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Sunday, April 28, 2019

WELCOME TO A DIM REFLECTION REVIEW PROMO BLAST
PRESENTED BY CELEBRATE LIT





William Caverly can't seem to understand the unsettling feeling that has been nagging him for far too long. Memories of a baby sister are forever haunting his waking hours, and as he sleeps at night, he is repeatedly awakened by nightmares, confusing ones that he'd rather forget. His baby sister died. He saw her little body laid to rest beside their mother. But that doesn’t explain the dim remembrance he has of an event that happened not too long after that.

Charlotte Porter's days are full and busy as she diligently teaches her young art students at her mother's boarding school, and tries desperately to stay away from an annoying suitor. Painting has been her passion and dream ever since she could hold a brush, but lately she has begun to question her mission and calling in life. What is her real purpose? And why does she know so little about her father, who supposedly died before she was born?

William thinks he's discovered the hidden link that has kept him from his sister for over fifteen years. But then she's kid-napped, leaving William no choice except to find her and get her back. Once and for all.




ALEIGHA C. ISRAEL writer of inspirational fiction and poetry is an author of multiple books and enjoys sharing God's love through the powerful art of storytelling.
Aleigha loves being a Community Assistant at the Young Writers Workshop and teaching writing classes to her talented students.
When she's not daydreaming about a new story idea or playing with her sidekick "Marley" (a Pomeranian mix) she can usually be seen traveling with her family's gospel bluegrass band, “Fret Not” or making personalized author swag for her business Literary Treasures. 
She doesn’t have to search very hard for inspiration.
Living in the Israel household, it’s guaranteed there’s an adventure waiting around every corner!









Book Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dim-Reflection-Light-Christ-Collection/dp/1541341171



Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-dim-reflection-aleigha-c-israel/1126432996




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The story is quite an adventurous and full of surprises. At first I was a bit confused at the story and had a hard time keeping track of who was related to who. Sometimes too many characters bog the story down and discourages readers to continue. I marched on because I know this author writes good books with faith scattered throughout the book. it was nice to see the characters praying and trusting God to help them during a decision or crisis.

William is a grand character with royalty  in his blood. He has disappeared so some people think ,but he is very much alive. The author gives us a full account of what happened to William and it opens the doors for intrigue and danger. I think it would be helpful to read  A Higher Ransom to understand the dynamics of this story. 

Charlotte is new to the series and is a welcome character to the story. She is a kind person . I loved the boarding house her and her mother start. Charlotte shines when she shares her artistic abilities with the children. She seems to be a little distracted lately and unsure if she is doing what God has called her to do. It's refreshing to see such a pure heart in a young  lady and her desire to honor God. 

The story does revolve around William looking for his long lost sister. Will he find out where she is? Rumors get back to him that his sister has been kidnapped and he must rescue her from danger.  The author elevates the story with characters who learn lessons, trust God and are an example to the youth. The author gives us an entertaining story that has all the makings of allowing God to guide their path and seek Him in everything they do. I loved the scriptures the author used that were placed at a perfect time in the story. 


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







Haven's Fire

About the Book

Book: Haven’s Fire
Author: Dena Netherton
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: April, 2019
Heaven's Fire CoverWhen Dade re-emerges from the wilderness and settles in Seattle, intent on establishing a powerful cult following, Haven, Petter, and Jesse must protect their new friend, Thea, from his evil plans.
Haven Ellingson has been stalked, kidnapped, and beaten by Dade. After her escape, he continued to torment her through threats and constant pursuit. Again she was able to break free, thinking the man had finally perished.
But he’s back, now intent on destroying the life of another young woman and countless, misguided followers.
And Haven is having none of it.
Sometimes you hide from your attacker; sometimes you stand and fight.



