About the Book

Book: The Nightmare Virus

Author: Nadine Brandes

Genre: YA Science Fantasy

Release date: July 16, 2024

Some viruses go after the body. But the Nightmare Virus goes after the mind.

When dream technology goes wrong, a virus spreads across the globe,trapping people in a universal dreamscape. They call it the Nightmare Virus.Cain Cross is determined to find a cure . . . if he can decipher his brother’s chicken-scratch formula notes. But when he gets infected, he has only 22 days until he’s trapped in the mental prison forever. Now, every time he falls asleep, he must fight in a Nightmare Arena until he earns his freedom to live in the “new world” that exists only in the mind.

Then he finds a way to manipulate the Nightmare—to change it by mere thought.

Forced to navigate a world of nightbeasts, mistblades, and half-truths, Cain turns his focus to survival. When the Emperor offers him a LifeSuPod—and access to a cure—in exchange for a dangerous favor, Cain thinks he’s found a way out. But Cain’s new power threatens to take him on paths that jeopardize his very soul.

Will he continue searching for a cure, or will he swear allegiance to the Nightmare? And the bigger question might be . . . will he even have a choice?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Nadine Brandes has been known to do wild things (like ride a sleeper train across Russia) in the name of book research. She’s the four-time Carol Award–winning author of seven young adult books and has been a professional fiction editor for over a decade. She is passionate about Jesus, motherhood, and creating with the Creator. When she’s not busy inventing worlds and magic systems, she’s adventuring through Middle Earth with her Auror husband and their four Halfling children.

More from Nadine

“Really, God? Now?” That was my reaction when He told me it was time to sign a contract for The Nightmare Virus less than two years after a global pandemic. “No one wants a book with the word “virus” in its title.”

That was the first of many moments that revealed this book was not my choice to write or publish or even title, but was instead the Lord’s. I’d had the idea for over a decade. And while it had nothing to do with the 2020 pandemic it arose from the concept that this world is not our home. This world is temporary and yet, during our time in it, we—as Believers—know the path to freedom out of darkness.

It was a story I was waiting and waiting to write and share with the world and yet when God said “Go” I argued with Him. I was convinced this was the worst time to try and publish this book. I told Him I’d have no time to write it (as a mama of 3 children in 3 years with another one on the way at the time.) Yet God said, “I’ll make the time.” And He did. He paved the way for this book—both in my imagination and in my practical life—and that’s the best road an author can walk, one where her King has gone before her.

This book is unlike anything I’ve ever written and I know that can be either a very good thing or a very bad thing, haha. But God has made it evident that He has a purpose for this story, not the least of which was to draw me closer to Him while writing it.

As I prepared this blog post I thought I could talk about the characters or themes or plot…but you’ll encounter all of those things when you read it. Instead I chose to share the heart journey behind it. Readers may pick it up because of the title or perhaps they’ll pick it up in spite of the title. No matter how the story finds its way into their hands, I know that it is the Lord who got it there. And I can’t wait to see what sort of sparks come from it.

MY REVIEW 

If you are looking for a story that demands attention into a world we have perhaps seen a glimpse of, this book is for you. The title tells me that evil is trying to manipulate the world through the minds of the characters. The enemy loves to feed us lies and cause us to panic, fear or run from the One who can save us. 

There are parts of the story that were graphic which I didn’t like. However to be fair I will say the author uses it to show how desperate people can be when death tries to overtake them in a way that is painful and violent. I did like how the author takes readers inside the mind and how it can be manipulated to survive.

We find Cain in a situation where he must fight to get out of the virus. The question he faces is how far is he willing to go to be free? Will he give up his beliefs in order to live? Can power feel his mind with thoughts that are a danger to his very existence? One thing Cain knows is that we have free will. We alone can choose our path. He is given a message by Crixus that says, “ if you want to survive here, you’ll do what I say.” The feel of  Roman soldiers there to fight to survive awakens something in Cain. 

The virus takes Cain into a Dreamscape where he has to fight within himself to escape. Have you ever had a dream that seemed real. Now imagine that this dream continues for hours or days in a place where Nightmare takes over. In his waking hours that become fewer as time passes, Cain must find a cure. 

The imagination of the author is brilliantly illustrated in the story that kept me glued to the pages. I wanted to know more about this virus and how it holds people captive until death takes over. Weakness is not allowed in this place and Cain will have to battle in order to stay alive. Chaos is evident in this book as it causes nothing but bitterness, greed and power. 

