Wednesday, June 2, 2021

The Captain's Quest

About the Book

Book: The Captain’s Quest

Author: Lorri Dudley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 22, 2021

The Captain's Quest (1) Innocent mistakes can have dire consequences.

Pricilla Middleton only attended the Lemoore house party to keep her friend out of trouble. Now, her only chance to keep from becoming a gossip column headline is to sneak aboard her brother’s ship and pretend she’d been visiting him instead of taking part in the debacle. Before she can speak to her brother, the ship sets sail, and the man in charge is not at all who she expects.

Captain Tobias Prescott, son of an infamous war hero, has been assigned on a critical mission to deploy warships in St. Kitts for battle in New Orleans. Unfortunately, his orders require him to assume command of a friend’s ship, and he must weigh anchor the instant the former captain is escorted down the gangplank. When they reach open waters, the last thing he expects is to find a woman hiding in the captain’s cabin, yet his mission is too urgent to return her to England.

The Middleton name has always brought Tobias trouble, and Pricilla is no exception. As the waters clear and the temperature warms, the danger escalates too. Yet Tobias discovers the intuitive and strong woman who struggles to hide her anxiety is nothing like her disloyal brother. He may lose the opportunity to help his country, but perhaps he can still save the woman who’s rescued his heart.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

LorriDudleyProfilePic Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household. Find her online at www.lorridudley.com.

More from Lorri

Priscilla Middleton’s character begged for her story to be told. The Captain’s Quest is the fourth book in the Leeward Island series. While it can read as a stand-alone, the heroine, Priscilla, had a brief guest appearance at the beginning of book two, The Merchant’s Yield, as Lottie’s closest friend. With Lottie now living on the isle of St. Kitts, that left Priscilla to navigate the London season all on her own. I imagined what mischief a young woman would find whose parents allowed her too much freedom, especially with her friend, the voice of reason, across the Atlantic.

When my close friend moved to Michigan, the loss of her physical presence left me feeling disoriented, lost, and out of place, even in familiar surroundings. There was loneliness, a desperate need to replace what was missing, and fears about being forgotten. In Lottie’s absence, Priscilla clings to an unhealthy friendship, landing herself in a precarious situation, with no other option but to hide aboard her brother’s ship to save her reputation and that of her family.

The biggest issue with running from problems is that we can’t run from ourselves. Priscilla avoids one catastrophe only to walk right into another as Captain Tobias Prescott takes command of the ship. She blames the brooding captain for her predicament only to realize she’s battling the wrong enemy. The more Priscilla tries to hide from the problems she must face within herself, the further she drifts from everyone she knows and the chance to be fully loved.

Although Priscilla’s story was drafted pre-pandemic, her struggles are similar to those that surfaced during the lockdowns. Anxiety, loneliness, isolation, fear, and feelings of being disregarded mounted as the pandemic spread. Vacations, Thanksgivings, and Christmases were canceled. Families couldn’t visit or see each other—the feeling of being forgotten sliced open raw wounds.

Cory Ashbury’s song Reckless Love was popular as I plotted The Captain’s Quest, and the lyrics from the book of Matthew of how God will leave the ninety-nine to chase after the one lost sheep developed Priscilla’s story. Through its comical mishaps, dramatic twists, and struggles to prevail, The Captain’s Questis a reminder of the heights, depths, and lengths that our great God will go to show His passionate love for us.

To learn more, checkout my website at LorriDudley.com, or watch The Captain’s Quest book trailer by clicking here: The Captain’s Quest trailer.

MY REVIEW

I could tell as soon as I started reading the book that Pricilla was going to be a great character. It takes less than a few pages for her to be in big trouble. Who knew by attending a function she would find herself compromising her family’s name? She made me laugh as she tries to figure out what to do.

The adventure starts as she boards a ship thinking her brother is in charge. To her dismay not only is her brother not in charge, but she is now on a ship with complete strangers and she has Captain Tobias Prescott to deal with. I don’t think Tobias was very happy finding a stowaway aboard his ship. Pricilla finds out how dangerous a storm at sea is when her life is in danger. The author does a great job describing the treacherous sea and the aftermath that finds Pricilla and Tobias lost at sea. I couldn’t believe his crew would not look for them. I guess the mission is more important than saving their captain.

Being on an island alone with Tobias proves to be challenging. I liked how protective Tobias is . He is definitely a gentleman and it was nice for Pricilla to share her past with him. The story shares a lesson about trust not only in others but in God. He protected them in the storm and provided food for them as they prayed to be rescued.

