Texas Book-aholic

Sunday, September 10, 2017

MERCY TRIUMPHS BY JANA KELLEY

Be inspired to pray for new believers in Sudan, those who are persecuted for their faith, and even for the salvation of the persecutors in Jana Kelley’s Mercy Triumphs. Three women quickly discover that escaping danger in Sudan only means facing even greater challenges elsewhere. As God’s mercy becomes evident in their lives, they must choose whether or not to offer mercy to those who don’t deserve it.

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{MORE ABOUT MERCY TRIUMPHS}

Mercy Triumphs (New Hope Publishers, September 2017)

Three women. Three impossible circumstances. One merciful God.

Mia, an American Christian, has lived in Sudan so long that persecution, harassment, and danger have become commonplace for her. Her tough outer shell threatens to harden her heart while her newly Christian friends, Halimah and Rania, former Muslims, are forced to live in exile outside Sudan. All three quickly discover that escaping danger in one place only means facing even greater challenges elsewhere. As God’s mercy becomes evident in their lives, they must choose whether or not to offer mercy to those who don’t deserve it.

Third in a trilogy, Mercy Triumphs opens the reader’s eyes to modern-day persecution and the life of Muslims in Sudan. Based on real-life events, Mercy Triumphs reveals some of the struggles Christians face when living under Islamic law. The reader will be inspired to pray for new believers, those who are persecuted for their faith, and even for the salvation of the persecutors.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

{MORE ABOUT JANA KELLEY}

Author of the captivating novel “Side by Side,” Jana Kelley is a Texan who hardly ever lives in Texas. Raised in Southeast Asia, Jana developed a love for cross-cultural living early in life. Her love for writing came soon after. Jana returned to Texas to attend East Texas Baptist University. She and her husband married a month after she graduated, and by their second anniversary, they were living in a remote African town. After 13 years living in Africa and the Middle East, Jana, her husband, and their three boys moved to Southeast Asia where they currently live.

Find out more about Jana at http://www.janakelley.com.

Three women who are different in many ways all come together for one thing. I have read the authors previous books and loved every word that skipped across the page as it began to transport me to another country. This book is probably my favorite because the women were so compassionate and I loved how the author gave us a glimpse into another religion. The customs are so different than we are use to, but oh how I loved reading about their struggles and triumphs.

Mia is American and has been in the Sudan with her husband for three years. I hear stories where Americans travel to foreign countries to speak about God. The author so eloquently showed how Mia gained friends about the Muslim women. I loved how Mia took Halimah under her wings and converted her. The book is a reminder that there is real danger for Christians living there. For Halimah to convert was a blessing but she must be careful. Can you imagine having to hide what you believe in , just so no harm will come to you? There are so many people around the world risking their lives everyday because they have been called to the mission field.

I found It very interesting to read about the beliefs of others. It may be hard to grasp but I respect their religion and their right to believe in something even if we don't understand. I found Mia and her husband to be willing to share Jesus with others knowing they could be in danger daily. The author did an amazing job of researching for this book and the details are realistic and easy to picture. I loved reading about Mia and her heart to share God with others. Her love for the people in Sudan was so genuine.

Halimah and Ramia were very intriguing women. The author does an amazing job of letting us understand their culture and what they face everyday . I love reading about the foods they ate and the breathtaking land they called home. One of the most interesting things I found about the book was how much Mia and her husband wanted to go back to Sudan. It was so hard for Mia to adjust to living in America again. God is a merciful God and He showed Mia that he had new plans for her right in her own state. This is one of those books that stay with you forever. Thank you for writing a story that opened my eyes to other cultures and to people who are not afraid to share His word no matter where they are.

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

Tour Schedule:

