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Saturday, December 2, 2017

95 copy

About the Book

95
Author: Martin Luther
Genre: Non-Fiction, Historical Theology
Release Date: August 8, 2017
In 1517, an unknown Augustinian monk, informed by his growing belief that salvation is by faith alone, published and distributed a stark criticism of papal abuses in the Catholic Church. In doing so, Martin Luther lit the spark for what would become the Protestant Reformation.
What became known as the “95 Theses” was a series of statements expressing concern with corruption within the church, primarily the selling of “indulgences” to the people as a means of releasing them from acts of penitence.
For the five hundredth anniversary of Luther’s revolutionary writing, This volume combines each thesis with an excerpt from one of his later works to provide a convenient way to understand the ideas and concepts that became the seeds of the Protestant Reformation.

cahtyPrint out a fun Luther mask here.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Martin Luther (1483–1546) was a German monk, priest, professor of theology, and iconic figure of the Protestant Reformation. He strongly disputed the sale of indulgences, the church’s practice of selling pieces of paper that guaranteed freedom from God’s punishment for sin. In 1517, Luther directly confronted this and other papal abuses by publishing his “95 Theses.” In 1534, Luther published a complete translation of the Bible into German

Guest Post from Whitaker House Publishing

In 1517, a thriving new industry was sweeping northern Germany. Begun a few centuries earlier, its reappearance in the 16th century was perhaps the cleverest abuse of church power to date. Church officials strapped for cash decided to offer remission from the punishment for sins, or “indulgence,” to German believers in return for a commensurate amount of money. The slick church salesmanship of indulgences incensed one young priest, who believed that faithful Christians were being manipulated and the Word of God misinterpreted. He wrote a pamphlet comprised of 95 claims that he hoped would inspire scholarly debate. Titled Disputation of Dr. Martin Luther Concerning Penitence and Indulgences, it went down in history as “The 95 Theses.”
Most historians believe that Martin Luther did not intend to spark a public debate. It was written in Latin, the language of scholars, and pinned to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church which served as a “bulletin board” of sorts, where Luther knew fellow theologians would see it and perhaps engage in a discussion on the topic.
Luther’s pamphlet, how­ever, was not another piece of paper flapping in the wind. Someone translated into German, and distributed it to the public with the help of a recent invention—the printing press. Luther tried to retrieve his work, but the damage was done. Within weeks, the debate that began in Wittenberg spread throughout Germany, and within months, all of Europe. 
Five hundred years later, Whitaker House presents each of Luther’s 95 Theses paired with an excerpt from his many writings. Not every excerpt directly relates to the accompany­ing thesis, but we endeavored to select passages in which Luther was expounding on the same subject. Where further explanation was thought necessary to contextualize his words, a footnote is included. We hope you find 95: The Ideas That Changed the World an accessible and fascinating look into the ideas of this groundbreaking priest who stood up for God’s Word, the grace of the gospel—and made history.




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My dad was a baptist preacher and I was raised very strict. I don’t remember once hearing about Martin Luther being mentioned once in the church. As I’ve gotten older, I have heard a bit about this man, but not enough to carry a conversation about. I found the book to be quite intriguing but hard to follow at times. I contribute that to my lack of knowledge of this man. I admire him for standing up for his faith and acknowledging that there was some unsavory things going on in the church. I wonder how many of us would be as bold as him? I have always been taught that if it can’t be backed up by the Bible, it is not true. Over the years I have been cautious as to what pastors say. I may not always agree with them, but if I can find scripture that backs up what they are saying, then I know it is from God.

Martin Luther was the type that would not stand for deceit and corruption he felt was going on in the church in the 1500s. In this book is his thoughts of where the church should be and what the Word said. I read the book and wanted to mention a few things he said that caught my attention. In “Theses “ 43 he talks about how we need to remind ourselves “ that our sins are forgiven , that we have the Spirit of Christ, that we are beloved children of God, we should be ever so happy and grateful to God.” Where we fail is when we walk in fear and doubt and forget that God loves us unconditionally. I need to remind myself of that daily.

In “Theses “53 I found it to be very powerful. As we sit in church and listen to the pastor, are we remembering that God ordained him to speak the Words that God ? “Therefore we must not separate or part God and man, according to our natural reason and understanding .” When the pastor speaks I want to soak in His Word and hear His voice. I think we get wrapped up in the man behind the pulpit and forget that he is a messenger for God. We sometimes put pastors on a pedestal and start to worship him instead of God.

