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Saturday, February 8, 2020

Unwanted No More banner

About the Book

Book:  Unwanted No More
Author: BJ Garrett
Genre:  Memoir
Release Date: December 1, 2019
Front cover Unwanted No More (3)I can still feel the emptiness in my heart. So many memories of ugly…
As a preteen shattered by a sexually abusive father and an absent mother, B. J. Garrett is left unprotected, unloved, and unwanted by the people who should have loved her most. Instead, BJ finds herself wanted by the wrong people for the worst reasons.
Her search for self-worth leads to sexual promiscuity and unplanned pregnancies, which only further warps her view of love, leaving a trail of broken relationships. It’s not until losing everything to the blaze of a house fire that the course of BJ’s life takes a turn toward a God whose love is pure. With the shadow of shame lifted by her newfound faith, BJ makes a startling discovery—she’s been wanted all along, and her new love-filled life comes with a call to ministry.
Written with soul-searching vulnerability, this story shows that regardless of what you’ve done or what’s been done to you, there is hope and redemption in a relationship with Jesus. Unwanted No More reminds you that no matter how ugly your past, you can experience unconditional, beautiful love and a life of purpose.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

BJ Garrett PicB. J. Garrett serves as the executive director for Christ-Centered Abortion Recovery & Education. She holds an associate of divinity degree from Baptist Missionary Theological Seminary, and she has served in church ministries as a youth director, singles director, missions director, and women’s ministry team leader. She and her husband, Jay, live in Texas and enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.

More from B.J.

All my life I have battled with feelings of being unwanted and unloved. Somewhere between the insanity of the Jerry Springer show and the emotional outcry of the Oprah show, the unbelievable redemption details of my life are unfolded onto the pages of this book.
Spunky. silly, and sassy are the three words that best describe my personality. I believe the Lord gave me a love for hamburgers to make sure I never return to a life of selling my body to make ends meet. Spending time with my grand kids who are basically perfect is my favorite pastime. I love being Jay’s wife and serving beside him on the mission field. By God’s amazing grace, I have come full circle, receiving complete forgiveness and healing from a childhood full of abuse, teen pregnancy, sexual promiscuity, abortion, and working in the sex industry. If the Lord can use a story like mine, rest assured He will use a story like yours!
If like me, you have ugly in your past, I want to encourage you that no matter what you have done, no matter what has been done to you, there is hope and healing through Jesus Christ.

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I knew this would be a difficult book for me to read because  this  book could almost be my life story. The author and I share similar backgrounds. As she began to share her story of abuse from family members, tears streamed down my face. You could feel the hopelessness she felt as she had no one to help her. Parents are suppose to protect their children, but for  the author that never happened. It is easy to understand how abandoned she felt as she was shipped from family member to family member. 

Her decline into a rebellious person was her way of escaping the pain of rejection. It was difficult to read about her abortions, but I appreciate how her testimony will help others. I was appalled when she went to a church to get help only to be verbally abused by the pastor. The words he called her were horrific and I know she felt dejected once again. I too have been rejected by churches and pastors. In this story I wanted to point out how honest and open the author is about her life. We as a Body of Christ need to do a better job of helping others without judging.  

 Through our test is our testimony. I have always said that I would not change anything about my past. It has made me who I am today. If my testimony can help one person, it has all been worth it. I believe the author sharing her testimony will reach those who feel lost, unloved and rejected.

All the  author desired was to be wanted and loved. As her life began to change, she found the greatest love of all. God opened His arms and embraced her with unconditional love. I would recommend this to anyone who has gone through  a similar situation like the author. It would be a great tool to use while ministering to someone who has been abused, rejected and lost.

