Friday, December 28, 2018


A SECRET TO DIE FOR by LISA HARRIS

I love books that are filled with intrigue and subtle clues throughout the book to solve the mystery. The author has done just that in this action packed book.

Grace is a psychologist that meets lots of different people. I always wonder if the psychologist is ever afraid of their patient. With great descriptions and an adrenaline rush this story had me on the edge of my seat. When Grace has a patient with a deep secret, what happens when that secret becomes dangerous? Can Grace outsmart who is after her?

Nathan is a welcome addition to the story and adds adventure to the story. Grace and Nathan team up to keep one step ahead of the suspect and keep both of them  alive. What secret does she know that someone would kill for? I'm glad the author made Grace a strong and smart character. She is not one to give up and her determination is off the wall.

They both have something in common which brings them closer together. I think that with them both dealing with trauma it  will help them keep each other safe . Grace draws on her faith and that keeps her grounded. The danger these two are put in is non stop and the race is on to see who survives. The book is well written and the mystery is so good I couldn't stop reading.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Librarything Early readers program. The review is my own opinion.



BUSTER’S EARS TRIP HIM UP presented by
NEW GROWTH PRESS

This is probably my favorite book from the collection because it talks about trying your best. We all want to do everything well and sometimes we get competitive. Buster tries so hard but his silly ears get in his way . I remember how I always wanted to do good at everything so I would not be made fun of. I wanted kids to like me, but I was so shy and not good at sports.

When Buster doesn’t do well in a race, the book does a great job of reminding children that God love’s us no matter what. We don’t always have to be first as long as we try out best and have a humble heart. Buster learns a valuable lesson about pride. We all have had to deal with that issue and the book is well written in a way that children can understand that God love’s us no matter what.

I received this book from New Growth Press and Read With Audra Blog Program. The review is my own opinion.

JAX’S TAIL TWITCHES presented by NEW GROWTH PRESS

I really enjoyed reading this book. It not only talks about children getting angry, but adults as well. We let little things grow into big problems that make us angry. Papa squirrel was angry because he felt that his neighbors weren’t following the rules. Jax was angry because Caspian seemed to always win at everything.

It made me think of how we let something get hold of us and our anger comes out. Poor  Mr. McNuffle   was just trying to feed his family, but Papa squirrel didn’t want to share. He was too busy being angry because rules were not being followed. I loved how  the book reminds us that there are times we don’t follow God’s word but he doesn’t get angry at us. The book is very well written with gorgeous illustrations. It will be a great book to read to children to teach them about anger.

I received this book from New Growth Press and Read With Audra Blog Program.
ZOE’S HIDING PLACE published by NEW GROWTH PRESS


The book is beautifully illustrated and will be a great addition to anyone looking for Children’s books with a message from God.

Zoe is a cute character and seems to let his mind wander sometimes. He finds himself lost and becomes anxious. I loved how the book gave scriptures to reinforce that God is always with us. When we are afraid, God reminds us that “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

If you are looking for books that encourage children and give them scriptures to help them rember God’s Word be sure and grab a copy of this book.

I received a copy of this book from New Growth Press and Read With Author Blog Program.

Thursday, December 27, 2018

catching christmas FB banner_edited-1

About the Book

Book: Catching Christmas
Author: Terri Blackstock
Genre: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christmas
Release Date: October 9, 201
Catching ChristmasThis Year, Christmas Comes Just in Time
As a first-year law associate, Sydney Batson knows she will be updating her resume by New Year’s if she loses her current court case. So when her grandmother gets inexplicably ill while she’s in court, Sydney arranges for a cab to get her to the clinic.
The last thing cab driver Finn Parrish wants is to be saddled with a wheelchair-bound old lady with dementia. But because Miss Callie reminds him of his own mother, whom he failed miserably in her last days, he can’t say no when she keeps calling him for rides. Once a successful gourmet chef, Finn’s biggest concern now is making his rent, but half the time Callie doesn’t remember to pay him. And as she starts to feel better, she leads him on wild goose chases to find a Christmas date for her granddaughter.
When Finn meets Sydney, he’s quite sure that she’s never needed help finding a date. Does Miss Callie have an ulterior motive, or is this just a mission driven by delusions? He’s willing to do whatever he can to help fulfill Callie’s Christmas wish. He just never expected to be a vital part of it.


