rekindle their friendship. But as we all know, sometimes things don't go the way you hope. Jade never moved back and her hope of ever seeing Tanner became a distant memory.

Years later Jade is working as a nurse in a hospital where closure is being discussed. Tanner just happens to be the person who is presenting the case and who does he spot? Could it be his best friend from so long ago? Do they still share feelings for each other? The author writes a moving story with deep emotion of two people who drifted apart and now must face their feelings again. Is their faith still strong ? Can Tanner's ambition to persue political aspirations get in between them?  There will be a moment that will change their lives forever , but will they be able to overcome pain, and forgiveness to get a second chance? It is a wonderful story that deals with redemption and flawed lives . God can restore what the enemy tried to use for bad, but will Tanner and Jade allow God to help them find their way back to Him and each other?

I received a copy of this book from Blogging For Books for an honest review.

Sunday, January 24, 2016


HIDDING PLACES by ERIN HEALY

The story is centered around Kate who seems to very good at finding places to hide. She tries to stay out of the way, almost like she isn't really there.  She lives at Harrison Lodge and her family has cottages on the land where they live. It is a family business and they all pitch in to help keep the lodge running. After the renovation, Kate has found more places to conceal herself. She must get to hear a lot of conversations in her hiding places. Does she hear something one day that could cause her harm? Kate is  a lonely child that no one seems to care about except for her grandfather. He loves being with her and Kate is always excited about her time spent with him. Her mother is to busy grieving for Kate's dad who left them. I felt so sorry for Kate at times, that I wish I could hug her.

This story has many different characters thst seem to collide at Harrison Lodge. Charlie has gotten himself mixed up with a gang and soon realizes he needs to find a way to escape from them. When he agrees to do one more job for them, things get out of hand and a 12 year old boy is killed. Charlie finds himself on the run and ends up at the lodge. I loved how the author weaved several families and their stories and found their way to the lodge. What a great place to hide from a distraught family situation, or a man who needs to hide before he is hurt. Can people be forgiven for mistakes? Will others reach out and show love? Does anyone get a second chance?

It is a well written story about redemption , family and seeking forgiveness. The author writes with details that keep you guessing and slips in little plot twists that make you keep reading. This is another well written book by an author who brings a story together with such clarity . If you have not read one of the author's books you are missing out on stories that grip your emotions and hold your attention with such outstanding character development.

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild for an honest review.