Sunday, May 1, 2022

Light of Mine

About the Book

Book: Light of Mine

Author: Allen Brokken

Narrator: Stacey Bradshaw

Genre: Middle grade Christian Fantasy

Release date: November 10, 2021

LightOfMine-Audio Darkness is spreading through Zoura. Beyond the borders of the heathlands, innocent animals are being turned into monsters, and good men into pawns of the Dark One. Father has vanished after joining the Mighty Mercenaries and mother has gone missing in search of him.

Alone on the farm, twelve-year-old Lauren and her brave little brothers, Aiden(9) and Ethan(5), must guard the Tower of Light that will guide both parents home. But when a hooded stranger is caught trespassing the farm, and a new bishop claims the church, confusion pervades their close-knit community. Will the children be able to recognize who is a threat to the Tower and who is there to help them protect it?

With little else but the aid of a trio of blessed pets, three holy weapons, and their growing faith, Lauren, Aiden, and Ethan find it is up to them to stop the agents of The Dark One from putting out the Light and dooming the heathlands to Darkness.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Allen Brokken is a teacher at heart, a husband and father most of all. He’s a joyful writer by the abundant grace of God. He began writing the Towers of Light series for his own children to help him illustrate the deep truths of the Bible in an engaging and age appropriate way. He’s dedicated 15 years of his life to volunteer roles in children’s ministry and youth development. Now that his own children are off to college he’s telling stories and sharing clean humor on social media @allenbrokkenauthor, and through his blog https://www.allenbrokkenauthor.com.

More from Allen

When my kids were young there was really nothing better than getting out of my car at the end of a long day at work and having my three little kiddos run up to me and give hugs because Daddy’s Home! As a Father of three young children I was very concerned about the direction society was taking. I wasn’t sure that with how things were going that I had the knowledge or the skill to train them up in the way they should go, as the Bible directs.

Then in 2008 I took a new job that had me traveling four days a week. It was one of the hardest times of my life, the stress of a high pressure job, the loneliness of being on the road, and uncertainty of being a young parent really brought me to the end of myself. However, all of the travel gave me a lot of time to study the scriptures and learn from the writing of great bible teachers.

It was during this time that I began to write stories for my children. At first I brought my children’s stuffed animals to life for silly adventures. But then one day while we were putting together a play fort in our back yard I saw a sunrise pattern in the wood in the top of the tower. I thought:

“What if there was a Tower of Light shining God’s goodness over the children and their animals?”

“What if the children experienced the indwelling of the holy spirit in a real way like Sampson or David?”

“What if the full armor of God was physical armor they could use to defeat the darkness?”

As I shared my story with my children, they loved it.

I believe you and your children will love it too.

My Review

I read this book in 2020 and really enjoyed it. Now getting to listen to the story makes it more entertaining for me. The narrator does a good job of emphasizing words or sentences which grab your attention. I have not heard any books narrated by Stacey Bradshaw before. Now after listening to her read this story I can say that she has a soothing voice and excellent pronunciation of words. The way she changes her voice for each character is flawless and helps listeners detect which character is talking. If you love audio books this is one you should get. It brings the story to life with a voice that captures your attention.

Right away I noticed something very important about this book. One of the characters say, “When you love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and spirit, the Good Book says you reflect the Savior’s Light on the world, which pushes back the Darkness.”It is a great statement to remind us that we can overcome the darkness when we surrender everything to God. We don’t have to fear anything because God in us has overcome darkness. Oh I’m so excited to read this book and share my thoughts .

I loved how the children worked together as their parents turn up missing. Strange things are going on around them but they take their responsibilities serious. The author does a great job of writing a book that is filled with whimsical animals , fighting off the darkness and presenting Biblical references that shine the light on God.

When the author mentioned the song, “This Little Light of Mine ,” I was immediately reminded of all the times I sang that song in Sunday school growing up. Today that song has such a deeper meaning for me. God wants us to shine light where darkness lingers. He wants us to to be the light that encourages others and shares His truth with others. The book is an excellent example of three young children shining light and trusting God.

