Monday, July 17, 2023

About the Book

Book: Managing Millie

Author: Susan Pope Sloan

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 11, 2023

In a time of war, love has to fight for a happily-ever-after.

Millie Gibson has loved Troy McNeil for years. So when he suddenly confesses his attraction to her, she’s ecstatic, even if their time together is limited as Troy must stay on the move to avoid the Confederate army. When Troy rescues her from an attacker, Millie begs him to replace the awful memory with one of love. But will that love last when he learns their time together produced lasting consequences?

Dodging the Rebel army has kept Troy apart from Millie for months, but he can’t forget their last hours together. The last thing he expects upon his return is to find her surrounded by Union soldiers, and now he’s been apprehended as a possible spy and sent to a Union prison. With his fate in the hands of others, only God can orchestrate hope from the chaos of war.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Born into a family of storytellers, Susan Pope Sloanpublished her first articles in high school and continued writing sporadically for decades. Retirement provided the time to focus on writing and indulge her avid interest in history. Her Civil War series begins (and ultimately ends) in her home state of Georgia with references to lesser-known events of that period. She and husband Ricky live near Columbus where she participates in Word Weavers, ACFW, and Toastmasters.

More from Susan

Millie and Troy captured my heart while writing *Rescuing Rose*, and I knew their story had to be told. It was inspired by people close to me—but generations apart–who had a similar experience. *Managing Millie* is loosely based on those.

The challenging part for me was remembering that these characters are very young (16 and 19) and thus plagued by a wide range of volatile emotions and hormones. The decisions they make seem to defy logic at times. Like many young women, Millie tries to grasp control of her life amid difficult situations. Troy is more easy-going, merely trying to stay one step ahead of the Confederate Army until he ends up in a Union prison. Suddenly forced to face his responsibilities, he learns to “man-up” and take charge. His
greatest task, of course, is learning to “manage” Millie without destroying their love for each other.

MY REVIEW

I love a story that captures the time period so well you feel as if you are actually there. The author delivers a realistic look during the Civil War. I like that the author has a strong and determined woman that commands attention wherever she goes. Her desire to overcome obstacles is evident as her journey takes her into unknown territory. Trying to survive and worry about someone she cares deeply for occupies her mind a lot. There were times when Millie wondered if she would survive the many obstacles she faced but her faith is what she relies on.

Troy is someone who I wasn’t sure about at first. I understand why he didn’t want to fight but with that choice he had to leave the woman he loved. Troy still at times ponders over what happened the last time he saw Millie. He dreams of being reunited with her and hopes her feelings for him are the same. As war rages on, it gets harder to find where Millie was taken. Will Troy give up or keep believing that he will be reunited with Millie?

I was upset with Millie when her anger spills out onto someone who I didn’t think deserved it. Two people who gave in to temptation suddenly find themselves with a special surprise. We see where forgiveness comes in for both characters as they search their hearts.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 17

Texas Book-aholic, July 18

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 19

Lighthouse Academy Blog, July 20 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Connie’s History Classroom, July 21

The Book Club Network, July 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 23

Christina’s Corner, July 23

Blossoms and Blessings, July 24

Cover Lover Book Review, July 25

annette_reads_daily, July 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 27

For Him and My Family, July 28

Holly’s Book Corner, July 29

Splashes of Joy, July 29

Pause for Tales, July 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan 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/26b9a/managing-millie-celebration-tour-giveaway

UNSEEN DANGER BY JERUSHA AGEN

After a brutal attack, it took Nevaeh Williams six years to rebuild her life. Now a security specialist at the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency, she faces danger nearly every day. But when an old friend is targeted, her fragile stability begins to crumble.

Celebrity bodyguard Branson Aaberg could lose more than his career if he fails to end the mysterious threat against his client. Soon he’s more concerned with rescuing the tough but vulnerable woman who joins his security team.

Nevaeh is there to protect her friend, but what if she needs protection? What if the feeling she’s being watched isn’t the result of her traumatized imagination? If the danger is real, Nevaeh's only hope for survival may be the God powerful enough to defeat her worst enemy—the one she doesn't see before it's too late.

Unseen Danger continues the thrilling story of the elite Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency that began with Hidden Danger (Guardians Unleashed, #1). (Each book can stand alone or be read as series installments.)

MY REVIEW

I advise readers to make sure they are ready to not put this book down until the very end. Yes it is that good and will leave you wanting more from the author. Her writing style is gritty, emotional and faith filled. The characters jump off the pages as each one is able to take center stage. I was captivated by how the author highlights PTSD in a way that digs deep into the emotional struggle that people face as they try to reach a place of comfort. In this installment we get to know Nevaeh and Branson on a more personal level.