About the Author

Terri BlackstockTerri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times and USA TODAY 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. Catching Christmas is her first Christmas romance. Visit her website at www.terriblackstock.com Facebook: tblackstock Twitter: @terriblackstock

From Terri Blackstock


Enjoy this premium excerpt from Catching Christmas

To get you in the Christmas mood, here’s an early holiday playlist:
“White Christmas” sung by Bing Crosby
“I Heard the Bells” sung by MercyMe
“Light of the World” sung by Lauren Daigle
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” sung by Amy Grant
“Don’t Save it All for Christmas Day” sung by Avalon
“Till the Season Comes ‘Round Again” sung by the Katinas



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There is something so tender and sweet about this story. I loved getting to know Miss Callie and fell in love with her. She may be elderly but she has a heart of gold.  Miss Callie is forgetful at times and has started to depend on a cab driver named Finn. What will the doctor discover is wrong with her?

It wasn't by accident that Finn got the call to pick Miss  Callie up one day. You can feel his frustration as he realizes  Miss Callie can't tell him much about where he needs to go. Finn has a special place in his heart for  Miss Callie who reminds him of his mother. Does he feel guilt over his mother's passing? When he finally meets Miss  Callie's granddaughter there is a bit of animosity towards her. 

Sydney is doing her best trying to keep her job as a first year law student and taking care of her grandmother. The author does a great job of allowing readers to understand the desperation each character feels. Sydney is doing the best she can, while Finn has suddenly become Miss  Callie's personal driver. I loved how Finn has become attached to Miss Callie and I know there is a reason he has been brought into her life.

When I get to the part in the story where the doctor explains to Sydney and Finn what Miss     Callie has, I dropped the book. Oh how I cried because  Miss Callie has become like a family member to me. Miss Callie is a woman everyone loves. She has a generous spirit and loves God. It will be hard not to think of her because through this story, she has opened my eyes to Christmas. Her compassion for others is seen throughout the story and her connection with a stranger will change his life in many ways. Sydney can see how much her grandmother loved her. Will she find a way to be happy and follow her heart? It has been an honor to read a book by a very gifted author that has shown me that people do care.

This has been a very well written story with characters that seem like family. I loved watching how Finn grew in his faith and how Sydney realizes what her priorities need to be. This story is set at Christmas time but I think it could be read anytime of the year. The message of love, compassion and the gentle spirit of a special woman makes this story one that you won't forget.

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

Blog Stops

Daysong Reflections, December 15
Genesis 5020, December 15
Back Porch ReadsDecember 15
The Power of Words, December 16
Quiet Quilter, December 16
Among the Reads, December 17
Kathleen Denly, December 17
By The Book, December 17
Lighthouse Academy, December 17
Cultivating Us, December 18
Simple Harvest ReadsDecember 18 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Remembrancy, December 18
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 20
amandainpa, December 20
Multifarious, December 21
Cathe Swanson, December 21
Stories By Gina, December 21
Connect in Fiction, December 22
Have A Wonderful Day, December 22
Splashes of Joy, December 22
Bibliophile Reviews, December 22
Lis Loves Reading, December 23
Mary Hake, December 23
Bigreadersite, December 23
Book by Book, December 24
Pause for Tales, December 24
Vicky Sluiter, December 25
Inklings and notions, December 26
Captive Dreams Window, December 27
Texas Book-aholic, December 27
Older & Smarter?, December 28
Janices book reviews, December 28
Carpe Diem, December 28

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Terri is giving away a grand prize of a finished copy of Catching Christmas and a Christmas Tree Ornament!!
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/d776/catching-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

THE BIGGEST WIN
Pro Football Players Tackle Faith

by Joshua Cooley
Foreword by Carson Wentz, Trey Burton, Zack Ertz,
Nick Foles, Jordan Hicks, and  Chris Maragos

NOW AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW!

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A COPY.
About the book:

The Biggest Win gives athletes and sports fans of all ages a unique, insider’s look into the lives and faith of six Christian NFL players from the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl team—Carson Wentz, Nick Foles, Zach Ertz, Trey Burton, Jordan Hicks, and Chris Maragos. Through the ups and downs of their experiences, author Joshua Cooley shows how these high-profile athletes remain committed to God’s Word, genuine Christian discipleship, and sharing their faith. 

