Tuesday, November 3, 2020

About the Book

Book: Desire of the Heart

Author: Anne Perreault

Genre: Christian Romance

Release Date: April 2020

It all started with a hike…
Cady Jackson’s vacation plans were simple. Go to Yellowstone National Park, enjoy the scenery, take lots of pictures. She and her cousin, Ashley, have grown up in a strict, conservative Christian family in upstate New York. Cady has never been encouraged to spread her wings. This trip is an opportunity to do so. Only, she doesn’t know how much her life is about to change when she has an unfortunate encounter in the middle of nowhere.
Why would God take a personal interest in someone like her?
Grant McClintoch generally loves his job as a ranger in the oldest national park in the country. That it includes rescuing stranded visitors to the park is unfortunate. He has been trying to rebuild his life after it had nearly been destroyed. Grant doesn’t realize that God isn’t done with him yet when he stumbles onto an injured hiker.
But can he place his past in God’s capable hands where it belongs?

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

This story is so well written I hated it to end. The author takes us to Yellowstone National Park and I felt I was right there among the trees. I enjoyed learning about the park and all it has to offer. I wasn’t real thrilled about bear sightings but after all we are on their land. Let the adventure begin.

Let’s start with Cady. She has grown up in a very strict home and her feelings on falling in love are mixed up. Her parents have made her feel that she can never make a mistake and has sheltered her from any chance of finding someone to love. Her upbringing does cause her to be a little judgmental at times especially with her cousin Ashley. I’m surprised they took a trip without any supervision. After all their families still treat them like children. The tension that develops between the cousins are due to someone being a bit high and mighty and the other giving in to temptation. This part of the story is worth mentioning because it’s a great example of learning to forgive and look past a sin to give grace.

The story really gets good when Cady meets the handsome Park Ranger Grant. He is quite upset to find her out by herself injured . I did enjoy their banter as he insists on taking her to get looked at. Seeing a bear would scare me and Cady was so lucky she wasn’t attacked by him. Grant is certainly not looking for a relationship but God may have other plans. As we slowly find out about his past, I understood why he was so hesitant to keep his feelings in check.

I loved how the author showed a young woman who needed to branch out on her own and trust God. Her parents made me angry by the way they never trusted her. I felt like she was living in a home where she was seen but not heard. Cady girl you need to start relying on God to direct your path, and stop worrying about making mistakes. I was so hoping she would soften up and give her concerns to God.

Grant is still feeling guilty over a tragic loss and won’t allow anyone to capture his attention. But what happens when these two people start to pray, open up to each other and trust God? The story is filled with faith and I loved seeing how several characters grew and began to be set free from their past and learn to forgive people who have judged them.

There is a little danger in the story that I felt was the perfect addition to draw Cady and Grant closer to each other and God. They both seek God to show them His plans for their lives. Oh it’s an emotional journey of love, forgiveness and trust. I am so excited to learn that there is a second book to follow.

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

About the Author

Anne Perreault was born and raised in Germany. By the time she was 14 years old, her family moved to Dubai, UAE. While living in this exotic place, she traveled extensively to various countries around the world. After graduating from an American boarding school in Austria, she attended college in England, where she met her husband. She graduated from New England College with a degree in biology, and settled down in Connecticut. Anne became a horseback riding instructor as well as a certified therapeutic riding instructor. She and a group of friends started a therapeutic riding center in Bristol, CT. During that time, Anne also received a masters degree in secondary education and began to homeschool her three children. While raising their three children, she began to write an inspirational story primarily for her daughter. Anne, her husband, and two of their grown children now reside in Southern Vermont, where they are building their home. Besides writing, Anne enjoys reading, spending time with her husband, grown children, and grand-dogger.

