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Saturday, March 14, 2020

Byrd's Eye View Banner

About the Book

Book:  Bird’s Eye View
Author: Chautona Havig
Genre:  Fiction / Christian / Historical / Mystery
Release Date: February 18, 2020
Birds eye viewIf everything looks so perfect, how does she know it’s all wrong?
Madeline just wanted to learn to develop her own pictures. It seemed an innocent enough pastime until she sees something in the developer’s tray that piques her meddlesome curiosity.
Now she’s on the hunt for clues to spare a man’s life, and she might just land her father in hot political waters while she’s at it.
The fifth book in the Meddlin’ Madeline Series, Byrd’s Eye View sees Madeline back at home in Rockland and determined to stay out of trouble, although that’s not likely to happen, is it?

Click here for your copy!
 MY REVIEW
When you go to a movie they always have previews for  upcoming movies. The snippets they show you are to get you excited enough to come back. The author has done that with this excerpt. I was given several chapters to read to decide if I would interested enough to read more when available. I can say without a doubt that I am hooked on the story. I must know more about Madeline and her new adventure in photography. 
The author has intrigued me with hints of crime scenes where Madeline will see things others don’t that may solve a murder. I have to say I wonder about dear old Russell. He has married Madeline’s friend, but I think there is more to him than meets the eye. The story sounds like a wonderful journey into a new line of work for Madeline. I know the author will have surprises for readers and faith will be woven into the story to compliment the characters. I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the story.
I received an arc from the author and Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. 

About the Author

Havig_ChautonaChautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

It’s Like This Book Didn’t Want to Be!
It’s an hour and a half from my mother’s old house in Missouri to the Springfield airport—a perfect distance for plotting out a book. So, when I had to drive back to swap out rental cars, I decided to work on the early 2020 books.  Up first… Madeline #5.
Often when I’m plotting out a new book, the first few minutes are kind of jumbled messes as I consider this plot point or that and get into a work flow, and that day was no exception.  However, by the time I hit the interstate again, I’d done it. Madeline would learn how to develop pictures in this one. The plot would revolve around that new skill.
By the time I hit Noel, I’d really come up with a cool book idea. I was so excited.  You have no idea. Then, as I passed Noel on my way to the hospital in Gravette, Arkansas, I stopped on the side of the road so I cold turn off the voice recorder and start working on another book.
The recorder was off.  All my “brilliant ideas” were gone.
Sometimes, I wish I was a crier. It would have been appropriate right there.  Just sayin’.
Determined to record the ideas all over again before I forgot them, I started the first few things, watching the recorder bars rise and fall with the inflection of my voice. It worked great.
The only problem was I couldn’t remember anything I’d come up with.  Photography. That was it.
That’s when I called my friend and wailed. 
Look, it had been a hard couple of weeks, a rough day, and now this. But, complaining about it offered enough catharsis that by the time I went back to Springfield the next week, I was able to record most of it again.  Some of it was actually better.
Little hint:  it usually is the second or third round of ideas.
By the time I’d finished, I knew what happened and what havoc it would cause, but not to whom or why. Enter Clark.
You know, the guy who made me split the first book into two separate books (you can read about that HERE), and the guy who tried to make things get really gruesome in book four (you can read about that HERE—halfway down the pageish—and be assured that I didn’t do it).
So, just as I was getting into Byrd’s Eye View, Clark and I met up at Denny’s to figure out how to make all the elements I had work.
My one issue became another one. Why became totally different from anything I’d considered. Who became a great reason for it to make things tough on Madeline’s father, and a previous thing I’d thought was a bit excessive became more so… and more believable at the same time.  How cool is that?
There was still one problem, though.
I wasn’t done with the book I needed to finish before I could immerse myself in this one.
And this book needed to be done yesterday.
Look, I had actually considered not doing this book until later in the year. For a few minutes, I wished that I had. But Madeline always comes out in February/March and I’d kind of like to keep it that way.  So…
Despite losing my notes, having plotter’s block, having Clark upset everything I’d planned and making it better… again.  It’s here.  And I think it’s my favorite one yet.  Who am I kidding?  Of course it is!

Blog Stops

Mary Hake, March 15
Back Porch Reads, March 16
Betti Mace, March 19
Carpe Diem, March 23
Bigreadersite, March 24
Lots of Helpers, March 25
Pause for Tales, March 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of all five paperbacks in the Meddlin’ Madeline Series!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Friday, March 13, 2020

About the Book

Book:  Forks in the Road
Author: Tamera Lynn Kraft
Genre:  Christian Western
Release Date: October 15, 2019
Forks in the Road CoverOrphans, Outlaws, and Redemption in the Old West!
(Looking for a prairie romance? Don’t look here!)
A classic Western tale of Joshua and Jonathan Jackson, brothers orphaned during the Civil War. They needed someone to give them a chance, but the war-torn countryside and people had little to spare.
After the war, the teen brothers headed West to find their fortunes and escape their past. Instead, they found a hard land and nobody willing to lend a hand. At every fork in the road, fear, grief, or pain prompted them to choose the wrong path.
By the time they were grown men, they had traveled so far into trouble, there was no way out except prison or death. They had one chance for redemption. Would they take it?
If you’ve read LOST IN THE STORM, you met Jed Jackson – this is the story of what happened to Jed and his brothers.

