About the Book

Book: Rumors and Promises

Author: Kathleen Rouser

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: October 10, 2023

She’s an heiress hiding a tumultuous past. He’s a reverend desperate to atone for his failures.

Abandoned by her family, Sophie Biddle has been on the run with a child in tow. At last, she’s found a safe life in Stone Creek, Michigan, teaching piano. But when a kind, yet meddling and handsome, minister walks into her life seeking to help, Sophie is caught off guard and wary. When her secrets threaten to be exposed, will be she able to trust the reverend, and more importantly, God?

After failing his former flock, Reverend Ian McCormick is determined to start anew in Stone Creek, and he’s been working harder than ever to forget his mistakes and prove himself to his new congregation—and to God. But when he meets a young woman seeking acceptance and respect, despite the rumors swirling about her sordid past, Ian finds himself pulled in two directions. If he shows concern for Sophie’s plight, he could risk everything—including his position as pastor of Stone Creek Community Church.

Will the scandals of their pasts bind them together or drive them apart forever?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Kathleen Rouser is a multi-published, award-winning author of historical and contemporary Christian romance. She is a longtime member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writers. She resides in southeast Michigan, a location which she often uses in her novels, with her hero and husband of forty-some years and two sweet cats who found a home in their empty nest.

More from Kathleen

My inspiration for Rumors and Promises came from the story of the Samaritan woman at the well and her encounter with Jesus. At the time, back in 2002, publishers weren’t looking for Biblical fiction. Instead, I felt the Lord put on my heart a story about a young woman who had to pretend her two-year-old daughter was her sister as she left behind dire circumstances at home. That was inspired by a story my mom told me about a girl she grew up who had a son out of wedlock and her parents raised him as her brother.

Since the town minister would have the most to lose if he became acquainted with her, kind-hearted Reverend Ian McCormick became the hero of the story. That’s where the comparison stops since a man with his own past failures can’t compare with our perfect Jesus. But like the woman at the well Sophie Bidershem is marginalized because of the suspicions of other less gracious individuals in the town of Stone Creek and must find her forgiveness from Jesus. And so does Ian, before they can find their happily ever after. My desire is for my readers to relate to their real-life struggles and the hope they find in Christ.

It was fascinating to see how the Lord provided for me as I researched the plight of the unwed mother at the turn of the century. I discovered that the Florence Crittenton Mission home for such mothers existed in Detroit in 1901, so that became part of the story. I even found the name of the superintendent at the time, nurse Mary Hartwell. Isn’t that the perfect name for someone who is working with young women in need?

Stone Creek is a fictional town loosely based on historic Brighton, Michigan where I live. Before 1900 it was called Ore Creek. It’s fun to include little details like the millpond or the Pink Hotel, but for the most part the small town of Stone Creek is a figment of my imagination. I hope you’ll feel as much at home there as I do.

MY REVIEW

Sophie intrigued me right away because I just knew she was keeping a huge secret. Traveling alone with a child is a big red flag for me. I kinda figured out a little about the child but I knew there was more to the story. I admired Sophie for taking a job that didn’t pay much but she worked hard and was appreciative for the  people in the town who welcomed her. 

The early 1900s were hard for everyone ,but as a young woman alone raising a child it was more difficult. Of course the town had their gossip group who loved to be judgmental instead of being filled with grace and reach out to her. Sophie will have to learn to trust God and remember that He  loves her as trials come her way. 

One of Sophie’s secrets is a sensitive subject that may trigger some readers. It has become impossible for Sophie to feel completely safe until her past is exposed and she receives God’s healing. Her self esteem at times is very low and therefore her trust is almost non existent. Perhaps the Reverend McCormick can help her. 

