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Monday, March 30, 2020

About the Book

Book:  Vengeance is Mine Saith Mi’Lord
Author: Tammy Kirby
Genre:  Inspirational Victorian Romance
Release Date: October 9, 2019
A SISTER FOR A SISTER
Forced into a peer’s realm. Devastated by the death of his beloved sister. With vengeance burning a hole in his heart, will a distraught brother see the damage he’s causing in time to prevent the worst mistake of his life?
Kidnapped for a crime she didn’t commit. Ostracized from society. Can a broken debutante find the peace she craves at Haven House, or must she face her monsters over a ballroom—again?
Captain Nick Rutherford vows revenge against the man who murdered his sister. When the coward escapes, Nick discovers a way to flush him out. Never mind that what he proposes goes against everything he believes in.
Lady Piper Connor faces society’s whispers with her head high. When Captain Rutherford, the new Marquess of Blackwell, forces her to spend the night in his townhouse, she wants to hide in shame—for a moment. Is it wrong to feel relief when one is cast out of society?
Squaring her shoulders, she steps into the morning wearing the same clothes she’d worn to a ball the previous evening. Let them stare.
Join these two hurting people as they walk through overwhelming obstacles to find forgiveness and each other.
God loves her unconditionally, and that is enough. If only a certain marquess didn’t plague her thoughts.

Click here to get your copy.
MY REVIEW

As I write this review I pray that God will give me the right words to honor the writings of a book that was hard to read. The subject of sex trafficking is one I don’t like to read about. The author has done an excellent job of showing what horrors people go through as they are abused then tossed aside like garbage. Piper is a victim of revenge that at first seemed harmless. It is hard for others to understand what a traumatic experience will do to someone. Many of the young women in the story including Piper start to believe they are worthless. Oh that I could only tell those who are hurting how much God loves them.

Nick was not my favorite character at first but as I got to know him my heart went out to him. He really didn’t mean to cause Piper any harm. In his mind he believed he should take revenge for his sister’s death. He carries so much pain and guilt that only God could heal his heart. Piper and Nick must both find healing from their past. I enjoyed reading how the author took two people and brought them together in an unlikely relationship.  The theme of forgiveness is strong in the story and the realization that vengeance is not for us to act on.

Out of all the  author’s stories, this was the most honest and real look at what unconditional love is. It doesn’t matter about our past , only that we allow God to heal our anger, pride and guilt. We are not to carry shame as the women in the story did. I hope you will take the time to read what the author has written at the end of the book. It is powerful and reminds us not to live in fear. This book goes on my list of favorite books for 2020.

“Never let your scars define who you are. It is what is inside that counts. That is what Jesus looks at.”

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

About the Author

Tammy Kirby holds an associate degree in Registered Nursing, a cosmetology license, and the title of author. When she’s not helping heal the sick, or dabbling in color, you can find her at her computer, giving life to the characters clamoring inside her head to be set free.
In 2018 she released her debut novel, His Grace Forgiven, the first book in the Victorian Inspirational Romance series, Haven House. She developed a love for reading at a young age. Beauty and the Beast is her favorite fairytale, and I Love Lucy her favorite tv show from childhood. That being said, you’ll always find one of her characters having some of the same characteristics in Tammy’s works.
She uses her writing to show God’s love and forgiveness through characters from hundreds of years in the past, who face the same problems people face today. Taking broken heroes and heroines and showing them this truth is her mission.
Tammy lives with her husband, Roger in Northeast Louisiana, where she spends her free time doting on grandchildren, reading, crocheting, sewing and, of course, writing about how the Lord can take any sin, no matter how bad and turn it into a blessing to glorify Him. Her desire is for her writing to speak to her readers in a way that draws them closer to the One who loves them above all.

More from Tammy

When God placed the Haven House series on my heart and instructed me to put them on paper, I asked Him why me? He said because you’re not afraid to write what I tell you even if it’s uncomfortable. This entire series deals with forgiveness in some form or another. Can you forgive the unforgivable? What happens if you can’t?
As an avid reader, my favorite books are those I can apply to real life—my life. I will read almost any genre, but historical romance is my preference. My characters are flawed, even the Christian ones. In my writing I use them to show the world that God can fix anything we get ourselves into—if we ask.
Vengeance is Mine saith Mi’Lord is the third book in a series of five. One day I was sitting at my kitchen table working on the second book, when a handsome ship’s captain waltzed across the room. I knew then, Captain Rutherford would have his own story.
Because of hurtful circumstances, my hero, Nick acts completely out of character. Even though he doesn’t like himself for it, he can’t seem to stop the emotional carriage wreck he’s causing himself at the expense of my heroine, Piper. Throw in a cat named Satan whose alter-ego is Angel (according to my heroine), a cabin boy with a secret, a murder coverup, and you have all the makings for a fulfilling read.
I hope you enjoy Nick and Piper’s story. I certainly enjoyed bringing them to life for you.

