Friday, March 5, 2021

 

About the Book

Book:  I Prayed for Patience, God Gave Me Children

Author: Linda Wood Rondeau

Genre: Non-fiction

Release date: Second Edition 2019

God indeed has a sense of humor. He chose children to teach us too-smart adults what it means to be his child, the very special relationship the believer enjoys with our Heavenly Father. We adults experience the same chaos, misadventure, and heartaches as our charges. Through a child’s example, we learn how God nurtures us with his infinitesimal patience. This easy to read, often hilarious treatise, uses cartoons, witticisms, anecdotes, quotes, and scripture study to bring home these truths. A veteran social worker, Rondeau draws upon her many experiences in working with families as well as her personal experiences as a mom.  “You will want to keep this book close at hand for those moments of weakness and pass it along to your friends.”

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

The author of the acclaimed Hosea’s Heart and Miracle on Maple Street, LINDA WOOD RONDEAU, a veteran social worker, writes from the heart of personal experience. Her blog, Snark and Sensibility, embodies her sense of humor, a trait she believes God gives parents for survival. A resident of Hagerstown, Maryland, the author shares her days with her husband and best friend in life, Steve. Readers may visit her website at www.lindarondeau.com. Contact the author on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

 

Excerpt from the Book

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. 

And by him we cry, Abba, Father 

(Romans 8:15)

 

JUST LIKE MY DADDY 

The courtroom was silent, waiting for the judge to make a decision—a decision to determine not only where little Joshua would live, but also what his name would be.

Not able to have children of their own, my son and daughter-in-law have adopted five children through the foster care system. Each addition to the family has been considered a blessing—especially so with Joshua. Joshua, who had been in foster care since early infancy, was free to be adopted. When the agency called my son and daughter-in-law who already had one adopted son and another whom they hoped to adopt, they opened their hearts to welcome the youngster into their burgeoning nest. Finally, all the legal work was over, and the family accompanied Joshua for his day in court.

The judge motioned Joshua to approach the bench. From his austere heights, the magistrate pointed to someone in the room. Each time, Joshua was asked, “Who is this?”

“Those are my brothers,” Joshua said, referring to the other adopted children. “That’s Mommy,” he explained as he pointed to my daughter-in-law.

Then the judge’s attention focused on my son who positioned Joshua in his arms, allowing the child to see the judge at eye level. “And who is this man holding you?”

Joshua’s eyes widened. He took his little hand and touched his father’s face as he squealed in delight, “THAT’S MY DADDY!”

The judge, assured of Joshua’s placement in a loving family, told John and Melissa that Joshua was now their legal son. Then the judge asked Joshua, “Do you know what your new name is?” Joshua hugged his new father and blurted with excitement, “Joshua John Barringer, just like my daddy!”

Sad are the indictments against Israel’s kings who “walked in the ways of their fathers” to commit vile acts of murder and idolatry. Sadder still are the descriptions of those sons who choose evil over the Godly example of their fathers. David was revered as a man after God’s heart because he cherished the relationship he had with his Heavenly Father more than any earthly treasure. When he sinned, he could not rest until his spirit was one again with the God he adored.

When we received Christ, God adopted us into His family. He holds us in His arms so we can touch His face. We are privileged to call him “Daddy, God.”

He asks us to be holy as He is holy. He asks us to look inside our hearts and say, “I want to be just like You.”

MY REVIEW 

I had to laugh as I saw the title of this book. I struggle with patience everyday. It is something I have prayed for but my stubbornness wins every time. Well until I had my first child that is.  My world changed the moment I heard the first cry. My heart melted and I knew there would be many restless nights and tears ahead for me. 

The book is a great tool for parents with scriptures and stories that help us deal with patience. Yes it’s true children try our patience. What we need to understand though is they are learning while we are there to guide them. I remember the non stop questions my children had for me. Why? How come? Did I have all the answers? Absolutely not. What I did have was God who gave me wisdom, taught me to take a deep breath and learn patience. 