I did like Ian right away and thought his character was humble, kind and filled with grace. He does try to get to know Sophie better, but there is a barrier that Sophie has put up. As Sophie decides to play the piano at church, she starts to let her heart open up very slowly. Ian is very encouraging and genuinely wants to help her overcome whatever is bothering  her. He has such a pastor’s  heart and you can feel his gentle spirit. I really liked this character and how he makes everyone feel loved and accepted. 

When Gertrude made her entrance into the story, I was displeased . She is a mean spirited judgmental and unhappy woman. Why does it bother her so much that Sophie is now playing the piano at church? Her harsh words of Sophie “parading around in an evening gown at church and their questionable upbringing,” made  me instantly remember how God loved even  the lost or those who had sinned. 

I loved how the author illustrates redemption and reminds us that we all have a past. The good news is that God  forgives us and we have been set free. I loved getting  to watch Sophie mature  in her faith and begin to feel confident in herself. 

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

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 23

lakesidelivingsite, October 24

Texas Book-aholic, October 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 27

Artistic Nobody, October 28 (Author Interview)

Mornings at Character cafe, October 28

For Him and My Family, October 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 30

Guild Master, October 31 (Author Interview)

Exploring the Written Word, October 31

Holly’s Book Corner, November 1

Pause for Tales, November 2

Cover Lover Book Review, November 3

Connie’s History Classroom, November 4

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 5 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package 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/2896c/rumors-and-promises-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Texas Times

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: September 8, 2023

A prim and proper country girl is thrown into a mayhem of madams and mercy killing when Alexandria Bell inherits her estranged uncle’s portion of a big city’s premier newspaper, the Texas Times. She does find the pickin’s better in Dallas as before she knows it, three suitors vie for her attentions. One makes her laugh, one speaks to her heart, and the third possesses such a way with words, he make her envious of his talent . . . but she’s his boss. Come along on Alex’s new career adventure and see if any are successful in winning her heart and hand.

Click here to get your copy!

 

 

About the Author

Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling tales—coming up on seventy titles now published—delight readers all around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her; you may listen to those at her YouTube channel.

She loves working in the yard at The Peaceable, her home tucked away on twenty acres, mowing and planting flowers. She lives there with Ron, her high school sweetheart and husband of fifty-five years, five dogs, two dairy goats she milks daily, a flock of chickens, and a plethora of barn cats.

The couple shares four children and twenty-seven grandsugars, six are greats. Caryl and Ron love their quiet, country life in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas and wait expectantly for God to open the next door so they may do His will.

 

More from Caryl

I can’t imagine the Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga coming to an end anytime soon, but I’m up to nine books in it! I love these characters so much and the fact that some of those beautiful fictitious people I love from my first family saga (Texas Romances) show up from time to time—I mean they all live in Texas so . . . !

This book nine, TEXAS TIMES has been so much fun because of its background setting—a Dallas newspaper in 1877. It lends itself to anything happening at any time, so the adventure and pace of the story know no bounds!

I introduce a new female character as my heroine in TEXAS TIMES, Alexandria who is moving to Dallas from the tiny Texas Hill Country community of Spicewood to assume a new position at the newspaper there after inheriting a forty-five percent ownership of it.

The Cross Timbers’ characters show up in TEXAS TIMES as the heroes. There’s Amos Humble, the paper’s star reporter and son of Landry and Arlene Humble (book three TEXAS TEARS) and Stephen O’Neal, the first class fiddler son of Flynn and Alicia (book one GONE TO TEXAS.) So I’m still in the third generation with no telling how many more books to go!

This story covers a lot. Forgiveness of others and one’s self, God’s supernatural miracles, His giftings, His plans and purposes for our lives, the importance of truth… I could go on and on. I pray you all will enjoy this fast-paced story and that it gives God glory!

BLESSINGS!

MY REVIEW 

What a fun story this has been to read by one of my favorite authors. Alex was a great  character with spunk that was ready to take on the newspaper business. She has traveled to her new home to take on the task of running a newspaper that she inherited. Not everyone is excited to have her there and some even think that  a woman has no business running the newspaper. She is in for trials as she gets her feet wet in this new adventure. 

