LOVE FOUND IN SHERWOOD FOREST BY LINDA S.  MATCHETT


 Award-winning Broadway actress Leighanne Webster has it all until an on-stage panic attack brings her career crashing to the ground. Returning to England to help produce the annual Robin Hood Festival play could be the diversion Leighanne needs. But with ex-fiance, Jamison Blake, as the play’s director, focusing on her new job won’t be easy.

Breaking his engagement with Leighanne so she could pursue her dream of being a Broadway star was the hardest thing Jamison Blake ever did. When she returns to Nottingham, his heart insists he made a mistake. Can he convince her to give their relationship another try, or will he have to let her go again? This time forever.

Purchase Link:

http://amzn.to/2ou0Urs

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, journalist, blogger, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone's throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places most of her life. Linda is a member of ACFW, RWA, and SinC. She volunteers as a docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and is a trustee for her local public library. She currently lives in New Hampshire's Lakes Region.

Follow me on http://www.facebook.com/authorlindamatchett, https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorlindamatchett, http://www.pinterest.com/lindasmatchet

What a beautiful description of the countryside the author has given us. I   felt like I was I was in the car with Kelli and Leighanne as they traveled over the cobblestone road. It was very interesting for Leighanne to run into her ex-fiance . I'm sure she was ready to change he mind  bout helping her sister with the play. The bitterness still lingers over their breakup, but Leighanne doesn't know the real reason Jamison broke it off with her.

Leighanne has come a long way to get away from something. Will she tell her sister what is going on? The closeness that the sisters share is wonderful and I liked that Kelli prays for her sister. Leighanne  is the kind of character I easily related to. Her panic attacks have caused her great distress and I can understand how hard they are to go through. Will she find peace as she helps put on a play to help her sister out?

I have always wanted to go to England and visit castles.The author provides vivid details of famous places in England that make me want to hop on a plane and go there. Her historical knowledge is well noted as she takes readers on a tour of Sherwood Forest. Can you imagine seeing the magnificent tree that she describes?  Jamison is a great character who will not compromise his beliefs. I admired his faith and how he stood up to someone who was trying to blackmail him. The story is wonderfully crafted to show how prayer can make a difference.

I love second chance stories because it gives hope to others. I am one of those who was given a second chance. I lost my way like Leighanne did and started believing lies. I had to reach the bottom of the pit before I would surrender to God. The book is short but filled with hope, forgiveness and finding your way back to God. Don't miss this enchanting story that has a bit of romance mixed in with strong Christian values.

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

THE THEORY OF HAPPILY EVER AFTER
by KRISTIN BILLERBECK

Maggie is quite a smart young woman.She thinks she has it all figured out about what it takes to be happy. All her scientific facts don't prepare her for a big breakup with her fiance. She sure didn't see that coming. How embarrassing for her to be an author who is suppose to be an expert on happiness. Now what can she do to fix her life?

To the rescue is her two best friends. What a plan they have for Maggie. I'm not sure that the idea of a cruise is what she needs but off they go. The characters are fun to know and I liked how the author showed how we can laugh at ourselves and be okay with our mistakes. Can Maggie find true happiness on a cruise? Will she be able to open her heart to a new romance?

The story is fun with a great theme of trusting God and finding true happiness in Him.

I received a coy of this book from Revell Publishing. The review is my own opinion.

About the Book

Why do I feel like I’m going through life naked if I’m following God faithfully?

The Bible tells you the war has already been won, yet some days you simply feel undone.

The enemy of your soul wants you to feel out of control…overwhelmed, outwitted and under resourced. When you listen to the lies the enemy weaves in your marriage, finances, relationships, and health, he wreaks havoc. Steals your joy. Kills your hope. And aims to not only dull, but destroy the power of God in your life.

In Don’t Go through Life Naked, Susan B. Mead shares her own deeply personal experiences with feeling exposed and engaging the enemy—from the recurring nightmares of childhood to the loss of her son and perceived judgment of others.

With scriptural insight, let’s-get-real vulnerability, and a wry sense of humor, Mead helps readers:

– Toss out misconceptions about spiritual warfare to understand what Jesus really said about your spiritual authority and the certainty you have in him. – Know what to pray to steady your soul and restore your confidence. – Stop feeling overrun by the enemy and start believing the authority of God abides in you to overcome.

In Don’t Go through Life Naked, Mead provides strong spiritual weapons for your life through the scripture of God’s prayer book, the Bible. These weapons enable you to successfully clothe yourself in God’s power and promises every day.