I loved the part about teenagers. Just as we think we have gotten through the tough toddler  years, a new challenge sneaks  up on us. Oh how I remember my boys as teens. Each one had their own ways to push my buttons. What happened to my sweet little babies? The book shared that all we need to do “is grab God’s hand and He will give us instructions when we need to turn left or right or stay straight on our course.” We are never alone and God is right there to see us in our darkest moments. 

I thought the book was very helpful and loved the biblical references shared throughout . It would be a great baby shower gift or something to keep for yourself. There are questions to go over and scriptures that encourage you and strengthen your patience. Children are a gift from God. He will be there to help you as your raise them. 

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

Blog Stops

deb’s Book Review, March 5

Texas Book-aholic, March 6

Inklings and notions, March 7

For Him and My Family, March 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 9

Aryn the Libraryan, March 10

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 12

Splashes of Joy, March 13 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 14

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 15

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 16

Lots of Helpers, March 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 18

Mary Hake, March 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize of a Kindle!!
*Kindle type may vary from one pictured

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/108d2/i-prayed-for-patience-god-gave-me-children-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, March 4, 2021

 

About the Book

Book:  Methuselah Project S.O.S.

Author: Rick Barry

Genre: Christian suspense

Release date: October 20, 2020

Born in the final days of Nazi Germany, an underground organization is alive, growing, and manipulating events in our world today …

The survivor of a secret German experiment in 1943, Roger Greene possesses a unique physiology. To this day, his body remains youthful and heals quickly. In exchange for information about the mysterious Heritage Organization that Roger once escaped, the CIA has given him a new identity and pulled strings to get him into the modern U.S. Air Force.

Now, Roger’s main thrills are serving his country in an F-35 and spending time with Katherine, the love of his life. Suddenly, the CIA shows up and drops a bombshell—evidence that Sophie, the woman who Roger believed had died helping him escape, is alive. The Heritage Organization is holding her and others prisoner in an unknown location.

Honor-bound to rescue the woman who risked her life for him, Roger accepts temporary duties with the CIA. But just when the mission is already straining his relationship with Katherine, Roger becomes a murder suspect. A fugitive, he continues alone the mission to find Sophie. What he discovers lands this pilot deep inside a shadowy network intent on world domination.

Will Roger’s faith carry him through this quest—or will those tracking him succeed in snuffing out his long life once and for all?

A sensational standalone story, Rick Barry’s sequel to The Methuselah Project launches you into an unforgettable journey through danger, suspense, hope, and love—an experience that will keep you turning pages well into the night! 

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Rick Barry has authored 4 novels: The Methuselah Project, Methuselah Project S.O.S., Gunner’s Run, and a young adult fantasy called Kiriath’s Quest. In addition, he has hundreds of published articles and short stories to his credit. He speaks Russian and has visited Eastern Europe over 50 times. Experiences that have provided fuel for his fiction include skydiving, mountain climbing, rappelling, serving in Christian camping ministries in Russia, kayaking, wilderness hiking, white-water rafting, visiting World War II battlegrounds, and prowling deserted buildings in the evacuated Chernobyl zone in Ukraine. 

 

More from Rick

More than once, I’ve told friends that if I could write only one novel in my life, The Methuselah Project is the one I’d choose. After all, that inspirational suspense story has equal appeal for men and women readers. Plus, its hero—Captain Roger Greene—is such a fun character. He’s patriotic, handsome, humble, conscientious, and he possesses a sense of humor that carries him through tough times. Sure, it’s a suspense story, but it also includes a satisfying touch of romance.

 

However, with the publication of its standalone follow-up, Methuselah Project S.O.S., I might have to revise my statement. In this second book I worked hard to raise the stakes, to increase the danger, and to ramp up the tension. Also, in this book we get much better acquainted with the main characters, and the romance deepens. (Sorry, no spoilers!) Even though Roger Greene and his girlfriend Katherine are my own inventions, I’ve really grown to love these two. Judging by reviews, readers have, too!