The story is a look at what it was like in the late 1870s in the Dallas, Texas area. I love settings in Texas because it’s my home state. I enjoy how the author captures the true feeling of Texas and all it has to offer. With three men taking a fancy to Alex, she has a lot to think about. She enjoys her new freedom of being on her own and I thought she was very grounded in her faith and an humble woman. No wonder people like to be around her. She is full of life, grateful for what she has and surrounds herself with people who have her best interest at heart. 

With a murder trial, a woman looking for her father and Alex trying to prove she can run the newspaper, the author gives us quite an adventure and history in how a newspaper ran during this time period. Don’t miss the beautiful scene in church where we witness a person who finds Jesus. It is moving and such an emotional illustration of how God loves  us unconditionally.I say this in every review I write about a book by this author . “I always grow stronger in my faith and gain a deeper relationship with God after reading a book from this author.”

The writing style is authentic, realistic and paints  a picture of grace, love and faith. I enjoyed this story simply because it is one where I feel God in the story as I become familiar with the  characters.  Alex is a good example of a  woman who desires to help others, find her place in life and be a Godly example to others. 

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 18

An Author’s Take, October 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 20

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 21 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 23

Texas Book-aholic, October 24

ABBA’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 25

Pause for Tales, October 26

Sylvan Musings, October 27 (Author Interview)

The Lit Lady, October 27

For Him and MY Family, October 28

By The Book, October 29 (Author Interview)

Exploring the Written Word, October 29

Holly’s Book Corner, October 30

Cover Lover Book Review, October 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away the prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and signed 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/28798/texas-times-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Soulful: You in the Future of Artificial Intelligence

Author: David Espindola

Genre: Non-Fiction

Release Date: May 22, 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has hit an inflection point – ChatGPT has popularized its use. The implications are staggering. Machines are gradually but relentlessly encroaching on what was once believed to be the exclusive realm of tasks performed by humans. The displacement of jobs and consequent technical unemployment is inescapable. But those who can collaborate with AI will be highly rewarded.

Soulful describes the proliferation of AI and its broad implications for the world of work and society in easy-to-understand language. It explains how Human-AI collaboration will increase productivity in Education, Healthcare, Science, Manufacturing, Service, and many other areas. The book discusses the human condition, what motivates and sets us apart from robots, and how to use our intuition to collaborate with AI. It teaches how to identify and develop unique human capabilities and skills that will be highly valued in the future, such as empathy and lateral thinking.

The book explains how increased productivity due to AI and a new creation-based production system could generate abundance, changing how we think about the economy and the meaning of work. In addition to abundance, we could benefit from technology’s unstoppable deflationary force, which may lower the cost of our basic needs – energy, food, communications, transport, education, housing, and healthcare – so that most humans could potentially enjoy a high-quality, low-cost living standard. It also considers the challenges in crossing the chasm between the current realities of inequality, environmental degradation, and economic uncertainty to this new environment where humanity could benefit from the sustainable production of abundance.

Soulful examines threats and opportunities from the advancement of AI and instigates deep reflections and thought-provoking discussions that will open the readers’ minds to new possibilities, preparing us to enter this unfamiliar territory. It provides new insights and investigations from multiple domains, including technology, neuroscience, social psychology, economics, philosophy, and theology. It concludes with a discussion about the soul – the uniquely human trait that is difficult to describe and impossible to impart to machines.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

David Espindola is a technologist, strategist, futurist, and advisor to business, nonprofits, and academia. As a former Chief Information Officer and consultant to world-renowned organizations, he has developed a keen understanding of technology trends and their impact on business and society.

David is the Founder of Brainyus, a company that applies the principles of Transformative Purpose, Lifelong Learning, and Servant Leadership to transform organizations and individuals. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Advisory Board at the University of Minnesota’s Technological Leadership Institute (TLI).