Click here to get your copy!
MY REVIEW

One of the best things about the author is the way she tells a story that makes you feel like you are a part of it. The writing style is perfect for the time period and the struggles are realistic and believable. I loved meeting Joshua and Johnathan and how determined they were to stick together. Being orphaned had to be so hard for them at a young age. 

When a family takes them in for a bit I was struck by the obvious lack of faith in the family taking care of them. As they are sitting down to eat Jonathan asks if the are going to pray . Mrs Greer says, “I put this food on the table, not God.”  Well that sure shook me up to hear so plainly what someone thinks about God. I didn’t like Mr. Greer at all. He was a mean man who hit his wife and barked orders. His treatment of the boys was horrible and I wanted to scream at them to run away.
The story is filled with adventure as the boy’s go out on their own. They see their share of violence and I could even understand why Joshua was angry at people and God. He feels like God has abandoned him and his brother.  Will temptation overtake the boys? Will they fall away from their faith? There are so many wonderful lessons in the story that relate to the Bible. 

The title is perfect for this story because when facing a difficult decision, one wrong turn can lead you into sin. The story spans several years and introduces Jeb, the oldest brother. He has become a preacher and is determined to find his brothers. You can sense the grief he feels knowing his brothers have gone astray. There is one very subtle but funny part in the story. When the brothers encounter a sheriff in town who they want on their side his last name is Fife. If you are familiar with shows you will understand the reference to that name. I just love it when an author puts in a little humor in a story that is mostly serious. This story is a wonderful look at praying, having faith and never giving up. I can’t wait for readers to get to know Joshua and Jonathan as they follow them on a journey to forgiveness and a great example of God’s mercy and grace.

“If you ever stray from the right road, God is merciful. Turn to Him , and He’ll direct your paths.”

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

About the Author

Tamera KraftAward winning author Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. Alice’s NotionsRed Sky Over AmericaLost in the StormResurrection of Hope, and Soldier’s Heart are among her published works.
 Tamera been married for 40 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and three grandchildren. She has been a children’s pastor for over 20 years. She is the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire for Kids where she mentors other children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist and has written children’s church curriculum. She is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.

More from Tamera

I have always loved westerns. As a child, I remember watching shows on television like Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Maverick, Big Valley, Alias Smith and Jones, and many others. I also loved the great western movies such as High Noon, The Quaker and the Bad Man, Three Godfathers, and Stagecoach. My favorite were the stories with an element of redemption in them. There is no better redemptive story than a man’s man out on the trail realizing he needs God.

Three Godfathers with John Wayne is my favorite movie. I first watched it when I came home from the hospital after giving birth to my first child. John Wayne plays an outlaw who, with his two friends, robs a bank and escapes into the desert. The outlaws happen on a wagon where a woman is giving birth. She dies shortly after. They have a choice. Either they risk their lives and freedom saving the child, or they leave the child to die and get away with the loot. I highly recommend it.

When I decided to write Forks in the Road, I wanted to capture that redemptive spirit in many western novels. Joshua and Jonathan are brothers who were orphaned at the ages of 10 and 12 when Quantrill’s raiders ravaged Lawrence, Kansas. They headed west to make it on their own, but at every fork in the road, they made wrong choices. They grew up and became outlaws, but they never became hardened or callous toward others. Even so, God had a plan of redemption for them. Would they take it?

Blog Stops

Wishful Endings, March 12 (Author Interview)
Betti Mace, March 18
Bigreadersite, March 19
My Devotional Thoughts, March 20 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tamera is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card & copy of Forks in the Road!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

In The Garden FB Banner

About the Book

Book:  In The Garden
Author: Whitaker House Editorial
Genre:  Christian non-fiction, Biblical history, cultural, Biblical reference
Release Date: January 10, 2020
In The Garden CoverConsider not only the lilies of the field, but all the plants, trees, herbs, shrubs, and flowers that play a role in the biblical narrative through this illustrated guide. From the barley Ruth harvested to the hyssop David craved, from the frankincense the wise men brought to Jesus to the sycamore tree Zacchaeus climbed, the Bible is peppered with allusions to the plants that were a part of daily life in the ancient Near East and in New Testament Israel. With original illustrations, this beautiful gift book clarifies the biblical references to fifty plants and provides delightful new insights into the Word of God. Includes indexes to each plant and its corresponding Scripture references, a calendar of Jewish festivals and the growing seasons in Israel, and tips for growing your own biblically inspired garden.