About the Author

Deana NethertonDena Netherton has always loved the thrill of suspense-filled fiction. One day it dawned on her she could actually put down on paper her own action-packed stories and life-threatened characters that had been knocking around inside her head for decades.
When she’s not writing, Dena loves to play piano and guitar, read good books, spend time with people, and hike the Cascade Mountains.
Dena is active in her church as a musician, leader in Women’s Ministry, and director of a women’s prayer ministry. She also volunteers at a Crisis Pregnancy Center.
She and her husband live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Find out more about Dena’s books through her website and newsletter: denanetherton.me

More from Dena

Haven’s Fire is the third and final installment of the suspense trilogy, Hunting Haven. In the first book, Haven’s Flight, I introduced Jesse, a teenaged boy, living with the delusional Dade Colton and his common-law wife, Mama. He’s a sweet and handsome young man, but just like Haven, he’s a victim of the two abusive adults who keep him imprisoned in a remote mountain cabin, far from the influence of church or friends or schools. He puts his life on the line to help Haven escape from Dade, and as I was writing the book, I fell in love with his courageous, unselfish character. So I vowed that I would give him a bigger role in the third book. (He’s still secondary in book two, Haven’s Hope.) And since Jesse wasn’t destined to be Haven’s love, I knew I had to find a girl for him, someone worthy of him, but someone who was dealing with her own dark past. In Haven’s Fire, we get to see Jesse, now a student living in Seattle, struggle to forgive Dade and Mama for the abuse they dealt out, and to help his girl, Thea, escape the dangerous leader of a cult who is bent on controlling and abusing her. In this suspense-filled book, it will take all of Jesse’s new-found faith, his prayers, and the support of Haven and her friends to rescue Thea from walking blindly into a world of intrigue, deception, and even, murder!





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The book is powerful, realistic and scary at the same time. The author does an incredible job of letting us enter a world where people are deceived by a man that controls them. It is the perfect picture of a cult. Dade is very persuasive and once again wants to reign terror on his followers. We met Jesse in a previous book in the series and I'm glad to have him join this story.

Jesse has come through some horrific times in his childhood. How do you forgive someone who tortured you  as a child? i liked that Jesse was working on walking in forgivesness. He has a pure heart and when he meets Thea it is obvious that he is attracted to her.  Jesse has had to overcome so much in his life and as he starts to suspect that Thea may be in danger she pulls away from him.

Thea has had a hard life and lives every day with the pain and scars her father did to her .She has always wanted to feel loved from a father and I think that was how easy she was to convince to follow the Spirit Way. She is naive to a point that she is easily taken in by this new group. I wanted to shake some sense into her and tell her to run as fast as she can away from Dade or Father Michael as he calls himself now. Why would she think it was alright to be told who she could be friends with?  The scars she carries prevents her from trusting very easily until she is introduced to someone who has power over her.

The author does a great job of keeping the story moving at a good pace with intrigue that gave me chills. I couldn't stop reading because I had to know how Haven becomes involved in the story. She is one character that I'm glad is back and will become very vital to Thea. Haven knows the terror of what Father Michael is capable of. Jesse will lean on Haven to pray with him and help him try to save Thea before terror reigns on her. Jesse to me is the hero in this book because he is courageous and  determined to stop a man from destroying another life. Hold on to your seat at this story rises with danger and explodes with an ending that you won't forget. 

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

Blog Stops

Carpe Diem, April 21
Multifarious, April 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dena is giving away a grand prize of a $75 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/de85/haven-s-fire-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, April 27, 2019

