Thursday, January 14, 2021

About the Book

Book: Nomad

Author: RJ Anderson

Genre: Christian YA, Fairytale, Fantasy

Anderson - Nomad (1) Cast into exile, she must return to free her people.

Banished from her underground home by Betony, the queen of the Cornish piskeys, young Ivy sets out to forge a new life for herself in the world above. But a deadly threat lingers in the mine, and Ivy cannot bear to see her people suffer while Betony refuses to believe. Somehow she must convince the queen to let them go.

Her mission only becomes more complicated when Ivy starts to dream of the ancient battles between her ancestors and the spriggan folk. Who is the strange boy in her visions? Could her glimpses of his past help Ivy find a new home for her fellow piskeys?

To find the answers, Ivy must outfly vicious predators, outwit cunning enemies, and overcome her own greatest fears. And when evil threatens the people Ivy loves best, it will take all her courage, faith, and determination to save them.

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

I remember reading the first book in this series and thinking that it reminded me of something. As I finished this book, it suddenly came to me. Now I know the book is fantasy but it so resembles an anime type story. There is one in particular that my son had me hooked on. This series however is much better than that show because beneath the surface of the story lies lessons of faith. The author allows us to soar away with Ivy as she gets ready for her new mission.

Ivy is a bit stronger and more assured of herself. I kept hoping she wouldn’t let her guard down and allow herself to become used by an enemy that is very crafty. I really liked that Ivy could shift into another form. Oh how the imagination in this story is so entertaining. I’m thrilled that Martin is back with us . I adore him and think he has become someone to be reckon with. His ability to heal others is quite intriguing and makes me wonder if it zaps his strength when he uses his power. My mind just goes crazy reading this book because it has so many intricate parts that help readers keep their attention glued to the story.

I’m amazed that an author can deliver a story that stretches the imagination yet gives a story that teaches valuable lessons. There is a passage in the story that made me stop and really think. “And if you are comfortable in one form, it’s not easy to adjust to another.” Do we sometimes feel so content where we are at, that we don’t want to step out of our comfort zone? Does sin make us feel so comfy, that we don’t want to fight off the enemy? That one little section in the story really impacted me. I now understood why Ivy was so determined to fight.

I loved this book even more than the first maybe because I witnessed the maturity of the characters and the way they are able to forgive. The author does an amazing job of showing us what it is like to face our fears and allow ourselves to overcome them. I’m not there with my fears yet, but each day I become a little more determined like Ivy did in the story.

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

About the Author

Anderson-2876lowres Born in Uganda to missionary parents, R. J. (Rebecca Joan) Anderson is a women’s Bible teacher, a wife and mother of three, and a bestselling fantasy author for older children and teens. Her debut novel Knife has sold more than 120,000 copies worldwide, while her other books have been shortlisted for the Nebula Award, the Christy Award, and the Sunburst Award for Excellence in Canadian Science Fiction. Rebecca lives with her family in Stratford, Ontario, Canada.

More from R.J. Anderson

Fear of change. Fear of an unknown future. Fear of failure, loss or regret. What fears keep you from doing what you know you should do, or being the person you ought to be?

In Nomad, the second book of the Flight and Flame trilogy, my heroine Ivy is forced to make a new life for herself after being exiled by Betony, her people’s proud and stubborn queen. Though all Ivy ever wanted was to help her people, Betony refuses to believe that the piskeys of the Delve are in danger — because to do so would mean not only questioning her own beliefs and prejudices, it would force her people to change their entire way of life.

But though Ivy is brave enough to stand up for the truth and even adapt to the strange new world she’s thrust into, she has her own fears to overcome in the course of this story. Fear of vulnerability, of unworthiness, and of making mistakes hold Ivy back as she struggles to find a way to save her friends and family. She’s only one young woman, with few allies and very little power. How can she make a difference?

Just as Moses begged God not to send him to confront Pharaoh and free the Israelites because he didn’t think he was eloquent or impressive enough, Ivy finds it hard to believe her fellow piskeys will ever listen to or believe her. The hard lesson she has to learn is that courage doesn’t come from being tough and self-confident, it comes from caring about something bigger than yourself. Not until the people she loves most are in danger does Ivy cast off her fears and take the bold steps needed to save them — but by then it may be too late.

It’s easy to get trapped by our own uncertainties and insecurities, and let fear rule our actions. Only when we take our eyes off our own frailty and act out of faith in God and love for others can we become all we were meant and made to be… and the longer we delay, the more others may suffer for it. Can we pray together for strength to start doing what’s right in our homes, our neighbourhoods and our churches, no matter how unqualified we feel to do it?

