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Saturday, December 1, 2018

FORMULA OF DECEPTION by
CARRIE STUART PARKS

I did enjoy the book but there were times I was a little lost. I think it is because there were so many characters, I couldn't keep up with them. The story is good though and kept my interest throughout. I loved that it was set in Alaska. I hear that it is beautiful there, but I don't think I could handle the cold weather.

Murphy is a complex character and I tried to connect with her. Her need to hide out in a town that no one knows her really intrigued me. She has encountered a dark past that has traumatized her. Her fear is that the person who she thought would stay in prison forever just might be on the loose. That would certainly have me on edge. She is a bright woman and fits in well in the town until she starts to lie about her background. The title of the book is perfect, because the story is full of deceptions.

I loved how the author seamlessly included history from WWII. That just enhances the mystery more when unexplained deaths start occurring during a murder investigation. No one is safe who has anything to do with investigating the crime, and bodies start to drop. Murphy must use her wits and survival instincts to stay ahead of danger. The ending will catch you off guard. It's another hit for this gifted author.

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.
BODYGUARD FOR CHRISTMAS by
CAROL J. POST

I have really enjoyed this series and hate to see it end. The good news is now I have a new series by the author to look forward to I hope. This book will definitely not disappoint her fans. It is stacked full of suspense and action that keeps the story interesting.

I absolutely adore Jasmine. Finally a bodyguard that is female and just as capable of protecting people as anyone else. She is fierce, determined and at times intimidating. I had to laugh when Colton finds out a woman is his bodyguard. He soon finds out Jasmine is good at her job when danger strikes full force. Liam is an adorable little boy who has just  lost his mother and now must adjust to life without her.

It  was interesting to read the interaction between Jasmine and Liam. Jasmine doesn't seem like the kind of person who likes kids. Will that change as she starts to be around him everyday? Who has Colton angered to endanger his and Liam's life? The story is filled with twists that had me guessing who was behind the attempts on Liam and Colton's lives. Jasmine has her hands full when it seems that there is not a moment to catch her breath, before more unexplained accidents happen. What would you do if someone was trying to kidnap your son?

Be prepared for non stop adrenaline rush suspense and a little romance in this book filled with danger, faith , grief and emotional moments that bring the characters closer.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

Friday, November 30, 2018

Shelter of the most high copy

About the Book

Shelter of the Most High
Book: Shelter of the Most High
Author: Connilyn Cossette
Genre: Christian Biblical Fiction
Release Date: October, 2018
The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea finds solace from her troubles in the freedom of the ocean. But when marauders attack her village on the island of Sicily, she and her cousin are taken across the sea to the shores of Canaan.
Eitan has lived in Kedesh, a city of refuge, for the last eleven years, haunted by a tragedy in his childhood, yet chafing at the boundaries placed on him. He is immediately captivated by Sofea, but revealing his most guarded secret could mean drawing her into the danger of his past.
As threats from outside the walls loom and traitors are uncovered within, Sofea and Eitan are plunged into the midst of a murder plot. Can they uncover the betrayal in time to save their lives and the lives of those they love?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Cossette_ConnilynConnilyn Cossette is the CBA bestselling author of the Out From Egypt series. Her debut novel, Counted with the Stars, was a finalist for the Christy Award, the INSPY Award, and the Christian Retailing’s Best Award. She lives in North Carolina with her husband of twenty years and a son and a daughter who fill her days with joy, inspiration, and laughter. Connect with her at www.ConnilynCossette.com.

