About the Book

Book: Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers: True Stories of Faith and Miracles from a First Responder

Author: Andrea Jo Rodgers

Genre: Christian Inspirational

Release date: June 4, 2024

Powerful Stories of Life’s Emergencies

For more than 35 years, veteran EMT Andrea Jo Rodgers has been helping people in their most terrifying and vulnerable moments—and bearing witness to the miraculous power and handiwork of God.

In this new collection of unforgettable stories, Andrea shares more heart-pounding accounts of rescues and interventions from her vast experience as a first responder. Whether it’s a boy fallen through thin ice into freezing water, an old woman and her walker stuck at a railroad crossing, or a loyal dog playing guardian angel for his incapacitated owner, join Andrea as she responds to incredible scenarios that testify to God’s power and love.

Not only will you be astounded by the courage exemplified by Andrea and other first responders, but you will also be inspired by her faith, empathy, and hope—even amid the most daunting circumstances. These powerful stories will encourage you and deepen your awe for God’s amazing mercy and grace.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Andrea Jo Rodgers holds a clinical doctorate in physical therapy and has worked as a physical therapist for 30 years, specializing in women’s health, oncology rehab, and ALS. She has served as a volunteer emergency medical technician on her town’s rescue squad for 37 years and has responded to more than 9,700 first aid and fire calls. She lives with her family on the east coast. She enjoys reading, writing, day trips, and savoring a slice of avocado toast along with a cup of green tea. Andrea’s latest book, Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers, shares more inspirational stories based on her experiences as a volunteer EMT.

More from Andrea

Have you ever wished you could keep yourself and loved ones safe from danger? Perhaps you envision placing a protective bubble around the newest driver in the family or maybe figuring out a way for germs or cancer cells to bounce off those closest to you. For some, the desire may be not for physical protection but for safeguarding the hearts and minds of family members or friends during periods of personal difficulties.

I’ve been a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) on my town’s first aid and rescue squad for 37 years, responding to more than 9,700 emergency calls. Along with my fellow squad members, I’ve been called to help those suffering cardiac arrest, victims of trauma from accidents, near-drownings, people suffering from drug overdoses, and a variety of other medical emergencies. We’re blessed to be able to serve as instruments of God, acting as cogs in the wheel of heavenly orchestrated interventions. In my capacity as an EMT, I’ve observed firsthand how God carefully puts together all the pieces to create jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring rescues.

“Wow, that was a lucky save!” some might say. I believe it’s not luck at play but rather God’s saving grace. The orchestrator of miracles, He puts all the pieces in motion to create occurrences that are truly beyond mere coincidence. In Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers, I share my firsthand accounts of the ways God works to protect and save us. If we open our minds and hearts to the quiet presence of God in our lives, we’ll be able to recognize these heavenly rescues.

MY REVIEW 

The book is filled with different emergencies that could be life threatening for some. As I read each story I saw how miracles can happen. As the patient is being attended to, the family  members are there witnessing how these EMS workers give their all.   I appreciate the dedication that each person gives as they go to a call. I can just imagine the adrenaline pumping as a call comes in. They are prepared and ready to give life saving procedures. 

It would be very hard for  me to choose a favorite story from the book. Each one shows how quickly an emergency occurs and the quick thinking it takes to treat  each patient. During each call God is there guiding their hands and in control of each situation. Thank you for a book that shows courage, compassion, faith and miracles. 

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 29

Artistic Nobody, August 30 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 31

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 1 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 3

For the Love of Literature, September 4 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, September 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 6 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 7

A Reader’s Brain, September 8 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 8

Dee S. White, September 9

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 10 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5427

 

About the Book

Book: Conversation Hearts

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: July 30, 2024

Will she be able to save her father from the island’s magic before she falls victim to it herself?

When Megan Standish finds out about her father’s new relationship, she storms into the Suamalie Islands to rescue her father and carry him home to New Mexico. He’s firmly planted on Alexandre, however, but she refuses to let the island’s magic cast a spell on her decision. Even when a handsome islander and his daughter knock at her heart.

Jean Girard is a local with a flourishing transportation business taking passengers from island to island. When he encounters Megan’s stormy tirade on his boat, he promises to shelter his daughter and himself from her negative vibes. His concern continues to grow as he watches his daughter get attached to the American.

Either Jean will have to create an even bigger hedge of protection around his daughter and his heart from this pouty, controlling woman, or he will have to trust God to peel back the stubborn, hurting layers of the past and allow the miracle of His love again.