Nomad is the second step of Ivy’s journey to save her fellow piskeys and find her true calling. If you’ve enjoyed Swift and this novel, you can look forward to the final book Torch in February 2021!

— R.J. Anderson

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, January 8

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 8

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

Worthy2Read, January 10

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 10

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

For the Love of Literature, January 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 13

Texas Book-aholic, January 14

Mia Reads, January 14

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 15

For Him and My Family, January 16

deb’s Book Review, January 17

Inklings and notions, January 18

Blogging With Carol, January 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 19

The Book Chic Blog, January 19

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, January 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, R.J. is giving away the grand prize package of a three bookmarks, two blank-inside notecards with envelopes featuring artwork by Kirk DouPonce and Rory Kurtz, a postcard with character art by Nicole Deal, a sample of custom book-related tea, and a copy of SWIFT or NOMAD!!

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/10534/nomad-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

About the Book

Book: I Spy a Tiger

Author: Clyde San Juan

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Worship daily in rhyme, reading I Spy a Tiger with the young ones in your life. On this colorful journey, introduce them to some of the beloved characters Adam named into the Animal Kingdom, God’s awesome design, along with a bit of His humor too! I Spy a Tiger invites young and old alike,

“There is so much for us to see and explore! Go on … have a look … it’s right out your door!”

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Native SoCal author and illustrator, backpacker on crooked trails, amateur photographer and more recently, creativity encourager, Clyde enjoys teaching foundational basics and appreciation for drawing and painting to as many aspiring artists as  he can. With unprecedented changes in the current social and commerce atmosphere, he is exploring the realm of Virtual Online classes in Art Instruction. As an author, like many dealing with the push and pull of life, he is working under the radar on four projects, ranging from three illustrated, fiction novels and a home cook targeted cookbook addressing the hurdles of ingredient intolerances.

With the anticipation of the momentous arrival of a first grandchild, the August, 2020 Redemption Press relaunch of his Children’s Book, I Spy a Tiger, he’s seeing the book in a different light.

More from Clyde

“I’ve been blessed to be able to combine visual conceptualization with writing. Right from the get-go, nothing but an exciting synergy leading into any project! Is it the writing, or the illustration that incites a certain section or aspect of a book? At every turn, a toss up, but the reciprocalities are always movement forward.

I Spy a Tiger, a project my wife and I collaborated on while our boys, Tyler and Bryce were little was a bright season of creativity and joy I’ll always cherish. Anne, writing the first draft while I designed and executed the layout and illustrations and later, contributing copy rewrites and additions.

Birthdays, anniversaries, intertwined with school, sports, scouting and all the natural inevitabilities maturing families encounter, quickly moved us into cascading seasons of life. Unceremoniously, I Spy, was slipped “underneath the bed,” along with some forgotten toys, for quite some time until, finally, its first edition was published in 2008.

The seasons of life are many. And what we see, looking back over the years of our family’s tapestry, are divine gold filaments of God, indelibly sown in and amongst our bound human threads.

We easily see it with all the good, but also, in all the not so good, despite our choices in self-power and self-will. Testimonies to His providence in all the victories, but more glorious, His presence with each advent of His protective shield through our trials. Grace and mercy ever present throughout the entirety of our family’s legacy.

And now, with this latest season, in the only way a good God can, I’m seeing I Spy’s second edition in a different light! We’re all anticipating a first grandson, due in December. And come Spring, 2021, another grandchild! With impeccable timing, more golden threads of His glory spun and sown in!

What fun, my new life as a Grampy, highlighted by the first reading of I Spywith grandson, Sonny! And in the blink of an eye, another baby San Juan in April.

The blessings of reading of a book together with the little ones in your lives are eternal. Miraculous, serendipitous, laughter laden moments forever! In this fast-paced, virtual world, the interactive hands-on intimacy of a book between an inquisitive child and a nurturing parent or guardian, represent three cords of love coming together in a strong, invincible bond.

Close fellowship like this can only help edify families and relationships; never losing its high place in championing childhood imaginations.”

Last night, I went outside, experiencing the first nip of the new season and was prompted to a romantic ditty . . .

tell me of the season’s changes . . .

frosty mornings with steaming mugs of cocoa.

piles of fiery leaves tromped through, buffeted
about in all directions . . .

listening to the wind, I sketch in the shadows
that cling to every detail like the lichen . . .

and when I run with that fox, flash of reddish fur,

to the place where the great owl sleeps,

tell me of the honkings of Canadian Geese overhead.