Guest Post from Connilyn

Shelter of the Most High, the second book in my Cities of Refuge Series, will be the first I’ve written to have been influenced by my trip to Israel last year. When I started writing Biblical fiction almost nine years ago, I was limited to exploring the Land of Promise via Google Earth, books, and through a plethora of photos on the good ol’ world wide web, but of course nothing can compare to actually experiencing the atmosphere and scenery for yourself.
So although I’d already written Shelter of the Most High by the time I hopped on a plane to join fellow author Cliff Graham’s GoodBattle Tour, once I returned my editing was filtered through the sights and sounds I’d witnessed for myself. It had been a life-long dream to go to Israel and it did not disappoint, in fact it just went way too fast!
One of my greatest fears was that I would see the places I’d written about in my books and realize I totally messed up my descriptions, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that for the most part I’d been fairly accurate (although I did tweak a few things here and there).
Standing on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee I was able to envision Eitan, our hero in Shelter of the Most High, sitting on one of the black boulders there, defeated and weary as he searched for his love. I was able to look toward the snowy peaks of Mount Hermon in the north and over the fertile Hula Valley just below the ancient ruins of Kedesh, the city of refuge, and consider how Sofea must have felt as she experienced the landscape of her new home for the first time, both the fear and the awe.
One of my favorite sites was Tel Dan and although it does not feature in Shelter of the Most High it’s lush greenness and dense forest gave me a better sense of what Israel must have been in the past before deforestation, war, and shifts in climate have done to the fertile land God himself called a land of milk and honey. Since I was so affected by Tel Dan (or Laish in ancient times) that city will be one of the settings in my upcoming third installment of the Cities of Refuge Series, Until the Mountains Fall.
Being a super visual person who is highly sensitive to sensory input, I took great pleasure in absorbing with all my senses as we walked paths, climbed mountains (yes, mountains), slogged through a long, cold, and wet tunnel deep beneath Jerusalem, hiked up to the secret oasis of Ein Gedi where David hid from Saul, and rocked along on a boat over the glassy surface of the Galilee. I felt like a sponge just soaking up every little detail and every grand vista.
Smelling the salty breeze off the Mediterranean and hearing the waves crash against the sandy beach in Tel Aviv and Caesarea Phillipi made me imagine our heroine Sofea looking over that enormous, blue expanse and wondering what sort of god had control of such a powerful thing.
Feeling the timeworn cobblestones beneath my feet gave me a sense of what it must have been like for Eitan and Sofea to walk through the streets of Kedesh, their own sandals scuffing against the rough-hewn stone as they went about their daily activities.
Running my fingers along the pitted surfaces of ancient buildings and tracing the chisel marks from craftsmen of the Bronze Age wrapped me in a whirl of imagination about who the people were that hefted those same rocks into place and the ingenuity it took to create structures that have lasted so long.
Tasting the unique spices and flavors of the Middle East gave me a sense of the passion Moryiah (our hero’s mother) has for creating delicious new dishes to feed her growing family and the guests at her inn.
Although I write fiction, my stories are woven into Biblical accounts so going to Israel was a perfect reminder for me that the people that lived between the pages of Genesis to Revelations were real. They breathed, they cried, they loved, they mourned, they suffered, and they celebrated with their families. I am so grateful to have gleaned some great new insight into the Land and its resilient, vibrant people and hope that through Shelter of the Most High readers get a small sense of the beauty and wonder I experienced there. I cannot wait to go back!



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I don't know where I've been, but I can't believe I have not read a book by this author. Her silky smooth textured writing places readers right in the midst of the story. Sofea is a wonderful character with great passion. As she escapes with her cousin Prezi, the author transports us back in time. It was hard to read how Sofea and Prezi had been treated and to discover what had happened to their village. I loved how determined Sofea was to keep her cousin safe . I'm not sure how brave I would be to jump off a ship but when faced with danger, but Sofea knew they must jump or face death.

Eitan is a young man who has not been allowed to  from leave his city because of a grudge someone has against him. It is evident as you read the story that revenge fuels several characters. I liked how Eitan and his family took Sofea and Prezi in and made them feel safe. There was a bit of uncertainty between the cousins of their new home but at least they were not out in water or wandering around without shelter to protect them.

I loved getting to know each character but I have to say Prezi was my favorite. Her quiet disposition was refreshing and I loved how she was hungry to know who God was. I loved how the story flowed and the mystery surrounding Eitan. Someone is out to harm him and will do anything to lure him  straight into the path of death.

I loved this story and how seamless the author incorporated biblical truths throughout the story. It is also a beautiful story of people seeking forgiveness and acceptance.  I loved the adventure Eitan took when he found out Sofea and Prezi were in danger. He was willing to sacrifice himself to save them. A great reminder that we also had someone who gave their life to save us. I highly recommend this story filled with historical facts and a lesson in hope.

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

Blog Stops

The Power of Words, November 20
Among the Reads, November 21
Gensis 5020, November 21
Book by Book, November 22
Remembrancy, November 23
Inklings and notionsNovember 23
The Becca Files, November 24
Baker Kella, November 24
Bibliophile Reviews, November 25
By The Book, November 26
Aryn The LibraryanNovember 27
All-of-a-kind Mom, November 27
Simple Harvest Reads, November 29 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Janices book reviews, November 29
The Lit Addict, November 30
Texas Book-aholic, November 30
Connect in Fiction, December 2
Bigreadersite, December 2
Purposeful Learning, December 3
Carpe Diem, December 3

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Connilyn is giving away
Grand Prize: All five of Conni’s novels, including Shelter of the Most High, plus AHAVA Dead Sea Bath Salts
Three other winners will receive a copy of Shelter of the Most High!!
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/d66d/shelter-of-the-most-high-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

SHADOWS OF PAIN BOOK BLAST WRITTEN by ASHLEY DAWN
PRESENTED by CELEBRATE LIT



Revenge is sweet…unless you are on the receiving end of it.