David is the coauthor of The Exponential Era: Strategies to Stay Ahead of the Curve in an Era of Chaotic Changes and Disruptive Forces (Wiley/IEEE Press), published in December 2020. In the book, he explains the impact of exponential growth, describes several technology platforms that are converging to create the Exponential Era, and provides a detailed, practical strategic planning methodology to help companies succeed in these unprecedented times.

You can learn more about the author on his website: DavidEspindola.com.

More from David

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is all the rage these days. Until recently, AI was only a topic of conversation within academic or high-tech company circles. But after the advent of ChatGPT, AI has captured the attention and imagination of the average person, as well as business people and legislators worried about its impact on our future.

In its current stage, AI is designated as narrow or weak because, despite its ability to do a few things better than humans, it does not have the general intellectual capabilities that we possess. The next stage, Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), is the holy grail of computer science. It is debatable if and when we will reach the AGI stage, but if we do, it won’t be long before machines become superintelligent (ASI).

We learn from the bible that when God created the world, he had a particular role in mind for humankind:

“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’”

Genesis 1:26

No other species has been gifted with the same intellectual capacity and communication skills as human beings, and this unique trait has empowered us to rule over all the animals and control the resources around us. But now, for the first time in history, a new “entity” known as Artificial Intelligence portends to take away the superior intelligence that gave us the ability to dominate the world.

Does this mean we will lose our superiority and control? Will the machines rule over all the earth’s animals, including us? The answer to this question will depend on your beliefs. Suppose you believe that human beings are organic matter driven by electric pulses and chemical reactions in our brains and that this powers our intelligence and consciousness. In that case, it is easy to conclude that superintelligent machines will overcome our superiority and rule the world. After all, machines are made of the same atoms and molecules, whether organic or not, so the only thing that differentiates them from us is their superior intelligence.

But if you believe human beings are more than organic matter — that we are spiritual beings designed by God for a specific role as described in Genesis — then the idea that machines will develop consciousness and the desire to rule the world loses its plea. According to the Christian faith, humans are much more than flesh and bones automatons programmed by DNA and driven by neurochemicals and electric pulses. God gave us a soul, an essential core of our being.

Some neuroscientists believe there is nothing beyond our brains, but if so, would superior “brains,” as in superintelligent machines, be more precious than human lives? Deep inside, we all know the answer to this question, but unless we are open to the possibility that there is more to us than physical matter, it becomes very difficult to explain why. Artificial intelligence is forcing us to ponder the age-old question that philosophers and theologians have considered: What does it mean to be human?

Soulful examines threats and opportunities from the advancement of AI and instigates deep reflections and thought-provoking discussions that will open the readers’ minds to new possibilities, preparing us to enter this unfamiliar territory. It provides practical advice to help the readers do well in a world surrounded by AI and offers a spiritual perspective to help answer the most profound questions we have been asking for thousands of years.

MY REVIEW

There is no way that you have not heard about AI because it is in the news, social media and everyone is talking about it. It is hard for me to grasp the concept that  robots can be taking over. I don’t understand AI but I’m hoping after reading this book I will be better informed. I do like when the author said, “we must keep faith while confronting reality.”

As AI becomes more prevalent, jobs are sure to be lost. This concept says that AI will be able to produce  more, become cheaper and perhaps see a decline in a social collapse. I think about what we went through when the world was shut down during the COVID breakout. People lost jobs, homes, lives and their routine along  with social distancing . I don’t want to go through that again and I have to wonder if AI is really where we want to go. 

Change is never easy and as technology continues to grow we will face obstacles that will affect many. I’m all for better ways to do things, but not at the cost of lost jobs and increase in an economic fall out for some. I needed to keep reading  this book to see just where the author was taking this concept. The author does go into sone details that covered the economy which I found myself overwhelmed with. I almost felt like I was getting a lesson in accounting but I do understand the author is being objective and giving facts that  will help us .

