About the Book

Book: The Eternity Gate

Author: Katherine Briggs

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: September 12, 2023

Destroy the key. Save her people and herself. 

The Eternity Gate is found, and kings and monsters battle over its legends of treasure. But rumors whisper that someone stole the gate’s ancient key.

Seyo, handmaiden to the princess, keeps three secrets. First, she’s gifted in fire, not light, and may as well be cursed. Second, she translates a prophecy warning that the gate does not offer treasure but judgment. Third, Jorai, the scorned prince and Seyo’s confidant, entrusts her with the key and disappears.

Surrounded by war, Seyo and her companions embark on a journey to seek help from a faraway empire and find Jorai, unaware of the trap awaiting them. But what should Seyo do with the key? Who can survive judgment, especially someone as flawed as her? Will hiding the key—or destroying it—save her people or ensure their defeat?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Katherine Briggs crafted her first monster story at age three. Since graduating from crayons to laptop, she continues to devour and weave fantasy tales while enjoying oolong or chai tea. Katherine, her coadventurer husband, and rescue dog reside reside outside Houston, where she classically educates amazing middle school students, teaches ESL to adults, and studies other languages.

More from Katherine

Hello friend,

 

Journey. Friendship. Choices. Do these three words resonate with—even haunt—you too?

 

As I mature, I see my life and those of others’ as a journey. Aren’t you glad that, through Jesus, it’s leading somewhere amazing, and that the twists and turns have a purpose?

 

Believing thought leaders look at trends in current culture and diagnose that we’ve forgotten how to be a friend. What ingredients make a strong friendship? A listening ear? Sacrifice? Loyalty? Speaking truth in love? Encouragement? Are you honored to participate in an “unlikely friendship,” meaning someone who is different from you?

 

I’m sure you’ve faced many choices, even those of the impossible variety. Are you facing such a choice right now? Can you remember a past impossible choice and the light, albeit hard to see, that was always shining through?

 

Seyo, the main character in my debut YA fantasy The Eternity Gate, can relate. Even though she hides that she inherited the wrong gifting, her enemy’s gifting, she embarks on a journey across dangerous lands to save her country, despite feeling unworthy. She travels with friends and makes some surprising new ones. Along the way, she’s faced with unfathomable choices that will determine the fate of her home. Choices much too big for her shoulders, but that’s because she, like us, has Someone far more powerful helping her.

 

I encourage you to grab a tasty, warm drink. Since it’s autumn, I suggest The Republic of Tea’s pumpkin spice latte, and you can click here to grab the recipe. Sit back, relax, and remember:

 

• What part of your journey has made you stronger?
• Is there a friend you can reach out to with an encouraging word?
• Small actions change the world. Don’t give up.

 

Sip your cozy drink and please enjoy Seyo’s journey. I hope The Eternity Gate invites you into a grand adventure.

 

Sincerely,

Katherine Briggs

MY REVIEW

With action that doesn’t stop, this book will have you feeling like you are there with the  characters. I love a strong   female character and the author has gifted us Seyo. Strong, fierce and ready for whatever comes her way , she defends with confidence. There is a side to her that is vulnerable which makes her very relatable. How many of us knows what it feels like to not feel accepted by others? Seyo deals with this yet still stays focused on her mission. 

There is a strong message which I loved discovering in the story. Sometimes we can do something that feels like a sacrifice yet still wonder if we chose the right path. A character in the story illustrates that  very well. Fast paced with excitement gives this book a feeling of never wanting to leave. I loved the inspirations in the story that inspire us. Overall a great story with this reader looking forward to the next book. I’m glad I have had the privilege of finding a new author to read. 

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

Blog Stops

Bliss, Books & Jewels, September 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 21

Texas Book-aholic, September 22

Through the Fire Blogs, September 23 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 25

Artistic Nobody, September 26 (Author Interview)

Madi’s Musings, September 26

The Book Club Network, September 27

Guild Master, September 28 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 29

Blogging With Carol, September 30

Labor Not in Vain, October 1

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 2 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 3

Simple Harvest Reads, October 4 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Katherine is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card and one hardcover copy of The Eternity Gate!!

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/27fb7/the-eternity-gate-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

 

About the Book

Book: Battered & Torn

Author: Allison Pearl

Genre: Faith-Based Romantic Suspense

Release Date: February 6, 2023

As just another staff member in the mansion of billionaire Archie Hamilton, Nora’s finally found a place to hide from her murderous family. But when the handsome bigshot asks her out on a date, she worries Archie’s interest—no matter how thrilling—will blow her cover and shoot up a flare for those hunting her. And if she can’t squash his crush, only God will be able to keep him out of danger.

