Saturday, January 20, 2024

About the Book

Book: Offsides

Author: Lori Z. Scott

Genre: Contemporary YA fiction

Release Date: October 19, 2023

Danielle Stephens expected her senior year to be challenging, with her final season of soccer, a strained friendship, and a new crush. But she didn’t expect to uncover a human trafficking ring in her town. When an older man seems to be grooming her young neighbor, Dani is determined to keep the girl safe. Little does she know, but there is more at stake than one life. And if Dani doesn’t watch her back, she could be the next victim.

Offsides is like a Christian version of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder but set on the soccer field.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Wheaton College graduate Lori Z. Scott accidentally wrote the 10-book bestselling Meghan Rose series. On purpose, she wrote more than 200 short stories, articles, essays, poems, and devotions for magazines like Brio and Focus on the Family. She has also contributed to 15 books, including Writing and Selling Children’s Books in the Christian Market.

As has been her practice for over 25 years, Lori is fully invested in teaching elementary students during the day. However, most nights you can find her typing away behind the keyboard. She figures that makes writing her superpower… especially since she knows how to use a delete key.

In 2022, Lori introduced an award-winning novel, Inside the Ten-Foot Line, the first installment in her new young adult series. In addition, she has led writing workshops for local ACFW and SCBWI chapters, conducted school visits, served as a guest speaker for Story Embers podcasts, and presented at virtual writing conferences. She’s never really sure if the crowd is impressed by her interactive presentations or by the fact that she can write and draw forwards and backwards with both hands at the same time.

More from Lori

Let’s start with the why behind the series in general. In the early 2000s, I published a bestselling chapter book series—sort of like the Christian version of Junie B. Jones. Then, because of some unexpected life circumstances, I stopped writing for about 7 years. After encouragement from my mom and my daughter and a phone call with an editor from Pockets Magazine, I decided to return to writing. But I wanted to try something new.

I thought about the things I love that I could write about. Sports came to the top of the list since I competed in volleyball, track, swimming, softball, and basketball and my children played soccer. I went to the library to see what was out there and found some great sports novels, many by Mike Lupica. He tackled interesting themes—characters dealing with real-life issues that readers could relate to whether or not they were part of a team.

However, the book offerings for women athletes? Very slim pickings. I mean… there were a few. But they didn’t have the depth I craved in a book. And, as my daughter always says, “Mom, you’re a writer. If you can’t find the book you want, write it yourself.”

So that’s how the series in general was born. I envisioned a story for each sport that reached beyond the court to encompass a broader audience. Stories that grappled with universal emotions, dreams, and challenges. The first book in the series, Inside the Ten-Foot Line, did well with critics. It won the Golden Scroll Award for youth fiction book of the year, an Illumination Book Award, was a semi-finalist for the Carol Awards, and a finalist for the Director’s Choice Award. I figure that’s a promising start!

Now, more specifically—the inspiration behind the story Offsides.

Okay, big breath for me here, because I felt God’s nudging to write it, and I told Him no. Just outright no. But… who tells God no? I mean, based on my writing journey, I trusted that He knew best the paths I should take. Always. So why did I say no?

Let me give you a little history. In 2022, End Game Press invited me to write Offsides, the second book in my series. However, when I submitted my detailed plot, they came back and said it was too similar to another book they planned on publishing and asked me to develop something different. I took the problem to my critique group, and one of the girls who works with her church to recover victims of human trafficking suggested that I write a story where the characters must confront this issue.

I got sick to my stomach just thinking about it. And I dismissed the idea. Like, immediately.

And I had good excuses to say no. No, I didn’t know enough about the problem. No, human trafficking was too horrifying to research. No, what teenager wants to read about this sick topic? And my biggest objection–No! I wrote humor.

But God kept pressing me on this idea. And pressing me. And pressing me. News reports. Conversations at work. Ads on T.V. Social media posts. The idea would bubble up in my prayers and haunt me when I went to bed.

So, I finally said yes and wrote the book. Not surprisingly, in the process, I discovered a yesfor every no I’d voiced.

I didn’t know enough about the problem, but, yes, I learned. The research was horrifying, but yes, I also found hope, especially within Christian organizations who help recover victims.

Yes… teens should read about human trafficking to make themselves aware of the danger and to take steps to protect themselves and their friends. And yes, talking about human trafficking could be done in an age-appropriate way. Best of all, as heavy as the topic was, the story still contained humor. Because high school is like that—serious, but also fun and entertaining.

I really like the relationships between the characters too. There’s something powerful about their interactions. The protagonist, Dani, is a huge introvert, and her social anxiety plays into how the plot unfolds. Her character resonated with a lot of my beta readers who also experienced struggles with feelings that they don’t quite fit in.

