About the Book:

Book:  Good & Faithful Servant

Author: Wes Daughenbough

Genre:  Non-fiction, leadership

Release Date: July, 2020

The greatest need in the body of Christ today is for spiritual leadership training, and the first law of spiritual leadership is that you are not the leader—the Holy Spirit is! If you follow him, you will lead many to righteousness.

Veteran pastor Wes Daughenbaugh, a Christian leader for nearly fifty years and author of five books, presents a wealth of spiritual wisdom designed to help Christian leaders develop skills for true godly leadership.

Key topics:

• The differences between secularized leadership and spiritual leadership.
• How to avoid using people to obtain a secularized vision and instead have God’s vision for the individuals you are leading.
• How to have influence with God (power in prayer).
• The importance of spiritual warnings.
• Seven ways to live in Christlike character virtues.
• Over sixty professional drawings to help you “see” spiritual truths.

If you long for intimacy with God and want your life to glorify Jesus, you’ll find Good and Faithful Servant to be a comprehensive, timely resource to help you be a Spirit-led servant of Jesus Christ and his church.

Click here to get your copy!

 MY REVIEW 

The book is a very interesting view of leadership. As I started reading,   something stood out right away. I have heard and also been one of the people  who have  prayed , “ God help me be more like you.” I desired to be more compassionate, more forgiving and more like God. The author says we should be praying , “Lord  make me just like Jesus.” I had to think about that statement for a bit. Have we been praying the wrong thing? Can we really be just like Jesus? After all He desires us to be His disciples; so in order to do that don’t we need to be just like Him?

I like how the author points out things churches are getting wrong. God doesn’t care how big a church is or how many people are in a church. He cares  about our salvation. I thought the part about leadership coming together to pray as people are entering the sanctuary was very good. I always wondered why the leadership was secluded from everyone instead of being there greeting people as they walk in. His suggestion of praying as a team before people start showing up makes a lot of sense. Now the leadership team is available to welcome everyone instead of isolating themselves. 

The author does give readers a lot to think about. He uses  scriptures and stories from the Bible to illustrate his points. I may not agree with everything in the book, but overall his heart for people is evident. Leaders have a great responsibility to take God’s people in the right direction. I sometimes think we need to check our attitude at the door and allow God to guide us through His appointed people to be just like Him. 

The book for me is one that had me digging through scriptures and asking God to give me wisdom as I read. The author is honest and does not avoid topics that for some may be uncomfortable. Pastors need to warn their congregation about sin, not skim over it so no one gets offended. I have sat in services where I became very uncomfortable. It wasn’t because I was offended but because the truth was being spoken and I needed to hear it. We can only go as far as our leaders take us. If they aren’t willing  to preach about the consequences of sin, then how do we grow ? I remember a pastor telling the congregation that his message was going to ruffle some  feathers. He said, “Get ready to hear the truth.” He then said, “God gave me this message first.” What he was trying to convey was God was dealing with his heart first and then he was to give the message to the church. 

I appreciate the  Virtue List at the end of the book. It is something I will be studying each day. Overall the book is helpful and has some good insight into what God wants as a leader. 

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

About the Author

Multi-published author Wes Daughenbaugh understands pastors and church leadership. He has served forty-six years in ministry as associate pastor, lead pastor, and traveling teacher-evangelist, preaching in fifty US states and several foreign countries. With the gift of teaching, Wes turns complex truths into easy-to-remember illustrations for leaders and readers. Ordained with the Oregon Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, Wes lives with his wife, Bonnie, in western Oregon. They have two daughters, three grandsons, and one granddaughter. Learn more at www.EncouragementExpert.com.

