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Wednesday, December 26, 2018

WELCOME TO THE BOOK BLAST OF HOLD ME CLOSE by
 MARGUERITE MARTIN  GRAY and presented by CELEBRATE LIT





The leisurely life Louis has intended does not include revolution.

Charles Town, South Carolina, 1772—Louis Lestarjette arrives from France without purpose or plans beyond reconnecting with family and making a profit. Finding the town questioning its alliances, Louis must make decisions about the direction in his life, even as he tries to avoid all political conflict. He wonders if he will be able to stay neutral in a battle for independence. When decisive events confront him, Louis finds himself torn between staying with the woman he loves or escaping the coming conflicts.

Elizabeth Elliott trusts that God will hold her close in uncertain and changing times. Faced with difficult decisions about her loyalties, she finds comfort in close friends, a devout sister, and her music. When the mysterious Frenchman with no commitment to God or Charles Town enters her life, he challenges her role in the political battle. She must decide what actions she can take for the cause, if any at all.






Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, and Bring Me Near-- Revolutionary Faith Books One, Two and Three. She enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches high school Spanish and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Marguerite is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Abilene Writers Guild, Daughters of the American Revolution, South Carolina Historical Society, and Preservation Society of Charleston. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband.


Tweets:

“Why are you here?” I can’t tell her I only want to make a huge profit and leave this place soon. Charles Town 1772, Hold Me Close by Marguerite Gray

“Miss Elliott, I’ve stopped comparing places and people to Paris. Things here are new and fresh—not backwards or lacking.” Hold Me Close by Marguerite Gray

Louis was more loyal to his friends than to a king, any king—Louis XV, George III, or King Jesus. Hold Me Close by Marguerite Gray


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Buy Link: Will be sent once the book is available for purchase


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I was very fascinated about the time period the story was set in. I'm embarrassed to say that I needed to do some refreshing in order to understand what the Revolutionary War was about. The author did a wonderful job of describing what went on during this time and I loved how I felt like I was sent back in time. When an author can do that, I know it will be a great story.

Charles Town, South Carolina is a perfect setting for this enchanting story about Elizabeth and Louis. Elizabeth is a very proper lady who is very faithful. I loved how the word was shared throughout the story and how much faith she had. I would say she was very loyal to the cause, but something or someone may change her mind.  Is she ready to fight for what she believes in? The turmoil she is facing is hard because it could go against what her father believes. The colonies have a hard road ahead and Elizabeth must pick who to follow. I loved this statement in the story which says, " These are trying times , but the Lord 's love holds you close."  Even in our darkest moments, we can rest knowing that God is right there .

Louis was very mysterious to me. Why would he travel so far away from France to a small town in South Carolina? It makes you wonder what his agenda really is. As a big party is coming up, Louis is none to happy to attend. All the goings on is not for him, but he doesn't want to disappoint his aunt and uncle. The story is very intriguing and I learned so much historical facts. I remember in school reading about the Stamp Act and now here it is in a story. It's  wonderful to read about things I never thought would be important as I grew up, but seeing it in a story makes me appreciate history so much more. I haven't quite decide if I trust Louis but I think as the story goes, his true mission will be revealed.

There are many secrets surrounding the colony and Elizabeth and Louis both seem to be having a hard time with where their loyalties should lie. The book is a story rich in history and a time were loyalty and trust was everything. I loved the characters and especially Elizabeth. Will she find her voice and speak up for women, or obey her father and fade into the background?  I did find it ironic that back then they fought over taxes and goods  and today we are still doing the same thing, Did anything get resolved? We all desire freedom and it was important then as  it still is  today. I am glad to  find out there is another book to follow and can't wait to read it.

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





WELCOME TO THE REVIEW PROMO BLAST OF ESCAPE: INTENSE BOOK 1
written by GLENN HAGGERTY and presented by CELEBRATE LIT



I’d never seen a dead body before, but I was pretty sure the guy in the car trunk was dead.”

Middle school's tough, and Tyler Higgins just wants to hang with the cool kids. But Dustin’s idea of quality entertainment is spying on parked cars on Lover’s Lane. When two creeps show up with a body, Tyler doesn’t want to stick around. Then again, he might not have much choice.









Glenn writes inspiring adventures with an edge. No matter how dark the day, finding hope to pursue the prize is the core of all his novels and studies. He is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), a graduate of Vision Loss Resources and Bethel Seminary, the father of six and grandfather of seven. Glenn likes tandem biking, kayaking, and daydreaming and lives in Minneapolis with his wife. He is also an award-winning author with short stories published in SplicketyHavokCadet Quest and PartnersChase, the third book in his Intense series was released on April 1, 2018.