More from Anne

Desire of the Heart…

This book is so special to me. I had been pondering what to write a few years back and the thought came to me that I should base my next character on some of the adorable quirkiness of my beautiful daughter, a young woman filled with integrity and strength. Except, when you first meet her, you might think she’s too naïve or too sweet. She has a fire in her and a passion. And then I watched a TV show and one of the character’s were named Cady. I knew I had my main character. My daughter loves to travel, and a few years ago, she and her cousin traveled to Scotland together. It was kind of like fiction came to live right then and there. I had already paired Cady up with her cousin, a young woman who is the complete opposite to Cady. Of course, in real life, my daughter and her cousin are incredibly similar to each other and are both such amazing young women of God.

Her counterpart came about because I was looking for someone with strength and also with great integrity, but someone who was wounded by life. I also realized that I wanted to set the story in a national park. I’ve always enjoyed nature and wanted my main character to be working in some capacity with nature. Grant naturally became a park ranger. It fit his personality so well, I secretly rubbed my hands together in glee.

Setting the story at Yellowstone allowed me to research that beautiful part of the country. I have always been a wildlife enthusiast. My oldest son loves wolves and has studied them all his life. I wanted to include wolves in the story… enough said. I fell completely in love with the park and I will one day travel there and stand where Grant and Cady did.

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, November 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 3

Book of Ruth Ann, November 3

Texas Book-aholic, November 4

Mary Hake, November 4

Inklings and notions, November 5

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 6

Pause for Tales, November 6

Older & Smarter?, November 7

deb’s Book Review, November 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 8

Through the Lens of Scripture, November 9

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 9

Artistic Nobody, November 10 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

21st Century Keeper at Home, November 10

Quiet Quilter, November 11

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 13

Just Your Average reviews, November 13

Spoken from the Heart, November 14

Emily Yager, November 14

Daysong Reflections, November 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Anne is giving away the grand prize package of a bookmark and a signed copy of Desire of the Heart!!

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/102f2/desire-of-the-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, November 2, 2020

About the Book

Book: Apprentice

Author: Kristen Young

Genre: Christian Science Fiction

Release Date: October 20, 2020

The Love Collective is everywhere.
It sees everything.
Be not afraid.

Apprentice Flick remembers everything, except the first five years of her life. And for as long as she can remember, Flick has wanted to enter the Elite Academy—home to the best, brightest, and most loyal members of the Love Collective government.

Flick’s uncanny memory might get her there, too … even if it is the very thing that marks her as a freak. But frightening hallucinations start intruding into her days and threaten to bring down all she has worked so hard to accomplish. Why is she being hijacked by a stranger’s nightmare over and over again?

Moving to the Elite Academy could give Flick the future she’s always wanted. But her search for truth may lead to a danger she cannot escape.

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

Reading a science fiction book takes me completely out of my comfort zone. I rely on the author to present a story that soars me to places only found in the author’s imagination. I had high hopes that I would find myself in another world where strange things happened and unexplained actions took place. I am happy to say that the author achieved this with exceptional details.

I don’t think I remember much of anything when I was five years old, so having a character have the same issue didn’t seem so far fetched. But little did I know that Flick’s memories were the key to her nightmares and I began to wonder what she had to fear? It was kinda scary to think a group of children were in a place completely controlled by those who demanded obedience and their memories were lost. I felt shivers go up and down my spine as I followed Flick on her journey. The rules were simple in the Love Collective. Obey orders, don’t ask questions and remember that love is the key. Or is it?

The author masterfully uses tech words and objects to draw readers in. There are dark secrets and twists that made me literally jump out of my chair. Just when I think Flick is doing well, something is thrown at her to test her dedication. I think Flick is someone that a lot of young children can relate to as they read how she is bullied. She is out to prove something but will she achieve her goal? I kept thinking about robots and how they are programmed to obey.

What really creeped me out was how Flick was always being watched. Someone is afraid she will remember something, but what could it be. Is she the key to freedom or will she fail and be trapped in this world will control is the main objective? I was happily reading along when bam the author throws a curve ball. Nothing is as it seems and no I didn’t expect it and all I can say is I must get the next book in the series soon. The author leaves us hanging but oh my is it clever and readers will anxiously be waiting for the next book. This quote really had me thinking ;”Not everyone wants to know the truth.” Maybe the truth will be painful and not knowing it will keep us safe. Flick is on the cusp of gaining all her memories and we are on the edge of our seat waiting for the unexpected. Hold on readers till the next in the series is ready so we can continue our journey with Flick.