One teary-eyed reader asked me how I was able to tap into Dani’s emotions so deeply and accurately. I was like—hey, I’m a teacher. I see insecurities in people all the time. And at some point, we’ve all been there—even me. In the lonely. In the awkward. In the search for belonging. In the hurt. We need each other. And we need faith.

Anyway, that’s how Offsides was born. With a nudge that turned into a pressing need to tell a story. About a difficult topic, true. But even more valuable because of that. The book ended up being a little bit like A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder but set on the soccer field.

If any readers want to use Offsides for a book club, I have a study guide I can email them for free. I also have a free collection of ten devotions for athletes for interested readers. To get either one or both, DM me on my Instagram account at @Stories.by.Lori

MY REVIEW

I like the book and enjoyed how we get a look at young people at high school. It is very realistic and follows several characters as they maneuver through life. Dani is a great character who is a little unsure of herself. She tries to fit in but at times she feels uncomfortable. Watching her interact with her best friend and how encouraging they are to each other was good.

Soccer is a big part of Dani’s life which keeps her pretty busy. At the heart of the story is a topic that may be sensitive for some readers. Human trafficking is rampant in our world today. The author takes us inside that world where danger lurks near for Dani. I will never understand how people can do awful things to others.

This is not an easy read at times because it does deal with a sensitive subject but it is packed with faith, encouragement and hope. I did notice that the majority of the book is about Dani and her life as a senior in high school. But towards the end, the author startles me with the underworld of human trafficking. It is an emotional rollercoaster that shatters the lives of many. Friendship and faith is vital to this story when taking action is needed when you think something is not right.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 16

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 17 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, January 18 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 18

Guild Master, January 19 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 20

Fiction Book Lover, January 21 (Author Interview)

Beauty in the Binding, January 22 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 23

Splashes of Joy, January 24 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 25

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 26 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 27

Blossoms and Blessings, January 28 (Author Interview)

Exploring the Written Word, January 28

For the Love of Literature, January 29 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lori is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and an autographed 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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/29799/offsides-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, January 19, 2024

SLEIGHT OF HAND BY TONYA KAPPES

Maisie Doss knew the weight of secrets all too well. Once a troublemaker in her small Kentucky town near Cincinnati, she struck a dangerous bargain to become a confidential informant for the police. But when betrayal led her to send a family member behind bars, the lines between right and wrong blurred. Unable to bear the weight of her actions, she fled into the secluded heart of Appalachia, praying her past wouldn't catch up.

For a time, the hills kept her secrets. Determined to atone, she tried to lead a quiet life, but old habits die hard. When Maisie stumbles upon a mystery that begs her attention, she can't resist diving in. Yet, this isn't just any crime; it's tangled with threads from her concealed past. And as fate would have it, a detective from her old life discovers her hidden refuge.

Now, he presents her with a chilling ultimatum: Return to her role as a CI and face the ghosts of her past or find herself behind bars.
In a game of cat and mouse, where trust is a luxury Maisie can't afford, she must use every sleight of hand she knows to outwit the law, uncover the truth, and keep her freedom.

MY REVIEW

I love this new series and am excited to follow Maisie on her adventures. Fans of the author know her for her wonderful cozy mysteries, but this series is much different. It has a little more suspense and danger that for me was intriguing. I love how the author moved a bit away from the usual fun and quirky characters. This series dives deep into crimes that find Maisie in over her heads,

At first I didn’t know why she had been hiding out but slowly her past is revealed. Can you imagine being a confidential informant? There is no sense of security as Maisie is always having to keep her identity a secret. It sends shivers down my spine as I think about the things she has witnessed. I’m not sure that I could do what she does.

A puppy ring is at the core of this story where Maisie is placed to help nap the people behind it. There are more twists than expected and I cheered for the writing that has made me love this author even more. The author still has a quaint little town in this story, but there is a more serious undertone that highlights the dynamics of a talented author. I am a huge fan of the new series and am excited to read the next book n this very promising series.

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

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

About the Book

Book: A Deeper Love

Author: Heidi Gray McGill

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release Date: October 31, 2023

What was that movie line about relationships built on intense experiences? Oh, yeah. They never work.

I get paid to do my dream job, usually by wealthy men who thrive on adventure. But when their adrenaline rush is gone and vacation is over, I’m still here, on a tropical island, with people who mostly leave me alone. And I like it that way.

Except for this guy. Seriously, Dan is the last man I want to get involved with. If he got Decompression Illness, the doctors would likely call it Mercedes Bends. He’s privileged and entitled and would never leave his city life behind for the challenges of living on a remote island. Which is a total relief, I’m telling you.

Don’t get me wrong—he’s prime shark bait, but I’m not ready to fall deeply in love with someone who won’t stay. There’s no such thing as going “too deep” where spiritual things are concerned. But when it comes to relationships, I’ll stay at the surface and snorkel rather than dive into the depths.