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

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, February 7 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, February 8
For the Love of Literature, February 9 (Author Interview)
Through the Fire Blogs, February 11 (Author Interview)
A Reader’s Brain, February 12
A Baker’s Perspective , February 13 (Author Interview)
deb’s Book Review, February 14
Inklings and notions, February 15
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 16 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, February 17
Book Love, February 20 (Guest Review from Gail)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, B.J. is giving away the grand prize package of a signed copy of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Friday, February 7, 2020

A girls guide to the outback FB Banner

About the Book

Book:  A Girl’s Guide to the Outback
Author: Jessica Kate
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 28, 2020
A Girl's Guide to the OutbackHow far will a girl go to win back a guy she can’t stand? This funny, sweet, and romantic story proves that opposites do attract—and that God has a sense of humor.
 Samuel Payton is a passionate youth pastor in Virginia, but below the surface, he’s still recovering from the blow of a failed business and insecurities he can’t shake. His coworker, start-up expert Kimberly Foster, is brilliant, fearless, and capable, but years of personal rejection have left her defensive and longing for a family. Two people have never been more at odds—or more attracted to one another. And every day at work, the sparks sure do fly.
 When Kimberly’s ambitious plans for Sam’s ministry butt up against his risk-averse nature, Sam decides that obligations to family trump his work for the church. He quits the ministry and heads home to Australia to help his sister, Jules, save her struggling farm. As Kimberly’s grand plans flounder, she is forced to face the truth: that no one can replace Sam. Together they strike up a deal: If Kimberly comes to work on Jules’s dairy farm and lends her business brains to their endeavor, then maybe—just maybe—Sam will reconsider his future with the church.
 As Kimberly tries her hand at Australian farm life, she learns more about herself than she could’ve ever expected. Meanwhile Sam is forced to re-evaluate this spunky woman he thought he already knew. As foes slowly morph into friends, they wonder if they might be something even more. But when disaster strikes the farm, will Sam find it within himself to take a risk that could lead to love? And will Kimberly trust God with her future?

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

jessica kateAustralian author Jessica Kate writes inspirational romances with wit, sass, and grit. Jessica is a screenwriting groupie, cohost of the StoryNerds vlog and podcasts, and her favorite place to be—apart from Mum and Dad’s back deck—is a theme park. She has traveled North America and Australia, and samples her favorite pasta wherever she goes—but the best (so far) is still the place around the corner from her corporate day job as a training developer. She loves watching sitcoms with her housemates and being a leader in a new church plant. Visit her online at jessicakatewriting.com; Instagram: jessicakatewriting; Facebook: jessicakatewriting; Twitter: @JessicaKate05.

Exclusive Excerpt

Click here to read an exclusive excerpt of the book!


Review.jpg

I thought of this book as a Hallmark movie. Girl is desperate to get guy back to help her with her ministry plans. A sister is in dire need of someone to help save the family farm. Stuck in the middle of the two problems is guy who wants to help his family but is also too stubborn to help girl who wants him back in the states. Well that sums up what the book is about but wait. There is so much more to this little story. For the record, I love Hallmark movies.

The author sets the majority of the story in Australia. I would love to go there and explore the land and listen to the accents of the people. We get a glimpse of life in Australia as Samuel goes home to try to help his sister keep the farm. His abrupt departure from the states has left a void in Kimberly’s plan. I loved getting to know the characters and see inside their heart. It was interesting to read the different words that are used by the Australians. They have funny sayings, but I’m sure they think we do as well.

There are quite a few funny moments in the book as Kimberly tries to maneuver around the farm and get use to Australia. You can feel the tension between Kimberly and Sam. He didn’t want her to come at all and it will take a lot of work to gain his trust. Sometimes I thought Sam was being stubborn and perhaps he didn’t want to believe that Kimberly really has great ideas.

Through trials and errors we see characters change , hearts softened and romance that is swoon worthy. I have not heard of this author before but now that I have; well let’s just say that she can write a story that stirs emotions like never before. I can’t forget to mention the faith element that is nicely scattered throughout the story.