Link to Book
https://amzn.to/2ImyCIu

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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/15943355-glenn-haggerty




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This was certainly a action  book geared for middle school to teen  readers.  It deals with peer pressure and how a young boy finds his way to do the right thing. I'm sure all of us have been pressured at some point in life to do something we knew was wrong. What happens to Tyler when he gets involved with the wrong kid? There is always that one boy or girl who everyone thinks is cool. They want to hang out with them even though they are headed for trouble.

The story finds Tyler and Dustin first doing something on school campus that brings out the police and other emergency personnel.  I was hoping that Tyler would learn his lesson, but no he decides to follow Dustin again into something much more dangerous. The adventure is intense and there are a few scenes in the book that  I found the descriptions to be a bit too graphic and some of the story was over the top and hard to believe. The author does have a good story concept and a great lesson about telling the truth and doing the right thing. It did feel like the author abruptly stopped the story and left readers wandering what happened. It didn't seem to be a finished story and there were lots of holes that needed to be explained.

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





Monday, December 24, 2018

Mind Games FB Banner_edited-1

About the Book

Mind games
Book: Mind Games
Author: Nancy Mehl
Genre: Suspense
Release Date: December, 2018
Publisher: Bethany House
FBI Behavioral Analyst Kaely Quinn’s methods may be highly unorthodox, but her talent is undeniable. She’s done her best to establish a new life for herself after being demoted and transferred to St. Louis when a reporter revealed she’s the daughter of an infamous serial killer. But when that same reporter claims to have received an anonymous poem predicting a string of murders, ending with Kaely’s, it seems her old life has followed her.
When a body is found that fits the poem’s morbid predictions, Kaely and her new partner, Special Agent Noah Hunter, are forced to move past his skepticism of her approach and work together to unravel the deadly riddle.
With a brazen serial killer who breaks all the normal patterns on the loose, Noah and Kaely are tested to their limits to catch the murderer before anyone else, including Kaely, is killed.


About the Author

Nancy Mehl (www.nancymehl.com) is the author of more than thirty books, including the Road to Kingdom, Finding Sanctuary, and Defenders of Justice series. She received the ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award in 2009. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW and RWA. She writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their Puggle, Watson. She is part of The Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com, along with several other popular suspense authors. She is also very active on Facebook.

Guest Post from Nancy

Writing Mind Games is a dream come true. I’ve been interested in FBI profiling for years. I’ve read about it, studied it, and watched every TV special I could find on the subject. So when the chance finally came to write the book I’ve always wanted to write, I jumped at it. Thankfully, through the help of another writer, I was hooked up with a retired FBI profiler. I was so excited. Until I found out I had almost everything wrong. Yes, I had some understanding about profiling, but I knew nothing about the FBI and how it works.
First of all, the FBI doesn’t call the men and women who profile criminals, profilers. They’re called Behavioral Analysts. The plot for Mind Games had my analyst running around the country solving crimes while she was stationed in St. Louis. Uh, no. Behavioral analysts do travel, but they all work out of Quantico in Virginia. So…I rewrote.
There were ways around my conundrum, but one solution led to more and more problems. We finally worked through them. Then I spent the next few months learning acronyms. CIRG, CJIS, NCAVC, HRT, UNSUB, CNU, THU, ViCap, CODIS, SWAT, ERTU, OPU, THRU, ERT… Well, the list goes on and on. The FBI is made up of many specialized units. And a plethora of acronyms, it seems.
I rewrote Mind Games three times before my source said we were good to go.
If you assume I’m out of the woods now, you’d be wrong. I haven’t had the nerve to open up the manuscript I sent her for book two in my Kaely Quinn Profiler series. I figured I had Fire Storm right but… Well, I can tell from her email comments I’ll be doing more rewriting. Sigh.
So is it worth it? A resounding yes! I love learning, and as long as my analyst friend hangs in with me (she has the patience of Job), I’ll keep at it.
I hope you enjoy Mind Games. It’s edgy but fun. Kaely Quinn is a quirky character. She was thrown out of Quantico because her version of profiling is… Well, you’ll just have to read the book to find out!



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The author has really outdone herself with this book. I have never been so engrossed in a story like this one. The title is perfect because the story is gritty, intriguing, heart pounding,  and filled with deceit and unimaginable mind games that can give you nightmares. I have to put this author at the top of my list as favorite mystery writer. 