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Whether historical or contemporary, you will find Heidi’s Christian Fiction works to be full of God’s redeeming love.

Everything Heidi writes is purposeful. She believes in bringing a reader into the awareness of who God is to them and how He interacts with them on a personal level. She does this by crafting characters so relatable you feel part of who they are.

Heidi reaches deep into the reader’s heart through masterfully written words and offers ways toward healing by seamlessly applying God’s Word throughout her stories.

Heidi and her husband of 30+ years live in South Carolina. Besides writing Christian fiction with relatable characters in life-changing stories, Heidi relishes time with family and friends. She enjoys scrapbooking, playing games, traveling, and building bridges with her grandsons that must fall with a loud crash and usually involve a monster truck.

More from Heidi

My husband and I are scuba divers. I prefer clear water, bright fish, live coral, and the gentle swells of the ocean. I also enjoy the peaceful cenotes of Mexico, where being above water is just as stunning as being under. My husband has taken me to some remote and beautiful places.

My favorite scuba trip was to the Island of Dominica in the Caribbean, where my parents served as volunteer missionaries. On that trip, I saw a baby octopus and felt the boiling water from the active volcano vents as it bubbled up from the ocean floor.

My husband prefers diving for shark teeth and treasure in murky, fast-moving, brackish water. He thinks running into alligators, catfish the size of large dogs, and snapping turtles is part of the adventure. He also is an extreme cave diver, relishing the challenge of seeing places few have ventured. Small places and dark water are not my thing.

Owning a scuba shop seemed like the natural choice for my main character in A Deeper Love. Being able to share the underwater world and beauty of a tropical island through words became my next challenge.

Alicia Garry, affectionately known as Algae, is as formidable as her military father. She’s adventuresome and intelligent unless it comes to love. Then, she lives up to her family name, which means watchful in French. Relationships with clients never end well since they always leave, so she keeps things professional with her customers.

That is until she meets Daniel McMaster. Like most of Alicia’s clientele, Daniel is a businessman who craves adventure from his dull life. He comes from money, makes and spends money, and is way out of her league.

When she has feelings for Daniel, she wonders if she’s swallowed a bit too much seawater.

In A Deeper Love, you’ll meet a boat captain with cheesy jokes, a kind neighbor child who melts hearts, and a God who knows the future. Throw in some Little Mermaid quotes and songs, and this story comes alive with romance and Algae’s desire to be part of Daniel’s world.

Book a trip today with Scuba Deux Adventures Dive Shop, where you’ll embark on an adventure far beyond the ocean’s depths.

MY REVIEW

A nice story where we are transported back to the islands where beauty is everywhere. I loved learning about diving and how breathtaking it can be to discover the creatures beneath the sea. Alicia is living her dream of taking clients out to deep waters and plunge under the sea to a world you can only imagine. There is so much to explore each time Alicia goes out. Her friendship with Tug is endearing and I know he keeps a watchful eye out for her.

Dan is a little mysterious as he books a week long trip with Alicia. He doesn’t share much about himself but I can tell he has a big heart for others. Their time together starts to develop into more than friendship when Dan leaves unexpectedly. Life can certainly throw curves ball at the most unexpected times. I love how deep Dan’s faith is which makes him an ideal match for Alicia.

The author gives us a look at two people trying to follow God’s direction while fighting their own desires. It is hard to surrender to God sometimes, but we know that He wants the best for us. The place where the story is set is a great illustration of helping each other out. It is family to many who live there and comforting to know you have people there to help you when you are in need.

I loved how the author writes a story where waiting on God is hard for both of our main characters. Dan surprises me when he finally decides to take a step of faith and follow his heart. The story is filled with a fun adventure while discovering that God is in control.

“By His grace, I shall not fail. My anchor holds.”

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

Blog Stops

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, January 15 (Author Interview)

Lighthouse-Academy, January 15

She Lives To Read, January 16

Texas Book-aholic, January 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 22

Sylvan Musings, January 23 (Author Interview)

The Lit Lady, January 23

Simple Harvest Reads, January 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, January 25

Holly’s Book Corner, January 26

Karen Baney Reviews, January 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 28 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Heidi is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift card and a 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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2979f/a-deeper-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, January 14, 2024

About the Book

Book: Gypsy for God

Author: Yvonne M Morgan

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release Date: June 11, 2023

An Unexpected Purpose for Life

Kathleen is a middle-aged woman who loses her job, which leaves her doubting herself and fearing the future. This event sends her on a journey to find purpose and meaning in her life. She flourishes in a new career as a travel agent, but fear and doubt keep her from experiencing all life has to offer. Finally, an unexpected encounter changes everything as God begins to reveal His plans to Kathleen. Each new country she visits brings her closer to finding her real purpose. This story offers hope for readers seeking meaning in their lives regardless of their situation or age.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

As an award-winning author and blogger, I enjoy writing stories that deepen our relationship with God. My passions include prayer, travel, and mission work.

was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. My names include wife, mom, grandmother, and child of God. I learned to trust the Lord in all circumstances, even after the death of my son many years ago. Throughout the years, God’s calling led me down many paths, like starting a charity for orphans in other countries and becoming a writer.

