About the Book

Book:  Wolf Soldier

Author: James R. Hannibal

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: October 26, 2021

The fate of the Dragon Lands are at play.

The knights of the Lightraider Order disappeared nearly two generations past. Now, the Keledan have withdrawn behind their barriers, and the Dragon Lands of bordering Tanelethar are overrun with dark oppression. The people are living in disobedience to the Rescuer who freed them long ago. 

A shepherd boy, Connor Enarian, and four young initiates rekindle the fires of the Lightraider Order in the hope of striking out across the mountains into Tanelethar to destroy a portal and stop an impending invasion.

Once in the Dragon Lands, Connor learns that the key to success lies with a missing Lightraider spy and his lifelong companion, a talking silver wolf. Can Connor and his friends find the spy before the portal grows too large to destroy? Or will a local young woman—or Connor’s own family history—betray them? 

The dangers and secrets of Tanelethar test both trust and loyalty, and to save his homeland, Connor may have to sacrifice his innermost dreams.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Former stealth pilot James R. Hannibal is no stranger to secrets and adventure. He has been shot at, locked up by surface to air missiles, has hunted insurgents with drones, and was once chased by an armed terrorist down a winding German road. James is the Carol Award winning author of the Clandestine Service series and a three–time winner of the Silver Falchion Award for Juvenile Fiction for his Section 13 series.

 

More from James

Wolf Soldier: Origins

 

Did you know Wolf Soldier is set in a fantasy world created for a 1980s tabletop game? DragonRaid was an “adventure learning system” designed by Navigators author Dick Wulf. It used elements of choose-your-adventure stories and roleplaying games to teach Scripture memory and application. The game immersed players in the fantasy world of EdenAgain, where their hero characters applied Scripture to solve puzzles and battle “dark creatures.” Using God’s word in these allegorical challenges engaged the mind to increase understanding and retention.

 

I was one of the DragonRaid’s teenage fans. But the game vanished after only three years, buried by a ranting televangelist who created a campaign against it in a failed attempt to distract the world from his nefarious activities. Even worse, when the game vanished, it left us all on a cliffhanger—The Moonbridge Raid Campaign, Part One of Three.

 

Years later, with budding teens of my own, I sought out an old boxed set.  When we ran out of the original stories, I wrote some of my own, and after playing these new stories with my little group, I sent them to the man who’d sold me the box. He sent them on to Dick Wulf, the original creator of the game.

 

Long story short: Dick, who had been given only a short time to live, asked me to take over the fantasy world and carry the game forward under the banner Lightraiders, including the task of novelizing the world.

 

That’s where Wolf Soldier came from. And I’m so excited to see where the characters and the Lightraider Order will take us. Dick went home to Heaven on July 6, 2021, but you can find the encouragement of his foreword inside Wolf Soldier.

 

By the way, I didn’t forget about the cliffhanger. Before turning in the novel, I completed Parts Two and Three of the Moonbridge Raid Campaign using drafts Dick Wulf wrote. Funded by a donor, our burgeoning Lightraiders game company matched the grand style of the original 1980s adventure guidebook, maps and all. Whew! What a relief to finally scratch that 35-year itch!

MY REVIEW 

I am amazed at how the author wrote a story that was  so exciting that I couldn’t stop reading the book. Knowing nothing about the game this series is based on I had to go look it up. After all, I needed to be familiar so I could appreciate how detailed the book is. At one time the game was widely popular and now thanks to the author and the developer of the game it has been reintroduced. After reading about the game and how it works, I am ready to start my adventure.

Connor is everything you would want in a brave soldier. He is on a mission that will definitely lead to danger but his determination is admirable. Connor has much to learn and funds  himself being discipled by someone very wise. It was interesting that they had a language all their own. When he recited  what he was told to memorize the biblical references were very evident. What will happen once he gets to the academy? As time draws near for Connor to go out on a mission he is filled with much knowledge. I thought this statement said to him was so wise; “Imagine believing a man  can know his creator’s mind.” I can see how some would be arrogant to actually think they could know exactly what the creator thought. Connor now begins to understand what he must do.