The children encounter danger and I liked how the author uses examples that help readers of all ages understand dark vs light. It is a great book that have lessons on trust, faith and standing up against the enemy. I think this would make a great TV show for children.

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, May 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 3

Guild Master, May 4 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, May 5

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 6 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, May 6

Vicarious Living, May 7

Vicky Sluiter, May 8 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, May 8 (Spotlight)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 10

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 11

Artistic Nobody, May 12

Simple Harvest Reads, May 13

Blossoms and Blessings, May 14 (Author Interview)

Cats in the Cradle Blog, May 15

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Allen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/1d3be/light-of-mine-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Rose for the REsistance

About the Book

Book: A Rose for the Resistance

Author: Angela K. Couch

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Christian

Release date: April, 2022

A French Woman and German Soldier Create a Truce

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

With her father in a German POW camp and her home in Ste Mere Eglise, France, under Nazi occupation, Rosalie Barrieau will do anything to keep her younger brother safe. . .even from his desire to join the French resistance. Until she falls into the debt of a German solder—one who delivers a wounded British pilot to her door. Though not sure what to make of her German ally, Rosalie is thrust deep into the heart of the local underground. As tensions build toward the allied invasion of Normandy, she must decide how much she is willing to risk for freedom.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

AngelaCouch To keep from freezing in the great white north, Angela K Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the 2016 International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and toasty warm) by chasing after four munchkins.

More from Angela

The story of A Rose for the Resistance has been in the making for a while. Rosalie and Franz came to life for me in the first novel I started writing as a teenager… (not even going to mention how long ago that was). Though much of that early work will never see the light of day, I am glad I can finally share them with you.

Every November 11th since I was a child, I would sit with my dad and watch WWII documentaries and movies like A Bridge too Far, or The Longest Day which featured Sainte-Mère-Église during the D-day landings. So many of those stories beg to be remembered and I tried to include as much as I could in this novel, even in passing. Stories such as John Steele of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment who dropped into the warzone of Sainte-Mère-Église that night and his chute caught on the spire of the church. He hung limply for hours, pretending to be dead, before the Germans took him prisoner. John later escaped and rejoined his division. Or, Henry Langrehr who landed five miles from his drop zone, crashing through a greenhouse on the way down. He was unharmed from the fall, but was later wounded and captured. He lived into his nineties to tell the tale.

Many of the events and deeds of The Resistance in the novel are also pulled from history. The French citizen’s willingness to risk their lives to transport weapons and information, and to staunchly resist the brutal German occupation. It is estimated that approximately 90,000 men women – and children – were killed, tortured, or deported by the Germans for their efforts.

Though many of the characters in this story are fictional, there are so many men and women who truly did live through the horrors of the War in Europe, and more importantly risked or sacrificed their all for the freedom and lives of others.

I pray we never forget.

MY REVIEW

Sweeping across history the author drops us into a time where WWII was blazing across France with soldiers, prisoners, danger and a young woman who desperately wanted to keep her family safe. Rosalie’s brother is so determined to join in the fight that he sometimes becomes reckless in his decisions. I thought the author did a great job in making the story authentic with historical facts. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen with Rosalie and her family.

Rosalie is caught in a situation when a German soldier brings a British pilot to her doorstep. What did this German solider think Rosalie was suppose to do? Certainly trust was a big issue but I was very surprised at the hostility and suspicions the British pilot expressed towards Rosalie. I can’t imagine what danger awaits Rosalie but I did admire her compassion to help a stranger even though it put her and her family in danger.

Frank is hard to figure out at times. He seems dedicated to serving Germany but then he befriends Rosalie and helps an enemy who is injured. Some may think he could be dangerous but the author keeps us guessing for a bit. I like how the author developed Frank’s character slowly while letting us see his struggles. For some reason I felt drawn to Frank. Perhaps it was his inner struggle with the war or his faith but he has this compassion for others that really makes him stand out as he struggles through difficult situations. As Franz gets deeper into helping Rosalie he finds himself starting to fear. That fear is directed at God. It is interesting to hear his thoughts about being judged by God.