MY REVIEW

I adored this little book filled with delightful animals. The illustrations are perfect for the story and I know young children will find this book a treasure to have. I loved how the author points out how God has made beautiful animals for us and we should enjoy their presence. My favorite was the tiger because it was so cute. Each animal showed a fun personality and will being a smile to children as they hear about how animals enrich our lives.

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

Blog Stops

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 6

Remembrancy, January 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 8

Simple Harvest Reads, January 8 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Fiction Book Lover, January 9 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Adventures of a Travelers wife, January 10

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 10

deb’s Book Review, January 11

Spoken from the Heart, January 11

Older & Smarter?, January 12

Texas Book-aholic, January 13

Mary Hake, January 13

Splashes of Joy, January 14

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 14

Inklings and notions, January 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 16

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, January 16

For Him and My Family, January 17

Southern Gal Loves to Read, January 17

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 18

Artistic Nobody, January 19 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Vicky Sluiter, January 19

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Clyde is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 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/10530/i-spy-a-tiger-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

About the Book

Book: Love, Again

Author: Tamara G. Cooper

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: September 11, 2020

Jake Barrett is devastated when he loses his wife and toddler son in a terrible, fiery accident. What made it even more painful is that an unidentified man was found in the car with them. The police suggest that his wife was having an affair. Since that horrible day two years ago, Jake has questioned everything about himself and his marriage and found no answers. He returns home to his family’s Texas ranch to try to find healing there and maybe learn to trust again.

Twice, Honor McKee was engaged to be married, and twice, she was stood up just days before the wedding. Adding to her embarrassment is the fact that she is a marriage counselor, someone who gives advice to others about love and relationships. Ashamed and deeply hurt, she loses faith in herself and her ability to choose a man willing to commit.

Although they are both wounded and disappointed in love, Jake and Honor meet and manage to stumble their way toward friendship and, quite possibly, more. But their lives are turned upside down when trust in each other is needed the most, and neither has it to give.

Will they learn that there is more to life than living in past failures, that it really is possible to find love again?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Tamara G. Cooper lives in Texas with her husband, three boys, and five dogs. She enjoys writing mysteries with a touch of romance. Love, Again is her first romance.

More from Tamara

When I thought of writing “Love, Again”, I wanted to find out what would happen between two very-hurt people who stumbled into the beginnings of a friendship but didn’t have the trust it took for the relationship to go any further. What would help them see their flaws? What did they need to learn to become more than the past had let them be?

I loved getting to know Jake and Honor. Without giving anything away, I walked with them through their discoveries about themselves and each other. I hope you enjoy their journey!

MY REVIEW

I’m in awe of the writing of this author. Her ability to capture the realistic feelings of two people struggling with relationships is powerful. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was mesmerized by the depth of emotions that flowed throughout the story.

I did have an instant liking to Honor because she reminds me of myself as I struggled with trying to find the right one. Oh she had her chance twice, but something was holding her back from trusting. Honor is someone you want to be best friends with because she is a very giving person. I’m not to sure her job as a marriage counselor fits her though. It would be hard to take advice from someone who had a record of being left at the altar so to speak twice.

Jake is easy to like with his charm, faith and willingness to be there for others. His loss has defined him in a way that he can’t let go of his anger. He feels guilty for thinking that his wife may have been seeing someone else. My heart broke as I learned of the death of his precious child and wife. It is easy to understand his anger but forgiving will be his hardest test.

The story is one of misunderstandings, pushing people away and learning to let go of the past. Everyone can tell that Honor and Jake are meant to be together, but there are a few things they must work through first. I’m not sure I liked that Honor was dating two men at once and she did frustrate me a little. Honor just tell Jake how you feel and swallow your pride already. I can’t forget about how Jake is so afraid to love again that he may end up losing out on happiness.

The author did surprise me when the storyline took a sharp turn that changed Jake’s life. Isn’t it funny how life can take us in a different direction from where we thought we were suppose to be. I did enjoy meeting the family and friends that are connected to Honor and Jake. My two favorite people in the entire story was Jake’s parents. They are a sweet couple who want the best for everyone and their faith is seen in every decision, word or action they do. The ending is good and tied all the loose ends up nicely.