When Archie turned in his scalpel to run the family business, life became too busy to go home and deal with his grief. But when he discovers a suspicious hire at his ancestral estate, he’s forced to confront the situation as well as his anger at God for taking not only his family, but his dreams. Despite his objections, his grandmother is determined to keep Nora on staff, but that isn’t going to stop him investigating her on his own—no matter how attractive he finds her. But the more he digs, the more questions he has.

Drawn to Nora again and again, Archie wonders if she’ll help lead him back to the truth or get him killed. Is trusting a beautiful stranger worth the risk to his family, his life, and his heart? And when Nora’s past catches up with them, will anyone be left alive?

 

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 furbabies. To keep in touch and get updates on new releases visit www.allison-pearl.com or follow her Facebook page ‘Books by Pearl’ at www.facebook.com/allisonnicolepearl/, on Twitter at @AllisonPearl5, and on Instagram at @allisonnicolepearl.

 

More from Allison

We’ve all fantasized about running away and starting over. Maybe it’s to some gem of a small town or a thrilling big city, but who hasn’t wondered what it would be like to leave our history, our anxieties, and our problems behind and trade them in for something fairytale-worthy and new? Nora didn’t just dream about starting over, she did. But did she run far enough? The nightmares that haunt her at night say otherwise, leading her to wonder Can we ever really start over or do our fears just lie in wait?

 

Nora’s written her own fairytale, but will her murderous family steal the happy ending? Find out the truth by getting your copy of BATTERED & TORN!

MY REVIEW

The book is a suspenseful story that draws readers into the world of deceit. Nora is trying so hard to run away from her past but can she really ever be safe? I thought  she was a complex character with deep scars and trust issues. It is understandable why it is hard to trust when you come from such a  dysfunctional family like hers. When she is taken in by a sweet older woman she starts to relax a bit. Unfortunately that secure feeling won’t last for long. 

Archie is a good character who adores his grandmother. He is fiercely protective of her and it shows when he interrogates Nora. Why has his grandmother allowed a stranger to come live with her? There are some tense moments between Nora and Archie that put them both on guard. Archie is angry at God for taking his loved ones but he is determined to keep his grandmother safe from the stranger living in the house. 

I like the way the author develops the relationship between the two main characters. It is subtle and not without doubts that lead them to try to sort out their feelings. Nora has this idea about love that she explains to Archie. “Knowing when to let someone go is just as much an act of love as chasing them.” You can see the question in Archie’s eyes when she tells him this. There is pain deep within Nora and I think at that moment, Archie feels this need to protect her. 

Nora’s past is getting closer to being exposed as unexplained accidents start happening. I loved the suspense  throughout the book  and the faith thread scattered in and out of the storyline. Someone wants Nora harmed but will Archie be able to protect her?  

The author gives us some  unexpected  twists that had me on the edge of my seat. There are people after Nora but among her enemies is someone  I never thought was capable of inflicting harm on someone else. It is a rollercoaster ride as the drama intensifies and the secrets start to explode in front of Nora.  

During a very intense moment   Archie reminds Nora that she is free because God loves her and has forgiven her.  Will Nora trust Archie or leave with someone who she has been running from? There are a few moments in the story where sensitive subjects are mentioned. The author does  handle this with grace but still could be a trigger for some readers. The author ends the story with a cliff hanger that tells me I have another book from her coming soon. I can’t wait to see what happens next. 

“If you spend your whole life focusing on the bad, you’ll never see the good things you have left.” 

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 20

Texas Book-aholic, September 21

Gina Holder, September 22 (Author Interview)

The Lit Lady, September 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 23

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 24

Lily’s Book Reviews, September 25

Splashes of Joy, September 26 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 27

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 28

The Book Club Network, September 29

Beauty in the Binding, September 30 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 30

For Him and My Family, October 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 2

Through the Fire Blogs, October 3 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Allison 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/27fb5/battered-torn-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Zuggy the Rescue Pug – Happy Howl-idays

Author: Jean Marie Alfieri

Genre: Kid-lit Activity Book

Release Date: June 17, 2023

Three fun Zuggy the Rescue Pug stories in one action-packed activity book! First, Zuggy goes ‘Costume Crazy.’ How many does he model before finding the perfect Halloween outfit? Color them all. Then, Zuggy must save dinner from racing out the door, in ‘The Great Turkey Chase.’ Finally, Zuggy can’t stand the thought of the family having no presents this holiday. Can he work some Christmas magic? Only if the cat keeps his secret.

