Tuesday, September 28, 2021

About the Book

Book: Bookers on the Rocks

Author: Chautona Havig and Christa DelSorbo

Genre: Christian Contemporary Women’s Fiction

Release date: February 23, 2021

If it ain’t broke, why’s she so intent on fixing it?

Tessa Booker hates romance.

For 25 years, Tessa Booker has insisted that romance is something Hollywood cooked up to sell books and movies. Yes, she knows the word existed before movies. She doesn’t care. That’s her story, and she’s sticking to it.

So, when Ross gets a gentle nudge from Mallory Barrows to look into what Tessa’s doing every day while he’s at work, he discovers a romance in the works – one that sounds a little too “ripped from the pages of his life”!

Who is this woman, and what has she done with his wife?

Armed with advice from 101 Ways to Romance Your Wife and a copy of the manuscript he printed while she was napping, he’s determined to figure out what’s up with his wife…and if maybe a little romance wouldn’t be a good thing, after all.

In a twist of the “on the rocks trope”, this book introduces the next island in the Independence Islands series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily ever afters.

The Independence Islands Series – Beach listens aren’t just for summer, anymore!

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

I really enjoyed listening to the audio of this book. There is something about hearing a story that makes me it more enjoyable. With the talent of Christa DelSorbo she brings freshness and excitement to the characters. She delivers a wonderful journey as we follow Tessa and Ross. With her tones she helps me visualize the scenes and the characters which keep me interested. If you love audios, this is one you need to grab and be entertained by the versatile talent of Christa.

This has been a nice story where we look at a marriage from a woman’s perspective and a man’s perspective. I loved how the author dissects a marriage and let’s us look beneath the surface. I could relate to this story so much. I have been married for thirty-seven years, yet there are times I feel all alone. We get comfortable and start to take each other for granted.

Tessa could be be. Wait. Did the author write about me? Oh I’m just kidding but I recognize Tessa’s feelings so well. She starts to get restless and wonders where did the romance go. Does her husband still love her? I laughed when she decided she would write a romance novel. I believe that was God prompting her to write her feelings down. As she writes she sees that she needs to work on herself first.

Ross has no clue his wife is unhappy. He is the kind of man who thinks everything is great. After all she isn’t complaining. There are subtle hints that he starts picking up on. Sometimes I think we need to bop our husbands over the head to get their attention. Slowly he sees that there is something really wrong and he sets out to fix it. That is what men like to do after all.

Now I’m not big on flowers, candies or any of that mushy stuff. Like Tessa I like to hear that I’m appreciated. I want to be shown that I’m loved by a hug or kiss. Tessa needs those to be reminded what it was like the first day they fell in love. The book is a great illustration of how we should always treat our spouse with unconditional love. It starts with us. What do we need to do to make the relationship better? Instead of pointing fingers, pray and ask God to show you what you need to work on.

There is a side story about domestic abuse with a secondary character. I wondered how the author would tie this into the main story. With grace and tenderness the author uses it to reinforce how important communication is. Through a series of events Tessa finds herself in danger. Trying to help out someone, she finds herself in a hospital. The moment that Ross sees his wife laying in the hospital bed wrecks his insides. All the walls they have built around their heart slowly falls. I kept thinking about how pride stops us from admitting we are wrong. We don’t want to be the first to say we are sorry. Tessa and Ross find themselves on a journey of falling in love all over again. My husband is my best friend and I enjoy life because of him. This book has awaken me to do better in showing him that he matters.

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

About the Author

Chautona Havig

Author of the bestselling Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

DGroup-39 Christa DelSorbo

“The voice of a friend.”

Christa has a great sense of humor and extensive experience with accents, particularly those of the Southern United States and Great Britain. Her most recent credits include: local live musical theatre actress and choreographer, regional radio commercial voice actress, and speaker for national business events.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 27

Texas Book-aholic, September 28

Inklings and notions, September 29

For Him and My Family, September 30

The Sacred Line, September 30

deb’s Book Review, October 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 3

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 4

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 5

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 7

Batya’s Bits, October 8

Britt Reads Fiction, October 9

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christa is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book in reader’s choice of format!!