A Life of Creative Purpose FB Cover

About the Book

A Life Of Creative Purpose cover
Book: A Life of Creative Purpose
Author: T.H. Myer
Genre: Christian non-fiction
Release Date: Revised edition released in December, 2018
What might be sabotaging your uniquely gifted contribution to the world around you?
Discover the obstacles and barriers standing between you and your God-given purpose. In this revised book, you’ll learn how to identify ways to strengthen your calling that’ll encourage you to confidently operate in the gifts and talents that God designed you to do. Through the lens of T.H. Meyer’s own journey, you’ll recognize the universal struggle in embracing your whole person as she encourages you to live a life without regrets. 
For the individual reader looking to examine more deeply their life purpose or a group seeking to collectively spur each other toward their God-given gifts, talents, and life. This book can be used as a 12-week, 6-week, or 4-week study guide, with exploratory questions at the end of each chapter the assist you in listening to God’s voice and revealing your unique purpose, path, or direction.”
Endorsements
“A wonderful exploration, but not only for readers to look inwardly, but to also look around at others, at where our lives are at, and mostly upward toward God’s design and dreams for our lives. Love it!”– Cindy Coloma, best selling and award-winning author of over 15 books
“You’ll come away from this wise and insightful book with a clearer understanding of how you are uniquely gifted to contribute to the world, and why it’s imperative that you honor your creative calling.”– Michelle DeRusha, author of Katharina and Martin Luther: The Radical Marriage of a Runway
“TH Meyer looks at the glass ceiling the world has placed between ‘creatives’ and ‘non-creatives’ and shatters it. This those who have felt they are not creative, too timid, or simply too late to the life they were called to live, Meyer says, ‘Pish-posh.’ She delivers on her promise to help people embrace uniqueness, explore boldness, and encourage faith.”– Amy Young, author of Looming Transitions: Starting & Finishing Well in Cross-Cultural Service
“In her book, A Life Of Creative Purpose, Tammy Hendricksmeyer [TH Meyer] is a trusted mentor, offer ing us the tools we need to step completely into God’s design for us as individuals, and as members of His body. Her relatable stories coupled with scripture inspire and ignite a renewed passion for pursuing not only our own creative callings but even more, her words stoke the fire in our hearts for the Giver of these gifts.”
– Kris Camealy, author of Come, Lord Jesus: The Weight Of Waiting
“A Life of Creative Purpose is a fantastic resource filled with thoughtful questions, stories, and Scripture each designed to awaken us to God’s unique purposes for our lives. It is well-written, thoughtful, and engaging, an invitation to embrace our own eternally significant creative purpose.” – Cindee S. Re, author of Discovering Hope: Beginning the Journey Toward Hope in Chronic Illness
“In her book, A Life of Creative Purpose, TH Meyer masterfully blends personal stories with wisdom from Scripture to reveal the importance of creative purpose (even if you think you are not creative.) The thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter will help you discover (or uncover) and embrace the unique way God has made you and inspire you to step into a life of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.” – JoDitt Williams, author/artist of Delight in the Word of God: A Devotional Coloring Book/Journal for Adults
Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Tammy MyerT.H. Meyer enjoys sunsets, porch dates with her husband, and Sonic tea. Her family built a home on their Texas farm in 2011 where their two mini-Australian shepherds share the couch and ice cubes from the fridge.Tammy is a Purpose-Focused life coaching strategist who authored A Life of Creative Purpose and co-authored A God of All Seasons. She is a mother to three beautiful kids and grandmother to one. You can find her at her website: www.thmeyerauthor.com