I was shocked when I read that forty percent of food in the US goes uneaten. That is staggering to me that all that waste could be feeding homeless or low income families. It is scary to think that we would come to a place where people are not needed anymore to work. What do we do then? I think this would be detrimental to us and perhaps lose our sense of worth. Perhaps if this happens we can start to dig in deeper with our relationship with God. “We need hope, courage , and resilience.” 

The author lays out in detail the affects of AI both good and bad. We need a new vision where we trust God, have leaders who are there to help us have a prosperous future. Education is vital for us to understand this new technology and not be afraid of it. “Knowledge is power.” 

Overall I liked the book and found it to be helpful. The author lays out suggestions for us to stay united and not allow the enemy to divide us. Fear can cause chaos and we need to be careful that we are informed and are grounded in the Word. My takeaway from this book is that technology is always changing. There have been great strides in treating disease, faster ways to produce products and the list goes on. We need to be cautious that we don’t lose ourselves in the midst of machines and technology that try to take away our sense  of purpose. 

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 21

Blossoms and Blessings, October 22 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 22

Texas Book-aholic, October 23

Artistic Nobody, October 24 (Author Interview)

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

Splashes of Joy, October 26 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 28

Beauty in the Binding, October 29 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 30

Guild Master, October 31 (Author Interview)

The Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 1

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

Mary Hake, November 2

Little Homeschool on the prairie, November 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, David is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and 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/2879c/soulful-celebration-tour-giveaway

 WITNESS WOODS , & WEDDING BY TONYA KAPPES

Welcome to Normal where nothing is normal.

In the heart of the charming town of Normal, Kentucky, Mae West has patiently awaited her wedding day to Hank Sharp. Friends and family gather, the crisp autumn air carries the scent of fallen leaves, and laughter dances through the warm Southern breeze. Everything is set for a picture-perfect day, a celebration of love in a town nestled by the serene Daniel Boone National Forest.

But in the South, they say, "Mishaps at weddings are like the rain in April—unexpected but not unusual." Just as Mae is about to say her vows, a bolt of lightning struck. The news hit like a tornado—literally—a young girl had been murdered, and a tornado has torn through the town, turning everything upside down, including the carefully laid wedding plans.

In a town where mysteries were as common as fireflies on an autumn night, Mae West and the Laundry Club ladies venture where others fear to tread, unearthing long-buried secrets and confronting a darkness that threatened to shatter the tranquility of their beloved Normal.

Another question is on everyone minds, will Mae and Hank finally tie the knot?

MY REVIEW

I am out of breath running around with Mae and her big binder getting ready for the biggest day of her life. Everyone has been waiting for Mae and Hank to tie the knot and here it is a mere forty-eight hours away. I’m tired just watching Mae drag her oversize  binder around checking off her to do list. The question is , will the wedding take place? 

Mother Nature certainly doesn’t care about a wedding and is threatening Normal, Kentucky with a big storm. Really? On the biggest day of Mae’s life a storm has to come through? To top it off Hank is deep in an investigation of a missing person. It is imperative that he meet Mae today  to get their marriage license. I sure hope his investigation doesn’t hold him up. Can you feel the tension in the air? 

Chaos is everywhere as Mae and Hanks’s upcoming wedding is falling apart. I loved how the town comes together when everything starts to shatter before the bride and groom’s eyes. Poor Mae is beside herself as her dream of a perfect wedding starts to crumble around her. Someone very wise told Mae, “In the midst of a storm, they reveal our strengths and the bonds that hold us together.”  

Mae has once again inserted herself into  another investigation right in the middle of wedding  plans. She and her group have decided that the case must be solved and they are perfect for the task. I laughed and cried throughout the story as the author delivers another great book in this series. Do Hank and Mae get married? Is the guilty person caught in the death of a young woman? Grab a copy and get ready to read the most anticipated story in this fun series. 

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