Tuesday, June 15, 2021

About the Book

Book: Capitol in Crisis

Author: Kathy Roy Johnson

Genre: Thriller/Suspense/Christian Thriller

Release date: September 2020

Simone Perez, Architect of the Capitol, is stunned when a terrible explosion which rocks the Capitol, totally collapsing the tunnel which connects the House and Senate Chambers and trapping several people. Simone promptly assembles an Interagency Committee to help her assess the damage to the Capitol and develop a strategy to rescue survivors. . She also assumes responsibility for briefing the press, making her job even more daunting. As the story unfolds, members of the Committee work together to find survivors and bring them to safety. We meet several true-to-life characters like Fire Chief Earl Bentsen who recognizes that time is of the essence and Rob Tate, a skinny maintenance worker who realizes that he can reach the Café as well as the mechanical room by crawling through an old vent space. Through several twists and turns, Simone maintains a steady hand, aided by the Speaker of the House, John McIntyre, who finds her very attractive. Although it seems an impossible task, one by one, victims reunite with their families.

MY REVIEW

This was a very intriguing book that moves slowly at first. I liked learning about what goes on behind the scene at a Capitol building. There is a lot of bills trying to be passed and people trying to push their agenda. The author does a great job of giving us insight into a place where history can be made.

Simone is a very intelligent woman was has a huge responsibility to keep the structure of the building safe. When a crisis happens she has little time to think as the lives of several people are counting on her to rescue them. I couldn’t believe all the meetings she had to attend. The briefings for the reporters were endless but she handled it with grace. Her character is well written and I loved how she stood up to people who tried to undermine her decisions.

Addie is a hardworking woman who along with others is trapped. Her thoughts turn to her grandsons who takes care of. Seeing her cafe destroyed was so upsetting because now she has to worry how she will earn income. I think the best part of the entire story was reading how everyone worked together to rescue those who were trapped. We get a glimpse into their lives and see friendships develop. Overall good book and great lesson on working together.

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

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kathy Roy Johnson worked for a U.S. Senator for three years in the mid 1970’s. Thereafter, she worked as a lobbyist for United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc. before joining the Federal government as Congressional Liaison. She retired in 2015 and live in Silver Spring, Maryland with her husband, Ed and their beagle/basset hound, Jake.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, June 16

The Sacred Line, June 16

lakesidelivingsite, June 17

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 18

For Him and My Family, June 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 20

Blogging With Carol, June 20

Inklings and notions, June 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 22

Mary Hake, June 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting June 23

Betti Mace, June 23

Older & Smarter?, June 24

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 25

Spoken from the Heart, June 25

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 26

deb’s Book Review, June 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 27 (Author Interview)

Lights in a Dark World, June 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 29

*No Giveaway for this Celebration Tour

DWELL ON THESE THINGS INSPIRATIONAL CARDS

Your daily inspiration is never far from reach with this unique set of cards that encourage you to see yourself through God's eyes, featuring messages that are biblical and beneficial, all designed to be displayed with the included stand.

Countless messages enter our hearts and minds each day. Some of these messages are true and helpful. Others are hurtful, destructive, and out of line with the message God wants us to understand and embrace. What messages are you choosing to believe and repeat to yourself? When you first saw your reflection in the mirror this morning, what did your internal conversation sound like? Did you speak a message of hope to your heart or a diatribe of defeat?

Based on the book Dwell on These Things by John Stange, this thirty-one-day inspirational card set will encourage you to change the message that enters your mind into a positive, biblical one. On the front of each beautifully designed card is a short message to remind you of how God views you and everyday situations. The back of the card reinforces that message with time-tested wisdom.

Let this be your first step in a great journey toward self-love and self-acceptance! Change your life by changing the messages that enter your mind.

John is a follower of Jesus, husband to Andrea, and father to four great kids. He holds degrees in Bible, Education, and Counseling, is a certified speaker, trainer and coach with the John Maxwell Team, and serves as the Lead Pastor of Core Creek Community Church in Langhorne, PA. John is an adjunct professor at Cairn University, where he teaches courses on church planting, theology, and counseling. He also serves as the Director of the National Mission Board which is a ministry that is focused on church planting and church health.