Kaely is a very high tech, super smart woman who has a gift of discernment. Her savvy attitude drew me in right away. I could sit with her for hours and watch her as she deciphers clues. Someone is out there taunting her with a cryptic poem which will  lead to untimely deaths if Kaely can't catch them in time. The brilliance of the writing is so powerful I am in awe of how creepy the character who is taunting her gets. She is not liked by some on her team in the Behavioral Analyst Unit. It made me think of the show Criminal Minds and this book would make a perfect story for the show. 

I loved the background on Kaely and especially who her father was. That was  a very pivotal part of the story and the author used it seamlessly to weave it throughout the book. There is a Christian element to the story that I found very tasteful and perfect as a addition to the story. Why does God let bad things happen? That's a question Kaely is asked by her partner. The way she answers the question is well done and shows her trust in God. Kaely is fighting an enemy that thinks they have the upper hand, but Kaely is very determined and has a mind that looks past the obvious. 

I was extremely surprised by who the serial killer was and the author had me guessing throughout the story. It is non stop action with a battle of wits mixed with a powerful good vs evil quality to it. Hold on for a bumpy and psychological  ride where you don't know when the next strike of the enemy will happen.

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

Blog Stops

The Lit Addict, December 11
amandainpaDecember 11
A Reader’s BrainDecember 12
Daysong ReflectionsDecember 12
Livin’ Lit, December 12
By The Book, December 13
Lighthouse Academy, December 13
Multifarious, December 14
Splashes of JoyDecember 14
Back Porch ReadsDecember 15
Robin is Bookish, December 15
Janices book reviews, December 15
C Jane Read, December 16
Ashley’s BookshelfDecember 16
The Becca Files, December 16
Bigreadersite, December 16
Quiet Quilter, December 17
Margaret Kazmierczak, December 17
Godly Book Reviews, December 17
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 18
Just the Write Escape, December 18
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, December 18
Simple Harvest Reads, December 19 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Mary Hake, December 19
Remembrancy, December 20
Inklings and notionsDecember 20
Carpe Diem, December 20
Locks, Hooks and BooksDecember 21
Pause for Tales, December 21
Have A Wonderful DayDecember 22
Book by Book, December 22
Bibliophile Reviews, December 23
Cafinated Reads, December 24
Texas Book-aholic, December 24

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Nancy is giving away a grand prize of a copy of Mind Games and the three books in Nancy’s Defenders of Justice series, plus a $20 Starbucks gift card!
Two additional winners will also receive a copy of Mind Games!
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/d73b/mind-games-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, December 23, 2018

prayer warrior confessions FB banner updated

About the Book

Prayer Warrior Confessions
Book: Prayer Warrior Confessions
Author: Harriet E. Michael & Shirley Crowder
Genre: Non-Fiction, Christian Living, Inspirational
Release Date: November, 2018
Publisher: Write Integrity Press
Come along with other prayer warriors and read their stories. Some of the stories will make you cry while others will make you laugh. Each story ends with a confession from the writer in which he or she shares an insight about prayer or something new they learned through their experience.
Readers of Prayer Warrior Confessions will learn more about prayer as they enjoy the true and candid stories of other people’s experiences with prayer. They see the stories through the writers’ eyes and glean the insights the writers learned.
True stories of prayer in action that will make you cry, laugh, sigh, smile, and stand amazed.



About the Authors

HMichael
Shirley CrowderThe authors, Shirley Crowder and Harriet E. Michael are lifelong friends whose parents served as missionaries in Nigeria, West Africa. Their friendship has spanned across two continents, numerous states, and many, many years. Learn more about them at www.WriteIntegrity.com/authors.






Guest Post from Shirley & Harriet

God writes the best stories … and sometimes we get the privilege of recording them.
Co-writers Harriet E. Michael and Shirley Crowder have a common interest in all things Biblical. Over the past few years they have worked together on a series of books on the topic of prayer. “Prayer Warrior Confessions” is the fourth & final book in that series. It is a book filled with true stories of experiences with and lessons learned about prayer. This collection of true stories was written by various contributors who retell a story from their lives about a time they saw prayers answered, and/or learned a new lesson about prayer. These stories are heartwarming, exciting, sad, funny, and will touch your heart in so many ways while also sharing deeper insights into prayer.
Yes, God creates the best stories & He writes them on the parchment of our lives, teaching us lessons through them.



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The stories in this book helped me to remember that He doesn't care how small or unimportant a prayer may seem to some; He  wants us to have faith that He hears us and answers prayers in His own way. There were many stories in here that made me cry and gave me hope. What a wonderful feeling to know that your parents pray for you daily. We may not know who prays for us, but through these stories those prayers are powerful and are heard. 