The author has created a fantasy world where goblins, knights and others abound. There is no room for error as Connor and his team known as the Lightraider Order is now ready for what evil comes their way. I enjoyed the training that Connor and the group go through. Nestled in the pages are subtle parallels of the Bible and the story the author has created. Along  the journey there is danger, lessons and a feeling of teamwork.  I love it when an author puts in surprises in their story and this one  definitely may have sone waiting for readers. I eagerly anticipate the next book  in this very engaging series.

 “Spiritual battle has much in common with physical battle. No one should face it alone.” 

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

 

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, October 30

Simple Harvest Reads, October 30 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 31

Blogging with Carol, October 31

deb’s Book Review, November 1

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 3

Texas Book-aholic, November 4

Artistic Nobody, November 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, November 5

Guild Master, November 5

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, November 6

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 6

Rebecca Tews, November 7

Through the Fire Blogs, November 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 8

Labor Not in Vain, November 8

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 9

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 10

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 10

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

By the Book, November 12

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 12

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, James is giving away the grand prize package of a signed Wolf Soldier Limited Edition Hardcover, Starlots Gem Dice 7-Color Set (Hand-Inked), and 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/12b85/wolf-soldier-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: The Stone and the Secrets

Author: Jan Davis Warren

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 9, 2021

Science has always been her haven…until a secret expedition proves more dangerous than she bargained for. 

Lady Elise Stanton loves the Lord, her family, science, and William Degraf. William was always around to help with her experiments—at least, until she reached marriageable age. Unable to convince him that it is not a noble bloodline that makes a man worthy, but a noble heart, she turns to science to soothe her disappointment. She’s admitted to the School of Scientifica in London, far from her home at Brighton Castle. She’s eager to join a scientific expedition intent on tracking down a large meteorite strike. The hope is their study will unlock secrets of the universe, which will help mankind. Superstitions and fear surrounding the stones threaten the expedition. As dangers mount, William’s unexpected arrival could be the answer to her prayers…or the harbinger of more peril to come.

William Degraf chooses to join the king’s army to escape the growing secret love he has for Lady Elise. He is a low-born innkeeper’s son and not worthy to marry a lady of noble blood. His plan is to rise in ranks and one day earn great honors to declare for her hand. That hope is shattered when he loses his right leg in battle while saving his best friend from the enemy’s lance. When he receives information that a group of assassins have been hired to kill the king and all with noble blood, he must warn Elise and her family. Can he reach Elise in time to protect her from danger, then stand aside and watch her marry another?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Jan Davis Warren is a mother, grandmother, and a young-at-heart great-grandmother. Her wonderful husband passed away the same year she won the ACFW Genesis Award for Romantic Suspense. That win and many others are encouraging reminders that God wants her to continue writing even in the tough times. Learn more at www.janwarrenbooks.com.

 

More from Jan

Writing The Stone and the Secrets was as much a joy as it was a challenge.

The hero and heroine of this book were first introduced in book 2, The Sword and the Secrets. Several readers loved Elise and William so much, they wanted to know more about them. The Stone and the Secrets is Elise and William’s story.

Book 3, The Stone and the Secrets was also to complete the series, but as soon as it was finished, I knew there would have to be one more. I already have the title, plot, and the characters, but I’ll share more about that another day.

As a writer, I love getting to know the characters. Before the story is finished, it’s like I’ve known them their whole lives. It’s fun, but challenging to allow the characters to evolve without pushing them to the end too soon. Spoiler alert. I absolutely LOVE a happily-ever-after ending. It gives me, as the author, a satisfying feeling of closure. You can laugh, but it’s true.

The hero and heroine in The Stone and the Secrets are not the typical h/h you might imagine living in medieval times.

The beautiful and intelligent, Lady Elise Stanton has a long and impressive royal linage. Because of her heritage, protocol demands she marry someone with an equally impressive noble bloodline. The problem is, Elise has no interest in protocol, titles, or matchmaking, and refuses to be courted by empty-headed men who know nothing of using a forge, or mending a broken carriage axle. She’s a scientist whose curiosity about the how things work has gotten her into trouble since she was old enough to take things apart. With her creative mind, she is always thinking of new things to invent. Her first attempt to fly almost got her killed, but for our hero, William Degraf’s timely intervention.