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/11b62/bookers-on-the-rocks-audiobook-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, September 26, 2021

About the Book

Book: The Sixth Trumpet

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Mid-Grade & Young Adult Dystopian

Release date: June 22, 2021

And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, a day, a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.Revelation 9:15

The sixth trumpet has sounded. The world is at war.
Compelled by a night terror, Jackson leaves the relative safety of Red River County on a quest to rescue his missing mother. He plans a quick dash to retrieve her from bondage in Rockwall, but he is thwarted by others who need rescuing at every turn. Big girls, little girls, a medium-size boy, the smartest kid he’s ever known, and one giant dog comprise his army. If there is a God in Heaven, is He really watching out for him? Fifteen-year-old Jackson still hasn’t decided.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story gives God glory, and those best-selling stories—fifty-nine titles now—delight Christian readers around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her—listen at YouTube! Sharing four children and twenty-one grandsugars (three greats), Caryl and Ron (her high-school-sweetheart-husband of fifty-plus years) live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas. The McAdoos wait expectantly for God to open the next door.

More from Caryl

Some would call THE SIXTH TRUMPET a dystopian fantasy, and it is . . . but it’s also possible that tomorrow, an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) could be detonated over the Midwest and throw America back into the 1800s, before electricity and instant communication we enjoy today.

The “Days of Dread Trilogy” stories are packed with adventure as their young hero, Jackson Allison, his genius and devoted sidekick Albert Einstein Hawking, and his sort-of girlfriend Aria face dangers at every turn trying to save others.

An editor asked, “Why would you write a book about the end times for mid-grade and young adult readers?”
My answer?

“To let them know through reading them that when tough times get here—and they will come—I want my readers to realize God will be right there with them and protect and provide. My hope is to build their faith.”

Jackson starts out an agnostic, but God loves agnostics, too. Jesus died on the cross for them like He did for you and me. He loves Jackson so much that He shows him His power and provision time and time again—

Of course, the boy’s mother and sister, and grandparents, and Uncle Roy are all praying for his salvation. We know what can happen when God’s people pray! How many times have you prayeds, “Father! Whatever it takes, draw my loved one to Your heart!”

Jackson, though, is a stubborn as a Texas Ranger on a mission! His lieutenant succumbs to Holy Spirit’s calling in this story, but not Jackson, although he is being drawn to believe by all the things he cannot explain.

Who do you know who would love these stories? Besides you, I mean! I know you will! Who do you know who needs to read them?

MY REVIEW

This is a very different genre than I am use to from this author. I’m glad though that she has taken a chance and branched out into a story for elementary children and pre teens. It is a journey into a world where Jackson the star character is on a mission to find his mother. His visions were intriguing and it did make me laugh a little when he questioned those visions. Don’t we do the same thing when we believe God is talking to us? We wonder if we heard Him or was it our imagination .

Jackson is not alone on his journey and together with the others they trek across the land searching for Jackson’s mother. I liked the addition of the two small children they find. They are sweet, innocent and in need of protection. With so many to watch over, Jackson has his hands full trying to keep everyone safe.

I liked how the author showed that God was there watching over the groups and helped guide them. I did feel that the ending was wrapped up too soon. I am left with questions and am glad to know that there is another book coming up in the series.

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

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 23

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 24

Mary Hake, September 24

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 26

Texas Book-aholic, September 27

Inklings and notions, September 28

Girls in White Dresses, September 29

deb’s Book Review, September 30

For Him and My Family, October 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 2

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 3

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 4

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/11b5a/the-sixth-trumpet-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Undercurrent of Secrets

Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel

Genre: Christian Romance

Release date: September 2021

Two women, a century apart, are bound by a haunting secret aboard a legendary steamboat.

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

As wedding coordinator for the 100-year-old steamboat The Belle of Louisville, Devyn Asbury takes pride in seeing others’ dreams come true, even though her engagement had sunk like a diamond ring to the bottom of the Ohio River. When the Belle becomes a finalist in the Timeless Wedding Venue contest, Devyn endeavors to secure the prestigious title with hopes to reclaim some of her professional dreams. What she hadn’t planned on was Chase Jones showing up with a mysterious photo from the 1920s.