Since 1998, John has been serving in full-time Christian leadership. In recent years, he has served as the Director of the Pocono Mountain Bible Conference, a conference center and Summer camp in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. In 2008, he moved to Langhorne, Pennsylvania where he worked with a team of volunteers to plant Core Creek Community Church.

John hosts three podcasts, "The Chapter-A-Day Audio Bible", "Daily Devotions with Pastor John," and "Sermons, Bible Studies, and Training". All three podcasts can be freely accessed via your favorite podcast app or by clicking here.

John's books are focused on spiritual growth, leadership, marriage and the practical and applicational aspects of following Jesus. He recently signed with Penguin/Random House to publish his next book "Dwell on These Things" which is scheduled to be released in Spring 2021.

If you're interested in being among the first to be notified of his new releases, be sure to subscribe to John's email list. John also regularly sends out devotions and other useful tools for spiritual growth and personal development.

To learn more or to contact John directly, be sure to visit his website at --- DesireJesus.com. ---

MY REVIEW

I was very excited to get the opportunity to review this selection of inspirational cards. It comes in a sturdy and attractive box which keeps the cards in pristine condition. They each have an encouraging word on each stock card which I really enjoyed. When you turn the card over I found more insight into the saying. I have started reading one everyday and jotting my thoughts down in a journal. What better way to start your day after prayer than with an extra dose of God’s encouragement.

If you are looking for a particular subject just look through the cards and you will find something that will help you. An example of one of the cards talks about anxiety. I struggle with that everyday. I loved what the card said “Cast your anxiety on God instead of bearing the weight yourself.” As I turned the card over, I found words that further emphasized the main theme of the card. The cards are very simple to read and I loved the soothing words each card had. This is a perfect gift for anyone wanting simple but effective ways to be encouraged by God.

I received this product from Ink & Willow and Waterbrook Publishing. The review is my own opinion.

WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER’S

AMISH FRIENDS HEALTHY OPTIONS COOKBOOK

Loaded with dozens of Amish recipes for the health conscious.
New, from New York Times bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter, is valuable cookbook that offers healthy recipe options.

Everyone wants to feel healthy, right? Food can be one of our best medicines, and many Amish are known for seeking ways for health to begin in the kitchen. Brand new, from New York Times bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter, is a helpful cookbook from Amish and Mennonite cooks who offer healthy recipe options. Over 200 recipes are divided into traditional categories from main dishes and sides to desserts and snacks with labels for gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, etc. Also included are health tips and remedies. Encased in a lay-flat binding and presented in full color, home cooks of all ages will be eager to add this cookbook to their collections.

Amish Country's Most Beloved Storyteller

New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. With over 11 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and receive numerous awards.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and family ties. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

www.WandaBrunstetter.com
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MY REVIEW

This cookbook is very well made and easy to use. I love that it is a spiral book that you can flip through the pages easily. The pictures that accompany recipes are vivid and make you want to run to the kitchen to start cooking. It is nice to have a cookbook that is a healthy option which includes scriptures.

I am making the Southwest Skillet Supreme for dinner tonight which you can find on page 85. The recipes are easy to follow and most of the items needed are probably on hand in your pantry. Each recipe includes who contributed to the book and their easy instructions.

If you are looking for simple and healthy recipes this cookbook is for you. With over two hundred recipes you are sure to find many you will want to try out. It was hard to decide what to cook first so I went to the main dishes first. I am a terrible cook, but with easy and simple ingredients and instructions I was able to make several home cooked meals. I recommend this to all those who love to cook and looking for a healthier choice in cooking.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Monday, June 14, 2021

the songstress

About the Book

Book: The Songstress

Author: Lori Bates Wright

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 16, 2021

songstress Rising opera star, Juliana Chamberlain, still has nightmares of the night she witnessed the assassination of the President of the United States from her spot on stage at Ford Theater. Recruited by The Pinkerton Detective Agency, Juliana was instrumental in bringing those responsible to justice.

Now, two years later, the Pinkertons ask her once again to join forces in exposing a corrupt political organization terrorizing her home in Texas.

Texas Ranger, Cade Matlock, has a job to do. He needs no help from a meddlesome diva with big ideas. However, he is a man of his word. He’s committed to partner with the lovely songstress to smoke out the mastermind of a dangerous clan who has proven he will stop at nothing to satisfy his thirst for vengeance.