He’s saved Elise many times during their childhood—a challenge he gladly accepts for he loves her deeply. However, William’s love for Elise is not to be. He must sacrifice his love so she can fulfill her destiny, which means marrying a man with title and wealth, neither of which he has. He is strong, handsome, and of noble character, but has not a noble bloodline.

Once Elise becomes of marriageable age, he realizes seeing her courted would be too painful, so he joins the king’s army. By becoming a knight, he hopes to forget her.

As I got to know Sir William Degraf, a knight of the king’s army, I can tell you, there’s not a braver or more loyal man to be found in all of England.

In the title, The Stone and the Secrets, the stone was initially meant to represent the meteorites, which Elise is determined to locate. She feels they are the answer to finding a unique metal needed for a secret project.

To my unexpected delight, in the midst of writing this story, I realized the “stone” also represents the Lord, our Corner Stone, the Rock of Ages, the Stone that the builder rejected, and much more.

This is also an adventure story, so, of course, there’s hidden treasure and several villains, each with a goal to kill, steal and destroy. Assassins, murderous pagans, and a madman intent on revenge, all who are determined to wreak havoc along the way.

Which begs to question. With so much coming against them…

Can William reach Elise in time to save her, this time from a fate worse than death?

And, with William being a lowborn commoner, and Elise of noble blood, how can they possibly have their happily-ever-after?

I’m so excited. I can’t wait to tell you. They…

Oh, no, I’ve used up all my allotted words. Sorry, I guess you’ll have to read The Stone and the Secrets to find out.

May God bless and keep you, and give you peace.

Jan Davis Warren

MY REVIEW 

Lady Elise is perhaps one of my favorite characters ever. Her energy is contagious and I love how her mind is constantly going. She is determined to succeed in her experiments even though some don’t believe in her. Being a woman makes her not respected in the science world but she is determined to prove everyone wrong. I laughed when an explosion happened that helped her get away from an unwanted suitor. Well it was funny until he started spreading rumors that she was practicing witchcraft. I liked how she continually thought of different inventions to help others. I couldn’t wait to see what adventure was ahead for Lady Elise.

William is someone I would want to protect my family. He is fearless and  very honorable. His sacrifice saves Elise’s brother during battle but it came with a cost. He feels embarrassed about the loss of his leg but I have a feeling Elise is going to do something to help him. The author does give us subtle hints that perhaps they may have feelings for each other. William does try Elise’s patience with his on and off feelings for her. We will see how William feels if Elise suddenly finds another suitor. 

With the addition of these strange objects that fell from the sky there is much going on in the story that will keep readers interested. William has a big responsibility to get Elise home to safety, but will she go with him? The meteorites are very intriguing and is a huge find to scientists and of course Elise. The author continues to amaze me with surprises in the story as Elise and William discover something deep in a cavern. Their significance will indeed be a big find and I loved how faith played a big part in the story.   

The ending is filled with danger as William travels to rescue Elise. I enjoyed reading how strong Elise was and how her faith helped her during dark moments. This has been a great adventure and the author delivers a tale of bravery, faith and trust.

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

Blog Stops

Connect in Fiction, November 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 2

Texas Book-aholic, November 3

Inklings and notions, November 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 5

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 6

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 7 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, November 7

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 8

deb’s Book Review, November 9

Connie’s History Classroom, November 10

Mary Hake, November 10

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 12

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 13

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 14 (Author Interview)

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jan is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/12b89/the-stone-and-the-secrets-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Texas Timbers

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Release date: September 3, 2021

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains the Lord’s favor  . . . is the reverse true?

Can a romance born of prophesy thrive? Autumn Hope knows for a fact that the man she’s to marry cuts timber in the Sulphur River bottoms. She’s seen him in her dreams—exactly where he’s working and goes so far as to buy that block. Of course, she convinces her father she must travel the hundred and fifty miles to meet the man of her dreams. If he isn’t to be her husband, why would she kiss him in her night vision?

The lady’s sudden appearance baffles Sean. Craziness needs a keeper, but how did she ever find him or know his crosscut saw would break? Wounded by a lost love, he cannot believe the tall tale the pretty lady is spinning. It has to be a scam, right? God doesn’t work that way. Or Does He?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling stories—over sixty published—delight Christian readers around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her; you may listen at YouTube. Sharing four children and nineteen grandsugars (three greats), Caryl and Ron, her high-school-sweetheart-husband of fifty-three years, live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas. The McAdoos wait expectantly for God to open the next door.

 

More from Caryl

In 1870, my TEXAS TIMBERS heroine Autumn Hope found herself practically an old maid. She’d spent those years when most would be courting taking care of her mother, who was ill and dying. It hadn’t been long since Liberty’s death when the story opens, but Autumn had one of her prophetic dreams—God had shown her a man and assured her He would answer her prayers for a husband.

 

Readers first met Autumn at her birth in book two, TEXAS MY TEXAS. She had her first prophetic dream in book four, LEAVING TEXAS, at the age of nine. Distraught over her older sister Charity leaving to live in California, the Lord gave her reassurance that her sister would be back to live in Texas, and that she and her new husband would build a hotel in Dallas!

All my readers love Morgan and Charity Lowell and all the adventures they have at the Lowell House Hotel! This is the first time though that God has given her a dream about herself. She knows what the man looks like and exactly where he’s working, but not his name. Still, she is determined to go and find him!

 

Can you imagine this man . . . a lady hunting him down in the woods while he’s working then telling him he’s going to be her husband? That she’s going to be his wife? Because God said so!

 

Poor Sean O’Farrell! He was so perplexed by the crazy lady! Oh, his mother prayed plenty and spouted God’s Word at him all the time, but he and the Big Guy . . . they hadn’t been tight in years.

TEXAS TIMBERS is a fun story and not like any I’ve written before! Readers will enjoy reuniting with Morgan and Charity, Henry and May Buckmeyer (from my first family saga), Corbin—Autumn’s father, and so many more of these great characters who so easily worm their way right into your heart . . . at least they did mine! I hope you’ll enjoy it! As always, I pray my story gives God glory!

MY REVIEW 

There is something about this author’s writing style that always transport me into the story. Her talent for describing the setting is beautiful and I began to imagine myself on the journey with Autumn Hope. I embraced  the faith that Autumn Hope had and how she was gifted with prophecy. Now some may not believe in her gift, but her gift is directly from God. I did get  a little laugh as she explained her dream. Would you believe her if she told you that she has seen who God has chosen as her husband? I loved Autumn Hope and her sweet attitude and determination to follow what God has shown her to be true. 

Sean is a hardworking man who is honest, faithful and protective. I would love to have seen the look on his face when Autumn Hope tells him why she is there on his place. He was a little impressed with her hard work but he still was hesitant about her. Trust is a big word for  all these characters and I understand why Sean needed to be a little cautious. He doesn’t give his heart away freely. I enjoyed reading how their relationship developed slowly as they came to know each other better. Now the next step is to get a blessing from his soon to be father-in law. 

When the author talked about all of them going to church together it was nice to see them gathering together to worship God. After service they prepared for dinner-on-the-ground. Oh my did that bring back memories for me. My dad was a preacher and I so looked forward to dinner-on-the-ground on Sunday’s. It was a time of fellowship, good food and relaxing in God’s presence. The author describes the scene so well that I was taken back in time to a nice memory when I was a happy child at one time. 

I enjoyed reading about Corbin and Riona. Their relationship was very special and I liked how Corbin never judged Riona because of her past. What a shame his church didn’t feel the shame. Oh how jealousy rears it’s ugly head as finger pointing and tongues start wagging . This part of the  story was a great lesson about “he without sin cast the first  stone .”  I was shocked by what some of the members of the church called Riona. It made me think of Jesus weeping as one of His  children were being  hurt. I can’t explain why, but this part of the  story really spoke to me. When Corbin stands up to speak, I felt God’s presence in that room. I think we all need to be reminded that we have all sinned. God forgives  us of our sin and forgets them. Why can’t we forgive and forget?