The author unwraps Nevaeh in a way that gives us a peek inside the turmoil she has gone through. Her job demands her full attention but something is off and her boss takes notice. I liked how Nevaeh was determined to keep an old friend safe even though danger lurked almost immediately. With her dog Alverez who is a trained K-9 their bond is fierce. I have always admired K-9 dogs and how protective they are. Their ability to sniff out danger is amazing and much needed for their owner. I did like how we were taken back to when Nevaeh was brutally attacked several years ago. It gave me chills reading how one person could inflict so much pain on another. Has she fully recovered from that attack?

Branson is the star in this book for me. His compassion for his dad who is very ill is shown is a loving way. He takes a job with a rapper as a bodyguard even though it is not the ideal environment. His honest talks with God are emotional and shows how he struggles at times with his faith. His sacrifice to help his father pay medical bills keeps him going everyday. His dream starts to fade away as he knows that every penny he has saved and money he now earns goes to his dad’s medical bills. I loved that Branson is not bitter about putting his dream on hold and trusts God to see him through the hard times.

The attraction between Nevaeh and Brandon is like a slow burn where they each fight their feelings but know that there is chemistry between them. It is hard at times for them to work together as they grow closer to each other. The danger and non stop action keep them preoccupied with threats, kidnappings and explosions that reach a high level of a thrilling adventure. Someone wants to harm D-Chop and will do whatever it takes to get to him. This is where we see how the author can grab readers attention with a thriller that keeps hearts racing. It is intense at times and I found myself with chills running down my arms as I realized that someone is also after Nevaeh as well.

The team along with Branson are in a race to keep one step ahead of the threat while trying to stay alive. The mixture of faith in the story drives the characters forward as they each face having to trust God. Nevaeh is put in a place where her faith and trust in God is the only way to survive when someone gets too close to her. Will she surrender to God and ask for help? Can Branson get to her in time? Who wants to kill D-Chop and why? Grab a copy and find out the answers in this must read book.

“If I don’t control my fear it will control me.”

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

http://unseendanger.com/

http://jerushastore.com/

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Monday, July 10, 2023

COLD PURSUIT BY NANCY MEHL

Ex-FBI profiler River Ryland still suffers from PTSD after a case went horribly wrong. Needing a fresh start, she moves to St. Louis to be near her ailing mother and opens a private investigation firm with her friend and former FBI partner, Tony St. Clair. They're soon approached by a grieving mother who wants them to find out what happened to her teenaged son, who disappeared four years ago. River knows there's almost no hope the boy is still alive, but his mother needs closure, and River and Tony need a case, no matter how cold it might be.

But as they follow the boy's trail, which gets more complicated at every turn, they find themselves in the path of a murderer determined to punish anyone who gets in his way. As River and Tony race to stop him before he kills again, an even more dangerous threat emerges, stirring up the past that haunts River and plotting an end to her future.

MY REVIEW

Lock your door, grab your covers and get ready for an intense, action packed thriller where nothing is what it seems. The author begins a new series with two characters that capture your attention right away. River is still reeling from something that changed her life forever as she agrees to open a private investigation firm with her friend Tony. They both were there together the night that is detailed in the opening pages of this story. I was on the edge of my seat as these two suffered at the hands of a monster. It is unnerving what they went through but now they are determined to make a fresh start at their new partnership.

River is someone who you may need to walk on egg shells around. She can be abrupt and rude at times but her heart is in the right place. I think I can say with confidence that she makes a great character because she still carries trauma from her past but tries to keep it buried. I expect any minute for her to explode and perhaps it may allow her to finally let go of the past. Sometimes we go to a dark place before we finally cry out to God. River has struggled with her lack of faith for a long time. I love when Tony tells her, “ God will lead you out.”

Tony is someone you definitely want as a friend. He is compassionate, determined and protective. I love how he watches out for River and is attentive to her mood swings. The case they are working on is bringing up sone bad memories and Tony is there to not only protect River but to put whoever is targeting them away. I like how the author weaves a story that keeps you guessing while witnessing the strong faith thread throughout the book.

I appreciate how the author gives us a glimpse into what a mentally challenged person deals with. I almost feel sorry for the person in the story because he couldn’t understand that he needed help. All the years he had been bullied really affected him and caused him to not trust anyone. With medication he could have a better life but he chooses to ignore everyone and the consequences are deadly. I love how the author leaves the door open for the next book in this series. I am anxiously waiting to see what happened next in this thriller that takes you deep inside the world of mental illness where danger lurks if help is not received.