More from Wes

WHY I WROTE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT

During my many years in the ministry I’ve tried to feed my leadership gift with books on leadership but I never bonded with them. They were so dry. Then never talked about being rich in God, how to get supernatural faith, have a dynamic prayer life or live in the power of the Spirit. I finally decided I just must not be a leader but only a “teacher.”  During those years I “led” thousands to Christ and led thousands more into forgiveness and lessons in Christ-like maturity.       Two years ago I began to pray earnestly that God would restore spiritual POWER to the American Church. Then to my surprise, God strongly impressed me to write a book on SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP and gave me the title and subtitle.  The book gushed out of me in eight days of writing and I’ve spent the last year and a half perfecting the copy and getting the sixty plus drawings finished.  This book has the leadership lessons the Holy Spirit personally taught me. They are not DRY.  You’ll find God’s presence in this book.  It will teach you how to be a great follower of the real LEADER of the church, the Holy Spirit.

ONE MORE THING:  These lessons are for every Christian.  We don’t need titles and positions to be spiritual leaders.  Just desire to “lead many to righteousness” by being a great follower of the Holy Spirit.  God will use YOU to bring “massive glory” to His name.

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 8

Texas Book-aholic, September 9

By The Book, September 10 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 10

Inklings and notions, September 11

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 12

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 13 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 14

For the Love of Literature, September 15 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, September 15

For Him and My Family, September 16

Artistic Nobody, September 17 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 18 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 19

Through the Fire Blogs, September 20 (Author Interview)

Sara Jane Jacobs, September 21

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Wes is giving away the grand prize of 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/10094/good-and-faithful-servant-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book:  Amaryllis Journey

Author: Konnie Viner

Genre:  Christian Fiction/Romance

Release Date: July 23, 2020

You’re worthless, Shannon. This marriage is worthless. I deserve to be happy. We’re done!

Andrew’s cruel words have haunted Shannon for months . . . through the divorce, a move to a new town, a new job, new friends. And then she meets Max, who just might be the antidote she needs to recover completely. Until Andrew shows up again, ready to reconcile. And Shannon feels obligated to give him another chance.

As Andrew’s attention becomes more demanding and more deceptive, Shannon’s new friend, Rose, speaks truth and peace into her broken life. But Rose has her own secrets, and they’re about to catch up with her.

When it all comes crashing down, can either of them trust God enough to let Him showcase the perfect imperfections of their lives?

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW 

 This has been such a wonderful story that I wished it would have lasted longer. I was very curious about the title and couldn’t wait to see how it tied into the story. Shannon represents what we hear on the news almost daily. Being in an abusive marriage is dangerous and emotional. Shannon wanted to believe her husband would change but when she finds out a secret about him she knows she needs to move on. 

I thought it was brave for her to leave and start a new life in a small town. I loved following Shannon as she finds courage to move forward and stop believing the lies her husband would say to her. Andrew uses his words to make Shannon feel worthless and controls her with threats. I definitely felt the tension each time they  were  together. The author does a good job of showing what an abusive relationship is like. 

My favorite character in the book is Rose. I loved how she reached out to others who needed emotional support and ministered to them. Her sweet spirit witnesses to Shannon and slowly makes her more confident. Rose wears a special pin everyday and when it is revealed what it means , I cried. I want to visit Rose’s  shop and pick up a special vase for myself. I loved how she uses broken things and restores  them to reflect beauty. 

I loved the theme of beauty from ashes in the story. The author uses examples of broken lives to illustrate how God sees beauty in everything. We may feel broken but God takes our broken heart and  mends it. I did like the mystery involving Rose and oh my is it an emotional journey as the author puts the puzzle pieces together and shares the significance of God’s protection. A simple plant that Rose gives Shannon illustrates hope and a new beginning.  I can’t wait for readers to find out the mystery behind the beautiful pin Rose wears everyday. The  author had written a beautiful story filled with hope, peace, trust and believing in yourself. 

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

About the Author

Konnie Viner writes with the goal of helping others find hope in the midst of brokenness and disappointment. She is also the author of Rested Soul, Resilient Heart (2017). Konnie holds a BS in Education from the University of Kansas and an MS in Business Management from the University of Redlands, CA. She is a former secondary education teacher and is currently self-employed.