The one story that really stood out to me was "When My Son Calls." I have three sons and I related to the author's wonderful journey with her sons. Like the author, when one of my grown sons call, I get excited and a bit anxious at the same time. They are each different but bless my husband and I everyday. One is very outgoing and loves  to give hugs. The other two are more reserved and quiet. I cried as I read this story because I know how much I love to hear from my boys. I did forget that God likes to hear from His children as well. He wants us to talk to Him, come to Him in prayer and spend time with Him.  Thank you for reminding me that as a child of God, I need to spend more time with Him in prayer. 


Prayer is such a vital part of a Christian's life and I have always thought that no matter how insignificant a prayer may seem to some, for me it was of the most powerful ways to talk to God. He does hear our prayers  but He may not always answer them the way we want. I encourage you to take your time reading through this book and allow the words to encourage you, bless you and remind you how powerful prayer is.

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


Blog Stops
A Diva’s Heart, December 19
Just the Write Escape, December 19
Lights in a Dark WorldDecember 20
Bibliophile Reviews, December 22
Mary Hake, December 23
Texas Book-aholic, December 23
Janices book reviews, December 25
Carpe Diem, December 26
Bigreadersite, December 28
margaret kazmierczak, December 29 (Interview)
Reading is my Super Power, December 31 (Interview)

Giveaway

6da7b43f-86de-4c78-a777-666166f2f274
To celebrate their tour, Harriet and Shirley are giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and the whole Prayer Collection set: Prayer It’s Not About You, Study Guide on Prayer–A Companion to Prayer: It’s Not About You, and Glimpses of Prayer, Prayer Warrior Confessions!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stop for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d6d1/prayer-warrior-confessions-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, December 21, 2018

WELCOME TO THE BOOK BLAST OF   SABOTAGED CHRISTMAS written by
CAROLE BROWN and PRESENTED by CELEBRATE LIT



Toni DeLuca, the Italian owner of DeLuca Construction, finds herself confronted with doubts about her father and his possible deceptions—all because of the mysterious pink notes she's been receiving.

Relations with Perrin Douglas who has a troubling history—but the first man in years who's interested her—is building to a peak. Yet Perrin's own personal problems and his doubts about women and God, keep getting in the way.

Gossip, a Spanish proposal, an inheritance, and a sabotaged construction business may ruin Christmas for Toni's employees as well as her own happiness.

Will a mysterious person succeed in pulling off the biggest scam Appleton, West Virginia has ever seen? And will this culprit destroy Toni's last chance at happiness with the man of her dreams?







Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Tweets:

Sabotaged Christmas #cozymystery #romance #Christmas #inspiration #Ilv2read #books @https://amzn.to/2xuJmkR


Sabotaged Christmas #mustread #bestbooks #womenlv2read #inspiration #mysteriesrfun #Christmas @https://amzn.to/2xuJmkR


Sabotaged Christmas #CelebrateLitChristmasBkBlast #Books2read #romance #Spanishproposal #mystery @https://amzn.to/2xuJmkR


Sabotaged Christmas #Book4ntheAppleton,WVromanticmysteryseries #don'tmissout! #romance

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Buy Link:
https://amzn.to/2CRloT5



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I really enjoyed the book and the wonderful characters.  Toni is a very likable character. She has taken over as boss of Deluca Construction when her dad passed away.  She has big shoes to fill since her father is gone. There is something really fishy going on when Toni gets threatening letters at the office. There are materials missing and jobs being sabotaged as well. Who is trying to destroy Deluca's reputation?


Perrin has just moved to town and decides to hire Deluca Construction but is having second thoughts. He has  heard some rumors that don't look favorable to the company. I think he may also have a problem with a woman being the owner. Perrin has been through a lot and his trust in women has vanished. Will he give Toni and her company a chance?

I loved the description the author gave about construction being a type of art. I never really thought about it, but construction is an image that someone designed and built. The materials used  are carefully selected and the crew sets to work to bring to live a form of art. I would hire Toni just because of how passionate she is about her job. 

My favorite character in the story is Blake. His father Perrin has discouraged him from going to church but you can tell the hunger he has for a better relationship with God. Blake seems years older than twelve and has a heart of gold. I liked the closeness he had with Toni. As Blake opens up to Toni about his mom's death, we get a glimpse into how hurt his dad has been. Blaming yourself for an accident can cause you to not trust, become bitter and lose sight of your faith. The story is a wonderful example of how to surrender to God and learn to love again. It's a great lesson in forgiveness and a wonderful mystery all rolled up in a wonderful book. You don't want to miss the ending and find out who has been behind all the mysterious accidents and threats against Toni. 

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