More from T.H. Meyer

A Purposeful Life & the One Thing that Trumps Fear
Most my life, I’ve been afraid of failure. However, I might’ve been even more afraid of success. For too many years, I was immobile because the magnitude and pressures, or vulnerability, required to do what God had called me too, paralyzed me.
I’ve written a lot about this. I even originally named my blog, The Art of Fear Not. I decided on that title because God always told His people to not fear just before sending them into battle.
Armies Against Us
Even though His people were informed that they’d win the skirmishes, most times they were still afraid. I can’t say I blame them. They were up against sword-wielding armies that were willing to cut a man down and spill blood.
We may not have the same scenario, but we don’t need the threat of hand-to-hand combat to experience fear. Our own thoughts can attack us with feelings just as real a danger. I know mine did.
The enemy uses fear to hide us or blind us from our God-purpose. He’d prefer to lock us up and throw away the key. The enemy attempts to bully us. His demonic realm would prefer to rip out our vocal cords or cut off our hand from writing or burden us with every insecurity until we began to believe our worth was lower than the dirt itself rather than seeing us live our God-given purpose.
But bear in mind, when you’re in bondage, suppressed, oppressed, silenced, or held back, it also holds back blessings too—our blessings through your God-given contribution of gifts and talents.
Fighting Back
Several years ago, I decided to tackle my own issue with fear, head on. I looked in the mirror and met with God on my internal mess. And I also asked questions like, “Was it me or God who wanted to do a such-n-such thing? And if it’s God, why am I hamstrung with fear?” 
After spending time in prayer, and laying down a good dose of self-preservation, a clear path emerged. I then decided I’d follow wherever it led. Not that the path was open and wide or easy for traveling. No, this was more of a narrow thicket where I couldn’t see ‘round the next corner—making the journey less about self-reliance and more about placing one steady foot in front of the other.
Don’t get me wrong. Fear didn’t entirely flee on this trek with God. There were times it tried to gore me like daggers from a thorny locust. But instead, I chose to trust and move forward anyway.
I fought back too.
A Warrior’s Call
During that time, anxiety would creep in only for me to replace it with intercession. I meditated on scripture. I bombarded my mind with worship music and reflected on His beautiful handiwork in creation.
I took opportunities to reverse fear into faithful action. I’m sure the devil didn’t take kindly that his demonic attacks turned into prayers, worship, and a yielding to the sword of the Spirit inside my heart. But that’s what fighting does—the good fight—positioning myself for a (God) purposeful life.
But oh how we also need to be each other’s champion for freedom too!
Power & Purpose
I continue to be amazed at the power of prayer. Prayer moves mountains, y’all. And sometimes those mountains are skyscrapers inside us. I’m not perfect at prayer or even at instantly returning to it, but when I finally do—why did I wait so long?
When we receive God’s wisdom, we become bold like lions, warriors ready to rise above insecurities, frailties, or fear and charging into battle in order to advance His kingdom.
I want to live in obedience to Christ, despite trepidation of what it might require of me.
Which also means, I need the Holy Spirit to help me get over myself.
Truth That Sets Free
We all need each of you. We need you to press into your God-purpose. Except, we don’t want to be something you’re not. You should be exactly what God’s called you to be and nothing more. No pressure to run off and save the world.
None of us in this Body of Christ are too small and Lord have mercy, none are too big and important either.
Instead, we pursue our God-purpose whether it’s raising our family or speaking on a stage. Or writing a book called, A Life of Creative Purpose.
And let’s not allow our muddied past to undervalue our worth inside God’s kingdom. I’ve done that. I once disqualified myself for many of God’s ministries because of condemnation and shame. Learn from my mistake.
Truth be told, the spirit of fear is afraid of you—afraid of the Spirit inside you, the same Spirit that sets you free.
Courage Rises to the Top
The enemy knows your God. The ruler of this world attempts to draw away your attention with clanging gongs, hoping you’ll never notice how big God really is.
Scripture says that God’s perfect love casts out fear. And that means, we have to first let God love on us, receiving it. Once we do that (& never stop), courage rises to the top.
Let’s make this a year where we pay attention and live with more intention. 
God’s gifted you beautifully unique. 
Don’t grow weary of the fight. 
What might God be asking of you? How might He be challenging you to change or step out or persevere this year? What are your biggest struggles or hurdles right now?




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One of the main things I got from this book was to give yourself time to rest and spend that time in God's presence. Oh how I wished I had  heeded those words years ago when I volunteered for everything at the church. I eventually became the children's pastor. I was there on Saturday's get all the classes read and , during the week I was up there copying lessons and other duties that were required of me. If Thanksgiving came., I spent my time at the church decorating the children's church for Christmas. What I did leave out of  my life was my family and obeying what God had called me to do. I was so busy doing "works" I forgot to listen to God. 