A century earlier, Hattie Louis is as untamable as the rivers that raised her. As the adopted daughter of a steamboat captain, her duties range from the entertainment to cook. When strange incidents occur aboard the boat, Hattie’s determined to discover the truth. Even if that means getting under First Mate Jack Marshall’s handsome skin.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. Rachel can be found online at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms. Her work is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency. Rachel resides in Ohio with her husband and two children.

More from Rachel

A Century on the River

In 1914, America hadn’t joined WWI yet. Airplanes, or flying machines as they were called, were still a phenomenon. Radios weren’t a thing. Hawaii and Alaska weren’t part of the United States. The world as a whole looked different than the one we walk today. But one thing remains true as it had 100 years ago—The Belle of Louisville graced the waters. In fact, the century-old steamboat is like a floating time capsule.

First named the Idlewild, this boat was built in Pittsburgh, PA and was launched in October 1914. It began its days as a packet boat, hauling freight and ferrying passengers. During the ‘Roaring 20s’ there wasn’t much documentation for her travels. But it’s believed the Idlewild spent the decade tramping—a steamboat term for going up and down the river, stopping at various towns and taking passengers for excursions. Which worked perfectly for Undercurrent of Secrets.

The boat was then sold to New Orleans where it continued to ferry passengers. In 1931, The Idlewild spent a season in Louisville running trips to Rose Island and Fontaine Ferry amusement parks. It then spent the next several years coursing the waterways from Canada to New Orleans, living upon the Mississippi and Ohio river systems until WWII. The second world war brought a lot of action to the Idlewild which was then outfitted with special equipment to push oil barges along the river. She also served as a floating USO nightclub for troops stationed at military bases along the Mississippi River.

In 1947, she was sold and renamed the Avalon. For the next two decades the legendary lady spent her days along the rivers, hosting excursions, bringing adventure to the hearts of many Americans. But all those years and miles eventually caught up to her and she fell in disrepair. In 1962, she was put up for auction in Cincinnati where she was purchased by Jefferson County Judge Executive Marlow Cook for $34,000. She then received her third name, The Belle of Louisville.

The restoration of the boat was supervised by marine architect Alan L. Bates (later Captain Bates). Capt. Bates’ books, Str. Belle of Louisville, and Moonlight at 8:30, were a huge help to me while researching the history of the boat and the crews who worked on her. The reno crew worked tirelessly rebuilding the Belle and on April 30th, she tested the waters again by racing against the Delta Queen in the first Great Steamboat Race. The Belle has been wharfed in Louisville ever since. This century-old steamboat has stood the test of time, surviving decades, sinkings, storms, weathering all the trials with grit and grace. If you ever find yourself in Louisville, you could book a cruise on the Belle and experience history.

MY REVIEW

If you are a fan of time slip books, this is a must read. It flows smoothly from the past to the present without missing a beat. The story is very intriguing and there are historical facts scattered throughout the beautiful pages. It moves at a great pace and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to stay in the last or go forward at times. The author is gifted with pulling readers in with characters that jump off the pages and capture the allure of mystery and love.

I liked the setting of a steamboat and how it was the focus of the story between past and present. I would love to go on one and experience the majestic voyage as it takes me across the river. The author describes the steamboat in a way that makes you want to be a passenger and slip back in time. I enjoyed learning how it operates and how popular it was in the 1900s.

There rare four main characters that are relevant to the story. Devyn and Chase are fun to get to know. Poor Devyn has been taken advantage of by someone and finds herself dumped over social media. How awful can that be to be humiliated in front of millions of people? At least she has her wedding coordinator job. I think she shines at the job and you can tell she loves hosting weddings on the boat. Chase comes into her life as a mystery at first but I knew he had a secret. With the snarky remarks back and forth, I wasn’t sure this relationship would amount to anything. Oh but the witty Chase dangles a mystery in front of Devyn that entices her to help him. Thus begins the parallel between these two and our next set of characters.