Blog Stops

All 4 and About Books, March 24 (Author Interview)
Through the Fire Blogs, March 25 (Author Interview)
Remembrancy, March 26
Artistic Nobody, March 29 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, April 1 (Author Interview)
Betti Mace, April 2
A Baker’s Perspective, April 3 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tammy is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card & two signed books, His Grace Forgiven and Joy to the Earl!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Encountering Gods heart for you FB Banner

About the Book

Book:  Encountering God’s Heart For You
Author: Diane Stortz
Genre:  Christian non-fiction, Devotional
Release Date: September 3, 2019
Enountering God's Heart for YouGod put the Bible together for you, and he wants you to understand and know him better. But sometimes you can get lost in the details and miss the big picture. The Bible is more than just a collection of wisdom, instructions, and history. It’s one unified story of the incredible love of God!

Encountering God’s Heart for You
 takes you on a daily journey through the full narrative of Scripture in a year. And in the process, it will draw you nearer to God as you discover his love and compassion. It won’t cover every verse, or even every chapter, in the Bible, but by the time you’re through, you’ll have a strong grasp of what the Bible is all about.
Reading Scripture isn’t just a way to collect information or check something off a to-do list. Let this book bring you into God’s presence to better understand the Bible’s story of love, sacrifice, and redemption as he draws you to himself.

Click here to get your copy!
MY REVIEW
I first want to take a minute and talk about how beautiful the book has been designed. The book is a hardcover and will last for years to come. The pages inside are filled will scripture and a walk through the Bible. The author points out that not all of the Bible is included but it is a perfect devotion to use each day. I’m glad that it is not numbered by day and month so you can begin the book at any point . 
This has been a timely book for me as I struggle with what is going on in the world right now. The author includes subjects for each day and sometimes I find myself going past some pages to read a subject that God has put on my heart. I am thankful for this book and all the work the author put into it to encourage us as we discover the Bible in a year. This would make an excellent gift for someone to help them read through the Bible and discover His unconditional love. 
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. 

About the Author

Diane_Stortz_400x400Diane Stortz is a multipublished author who writes to make God’s wonders known to the next generation. Diane’s books for women, A Woman’s Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year and Encountering God’s Heart for You, both from Bethany House, encourage women to get to know God through His Word, the Bible. Her children’s releases include the best-selling Say & Pray Bible and I AM: 40 Reasons to Trust God, both from Tommy Nelson. Diane and her husband have two married daughters and five grandchildren—all boys! Visit her at www.DianeStortz.com.


More from Diane

Twenty years ago, I was invited to join a women’s Bible study group planning to read through the Bible in a year to get to know God.
Although I’d been a Christian for many years and had read many parts of the Bible and used the Bible in my work as an editor, I had never actually read the entire Bible.
I joined the group. We read about three chapters a day and met weekly on Monday nights to discuss what we’d read.
I’ve repeated that experience in various forms most years since then, and it has changed my life in so many ways. (Getting to know God does that, right?)
I’m convinced that one of the most loving things we can do for someone else is to invite and encourage her to become a lifelong reader of the Word, and to read it together.
That’s how I view my new devotional, Encountering God’s Heart for You. It’s an invitation to every woman to pick up her Bible, read along with me, and look together for all the ways God teaches us about himself on every page. 

Blog Stops

Holly Jo Morris, March 22
amandainpa, March 24
Genesis 5020, March 25
SPLASHES of Joy, March 29
Remembrancy, April 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Diane is giving away the grand prize package of a journal, a set of Scripture cards, and a set of gel pens!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Joy express FB Banner

About the Book

Book:  Joy Express
Author: Jody Day
Genre:  Christian Women’s Fiction
Release Date: Nov 8, 2019
perf5.000x8.000.inddNearly a year has passed since Scott and Bailey’s Christmas wedding. Now they are expecting joy in the form of twins!
The day arrives for the opening of Barkley House, a missionary retreat provided by Bailey’s inheritance, but an unspeakable evil descends upon Bailey as she awaits her ride to the opening ceremony. Scott can’t find her.
Shocking revelations accompany Bailey’s ordeal. Will she ever find joy again?

Click here to get your copy.
 MY REVIEW
As you read this book be sure you have tissues ready. The story is very emotional but has such a powerful message.  Bailey endures an unthinkable horror as she prepares for a big celebration. Her past is quickly becoming a nightmare as danger finds her. I loved how the author presents Bailey as a woman who has faced abandonment and tries every day to believe she is loved. The strong message in the story is one of joy and love. 
There is much packed into this novella that whispers forgiveness and hope. I loved how Bailey witnessed true love from her husband as he stood beside her through the trauma. His faith is unwavering and I liked that he brought comfort to his wife. The story shares how family and friends come together in a crisis. 
My favorite character is Brenna. She is an adorable young girl who smiles even though she has much to cry about. Her bond with Bailey is definitely an answered prayer. She embraces life with pure innocence. The time she spends with Bailey as they share their past is emotional.  It breaks my heart to read that a child would carry the burden of thinking they are the reason their parents divorced. I enjoyed the story and thought the author did a great job of showing God’s love during difficult situations. 
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. 