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

About the Author

Kristen Young is an Aussie children’s and youth worker who always has a notebook on hand to catch ideas for her fiction and non-fiction. She loves hanging out with her family, watching movies with subtitles, and chocolate.

More from Kristen

An interview with Kristen Young

Q: How long have you been writing?

I was the kid who used to create little booklets and puzzle magazines for the family. So writing is something that I’ve been doing for a long time. It wasn’t quite publication-worthy back then, but it was fun. I had to practice a little more before people outside my family wanted to see it.

Q: Where do you write?

Anywhere I have access to a laptop or a pen. I have a desk at home where most of the writing happens, but I usually carry a notebook in my bag in case inspiration hits when I’m out. People think I’m a little eccentric when I’m madly scribbling in the middle of the supermarket. But I have to get that scene idea down before I forget!

Q: What is your writing Kryptonite?

Distractions. For me, writing preparation is a little like building a house of cards — that process of getting my thoughts in order and working out the story direction. Distractions are like the gust of wind that knocks the whole construction over. I usually wear noise-cancelling headphones to try and keep me focused on the process.

Q: Where’s your favourite story setting?

I’m still looking for that wardrobe with a door to Narnia.

Q: What’s the first book that made you cry?

I’m not sure if I can share that without giving spoilers! But I’d have to say Charlotte’s Web. When I read that as a child, it had me wrecked for ages.

Q: Have you read anything that totally changed your idea of the way fiction could be written?

There are a couple of books that totally changed my view of fiction. The first was Margaret Atwood’s novel The Blind Assassin. I was totally captivated by the way she mixed newspaper articles and other media with the narrative sections. It was mind-blowing at the time.

Jasper Fforde’s series that started with The Eyre Affair was also pretty amazing. It took a whole pile of literary references and completely messed with them. It was enormous fun.

Q: So why set something in a world called the “Love Collective”?

I like words, and I’m fascinated by the way people often play with them, or even weaponise them. I kind of wanted to explore this word ‘love’ and what it means. In English, we have this one word to refer to so many different kinds of concepts. I wanted to write an exciting story, so it seemed right to have this concept as a backdrop behind the action, where you’re asking, “What does this mean?”

Q: Your main character never forgets anything. Is she like you?

No way. I think Flick’s memory is a bit of wish fulfilment from me. It was so hard writing her, because I forget so many details! In some ways forgetting is protective. But in other ways I’d love to have her memory.

Q: What can we expect in the rest of the Collective Underground Trilogy?

I can’t tell you the whole story, that would ruin the fun. But in the first book, Flick’s world has started really small, and she’s going to broaden her horizons. She’ll get to explore more of this Love Collective. There also might be some more danger, too. Or more love. We’ll see…

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 1

Blogging With Carol, November 1

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 2

Texas Book-aholic, November 3

Inklings and notions, November 4

April Hayman, Author, November 4

For Him and My Family, November 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 6

deb’s Book Review, November 6

Worthy2Read, November 7

Woven by Words, November 7

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 8

Emily Yager, November 9

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

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 10

Simple Harvest Reads, November 11 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 11

Adventures of A Travelers Wife, November 12

Through the Fire Blogs, November 12

Splashes of Joy, November 13

Inside the Wong Mind, November 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kristen is giving away the grand prize of a $100 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/102f1/apprentice-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Elusive Miss Ellison

Author: Carolyn Miller

Genre: Historical, Regency Fiction

Release Date: February 28, 2017

Pride, Presumption, and forgiveness…

Hampton Hall’s new owner has the villagers of St. Hampton Heath all aflutter—all except Lavinia Ellison. The reverend’s daughter cares for those who are poor and sick, and the seventh Earl of Hawkesbury definitely does not meet that criteria. His refusal to take his responsibilities seriously, or even darken the door of the church, leave her convinced he is as arrogant and reckless as his brother—his brother who stole the most important person in Lavinia’s world.