The story is intriguing and full of danger as Rosalie starts to help in ways that could find her life in danger. Franz is worried about her safety but doesn’t know how much longer he can keep up the charade of hiding what she does. The battle between these two are emotionally focused and I held my breath as they try to find a way to work together and stay safe.

The book goes into details about the war and how dangerous it was to keep from getting hurt or captured by the enemy. I loved how a certain soldier became an ally and helped deter his own men away from Rosalie and her brother. Bravery of the men and women who fought this battle for freedom are to be honored. Though some of the story is fiction we still feel the burden people faced each day trying to survive. I honor those who fight for our freedom everyday. They are the heroes we need to respect and thank them for their sacrifice.

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

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 29

Books, Books, and More Books, April 29

The Write Escape, April 30

Remembrancy, April 30

Southern Gal Loves to Read, May 1

Rachael’s Inkwell, May 1

Texas Book-aholic, May 1

Genesis 5020, May 2

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, May 2

Inklings and notions, May 2

She Lives To Read, May 3

lakesidelivingsite, May 3

Betti Mace, May 4

For Him and My Family, May 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 4

Sodbuster Living, May 5

deb’s Book Review, May 5

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 6

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 6

Vicarious Living, May 6

Older & Smarter?, May 7

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 7

Sylvan Musings, May 7

Connie’s History Classroom, May 8

Blossoms and Blessings, May 8

Mary Hake, May 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 9

Splashes of Joy, May 9

Through the Fire Blogs, May 9

Bizwings Blog, May 10

Pause for Tales, May 10

Labor Not in Vain, May 10

Bigreadersite, May 11

Where Faith and Books Meet, May 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, May 11

CarpeDiem, May 12

Lights in a Dark World, May 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and 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/1d3bb/a-rose-for-the-resistance-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, April 29, 2022

To Bring You Back

About the Book

Book: To Bring You Back

Author: Emily Conrad

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release date: August 16, 2021

ToBringYouBack_Amazon He’s determined to confront the past she’s desperate to forget.

Broke in more ways than one, the last thing Adeline Green can afford is for her now-famous high school crush to descend on her quiet life.

People in the small town of Lakeshore, Wisconsin, think of her as the hard-working church secretary or as the local food truck’s lunch-hour cashier. They’d never suspect the shame she’s hiding.

She attended high school with both the lead singer and the drummer of the rock band, Awestruck. In fact, she used to play in the band herself, but that was back before Awestruck made it big—and before her relationship with lead singer Gannon Vaughn took a turn that ultimately led to tragedy and heartbreak.

She’s living a different life now, but when Gannon shows up, he brings with him a public spotlight that threatens to expose her deepest regret. The closer she gets to him, the more she risks the carefully curated life that’s finally brought her a measure of peace.

Gannon Vaughn and his rock band, Awestruck, have conquered the music industry, but he can’t overcome his feelings for Adeline.

She may have been right to cut off contact between them years ago, but thanks to the grace of God, he’s a changed man. When he hears Adeline’s struggling, he sets out to turn her life around and win back the love he lost to poor choices eight years ago.

But when Gannon’s fame and their mutual regrets jeopardize their relationship anew, will grace be enough to bring them back to God and each other?

A meaningful Christian romance with a side of fame and fortune for readers who enjoy faith-filled escapes and happily-ever-afters where no one is beyond hope of redemption.

