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Wednesday, December 7, 2016


GOD/RUNNER by WILL HART

I really liked the openness of the author as he shared examples from his life. We are always saying ,"God I'm ready. Use me .Pick me. " What happens when you get the call? Are you ready to jump in with both feet? Many of us have had words spoken over us that we are called to do this or that . We get discouraged when it doesn't manifest. Did we miss our calling? What happens is sometimes we may be called to a ministry but if our heart isn't right He will show you what needs to change. It's all in God's timing not ours.

I had to laugh when the author talked about his mother after she got saved. I remember when I was younger visiting a very small church my dad was asked to preach at. During the service a lady jumped up and started jumping around and speaking weird . My eyes grew so big as I stared at her. What in the world was that lady doing? I later learned that she was filled with the Holy Spirit and wasn't ashamed to express how she was feeling. I learned from that day on to never be afraid to express your joy for God.

The author does a good job of explaining how God can use you anywhere . He does  talk about some subjects that for me  at one time in my life were uncomfortable. I had always been a bit uncertain about "Laying on of Hands."  I attended a Charismatic church as I got older and there was a particular speaker that would often come and speak. He loved to lay hands on people and watch the Holy Spirit take over. The first time I saw it, I was ready to run out the door. What in the world was going on and why were people falling to the ground ? I loved how the author gracefully explained it by saying, " The laying on of hands is a foundational thing. It's understood that we're supposed to use it as a tool. It was important for the early church and it is just as  important for us today."

The book is well written and I loved his compassion for others. He encourages us to use the gifts God has given us and go out in the world . Some of us get so comfy sitting in the service week after week, then going home to wait till next Sunday to meet with "Jesus." God wants us outside the four walls reaching out to the lost, sick and hurting . The biggest thing that holds Christians back is getting out of their  comfort zone. Take that first step, leap with your faith and God will be there to guide you. Thank you so much for  a book that reminds us to be His hands and feet.

" It's not about you and me; it's about Him."

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network. This is my honest opinion.

WAR ON FEAR by JOHN MORGAN

I knew this would be the perfect book for me to read so I was excited when it arrived in the mail. I know all about fear, because it has lived with me all my life. Every doctor visit I have I feel my heart racing thinking what will they find this time?  Yes my mind loves to have me stay in fear, so I'm trapped into believing I can't do anything. I loved when the author said,"Fear wants to kill you deader than a one-star movie!"  Such profound words and yet  we allow  fear to  run our lives everyday. Fear wants to take away anything that would hinder us from following our destiny. How many of us have turned down promotions because we were unsure we could do the job?

So what can we do to overcome our fear? The best way is when you feel fear coming on, deal with it then. Don't allow it to get a foothold on you. I think of it like an annoying mosquito that won't give up. It keeps coming back over and over,until finally we have had enough and swat at it. Let's be forceful in ridding ourselves of fear. There is no time like now to stop it and remove it for good. I can't tell you how many days I have stayed in my house because I allowed fear to keep me locked in. This book has really opened my eyes and given me a renewed strength to take my life back. I don't want to live in fear and watch life pass me by.

The author touches on subjects like terrorism, insecurity, and missing out on opportunities. I loved how he  gives great examples of how to overcome fear with  confidence.  God does not want us to be tied  down with worry and fear. He wants us strong , confident and bold. Are you ready to win the "War on Fear?"

"God isn't finished with you. It's not over. You can make it over the goal line. There's more for you to do."

I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Book Club Network. This is my honest opinion.
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Literally Dead
by Lois Winston

The mystery was put together very well… I thoroughly enjoy the humor she adds to her cozy mysteries.
~A Date With A Book
The writing conference, with its range of characters, was the perfect backdrop for the story and it was nearly as fun to learn about the behind-the-scenes of the writing and publishing world as it was to read the book.
~I Read What You Write
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Literally Dead (An Empty Nest Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Self Published (September 30, 2016)
Paperback: 218 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1940795386
E-Book ASIN: B01LWCW5C1
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Synopsis

After her last disastrous episode as an amateur sleuth, Gracie Elliott is back. The budding romance writer has spent the past year crafting her first novel. Her hard work and determination pay off when her manuscript wins the Cream of the Crop award, a contest for unpublished writers, sponsored by the Society of American Romance Authors. First place entitles her to attend the organization’s annual conference, normally open only to published authors.
With husband Blake in tow, a starry-eyed Gracie experiences the ultimate fan-girl moment upon entering the hotel. Her favorite authors are everywhere. However, within minutes she learns Lovinia Darling, the Queen of Romance, is hardly the embodiment of the sweet heroines she creates. Gracie realizes she’s stepped into a romance vipers’ den of backstabbing, deceit, and plagiarism, but she finds a friend and mentor in bestselling author Paisley Prentiss.
Hours later, when Gracie discovers Lovinia’s body in the hotel stairwell, a victim of an apparent fall, Gracie is not convinced her death was an accident. Too many other authors had reason to want Lovinia dead. Ignoring Blake’s advice to “let the police handle it,” Gracie, aided by Paisley, begins her own investigation into the death. Romance has never been so deadly.
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About The Author


USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Lois Winston writes mystery, romance, romantic suspense, chick lit, women’s fiction, children’s chapter books, and nonfiction under her own name and her Emma Carlyle pen name. Kirkus Reviews dubbed her critically acclaimed Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series, “North Jersey’s more mature answer to Stephanie Plum.” In addition, Lois is an award-winning craft and needlework designer who often draws much of her source material for both her characters and plots from her experiences in the crafts industry.

Author Links:

Purchase Links

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I loved this book so much I really couldn't put it down. The concept was brilliant and the characters were funny, quirky, mean and backstabbing. It does  sound a bit like a soap opera doesn't it? I thought the title of the book was a great take on words. It is time to take on the world of publishers and those wonderful authors who write romance novels.

Gracie Elliot's dream has come true. She is off to the Society of American Romance Authors to receive a very important award. She is so pumped and just knows this could be her big break. Her husband Blake accompanies her on the trip. I laughed so hard when I read how the hotel rooms were decorated. Can you say disco era? I can tell you right now I dream to be invited to an author's conference. To meet all the authors and be presented with tons of free books would be a dream come true. Well ok Gracie gets to live out my dream, but boy was I jealous as she hung out   with authors and ate dinner with them.

The author did an amazing job of describing the inside of the publishing world and the authors were a hoot . There is the snooty I'm better than everyone else author who swooped into the banquet room . I'm sure I could hear boos coming from people at the tables. She is a famous author but she is not well liked among her peers. Then we have the authors who want to be Gracie's best friend. Why have they taken such an interest in her? Is it because her husband looks like a cover model? Yes that was quite funny as ladies all wanted Blake on their next cover. What does Blake do when he realizes women are talking about him?

Gracie is the kind of character I would hang out with. She is down  to earth , humble and a bit of a klutz. It is just her luck to almost get hit by a body flying down from the staircase she is on. Who did Gracie find dead ? The gossip really takes off as people at the conference start with their whispers and suspicious fingers pointing at each other. There is plenty of suspects and surprises to keep readers entertained. I loved the writing style that was quick, funny and made me feel like I was right there at the conference. Get ready for a fun and exciting cozy mystery that will keep you on your toes and give you a behind the scenes of the author world.

I was given a copy of this book from The Great Escape Book Tour. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

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Tour Participants
December 1 – A Date with a Book – REVIEW
December 2 – Author Annette Drake’s blog – INTERVIEW
December 3 – Brooke Blogs – CHARACTER GUEST POST
December 4 – Community Bookstop – INTERVIEW  
December 5 – Queen of All She Reads – SPOTLIGHT
December 5 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW
December 6 – Cozy Up With Kathy – INTERVIEW
December 7 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
December 8 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
December 9 – Island Confidential – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
December 10 – A Holland Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST, SPOTLIGHT
December 10 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

Monday, December 5, 2016


CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE by RONNIE KENDIG

Oh my where to start? My heart is still pounding from the adrenaline rush I just experienced reading this book. The action is top notch and the underlying threats are so vivid I could feel the country start to tighten their reins in other countries. What if you were the most elite black ops soldier around? You are named Tox and you have been called in to do the most dangerous mission ever and your team is ready to go. I can hear Tox commanding his team to be on hyper alert and to have each other's back. The author writes such descriptive scenes that I am felt like I was tagging along on the mission. 

Did I mention that Tox is not really alive? Oh that is just a minor detail that the rest of the world believes. He is like the skilled assassin that slips in without a sound and disappears before he is even noticed. As he takes this mission he runs into walls everywhere. Is he really backed by the president? Why are there so many unanswered questions about the mission? The author keeps readers riveted to the story with secrets, links to a group that could be dangerous and a spiritual battle of the highest caliber 

Get ready for characters that grab your attention with their diverse personalities and a story so powerful you will feel your heart pounding as you turn the pages as quick as you can. This is a must read for fans that love intrigue, danger and epic challenges . Grab a copy and get ready for battle. 

I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House Publishing. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it. 