Being on the deserted island allowed Pricilla and Tobias to open up to each other and rely on their faith to survive. The author has a few surprises in store for readers as the story is filled with hope, rumors of treason and trusting God. I enjoyed the adventure and how strong these two characters were. Their instincts helped them overcome obstacles and the ending is well written.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 1

Blossoms and Blessings, June 1

Texas Book-aholic, June 2

Just Writing, June 2

For Him and My Family, June 3

Connect in Fiction, June 3

Inklings and notions, June 4

Life of Literature, June 4

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 5

Batya’s Bits, June 5

deb’s Book Review, June 6

Kayem Reads, June 6

She Lives To Read, June 7

Betti Mace, June 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 7

The Adventures of a Travelers Wife, June 8

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, June 8

Rebecca Tews, June 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 9

Blessed & Bookish, June 9

Remembrancy, June 10

Genesis 5020, June 10

Connie’s History Classroom, June 11

KarenSueHadley, June 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 12

Daysong Reflections, June 12

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 12

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 13

Simple Harvest Reads, June 13 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 14

HookMeInABook, June 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lorri 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/10cce/the-captain-s-quest-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, May 31, 2021

PRESENT DANGER by ELIZABETH GODDARD

Nothing gets my attention more than an explosive start to a book. A plane crash in the mountains opens up this fast paced story and gains momentum as each chapter unravels. I love how the author has characters that are determined, fierce and a little history between them. The action is chaotic at times and keeps me bolted to my chair. I couldn’t wait to see what mystery I would try to solve.

It is easy to like Jack because he is the type that takes charge and never gives up. There is something in his past that distracts him at times but that just makes him a little mysterious at times. Maybe it’s the job he does that causes him to be so intense at times.

Coming onto the scene is Terra. Now she is a little complicated as she has this thing about proving herself. Oh and did I mention that her and Jack have a past together. I really liked learning about artifacts and National Parks. It intrigued me to find out that there are people willing to go to great links to take valuable and historical items from their natural in-habitat.

With a possible smuggling ring going on, bodies piling up and danger everywhere this is one of my favorite books from the author. I don’t want to give much detail because then you will know the whole story. I do know that the author throws in twists that had me shaking my head. I just knew I had figured out everything and bam she kicks it up a notch. Be ready for a few hours of intense drama that will leave you looking for more books from this very talented author.

I received a copy of this book from The Librarything Early Reader Program and the author. The review is my own opinion,

About the Book

Book: Be More Than a Christian, Be a Disciple

Author: Pastor Oscar Walker

Genre: Christian Devotional

Release date: July 2020

Be More Than A Christian began as weekly devotional text messages to the members of Disciples Tabernacle Church with added thoughts of the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and experiences of Pastor Oscar Walker. Overtime, these devotional were transitioned to emails due to the abundance of information. The devotions included in this book are revelations and illuminations given to Pastor Walker by the Holy Spirit. These 52 devotions focus on 52 aspects of our journey with the Lord. A thought and a devotion for each week of the year. Pastor Walker believes devotions are mediation books. Something written in these devotions may lead you into prayer; however, the goal of this book is to lead you into meditation.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2).

One important problem among believers today who call themselves Christians is their poor witness in the world. They present a weak commitment to living by the precepts and teachings of Christ and the Apostles.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (James 1:22-23).

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Pastor Oscar Walker has been in ministry for over 30 years and is the founding pastor of Disciples Tabernacle Church in Houston, Texas. Prior to becoming a full-time pastor, Pastor Walker worked 35 years in the airline industry and for several years as a high school teacher.

Pastor Walker surrendered to the call of ministry in April 1997 and has been running for the Lord ever since. In 2000, Disciples Tabernacle Church was founded and has birthed ministries, such as Ministers Training College, to help equip leaders and ministers for ministry work. Pastor Walker’s call is to make disciples who continue to make other disciples following his influence and his primary ministry assignment is to teach God’s people how to have a personal relationship with Him through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.

Pastor Walker has been married to his wife, Joyce, for 54 years and has 3daughters, 2 granddaughters, 2 grandsons, and 4 great granddaughters. His hobbies are auto mechanics, reading, gardening, and fishing. Now he tends to,“God’s garden”, and is a, “fisher of men.”

More from Oscar

Need to connect with God on a deeper level? Want to have a relationship with Christ that is beyond the surface level? Be More Than A Christian, Be A Disciple was born out a desire to help fellow believers develop a deeper relationship with Christ through studying His Word and applying biblical principles to our everyday lives. Originally, the devotions in the book were weekly devotionals sent to our church membership for encouragement throughout the week. Over the years, the devotionals became a path to grow in your relationship with Christ and now a book. Each month focuses on an aspect of your relationship with Christ and each week takes you step by step through how to mature in your belief and faith. From the beginning of the year, starting fresh and focusing on Christ, through the middle of the year learning about the power of prayer and trusting God, to the end of the year setting your eyes on your destiny, the devotions are meant to spur your fervor and thirst for knowledge about Christ. My prayer is this book inspires you to be more than a Christian but a devoted disciple of Christ.

MY REVIEW

I looked at the cover of this book for a long time. It really made me think about how we sometimes are a bit intimidated by being a Christian. We walk the walk but do we talk the talk? That is what grabbed my attention in the picture. We often are in the shadow when God is wanting us to be bold . He wants us to step out and be disciples and spread His Word.

This devotional is divided into a weekly study. It is not very long and easy to read. The author uses scriptures and prayer to reinforce his points. The Biblical illustrations help readers understand each topic and for me , it allowed me to dig deeper into the subject by looking up the scriptures and studying them more.