 

I confess that S.O.S. was harder to write than the first book. My brain insists on details and believability. For me to write it, the plot of S.O.S. compelled me to research a variety of subjects—the CIA, the Air Force, escape and evasion techniques, functional booby traps, and more. The resulting story is a roller coaster ride of action and emotions.

 

So, what gives me as author the most joy from these books? Probably the reviews where readers begin, “I don’t usually read this kind of book”—but then tell why they absolutely loved it. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the next one to say so!

MY REVIEW 

I enjoyed the first book and was excited to read this  follow up  book. The author demonstrates how to maneuver a story rich in danger, intrigue and action. I love how we get to know the main  characters in a deeper way. Their main goal is to survive and find freedom. I know if I went to a lab and saw bodies floating in a tube I would run as fast as I could. The author gives details that make it easy to visualize the scenes unfold right before your eyes. 

The idea of cloning is an uneasy feeling as the main character discovers secrets about himself and a project that could change the human race. I cringed just thinking what power does to a person. Wanting to be in control can destroy the world as we know it if the project succeeds. Roger is determined to stop the evil that is trying to take over. He is desperate to save someone special to him and finds himself asking God for help. There is a definite theme of trusting God weaved throughout the story.  

The ending is packed with action and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I read as fast as I could to find out what would happen next. I encourage readers to look at the questions provided by the author at the end of the book. One in particular stood out to me. It talks  about a character that would “stay in charge of his own destiny.” It makes me take a deeper look at my faith. Do I trust God with my destiny, or do I think I can do things on my own? 

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 3

Where Faith and Books Meet, March 3

Texas Book-aholic, March 4

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 6

Becka Jiménez, March 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 7

Inklings and notions, March 8

Betti Mace, March 9

Blogging With Carol, March 9

For Him and My Family, March 10

deb’s Book Review, March 11

Lights in a Darkness World, March 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 12

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 13

Pause for Tales, March 13

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 14

CarpeDiem, March 15

Mary Hake, March 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 16

Bizwings Blog, March 16

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Rick is giving away  the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paper copy of Methuselah Project S.O.S.!!

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/108cd/methuselah-project-s-o-s-celebration-tour-giveaway


Wednesday, March 3, 2021

 

Sing in the Sunlight

About the Book

Book:  Sing in the Sunlight

Author: Kathleen Denly

Genre: Christian historical fiction

Release date: March 2, 2021

Sing in the Sunlight (1)Richard Stevens isn’t who he thinks he is. Neither is the woman who now claims his last name.

Disfiguring scars stole Clarinda Humphrey’s singing career, her home, and her family, but she refuses to let her appearance steal her future. While attending The Young Ladies Seminary in 1858 Benicia, California, she finds a man who promises to love and cherish her. Instead he betrays her, leaving her with child, and Clarinda must take drastic measures to ensure her child doesn’t suffer for her foolishness.

Richard Stevens’s life hasn’t turned out as he expected, and when a shocking letter turns even his past into a mystery, he travels to San Francisco in search of guidance. On the way, he encounters a mysterious young woman hiding beneath a veil. That night he experiences a dream that sends him on a quest to find the bride God has chosen for him. He never imagines she’s already told everyone they’re married.

Unwilling to lie, nor accept a marriage of mere convenience, Richard wants the real thing. Yet Clarinda’s not interested in love, only a chance to save her child. Can he help her rise above the pain that runs deeper than her scars to accept a love worth every risk?

 

Click here to get 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

Hiding our Flaws

We all have things we’d like to change about our physical appearance. Personally, I’ve yet to lose the weight I gained with my last pregnancy and sitting behind a desk all day hasn’t helped things any. Despite this, I know that my husband, kids, family, friends, and most importantly, God, loves me just as much now as when I was my healthiest self. I want to lose the weight not because I need to earn someone’s approval but because I know I’ll feel better and be able to do more without tiring as quickly if I do. In the meantime, I’m okay with where I am because it’s the best I’ve been able to do so far.