A portion of the proceeds of Don’t Go through Life Naked will benefit Proverbs 31 Ministries to help them continue teaching biblical truth and taking the hope of Jesus to women and families around the world.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

With over 22 years in corporate American, 2 million airline miles under her belt, 2 Christian Literary Awards on the shelf, an MBA hanging on the wall, and a Doctor of Theology candidacy in process, Susan B Mead shares her expert teachings on business, grief, spiritual warfare and relationships. A master storyteller and award winning, best selling author, Susan leaves audiences motivated to live a life free of regrets even though she has done the hardest thing any parent can do – bury her youngest son, Kyle.

Susan has been described as a solid, comforting voice in a messy world. Whether speaking to business professionals, women’s conferences, industry leaders or writer’s workshops, Susan’s insightful wisdom inspires audiences, empowering them to make healthy mental u-turns to help them find calm in the chaos.

Guest Post from Susan B. Mead

Seriously Susan? You’re taking the Word of God and making it laughable?

Yes, I am. The subject we address is serious – it is arming ourselves with the Full Armor of God. Do you realize that makes this topic Spiritual Warfare? Yes! Warfare. Why was I compelled to write about this?

We address being 1) aware of the adversary, 2) mindful of his methods and 3) positioned for combat with a powerful promise.

God gave me His sense of humor to lighten the mood and open our minds to His message. Now that is a blessing, in my humble opinion.

Why would God let me poke lightly at this problem? So we can look forward to digging in to discover every tidbit, tool, and treasure He has for us. The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (MSG)

Do you see the nuggets here? I consider them valuable like pure gold and solid silver. When we forge the Word of God into our hearts, He equips us with a tool – the sword of the Spirit. That allows us to clear the ground of every obstruction.

God also covers us with His Word when we come to Him as Lord of our lives. His Word is His Son, Jesus; the Jesus who lived, bled, died, and rose to Heaven for you and for me. We are covered and protected by that amazing gift, for the Word Jesus carries power to prevail against all powers of evil when Jesus is Lord of our lives.

All power.

All powerful.

Not the enemy and not us – Jesus.

Are you ready to venture into the vault of God’s vast truth?

Expect adventure, excitement and breathtaking breakthrough IF you choose to forge ahead.

But beware…

There are twists and turns ahead.

(Spoiler alert! You may already know the end of this story.)

Oh by the way, on April 19, Susan received an email from the Jenkins Group. You know, Jerry Jenkins of the Left Behind Series – and so many other books. She was humbled – and incredibly honored – to read the 2018 eLit Book Awards Medalist list and find this line…

Religion

Don’t Go Through Life Naked by Susan B. Mead

GOLD Medal Winner

Finally a book that talks abut spiritual warfare. I don't hear very many pastors preaching about such an important part of a Christian walk today. Everyday the enemy is there with his tricks just waiting to take you out. He is subtle but so effective if we are not ready. A small argument with a spouse, an unkind word from a friend or an unfounded accusation can take you out. 

The author does not pull any punches and I love that she is very direct with readers. I was floored when I saw the words spiritual rape.  That is such an accurate description of what the enemy does to us. We leave ourselves exposed by not praying and not surrounding ourselves with like minded people. Do we remember to carry the Word with us everyday? I never thought about leading others astray when I fall from grace, but it makes perfect sense. Don't we find people to agree with us when we feel hurt by someone? 

One of the biggest attacks the enemy uses on us is  our mind. He is crafty and whispers to us things like, "Is your spouse cheating on you," or " Did you know that so and so said horrible things about you to the pastor?"  " You are stupid." The question we need to ask ourselves is, " Will we follow the "rabbit trail" of an enticing thought or " take every thought captive?"

I like that the author provides refection questions at the end of every chapter. I encourage you to read them and apply them to your lives.  The author leaves no subject untouched and I love how she breaks down words so we can understand what God is saying to us. Many people have a problem with the word submit. When the author breaks the word down it makes perfect sense. Basically it means under mission. Who do you want to be under mission to?

I appreciate the author being transparent with her struggles she has faced with her boys. We all want to have the perfect child that never gets in trouble. But reality is that we can do everything right and our children may choose a different path. I loved when she said, "I'm not giving up mothering! I am praying and holding on."  That is what we all need to do; which is not give up and never stop praying. I enjoyed this book very much and found it to be encouraging and powerful.