I really enjoyed the book and found there to be many nuggets of truth through out the book. Readers may not agree on everything Martin Luther wrote , but I think it is worth reading with open ears and a open heart to see where his faith was. He doesn’t mince words and speaks with authority and truth. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about a man who “dared to question a practice of the Roman Catholic Church .”

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

Blog Stops

Lane Hill House, November 24
Fiction Aficionado, November 25
Pursuing Stacie, November 26
The Power of Words, November 27
A Greater YesNovember 29
Karen Sue Hadley, November 30
Mary Hake, December 1
Texas Book-aholic, December 2
BigreadersiteDecember 3
Carpe Diem, December 4
Multifarious, December 7
A Reader’s Brain, December 7

Giveaway:

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To celebrate the tour, Whitaker House is giving away
Grand Prize: 95: The Ideas That Birthed the Reformation by Martin Luther, KJVER Sword Study Bible/Personal Size Large Print-Burgundy Genuine Leather ($60 value), Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book.
First Place: 95: The Ideas That Birthed the Reformation by Martin Luther, “This is The Day” ceramic mug from Christian Arts Gifts, Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book
Second Place: 95: The Ideas That Birthed the Reformation by Martin Luther, Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c517

Runaway Romance FB Banner copy

About the Book

RunawayRomanceFrontFinal
Name of book: Runaway Romance
Author: Miralee Ferrell
Genre: Contemporary romance with Amish thread
Release Date: October, 2017
When a reality TV star meets the reality of life, will it be her downfall or her salvation?
Ann Stanway had it all—a starring role in a reality show, an adoring boyfriend, and a sparkling future with limitless possibilities. Until the rules changed and the life she’d thought was real no longer existed. Leaving L.A. seems like her only option, and she lands in Kentucky at a quiet Amish inn—as far removed from her past as possible. Now she knows what was missing in her life–peace, true friendship and, dare she hope, a man who accepts her for who she is–or at least who he thinks she is.
Hunter Lewis is intrigued by the new woman staying at his friend’s Amish inn. Annie appears to be what she claims, but she’s secretive and won’t open up. He’s been burned by a woman before and can’t tolerate deception. But his interest in Annie is growing, and the attraction seems to be mutual—until something happens that makes Hunter question everything he’d thought was real. Dare he risk his heart, when he’s certain Annie is keeping secrets?
Can their new romance withstand the pressure, or will Ann choose to run again?
Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

miraleeI love life, love my family, love writing Christian fiction–reading, riding my horse and puttering in my garden are all ways I relax. I often have my little 7 lb Chihuahua, Lacey, on my lap when I’m working–there’s nothing like a warm ball of love on your lap to act as a stress reliever!
First and foremost I’m a child of God and daughter of the King. I’ve been involved in women’s ministries for years, I’m married to a wonderful man, have two grown children, two cats, two dogs, 10 chickens and ride my son-in-law’s Arabian mare since my old mare passed in 2013. We live about 9 miles from the nearest town on 11 acres, in a peaceful setting surrounded by trees.
I started writing shortly after I turned 50, and discovered I loved it so much I don’t want to stop. I have 15 novels out & a five book set of horse novels for middle-grade girls. I write both women’s contemporary fiction, historical & contemporary romance, and horse/mystery novels for girls. One of my Western romances, Love Finds You in Sundance, WY, was awarded the Will Rogers Medallion for Western Fiction, three books have been optioned as movies, and several books have been on the ECPA best seller list. You can find out more about me andmy books at http://miraleeferrell.com/