CHRISTMAS COOKIE MYSTERY by NAOMI MILLER

What a beautifully written story this is. It really brings the true meaning of Christmas to light. I was so excited to revisit the small town of Abbott Creek. The people of the town help each other and encourage each other. This is the second book in Amish Sweet Shop Mysteries. If you haven't read the first book, I encourage you to grab a copy.

Katie is one of the most endearing characters I have read. She has a big heart and loves to make others happy. She does something one evening at the Sweet Shop that she hopes will bring smiles to everyone. Will the bishop be upset when he finds  out what she  has done? I loved how the author showed how humble Katie is. Have you ever done something and not asked for recognition for it?

Travis and his family are back in this story and it seems that things are getting a little better for them. Katie and Travis have a good friendship , but I wonder if maybe something more is developing between them . I love Travis and his commitment to his family. He adores his siblings and is always looking out for them. As Christmas draws near, Travis becomes a little concerned about how he will afford presents for everyone.

The story is filled with joy, love  and yes even a mystery to solve. What is hidden in the back room? I especially loved the theme of hope throughout the book. At Christmas it can hard for some families to buy gifts or have food. The recipes after each chapter are an added bonus . At the end of the book are discussion questions that are perfect to use in a book club or on your own. There is a little surprise bonus at the end  that you won't want to miss.

I loved this book and the Christmas theme that will bring happiness to all who read it. This story will remind us that helping others is priceless and to always have hope.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

Friday, December 2, 2016

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First Degree Mudder
by Kate Dyer-Seeley

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First Degree Mudder (A Pacific Northwest Mystery)

Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Kensington (November 29, 2016)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1496705099
E-Book ASIN: B01CMGS41G
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Synopsis

When a mud marathon champion bites the dust, Meg Reed has to go the distance to make sure a killer comes clean . . .
Back home in Portland, Oregon, Meg is ready to take her career as an outdoor writer for Extreme magazine to the next level. Lesser journalists sling mud—Meg plans to run through it. To train hard for Mud, Sweat & Beers, an extreme 5K mud run, she’s signed on with the Mind Over Mudder team, run by ten-time mud marathon champ—and former drill sergeant—Billy the Tank. But when Meg finds her tenacious trainer dead in the locker room, she has a sinking feeling someone may have been pushed too far. Digging through the hidden secrets at Mind Over Mudder is a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it. Meg will have to tread carefully, though—or she may soon be running for her life . . .
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About The Author

Kate Dyer-Seeley writes the Pacific Northwest Mystery Series for Kensington Publishing, featuring a young journalist, Meg Reed, who bills herself as an intrepid adventurer in order to land a gig writing for Northwest Extreme. Only Meg’s idea of sport is climbing onto the couch without spilling her latte.
She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and son, where you can find her hitting the trail, at an artisan coffee shop, or at her favorite pub. Better yet—at all three.
Author Links
Purchase Links
Amazon  B&N  Target   IndieBound



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I really liked the concept of this book. A journalist named Meg works for an online sports magazine. She is looking for a great story to help the magazine get better ratings. We find Meg joining a training race that lasts for three weeks. When she meets her trainer , she knew she was in for trouble. Billy is serious about getting people into shape. I found it very funny when Meg realizes she is going to have to participate in the training. I think she had this great idea that she could go and follow people around as they sweat and practically kill themselves doing the exercises. After all, she is there to get a story , not get in shape. The first time I heard Billy say"Drop and give me ten", I would have been out of there so fast I might have tripped over my shoes. 

There are several great characters in the story that I really enjoyed. Tim is there to lose weight or so he says. He is really there because his wife made him go to get healthy. He sure is not having fun and Billy seems to be tougher on him then anybody. When someone is found dead , suspects start turning up everywhere . I did like the intrigue in the book, and wait till you find out who the killer is. There are a few surprises in the story that keep the action going. Will the killer be found before someone else dies? Get ready for a fun read as you jump into this fun cozy mystery. At the end of the book the author has added some wonderful facts about Portland, Oregon which is very interesting to read. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Great Escapes Book Tour . The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it. 



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Tour Participants
November 28 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW
November 28 – Grace. Gratitude. Life. by Marie McNary – REVIEW, SPOTLIGHT
November 28 – Queen of All She Reads – SPOTLIGHT
November 29 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
November 29 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT
November 30 – Girl with Book Lungs – REVIEW
November 30 – The Ninja Librarian – REVIEW
December 1 – Bibliophile Reviews –  REVIEW
December 1 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW
December 2 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
December 2 – Cozy Up With Kathy – GUEST POST
December 3 – Island Confidential – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
December 4 – Community Bookstop – INTERVIEW
December 4 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
December 5 – MysteriesEtc – REVIEW
December 5 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT
December 6 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
December 7 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST
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