9/6

Tina | Mommynificent

Margaret | Frugal Shopping and More

Colleen | ColleenRichman.com

Margaret | The World As I See It

9/7

Marjolaine | Books, Beautiful Books

Billy | Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

Lena Nelson | A Christian Writer's World

Carrie | Reading Is My SuperPower

Joan | Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

Julia | Christian Bookaholic

9/8

Cheryl | cherylbbookblog

Franci | Aliens in the Apple

Amy | Seasons of Opportunities

Dianna | Savings in Seconds

9/10

Deana | Texas Book-aholic

Amanda | Inklings and notions

Denise | The Help Meet Wife

Becky | Living Outside the Lines

9/11

Beckie | By The Book

9/12

Nancy | sunny island breezes

9/13

Terra | Heck Of A Bunch

Carole | The Power of Words

Annette | A Well-Watered Garden

Meagan | Meagan Davenport

Kathleen | Reviews From The Heart

9/14

Marissa | The Review Stew

Wendy | Life at Rossmont

9/15

April | Dixie n Dottie

J anelle | Our milk and honey meadows

Kim | Window To My World

Elisha | Rainy Day Reviews

Jill | I am believing God

Leslie | Edits and Reviews by Leslie

Lizzie | A Dusty Frame

Renn | Heart to Heart Books

9/16

Jennifer | Mother of Three

9/17

andrea | Two Points of Interest

9/18

Rebekah | Backing Books

Amanda | The Talbert Report

9/19

vicky | deal sharing aunt

Mindy | A Room Without Books is Empty

Molly | Cafinated Reads

LeAnne | Rockin' My Mom Jeans

deb | Deb's Book Review

Sue | Thoughts from Mill Street

9/20

Paphapin | Feeling in Red

Bethany | Perfect beginnings

Tammy | Just Being Myself

Lydia | Noveltea

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

THE PROMISE OF A LETTER by KATHLEEN FULLER

The second installment of An Amish Letters Novel is one which does an excellent job on the subject of forgiveness and trust. I found the story to be emotional and well written. The author takes a subject that is hard for many and walks characters gently through the steps with compassion and understanding. One of the hardest things I've found is to forgive and trust. It has been a stumbling block in my walk with God. After reading this story, I find myself feeling at peace knowing what I must do to be free from the bondage that has held me back for so long.

I want to start with the character Roman because I can relate to him so well. Having grown up in a home where there was no love was very difficult for me. I resented my parents and it hurt to know I was never wanted. Roman has decided he should leave the Amish and start over somewhere else. . He didn't have a good childhood and I think the hurt of having parents that never showed any affection was very difficult for him and his brother. It was nice to know that their grandmother stepped in and showed them that they were loved and wanted. When Roman receives a letter from his grandmother, he finds his life changed forever. She had one last wish and wanted Roman to promise to fulfill it. Can you imagine how hard it was for Roman to go home and face his brother?

Leanna is a great character who is very smart , has a keen eye for working on mechanical things like engines and other things. It is not an ideal job for a woman among the Amish but I loved how the author showed how Leanna could do the work with no problem. She is happy at her job until gossip starts up about her. We hear it spoke of many times at church, but gossip seems to get hold of people and before you know it, it is spread like wildfire. What people forget is that gossip can be hurtful and can destroy a person. I thought the author did a wonderful job showing readers how gossip can change an innocent person's life.

There are some very heartbreaking moments in the story that will test Barbara and Daniel's faith. I loved the moments they shared as they grew closer during a tragedy. Can Roman find his way back to his brother and reconcile? Will the brothers be able to forgive each other and theirselves? Do Roman and Leanna find a way to start more than a friendship between them? Don't miss this beautiful story of redemption, trust , faith and forgiveness.

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.

Death Distilled: A Whisky Business Mystery
by Melinda Mullet

Death Distilled: A Whisky Business Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Alibi (September 5, 2017)
Print Length 300 pages
E-Book ASIN: B01N6FSSUX

Photojournalist by trade, distillery owner by blood, and amateur sleuth by necessity, Abigail Logan learns that murder can’t stay bottled up forever in this charming Whisky Business Mystery.

It’s been three months since Abi Logan last checked in on Abbey Glen, the celebrated whisky distillery she inherited. With her oversize wheaten terrier, Liam, by her side, Abi returns to the quaint Scottish village of Balfour. But her relaxing Highland homecoming takes a stressful turn when she unearths an unseemly bit of village history, welcomes a group of Japanese whisky enthusiasts, and becomes shepherdess to an unexpected flock of sheep—all within the first twenty-four hours. Still, nothing’s more stressful than murder. . . .

Local celebrity Rory Hendricks is the hotheaded, hard-rocking former frontman of the Rebels—and Abi’s girlhood crush. After meeting him in person, Abi can’t say no to anything he asks, like photographing his upcoming show . . . or figuring out who’s trying to kill him. Turns out someone’s been bumping off his old bandmates, with the drummer dead under mysterious circumstances and the keyboardist in a coma following a hit-and-run. Now a series of threatening messages leads Rory to think he’s next on the chopping block. And the band has a devil’s share of broken hearts and bitter disputes in their past, leaving Abi a huge batch of suspects to sift through—all before the killer takes another shot.

Melinda Mullet’s delightful Whisky Business mysteries can be read together or separately. Enjoy responsibly:
SINGLE MALT MURDER | DEATH DISTILLED

Melinda Mullet was born in Dallas and attended school in Texas, Washington D.C., England, and Austria. She spent many years as a practicing attorney before pursuing a career as a writer. Author of the Whisky Business Mystery series, Mullet is a passionate supporter of childhood literacy. She works with numerous domestic and international charities striving to promote functional literacy for all children. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her family.