 More from Konnie

Amaryllis Journey is my second book, but first novel. It was written to bring to life one woman’s struggle to move out of the pain and insecurity of marital betrayal and divorce, into the light of God’s grace. Shannon Enright’s  new life is facilitated by a wise friend, Rose Daniels, who has been where she is and knows that what is broken is not useless and what is bare can bloom again.

Reeling from the pain and rejection of a nasty divorce, Shannon decides to start life over—in a new town, with a new job, new home, new friends. It isn’t easy, but things are finally starting to come together for her. Secrets from her marriage are still unfolding, but she grits her teeth and moves on. Looking for diversion, Shannon volunteers at a local florist shop and tearoom. There she finds more than she ever imagined.

Rose owns and operates the Amaryllis, a unique gift shop in Shannon’s new town. She repurposes broken household items, turning them into beautifully useful works of art. But Rose’s real purpose is to help others find beauty in the brokenness of life. She counsels young women like Shannon, showing them the quiet love of a faithful God and teaching them to trust His plan.

When Shannon’s ex returns, at first to sweet-talk and then to demand, it’s Rose’s counsel that keeps Shannon safe and sane. But Rose has been hiding her own dark and dangerous secrets, and her past is about to catch up with her.

When things come crashing down around them, will either woman find the strength to let God showcase the perfect imperfections of their lives?

——

I went through my own divorce ten years ago. I’ve experienced many of the same emotions and insecurities that Shannon does. I wrote her story so others can know that the disappointments and failures of your past don’t have to dictate what’s to come. When I chose to have Rose rescue cracked and broken pots and make them into something beautiful, it was with deliberate intent.

I love Rose’s passion for bringing beauty from the broken. Her repurposed containers carry the beauty of God’s creation (flowers) into the world. Our lives are like her art. We are vehicles for God’s grace. Our chips and cracks do not diminish His glory. They showcase His power and His redeeming love.

Publication of Amaryllis Journey was bittersweet for me because the character Rose was modeled after my mother who was my mentor. I did not tell Mom I was writing this book because “my” plan was to dedicate it to her. But God had other plans, and He called her home to Heaven suddenly before the book was completed. It is now dedicated to her memory.

Konnie

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 3

Moments, September 4

Inklings and notions, September 5

For Him and My Family, September 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 7

Texas Book-aholic, September 8

lakesidelivingsite, September 8

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 9

deb’s Book Review, September 9

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, September 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 11

Artistic Nobody, September 12 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Sara Jane Jacobs, September 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 14

Splashes of Joy, September 15

Pause for Tales, September 16

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 16

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/fffb/amaryllis-journey-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book:  Isobel’s Mission of Courage

Author: Susan K Beatty

Genre:  Christian Woman’s Fiction

Release Date: September 8, 2020

God had hardwired mission work into Isobel’s DNA.

So what’s He doing bringing a homeless woman into her life… to help her?

Recovering from surgery and chemotherapy means Isobel has little time or energy to spend on anything or anyone else, but when she sees a homeless woman hanging around her neighborhood, she can’t just ignore the need.

Homeless and ticked off at God, Noolie might just be the last person Isobel would ever imagine helping her, but Isobel needs it. Can she muster the courage to face her needs and allow a woman with nothing to meet them?

Click here to get your copy!

 MY REVIEW 

Packed in this short book is a powerful message that we all need to be reminded of. Are we doing what God has called us to do? Have we made an idol of our ministry? I loved how the author used a character that was so determined to help people that it became all about her without guidance from God. We can get so wrapped up in helping others or serving in a ministry that we forget to allow God to direct our path. 

Isobel is a person I could see as a friend. She was going through chemo yet wanted to still serve the Lord. When she helps Noolie it becomes her mission to save her. I liked how Noolie humbled herself and allowed Isobel to take her in. It wasn’t easy for either woman to accept help which lead to pride. 

The story is a timely message to remind us to pray before we step out and to keep ourselves grounded in his Word. I loved this quote from the story, “Besides if we’re not asking for help, are we really working alongside God? Or are we working on our own?