MY REVIEW

The book tackles some sensitive issues like suicide, depression, drugs and domestic abuse which may be a trigger for some. The author does look at these issues with an honesty at how these topics can affect someone. We get some background on the characters and how their lives interacted with each other. Fitz is a focal point between Adeline and Gannon. There may have been signs of Fitz’s depression when they were in high school together, but it was overlooked because fame was knocking at their door. Adeline didn’t follow the group and stopped playing all together. It has been years since the tragedy happened yet she still blames herself. I found it interesting that she volunteered for everything maybe to not feel guilty about what happened or maybe she thought if she did all this volunteer work people would think she was a good person. Her shame has caused her not to face the truth and carries her burden deep so no one will ever know.

Gannon showing up after all these years unsettles Adeline. Over the years the band that Gannon is in has become famous. I liked the look at what a band goes through as they start to get popular. It reminded me of bands today who break into the Christian genre. They have to find the right songs that reflect their beliefs and a label that will stand with them. Gannon is very determined to get Adeline to deal with her past and learn to forgive herself. I will say he never gave up and that is just what she needs.

The book examines two people who share a past and how they each coped with what happened. The honest look at struggles that we face when we don’t feel deserving of grace is well represented by Adeline and her constant battle with forgiveness. In a way she seemed upset that Gannon has moved on and hasn’t paid for his sin. I wonder if we do that to people ? We get upset when someone is forgiven when we don’t think they deserve it. The bottom line is we are not to question God’s ways.

With characters that struggle with the past this book is a great lesson in redemption. I loved how much Gannon wanted to help Adeline and his genuine compassion for her to regain her faith is unquestionable. The author slowly restores their friendship to a point where they can be real with other. Putting aside the tabloids and flurry of paparazzi, they can finally open up and heal wounds that have prevented both of them to be free.

Get ready for a journey where two people seek redemption and forgiveness. The road is not easy as one tries to play hero over and over again. Gannon thinks his worth is always being there when someone is in trouble. He can’t let them down for fear of failure. Adeline can’t find her way to where God is waiting to comfort her. Her journey will take her to a place where healing is and freedom is felt. It’s an emotional story that opens the door to grace and a real relationship with the One who loves unconditionally.

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

Emily Conrad writes contemporary Christian romance that explores life’s relevant questions. Though she likes to think some of her characters are pretty great, the ultimate hero of her stories (including the one she’s living) is Jesus. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and their energetic coonhound rescue. Learn more about her and her books at emilyconradauthor.com.

More from Emily

A Guilty Pleasure with a Purpose

When a reader called the Rhythms of Redemption Romances a guilty pleasure, I had to smile because that’s exactly what To Bring You Back, the first book in the series, was to me as I wrote it.

Don’t get me wrong, To Bring You Back is firmly Christian fiction, and it’s not “guilty” of being blush-inducing. Because of the characters’ history, theirs is a slow-burn romance that focuses more on the emotional side of their relationship than the physical.

But, To Bring You Back is a rock star romance.

When I first started writing it, I was embarrassed to admit that’s what I was working on.

After all, rock star romance has a reputation for being an unrealistic and shallow escape from reality with “guilty pleasure” written all over it.

Maybe there was some of that escapism going on. At that point in my writing journey, I was dealing with disillusionment, and I enjoyed the break of writing about rich and famous characters.

However, as I wrote To Bring You Back and went on to read others’ romances about famous characters, I found that the characters’ occupations and net worth don’t impact the most important elements of their stories.

The tales can still showcase meaningful relationships and God at work in the lives of people who—rich and famous or not—need redemption.

Fame, money, and music help up the entertainment value, but those same features add even more rich conflict to explore.

The men of Awestruck, starting with lead singer Gannon Vaughn in To Bring You Back, have allowed me to ask questions like: How good is grace? What does it mean to live in forgiveness? What gives a person worth? And, when is living the dream no longer worth the price?

To write this post, I took a break from working on the first draft of the final book in the series, and it’s been fun to look back and see how much my opinion of these stories has changed.

If To Bring You Back and the books that follow are a guilty pleasure, they’re a guilty pleasure with a purpose. God has worked in my life through them.

It’s my prayer that He’ll also use them in your life, both to explore meaningful questions and to provide a few hours of entertaining escape.