Using their voices and stories, The Biggest Win gives sports-minded readers hope and direction for living out their faith while competing. 
The Biggest Win is ideal for pastors, youth, and college leaders to use as a small group resource with students interested in sports. Questions at the end of every chapter will spark helpful conversations about living by faith as an athlete and fan. It is a MUST for coaches to use with every Christian youth sports and school teams. See your youth athletes’ faith grow as they hear and learn from the amazing stories of these Super Bowl Champions. Also a perfect book for men’s church groups.
The Biggest Win combines biblical truths with practical direction on issues that every Christian faces—including dealing with adversity, competition, change, success, failure, and how to thrive by faith in a pressurized world. Encouraging male and female athletes in any sport, The Biggest Win guides them in finding their ultimate identity in Christ, not their athletic achievements, and assures them that their greatest prize is eternal life.


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It is not everyday that athletes are open about their struggles. We think of them as super stars with lots of money and no problems. I enjoyed reading about Nick Foles and how he started a group among the team to reach out to players. When Nick was traded, the group made a pivotal decision to keep the small group going. I know this made a tremendous impact on team mates who were hungry to hear about God. They felt they had others to stand with them and help them as they took a journey to know God. 

It was interesting to go behind the scenes of the Eagles and read how much God is a part of their lives. As athletes they have a very strict schedule and have to be creative to make sure they find time to  study scriptures and spend time with God. One of the great things about sports, is that just about everyone loves to either play or watch sports. It's an ideal place to be able to share your faith. I remember a recent quarterback who knelt  before the game to pray and other times during the game. The press made a big deal about it, some was positive and some was negative. The best thing to come out of it was this quarterback openly shared his face and reached many people.

The book is filled with powerful stories of several members of the Eagles team. They have been able to share with others and led a few to Christ. I loved the title because the biggest win for anyone is to know who Christ is. The book is geared towards athletes but I found it to be a book anyone could relate to. 

I received a copy of this book from Read With Audra. The review is my own opinion.



About the author:

Joshua Cooley is a sportswriting veteran of twenty-plus years for various print and online publications, including Sports Illustrated, FCA MagazineSports SpectrumOrioles MagazineClubhouse, and Highlights. He is also the author of The One Year Devotions with Jesus and the Heroes of the Bible Devotional, among other books. Joshua is the full-time children’s minister at Chapel Hill Bible Church in North Carolina.











WELCOME TO THE BOOK BLAST OF HOLD ME CLOSE by
 MARGUERITE MARTIN  GRAY and presented by CELEBRATE LIT





The leisurely life Louis has intended does not include revolution.

Charles Town, South Carolina, 1772—Louis Lestarjette arrives from France without purpose or plans beyond reconnecting with family and making a profit. Finding the town questioning its alliances, Louis must make decisions about the direction in his life, even as he tries to avoid all political conflict. He wonders if he will be able to stay neutral in a battle for independence. When decisive events confront him, Louis finds himself torn between staying with the woman he loves or escaping the coming conflicts.

Elizabeth Elliott trusts that God will hold her close in uncertain and changing times. Faced with difficult decisions about her loyalties, she finds comfort in close friends, a devout sister, and her music. When the mysterious Frenchman with no commitment to God or Charles Town enters her life, he challenges her role in the political battle. She must decide what actions she can take for the cause, if any at all.






Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, and Bring Me Near-- Revolutionary Faith Books One, Two and Three. She enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches high school Spanish and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Marguerite is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Abilene Writers Guild, Daughters of the American Revolution, South Carolina Historical Society, and Preservation Society of Charleston. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband.


Tweets:

“Why are you here?” I can’t tell her I only want to make a huge profit and leave this place soon. Charles Town 1772, Hold Me Close by Marguerite Gray

“Miss Elliott, I’ve stopped comparing places and people to Paris. Things here are new and fresh—not backwards or lacking.” Hold Me Close by Marguerite Gray

Louis was more loyal to his friends than to a king, any king—Louis XV, George III, or King Jesus. Hold Me Close by Marguerite Gray


Social Media:




Buy Link: Will be sent once the book is available for purchase


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I was very fascinated about the time period the story was set in. I'm embarrassed to say that I needed to do some refreshing in order to understand what the Revolutionary War was about. The author did a wonderful job of describing what went on during this time and I loved how I felt like I was sent back in time. When an author can do that, I know it will be a great story.

Charles Town, South Carolina is a perfect setting for this enchanting story about Elizabeth and Louis. Elizabeth is a very proper lady who is very faithful. I loved how the word was shared throughout the story and how much faith she had. I would say she was very loyal to the cause, but something or someone may change her mind.  Is she ready to fight for what she believes in? The turmoil she is facing is hard because it could go against what her father believes. The colonies have a hard road ahead and Elizabeth must pick who to follow. I loved this statement in the story which says, " These are trying times , but the Lord 's love holds you close."  Even in our darkest moments, we can rest knowing that God is right there .