Hattie is probably my favorite character in the book. She has had an unfortunate childhood when she thinks she has been abandoned. The man who takes her in just happens to be the Captain of Idlewild. I loved the antics Hattie found herself in on the boat and proved to the men she could carry her weight aboard the vessel. Jack appears on the boat but he has a secret as well. Their encounters are not always friendly and Hattie has a hard time trusting Jack.

Now that’s all I’m giving away about the story. I will assure readers that they are in for a treat as the story unfolds. The author delivers a tale of mystery complete with love letters, secret meetings and an ending that made me cry. I have put this book on my top favorite list of books for 2021.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 25

Rachael’s Inkwell, September 25

Texas Book-aholic, September 26

Christian Bookaholic, September 26

Where Faith and Books Meet, September 27

Inklings and notions, September 27

Genesis 5020, September 27

For Him and My Family, September 28

Life of Literature, September 28

deb’s Book Review, September 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 29

Remembrancy, September 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 30

She Lives to Read, October 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 1

Older & Smarter?, October 1

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 2

Mary Hake, October 2

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 3

Simple Harvest Reads, October 3 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Bizwings Blog, October 3

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 4

For the Love of Literature, October 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 5

Through the fire blogs, October 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 6

Pause for Tales, October 6

Artistic Nobody, October 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Just Your Average reviews, October 7

Splashes of Joy, October 8

Labor Not in Vain, October 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/11b61/undercurrent-of-secrets-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, September 24, 2021

Seasoned Grace copy

About the Book

Book: Seasoned Grace

Author: Melissa Wardwell

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: August 31, 2021

Wardwell_Seasoned_Grace You can run from your past, but you can’t escape it.

Though he disappeared that day, Raylin McReynolds never believed her father died at the World Trade Center on 9/11.

So, when a mysterious letter arrives from Breakers Head, informing her that she would find him on the Independence Islands off the coast of Georgia, she has no choice but to find a job, get there, find her father.

As mainland troubles encroach on Hooper Island, Sean Anderson devises a plan and presents it to the island pastors and his cousin, Scott. The result: Grace Mission—a place where those struggling can find the help they need.

What he didn’t need was a distraction in the form of a newcomer to the islands—a mission volunteer, no less.

Others at the mission, Beth and Scott, see more than just frustration brew between Raylin and Sean. What will it take to convince Sean and Raylin to stop bickering long enough to see what’s obvious to everyone else?

Raylin’s on a mission to find her father and protect her heart, but neither seem willing to cooperate.

Seasoned Grace continues the Hooper Island stories of the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Melissa Wardwell She doesn’t mind alternating between the world of writing and the reality of being a mother, but she would rather sit with a good book or a good friend and a cup of coffee.

When she isn’t penning works of fiction, she is busy reviewing books for her blog, Back Porch Reads.

To see more from Melissa Wardwell, visit www.melissawardwell.com

More from Melissa

Here we are, in the middle of the collection. The third island—Hooper Island. Have you enjoyed the journey so far? I hope you have, I’m sure you have 😉

Seasoned Grace quickly became my favorite addition to the Independence Islands Collection. It is a little more serious on a few of the topics than my first two contributions. Now that a foundation has been set, I felt like I could get a little deeper into my character’s emotions and pasts. People are complex so writing two-dimensional characters are not something I like doing. I want readers to see the secret hurts that mold them into the person they are, and how God can heal those painful areas.

Grace is the running theme throughout this book. Grace enough to let things go, the Father’s grace, showing grace to those around us, and any other form of grace that might come up. Grace is like salt and pepper. It gives the right kind of flavor to our lives. At least I think that is a life quote Gram would tell Beth.

There is one chapter that you will see one of the new characters lay out their painful past in a rather quick way in a conversation with another character. This character suffered much in their life that some will struggle with understanding how they could talk about it so freely (which is why I am shining a light on it now).

When a person has found healing in life by following Christ and has allowed Him to take away the sting of what others have done to them, those moments become easy to talk about with others. Especially if it means that the one listening will seek healing for themselves.