Guest Post from Miralee Ferrell

In the spring of 2015, I received an email from a Hollywood producer, followed by a phone call. Imagine my surprise when she asked if I’d be willing to write a book for them. They were no longer producing the Love Finds You books into movies and were working on a different project for UP TV, a possible three-movie series, and she hoped I might be able to work with them. She explained that she’d optioned Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming, two or three years earlier, and loved it. Of the thirty-five or so titles she’d read of the line, that was her favorite. However, UP TV didn’t want to make historical or old west movies, so she’d shelved it for now.
During that time period, I’d gotten my rights returned to all of my LFY books and had retitled them Finding Love in Last Chance, CaliforniaFinding Love in Tombstone, Arizona, and Finding Love in Bridal Veil, Oregon. Sundance became Outlaw Angel, and all four are still in print.
Here’s the amazing part. I came very, very close to turning down that contract offer with Summerside for Sundance. I was disappointed in the advance and royalty rate, and shortly after they released it, they sold the line to Guideposts, and that company didn’t continue the line much longer. Understandably, sales waned on their final releases, and I was disappointed with my sales from that final book as my others had done quite well. For a long time, I wished I hadn’t taken that contract and instead held out for one with another company for a three-book series. However, had I done that, I doubt Runaway Romance would ever have been written. It was Sundance that grabbed Chevonne’s attention and caused her to contact me. And the rest, as they say, is history.


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I would like a show of hands please. How many have looked at or glanced at a Reality Show? I confess that I was curious and watched a show about Jon &Kate. They were the couple who had twins and then surprise they had more babies then they could handle. I was intrigued by their story but soon grew weary of the exploitation of the kids. It became more about them being paraded around and stared at as if they were on display. This brings me to the book I just finished. Annie happens to be on a Reality show with her boyfriend Scott. When a decision is made to go in a new direction with her character, Annie decides she needs a break.

I really like Annie and how she stood up for being mistreated and walked away from a very prestigious career. I loved how she realized that she wasn’t really part of the family, only a pawn for better ratings. To everyone’s surprise she leaves and tells no one where she is going. She needs to get far away from Hollywood and find a quiet little town to think. I found her leaving showed a very strong side to her character. She was finally standing up for herself.

When she lands in Amish country I loved where the story was going. A city girl out in the middle of nowhere meets Amish country. I found her character willing to adjust to her new environment quite well. Sarah is a sweet woman who takes Annie in. They soon find out that God has placed them together for a reason, Can Annie help Sarah get through her grief of losing her husband?

How long will it be before someone recognizes who Annie really is? Hunter seems to really have feelings for Annie, but will her secret ruin their relationship? I though Hunter was an honest and very caring person. He doesn’t want to get hurt, but will Annie open up and tell him who she is, before the truth is revealed?

As a side story there was the mysterious older women who showed up in town one day. She doesn’t remember who she is or how she got there. The town makes sure she has food but wonder if anyone is looking for her. The author does a great job of bringing this mystery to the storyline and gets Annie & Hunter to play detective. Is someone looking for Carla ? Can Hunter and Annie help her find her family? I liked how Carla was not ignored because of the way she looked. People wanted to help her and it is a great reminder not to judge people for the way they look.

The story is fun to read and I loved how each character is looking for answers from God. Can Sarah’s inn become successful? Will Hunter learn who Annie really is? Can Annie find what she is looking for in a little Amish town? Will someone come forward and recognize Carla? Thank I’m excited to hear that the book is going to be a TV movie soon. I look forward to seeing the characters in the movie. It’s a great story that explores acceptance, trust, secrets and listening to God. Be sure and grab a copy .

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

Blog Stops

Blogging With Carol, November 28
Janices book review, November 29
Books n baubles, November 30
Inklings and notionsDecember 1
Texas Book-aholic, December 2
BigreadersiteDecember 4
The Power of Words, December 4
Reading Is My SuperPower, December 5 (Interview)
Baker Kella, December 6
Splashes of JoyDecember 7
Karen Sue Hadley, December 7
Quiet Quilter, December 8
Red Headed Book LadyDecember 9
Cafinated Reads, December 10
Remembrancy, December 11
Carpe Diem, December 11

Giveaway

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In honor of her tour, Miralee is giving away a grand prize of a Kindle Fire! Click the link below to enter! Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c31a



    Tour Reminders

    The Gift of Christmas Past
    The Gift of Christmas Past(Woodsmall Press, October 2017)
    Arson wasn’t the only fire that ignited between them.
    Promises shattered.
    Lies spoken.
    She was arrested.
    He returned to the safety of his wealthy parents.
    Almost ten years later, Hadley and Monroe are both specialists in the field of speech therapy. They meet again . . . thrown together to help a four-year-old-girl rendered mute after being rescued from a fire.
    Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized child and her family.
    Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all?
    Learn more, read an excerpt, and purchase a copy.