I hope that everyone will give this book a try. It is filled with subjects that are not easy to read, but in reality just what the enemy will try to use to cause division. I won’t give anything away in hopes that readers will grab a copy. There is hope, faith and redemption found throughout the pages which we all need to grasp. 

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 31

The Lofty Pages, August 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 2

Through the Fire Blogs, August 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 3

Blogging With Carol, August 4

Blossoms and Blessings, August 5 (Author Interview)

Inspired by fiction, August 6

Guild Master, August 7 (Author Interview)

Faery Tales Are Real, August 7

Live.Love.Read., August 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 9

Fiction Book Lover, August 10 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, August 11 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, August 12

Denise L. Barela, August 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Nadine 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/2d08f/the-nightmare-virus-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: But In Mount Zion (Companion Study for Knowing Obadiah)

Author:April W. Gardner

Genre: Bible Study for Women

Release date: October, 2023

But in Mount Zion is a companion study for the commentary Knowing Obadiah.

​This workbook offers an interactive and reflective experience for readers to engage with the commentary and dive deeper into the book of Obadiah.

Through thought-provoking questions, exercises, and group discussion prompts, the workbook provides readers and teachers the tools to apply the lessons from Obadiah to their own lives. It also includes suggestions for further study, making it an excellent resource for Bible study groups or individual study.

Whether you’re a seasoned Bible scholar or a new believer, this set will help you deepen your understanding of Obadiah and its message.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

APRIL W GARDNER is an indie author whose great passion is historical romance with themes of Native American and Southeastern U.S. culture. Copyeditor, mother of two grown children, and non-trad college student, April lives in South Texas with her husband and two German Shepherds. In no particular order, April dreams of owning a horse, learning a third language, and visiting all the national parks.

More from April

How close are you to your Bible? I don’t mean the distance from you to the nightstand where it’s resting. Or the amount of warm-and-fuzzy you feel toward it. Or the number of heartfelt notes you’ve scribbled sideways into the margins. I mean, how close is your connection to the Bible’s people and places?

Are you here in the twenty-first century while it’s there in some unknown BC year? Are you here in your comfy chair re-reading old Bible stories while prophets and priests are therebattling against idolatry, while apostles and saints are there suffering for Jesus?

Or are you here and there, backside in a plush chair but feet planted in the hot sands of the Negev, body existing in the twenty-first century, but heart and mind connected to every message and mission given in Scripture?

The story of the Bible isn’t a three-act play: Old Testament characters and plot, New Testament characters and plot, present-day characters and plot. From Genesis 1 to today, it’s all the same act. We are all players in God’s Great Story. If we’re Christians saved by Christ’s sacrificial death, we’re all joined by the same Scarlet Thread. From Adam through Joshua, Obadiah, Esther, Lydia, Stephen, and all the rest to you and me.

It’s my hope that as you go deeper into the study of Obadiah, its origins, prophecy, and fulfillment, that you’ll place yourself at the center of its Before-Christ settings, that you’ll feel Esau’s grief, Jerusalem’s terror, and Judah’s righteous anger, and that you’ll look to God’s stage where His Story is playing out and say to yourself, “These are my people. This is my story. I am a player.”

So. Let’s get playing.

MY REVIEW

I enjoyed this Bible study because it allows readers to really examine their spiritual walk and understand that we all have a call on our lives. One  calling is not more important than another but if we don’t work in unity division can happen. We will experience trials and sometimes  feel like giving up. But there is hope and as I began the study I couldn’t put it down. It asks questions that are hard at times but it helped me hunger for His Word like never before. 

Whatever is stopping you from moving forward in your walk, grasp a new focus and take that  first step to fulfill your mission that Hod has called you to. I liked when I discovered that Obadiah means “ servant of Yahweh.” Instead of promoting himself to get recognition for the work he was doing, he became humble so that God could be glorified. One question really stopped me. The author asks, “could you work toward a God-given mission if it meant that in the end no one would know anything about you?” That sure made me take a look at myself. I know that sometimes pride gets in the way and we desire to be recognized, but my prayer  is that God will remove that from each of us so and be fully committed to Him and what He has called us to do. 

I found the study to be challenging and loved reading each scripture and trying my best to be honest and open when answering the questions. This would be a great tool for a small group to use. I did like that I was able to spend time by myself as I worked through the study. Be ready to find your purpose and allow God to heal any wounds that are holding you back from the call on your life. 