This conversation in the book is intense and thought-provoking. It also displays the level of grace required to see people the way God might see them instead of through our tainted lenses. I found myself crying as I wrote it because I know how freeing it is to forgive and let the Father heal a wounded heart.

Seasoned Grace also has several returning characters—Beth and Scott, Thaddeus, Amara and Dante, Sarah Reid, and her boys. There are also two new faces, Raylin and Sean, as well as a couple of other mobile business owners who come together to help Elnora Island bounce back from a hurricane.

All my contributions to the collection flow from one book to the next like a television series. While the other writers may have written their stories to be independently read from the others, that is not something I have done. Trust me when I say that it wasn’t my original intent. As I saw my five stories develop, there was a constant feeling of community and character interaction throughout the books. I couldn’t just leave some characters behind, never to be heard from again, while I bring in new faces. It just wouldn’t be right. They have developed friendships and that cannot be overlooked. That said, when they come together at the end for Thanksgiving diner, they, and you the reader, will have a pleasant surprise.

So, stay with me, push through, read on—it will all be worth it in the end.

P.S. I realize that I gave a recipe for Scrumptious Independence, but not Heart Pressed. I apologize for that one.

I hope this one makes up for it. Scott’s favorite

Fish Tacos

Oil

If you don’t have a deep fryer (like me), get a thick bottom, deep pan

Use natural oil, like corn or canola oil

Gauge the temperature with a candy or deep fry thermometer

Fill your pan no more than 2/3 of the way

Heat the oil slowly to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit

too low of heat, you will get greasy fish

too high of heat, you will burn the fish

Fish

Cod works the best, but Salmon is pretty interesting option as well.

Rinse it off after thawing if you use frozen fish, excess water will make your oil spatter

Pat it dry with paper towel – I use a lot of paper towel, but I feed five adults

If fish pieces are thick, cut into 1 inch-ish strips.

I use Panko fish batter for my batter. I don’t make it from scratch

Slowly place coated pieces of fish into the hot oil and let it cook until golden brown.

While that cooks, prepare your toppings.

Cole Slaw

8oz. bag of pre-shredded Cole slaw mix

1 1/2 tsp Apple cider vinegar

1 1/2 tsp of sugar

1 cup of mayo or Miracle Whip

1/4 cup of mustard or 1/2 tsp of mustard powder

Avocado

Make sure it is ripe—soft, not hard

Mash it wit a fork

Cut a lime in 1/2 and squeeze the juice over the mashed avocado

Sprinkle salt and pepper on it

Stir together

Layering the taco

Spread some of the Avocado mixture on a tortilla

Place a strip or two of fried fish on top

Finish with Cole slaw mix

Enjoy!

MY REVIEW

I am always excited when a new book comes out in this series. I have come to think of the characters as friends and enjoy being in their lives. This story is special to me because it has the one thing I have been lacking lately. The author gently sways us with melody and soothing tones of grace. There is that word I have been struggling with. It is easy to misjudge someone or hold a grudge. But what if we actually gave them grace? This story is a perfect example of allowing past hurts to float away as the characters begin to listen to God as He softens their heart.

I adored following Raylin and as begins the journey of finding her father that no one has heard from in years. It was interesting that the author referenced 9/11 and how that day affected so many. Raylin’s father was there on that fateful day and suddenly he was gone. Raylin is drawn to travel to the island after a letter tells her that her father was there. Could she finally get the answer she has been wanting all these years? Will her father explain his absence from her life?

There is one part in the story that really got to me. I won’t share the details because I don’t want to take away the powerful impact it could have on readers. It is never easy to share a painful experience but with God’s help this character was able to finally release themselves and be set free. Grace abounds everywhere in this story and every instance is an example of how we can become more Christlike.

Along with grace I found forgiveness that was illustrated beautifully in the story. A mother and daughter who have drifted apart come to a place where healing could happen if grace and forgiveness was shown. I loved the healing of broken relationships in the story and how it is never too late to repair them. I found this story to be a little more on the serious side and it was just what I needed. Thank you to the author for showing me about grace through a story that is relatable in many ways.

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