    Cindy Woodsmall is the "New York Times" and CBA best-selling author of eighteen works of fiction. She's been featured in national media outlets such as ABC's "Nightline" and the "Wall Street Journal." Cindy has won numerous awards and has been finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards. Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in Flowery Branch, GA. ||**|| Erin Woodsmall is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of three. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade. She is very excited about their first coauthored book.

    Review.jpg


    I really enjoyed this book and thought the characters were very relatable. The story is gritty and emotional with topics that can leave scars. As I read about the foster care system and how the two main female characters faced that life, I wanted to cry. Everyone wants to be loved and wanted, but for Hadley and her friend that didn’t seem to happen. To often people misjudge others and cause heartache and trust issues.

    Hadley had a reputation of lying and stealing. When she tries to make up for her mistakes, it backfires on her. I loved her strength and willingness to overcome her past. I think her anger fueled her desire to prove to herself that she is a valuable person. As she becomes an adult, she runs into someone from her past that destroyed her hopes and dreams. Can she forgive this person? The story is a look at past mistakes, learning to forgive and finding purpose. I loved reading how the characters each had issues that were painful to deal and how the author showed their vulnerable side.

    This book takes readers on a journey of two young girls through the foster care system and shares their struggles, and delivers a powerful story of forgiveness. I hope everyone will pick up a copy and let your heart be filled with a sense of peace, love and family.

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








    Friday, December 1, 2017



    DEADLY PROOF BY RACHEL DYLAN | BLOG TOUR AND 5-BOOK GIVEAWAY


    After a whistleblower in the pharmaceutical cover-up case dies, attorney Kate Sullivan knows the stakes are much higher than her other lawsuits. Get ready to stay up way past your bedtime turning the pages to find out what happens next in Rachel Dylan’s new legal thriller, Deadly Proof. Trying to forget the past, former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James is hired by Kate to look into the whistleblower’s allegation. He also soon finds himself falling for the passionate and earnest young lawyer. As the case deepens, it appears someone is willing to risk everything—even murder—to keep the case from going to trial.

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    The first book in this exciting series has started off with a powerful story line. Pharmaceutical companies try to introduce new medicines everyday. What happens when one company pushes for a new drug that they secretly know is harmful? I have to compare this writing style to the caliber of Robin Cook meets John Grisham in a gritty drama that exceeds with high octane action. The author in my opinion has surpassed the above mentioned authors with tough as nails characters and a plot that takes you inside boardrooms to pharmacy labs where secrets are exposed. 

    I loved Kate instantly. She is a strong woman with exceptional ethics. When she takes lead on a case involving one of the most powerful pharmaceutical companies , her life is suddenly in danger. The tension mounts as a whistle blower comes forward. Will Kate be able to keep the person alive long enough to testify? The relationship between Kate and Landon was nice and I loved how faith became a factor as they grew closer to each other. 

    I loved the fast pace of the story and the details of how lawyers investigate to get their facts in order. It was interesting to see how greed can take over someone and turn them into nothing more than a heartless person. It boggles my mind that a company knowingly will put a dangerous medication on the market for money. Who decides to go a step further in order to win the lawsuit? Are they willing to kill to get what they want?

    Landon joins Kate in the investigation and proves to be a valuable asset to her. He is powerful and determined to keep Kate safe. Will he be able to keep her away from danger? The intrigue was incredible and I loved the cat and mouse game the pharmaceutical company played with Kate’s law firm. Their oh so innocent need for time to prepare for trial was devious. 

    This is one book you must read if you love thrillers with greed, secrets, danger , lies , and learning to trust. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this well written series. 

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

    Landing page:





    Blog Tour Schedule:


    11/17 
    Christen | Christen Krumm 
    Debra | 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! 
    Stacey | Books,Dreams,Life 
    chantal | This Chattanooga Mommy Saves 
    Mitzi | A Niche To Find 
    Vera Godley | Chat With Vera 
    Vik Tory | Manuscript Tune 
    Andi | Radiant Light 
    J ulius McCarter | The Little Friar 
    Margaret | The World As I See It 

    11/18 
    vicky | Deal Sharing Aunt 
    Nicole | The Christian Fiction Girl 

    11/19 
    Cassandra | Cassandra M's Place 
    Ian | Reaching for Jesus 

    11/20 
    Dianna | Savings in Seconds 
    JANICE | Janices book reviews 
    Rick | Reviews From A Man's Perspective 