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

About the Author

“Courage: The intersection of faith and Grit”

Susan K. Beatty is passionate about finding courage through faith and grit, particularly through the trials of breast cancer. Her daughter is a metastatic breast cancer “thriver” and has been an inspiration for her writing. Susan retired from a full-time job in 2017 and is now pursuing a novel-writing career. Her first novel, “Faces of Courage,” is in revision. Susan is the author of “An Introduction to Home Education” (AKA “California Homeschool Manual”), was the assistant director of the SoCal Christian Writers’ Conference and is the president of her local ACFW-OC Chapter. She is a professional writer/journalist. Susan is proof you can begin a fiction writing career after age seventy.

More from Susan

Thank you for joining me on my blog tour! This is my first, so I’m kind of excited.

A few years ago, my dream of writing fiction unexpectedly intersected with my daughter’s breast cancer diagnosis. I started out writing a variety of stories, but my critique team said the one which featured a breast cancer patient was filled with the most strength and passion. The courage it took my daughter to face her diagnosis and treatments sparked a passion in me to write about it. God was apparently leading me to combine the ideas of cancer and courage with my call to write.

In Isobel’s Mission of Courage, Isobel’s courage is challenged not only by her breast cancer, but also by her “mission.” God had hard-wired mission work into her DNA, yet He brings a homeless woman, Noolie, into her life who wants to help her. And Noolie isn’t shy at pointing out Isobel’s spiritual weaknesses.

Isobel’s Mission of Courage is part of a series called Faces of Courage. Each story in the series looks at living with cancer, but there’s always more at stake than the disease, including financial difficulties, loss of property due to the elements, spiritual flaws, an abusive husband, and death of a loved one.

The Lord seems to either have a sense of humor, or more likely, wanted me to write from experience. While writing Isobel’s Mission of Courage, I had to face my own surprising cancer diagnosis and was challenged to draw on my previously untested courage. Having written about cancer and the courage to deal with it prepared me to live it, bringing a deeper knowledge into Isobel’s story.

Even before my own experience, the theme of my writing became, “Courage: The Intersection of Faith and Grit.” Our walk with Him builds hope which develops faith. Whatever He’s asking us to do, the first step begins with faith and is fueled by grit. Whether it’s to face an abusive husband, a financial catastrophe, a pandemic, the loss of a loved one, or cancer.

How does Isobel face her cancer? How does she deal with her own spiritual weaknesses while trying to fulfill her mission in life by helping someone else? I hope you will read Isobel’s Mission of Courage not only to find out, but perhaps to find your own courage at the intersection of faith and grit.

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” – Walt Disney

Blog Stops

For the Love of Literature, September 3

Inklings and notions, September 4

Mary Hake, September 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 6

Texas Book-aholic, September 7

deb’s Book Review, September 7

Sara Jane Jacobs, September 8

lakesidelivingsite, September 8

For Him and My Family, September 9

Through the Fire Blogs, September 10

Artistic Nobody, September 11 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Christian Bookaholic, September 12

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 14

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 15

Batya’s Bits, September 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan 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/100f0/isobel-s-mission-of-courage-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book:  Fire

Author: Linda K Rodante

Genre:  Christian Romantic Suspense

Release Date: July 28, 2020

If a violent gang re-organizes, an undercover cop could lose everything…including the woman he loves.

After a gang war three years earlier, the undercover cop known as Patriot was forced to move and take a new identity. When the gang re-organizes and threatens a friend, Patriot, now a firefighter, races home to help him.

Chloe Swearingen confines herself to the fast pace of the ER and away from interpersonal relationships—for a reason she keeps to herself. But when she helps save a gangster’s life, she’s thrown into a cauldron of relationships from which she can’t escape—and one from which she doesn’t want to…

Then a series of fires target people they love, and Chloe and Patriot will need the Lord’s wisdom to stay alive.

Click here to get your copy!

 MY REVIEW 

This book is an adrenaline rush from beginning to end. I felt my heart beat faster the more I got into the story. The author does a good job of presenting characters that are faith filled and determined to stand against the enemy. I remember reading this one time when I was having a hard time, “If you have done all you can do, then stand.”  