“Do you know of anyone who would want…you dead?”

Officer Daniel Jenkins was no stranger to the dangers his job posed but usually he knew who was trying to kill him. Being stalked was a completely different ball game, and he wasn’t sure there were any rules…

“…I need you.”

Terrified didn’t even begin to describe how Kami felt with the stalker targeting her. As an FBI agent you were trained to handle stressful situations, but being the victim put the whole process in a different light.

As the killer gets closer, so do Kami and Daniel, but will they live long enough to see their love bloom?

Only God can save them from this unknown killer…










Author Ashley Dawn was born and raised in rural Arkansas where she developed her love for writing while helping in her parent's office. She graduated with an accounting degree from the University of Central Arkansas but is currently working as a legal assistant.
Ashley has been writing professionally for the past twelve years and has four published books. Her Shadows Series include Shadows From The Past, Shadows of Suspicion, Shadows of Pain, and Shadows of Deception. She is currently working on multiple projects including the fifth in her ‘Shadows’ series entitled “Shadows in Black and White” and also a standalone suspense titled ‘One of Their Own’. She an d her family make their home in Texas.


Social Media:


https://twitter.com/authoradawn



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If you haven't read this author before, you are missing out on an author who can write suspense that sends shivers down your spine. This book is the third in a series that has kept me rushing to finish a book so I can get to the next one in the series I love that it surrounds a family who are in law enforcement in some capacity. They are very close knit and have each others backs. This story focuses on Kami and Daniel. Their chemistry is undeniable and I liked how they seemed drawn to each other. It was refreshing to read how faith was very much a part of the story. There is a few scenes in the book where I found the author able to show how someone chooses to invite Jesus into their life. I won't say who the characters are, but it will bring tears to your eyes. 

Danger is lurking just outside the realm of the Reiley family. When you have a family that lives and breathes law enforcement, it is bound to bring out unwanted attention from someone wanting revenge. Someone is out to destroy a family member or perhaps someone close to the family.  The chaos goes full force as attempts on lives seem to happen at a quick rate. The author does a good job of  throwing in some twists that left me guessing at what was going to  happen next. There are a few times in the story, I would have liked a bit more action. It felt like too much attention was given to Kami and Daniel's relationship. I know this is a suspense book with romance splashed in, but I was disappointed in how quickly they seemed to have feelings for each other. I guess I'm saying this part of the story was very predictable. 

I encourage readers to start with the first book in the series to get to know the characters, They all travel to each new book in the series and it would be helpful to understand the dynamics of the characters. I did enjoy the book and was pleased with the ending. The author did tease readers with a bit of a hint of a new book in the series which I am thrilled about. Overall good story and a great message about forgiveness and trust. I can't wait to read what happens next in the series.

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



Books are a great gift for those members of the family who need a break from all the electronics in the house. Actually, that may apply to everyone in the house! Books are a great gift for everyone in the family, by the way!

Even if there aren’t kids in your own house, I’m sure you know some young people who would enjoy these books. Maybe you are a youth leader or teacher with young people on your Christmas list.

This week, New Growth Press is giving away THREE gift boxes of books for tweens and teens. From November 26-December 2, you can enter to win one of three gift boxes of books (retail value of $114).

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Stratagem FB Banner copy

About the Book

9781683227304
Book: Stratagem
Author: Robin Caroll
Genre: Christian Suspense
Release Date: November, 2018
A High-Stakes Simulation Adventure Leaves Grayson Thibodeaux the Prime Suspect. . .for Murder
Deep in the gritty underbelly of New Orleans, psychologist Grayson Thibodeaux loses everything when his wife leaves him to climb her company’s corporate ladder. He buries himself in his job of creating mind-bending adventure games for businesses as team-building explorations. When his ex-wife’s company hires Grayson’s to create an elaborate game, he doesn’t see how things can get worse. Until she dies during the course of the game he created…making him the prime suspect for murder.


About the Author

RobinCaroll“I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I’ve never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.” Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better. Robin’s passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others and come alongside them on their faith journey—aspects Robin weaves into each of her twenty-five-plus published novels. When she isn’t writing, Robin spends quality time with her husband of nearly three decades, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home. Robin gives back to the writing community by serving as executive director/conference director for ACFW. Her books have been recognized in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, Bookseller’s Best, and Book of the Year.
You can find out more about Robin by visiting www.robincaroll.com.

