A SECRET TO DIE FOR by LISA HARRIS

I love books that are filled with intrigue and subtle clues throughout the book to solve the mystery. The author has done just that in this action packed book.

Grace is a psychologist that meets lots of different people. I always wonder if the psychologist is ever afraid of their patient. With great descriptions and an adrenaline rush this story had me on the edge of my seat. When Grace has a patient with a deep secret, what happens when that secret becomes dangerous? Can Grace outsmart who is after her?

Nathan is a welcome addition to the story and adds adventure to the story. Grace and Nathan team up to keep one step ahead of the suspect and keep both of them  alive. What secret does she know that someone would kill for? I'm glad the author made Grace a strong and smart character. She is not one to give up and her determination is off the wall.

They both have something in common which brings them closer together. I think that with them both dealing with trauma it  will help them keep each other safe . Grace draws on her faith and that keeps her grounded. The danger these two are put in is non stop and the race is on to see who survives. The book is well written and the mystery is so good I couldn't stop reading.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Librarything Early readers program. The review is my own opinion.

BUSTER’S EARS TRIP HIM UP presented by
NEW GROWTH PRESS

This is probably my favorite book from the collection because it talks about trying your best. We all want to do everything well and sometimes we get competitive. Buster tries so hard but his silly ears get in his way . I remember how I always wanted to do good at everything so I would not be made fun of. I wanted kids to like me, but I was so shy and not good at sports.

When Buster doesn’t do well in a race, the book does a great job of reminding children that God love’s us no matter what. We don’t always have to be first as long as we try out best and have a humble heart. Buster learns a valuable lesson about pride. We all have had to deal with that issue and the book is well written in a way that children can understand that God love’s us no matter what.

I received this book from New Growth Press and Read With Audra Blog Program. The review is my own opinion.

JAX’S TAIL TWITCHES presented by NEW GROWTH PRESS

I really enjoyed reading this book. It not only talks about children getting angry, but adults as well. We let little things grow into big problems that make us angry. Papa squirrel was angry because he felt that his neighbors weren’t following the rules. Jax was angry because Caspian seemed to always win at everything.

It made me think of how we let something get hold of us and our anger comes out. Poor  Mr. McNuffle   was just trying to feed his family, but Papa squirrel didn’t want to share. He was too busy being angry because rules were not being followed. I loved how  the book reminds us that there are times we don’t follow God’s word but he doesn’t get angry at us. The book is very well written with gorgeous illustrations. It will be a great book to read to children to teach them about anger.

I received this book from New Growth Press and Read With Audra Blog Program.

ZOE’S HIDING PLACE published by NEW GROWTH PRESS


The book is beautifully illustrated and will be a great addition to anyone looking for Children’s books with a message from God.

Zoe is a cute character and seems to let his mind wander sometimes. He finds himself lost and becomes anxious. I loved how the book gave scriptures to reinforce that God is always with us. When we are afraid, God reminds us that “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

If you are looking for books that encourage children and give them scriptures to help them rember God’s Word be sure and grab a copy of this book.

I received a copy of this book from New Growth Press and Read With Author Blog Program.

About the Book

Book: Catching Christmas

Author: Terri Blackstock

Genre: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christmas

Release Date: October 9, 2018 

This Year, Christmas Comes Just in Time

As a first-year law associate, Sydney Batson knows she will be updating her resume by New Year’s if she loses her current court case. So when her grandmother gets inexplicably ill while she’s in court, Sydney arranges for a cab to get her to the clinic.

The last thing cab driver Finn Parrish wants is to be saddled with a wheelchair-bound old lady with dementia. But because Miss Callie reminds him of his own mother, whom he failed miserably in her last days, he can’t say no when she keeps calling him for rides. Once a successful gourmet chef, Finn’s biggest concern now is making his rent, but half the time Callie doesn’t remember to pay him. And as she starts to feel better, she leads him on wild goose chases to find a Christmas date for her granddaughter.

When Finn meets Sydney, he’s quite sure that she’s never needed help finding a date. Does Miss Callie have an ulterior motive, or is this just a mission driven by delusions? He’s willing to do whatever he can to help fulfill Callie’s Christmas wish. He just never expected to be a vital part of it.

About the Author

Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series. Catching Christmas is her first Christmas romance. Visit her website at www.terriblackstock.com Facebook: tblackstock Twitter: @terriblackstock

From Terri Blackstock

Enjoy this premium excerpt from Catching Christmas

https://aerbook.com/books/-128993.html?utm_source=pubpage

To get you in the Christmas mood, here’s an early holiday playlist:

“White Christmas” sung by Bing Crosby

“I Heard the Bells” sung by MercyMe

“Light of the World” sung by Lauren Daigle

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” sung by Amy Grant

“Don’t Save it All for Christmas Day” sung by Avalon

“Till the Season Comes ‘Round Again” sung by the Katinas

There is something so tender and sweet about this story. I loved getting to know Miss Callie and fell in love with her. She may be elderly but she has a heart of gold.  Miss Callie is forgetful at times and has started to depend on a cab driver named Finn. What will the doctor discover is wrong with her?

It wasn't by accident that Finn got the call to pick Miss  Callie up one day. You can feel his frustration as he realizes  Miss Callie can't tell him much about where he needs to go. Finn has a special place in his heart for  Miss Callie who reminds him of his mother. Does he feel guilt over his mother's passing? When he finally meets Miss  Callie's granddaughter there is a bit of animosity towards her. 

Sydney is doing her best trying to keep her job as a first year law student and taking care of her grandmother. The author does a great job of allowing readers to understand the desperation each character feels. Sydney is doing the best she can, while Finn has suddenly become Miss  Callie's personal driver. I loved how Finn has become attached to Miss Callie and I know there is a reason he has been brought into her life.