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

Blog Stops

Inspired by Fiction, July 29

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 30

Lots of Helpers, July 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 1

Texas Book-aholic, August 2

Artistic Nobody, August 3 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 4

Guild Master, August 5 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 7

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 8 (Author Interview)

Divine Perspective, August 8

Batya’s Bits, August 9

Lights in a Dark World, August 10

Fiction Book Lover, August 11 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, April is giving away the grand prize package of a $30 Amazon gift card and a paperback set of the A Fire and a Flame series!!

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/2d08c/but-in-mount-zion-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Summer at The Niagara of the South Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: A Summer at The Niagara of the South

Author: Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 28, 2024

She came to the resort to heal her voice, only to discover her heart needed healing more.

Breaking under the stress of being a rising star, opera singer Grace Galveston travels to Tallulah Falls in search of reprieve. With its multiple waterfalls, spectacular gorge and mountain scenery, and lavish resorts, “The Niagara of the South,” seems the perfect place to do just that. Even amid the crowds and excitement of an aerialist’s attempt to cross the gorge, Grace hopes to find peace.

Daniel Monroe basks in that peace as minister of a local church. He’s the perfect tour guide for Grace during her visit—until his heart gets entangled with the red-haired beauty with an angel’s voice. The trip sheds light on the secret pain in Grace’s heart. And does she even share the faith that’s so vital to his ministry? Can the blessing of friendship and the possibility of love guide her toward healing, or will the call of her life back in New York mean even greater heartbreak?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Weimer has authored over a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

More from Denise

A Vanished Gilded Age Resort on the Edge of a Gorge

I first discovered Tallulah Gorge in Northeast Georgia when I was a student at Toccoa Falls College, only a couple years before the area was designated a state park. It was considered a perfect place for a day out hiking, tracing whatever faint trail one could find to an overlook into the thousand-foot-deep canyon or down to the series of waterfalls below. The more daring (or crazy) would jump off the rock cliffs into the pools—without a clue that the dangerous currents feeding the rapids had whisked many an adventurer to their death.

 

As a young mom, I moved to Habersham County and learned that over twenty lavish resorts had clung to the rim of the gorge during Gilded Age and Edwardian times. In fact, Tallulah Gorge with its series of six spectacular falls had drawn people from all over the nation and been dubbed “The Niagara of the South.” To power the city of Atlanta, Georgia Power Company dammed the river and constructed a large hydroelectric facility at the site in 1912, greatly reducing the amount of water flowing through the gorge. In 1921, a fire destroyed most of the hotels and brought an end to the glamorous tourist era.

 

The idea of recreating on the page something lost to history has inspired many a story idea for me. I had set aside my quest for publication with the birth of my daughters, but Tallulah Falls called to me. I soon penned my first published novella, Redeeming Grace, set during the summer of 1886 when tightrope walker Professor Leon crossed the gorge before a crowd of around six thousand. (The stunt was repeated in 1970 by Karl Wallenda.) That little book was a tiny initial stepping stone on my journey to becoming a multi-published author and editor.

Another more recent novella of mine, A Winter at the White Queen, set at Hotel Belleview in Florida, kicked off Wild Heart Books’ Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts Series in January 2023. It took quite a while for it to dawn on me that after being released from its original contract, Redeeming Grace was pretty much gathering digital dust—and with a light edit and new cover and title, it could perfectly bookend the series. So we give you A Summer at the Niagara of the South, the story of a New York opera singer breaking under the stress of newfound stardom, and the Tallulah Falls minister who doesn’t dare to dream she could fit into his humble world.

MY REVIEW 

This book is one that grabbed my attention right away. With the vivid description of the place we would be visiting it was easy to transport myself back in time. Everything around  me was tuned out as I was intrigued by Grace. She is a very proper lady who wants to get away for some much needed rest.  Nestled in a quaint area Grace discovers Tallulah Falls. It offers  a breathtaking look at water that cascades down with a soothing sound . 

I loved the little shops  that Grace and her aunt discovered in the town.  I soon found myself  wanting to join them at the  soda shop as they indulged in strawberry sodas. When the mention of a new drink that was sure to be a big hit , I laughed. Coca-Cola was just hitting the soda shops and boy did it take me back to when buying a Coca-Cola in a bottle or from a fountain in a shop was something my mother talked about a lot. I could tell that this story would be full of historical facts and an adventure I would not soon forget. 