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, and Bring Me Near– Revolutionary Faith Books One, Two and Three. Besides researching her historical novels, she enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and has degrees in French and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Marguerite is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Abilene Writers Guild, Daughters of the American Revolution, South Carolina Historical Society, and Preservation Society of Charleston. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and Cleo, her cat. Her two adult children keep her up to date and young.

 

More from Marguerite

I have enjoyed this series and the relationships forming as the characters find new ways to communicate on the journey. Are you a good communicator? Introvert or extrovert? Conversation is so very important. Think about how we use it every day: directions, warnings, concerns, prayers, instructions, disciplines. Even though I teach online, my words of concern and instruction are needed to spur the students toward success. Somehow, I have the words to communicate well in so many areas of my life.

Then what about the heart? I think of the Valentine’s candy hearts—Conversation Hearts! As relationships develop between characters in Room for Love and Conversation Hearts, the heart becomes more and more a major component with all the characters. Yet, sometimes we fail to really say what we think in order to protect our hearts. There are many lessons to learn about being honest in relationships. Sometimes we avoid the conversation part and miss out on the wonderful relationships.

I embrace the conversation of the heart in my life through love, decisions, marriage, job, God appointments, children, and difficult circumstances. Explore different facets of important conversations with Amy and Walker and their families as you read this installment of Suamalie Islands series.

Happy Reading!

MY REVIEW

With a spectacular backdrop of the  islands this story has all the makings for a beautiful look at forgiveness and second chances. I loved getting to know the characters and how each one turned to God for answers. Megan is having a difficult time with her father wanting to move to the islands permanently. When she arrives on the island she soon sees the beauty of the people who live  there. The description of the food made  me want to join them at each meal. 

What  I enjoyed the most about this story was the way the author brings two people together in a sweet, romantic way  filled with faith, understanding and commitment. I adored Megan’s father so much. He has found love again and now needs to show his daughters that he will not allow them to change his mind. It was hard for Megan to let go and allow her father to find  happiness, yet she slowly began to see that God had placed this special woman in her dad’s life. 

Jean was a good character who works hard while raising his daughter on his own. I liked how Megan  was able to get his daughter to become more confident in herself. One key to any relationship is communication and Jean and Megan seem to find that hard at times. If only Megan could let  her bitterness go she may find happiness for herself. 

The author does a good job of illustrating how hard it is to let go of the  past and allow God to show them to trust Him and follow His direction. The story moves at a nice pace and gives readers a chance to follow two couples as they learn to find love and a new beginning. 

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

 

 

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 30

Stories By Gina, August 31 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 31

She Lives to Read, September 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 2

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 3

A Reader’s Brain, September 4 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 5

Back Porch Reads, September 6 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 6

Karen Baney Reviews, September 7

Simple Harvest Reads, September 8 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Artistic Nobody, September 9 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, September 10

Holly’s Book Corner, September 11

Beauty in the Binding, September 12 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marguerite is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5429

About the Book

Book: Guess Who Is in God’s Family

Author: Karen Ferguson

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Release date: June 24, 2024

When Lucy comes across some old family pictures, she has a lot of questions for Papa Joe.

• Who are these people?
• Why doesn’t she look like them?

As Papa Joe tells Lucy about her family, he shares with her the uniqueness that God created in each of us from the very beginning, all the way back to our first ancestors, Adam and Eve.

What follows is a wild adventure through the Bible, where Lucy and her papa discover God’s love and faithfulness for all people throughout all of history.

In this second book in the Questions for Kids series, discover how much God loves diversity and how God created your family in the most beautiful and perfect way.

Click here to get you copy!

 

About the Author

Karen Ferguson is a freelance writer and children’s book author with a background in K-8 education. A grateful wife, mom, and grandmom she is passionate about writing stories that grab and hold young readers’ attentions, while teaching them all about God’s unchangeable truths, and His unchanging love for them. She wants every child to know their life matters. Her first children’s book, Guess How Much God Loves You, was published through Ambassador International in 2022. Now a seven book series, her newest book, Guess Who Is in God’s Family is scheduled to release June 2024.

More from Karen

Did you know the cherubim that guard the Garden of Eden have four faces – that of an ox, human, lion, and eagle? You’ll find their description in Ezekiel 10:14, and it’s quite different from most angels you’ll see in traditional children’s books. But you will see them beautifully illustrated in this second installment in the Questions for Kids picture book series, all about the First Family in the Garden of Eden.

You see, my mission from the very beginning has been to present accurate biblical accounts to young readers that are foundational to increasing their understanding of the Bible and growing a solid faith in God.  Kids are bombarded with so many counterfeit messages these days that contradict the Bible, and it’s leaving them confused and hopeless. Is truth relative? Absolutely not! The real Truth lies in God’s Word, and I am grateful to play a part in counteracting the lies of our culture by presenting Truths straight from the Bible, in a fun and dynamic way.