Packed with book club questions, puzzles, and games, this activity book makes a paws-itivly perfect gift for parents, teachers, and kiddos!

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

When Jean’s eyes locked with those of a smooshy-faced little dog who sat inside a kennel at the Humane Society, it was love! He captured her heart. She captured their many adventures in short story poems starring Zuggy the Rescue Pug. An author, speaker, and advocate for the adoption of senior dogs, Jean and her husband currently live with their three fur-kids in in Colorado. They joke that although the humans pay the mortgage, it’s really the dogs’ house! Jean finds much of her writing inspiration from her “vintage puppies” and work at the Pikes Peak Humane Society.

More from Jean

Pug-Lovers Magazine recently sat down with America’s favorite rescue pug to interview him on the new trio of Howl-iday stories and activity books that were released last month. Here’s what Zuggy had to say.

 

Q: This is book #11 in an award-winning collection. How do you continue to be your Mom / Jean’s most influential writing inspiration?

Zuggy: Oh, that’s easy. I just jump on her lap and wiggle around until I almost fall off and she tells me to settle down. Then I sit and stare deeply into her eyes and subliminally ask for a snack. She thinks I’m giving her story ideas, but it works for her, so I don’t ruin it.

 

Q: What is the best activity in these special edition books? 

Zuggy: The puzzles and games and coloring pages where you can decorate me! The book club questions are also a great feature. (Mom said she got the idea from her own reading club – thanks, Auntie Karen!)

 

Q: What is your favorite holiday? 

Zuggy: This pug is all about love and hugs, so Valentine’s Day is my fave. (I should have been named Very-Valentino, or Vee-vee for short! It’s so Ooo-la-la.)

 

Q: Do you ever get writer’s block?

Zuggy: Every day around breakfast and dinner time I simply can not focus. I scour the kitchen for lost and forgotten kibbles and wait impatiently for my chef (I mean, Momma Jean) to prepare my next meal. Who could write in such conditions?

 

Q: Which story from this collection is your favorite?

Zuggy: That’s ruff. ‘Costume Crazy’ is based on a true story and I really enjoyed all the belly-rubs between wardrobe changes. ‘The Great Turkey Chase’ starts out sad but is so exciting, and I score a drumstick in the end, so that’s a super story. And ‘Santa Paws’ is full of surprises. I love them all!

 

Q: Where can friends and fans get this new book? 

Zuggy: The whole collection is available on Amazon and Jean will be signing copies on September 16, 2023, at the Humane Society’s Pawtoberfest, in Colorado Springs. Grab a beer and a book! And remember, she loves visiting schools (in person or remotely) so drop us an email to schedule a class visit: ZuggythePug@gmail.com

MY REVIEW

The book covers three major holidays with cute stories that rhythm and filled with laughs and family time. The main character Zuggy is a sweet little pug who loves his family. He wants to be part of each celebration by dressing up in a costume, rescuing Thanksgiving dinner and sharing the real meaning of Christmas.

The author has included fun activities such as coloring, puzzles and so much more.  I love how the book invites the whole family to join in as they read each story together and do the activities while spending time together. The illustrations are just right for coloring and will add hours of fun for everyone. This would be a great gift to give to a child and watch them discover treasures in the book. 

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 18

lakesidelivingsite, September 19

Texas Book-aholic, September 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 23

Blossoms and Blessings, September 24 (Author Interview)

The Book Club Network, September 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 25

Blogging With Carol, September 26

For Him and My Family, September 27

Artistic Nobody, September 28

Cover Lover Book Review, September 29

Guild Master, September 30

Vicky Sluiter, October 1 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, October 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jean is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a print-copy of the newest special-edition activity book, “Zuggy the Rescue Pug – Happy Howl-idays”!!

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/27fb2/zuggy-the-rescue-pug-happy-howl-idays-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Powerful Whispers: A 7-week Journey Discovering Who You Are To God

Author: Christa Joy Spaeth

Genre: Christian non-fiction, devotional

Release Date: February 22, 2023

Powerful Whispers gives you a glimpse of how awe-inspiring God’s whispers of His love are for you. He desires to capture your heart, to communicate personally with you, to encourage and strengthen you.

Each daily devotional offers God’s life-giving words, suggests powerful worship, and provides an activation step applying that day’s principe to your life. Let the Lord fill your cup to overflowing as you embark on this amazing 7-week journey.