Cade and Juliana soon discover their greatest strength is in working together until shadows of the past threaten to destroy their future.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

lori Lori Bates Wright is an award winning author with a love for history.

Raised in New Mexico, Lori now lives in Texas with her husband of 38 years. She has two grown kids and four adorable grand boys (who leap tall buildings in a single bound!) When she’s not writing, she’s heading up small group ministries with her husband. She enjoys speaking and interacting with women of all ages.

More from Lori

Growing up, my family loved to laugh.

Some of my favorite childhood memories are centered around my grandmother’s dining room table listening in while my parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles told amazing stories. Sometimes I laughed until I’d lose my breath. Sometimes I sat quietly, taking in the bravery and perseverance shown by those who’d gone before me.

History has been a passion ever since. Couple that with an insatiable love for story and there you have the heart of what inspires me to write.

So, when it came time to brain-storm for this brand new series, I decided to take a known historical event and think about it from every angle. Beyond the recognized players, to the “what if” characters that might have played a role. And, ultimately, how such an event would have changed the course of their lives.

Thus, a star was born.

In THE SONGSTRESS, Juliana Chamberlain witnessed the assassination from her place on the stage. Because I love a little mystery and intrigue, I decided that the leading detective agency of the day would have enlisted her help in identifying the accomplices. Allen Pinkerton had been known to hire a lady detective or two, so she would be trained by the best. Her investigative skills proved helpful in bringing a quick resolution to the case.

Fast forward four years and she’s still haunted by what she saw that night. When Pinkerton again approaches her about a case involving her family in Texas, she accepts.

Being from Texas, I was so happy she did. I’ve wanted to write a story based in the Lone Star State for quite awhile. I loved visiting Georgia and the shores of England in my last series, but I have to say it was good to bring this one home. With all the rugged charm of the post-Civil War era, this book has a little more local flavor than my last three. Al-in-all, I believe my readers are in for a treat. A new cast of fun, quirky characters as we revisit a significant time in our nation.

So, here’s to new beginnings! Or as we say in Texas, “Hang on, y’all are in for a wild ride!”

Happy reading!
Lori

MY REVIEW

The opening pages set readers up for an adventure featuring the Pinkerton Detective Agency and a Texas Ranger named Cade. I was devastated about what happened that fateful day that President Lincoln was assassinated. The author does give accurate details of the tragedy which shocked the nation. It must have been so distressing to witness such a brutal attack. This opens the door for the author to pen a tale that lets us see what could have transpired that day when someone from the stage witnessed the event.

Juliana is a beautiful young woman who has a voice like an angel. She was set to sing that night at the theater but instead saw something she will never forget. I liked how she was introduced to the Pinkertons and she became involved with them. This agency was well know and respected. Juliana was a valuable employee for them. She finds herself a few years later taking on a new case that will affect her personally.

Cade, a Texas Ranger is teamed up with Juliana and I knew we would be in for an adventure. Cade is very good at his job but I don’t think he was all that excited to work with Juliana. She can be a little stubborn and outspoken but maybe he can find a way to work with her. Okay I did laugh because I knew that Cade was going to have his hands full. That is what makes their pairing so good. I think they complimented each other and there is hope they will at least become friends.

I loved the political theme in the book and how our two main characters have a task of stopping a dangerous plot that could divide states. The danger arises when Juliana starts to snoop around and gathers information that could take down important figures in the government. The author gives us an intriguing story filled with twists that keep you on your toes. I loved following these two unlikely pair into the depths of political scandal where danger awaits. Get ready for a story that takes part of history and gives us a look at what might have happened on the night after the untimely death of the president.

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

Blog Stops

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 11

Reflections From My Bookshelves, June 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 12

Connect in Fiction, June 12

Inklings and notions, June 13

Rebecca Tews, June 13

Texas Book-aholic, June 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 14

lakesidelivingsite, June 15

To Everything There Is A Season, June 15

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 15

For Him and My Family, June 16

Labor Not in Vain, June 16

deb’s Book Review, June 17

Genesis 5020, June 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 18

HookMeInABook, June 18

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 19

Inside the Wong Mind, June 19

The Christian Fiction Girl, June 20

Connie’s History Classroom, June 20

A Baker’s Perspective, June 21

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 21

Blossoms and Blessings, June 22

Lis Loves Reading, June 22

Pause for Tales, June 23

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, June 23

Mary Hake, June 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 24

KarenSueHadley, June 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lori is giving away the grand prize package of a Texas Gift basket including a signed copy of THE SONGSTRESS and 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/10d53/the-songstress-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, June 13, 2021

About the Book

Book: Dark Threat

Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 1, 2021

Reporter Trinity Lockhart pursues a story but then unwittingly becomes the story.