God did get my attention and I learned a hard lesson I i was created to do something, but not to glorify myself. One of the chapters that really spoke to me was titled, " Giving Yourself Permission."  I also had been deeply hurt by a church.  I felt alone in the wilderness. I was taken from a church family and abandoned. It took a long time to heal from that. In the midst of it, I learned to depend on God and really listen to Him.  As the author talked about, I didn't reach out to anyone and was left to bouts of depression and loneliness.  I loved how she talked about, " mourning the death of a community I loved."  Allowing yourself to mourn releases pain and therefore you can start to hear the clear voice of God. 

Have I been participating in my life or just a spectator? Am I ready to hear what my true calling is  and what I was created to do? The book does give great examples of how to listen to God and find your purpose in life. He needs us to listen with an open heart. Sometimes we may be put in difficult situations that help us grow and become stronger to fight against the enemy. I did like some of the examples she used from the bible to show how God used people even though they didn't think they were capable. 
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Overall a good book that looks at finding our purpose and allowing ourselves to listen to the call on our lives. There are questions at the end of each chapter that help you reflect on what the author talked about. There are some good points in the book and others I may not  have fully agreed on but I did think the author does a good job of helping readers ask themselves what they are created to do.

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

Blog Stops

Mary Hake, April 19
Multifarious, April 20
Artistic Nobody, April 20 (Spotlight)
A Diva’s Heart, April 24
Cathe Swanson, April 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, T.H. Meyer is giving away a grand prize of a $100 Amazon gift card and a copy of A God of All Seasons!!
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/e011/a-life-of-creative-purpose-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, April 25, 2019

WELCOME TO SECRETS AND WISHES by KATHLEEN ROUSER  REVIEW BLAST
PRESENTED by CELEBRATE LIT






Stone Creek, Michigan, April, 1901 — Maggie Galloway and Thomas Harper clash after their sons collide in a fistfight. Both widowed, they’re each doing their best as single-parents. Outgoing Maggie has dreams for a home of her own and a business to provide for her son as she searches for God’s path for her life as a widow. Reserved Thomas struggles to establish his new pharmacy and take care of his four rambunctious children, while wondering how a loving God could take his beloved wife.

When Thomas becomes deathly ill, Maggie is recruited to nurse him back to health. Taking the children in hand, as well, is more than she bargained for, but she is drawn to help the grieving family. Both nurse and patient find themselves drawn to each other but promptly deny their feelings.

A baking contest sponsored by the Silver Leaf Flour Company brings former beau, Giles Prescott, back into Maggie’s life. When Giles offers Maggie a position at their test kitchen in Chicago, he hints that, along with assuring her a good job, it will allow them to possibly rekindle their relationship.

But then a charlatan comes to town, and tragedy soon follows. Maggie and Thomas discover the miracle potions he hawks aren’t so harmless when an epidemic hits Stone Creek. Thomas and Maggie realize they must work together to save lives.

Maggie finds herself caught up in battles within and without—the battle to help the townsfolk in the midst of illness and chicanery, and the battle to know which man—Thomas or Giles—deserves to win her heart. 





Kathleen Rouser is the multi-published author of the 2017 Bookvana Award winner, Rumors and Promises, her first novel about the people of fictional Stone Creek, Michigan, and its sequel, Secrets and Wishes. She is a longtime member in good standing of American Christian Fiction Writers. Kathleen has loved making up stories since she was a little girl and wanted to be a writer before she could even read. She longs to create characters who resonate with readers and realize the need for a transforming Savior in their everyday lives. A former homeschool instructor, mild-mannered dental assistant, and current Community Bible Study kids’ teacher, she lives in Michigan with her hero and husband of thirty-some years, and the sassy tail-less cat who found a home in their empty nest. Connect with Kathleen on her website at kathleenrouser.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kathleenerouser/, and on Twitter @KathleenRouser.