This level of self-acceptance has come with maturity and the love of a godly man. When I was younger, I’d spend hours in front of the mirror trying to disguise my flaws beneath layers of makeup and stomach smoothers. In fact, one of the most memorable moments of my courtship with my now husband was the day I returned from a women’s retreat. I hadn’t gotten much sleep all weekend and we’d had to pack up and leave early, so I’d made the unusual decision to skip my makeup that morning. I was going to carpool back to the church, grab my car, and head home for a nap. What was the point in painting my face when the only people who’d see it were the women who’d seen me wake up bare-faced that morning anyway? Well, it turns out my now husband had missed me. So he was waiting in the church parking lot when we arrived, just to say hi before I went home. Sweet, right? Um yeah. At the time, part of me thought it was sweet, but more of me wanted to melt into the floor’s carpet and vanish from sight. I had ZERO makeup on, people! And I had bags under my eyes! *gasp* *shudder*

Needless to say, after almost nineteen years of marriage, he’s seen me a few times without my makeup on. Actually, these days, I only wear makeup for videos, photographs I intend to share online, special events, and (if the kids are nice to me that morning) church. Not that I don’t have my insecure moments or those photographs that friends share but I really wish they wouldn’t. (You know who you are.) But overall, I am okay with how I look because I know that I am loved and accepted.

However, in Sing in the Sunlight, my character, Clarinda, feels unloved, and unwanted by those closest to her. She describes parts of herself with words like hideous. She uses long sleeves, high necks, gloves, and veils to hide herself from a world that has rejected her. And she keeps almost everyone at arm’s length—especially God. So when she finally lets someone in, only to be betrayed, it sets off a series of desperate decisions that tangle her in a web from which she cannot find an escape. It’s my prayer that her story will touch readers’ hearts and show them how much they are loved—flaws and all.

MY REVIEW 

This story has so many wonderful messages tucked in among the pages. Clarinda is easy to relate to because so many of us feel like we aren’t good enough. Her scar on her face has kept her afraid to go out in public. I know exactly how it feels to feel shame. You think no one will ever want you and you are destined to be alone forever. It was heartbreaking to read how a man took advantage of Clarinda and then abandoned her when she needed him most. 

Richard is such a great character because he sees past Clarinda’s scars and see the beauty within her. He is determined to  come  to her aide and I loved how faith filled he was. His belief that God sent him to rescue Clarinda is similar to the story of Mary and Joseph. God told Joseph to be with Mary and raise the child as his own. Richard hears the same from God about Clarinda and obeys Him. 

The story has danger as well as a reminder that our scars are, “a symbol of courage and survival.” Some of us have physical scars while others have emotional scars. God doesn’t want to be ashamed. He wants us to hold our head up high and know that we are over-comers. Clarinda is a great example of letting down the veils she hid behind and having confidence in herself. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Her husband showed her unconditional love and made her feel beautiful inside and out. We aren’t meant to hide in the shadows. God says we were “meant to sing in the sunlight.”

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 2

Simple Harvest Reads, March 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Texas Book-aholic, March 3

lakesidelivingsite, March 3

Inklings and notions, March 4

Genesis 5020, March 4

For Him and My Family, March 5

A Novel Pursuit, March 5

Betti Mace, March 6

deb’s Book Review, March 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 7

Labor Not in Vain, March 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 8

Connie’s History Classroom, March 9

The Meaderings of a Bookworm, March 9

Older & Smarter?, March 10

Adventures Of a Travelers Wife, March 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 12

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 12 (Author Interview)

KarenSueHadley, March 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 13

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 14

Blossoms and Blessings, March 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a Kindle Paperwhite, one bookish scarf, one pair of bookish socks, one bookish necklace, one Chaparral Hearts Pen, and one custom bookmark made and signed by Kathleen Denly!!

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/1089f/sing-in-the-sunlight-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, March 1, 2021

 

About the Book

Book:  Catching Hope

Author: Kathy Cassel

Genre: Young Adult, action/suspense

Release date: February 1, 2021

Catching Hope—a pursuit fraught with danger.