Whether you’be been walking with the Lord for years or have been recently saved, you will discover in fresh new ways that: God Knows You – God Loves You – God Fights for You – God provides for You – God Chose You – God’s Peace is for You – God’s Powerful Whispers Can Change your Life

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Christa Joy Spaeth is the founder of Christa Joy Ministries. It was in 2022 when Minnesota-based author Christa received a compelling message from God. In a prayer cabin called “Whisper,” He prompted her to write a seven-week devotional.

Since then, Christa’s eyes, heart, and ears were opened to more whispers, so that she may start fulfilling her new purpose of helping the hurting and share the love of Christ.

This blessed wife, mother of two, and businesswoman is passionate about living up to God’s plans for her every day. So much so that in 2022, she stepped down from her decades-long career as a Registered Dietitian at a large food manufacturing company to pursue the promptings of the Lord and encourage others in Christ.

Today, Christa owns and operates Christa Joy Ministries where she publishes her own books, writes daily encouragements and God whispers on her social media accounts. In addition, she does guest blog posts for various social media accounts.

 

More from Christa

One morning while I was away at a prayer cabin, the Lord laid on my heart that I was to write a book. My first thought was, “Oh, my!  Lord, I have never written anything other than work-related documents.  Where do I begin? What do you want me to write?”

I am so honored and humbled that the Lord placed amazing book experts in my path over the next year to launch this unique devotional book in a mere 55 weeks. This feat is spectacular as I didn’t know anything about the publishing business.

Two components of Powerful Whispers that my readers love are the suggested worship and the activations. After each devotional was written I searched for the perfect worship song. You will find several suggested indie artist songs and a few popular worship songs too.  Daily you will find an activation which engages your entire body to be able to get the daily truth deeper in your soul.

The Bible verse I read before I starting to write Powerful Whispers is found in James 1:5, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” God continually showed His faithfulness to me by providing wisdom to share with my readers.

My heart’s desire is that readers will soon learn through this daily devotional that God chose them, He loves them, and He wants to share His powerful whispers daily for their life.

MY REVIEW 

I like how the author has set this study book up in a way  that flows from page to page. She opens the study with the most important part that will impact many. It is a simple statement which asks, “Do you know Jesus ?” Before you begin the study the author wants readers to know where they would go if they died today. I loved that this was the first page that starts your journey with Jesus.

Each chapter has a section where you read scriptures and reflect  on them. One thing I noticed about the study is how it is geared towards drawing you to open up the Bible and reading directly from it. Even though the scriptures are there in the workbook I like to look them up in the Bible. There  are many versions out there to choose from and for me I like to read from different Bibles to see how they are written and interpreted. 

The book provides personal accounts with a song that I stopped to look up. It also prompts you to take action and then pray over what you studied. I like that the author provided a prayer that goes with each section and points directly to what was just studied. The chapters are short but it does not take away from the message. It provides  a good way to spend time with God while soaking up His word.

One chapter I really enjoyed was “ God Sees You,”   found in chapter seven. It talks  about feeling invisible. I have felt  that way all my life. I often say,” If I walked into a room full of people, I would still feel alone.” This chapter reminds me that God sees me and He has never left me. I may feel alone but that is a lie from the enemy. This one chapter grabbed my attention and I probably spent days reading it, looking up verses, the song and saying the prayer over and over again. Yes I felt a release when I let go and let God. I have wanted to be free from all the lies the enemy has whispered to me since I was a child. I needed a breakthrough in my anxiety and depression. What I found was missing was I was not still. I kept running from Him and allowing others to make me feel unwanted and unloved. I now hold on to Jeremiah 31:3 “ The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: I have loved you with everlasting  love ; I have drawn you with unfailing love.” 

As you can tell this book has impacted me in a way that I have waited my whole life to feel. You never know when your breakthrough will come but get ready . God loves us and has a plan for us. We may get what we need from a study guide, a word from the pastor or just listening to a song. Be sure you grab this book  and allow God to open your eyes and whisper truth and freedom to each of you. 

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 13

Lily’s Book Reviews, September 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 15

A Reader’s Brain, September 16 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 17

Texas Book-aholic, September 18

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 19 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 20

Its Mama Safe, September 21

The Book Club Network, September 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 23

Artistic Nobody, September 24 (Author Interview)

By The Book, September 25 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 25

Lots of Helpers, September 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christa is giving away the grand prize package of a $30 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of Powerful Whispers devotional book, and a hand-crafted leather bookmark!!

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/27de3/powerful-whispers-celebration-tour-giveaway