When I get to the part in the story where the doctor explains to Sydney and Finn what Miss     Callie has, I dropped the book. Oh how I cried because  Miss Callie has become like a family member to me. Miss Callie is a woman everyone loves. She has a generous spirit and loves God. It will be hard not to think of her because through this story, she has opened my eyes to Christmas. Her compassion for others is seen throughout the story and her connection with a stranger will change his life in many ways. Sydney can see how much her grandmother loved her. Will she find a way to be happy and follow her heart? It has been an honor to read a book by a very gifted author that has shown me that people do care.

This has been a very well written story with characters that seem like family. I loved watching how Finn grew in his faith and how Sydney realizes what her priorities need to be. This story is set at Christmas time but I think it could be read anytime of the year. The message of love, compassion and the gentle spirit of a special woman makes this story one that you won't forget.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 15

Daysong Reflections, December 15

Genesis 5020, December 15

Back Porch Reads, December 15

The Power of Words, December 16

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 16

Quiet Quilter, December 16

Among the Reads, December 17

Kathleen Denly, December 17

By The Book, December 17

Lighthouse Academy, December 17

Cultivating Us, December 18

Simple Harvest Reads, December 18 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

Remembrancy, December 18

Caffeinated Christian Raves – N – Reviews, December 19

Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis and Christ Collide, December 19

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, December 19

All-of-a-kind Mom, December 20

amandainpa, December 20

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, December 20

Multifarious, December 21

Cathe Swanson, December 21

Stories By Gina, December 21

Connect in Fiction, December 22

Have A Wonderful Day, December 22

Splashes of Joy, December 22

Bibliophile Reviews, December 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 23

Lis Loves Reading, December 23

Mary Hake, December 23

Bigreadersite, December 23

Book by Book, December 24

Pause for Tales, December 24

To Everything A Season, December 24

Southern Gal Loves to Read, December 25

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 25

Vicky Sluiter, December 25

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 26

Inklings and notions, December 26

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 26

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 27

Captive Dreams Window, December 27

Texas Book-aholic, December 27

A Baker’s Perspective, December 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 28

Older & Smarter?, December 28

Janices book reviews, December 28

Carpe Diem, December 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terri is giving away a grand prize of a finished copy of Catching Christmas and a Christmas Tree Ornament!!

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/d776/catching-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway

THE BIGGEST WIN Pro Football Players Tackle Faith by Joshua Cooley Foreword by Carson Wentz, Trey Burton, Zack Ertz, Nick Foles, Jordan Hicks, and  Chris Maragos NOW AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW! CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A COPY.

About the book: The Biggest Win gives athletes and sports fans of all ages a unique, insider’s look into the lives and faith of six Christian NFL players from the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl team—Carson Wentz, Nick Foles, Zach Ertz, Trey Burton, Jordan Hicks, and Chris Maragos. Through the ups and downs of their experiences, author Joshua Cooley shows how these high-profile athletes remain committed to God’s Word, genuine Christian discipleship, and sharing their faith.  Using their voices and stories, The Biggest Win gives sports-minded readers hope and direction for living out their faith while competing.  The Biggest Win is ideal for pastors, youth, and college leaders to use as a small group resource with students interested in sports. Questions at the end of every chapter will spark helpful conversations about living by faith as an athlete and fan. It is a MUST for coaches to use with every Christian youth sports and school teams. See your youth athletes’ faith grow as they hear and learn from the amazing stories of these Super Bowl Champions. Also a perfect book for men’s church groups. The Biggest Win combines biblical truths with practical direction on issues that every Christian faces—including dealing with adversity, competition, change, success, failure, and how to thrive by faith in a pressurized world. Encouraging male and female athletes in any sport, The Biggest Win guides them in finding their ultimate identity in Christ, not their athletic achievements, and assures them that their greatest prize is eternal life. It is not everyday that athletes are open about their struggles. We think of them as super stars with lots of money and no problems. I enjoyed reading about Nick Foles and how he started a group among the team to reach out to players. When Nick was traded, the group made a pivotal decision to keep the small group going. I know this made a tremendous impact on team mates who were hungry to hear about God. They felt they had others to stand with them and help them as they took a journey to know God.  It was interesting to go behind the scenes of the Eagles and read how much God is a part of their lives. As athletes they have a very strict schedule and have to be creative to make sure they find time to  study scriptures and spend time with God. One of the great things about sports, is that just about everyone loves to either play or watch sports. It's an ideal place to be able to share your faith. I remember a recent quarterback who knelt  before the game to pray and other times during the game. The press made a big deal about it, some was positive and some was negative. The best thing to come out of it was this quarterback openly shared his face and reached many people. The book is filled with powerful stories of several members of the Eagles team. They have been able to share with others and led a few to Christ. I loved the title because the biggest win for anyone is to know who Christ is. The book is geared towards athletes but I found it to be a book anyone could relate to.  I received a copy of this book from Read With Audra. The review is my own opinion. About the author: Joshua Cooley is a sportswriting veteran of twenty-plus years for various print and online publications, including Sports Illustrated, FCA Magazine, Sports Spectrum, Orioles Magazine, Clubhouse, and Highlights. He is also the author of The One Year Devotions with Jesus and the Heroes of the Bible Devotional, among other books. Joshua is the full-time children’s minister at Chapel Hill Bible Church in North Carolina.

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

Social Media:

http://margueritemartingray.blog

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14836211.Marguerite_Martin_Gray

https://www.amazon.com/Marguerite-Martin-Gray/e/B01ASA16RC

https://www.pinterest.com/gray8864/historical-christian-fiction-hold-me-close/

https://www.facebook.com/Marguerite-Martin-Gray-261131773910522/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

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





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.