If I had to choose a favorite character it would be Sam. I just love his humble heart. He has no idea how passionate he is when he shares Jesus. People listen to him and he is able to reach people in the midst of their struggles. I have nothing but good things to say about a book that fascinated me, drew me into the story with vivid details and characters that I really liked. My advice is to get comfy, forget everything around you and get lost in a story that has all the makings for a good movie. Well done Jessica Tate. You have captured my attention with you charming characters, details of a place I want to visit and faith that fills the pages with hope.

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

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, February 3
Robin’s Nest, February 4
Genesis 5020, February 6
Wishful Endings, February 6
Texas Book-aholic, February 7
Batya’s Bits, February 8
deb’s Book Review, February 9
Inklings and notions, February 10
Inside the Wong Mind, February 10
Kat’s Corner Books, February 11
Hallie Reads, February 12
Mary Hake, February 13
Moments, February 14
Stories By Gina, February 14
Britt Reads Fiction, February 15
Pause for Tales, February 16
With a Joyful Noise, February 16
*No Giveaway for this Celebration Tour

Forgotten Faith FB bannerAbout the Book

Book: Forgotten Faith
Author: Lauren Reeves
Genre: Non-fiction/Christian Devotional
Release Date: December 20, 2019
ForgottenFaith_frontCoverWhen Christians are challenged to explain what they believe and why, too many fall short. Do the majority of Christians feel true commitment to their faith anymore? Are they able to retain hope and perseverance when trials come? Or do they find themselves questioning God’s goodness? We live in a time where Christians seem to have forgotten their once strong faith.
In her book Forgotten Faith, popular podcaster and speaker Lauren Reeves teaches Genesis in a way that keeps her reader wanting more. She provides the foundation necessary to make the rest of the Bible make sense long after this book’s last page is turned. From cover to cover, the believer will find a fascinating study of Genesis and that Genesis and Revelation go hand in hand, painting a picture of the End Times and the reason for hope. The content has the ability to do for readers what might otherwise take years of study to unveil.
Forgotten Faith seeks to uncover treasures in Genesis that have long been hidden away, treasures that are relevant to today and the End of Days and have been waiting for the right time to be known—and the time is now.
Behold, I am coming soon . . . I am the Alpha and Omega,
the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
Revelation 22:12–13

Click here to get your copy of the book!

About the Author

Lauren ReevesLauren Reeves loves to encourage the heart of a person into a deeper walk with Christ. She believes the mind informs the heart, so offering resources that are engaging and fascinating is necessary. Bible literacy ranks as one of the biggest ways she wants to influence the body of Christ, and she has an extraordinary gift for explaining intimidating theological ideas in easy-to-understand ways that keep a reader wanting more.
She is the co-host of Joy for the Journey Podcast with Tammy Whitehurst (www.joyforthejourneypodcast.com) and loves teaching God’s word, songwriting, and leading people into worship. She is currently completing her master’s degree in Christian apologetics from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in religion from Baylor University. Lauren and her family live on a ranch in Texas. Learn more at www.laurenreeves.com

More from Lauren

Why did I write this book? Because I’ve often been told that learning and understanding Genesis is the foundation for the rest of the Bible. Much of the Christian worldview can be found there, which effects our decision making. But Genesis not only lays the foundation for the rest of the Bible, it is closely linked with Revelation, the last book in the Bible. Just about every time I’ve asked a Bible study group what they would like to learn about next, one of the number one answers was always “Revelation” or “End Times Events.” Even though for years people have been hungry to learn more about Revelation, most Christians and churches try to steer clear of this subject because the end times plan can be intimidating and is not 100 percent clear from Jesus’s revelation to John in that book. Since differing opinions often cause dissension, people understandably avoid areas of the Bible that aren’t absolutely clear. However, I believe those words would not have been given to us to read if we were supposed to avoid studying them. For that reason, I’ve taken the risk and written a book on Genesis that ties Genesis and Revelation together helping us to understand the end times plan more clearly. One thing I hope is clear in my book, though, is you don’t have to agree with my interpretation of end times events to glean great truths and a greater understanding of the Bible through my book. One stance had to be taken to talk about the subject in detail, but truly, if a reader does not agree with my stance, it’s not a big deal. There’s way more to the book than that. The goal was to make us all think on and around Genesis and Revelation to help us study it and have opportunity for the Holy Spirit to reveal truths to us through the Word. I hope other books are written from different end times stances so we can read and study from a different angle. The more we read from different angles, the more we grow in knowledge and understanding. It is my belief that being certain that there IS an end times plan is what helps anchor the hope of Christ firmly in our souls. If we don’t have a forward view, it is so easy to get stuck in the tunnel vision of the here and now, which can often appear hopeless. So, now more than ever before, Christians need to be studying the first book of the Bible to know what we believe and the last book of the Bible to know that there is an end times plan that is sure and wonderful. I hope this book stirs your soul in a unique way. It is deep, yet devotional. I really believe it is a book for today.