About the Author

Jody DayJody Bailey Day writes inspirational fiction, poetry, Bible studies, and articles from her home in West Texas. She is a member of Faithwriters.com, American Christian Fiction Writers, and is the president of Critique Café, West Texas area writers group. She mentors young writers, and is a musician and music teacher. She and her husband love silent and black and white movies, and the chaos that comes with fifteen grandchildren. She crochets blankets for her ministry called Wrapped in Prayer Blanket ministry. Jody considers herself a professional nerd, and loves every minute of it.

More from Jody

I’m so excited about the release of Joy Express. It’s the culmination of a series that began in my heart on the way home from the first writer’s conference I ever attended. The East Texas Writer’s Conference was held at my alma mater, East Texas Baptist College, which is now University. I was incredibly inspired, and on I20 toward Dallas I saw a sign that said Washout Express, Exit 477. Turns out that was giant truck wash. My thought was, “What would it be like to be totally washed out, washed up, and at the end of your rope?” I’d been there and was on the other side, but I wanted to write a story about the process. Bailey Brown was born. Joy Express is Book 3 in the series and follows Bailey and Scott through a series of tremendous obstacles, and how their faith and family got them to the other side. It’s not tied up with a nice little bow, life is rarely like that, but it does come to a redemptive pause in their story. I hope you’ll pick it up and read the message of faith. You can come back from anything.

Blog Stops

SPLASHES of Joy, April 2
Batya’s Bits, April 4
Artistic Nobody, April 6 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, April 7
Simple Harvest Reads, April 9 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jody is giving away the grand prize of a print copy of Joy Express!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Saturday, March 28, 2020

draw me to your side

About the Book

Book:  Draw Me To Your Side
Author: Marguerite Martin Gray
Genre:  Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: February 25, 2020
Draw Me to Your Side frontWarships in the harbor explode with battle cries for freedom in the hearts of Charles Town’s Patriots.
 Charles Town, South Carolina, 1776—With the British war ships threatening his family and livelihood, Louis Lestarjette commits to aid Francis Marion, Christopher Gadsden, Silas Deane and other fiery Patriots with secret correspondences in code and in French. Although not convinced that the colonies can succeed in separation from Britain, he abides by his word—available with funds, his time, and if necessary, even his life.
 Louis’ potential volatile role leaves Elizabeth Lestarjette uncertain of the future. Add to that her impending confinement, the secret missions her friends embark on, and the ever-encroaching danger into her domestic world, and the cost of independence grows steeper with each passing day. How will her family survive the coming turbulence?  How will she survive not being an active part of it?  One thing is certain, she must draw to God’s side or lose heart altogether.
 Draw Me to Your Side… a prayer whispered against the coming destruction.

Click here to get your copy.
 MY REVIEW
I always look forward to reading a book by this author. She is able to capture the time period with precision that makes you feel part of the book. This story is rich in history and allows readers to visualize the uproar going on in the colonies. . It must have been so scary for Elizabeth to know her husband was in danger. I felt compassion for Elizabeth as she sees destruction growing closer to her. She feels left out as her friends engage in secret missions and her husband withholds information from her. 
This time period is especially interesting because it talks about the colonies and the fight to be free.  The secrecy that went on was intriguing as messages were delivered under fierce danger. The closeness of the colonies were apparent and as they come together to fight for freedom, a new chapter in history is written. I could understand the turmoil Elizabeth felt as she worried about the children. What kind of future will they have? I often thought the same thing as my three boys were growing up. Even today we have wars brewing and a future that at times seems hopeless. The faith factor in the story is excellent and I loved the scriptures the author uses. There is heartbreak, danger, secrets and a story that bring some  families together  while others are torn apart. I loved how the author lets us glimpse into Elizabeth and Louis’s lives as they try to keep their family safe. 
Each book in this series has been well written but I think this one has to be my favorite. It delves more into how a war affects relationships and gives an honest look at the struggles each character deals with. We witness a new life coming into the world that for a moment erases the horror going on in the country. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did. 
“These are the times that try men’s souls. Tyranny is not easily conquered.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. 

About the Author

Marguerite GrayMarguerite Martin Gray enjoys history especially when combined with fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches Spanish and French and has degrees in Spanish, French, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. She received her MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Presently, she lives in north Louisiana with her husband and rescue cats.

More from Marguerite

I have always loved history, probably because my father took me to every historical site he could find on our travels. As I listened to him tell the story of our ancestors to a group of tourists at our Antebellum home, I suddenly realized that he was weaving tales about my own blood line. Very soon after that I flew to Charleston, South Carolina and began my research. From that first of many trips, my Revolutionary Faith Series arrived.
Draw Me to Your Side is Book Four of the series. The titles play a very significant role in the series, each having a dual meaning. The human element is obvious. Although the series is more historical than romance, the titles offer a glimpse into a potential romance. The other element is spiritual. God is the one who weaves his love and hope into their lives.
If you love book titles as I do, as you read this series, see if you can determine the dual meanings of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, Bring Me Near, and now Draw Me to Your Side.
Happy Reading!

Blog Stops

Bigreadersite, March 25
Older & Smarter?, March 27
Betti Mace, March 29
KarenSueHadley, March 31
Emily Yager, April 1
Pause for Tales, April 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marguerite is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Card and a copy of the eBook!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.