Louis was very mysterious to me. Why would he travel so far away from France to a small town in South Carolina? It makes you wonder what his agenda really is. As a big party is coming up, Louis is none to happy to attend. All the goings on is not for him, but he doesn't want to disappoint his aunt and uncle. The story is very intriguing and I learned so much historical facts. I remember in school reading about the Stamp Act and now here it is in a story. It's  wonderful to read about things I never thought would be important as I grew up, but seeing it in a story makes me appreciate history so much more. I haven't quite decide if I trust Louis but I think as the story goes, his true mission will be revealed.

There are many secrets surrounding the colony and Elizabeth and Louis both seem to be having a hard time with where their loyalties should lie. The book is a story rich in history and a time were loyalty and trust was everything. I loved the characters and especially Elizabeth. Will she find her voice and speak up for women, or obey her father and fade into the background?  I did find it ironic that back then they fought over taxes and goods  and today we are still doing the same thing, Did anything get resolved? We all desire freedom and it was important then as  it still is  today. I am glad to  find out there is another book to follow and can't wait to read it.

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





WELCOME TO THE REVIEW PROMO BLAST OF ESCAPE: INTENSE BOOK 1
written by GLENN HAGGERTY and presented by CELEBRATE LIT



I’d never seen a dead body before, but I was pretty sure the guy in the car trunk was dead.”

Middle school's tough, and Tyler Higgins just wants to hang with the cool kids. But Dustin’s idea of quality entertainment is spying on parked cars on Lover’s Lane. When two creeps show up with a body, Tyler doesn’t want to stick around. Then again, he might not have much choice.









Glenn writes inspiring adventures with an edge. No matter how dark the day, finding hope to pursue the prize is the core of all his novels and studies. He is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), a graduate of Vision Loss Resources and Bethel Seminary, the father of six and grandfather of seven. Glenn likes tandem biking, kayaking, and daydreaming and lives in Minneapolis with his wife. He is also an award-winning author with short stories published in SplicketyHavokCadet Quest and PartnersChase, the third book in his Intense series was released on April 1, 2018.

Link to Book
https://amzn.to/2ImyCIu

Social Media


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/15943355-glenn-haggerty




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This was certainly a action  book geared for middle school to teen  readers.  It deals with peer pressure and how a young boy finds his way to do the right thing. I'm sure all of us have been pressured at some point in life to do something we knew was wrong. What happens to Tyler when he gets involved with the wrong kid? There is always that one boy or girl who everyone thinks is cool. They want to hang out with them even though they are headed for trouble.

The story finds Tyler and Dustin first doing something on school campus that brings out the police and other emergency personnel.  I was hoping that Tyler would learn his lesson, but no he decides to follow Dustin again into something much more dangerous. The adventure is intense and there are a few scenes in the book that  I found the descriptions to be a bit too graphic and some of the story was over the top and hard to believe. The author does have a good story concept and a great lesson about telling the truth and doing the right thing. It did feel like the author abruptly stopped the story and left readers wandering what happened. It didn't seem to be a finished story and there were lots of holes that needed to be explained.

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





Monday, December 24, 2018

Mind Games FB Banner_edited-1

About the Book

Mind games
Book: Mind Games
Author: Nancy Mehl
Genre: Suspense
Release Date: December, 2018
Publisher: Bethany House
FBI Behavioral Analyst Kaely Quinn’s methods may be highly unorthodox, but her talent is undeniable. She’s done her best to establish a new life for herself after being demoted and transferred to St. Louis when a reporter revealed she’s the daughter of an infamous serial killer. But when that same reporter claims to have received an anonymous poem predicting a string of murders, ending with Kaely’s, it seems her old life has followed her.
When a body is found that fits the poem’s morbid predictions, Kaely and her new partner, Special Agent Noah Hunter, are forced to move past his skepticism of her approach and work together to unravel the deadly riddle.
With a brazen serial killer who breaks all the normal patterns on the loose, Noah and Kaely are tested to their limits to catch the murderer before anyone else, including Kaely, is killed.


About the Author

Nancy Mehl (www.nancymehl.com) is the author of more than thirty books, including the Road to Kingdom, Finding Sanctuary, and Defenders of Justice series. She received the ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award in 2009. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW and RWA. She writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their Puggle, Watson. She is part of The Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com, along with several other popular suspense authors. She is also very active on Facebook.