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The reason I like this book is because the author brings up great arguments about things from the Bible that are discussed in heated conversations at times. I enjoy a book that makes me think and see other sides even if I don’t agree with them. God did create the universe and everything in it. There are scientists that have different view points and those that interpret scriptures to fit their way of thinking. 

“Shouldn’t we expect some similarities within a creation designed by the same Creator and Artist?” What a thought provoking question. We are similar yet so different. I loved going through the book of  Genesis and having it broke down into sections. We first journey with the author and talk about Adam and Eve. What if Eve could take back what she did? Would she do  things differently if she knew what the outcome was. I thought about this and have my thoughts . If I knew that my decision  would have consequences, would I want a do over? Would I learn anything if I never made a mistake? Better yet, would I decide that I didn’t need God anymore because I knew I could have a do over every time?

God wants and desires a relationship with us. His heart breaks when His children hurt or turn their back on Him. God still pursued Adam and Eve even though they were ashamed and wanted to hide from Him. I liked the different people she used in the Bible to illustrate God’s grace and His abundant love for us.  I loved the author’s  statement about wanting to “be around a body of believers who are not threatened by anyone else’s successes or gifts.” Wouldn’t that be great to live where there is no jealousy or strive? We would support each other and rejoice when others are prosperous and there is no judgment.

The author does a good job of going through Genesis and giving us a view of what was in the scriptures.  I don’t think that I have read a book that was so detailed in looking at a particular part of the Bible and dissecting it verse by verse. I found the book to be well written and gave me many new insights into the scriptures . There is a lot of information to go through and I think it would make an excellent Bible Study. 

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

Blog Stops

Blossoms and Blessings, February 4 (Author Interview)
Godly Book Reviews, February 5
deb’s Book Review, February 6
Texas Book-aholic, February 7
Through the Fire Blogs, February 8 (Author Interview)
Christian Bookshelf Reviews, February 10 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, February 11
Mary Hake, February 12
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 13 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, February 16 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lauren is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Waltz in the Wilderness FB Banner

About the Book

Book:  Waltz in the Wilderness
Author: Kathleen Denly
Genre:  Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: February 4, 2020
Waltz in the Wilderness CoverShe’s desperate to find her missing father. His conscience demands he risk all to help. 
Eliza Brooks is haunted by her role in her mother’s death, so she’ll do anything to find her missing pa—even if it means sneaking aboard a southbound ship. When those meant to protect her abandon and betray her instead, a family friend’s unexpected assistance is a blessing she can’t refuse.
Daniel Clarke came to California to make his fortune, and a stable job as a San Francisco carpenter has earned him more than most have scraped from the local goldfields. But it’s been four years since he left Massachusetts and his fiancé is impatient for his return. Bound for home at last, Daniel Clarke finds his heart and plans challenged by a tenacious young woman with haunted eyes. Though every word he utters seems to offend her, he is determined to see her safely returned to her father. Even if that means risking his fragile engagement.
When disaster befalls them in the remote wilderness of the Southern California mountains, true feelings are revealed, and both must face heart-rending decisions. But how to decide when every choice before them leads to someone getting hurt?

Click here for your copy!