In this book (and book series), you won’t find a regurgitation of Bible facts (that never worked for me as a child). Rather, you’ll find a young girl with many questions about God and life, much like our own children and grandchildren. And you’ll find her loving grandpa who is happy to answer those questions by pointing her to the Word of God. Their adventures into unique periods in Bible history, driven by some serious 7-year old questions, will help pull young readers into the narrative and connect the Bible to their world. It’ll also open doors to faith-building conversations with parents, grandparents, caregivers, and teachers.

The hardest part of writing these books? Keeping it short enough to fit into the picture book category ;).

I pray you and your young reader will be blessed as you journey with Lucy and her Papa Joe into the Bible to discover God’s power, His faithfulness, and His never-ending love.

MY REVIEW 

The book is beautifully illustrated and written for children. I loved the adventure the author takes us on with Lucy and Papa Joe. We discover Genesis and how Adam and Eve were there in the garden of Eden. They were told something very important by God which  they disobeyed.  Their decision affected the family of God. Lucy learns that we are all God’s family and He has a plan for each of us. 

The author does an amazing job of sharing the Bible with children in an easy to understand book. It shows how much God loves us. Lucy was a little troubled but her Papa explained that we all mess up sometimes but God loves us unconditionally. God had a plan to rescue us and be a part of His  family. This is a great book to use for children’s  church or as a family devotional time. The questions at the end are perfect to use to help children understand about Jesus. The scriptures provided will encourage children to use their Bible to see His words come to life. I have purchased a copy of this book to send to my grandchildren .

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

Blog Stops

Blossoms and Blessings, August 24 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 25

Beauty in the Binding, August 26 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 27

Guild Master, August 28 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, August 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 29

A Reader’s Brain, August 30 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 31

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 1 (Author Interview)

Labor Not in Vain, September 2

Fiction Book Lover, September 3 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, September 4

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 5 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 5

Artistic Nobody, September 6

Giveaway

 To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed hardcover 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5423

 

 

 

About the Book

Book: Fugitive Search (Security Hounds Book 2)

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: August 20, 2024

A murderer out for revenge…

who is closer than they think.

When the man who killed her father is finally arrested, Catherine Hart thinks it’s safe to come out of hiding…until he escapes and abducts her. But private investigator Garrett Wolfe and his tracking dog rescue her just in time. Now they must work together to escape the criminal on their heels, find Catherine’s kidnapped uncle and stop her sister from walking straight into into the fugitive’s path. But when their search yields more questions, can Catherine and Garrett survive the terrifying truth?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion. She’s written over fifty titles in the suspense, lighthearted romance  and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press.

More from Dana

After dreaming up Wally, the supremely naughty bloodhound, in book one of the Security Hounds series, I didn’t think the next fictional dog could possibly compete in the personality department. Surprise! Pinkerton, the stalwart bloodhound companion to Garrett Wolfe, scrambled onto the scene and into my heart. His faithful dedication and selflessness make up for the streams of slobber he leaves everywhere. He’s also instrumental in solving the latest case complete with twists, turns, and an ending you won’t see coming. (I hope!)

Enjoy this next installment in the series and look out for more bloodhounds in the next three books!

MY REVIEW 

I am so happy that I have another book to read from this very gifted author. I love how she mixes flawed characters, suspense and faith . Once again my hero in the story was the bloodhound. There is something about this dog  that  made me want one of my own. The story has no slow moments and kept me intrigued throughout the book. With twists and surprises the author delivers another top notch story. 

The two main characters have history between them that at times lead to misunderstandings and trust issues. I liked how they both were hesitant with each other while allowing their emotions to calm down. I don’t want to give any details because the storyline deserves to be discovered by each reader. 

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

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 20

Lily’s Corner, August 20

The Avid Reader, August 21

She Lives To Read, August 21

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 22

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 22

Devoted To Hope, August 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 23

Stories By Gina, August 24

Texas Book-aholic, August 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 25

Betti Mace, August 26

EmpowerMoms, August 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 27

Blogging With Carol, August 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 28

Because I said so- adventures in parenting, August 29

Simple Harvest Reads, August 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, August 30

Blossoms and Blessings, August 31

Labor Not in Vain, August 31

Holly’s Book Corner, September 1

Pause for Tales, September 1

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, September 2

Lights in a Dark World, September 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon gift card and a 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5419

About the Book

Book: Silent Stars (Tomorrow’s Edge Book Three)