    11/21
    Kav | Best Reads 
    Carol | Buttercup Counts Her Blessings 
    Joy | Splashes of Joy 
    Wendy | Wall-to-wall books 
    Carrie | Reading Is My SuperPower 
    Wendy | Life at Rossmont 

    11/22
    JoJo | JoJo's Corner 
    Denise | Rejoice in the Little Things 
    Amy | A Nest in the Rocks 
    Billy | Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer 
    Nancy | sunny island breezes 
    Veronica | Veronica's 'Views 

    11/25 
    Angela | all grown up? 
    Erin | For Him and My Family 

     1 1/26 
    Renn | Heart to Heart Books 
    Kim | Window To My World 
    Debi | 2014 and Beyond! 
    Conni | GCCBookworm 

     1 1/27 Jennifer | Jen Around the World 
    Lisa | Seeking with all yur heart 
    Tressa | Wishful Endings 
    11/28 
    Rick | HeavenBound Media Center 
    Sydney | Singing Librarian Books 
    Denise | The Help Meet Wife 
    Maureen | Maureen's Musings 
    Kathleen | Reviews From The Heart 

    11/29
    Leah | As We Walk Along the Road 
    Loraine | Loraine D. Nunley, Author 

    11/30 
    Erin | ReviewsBy Erin 
    Andrea | The Young Girl Who Loved Books 
    Lena Nelson | A Christian Writer's World 
    Rachel | EmpowerMoms 
    Paphapin | Feeling in Red 
    Barbara | Im Hooked on Books 
    Natalie | Natalie Walters 

    12/1
    Cara | Cara Putman 
    Becky | Living Outside the Lines 
    Deana | Texas Book-aholic 
    Amanda | The Talbert Report
    Lisa | Wicked Good Reads
    Heather | Misadventures of the Dynamic Uno 

     1 2/3
    Marjolaine | Books, beautiful books 
    Cheryl | Cherylbbookblog 
    Andrea | Two Points of Interest
    Lisa | chickensbunniesandhomeschool 

    12/4
    Carolyn | My Scribbler's Heart 
    Chrystal Mahan | Nevermore Lane 
    Andrea | Writing to Inspire 
    Janelle | Our Milk & Honey Meadows 

    12/5
    Jennifer | Mother of Three 
    Michelle | Our Little Corner of the World 
    Sherry | My journey Back 
    Mindy | A Room Without Books is Empty 
    Amy | Locks, Hooks and Books 

    12/6 
    April | Dixie n Dottie 
    Inderpreet | Eloquent Articulation 
    Jill | I am believing God 
    bethany | The perfect beginnings 
    Renee | Little Homeschool on the Prairie 
    Deb | Positive Grace 
    brandi | the she revelation blog 
    Julia | Christian Bookaholic 
    Mark | Thoughts of a Sojourne


    Enter to win a copy of Deadly Proof. Five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced December 7 on the Litfuse blog!
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    {MORE ABOUT DEADLY PROOF}

    Deadly Proof (Bethany House, September 2017)
    Riveting new series offers legal suspense with a romantic twist
    In the biggest case of her career, attorney Kate Sullivan is tapped as lead counsel to take on Mason Pharmaceutical because of a corporate cover-up related to its newest drug. After a whistleblower dies, Kate knows the stakes are much higher than her other lawsuits.
    Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James is still haunted by mistakes made while serving overseas. Trying to forget the past, he is hired by Kate to look into the whistleblower’s allegation and soon suspects that the company may be engaging in a dangerous game for profit. He also soon finds himself falling for this passionate and earnest young lawyer.
    Determined not to make the same mistakes, he’s intent on keeping Kate safe, but as the case deepens, it appears someone is willing to risk everything—even murder—to keep the case from going to trial.
    Rachel Dylan

    {MORE ABOUT RACHEL DYLAN}

    Rachel Dylan writes Christian fiction including legal romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade and enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. In addition, Rachel writes the Danger in the Deep South including “Lethal Action” and “Devoted Defender,” which appeals to fans of edge of your seat romantic suspense. Rachel also writes the Windy Ridge series including “Trial & Tribulations” and “Fatal Accusation.” These legal thrillers with elements of spiritual warfare are great for fans who enjoy books by Peretti or Dekker. “Trial & Tribulations” was a Selah finalist in 2016. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids—two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers.
    Find out more about Rachel at http://www.racheldylan.com.