Twitter: @KathleenRouser
Pinterest: https:/ /www.pinterest.com/kerouser/



Tweets for Secrets and Wishes with Click to Tweet links:


Maggie faces battles within and without. A lonely widower needs her and so does Stone Creek when a charlatan brings danger to its children. Will they join forces in time?
Secrets and Wishes by @KathleenRouser. #sweetromance available on #Kindle https://tinyurl.com/ycnk3byr

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Secrets and Wishes, now available in a delightful #audiobook! https://tinyurl.com/y7nwocdz #ChristianFiction, small-town drama and Gilded Age romance with heart, #HOPE, and humor!
Two boys clash as do their widowed parents. Can there be a second chance at love? @KathleenRouser

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Five Star review: “Kathleen Rouser created an absolutely overwhelming and heartfelt read with Secrets and Wishes, sequel to Rumors and Promises. I was drawn into the story from the beginning. . .” #sweetromance, #ChristianFiction by @KathleenRouser https://tinyurl.com/ycnk3byr

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Book Funnel Link for Secrets and Wishes Page for .mobi:


Purchase link

https://amzn.to/2TP1gXz



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This is a nice story about a woman who loses her husband and is left to support her child by herself. In this time period it was hard to find a job for a woman. Maggie does have a gift of baking and it pays off win she wins a prize in a baking contest. I love the time period and how the author makes the story come alive. 

I thought it was interesting to read about the 1900s and especially about the new pharmacy in town. Maggie's husband used to be a pharmacist so she knows a lot about medicine. She clashes with the new pharmacist in town when her son and Thomas's son have a fight. It was funny that the boys were fighting over whose dad was the best pharmacist. It is hard to imagine that during this time period, aspirin and other drugs were just being introduced. Some people, like Maggie were skeptical of this new medicine practice.

Thomas sure has his hands full with a houseful of kids and a new pharmacy to open. When he becomes very ill, Maggie is thrown into caring for him. Oh my that was an adventure just having her try to be civil to him and try to control his unruly bunch of kids. Having lost his wife has been hard on all of them. The author gives us some great characters who try to outdo Maggie in the baking department and it leads to some sharp words and fun moments. 

There are a few surprises and a new person in town that stirs up trouble that makes the story enjoyable. The town faces tragedy while Maggie and Thomas try to work together to overcome the  crisis. The new man in town was my least favorite character because he was arrogant and pushy.  does make friction between people wherever he goes and kinda thinks he is better than others. Overall a nice story from a time period where new discoveries in medicine were happening and a woman with a dream that she hopes to see happen.

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




Tuesday, April 23, 2019


DRIFTWOOD BAY by IRENE HANNON

This story is one that takes you to a small community where people help others, encourage them and along the way find healing. It’s hard to say which character I liked the most because each one had depth, needs and wanting a place to belong.

The author gives us a story of several people who each need healing from their past while letting go of fears. I could relate to Jeannette because I too like to stay isolated. She has a wonderful tea room where the community comes for special treats and an atmosphere of friendship. It is hard for her to open up and give friendship but I have a feeling her new neighbor will become important in her life.

Logan has his hands full with raising a niece he hardly knows, starting a new job and trying to control an energetic puppy. His niece is hurting from being moved from one place to another. Molly needs stability, friends and love. Most of all she needs to know that she is important. Logan is a very caring person and really goes out of his way to make Molly feel at home. Losing family is hard on the little girl and I cried as I wanted to give her a big hug.

The other characters in the book are from Syria. They have come to Driftwood Bay to start over after a tragedy in their country. The significance of them in the story is powerful as Jeannette will be asked by God to come out of her comfort zone to help this family in a unique way. I loved how the author threaded each character into a story that touched on faith, hope and reaching out to others.  The story is well written with a lesson for each of us to be His hands and feet. The community comes together to help a family in need and in the process helps others in the community to let go of fear and trust God.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Librarything Early Reader program giveaway and Revell  Publishing . The review is my own opinion