About the Author

Kathleen Denly Headshot 3Kathleen Denly lives in sunny Southern California with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

More from Kathleen

As Valentine’s Day nears, stories of how couples met seem to be everywhere. Many of those stories share a common element: “The second I saw him/her, I just knew I would marry him/her.”
Every time I read or hear these stories, I chuckle. Not because I don’t believe them but because it reminds me of my own meet-cute.
“Not my type.”
These were the first words to enter my mind when I met the man who would later become my husband. In hindsight, they are hilarious because I know that God worked things out for our good. After more than eighteen years of marriage, I can honestly say that I am more in love with my husband than ever.
However, just a few months prior to meeting my husband, I’d suffered a terrible breakup with another man whom I thought had been considering proposing to me. I had no idea the breakup was coming and that left me devastated and confused. The truths we learn in hindsight don’t help much when we’re in the midst of such circumstances. When we think we know the future before us and something happens to upend those plans it can feel as though our world has turned upside down.
This is what happens to Eliza Brooks in the first chapter of my novel, Waltz in the Wilderness. Though not romantic in nature, a major shift occurs in her world that leaves her feeling betrayed and disoriented. She’s still struggling to right her world when Daniel Clarke enters her life in the worst way possible. Misunderstanding leads to a humiliating confrontation that sets these two at odds with one another before they have a chance to truly get to know each other. Fortunately for Eliza and Daniel, God works their foolishness for good just as He did in my own true love story.
This Valentine’s Day, whatever your romantic relationship status, remember that you are not alone. You are loved. And the God of all the universe loves you and has a plan for you—plans to prosper you and bring you hope.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6



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This has been such a wonderful book that I was sad to see it end. The author has captured the time period with pristine details. I loved reading about the towns and especially the mountains. Eliza was a like able character who carries a burden that has prevented her from getting close to God. Her guilt over the death of her mother caused her pain. What I really was upset about was her father leaving her at her uncles’ with no explanation. Her heart was filled with abandonment and it became hard to trust anyone. 

The journey Eliza takes to find her father was very enjoyable to read about. I don’t think I could ever go on a ship. It would feel cramped and the thought of floating around at sea does not appeal to me. There was a little bit of Eliza I didn’t care for. Now she never acted snotty but there was a sense that she expected better accommodations at places. It was fun to have Daniel escort her on the journey. He was quite the gentleman and certainly had his hands full with Eliza and her stubbornness. 

The best character for me was Eliza’s uncle. He adored Eliza and was so upset when she took off without a word. There are secrets that are being hidden from Eliza’s uncle and you won’t be surprised who it is. The author wrote a beautiful passage about how we should be looking to help others and it was directed at a certain character. Oh how I loved the faith element in the story and the way that the author led Eliza back to God. There are several lessons in the book that I want to point out. Forgiveness is relevant in the story because several characters will need to forgive themselves as well as others. Trusting people is something we all have a difficult time with. The author demonstrates trust by showing how a character’s words were honest and respectful in their actions. 

This has been a journey where danger lurks, romance is in the air and the undeniable epic story that will keep you glued to the pages. I was charmed by the dashing Daniel and the determination Eliza had to find her father. The author gives us hope of a new beginning, mending relationships and understanding  how to trust. 

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


Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, February 5
Texas Book-aholic, February 6
Older & Smarter?, February 7
deb’s Book Review, February 7
Betti Mace, February 10
Inklings and notions, February 11
Robin’s Nest, February 11
Remembrancy, February 12
For Him and My Family, February 12
Maureen’s Musings, February 13
Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 14
Bigreadersite, February 15
Emily Yager, February 16
Blogging With Carol, February 16
Mia Reads, February 16
Janicesbookreviews, February 17
SPLASHES of Joy, February 18
Hallie Reads, February 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a NEW Kindle Fire HD8, Proverbs 3:5 Paperback Lined Journal, Romans 8:28 Leather Bookmark, Proverbs 3:5 mug, and an Antique Silverplated Spoon made by 1847 Rogers Bros!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.