I received a copy of this book from the author and also purchased a copy as well. The review is my own opinion.

Purchase Links:

https://amzn.to/46HVsVG (Amazon)

https://bit.ly/44yuWfx (Christian Book)

https://bit.ly/3O6Dc0Y (Barnes and Noble)

https://bit.ly/3riNLoL (Baker Book House)

https://bit.ly/3NKwnk9 (Powell’s Books)

https://bit.ly/44fNKR3 (Walmart)

https://bit.ly/46HX7u6 (Books A Million)

https://bit.ly/3JRq7pz (Target)

https://bit.ly/43cxcbj (Kobo)

https://bit.ly/3XI4NZm (Google Play Store)

https://apple.co/3D6qtoC (Apple Books)

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

About the Book

Book: Convergence

Author: Rena Groot

Genre: Apocalyptic Fiction based on the Book of Revelation

Release date: 2021

Convergence-A Window Into Eternity offers a glimpse into an apocalyptic world that was foretold thousands of years ago. As the climactic showdown between good and evil approaches, the convergence of prophetic signs is accelerating at an alarming pace. Yet, beyond the nightmare, a time of beauty, peace, and love awaits. The book invites readers to witness the unfolding drama as the curtain is pulled back. Within its pages, there are numerous messages to ponder—from trusting God no matter the circumstances to being strong and courageous in the face of adversity. The book reminds us that this life is fleeting, and eternity is at stake. The chapter called The Bride Price describes what Jesus endured to purchase our freedom. The book also reveals the despicable nature of Satan and offers a glimpse into the potential future under the rule of the Antichrist. Most importantly, Convergence-A Window Into Eternity showcases the beauty of Heaven and what it could be like to see Jesus.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Hi. My name is Rena Groot. I am an artist, writer, online course creator (Broken to Beautiful…rena-groot.mykajabi.com), BnB host, have been a teacher in Canada and China, a tour manager from the Rockies to the Pacific, and a missionary to the ends of the Earth. God has given me the honor of being an ambassador with “The Department of Eternal Affairs” to so many surprising places. I prayed with a voodoo queen in Haiti, led a dying woman to Jesus in a hut in a jungle village in Belize, helped with “Sidewalk Sunday Schools” in the Ghetto in NYC, took food and clothing to persecuted Christians behind the Iron Curtain in Poland and Romania, volunteered in Israel… just to name a few amazing things God led me to do. I started a blog to bless, encourage, and sometimes challenge people. Here’s the link. renagroot.com

More from Rena

Get ready for a thrilling adventure that will take you on a journey like no other. The Narrow Path Trilogy is an epic drama based on the book of Revelation that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The series explores some of the deepest issues we face in today’s turbulent times. As fear grips many, the trilogy offers a glimmer of hope by helping readers develop a deeper faith and trust in God. If you enjoyed the Left Behind series, you’ll love this dystopian trilogy that delves even deeper into what Christians could face in the future. The chapter called ‘The Bride Price’ may make you cry. Convergence describes the merging of prophetic signs John the beloved disciple saw in visions while stranded on the Isle of Patmos. It points us to the accelerating culmination of human history and ushers the reader through the portals of time and into eternity.

MY REVIEW

This book takes us inside with John as he is thrown in prison for not bowing down. He can’t bring himself to dishonor God and is committed to bowing only to the one true God. The author takes us inside the prison cell as John endures beatings and threats of death. I loved reading about John sharing about Jesus and how he died on the cross for us. It is a powerful message that sets the stage for what is to come. Will others believe John and follow Jesus?

Josh is desperate to get a message to his wife Rachel but he is fearful that the person who can deliver the message may not be trustworthy. You can feel his inner turmoil as he knows that Rachel must be warned of the danger. While Josh is talking to his friend Sam, he is reminded of something. “We humans put up walls, to protect our hearts. The walls imprison us.” Sam continues and says, “I have escaped my prison. My spirit fought transhuman cyborg and I have won.” I had to think about that for a moment. The enemy tries to break us yet we have to power to resist him if we believe.

I enjoyed following Josh and his wife on their mission to rescue young girls who have been locked up waiting for someone to rescue them from an evil woman who wants to sell them. As you can tell the world is coming unraveled and soon destruction will happen. We are warned in the Bible about this but to read it here makes it even more realistic.

John’s story is filled with what will happen in the end times. He shares his visions and calls on those to turn their lives around. He is vivid in his description about what is to come and wants to help as many as he can turn to Jesus.

The part about Heaven and hell is very eye opening. We have been given the choice to follow Him. Will you choose to give your life to Him and live for eternity, or deny Him and live in hell where pain and darkness awaits?