Nicholas Stamford is shadowed by guilt: his own, his brother’s, the legacy of war. A perfunctory visit to this dreary part of Gloucestershire wasn’t supposed to engage his heart, or his mind. Challenged by Miss Ellison’s fascinating blend of Bluestocking opinions, hoydenish behavior, and angelic singing voice, he finds the impossible becoming possible—he begins to care. But Lavinia’s aloof manner, society’s opposition and his ancestral obligations prove most frustrating, until scandal forces them to get along.

Can Lavinia and Nicholas look beyond painful pasts and present prejudice to see their future? And what happens when Lavinia learns a family secret that alters everything she’s ever known?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband she has pastored a church for ten years, and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her Regency novels include The Elusive Miss Ellison, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, Winning Miss Winthrop, Miss Serena’s Secret, The Making of Mrs. Hale, A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, Underestimating Miss Cecilia, and Misleading Miss Verity, all available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Koorong, etc Her contemporary novels include Restoring Fairhaven and Regaining Mercy, as part of the Independence Islands series.

More from Carolyn

Mr. Darcy has a lot to answer for, doesn’t he?

I’ve long been a fan of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, and my first historical romance, The Elusive Miss Ellison, was so fun to write as I worked to weave the social commentary of Jane Austen with the wit and romantic dash of Heyer, an unwavering Christian thread, and a dash of Aussie perspective.

I’ve been very fortunate to visit many of the settings used in my Regency Brides series (of series), including the Cotswolds, Brighton, Bath, London, Derbyshire and the gorgeous Scottish castle featured on the cover of Misleading Miss Verity, and have loved seeing readers respond so positively to these stories of hope, redemption, family and love.

I love to share images of my trips and what I envisage concerning these stories at my website (www.carolynmillerauthor.com) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CarolynMillerAuthor

) and hope readers will enjoy being swept up into an age of ladies and true gentlemen, when the code of honor was paramount, and Mr. Darcy showed that first impressions can never be fully trusted, and that there is always something deeper to the story.

Happy reading, friends!

Carolyn 🙂

MY REVIEW

As Regency books go this was pretty typical of the time period with Lords and Queens . The people in the village are all a flutter with the arrival of the Earl of Hawkesbury. His presence will stir emotions and cause harsh words to be thrown around. Being an Earl is very prestigious and requires you to be in the best attires and surrounded by only the most important of people. Well I knew what was about to happen when our feature character Lavinia meets the Earl.

Lavinia is sweet and has a big heart for the poor. She takes it upon herself to make sure others do without. I liked how she visited families and helped out with their needs. She has never been one to care about frilly clothes or being prim and proper. I adored her attitude of being herself without worrying what others though. Her encounters with the Earl are quite funny at times and other times I found myself hoping her heart would not get broken.

Nicholas (Earl of Hawkesbury) was at times annoying to me. He had an air of arrogance and was quite direct at times. I do believe he has met his match though when Lavinia matches him with her oh so subtle distaste for him. The story seems to pick up when Lavinia takes ill and finds herself at the home of the one and only Earl. I won’t give any details about how she got there but here is where I began to see a softer side of Nicholas. The people in the town love to gossip and are so disrespectful when it comes to Lavinia’s unintended stay at the Earl’s. It really is about jealousy for the women who had high hopes of winning the Earl’s attention.

The faith element is good and I especially liked how Nicholas started to hunger for a relationship with God. There are moments in the story where we find the characters calling out to God for help. The author does give us a few surprises in the story which I loved. Her ability to describe the time period was intriguing and I liked how she set the story around people who were in need. This allowed Nicholas to really see how the village was desperate for provisions. The best part of the entire story for me is one scene when a particular character finds their way to God. Oh it is so glorious to read how they surrender theirselves and find peace.

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