Author: Brett Armstrong

Genre: Christian dystopian, science fiction

Release date: September 26, 2023

AD 2040: Barely eighteen, things have become much harder for Elliott. Reeling from the losses during the confrontation that brought Project Alexandria to a halt, Elliott feverishly hunts for the original files needed to finish it off. Finding only dead ends, he instead stumbles upon something dire: messages about the Babel Initiative. Conceived as a successor that would make Project Alexandria’s manipulations seem tame, this new threat once again forces Elliott into alliances with morally grey programmers known as siegers. Beset by continual setbacks and defeats, many siegers abandon the cause and go underground to survive the dangers ahead. The bleak reality that Elliott and those closest to him are almost certain to die in the fight against Dr. Almundson begins to set in. But Elliott isn’t ready to give in. He knows the cost of such a silent surrender will be humanity itself.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Brett Armstrong has been exploring other worlds as a writer since age nine. Years later, he still writes, but now invites others along on his excursions. He’s shown readers haunting, deep historical fiction (Destitutio Quod Remissio), scary-real dystopian sci-fi (Tomorrow’s Edge series), and dark, sweeping epic fantasy (Quest of Fire). Every story is a journey of discovery and an attempt to be a brush in the Master Artist’s hand. Through dark, despair, light, joy, and everything in between, the end is always meant to leave his fellow literary explorers with wonder and hope. 

Always busy with a new story, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and spending time with his wife and son.

More from Brett

Dystopian stories remind me of Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. In it, Ebenezer Scrooge is heartbroken for Tiny Tim and asks the Ghost of Christmas Present if the boy will live. The ghost, to paraphrase, says that if the shadows of the things present are not altered the child will not live. Dystopian stories show us the shadows of things that if left unaltered, if not safeguarded against, can bring dire consequences. Years ago, I began writing the Tomorrow’s Edge series because I was concerned. Looking at headlines and articles about everything from the latest tech developments to the weakening links in western society’s integrity, I could understand why so many people fear the future. For me, it was fear for a tomorrow that is the fulfillment of every dystopian nightmare to us, but because it is so gradual so innocuous in coming, those in the future living that dystopia won’t even see it.

Our hold on reality is tenuous in the modern digital world—particularly with AI deepfakes, virtual reality, augmented reality, and the metaverse increasingly edging into our daily lives. And when combined with post-modernist philosophy’s denial of objective truth it makes for a serious existential threat. So, I wrote a story about some teens living in the near future where it is very nearly too late to come back from that edge. Teens who are gifted a glimpse of truth and reality and now can’t turn back from pursuing it. I hope it isn’t a stretch already to see that a story like that is layered. The gripping, fast paced surface narrative has beneath it an adjuration and encouragement for those of us who follow Christ to cling to the Truth and the Creator of all reality, no matter what may come. Silent Starstakes that story arc to its conclusion and in writing it I discovered there was an even more potent symbolic meaning to “Tomorrow’s Edge” than us being on the precipice or a dangerous dystopian tomorrow. It was one of the most rewarding discoveries I’ve had as a writer and I hope you enjoy uncovering it as well.

MY REVIEW 

Set in a time period where anything can happen this story delivers a good look at a character and his faith. Faced with difficult decisions Elliott must decide who to trust in order to stop a dangerous mission. The Biblical references are vast in this book and I have come to really enjoy this author’s creativity.

Elliott is in a race to find his grandfather’s plan that has been lost. There is danger continuously as he teams up with others to stop evil from happening. He is also committed to keeping Lara safe while fighting to finish what his grandfather started. Lara seemed to be angry at Elliott a lot in the story. Perhaps if he didn’t hide so much information she could trust him more. 

The Babel Initiative is not something Elliott wants to see take over. This threat can be the end of everyone if it is not stopped. The author establishes early on in the book  that Elliott is always turning to God for every decision. Some  don’t like his knowledge of God and will try to stop him. He faces danger, deceit and more in this fast pace book. If you haven’t read the  others in this series it is highly recommended to grab copies of them. I thought the ending was good although I will miss this series. Maybe the author can bring a few characters back for one last book? 

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

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, August 22 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 23

Vicky Sluiter, August 24 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 25 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, August 26 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 27

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 28 (Author Interview)

Through the Fire Blogs, August 29 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 29

Artistic Nobody, August 30 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, August 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 31

Beauty in the Binding, September 1 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 2

Guild Master, September 3 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, September 4

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Brett is giving away the grand prize package of $50 Amazon gift card, a copy of Silent Stars, and an illustrated print featuring a scene from the Tomorrow’s Edge series!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5421