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 1

Christina’s Corner, July 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 3

Artistic Nobody, July 4 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Book Reviews, July 5

Texas Book-aholic, July 6

Guild Master, July 7 (Author Interview)

The Lit Lady, July 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 8

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

Through the Fire Blogs, July 10 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 11

Stories By Gina, July 12 (Author Interview)

Scott’s Book Reviews, July 12

Blogging With Carol, July 13

Splashes of Joy, July 14 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rena is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed 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/26793/convergence-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, July 3, 2023

About the Book

Book: Rescue in the Wilderness

Author: Andrea Byrd

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 27, 2023

William Cole cannot forget the cruel burden he carries, not with the pock marks that serve as an outward reminder. Riddled with guilt, he assumed the solitary life of a long hunter, traveling into the wilds of Kentucky each year. But his quiet existence is changed in an instant when, sitting in a tavern, he overhears a man offering his daughter—and her virtue—to the winner of the next round of cards. William’s integrity and desire for redemption will not allow him to sit idly by while such an injustice occurs.

Lucinda Gillespie has suffered from an inexplicable illness her entire life. Her father, embarrassed by her condition, has subjected her to a lonely existence of abuse and confinement. But faced with the ultimate betrayal on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Lucinda quickly realizes her trust is better placed in his hands of the mysterious man who appears at her door. Especially when he offers her the one thing she never thought would be within her grasp—freedom.

In the blink of an eye, both lives change as they begin the difficult, danger-fraught journey westward on the Wilderness Trail. But can they overcome their own perceptions of themselves to find love and the life God created them for?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Andrea Byrd is a Christian wife and mom located in rural Kentucky, who loves to spend time with her family in the great outdoors, one with nature. Often described as having been born outside her time, she has a deep affinity for an old-fashioned, natural lifestyle.

With a degree in Equine Health & Rehabilitation gathering dust and a full-time job tethering her to a desk eight hours a day, Andrea decided it was time to show both herself and her children that it is truly possible to make your dreams come true. Now with over 1,000 contemporary Christian romance novellas sold, Andrea is pursuing her passion of writing faith-filled romance woven with a thread of true history.

More form Andrea

There is so much inspiration that fed into the creation of Rescue in the Wilderness.

Not only was the Good Lord’s guiding hand ever-present, but so was the influence of those that came before me. This story was inspired by my own ancestors, as well as the countless others, that made the arduous journey through Cumberland Gap to settle in Kentucky. Those brave souls opened up a whole new world, and for some of us, established the area in which their families would preside for centuries to come.

As a lover of books that integrate history into fiction myself, I also wished to shed light on the “Hard Winter” of 1779-1780. This was a winter that came early, and with great intensity. While it caused hardships for many across the country, it made the journey through the Cumberland Gap all the more perilous.

Beyond these historical facts, I also wished to pay tribute to those who suffer from chronic pain conditions. I will never forget the day a friend of mine, whom the Lord called home all too soon, told me of her childhood rheumatoid arthritis and how there were days she was in too much pain to leave her bed. In this book, I wished to explore what pioneer life might have been for someone who suffered from such a condition.

MY REVIEW

The opening scene of this book was very emotional and I was hooked right away. Lucinda has lived a very sheltered life but not by choice. Her cruel father blames her for her mother’s death and now punishes her by keeping her locked up in the home. We can feel her complete hopelessness and I had to cry. This hit home for me because my parents never once said they loved me and told me every day how stupid I was. Like Lucinda I was abused which made me not trust anyone or even want to get close to anyone. Lucinda became the younger version of me that I never was and I desperately wanted her to be rescued and find love.

William is a loner who mostly lives in the wilderness hunting and occasionally comes into a town for provisions. What he overhears while in a tavern pushes him to do something out of the ordinary for most people. He carries guilt around for something that happened and thus he keeps his distance from everyone. The adventure begins when he and Lucinda join together on a mission that will have lasting effects on both of them.

The treacherous terrain they travel on is unforgiving and at times seemed hopeless. I loved how deeply William cared for Lucinda as her guard starts to come down around him. By accident he discovers some scars on her and you can feel his anger start to rise. It made me think of the scars many of us carry everyday. Some may be visible but a lot are hidden deep in our soul. As the author illustrates, God is there to heal us and give us joy as we begin a new season filled with forgiven and acceptance.

The time period is represented well by details the author provides that make you feel as if you are shivering as the snow falls. The story flows well and is not only a lesson in God’s mercy and forgiveness but in how unconditional love from God sets you free from your past.

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