The story is filled with scriptures and I loved how the author wove them into our hearts with grace and hope. I really didn’t wasn’t this journey to end but I’m happy with the ending. As with each book I read from this author I grow closer to God. The lessons in this beautiful story reminds us that God forgives us for our sins. We should always be mindful of not judging and most importantly that forgiveness will set you free. This book will be going on my best reads for 2021.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 1

Simple Harvest Reads, November 1 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Texas Book-aholic, November 2

Inklings and notions, November 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 4

For Him and My Family, November 4

deb’s Book Review, November 5

lakesidelivingsite, November 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 7

Connie’s History Classroom, November 8

Pause for Tales, November 8

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 10

Girls in White Dresses, November 10

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 11

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 13

Splashes of Joy, November 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl 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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/12b88/texas-timbers-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book:  I Spy a Tiger

Author: Clyde San Juan

Genre: Christian Children’s Books

Release date: August 2020

Worship daily in rhyme, reading I Spy a Tiger with the young ones in your life. On this colorful journey, introduce them to Adam’s beloved naming of 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

An Illustrator and Author, Clyde San Juan enjoys encouraging creativity through his art, writings and art instruction classes, young and old. I Spy a Tiger is a young creatives’ introduction to the word read aloud in fellowship with their parents and other family members. Recently becoming a Grampy, Clyde can’t wait till he can read I Spy to his grands!

 

 

 

More from Clyde

Cardamon Swirl Clafoutis with Marinated Prunes 

A rustic, custardy moist cake (or maybe, envision a thick German Pancake dotted with fruit),
this French dessert is infused with the exotic presence of Cardamon. Clafoutis, usually a sweet, can incorporate all kinds of combinations of fruit, fresh, stone, or semi-dried like these prunes or figs. But to the creative, there can also be a bevy of whimsical savory takes to the additions and to the batter, thereby opening up a wide range of tasteful delights!

 

Prepare an 8×8 inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper

Marinated Prunes

Apprx. 1 cup pitted prunes, each cut into halves or quarters

3 tbsp unsalted butter

4 tsps granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp ground cardamon

optional: red food color

 

For the Marinated Prunes, add the fruit pieces, the butter and the rest of the ingredients and
sauté, stirring frequently to meld the cardamon with the fruit and to create a wonderful syrup. Gently. We do not want to reduce and dry up the syrup. Off heat, set aside, blending in the
red food color.

 

Batter

2 healthy tbsp dollops, vanilla yogurt

6 tsp granulated sugar

4 medium eggs or 3 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup cake or all purpose flour

3/4 cup evaporated or whole milk

 

Finish

sprinkle of lemon zest

powdered sugar for dusting

 

Prep the loose base of the batter by creaming the sugar with the yogurt, eggs, vanilla extract
and baking powder with a whisk. It’s okay if the yogurt ends up as little lumps. Whisk in the flour, then the milk to bulk it out. It should look and stream like crepe batter.

*Preheat oven 320º

 

Reserving most of the syrup, spoon marinated fruit pieces into the pan, evenly over the parchment paper. Slowly pour or spoon the batter into the pan. You may need to redistribute some of the fruit back into the center of the pan. Drizzle the remainder syrup into the batter, swirling to your fancy, or create a beautiful herringbone pattern. This looks quite striking, if
you choose to use the red food color with the fruit.

 

Bake for 15 minutes or until all toothpick checks are clean, especially in the center. Choosing

to bake a little under gives the cake a more custardy mouth feel. *Note: depending on the heat of your oven, time and temp, this caveat stresses, not to overcook the batter, setting the eggs to a rubbery state. Baking gently with lower temps and/or shorter bake times can help you gage these variables. Try a Bain-Marie tactic, such as for flan!

 

Serve at room temperature, or slightly warmed, finishing with a dusting of powder sugar
and lemon zest.

 

excerpt recipe from What if Elijah knew how to cook and other stories

MY REVIEW 

I reviewed this book in January and still like the book. I am reposting that review . I have given a copy of this book to my granddaughter because she loves animal books. She loves to make the sounds of the different animals and really enjoyed the pictures. 

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

deb’s Book Review, October 26

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 29

Mark Hake, October 29

Inklings and notions, October 30

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 31

Texas Book-aholic, November 1

For Him and My Family, November 2

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 3

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 4

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 5

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 6

Cats in the Cradle Blog, November 7

Artistic Nobody, November 8 (Spotlight)

Raining Butterfly Kisses, November 8

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Clyde is giving away the grand prize package 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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/126b9/i-spy-a-tiger-celebration-tour-giveaway