Author Links

Webpage – http://melindamullet.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/mulletmysteries/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/mulletmysteries

Purchase Links

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This is such a wonderfully written story that ties the 1800s to present day Scotland. The description of the land was breathtaking. I have always wanted to go there. After reading this book, I am even more determined to visit. The author does an amazing job of taking readers on a guided tour of a distillery by words that are vivid . I could smell the blends of different flavors that will become drinks that many will love. I don't know why, but I kept picturing a little pub set off in the countryside. People are there raising their glasses as the latest new drink is served .

I loved that there was two stories going on that blended so well to come together as one. Abi is by far my favorite character in the story. She is savvy, inquisitive, caring and has a keen eye for detail. After a photo journal assignment, Abi has come back to check on the distillery she inherited. I don't think I would have a clue what to do with a distillery, but Abi seems to take it in stride. I love her calmness and the way she can make quick decisions. When bones are discovered close by , It was very fascinating to find out who the bones were . The writing of this part was superb and I loved the historical characters that were involved with the distillery. Readers will be glued to their seats as they uncover the mystery surrounding the bones that are very important to the present day story.

When Rory was introduced into the story I wasn't very impressed with him . He once was a very famous member of a band back in the day. He hires Abi to do some photos for his upcoming concert and also to keep her eyes open for anything out of the ordinary. When bodies start dropping from Rory's past, Abi knows he is in real danger. Now why would he fight her on decisions that would keep him safe? I wanted to scream at him and tell him to stop being on an ego trip. But of course the author handles the situation much better than I would. Abi knows how to do her job and doesn't back down from Rory. I have really come to like the authors style of writing and no nonsense way of delivering characters that are so relatable. I must end with that note because there is so much more to this book and readers need to discover it for themselves. . Will Abi find out who is trying to kill Rory before it is to late? Be sure you grab a copy, get comfy and enjoy a story full of intrigue and surprises.

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 4 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT

September 5 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

September 5 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW

September 6 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

September 6 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

September 7 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

September 7 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW, INTERVIEW

September 8 – T’s Stuff – SPOTLIGHT

September 8 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

September 9 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 10 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST

September 10 – Bookworm Mom – REVIEW

September 11 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW

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September 12 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW, GUEST POST

September 13 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 14 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

September 15 – Mystery Playground – pending author approval

September 15 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – GUEST POST

September 16 – The Editing Pen – REVIEW

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Saturday, September 2, 2017

TAKEN HOSTAGE by JORDYN REDWOOD

The opening scene is so explosive that I sat on the edge of my seat. The author knows how to grab a reader's attention within a few sentences. What would you do if you saw a vehicle trying to overpower another one? Colby sees that very scenario right in front of him on the freeway. His instincts kick in and he maneuvers his way to help whoever is being attacked on the road. The intense drama is spectacular and I immediately knew I wouldn't be able to put the book down.

Colby is a bounty hunter, has served time in the service and has a goal to save his sister who has a devastating tumor. There is only one person who has the knowledge to save his sister's life. Dr. Regan Lockhart is a top notch neurosurgeon who believes she can save Colby's sister. In a split second their lives change when Regan's daughter is kidnapped. As any mother would do, she is willing to sacrifice anything to save her child. Will she risk her practice, and her patients lives in order to save her child? Who wants the virus that Regan has developed and why? The medical terminology is spot on and shows how much research the author has done to make it realistic. I loved the action that never stopped and thought that Colby and Regan worked well together.

It's a race to the very end as the threat of evil tries to take control of the drug that Regan has. When bodies start dropping and the military get involved, Colby has to decipher who he can trust. The author keeps readers glued to the story with high voltage intrigue and a race to find out who is behind the danger Colby and Regan find themselves in. The book easily sends shivers down your spine as the story weaves through labs that become unsafe and a list of people who suddenly can't be trusted. Get ready for an ending that leave you speechless.

The review is my own opinion.

PIPER'S PASSION by LEE CARVER

What a wonderful story this is that takes you to Brazil and other places that open your eyes to a different culture. I loved how the author told a story about missionary work and the people who devote their lives to helping those who live in villages that all but forgotten. As I began to read about Piper I started to really connect with her story. I loved that she was a pilot and and a mechanic. She is very smart and doesn't make decisions without praying about it first.

Kyle is a missionary that flies people to the villages and also helps wherever he is needed. I loved his heart for the people and his willingness to go deep into the jungles to rescue people. The food Kyle and Piper encounter when they go on a mission trip to deliver supplies was quite interesting. I don't think I could eat some of the food . They had to worry about malaria while they are there and that must be hard for people to deal with when they have little to protect them from mosquitoes. Working in the field takes a special person and this story really opened my eyes to the long hours they put in.