Click here to get your copy!
MY REVIEW
The first thing that grabbed my attention was the breathtaking pictures in the book. They are captivating and help readers get a glimpse of different items found in a garden. I loved the explanation of the different plants and trees. What really intrigued me was how the book referenced different things found in the Bible such as Juniper. I liked being reminded about Elijah taking refuge under the Juniper tree. 
There are many references in the book about plants and trees  that can be found in the Bible. This book is very short but is packed with lots of information that would be good to use in a classroom setting for children. It could also be a gift to give to someone who is interested in finding out about the use of different items found in a garden. When I saw the picture of the Crown of Thorns it made me gasp for a minute. What a vivid picture to see that reminded me this could have been what Jesus wore.
I really liked the section about edible plants. These plants are familiar and it was nice to learn more about them. Overall a nice book with intriguing information that inspired me to find uses for the plants and trees and remind myself how they were used in Biblical times.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. 

More from Whitaker House

Rather than being a dictionary of the plants mentioned in the Bible, In the Garden, with its original illustrations and plant descriptions, is meant to spark the reader’s spiritual imagination. It is our hope that these pages about the plants of the Bible will prompt your imagination and inform your study of the precious Word of the living God

Blog Stops

Mary Hake, March 17
CarpeDiem, March 19
Robin’s Nest, March 21

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Whitaker House is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and finished copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

One Little Lie FB Banner

About the Book

Book:  One Little Lie
Author: Colleen Coble
Genre:  Romantic Suspense
Release Date: March 3, 2020
one little lie
It started with one little lie. But Jane Hardy will do everything in her power to uncover the truth in this gripping new romantic suspense.
Jane Hardy is appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor, Alabama, after her father retires, but there’s no time for an adjustment period. When her father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a recent murder, Jane quickly realizes she’s facing someone out to destroy the only family she has.
After escaping with her father from a cult fifteen years ago, Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother—who refused to leave—ever since. Could someone from that horrible past have found them?
Reid Bechtol is well-known for his documentaries, and his latest project involves covering Jane’s career. Jane has little interest in the attention, but the committee who appointed her loves the idea of the publicity.
Jane finds herself depending on Reid’s calm manner as he follows her around filming, and they begin working together to clear her father. But Reid has his own secrets from the past, and the gulf between them may be impossible to cross—especially once her father’s lie catches up with him.

Click here to get your copy.
 MY REVIEW
There is nothing better than a good suspenseful story that has all the elements that make you want to read as fast as you can. I loved the characters and how their problems seeped into  each others lives. What is so good about this story is the undeniable intrigue that had my heart pounding as danger seems to lurk right below the surface. 
Jane has been appointed Police Chief  after her father retires. It is obvious that not everyone is happy with this news and Jane finds herself deep in an investigation where bodies turn up, her father is being investigated  and lies tarnish people’s integrity. Oh how I loved reading that  Jane didn’t back down from anyone and was determined to get to the truth. Jane’s past is very secretive to most and she can’t shake that maybe it will come out at some point. 
Reid was an interesting character and I wasn’t quite sure what his true motive was . He has been granted to follow Jane and do a documentary on her because she is a female Chief of Police. Does he know about Jane’s past? Reid has his own secrets that start to pop up and he knows he needs to deal with them. I did find it interesting that his son never knew his mother and the author gives subtle hints that may tie him to someone in the story. This is the type of writing the author is known for. She weaves several characters together and has their lives intersect at critical moments. The author is also very good at placing faith elements in her story that are gracefully done. I did find it a bit odd that Reid would allow his son to tag along at some of the places him and Jane went. It bothered me that a teenager would be allowed to listen in on investigations and be put in danger. 
As the title implies, lies no matter how many you tell always find a way to the surface. We often think one little lie won’t hurt anyone. This story proves how wrong that thinking is as secrets, lies, deceit and revenge unravel lives and put people’s reputation on the line. My heart went out to Will as he realizes he has been lied to all his life. How do you trust someone who has never been truthful to you? 
The story is filled with action and lessons in forgiveness, overcoming your past and trust. I loved how the author takes a story and captures realistic issues while keeping readers guessing of the outcome.  Not all questions will be answered in this book, so be looking for the next in this series. 
“A lie is a betrayal that hits you where you really live.”

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

About the Author

Colleen CobleBest-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. You can visit her website at http://colleencoble.com.

Blog Stops

Back Porch Reads, March 10
The Avid Reader, March 11
By The Book, March 12
Older & Smarter?, March 12
Remembrancy, March 12
Betti Mace, March 13
Emily Yager, March 13
Bigreadersite, March 14
CarpeDiem, March 15
Robin’s Nest, March 17
Stories By Gina, March 18
Mary Hake, March 18
Empowermoms, March 18
Hallie Reads, March 19
Quiet Quilter, March 20
Simple Harvest Reads, March 20 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Splashes of Joy, March 21
Moments, March 21
amandainpa, March 21
Pause for Tales, March 22
*No Giveaway for this Celebration Tour