Guest post from Robin

Behind the Scenes: Robin Caroll Shares Her Inspiration for Writing Stratagem
Dear Reader,
Thank you for journeying to New Orleans in a web of deceit and confusion with me. Sharing a place that has such connection for me was a pure joy. South Louisiana offers such a laid-back attitude that I often miss “home.” I hope you’ll enjoy sampling a taste of the flavor of Louisiana.
Years ago I watched the movie The Game with Michael Douglas and Sean Penn and was enthralled. There’s just something grabbing about messing with a person’s mind and life by using their own feelings and instincts against them. When this story of Stratagem first began forming, I wanted to use all that intrigue to mess up the game master’s life. The end result is quite the ride!
As the characters came alive to me, I found the theme of forgiveness and acceptance coming out in the story. Some of the emotions within this story are very personal to me, and I’m honored I was able to share them with you. It is my wish that you may be touched by Grayson’s faith journey as well.
Until next time. . .
-Robin


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I'm starting my review with a warning about the book. When you start this book, make sure you  allow yourself time to read the entire book in one sitting. Why? To put it simply, because there is no way to read this book without stopping. The story line is rich in intrigue and takes us to the dark places  of a person's emotions. I was shocked at first to read that  a company thought the only way to pick who would get the promotion out of four people was to play a game. It's not just any old game, folks. It's a game specifically designed to use past hurts, fear, manipulation, anger and secrets against you. How will each person act in different situations is where the real nitty gritty goes. 

To understand the master mind behind the game, we get to meet Grayson. I enjoyed him so much and found his intelligence to be quite impressive. I thought it was cool that the four people didn't know they were playing a game, but trying to outshine their peers in front of the boss. They were watched at all times like a lab rat which is kinda creepy. The author delves into their past in a way that brings out the darkness in some and in others an almost give up attitude. I can tell you right now I would never want to play this type of game. I did forget to mention that one of the players in the game is Grayson's ex-wife. Anna Belle is the epitome of girl gone bad. There is nothing nice I can say about her. She was mean, vindictive and down right evil. Anna Belle is the woman that other women hate and men fall all over for her attention. Someone definitely has it in for her, when she is found dead . The first person the police point a finger at is Grayson. I wasn't surprised because it is a given the ex-husband is automatically the top pick as the killer. 

Anna Belle is certainly not a popular person and I'm not sure anyone shed a tear over her death except maybe her mother. There is however another character I found to be extremely annoying. Danielle and Grayson's friend Brandon are investigating the death. Danielle is so determined to prove Grayson guilty that she made me want to stomp on her feet several times. She is so relentless in proving Grayson guilty, that she has tunnel vision.  Her character is so well developed I loved to hate her. She was one of my top picks of stand out characters in the story.Her nastiness towards Grayson is evident when she says to him, " Although , you know sometimes murderers will do bad things to themselves to garner sympathy and try to throw off suspicion."

It is a cat and mouse chase as Grayson tries to figure out what went wrong in the game, as the police start closing in on him. I was literally turning pages fast because I had to know who the killer was. I had my list but I was very wrong.   The author has included faith in the book but not in a preachy way. Grayson really stands on his beliefs and will face the question of is he able to forgive. That is one of the great lessons in the book and one of the hardest things people have to deal with. The author knows how to shock readers with intense drama and an ending that will have you looking for more books by this very gifted author.

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


Blog Stops

Midnight Bookaholic, November 17
Back Porch Reads, November 18
Rebekah’s Quill, November 18
By The Book, November 19
Genesis 5020, November 19
All-of-a-kind Mom, November 19
Lighthouse Academy, November 20
Inklings and notionsNovember 20
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 21
Splashes of JoyNovember 21
Moments, November 21
Just the Write Escape, November 22
Mary Hake, November 22
Simple Harvest Reads, November 22 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Bigreadersite, November 22
Aryn The Libraryan , November 23
Multifarious, November 23
Bibliophile Reviews, November 24
Remembrancy, November 24
amandainpaNovember 24
Margaret Kazmierczak, November 25
Pause for Tales, November 25
Book by Book, November 25
Livin Lit, November 26
Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 26
Baker kella, November 26
Daysong ReflectionsNovember 27
Texas Book-aholic, November 27
Painting with Words, November 28
Maureen’s Musings, November 28
Janices book reviews, November 29
Carpe Diem, November 29
Godly Book Reviews, November 30

Giveaway

e5f4939d-cd96-45de-b748-8fb15bc1a0af
To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of Stratagem!!
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/d629/stratagem-celebration-tour-giveaway