Acting on a tip from an anonymous source, Trinity investigates an art trafficking ring at a high-end Seattle gallery. She turns to handsome FBI agent Kyle Richards for help after being spotted by the crooks.

Kyle is drawn to the feisty reporter, but he can’t afford a beautiful distraction when lives are at stake. He must trust his friends at Protection Inc. to watch over Trinity while he investigates the gallery.

Will this couple overcome the impossible odds threatening to keep them apart?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes romantic suspense and mystery with a heart.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

You can sign up for Kimberly’s newsletter via her website at: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

More from Kimberly

Dark Threat features FBI agent Kyle Richards. We first met Kyle in book one of the Protection Inc. series where he joined the team while working undercover for the FBI. He has since become an honorary member of the team and has been in every book since.

When I set out to write this series I planned to only feature the team members, but Kyle is practically part of the team, so he needed his own story too. I thoroughly enjoyed getting into Kyle’s head for this book.

As with most books, this one took research. Through the years I’ve done all kinds of research to understand the occupations of my characters. For the characters occupations in Dark Threat I did some different kind of research than I’ve done in the past.

I really wanted to understand how FBI agents think and operate so I listened to an audio book written by a former agent. The man was rough around the edges but it really helped me understand the atmosphere in which agents work. Then I read a book written by a female, former CIA as well as FBI agent. It was fascinating to see the differences between the agencies from a former agent’s point of view.

Trinity, the female lead in Dark Threat is a crime beat reporter. I pretty much knew nothing about the life of a television reporter, so I watched You Tube videos filmed by actual reporters about a day in their lives as reporters. One young woman did a series of videos, which I found extremely helpful. Another had the camera following her on the job. From her I learned about what it’s like to go out on location and how meal times during her day on the job were never guaranteed. She’d grab a bite when she could and sometimes she wouldn’t even be able to finish it because she had to rush to a breaking story.

Finally, I needed to better understand the art world. I have a college friend who is an amazing artist. She has a gallery in Boise, Idaho. I contacted her and picked her brain about art and art galleries.

As for anything related to law enforcement I asked my uncle who is a retired police officer.

The thing I loved most about talking to people about their professions is that one question often snowballed into a deeper conversation about the topic. My friend and my uncle would tell me things I didn’t even know I needed to know.

I think Dark Threat required the most research of all the books I’ve written. I’m not a huge fan of doing research, but I truly enjoyed every minutes of it for this book.

I hope you will enjoy reading Dark Threat even more than I enjoyed writing it!

MY REVIEW

If you haven’t read any of this author’s books, you are missing out. She delivers intrigue, adventure, flawed characters and action that never stops. I was so frustrated with Trinity at times that I wanted to tell Kyle to walk away from her. She is a reporter but she sure doesn’t like answering questions. She leaves out details that are important to help keep her safe. I think she was more interested in getting her big story. She is a good character though as we see hints of her past that explains her mistrust of police. Guess she needs to work on that trust issue if she wants Kyle and his friends to protect her.

I liked learning about Trinity’s job as a reporter. The author does a good job of detailing her job which includes very long hours and little time to think about eating. Her thirst for a story may just cost her big if she isn’t careful. I often wonder how safe it is to go meet informants alone. The news world seems dangerous at times and the hours are not the best.

Kyle is a wonderful addition to the story. His bravery and faith see him through a heart pounding adventure as he tries to keep Trinity safe. It was nice to have the Protection Inc. back in the picture. This group really steps up to help Kyle and it is nice to see their bond. It is a great story with a few twists that kept me reading as fast as I could. We get a look into the art world and how people will do anything for profit. I liked how Trinity and Kyle became close and witnessing Trinity learn to trust others and God. It’s a great story that shows how trusting can help you open up to others and learn what unconditional love is.

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