Daniel is a preacher who is humble and very devoted to his faith. When he walked into the church late, Grace had no idea that  he would be delivering the sermon that  morning . His message that morning stirred something inside many. “What is holding you back from God?”, he asked the congregation. He reminded everyone that God has given each of them gifts to use to glorify God. Getting to know Daniel better was a nice addition to the story.

When talk about slavery and war are brought up at a luncheon , Grace is somewhat upset. Talk about faith and how “God can use even the most disastrous of events”, sets the stage for Grace to search her  heart. A stirring within her leads her to examine her relationship with her father? Is her heart bitter towards him? 

I loved the addition of an aerialist in the  book which gives us a historical look at an event that thousands came to see. I can’t imagine the danger this man faced as he took his first step onto the rope. The book delivers not only historical facts but  a beautiful look at two people who examine their faith and trust God to show them the  direction their lives should take. 

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

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 30

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 30

Book Looks by Lisa, July 31

Texas Book-aholic, August 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 5

Simple Harvest Reads, August 6 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Pause for Tales, August 7

Devote To Hope, August 7

Blossoms and Blessings, August 8

Connie’s History Classroom, August 9

Holly’s Book Corner, August 10

For Him and My Family, August 11

Bizwings Book Blog, August 12

Cover Lover Book Review, August 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away the grand prize of 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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2d08d/a-summer-at-the-niagara-of-the-south-celebration-tour-giveaway 

 THE PROTECTOR BY WANDA BRUNSTETTER 

In book one of A Mifflin County Mystery series, after a night out with her boyfriend, Rosa Petersheim has disappeared from the Big Valley without a trace. Norman Petersheim always considered himself his sister’s protector, and he can't believe she would have left home of her own accord. Clearly, he must have failed her. He throws all he has into helping the authorities search for Rosa, while trying to support his parents and siblings--who are struggling both mentally and physically. Salina Swarey loves Norman and hopes they are headed toward marriage, but his obsession with Rosa’s whereabouts is driving them apart. Can Norman find peace and contentment, even if he never learns where Rosa has gone?

MY REVIEW 

This is a wonderful start to a new series. The book starts out with a mystery that  rocks the Amish community. Rosa has turned up missing with no trace for anyone to follow. Right away  I was glued to this intriguing book. I adored Norman and his intense need to protect his family and those around him. Each day his sister is missing, he deepens his search to find her. Why aren’t the police looking diligently for her? Did she run away or did something far worse happen to her? Norman tries so hard to keep his wits about him while juggling work, a relationship and watching over  his family. I loved his deep faith but it upset me to think he blames himself for his sister’s disappearance. Have you ever blamed yourself for something that you didn’t have control over? 

I have to mention one of Norman’s younger sisters. Susan has a big problem with jealousy over her older sister that is missing. She feels like her mother loves Rosa more than her. When Rosa disappears, Susan steps up to get her mother to love her more. It was so sad to see this young woman more worried about being the favorite in her mother’s eyes than being concerned about  her older sister missing.  The author does an excellent job of showing how jealousy can turn a person’s heart to bitterness. 

The author also touches on Graves Disease. Norman’s mother has been diagnosed with it and now the family has become more concerned for her health. I didn’t know anything about this illness but I appreciate how the author gives us facts that  help us understand it better. The family is starting to become overwhelmed with everything going  on which starts to affect relationships. One thing that is important about  this book is how we need to always make time for God. In the story many of the characters become so involved in things going on in their lives, they stop spending time with God. “There are too many lukewarm Christians warming benches, so to speak.” 

Don’t miss this unforgettable story about faith, trust, loss and reconciliation. I love the different scriptures used in the story and faith that was illustrated throughout the story. I anxiously await the next book in this series. 

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

About the Book

Book: Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons about Suicidality and Depression from the Psych Ward

Author: Chris Morris

Genre: Christian Living / Mental Health

Release date: June 11, 2024

God cares deeply about you and your mental health. Author and mental health advocate Chris Morris has battled depression and suicidality his entire adult life. Even coming to Christ didn’t change this, which is something many fellow Christians don’t seem to understand. He still had to face the grief of unrelenting illness, the shame of struggling, and the pain of poor guidance.

In this compassionate and engaging book, Chris shares how he overcame these challenges and invites you to do the same–no matter your diagnosis. Weaving biblical truth and personal stories with thoughtful strategies and hard-earned wisdom, he helps you move past fear and shame to combat the specters of depression and suicidality.