More from Yvonne

How I Started Writing

My writing career started differently than most. I never expected to write professionally. After many years of short-term mission work, I felt God nudging me to write stories from the mission field. I laughed because I thought I was too old and I was not a writer. The nudge would not go away. So, I asked God to speak through my husband if this was really Him and not my imagination. I told none of this to my husband. About a month later, Bill and I sat watching TV, and he looked over at me and asked how my book was coming along? I cried, and he asked what was happening and I told Bill the story, and he responded, “I guess you’re writing a book.”

I wrote my first book called Turning Mountains into Molehills. The book is a memoir of my experiences during those mission trips. I soon learned that there is a lot more than just putting the words on the pages. The hardest part came with the editing process, something I had not expected. As I reread my words over and over, I wanted to give up because it sounded dreadful. But I kept plugging away at the manuscript until it felt ready to submit to a publisher.

My book, Gypsy for God, came about for several reasons. I love to travel and I wanted to try writing a fiction novel, so I thought it would be fun to combine those two items. And since I did not start my writing career until I was in my fifties, I also wanted to show others it is never too late to try something new and we are never too old to be used by God to accomplish His purposes.

This book offers hope to those readers seeking a godly purpose for their lives. A Gypsy for God shows how anyone can transform their lives and their world regardless of their situation or age. We are never too old or too for God to do incredible things for us and through us. And, in these days of increasing turmoil, I think hope is one of our most important messages we can share with the world. Writing took me on an incredible journey and I hope it does not end soon.

MY REVIEW

Beautiful journey that takes Kathleen to places she never thought she would go. It was very easy to relate to her because she is around my age. Losing her job was like losing her identity. She had wrapped herself in her job which made her feel needed and appreciated.

Now she must start over and trust God to guide her. I loved her traveling to different countries and how God revealed what her next step would be. It was a blessing to see her grow and embrace her new live. I loved the book and found it very encouraging.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 10

Artistic Nobody, January 11 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 13

Guild Master, January 14 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 15

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, January 16 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, January 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 17

Back Porch Reads, January 18 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 19

Cover Lover Book Review, January 20

Fiction Book Lover, January 21 (Author Interview)

Book Butterfly in Dreamland , January 22

Beauty in the Binding, January 23 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, January 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Yvonne is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a 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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/29589/gypsy-for-god-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Tangled Lives

Author: Carol McClain

Genre: Women’s fiction

Release Date: July, 2023

Two sisters and one man. Both women love him, but only one is meant for him.

Crystal Snow struggles with the paralysis caused by her biological parents’ drug use. She convinced herself no one will ever love her. Roxie, devastated by chronic childhood rejections, knows anyone who loves her must be intrinsically flawed. Both want only what is right for their sister who is also their best friend.

Dreams upend careers. Destroy friendships. End love.

When searched out by their biological grandmother, the past tangles with the present. Issues the girls wished to forget resurrect and threaten their dreams.

Who gets the man and career of her dreams?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Carol McClain is the award-winning author of five novels dealing with real people facing real problems. A fifth book will be out next summer.

She is a consummate encourager, and no matter what your faith might look like, you will find compassion, humor and wisdom in her complexly layered, but ultimately readable work.

Aside from writing, she’s a skilled stained-glass artist, a budding glass fuser. She lives in East Tennessee with her husband who finally gave into her dreams. They own five goats—three of them does who she milks from which she makes yogurt and cheese and butter. She’s raising bunches of chickens.

More from Carol

Have you ever:

Had a crush on your sister’s boyfriend?
Loved your sister beyond measure?
Hated your sister beyond measure?
Been confused about your career?
Waylaid by your past?

If your life’s been tangled, you’re not alone. You laugh at, root for, and not be able to put Tangled Lives down.

MY REVIEW

The title fits this story perfectly. It is a tangled mess between two sisters who seem to always compete against each other. One thing that stuck out to me is that both Crystal and Roxie want to find that special someone to love them. What happens when they both fall for the same person?

We get a glimpse of the background on the sisters which helps readers to see their struggles and need to be accepted. I liked watching the two sisters strengthen their bond while fighting their emotions for each other. With one of the sisters struggling through life with paralysis perhaps the other sister felt left out at times. Their family is a mixture of adoption, rejection and trying to forgive someone who left them years ago.

I liked the story but at times I thought it moved a little slow in certain transitions in the book. In the end I found myself yearning for more about the sisters and less about who gets the boy at the end. The author does write a good story but just missed the mark for me being fully invested in it.

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