I liked reading how a church opened their hearts up and invited a group that was lost, unloved, dangerous and in need of spiritual warfare . We as the body of Christ are to reach out to everyone including the ones that have turned their back on God. I love how the church has a ministry that reaches out  to ex gang members. You can see the change in those were are willing to surrender to God and change their lives. The presence of prayers warriors in the story brings power that will fight against the enemy who tries to deceive people. 

The story deals with white supremacy, gangs and spiritual warfare. The character that stood out the most to me was Miss Eleanor. This woman has been on her knees crying out to God everyday for people and her compassion is undeniable. To me she is the heartbeat of the story as she intercedes for others. 

There is no lack of danger in the story as an undercover cop exposes the ugliness of a gang and takes them on in a battle that draws a line in the sand. The author does an excellent job of exposing the enemy in this story and uses characters to fight a spiritual war that will leave you breathless. I love when an author takes a story and exposes the ugliness of sin.  Will truth  and wisdom prevail or will the enemy consume those who are weak and without faith?  

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

About the Author

Linda K. Rodante is a Florida transplant now living in Tennessee. She’s married with two sons, a wonderful daughter-in-law and six grandchildren. She loves sweet tea, apple butter and both the mountains and the oceans.

Her work with crisis pregnancy centers and anti-trafficking groups gave her a heart for women struggling in today’s society, while still respecting the role God has given men.

She’s a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Word Weavers International, and a past finalist of ACFW’s Genesis contest.

Linda writes Christian romantic suspense novels. Her books wrap sweet romance in real-life issues women face today then adds an edge of mystery and suspense. Her desire is to entertain and encourage others in their walk with God.

Linda’s two series, The Dangerous Series and The Spiritual Warfare Series, are each unique. Both are fun read in order, but every book is also a stand-alone.

More from Linda

FIRE, A Christian Romantic Suspense novel, is the third book in the Spiritual Warfare Series. While it’s also a stand-alone, it’s enhanced if you’ve read the others first. The inspiration for FIRE came while listening to “There’s Another in the Fire” by Hillsong UNITED. I love the words to that song. It says so much about who Jesus is and that he never leaves us.

Most Christians know the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, how King Nebuchadnezzar had them thrown into a fiery furnace because they wouldn’t worship him (Daniel 3.19-25). We know that Jesus was the fourth man in the fire, that he kept them from being burned or even smelling like smoke. But the Bible refers to fire in many ways—God is a consuming fire, the Holy Spirit is represented by fire, his ministers are called flames of fire, his Word is like a fire, and Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire. So much representation there.

The first book in the Spiritual Warfare Series, Warrior, introduced us to an ex-gang member, a gang leader, and a kickboxer who wanted more from God than she’d been experiencing, not realizing the depth of what she’d asked, and the danger she’d find herself in. In the second book, ROAR, her church persists in ministering to gangs even amid threats and kidnappings. Then three members are caught in the middle of a gang war, and it will take a miracle to get them out. FIRE takes place three years later when things have settled down. Ex-gang members are finding Jesus and learning new life skills, but then someone sets fire to the church and one of the ex-gang members is arrested for murder. When you’re doing everything right, and Satan attacks, where is God?

FIRE brings back familiar characters and introduces new ones who fall in love, and who learn about prayer, and perseverance, and God’s faithfulness in the middle of the battle.

Romance, intrigue and the power of prayer are woven together to create a story of action and faith.

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, September 2

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 5

Texas Book-aholic, September 6

Through the fire blogs, September 7

lakesidelivingsite, September 7

For Him and My Family, September 8

Robin’s Nest, September 8

Artistic Nobody, September 9 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 10

deb’s Book Review, September 10

Sara Jane Jacobs, September 11

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 12

Simple Harvest Reads, September 13 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Blogging With Carol, September 14

Pause for Tales, September 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of the winner’s choice of format for the previous two books in series, Warrior and Roar, and a $25 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/fffa/fire-celebration-tour-giveaway