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

Blog Stops

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 9

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 9

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

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 11

Blogging With Carol, January 11

Texas Book-aholic, January 12

Labor Not in Vain, January 12

Inklings and notions, January 13

For Him and My Family, January 14

Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 14

deb’s Book Review, January 15

NovelsCorner, January 15

Artistic Nobody, January 16 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Splashes of Joy, January 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 17

Spoken from the Heart, January 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 19

Batya’s Bits, January 20

Pause for Tales, January 20

Blossoms and Blessings, January 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 22

Maureen’s Musings, January 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tamara 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/10535/love-again-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, January 10, 2021

About the Book

Book: Sprinkled with Sabotage

Author: Allison Pearl

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Lizzy Bennet loves life as a lawyer in the city. And not just because of the miles it puts between her and her ex. However, when she’s attacked on the street just hours after learning her identity was stolen, she tries to call home for help and ends up with the last person she expects: the very same high school boyfriend who broke her heart. He says he’s there to help, but she’s not so sure, and now, all the endless questions and regrets are clouding her judgment and preventing her from seeing the dangerous saboteur closing in.

Small-town auto mechanic, Koby Knightly, is looking forward to seeing a car show in the city. But when an unexpected call from his old girlfriend disconnects suddenly, he rushes to her apartment only to find her limping and bleeding. Throwing his plans out the window, Koby makes it his mission to protect her and discover the identity of the person trying to frame her. Will he also be able to figure out what went wrong between them back in high school or will a killer get to her first?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Allison Pearl is a small-town girl who’s lived just about everywhere. She loves books, tea, chocolate, and watching old movies with her husband and black lab, Sal. To keep in touch and get updates on new releases follow her Facebook page ‘Books by Pearl’ at www.facebook.com/allisonnicolepearl/ or follow her on Twitter at @AllisonPearl5 and Instagram at @allisonnicolepearl.

More from Allison

Doughnuts and Suspense: Now’s the Time

In a lot of ways, this pandemic season we are in is encouraging. Quarantined families are spending time together that sports, events, and the demands of normal everyday life wouldn’t otherwise have allowed. Churches are finding new and creative ways to connect with people and share hope. Stories of mind-blowing generosity are popping up on social media all the time. Yes, there’s a lot to be excited about.

But in a lot of other ways, this all sucks. Domestic violence. Drug addiction. Unemployment. Their numbers are all up. And on top of that, hundreds and thousands of people have died from this coronavirus.

We’re all doing our best to hang in there. But you know what, it’s okay to not be okay. And it’s okay to do something for yourself. Do it now. Do it five minutes ago. We’ve all earned it. Don’t stress about the COVID 15 creeping up your bathroom scale. Go get a doughnut. Get two. And then pour yourself a coffee and sit down with a book and escape. Worry about what’s going to happen in a made-up person’s life for a few minutes instead of what new catastrophe is about to drop. Escape into those I-didn’t-see-that-coming moments. Pick up a suspense that will beg you to keep turning the pages and spend an evening in a comfy chair reading chapters instead of headlines. God can handle the news. You handle you.

Above all, I want Sprinkled with Sabotage and the whole Love and Danger in St. Claire series to give you a break and the comfort that faith brings. Enjoy!

MY REVIEW

If you are looking for a story that is intriguing, full of adventure, a bit of romance and guides characters with faith, then this is the book for you. The author defines her characters very well and instantly I liked where the story was going. It was easy to connect with the plot and held my attention throughout.

Lizzy is a gifted lawyer who has worked very hard to achieve her status at the law firm. Everything seems to be going well until an attack on her life shakes her to the core. Why is she being targeted? Does she know something that puts her in danger? Her character has come into question and thus begins the cat and mouse game to prove her innocence.

Koby is someone that you are drawn to by his quiet but strong moral character. The last thing he ever expected was to get a call from his ex Lizzy crying out for help. Cue the knight in shining armor. This little detour will change their lives as Lizzy looks to Koby to help her. Now I can’t tell you much more because what would be the fun in that? The author does a great job of keeping readers guessing as the action never stops.

Lizzy can’t catch a break as she is constantly in danger. While I loved the intrigue, I really enjoyed the background story between Lizzy and Koby. One tragic night separated these two years ago. A misunderstanding that grew into a wall built between their feelings cost them a relationship. Koby has carried around guilt for years, while Lizzy has let anger fester into detachment from any real relationship with anyone.

As the author explores this moment in time, we see how faith works its way to soften hearts that leads to forgiveness. I loved how Lizzy tries to communicate with Koby but I think her pride keeps her from letting the past go. Not only is the story filled with suspicious characters but there is an underlying theme of forgiving and being set free from the past.

I loved how the author surprised me with the ending and I never once suspected how the guilty person was connected to Lizzy and Koby. I appreciate the action and how people came together to stop a dangerous person. Overall a great story with just enough intrigue to keep readers guessing til the end.

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