Newly adopted Lexi Michaels is taking her first real vacation as she, twin brother Levi, adoptive brother Chad, and new cousin Jen head to Haiti where their dad, a pediatrician, will be volunteering in an island clinic. But who is the man who displays such hatred for the Michaels when they arrive at their resort? Is an attempted burglary as random as it appears? Will Jen ever accept the newcomers to the family? When the four teens set out to explore Haiti’s sights and history on their own, an unexpected encounter and natural disaster plunge them into adventure and danger. With their very survival at stake, can the four teens work together or will Lexi’s dream of a “forever family” end in tragedy?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Kathy Cassel lives in the Florida panhandle with her husband and four of their eight children, five of whom are adopted. She is a motorcycle rider, scuba diver, and loves spending time with her family. Her debut novel, Freerunner, was published by Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. in 2019.

 

 

More from Kathy

My Experience with Haiti

Prior to the 2010 catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake that caused immense damage to the country of Haiti, many people would not have been able to tell you that Haiti and the Dominican Republic share the island of Hispaniola just a two hour flight from Miami.

I knew where it was because our family had adopted a child from Haiti in 1997. At the time the earthquake took place, my husband and I were in the process of adopting twins from a different orphanage in Port au Prince Haiti. It had been over three years and our adoption was not yet complete. During those three years I visited the twins at the orphanage five times. Other family members went with me on some of those trips, and at one point, all of our children still living at home went to visit the orphanage.

This was an eye opening experience for my family. In fact, I volunteered us to do the daily wash. That meant hand washing clothes and sheets for 135 orphans using large metal tubs and harsh soap, then rinsing the clothes in other tubs before hand wringing them and hanging them on clotheslines. Once home, my children no longer complained about unloading the dryer!

Cooking was done in large pots over open fires and mainly consisted of rice and beans, or red sauce over rice. The cooks originally prepared the food in a wooden shack, but more than once one of them would get so hot she’d pass out, so an outdoor area was set up for food preparation.

After the earthquake, there was a mountain of paperwork to be done to get refugee status for children in the orphanages who had families waiting for them. Finally the children were brought to the United States, although some of the orphans went to other countries too, to be united with their forever families. Sadly, many were held in the airport for days before being released. For our family, the long wait was over January 25, 2010. Now our family is complete with three birth children and five adopted children, three of whom are from Haiti.

Some of the places mentioned in the book resemble real places in Haiti, although they have been fictionalized. I hope you will not only read Catching Hope, but will also take time to learn more about the country of Haiti.

MY REVIEW 

I enjoyed reading the story that was filled with adventure, danger and faith. Taking a mission trip to a foreign land can be a challenge. The author describes the place where the family goes in such vivid detail that I felt I was on the trip with them. Some countries don’t have the available products that we sometimes take for granted. 

I liked how the story followed the teens as they encounter danger and survival. It was interesting to see what each one was struggling with. I don’t know what it is like to be a foster child  but the author allows readers to understand it better. All these two wanted was to feel like they are wanted.   I appreciate the mom and dad who opened their home and gave them security.

The main theme of the story is hope. Each character experiences that in some way as they work together to get back to their family safely. The teens run into danger that causes them to fear for their lives. This part of the story was my favorite. It showed how they came to know each other better and were able to connect in a way that gave them hope. Yes we always have hope. We get let down , beaten down and question where God is. In the midst of our despair we need only  to hold on to our faith and hope. God hears us and is always there.

“We may not like or understand His plan, but that’s where the trust comes in.”

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

Blog Stops

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 27

For the Love of Literature, February 28 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 1

Inklings and notions, March 2

For Him and My Family, March 3

Wishful Endings, March 4 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 5

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 6

Artistic Nobody, March 7 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 8

deb’s Book Review, March 9

Simple Harvest Reads, March 10 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, March 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Books-A-Million Gift Card!!

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/1089e/catching-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway