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Monday, June 1, 2020

About the Book

Book:  The Story Hunter
Author: Lindsay A. Franklin
Genre:  Christian Fantasy, Action & Adventure
Release Date: May 19, 2020
Franklin - The Story HunterRedeeming the past is a fatal quest.
In the wake of a deadly coup, the capital city of Urian has descended into chaos. Heartbreak and bloodshed await Tanwen and her friends as they discover the unlikeliest leader now rules Tir.
If they want to save the realm, Tannie and the Corsyth weavers must rescue Queen Braith and unmask the Master, ending the strife once and for all. But the success of their hunt depends upon an ally no one trusts.
The Master has a new target in sight: fragile, trauma-scarred Digwyn, whose unique weaving ability could turn the tide of any war. When the desire for vengeance proves too powerful for Digwyn to resist, Tanwen must face a terrifying truth: the fate of Tir rests in the hands of a volatile, shattered girl.

Click here to get your copy!
 MY REVIEW
This is the last  book in series and I was happy to see Digwyn take front and center in the story. I liked reading about the adventure they took to free their Queen . I remember one of  the characters saying they could not trust anyone. I find that true even today. We must allow God to guide us to the truth and show us where evil is. 

The race is on as the quest to save the Queen will take the group to dangerous places and test their strength and wisdom. The story takes many turns some  of which surprised me. I did enjoy following these characters and wondered how the author would end the series. I have to say that at times I did not quite understand what was going on. Fantasy books are not my favorite but this author does a good job throwing in unexpected turns that it was enough to keep me interested. I know fans of this series will be pleased with the outcome and yes there are a few sad moments that I didn’t see coming. Overall the series is one I think many will enjoy as the author has a talent to take a story and explore the unknown with whimsical characters and talents that you can expect from this genre. 

I really liked the part towards the end when Queen Braith has an encounter with Bo-Ferrell. As Bo-Ferrell is explaining what Brac has done  Braith explains, “It is not wrong to try and help someone in need.” Even though Brac may  have been put in harms way, the desire was always to carry out the mission. It is a good lesson for each of us to remember. We need to be willing to help someone out even if it is uncomfortable. Did the Queen get rescued? Well that will be an answer for  readers to discover as they read the conclusion of the series.

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

About the Author

Franklin, Lindsay2018 - Author PhotoLindsay A. Franklin is a Carol Award–winning author, freelance editor, and homeschooling mom of three. She would wear pajama pants all the time if it were socially acceptable. Lindsay lives in her native San Diego with her scruffy-looking nerf-herder husband, their precious geeklings, three demanding thunder pillows (a.k.a. cats), and a stuffed marsupial named Wombatman.

More from Lindsay

Someone asked me recently where my story ideas come from. In fact, that’s one of the author questions I get asked most often. Honestly, the answer is different for every single project I’ve worked on, every single thing I’ve written. I’ve gotten ideas from news headlines, from dreams, from random musings while washing dishes. I even got an idea for a novel from a throwaway remark made by an editor teaching a workshop (that’s how The Story Peddler started).
The idea for The Story Hunter started with a title that turned into a girl.
After The Weaver Trilogy was acquired, my publisher and I brainstormed a list of titles for books two and three in the series. My editor loved the title The Story Peddler and wanted to keep that format for subsequent books. On his brainstorming list was the title The Story Thief. Obviously, this title did not make it all the way to publication. The middle-grade best-selling series Story Thieves wasn’t on our radar at the time, and once it was, I knew we would have to work with a different title (and I absolutely love the title The Story Hunter, so there’s no lingering sadness over here). But the moment I saw that phrase, The Story Thief, a new character popped into my head. It was one of those rare instances when a complete person arrives in my imagination all at once. I knew who she was, what she wanted, and what her unique gift would be. She was Diggy, my story thief, and I knew book three would belong to her.
There were many things I loved about writing this final installment of The Weaver Trilogy but none more than getting to write my story thief’s journey. That’s her hand on the cover of the book, stealing lightning and battling her inner monsters. Though I knew who Diggy was the moment I imagined her, I wasn’t sure how her story was going to end until I wrote it. I can recall saying to my best friend during Hunter’s writing process, “I don’t know if Diggy is going to be okay.” Her backstory is very difficult and deeply personal to me. When we’re facing the kind of odds Diggy is facing, sometimes we don’t win. And even if we do, rarely do we come out unscathed. So I built the book around that question: is Diggy going to be okay? And I didn’t know the answer until I scribbled it down on my outline.
When readers reach The End for the final time in this series, I hope they will feel I’ve done Diggy’s story—and the stories of all my beloved Weaver characters— justice.

Blog Stops

Mia Reads, June 1
Hallie Reads, June 9
Remembrancy, June 9
Worthy2Read, June 11
Pause for Tales, June 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lindsay is giving away the grand prize package of a signed set of The Weaver Trilogy paperbacks, set of four character cards with art by Laura Hollingsworth, set of three Weaver-themed Novelly Yours candles (The Corsyth, The Cethorelle, and The Craigyl), an “I Ship It Mor” enamel pin designed by Dust & Pages, Custom tea tins from Adagio Tea (Braith’s Blend and Diggy’s Spikefruit), and an assortment of bookmarks, stickers, and art prints!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Made in Hollywood

About the Book

Book:  Made in Hollywood
Author: Michelle Keener
Genre:  Christian Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 10, 2020
thumbnail_MadeinHollywood_Cvr-24JANWhen a pastor’s son saves her life, can a prodigal daughter dare to believe in second chances?
Noah Shaw is almost thirty and he still doesn’t know what he wants to be when he grows up. Torn between running his business as a limo driver for Hollywood’s elite, and feeling called to ministry, he prays for direction. But he never expects that direction to include finding a woman near-death on the front steps of his father’s church.
Hannah left her family and her faith when she moved to Hollywood looking for adventure. Instead of finding fame in the movies, she was lured into the life of an exotic dancer. Hopeless and ashamed, suicide seems like her only escape. Until the night Noah saves her life.
The Shaw family welcomes her into their home and gives her a chance to start over. When the shadows of her former life threaten to expose her past, she must choose between running away or fighting for the new life she’s built and the man she’s grown to love.

Click here for your copy.
 MY REVIEW
With an emotional heart I write this review. It amazes me how a book can teach you so many lessons. The author has woven a story much like the Prodigal Son  but with more intensity. The emotions run deep  in this unforgettable story of redemption. I loved reading about Hannah and her quest to find unconditional love. There is no need to retell the story in my review. That is waiting for  readers to experience. I want to express just how powerful this story is. Hannah could be anybody who has been running from their past. Many of us think we have done so many unforgivable things, that God would never welcome us home. 
What I found in this story was compassion that helped a young woman feel important. Being tossed on a deserted parking lot of a church was definitely a divine appointment for Hannah that night. Noah is so forgiving and is the hands and feet of God.  He reached out and showed grace to someone who had given up. Noah’s family not only takes a stranger in but welcomes her with open arms. To witness her surrender to God is a very heart wrenching scene. I remember when I felt ready to give up. In that moment I could feel arms wrapped around me as I cried out to God. Hannah experiences much the same as she cries tears of healing at the altar of forgiveness. 
No matter where we are , not matter what we have done, God is waiting with open arms. Hannah faces danger as her past catches up with her. The author does  a great job of letting Hannah face her enemy surrounded by those who love her. The ending will require tissues as the author leads us to the beginning of a new chapter for several characters. I am hoping the author will continue the series with a story filled with redemption, forgiveness and letting go of the chains that keep us from God.
“The mistakes of our past can become our greatest testimony if we surrender them to God and let Him redeem them.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. 

About the Author

Michelle KeenerMichelle Keener is a wife, mom, and the author of five books. She lives in Southern California with her retired Marine husband, their two children, and one spoiled dog. When she isn’t writing, she is busy homeschooling, teaching creative writing workshops, or baking something involving chocolate.

More from Michelle

The Story of a Prodigal Daughter

Made in Hollywood is the sequel to my first Christian romance novel Mission Hollywood. It’s the story of Lily’s brother Noah and his search for love and direction. In the book, Noah meets a young girl who has been through some truly dark and terrible places. She’s been wounded, abused, and she’s lost hope. She’s worried that her past is too much for God to forgive, and that she’s fallen too far and doesn’t deserve God’s grace. She is a prodigal daughter lost on the streets of Hollywood.

One of the reasons I wrote Made in Hollywood (aside from the fact that I just adore Noah) is to be a reminder that God never gives up on us. Just like the story of the Prodigal Son, if we turn back to God, He will run to us and bring us home.

There is no place so dark that God light can’t reach.

There is no sin, no mistake, no circumstance that can separate us from the love of God. His arms are always open to us. His love is unchanging, unending, and unfailing. His amazing grace reaches the lost and restores what was broken. His love binds our wounds and heals our past. What the enemy intended for evil, God will turn to good. It’s a truth Hannah had to learn. It’s a truth I had to learn. And it’s a truth God wants His people to share. God’s love never fails.
I hope you enjoy Made in Hollywood!

Blog Stops

Quiet Quilter, May 31
Artistic Nobody, June 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle 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.

Sunday, May 31, 2020

WELCOME TO THE EDGE OF TRUTH REVIEW PROMO BLAST
PRESENTED BY CELEBRATE LIT


The DEA sends two of its best agents, Kara Nelson and Jeff Clark, to Central Oregon, to shut down a major drug ring. Kara and Jeff usually work alone, but Operation Trail Ride throws them undercover together in a way neither of them expected.
A notorious Miami drug lord wants Kara dead. Can these agents pull off the greatest acting job of their lives—and manage the sparks flying between them?
Or will they die trying?
Edge of Truth is the first book in the Law Enforcement Heroes series. A romantic suspense series with nail biting suspense and a splash of romance. If you like engaging characters, small-town antics, and page turning suspense, then you’ll love Kimberly Rose Johnson’s Law Enforcement Heroes series.
https://amzn.to/2IwGKXG

Kimberly Rose Johnson is the 2018 Faith Hope and Love Reader’s Choice winner for short contemporary novel. She’s married to 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 contemporary romance and romantic mystery that warms the heart and feeds the soul.
Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
Kimberly’s hobbies include reading, watching chick flicks, playing the piano, long walks with her hubby and their yellow lab, drinking coffee and eating dark chocolate.

MY REVIEW


I have not listened to an audio book before and I’m glad this is the one I was able to try out. I loved listening to the story and hearing the different emotions in the readers voice. This story is packed with  danger at every turn. Kara has her cover blown and now must lay low to make everyone think she is dead.  Working  as a DEA agent is dangerous but I admire those who put their lives on the line to clean up our streets from drugs that seem to be everywhere.

This story takes place in a small town that Kara went to high school at. I found it fascinating that she was sent there with a partner to uncover a drug ring. I though Kara and Jeff made a great team. Jeff I think had a very hard time being back at his step-brothers ranch. It isn’t easy to investigate a family member. One of the things I really liked about Jeff was his determination to keep Kara safe. She has gone through several close calls and I was beginning to think her body couldn’t take much more damage.

I loved hearing  about the undercover operation and how strategic the plan needed to be in order to capture the dealers who were running drugs across the border. Jeff knows something strange is going on at the ranch. The investigation takes several twists that put Kara and Jeff in harms way. I liked how the author used Jeff to reassure Kara that God loves her and that she needs to trust him. Get ready for an adventure into the world of undercover work that exposes the ugly side of drugs.

I received an audio copy from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. 






About the Book

Book:  The Socialite
Author: J’nell Ciesielski
Genre:  Historical Romance
Release Date: April 14, 2020
Glamour, treachery, and espionage collide when an English socialite rushes to save her sister from the Nazis.
As the daughter of Sir Alfred Whitford, Kat has a certain set of responsibilities. But chasing her wayward sister, Ellie, to Nazi-occupied Paris was never supposed to be one of them. Now accustomed to the luxurious lifestyle that her Nazi boyfriend provides, Ellie has no intention of going back to the shackled life their parents dictate for them—but Kat will stop at nothing to bring her sister home.
Arrested for simply trying to defend himself against a drunken bully, Barrett Anderson is given the option of going to jail or serving out his sentence by training Resistance fighters in Paris. A bar owner serves as the perfect disguise to entertain Nazis at night while training fighters right below their jackboots during the day. Being assigned to watch over two English debutantes is the last thing he needs, but a payout from their father is too tempting to resist. Can Barrett and Kat trust each other long enough to survive, or will their hearts prove more traitorous than the dangers waiting around the corner?

Click here to get your copy!
MY REVIEW

The story blew me away with his details and historical facts.   The story is rich in history and the author transported me  back to when Hitler was in control. The man is pure evil and the thought of  what he did to people is hard to comprehend. Everywhere you looked, his presence was known by the violence he loved to cast on others. 

Kat was so determined to bring her sister back home that she will risk her life. I loved her spirt of family and how she would do anything to rescue her sister from the evil clutches of Eric. As I got to know Kat I soon saw that deep down in her heart she desired to have her father proud of her. Her mission to bring Ellie home was out of unconditional love for her sister and the need to have her father say he was proud of her.

Ellie was a real handful at times. She is so blind to Eric’s underhanded treatment of people that she finds herself like a puppet to him. She made me mad as she so willingly let him dictate her every step. Ellie is happy to see her sister but Ellie is stubborn and won’t believe that Eric is bad for her. I loved reading about  how Hitler came into power and the struggles many people faced when he took everything from innocent people. The story is very detailed about the war and the fallout it had on the Jewish community. 

There is so much going on in the story that at times I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The character I liked the most was Barrett. Oh my what a man of integrity he is. He will risk his life to protect Kat and Ellie. There were several scenes when Kat and Barrett clashed that I found to be frustrating. Kat is so determined to do things on her own which ends up putting her, Ellie and Barrett in grave danger. Barrett is willing to lay his life down in order for Kat and Ellie to find their way home to freedom. 

I enjoyed reading the story and think it made sone interesting points. Courage comes from within and to never give up hope. Trust your instincts and follow the path that leads to the truth. The story shows how easy someone can be manipulated when they want to be loved so badly. The ending is an epic adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat. If you love history this book is a must read. As I end my review I wonder if we would be brave enough to stand up for what we believe in? 

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

About the Author

With a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories, J’nell Ciesielski weaves fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. Winner of the Romance Through the Ages Award and the Maggie Award, she is a Florida native who now lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle. Learn more at www.jnellciesielski.com.

More from J’Nell

I blame Pinterest. Too many hours are spent chasing rabbit holes of glorious pictures of fashion from eras gone by, Highlanders in kilts, WWI ambulances, and fairytale castles. One day I was browsing something super important (or possibly escaping from the actual work I was supposed to be doing, er, we’ll never know) and stumbled across a black and white picture of six beautiful girls. Who are these lovely ladies? I wondered. A quick search brought up the Mitford sisters. Six gorgeous daughters born into an aristocratic English family, each girl with a different passion: Diana the fascist, Jessica the communist, Unity the Hitler lover, Nancy the novelist, Deborah the duchess, and Pamela the poultry connoisseur. Whoa. You know dinner time around their family table was interesting. How could such different personalities belong in the same family? What would you do if your sister got moon-eyed over Hitler??
Bam. An idea was born.
In the beginning, my little rebel Ellie was going to be a full-fledged Nazi ideology lover, but she quickly informed me that it wasn’t so much the Nazis or their crazy ideas she loved, but one man in particular. One twisted Nazi who had fallen completely under her spell, and she under his. The ideas of love can often be more difficult to break as Kat finds out when she tries to rescue her naïve sister. Luckily, she has a hunky Sottish bartender to help her while providing a few romantic intentions of his own. With everyone hiding past hurts and true identities, how will they ever hope to find the love they each long for when war rages under the bright lights of Paris? Guess you’ll have to read to find out 😉

Blog Stops

Emily Yager, May 22
Simple Harvest Reads, May 25 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Livin’ Lit, May 26
Betti Mace, May 27
Genesis 5020, May 28
Remembrancy, May 28
Mia Reads, May 29
Rebecca Tews, May 30
Moments, June 2
Andrea Carmen, June 3
Hallie Reads, June 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, J’nell is giving away the grand prize of a book and a book sleeve!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.