Piper is not sure if she should stay in the Amazons or go back home when a new opportunity arises. I loved reading about the medicines needed and all the work it takes to get it to the people living in the jungles. The author depicts a perfect picture of what missionaries go through as they work closely with the people. I can't imagine the danger, health risks and language barriers they face each day. The story is very well written and keeps readers intrigued with an adventure that finds Piper learning to trust God more . I loved the talk she had with her dad and the confession she made to him. Throughout the story you will find God's fingerprints directing characters to His plan for their lives and protecting them from harm. I can't wait to read the next book in this exciting series

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

Dead on the Bayou (A Twin Sisters Mystery)
by June Shaw

I love the unique premise of this novel and series. Identical twins with very different personalities provide a multitude of plot twists and plenty of humor.
~Book Babble

A quick and enjoyable read…
~Maureen’s Musings

Dead on the Bayou (A Twin Sisters Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Lyrical Underground (August 22, 2017)
Paperback: 192 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1516100965
E-Book ASIN: B01N3ZNZVL

It may be easier to patch up an old home than a broken heart. But along the Louisiana bayou, where beauty and danger mingle all too seamlessly, thoughts of romance may have to simmer on the back burner . . .

Twin sisters and fellow divorcees Sunny Taylor and Eve Vaughn have established their home repair and remodeling business with an eye toward quality and personal attention. So when they’re approached by hunky Dave Price to fix up his bayou fishing camp, they’re more than happy to take the job—especially since they both secretly think he may prove to be more than just another satisfied customer . . .

The ramshackle campsite could certainly use a woman’s touch. What it does not need is a dead body—but that’s what the trio stumble across. Clearly, the poor soul was murdered—and once the town tongue-waggers get going, Sunny, Eve, and Dave come under suspicion of the police, not to mention potential clients . . .

Now, with their futures on the line, their brewing love triangle will have to wait. Helped—and harried—by the twins’ mother and her retirement home’s cadre of amateur sleuths, the trio starts snooping on their own. But when another dead body turns up, they’ll have to get their hands dirtier than a swamp-bottom snake if they hope to clear their names . . .

About The Author

From the bayou country of South Louisiana, June Shaw previously sold a series of humorous mysteries to Five Star, Harlequin, and Untreed Reads. Publishers Weekly praised her debut, Relative Danger, which became a finalist for the David Award for Best Mystery of the Year. A hybrid author who has published other works, she has represented her state on the board of Mystery Writers of America’s Southwest Chapter for many years and continued to serve as the Published Author Liaison for Romance Writers of America’s Southern Louisiana chapter. She gains inspiration for her work from her faith, family, and friends, including the many readers who urge her on. For more info please visit juneshaw.com.

http://www.juneshaw.com/

https://twitter.com/juneshaw

https://www.facebook.com/june.shaw.338

http://www.ekensingtonbooks.com/author.aspx/31823

Purchase Links

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I liked the concept of identical twins who may look alike, but they sure don't act alike. It makes for a very entertaining story. Sunny and Eve have opened a remodeling / renovation business. Now I think that would be a tough job for anyone, but they really seem to know what they are doing. I loved the setting of the story in Louisiana. It brings images of swamps and homes secluded in the woods.

The twins have met the owner of the little campsite he wants renovated and are going over plans with him. Dave seemed liked an odd duck. I don't know why but he almost seemed creepy in a "I know you both think I'm good looking sort of way." To say that he was my least favorite character is pretty accurate. As with most cozy mysteries there is always a body found. Leave it to the twins to be the ones to find a dead body at the place they are to remodel.

The town has some quirky characters from the son of the deceased to the funeral director to the gossipy ladies at the retirement home. These characters are well written and gave me chuckles. Why was the son so adamant that one of the twins killed his mother? He was so hostile I started to wonder what he was hiding behind all that anger. There sure are a lot of suspects in the case and when Dave is arrested the twins freak out. They aren't allowed to see him at the jail, so what do they do? They go to the store and get a card to give to him. I have never laughed so hard in my life. Who goes and gets a card for a prisoner and runs back to the police department to have it special delivered to a murder suspect? I found the humor the author has is wonderful. Her little subtle jabs at characters are flawless and very impressive.

The author really keeps readers on their toes as the twins try to zero in on who killed the poor woman found at Dave's place. I had my list of suspects and each time I thought I had it figured out, the author throws a twist in the story . I really enjoyed this story because it was a well thought out plan that takes readers on a rabbit trail which leads back to a very surprising killer. I have become a fan of this author now and can't wait for her next book.

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escape Virtual Tour. The review is my own opinion.

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August 21 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – INTERVIEW

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August 24 – Book Babble – REVIEW

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