God is still there, even in the darkest of places. May this book be a step in the process of healing and help you find hope in your battle.

Includes reflection questions, Scripture meditations, and a bonus video course.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Chris Morris is a certified mental health coach dedicated to promoting understanding of mental health issues within the church. Because of a lifelong struggle with depression and suicidality, Chris became committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging others to seek after holistic health.

As a writer and speaker, Chris has shared his personal story and insights with audiences across the country, inspiring many individuals to take control of their own health, break free from poor theological teaching placed upon them, and seek the support they need. He has published several books on mental health, the most recent being Resilient and Redeemed. His work has been featured in a number of media outlets, including CrossWalk, The Mighty, and Fathom Magazine.

Chris is deeply committed to creating a more compassionate and supportive world and church for individuals living with mental health issues. Through his writing and speaking, he is a powerful voice for change and a beacon of hope for those in need.

More from Chris

Resilient and Redeemed is a book that the Christian community needs. For too long, those with mental health conditions have been forced to be shamed or to hide their struggles. Especially in a post-COVID world, mental health has to come to the forefront of the conversation. This book details in an unapologetic way my struggles with depression and suicidal ideations. The core message of this book is that God doesn’t write people off because of their struggles with their mental health. No, God is with us and for us no matter what.

Resilient and Redeemed is full of hard-won, battle-tested tools that will help people fight the battle for their mental health. There are no easy answers given, because no two mental illnesses present the same. Ensconced in story, this book gives a full toolbox of practices to support better mental health, ranging from how to find a counselor that will work for you to daily rituals that will ground your days and affirm your agency in your life.

I also put together a video series talking about resilience to accompany this book. As a member of the blog tour, you’ll gain access to over 40 minutes of me talking about resilience. We cover things like where does resilience come from, what does resilience have to do with faith, and so much more. I’m especially proud of the work I did for this video series, and I think you’ll find it incredibly valuable.

MY REVIEW 

As a reviewer I always like to let others know if a subject in a book may be a trigger for some. This book does deal with suicide and depression that many are fighting  with right now. It is a timely  book because over the last four years we have seen our world turn upside down. With the crisis in the  medical world we found ourselves in isolation. This journey  has taken people to a place where thoughts of despair started to rise up. I appreciate the author’s openness in his struggle and how God turned his life around. Even teenagers face this crisis due to bullying, home life and news that daily reflects crimes which affect us all. 

I like how the book uses Biblical figures that were struggling and used them in a mighty way. He gave them hope when they felt hopeless and restored their  faith when they were about to give up. The questions at the  end are a good way to dig deeper into your personal experiences. I could relate to him as he said, “ I began to have a church face, where I found myself sometimes (not always) a mess.”  We go to church smiling like we are good but inside we are screaming for help. The body of Christ makes it difficult at times to share your struggle with depression and/or suicidal thoughts. 

As I read the  book it became apparent that I was not alone with my struggles. I have tried to find people to talk to but I have  felt judged  in the body of Christ and in the secular world. There is a stigma about mental hearth that  needs to change. It is an illness that is hard to control at times. For me taking medication is a personal decision and should not be used by others to say we are weak or don’t have enough faith. I do know that at sone point I will find freedom from this illness. Allow God to set you free and not feel condemnation from anyone. “Every time we choose against transparency, we choose to step farther away from the best that God has for us.”

As the author describes his journey he emphasizes how important it is to get Godly counsel. Also be honest with your family and friends so they can pray for you. The enemy loves to isolate us so he can whisper thoughts to cause us to turn away from God. Have a talk with God and share your struggles. He is there to help you. Allow him to show you that you are unconditionally loved. I loved how the author shares his reconciliation with his wife and how they worked together to bring their marriage and trust back. “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

I pray that readers will find freedom if they are struggling and know that there is hope. Every church needs a copy of this book to guide them as they counsel people who struggle with the subjects in this book. I found this book to be very helpful, honest and always directing  us to God. 

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

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, July 27 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 27

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, July 28 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, July 29 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, July 30 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, July 31

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 1 (Author Interview)

Through the Fire Blogs, August 2 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 3

Blossoms and Blessings, August 4 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 5

Stories By Gina, August 6 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, August 7 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, August 8 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 9 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, August 9

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Chris is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book, and an Audible copy of Whispers in the Pews: Voices on Mental Illness in the Church!!

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/2dbd9/resilient-and-redeemed-celebration-tour-giveaway