I was drawn to the topic in July because it talks about anxiety. I have struggled with this for many years. The scriptures used are familiar to me and I liked when the author said, “turn your worry list into a prayer list.” Let God know your needs and He will lift the burdens from you. The key to everything is prayer. I need to remember to pray and not get caught up in the enemy’s trap.

I liked the book and think it would be a great gift to give anyone who needs encouraging or wants a fresh Word from God. It would make a great study for an individual or group.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 26

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 27

cats in the cradle blog, May 27

Lighthouse Academy Blog, May 28 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

deb’s Book Review, May 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 30

Inklings and notions, May 31

Texas Book-aholic, June 1

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 2

CarpeDiem, June 2

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 3

For Him and My Family, June 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 5

Spoken from the Heart, June 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 8

Mary Hake, June 8

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Oscar is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/10c9f/be-more-than-a-christian-be-a-disciple-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, May 30, 2021

About the Book

Book: Prairie

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fantasy

Release date: February 13, 2013

What if you could literally wish your life away?

My name is Jessa Davidson, and I awoke one day in the place of every dream I’ve ever had—the prairie. I don’t know how I got here or where here even is, but I know one thing for certain. I can’t go home again. Ever.

If I’ve learned one thing being in this beautiful place, it’s that no matter how perfect it and its people seem, sin lives in the hearts of men and women in Prairie, too. The differences between Prairie and Pittsburgh? There are too many to count.

I grew up hearing the words of the Apostle Paul. “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”

Here in Prairie, they’re not a lesson. They’re a warning.

I’ve been given a gift—the greatest desire of my heart. A life in the place of my dreams, a chance at love and family, a sense of real belonging.

Can I hold onto it? Time will tell—time I may not have if I can’t learn to be content.

Prairie is the first book in the Journey of Dreams, a series of related but stand-alone contemporary Christian fantasy novels exploring truths in a whole new way.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Author of the bestselling Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

When Your Novel Teaches You an Important Lesson

I’ve told the story before, but I’ll tell it again. Prairie began as a dream. For several days in a row, I fell asleep and found myself lost in the sway of prairie grasses undulating to the strains of “Theme from a Summer Place.”

It’s a bad habit of mine, but despite being in the middle of a writing project, I wrote down my thoughts—my impressions. Two strange things happened.

First, the story came out in first person. Folks, I don’t write in first-person perspective. Not my novels, anyway. I don’t enjoy reading it, and I really don’t enjoy writing it.

Jessa, however, demanded I let her tell her story… her way. So I did. And it’s one of the fastest novels I’ve ever written.

There’s irony in that.

You see, I didn’t know where that story would go. My dream only replayed the scene of Jessa waking up on the prairie and not knowing how she got there—only knowing she could never go home. Beyond that, I hadn’t a clue.

And though I wanted to rush through so I could see where the story would take me, and though I wrote at breakneck speeds, the story unfolded at its own pace.

The people of Prairie live a different life from anything you’ve ever seen—and yet it is mostly very familiar. One thing, however, sets it apart.

Time.

Only in Prairie does time not work as it does here, and that changes everything. The story begins slowly and for a reason. Line by line, observation by observation, step by step through the grasses and down rutted lanes, the story draws you out of the breakneck speed of modern life and into a world that, if you aren’t careful, will whiz by faster than is even possible.

Here in our world, that is.

There… you’d better watch out.

Has anyone ever warned you not to wish your life away? It’s just a gentle reminder that if you’re always eager for today to end in hopes of a more exciting tomorrow, you may find you never lived.

In Prairie? It might actually happen.

MY REVIEW

If ever a book was meant for me this one is it. I can’t believe how on point this story is for me. I am a huge fan of Little House on the Prairie. I have always loved that time period where people lived in a small town and had farms. Neighbors helped each other and families spent time together. I have wished so many times that my life was different. How many times have you said that you wish your life was different? Let’s unwrap this story together as we step into a place where there is no concept of time.

Jessa wakes up in a field filled with everything you would imagine from being on a farm. She has no concept of where she is and how she got there. Now I had to let that sink in. Did she just land Somewhere over the Rainbow? My heart beat a little faster as I took in everything that Jessa did. She was in the place she thought her life would be better at. Meeting the people in Prairie made her unsure of what was happening. Everyone helped each others out , they welcomed strangers yet seemed so removed from the world we know.

The simplicity of this place was heartwarming. I loved when Jessa is talking to Graham about going to church. His explanation is so on track that it hit me in the face. “How do you expect to eat at the Lord’s Table, feed on His Bread, and nourish yourself with one another if you never partake.” Well I think God just smacked me in the face with that statement. We need to surround ourselves with like minded people and fellowship at church. Why do we lose sight of God wanting to have a relationship with us?

The story is one that awakens an urgency within me. I pray from this day forward that I trust God with everything in my life. I want that childlike faith again and that hunger to be in His presence. Let Him settle my restlessness and be content where I am. Allow me to be joyful in the midst of a storm and give grace to others without judgment. Show me that the desires of my heart I have already received and remind me of the blessings of patience, family and unconditional love.

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