Guest Post from Nancy

Writing Mind Games is a dream come true. I’ve been interested in FBI profiling for years. I’ve read about it, studied it, and watched every TV special I could find on the subject. So when the chance finally came to write the book I’ve always wanted to write, I jumped at it. Thankfully, through the help of another writer, I was hooked up with a retired FBI profiler. I was so excited. Until I found out I had almost everything wrong. Yes, I had some understanding about profiling, but I knew nothing about the FBI and how it works.
First of all, the FBI doesn’t call the men and women who profile criminals, profilers. They’re called Behavioral Analysts. The plot for Mind Games had my analyst running around the country solving crimes while she was stationed in St. Louis. Uh, no. Behavioral analysts do travel, but they all work out of Quantico in Virginia. So…I rewrote.
There were ways around my conundrum, but one solution led to more and more problems. We finally worked through them. Then I spent the next few months learning acronyms. CIRG, CJIS, NCAVC, HRT, UNSUB, CNU, THU, ViCap, CODIS, SWAT, ERTU, OPU, THRU, ERT… Well, the list goes on and on. The FBI is made up of many specialized units. And a plethora of acronyms, it seems.
I rewrote Mind Games three times before my source said we were good to go.
If you assume I’m out of the woods now, you’d be wrong. I haven’t had the nerve to open up the manuscript I sent her for book two in my Kaely Quinn Profiler series. I figured I had Fire Storm right but… Well, I can tell from her email comments I’ll be doing more rewriting. Sigh.
So is it worth it? A resounding yes! I love learning, and as long as my analyst friend hangs in with me (she has the patience of Job), I’ll keep at it.
I hope you enjoy Mind Games. It’s edgy but fun. Kaely Quinn is a quirky character. She was thrown out of Quantico because her version of profiling is… Well, you’ll just have to read the book to find out!



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The author has really outdone herself with this book. I have never been so engrossed in a story like this one. The title is perfect because the story is gritty, intriguing, heart pounding,  and filled with deceit and unimaginable mind games that can give you nightmares. I have to put this author at the top of my list as favorite mystery writer. 

Kaely is a very high tech, super smart woman who has a gift of discernment. Her savvy attitude drew me in right away. I could sit with her for hours and watch her as she deciphers clues. Someone is out there taunting her with a cryptic poem which will  lead to untimely deaths if Kaely can't catch them in time. The brilliance of the writing is so powerful I am in awe of how creepy the character who is taunting her gets. She is not liked by some on her team in the Behavioral Analyst Unit. It made me think of the show Criminal Minds and this book would make a perfect story for the show. 

I loved the background on Kaely and especially who her father was. That was  a very pivotal part of the story and the author used it seamlessly to weave it throughout the book. There is a Christian element to the story that I found very tasteful and perfect as a addition to the story. Why does God let bad things happen? That's a question Kaely is asked by her partner. The way she answers the question is well done and shows her trust in God. Kaely is fighting an enemy that thinks they have the upper hand, but Kaely is very determined and has a mind that looks past the obvious. 

I was extremely surprised by who the serial killer was and the author had me guessing throughout the story. It is non stop action with a battle of wits mixed with a powerful good vs evil quality to it. Hold on for a bumpy and psychological  ride where you don't know when the next strike of the enemy will happen.

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

Blog Stops

The Lit Addict, December 11
amandainpaDecember 11
A Reader’s BrainDecember 12
Daysong ReflectionsDecember 12
Livin’ Lit, December 12
By The Book, December 13
Lighthouse Academy, December 13
Multifarious, December 14
Splashes of JoyDecember 14
Back Porch ReadsDecember 15
Robin is Bookish, December 15
Janices book reviews, December 15
C Jane Read, December 16
Ashley’s BookshelfDecember 16
The Becca Files, December 16
Bigreadersite, December 16
Quiet Quilter, December 17
Margaret Kazmierczak, December 17
Godly Book Reviews, December 17
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 18
Just the Write Escape, December 18
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, December 18
Simple Harvest Reads, December 19 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Mary Hake, December 19
Remembrancy, December 20
Inklings and notionsDecember 20
Carpe Diem, December 20
Locks, Hooks and BooksDecember 21
Pause for Tales, December 21
Have A Wonderful DayDecember 22
Book by Book, December 22
Bibliophile Reviews, December 23
Cafinated Reads, December 24
Texas Book-aholic, December 24

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Nancy is giving away a grand prize of a copy of Mind Games and the three books in Nancy’s Defenders of Justice series, plus a $20 Starbucks gift card!
Two additional winners will also receive a copy of Mind Games!
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/d73b/mind-games-celebration-tour-giveaway