 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 15

proud to be an autism mom, May 16

Simple Harvest Reads, May 16 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, May 17

Janices book reviews, May 18

Bibliophile Reviews, May 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 20

Carpe Diem, May 21

A Baker’s Perspective, May 22

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, May 23

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 24

Artistic Nobody,May 25 (Spotlight)

Bigreadersite, May 26

margaret kazmierczak, May 26 (Interview)

Reading is my Super Power, May 27 (Interview)

Among the Reads, May 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away a grand prize of a Kindle Oasis preloaded with her ebooks along with an autographed copy of her book Don’t Go Through Life Naked: How to Clothe Yourself in God’s Power.

Click below to enter:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0bc39d2b1/?

About the Book

Title: The Simple Soul of Susan

Author: Noel Branham

Genre: Romance, YA, Coming-of-Age, Contemporary

Release Date: October 11, 2017

Susan Combs had long ago found the love of her life. The only problem was the other party still didn’t know he had been found.

Every day Susan saw Calder Hurtz, her next door neighbor and childhood best friend. They always enjoyed the short drive to school down the dusty streets of their small Texas town. She was happy in those perfect moments, for her life at home was most imperfect. The challenging homestead she inhabited was also the favorite subject of local gossip.

But one autumn day she overhears Calder and another boy having a conversation. This occasion of accidental audience sets Susan’s life on an unforeseen path. In the seasons to come, her future will be changed by two hospitalizations, two confessions of love, and one betrayal.

Compulsively readable, The Simple Soul of Susan is an engaging, soul-endearing romance and a mesmerizing debut.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Born and raised in a small Texas town, Noel Branham started her career in digital communications after graduating with a degree in English. An award-winning communicator, she now writes from her residence in Florida about things closest to the heart: home, family, and love.

Guest Post from Noel Branham

Fictional Romance: A Real Relationship Killer?

You’ve heard it before… All romance novels give readers unrealistic expectations of relationships. Yep. They totally do. But I think most of the time, with life in general, we have unrealistic expectations not only of others but of ourselves. We live in a world where there is always something else to try, buy or satisfy our ever-evolving aspirations of happiness and fulfillment. So here are three things to remember while reading romance novels that will lead to having deep, meaningful, romantic, relationships in real life:

1. Happiness isn’t fulfilled expectations. When you expect yoursignificant other (SO) to see you and romantically sweep you off your feet while pulling flowers from behind your back and force feeding you chocolates… you may have some unrealistic expectations. Would it be nice? Sure! But there is always something more they could do to make you happy, feeling loved, satisfied, etc. It’s a bottomless pit of desire and implied anticipated actions. We have to realize that no matter how many things we want out of a relationship, we can never receive them all… because realistically, we could never live up to the things expected of us either. Romance is a two-way street.
2. Happiness is the unexpected, fulfilled. Wait… how can you fulfill something that isn’t expected? You can’t. And that’s what makes it so great. Your SO fills your car up with gas, takes you out for a date for no particular reason, watches that Victorian-era PBS drama with you even though they can’t understand the accents… When we get rid of expectations for ourselves and others we are able to really enjoy the things and people we already have and anything else is simply adding to lovely life that we already possess.
3. Happiness in relationships is what you make of it. Just not feeling the love anymore after five years together? Was it that you chose the wrong person? Was it something they did? Something you did? Love can be a feeling and an action. Your relationship doesn’t have to be defined by feelings. Feelings fade. They aren’t realistic. They change with time as people change with time because all people change. But actions… actions are what you choose to do on a regular basis. They are a daily intentional choice (made by you) to care for another person. You can control your actions, but not so much your feelings. Funny thing is often times your actions create feelings you never thought you could have.

If you are looking for a romance novel with a bit more realism to test out these principals, check out The Simple Soul of Susan. You can have the realistic expectation that you won’t be disappointed 🙂

I have discovered a new author to me and this story is written with such deep emotions I couldn't put it down. There is something about Susan that draws you in to her character and goes deep into your soul.  I loved how independent she is and how dedicated she is to caring for her invalid dad. She hasn't had an easy life, but she never complains. Some kids at school make fun of her and I could relate to her immediately. When I was growing up, I was bullied in junior high and high school. I had very few friends just like Susan. I cried when I read how mean the girls were to her and wanted to tell them to stop it. Susan is really just a shy girl who lacks self confidence but she has so much to offer with her compassion and love.

Calder and Susan are next door neighbors and naturally have a deep bond for each other.  I liked Calder at times an other times I thought that he should have taken up for Susan more. It surprised me when he belittled her in front of his friends. The book really does a excellent job of talking about friendship and how easily someone can betray you. It shows how jealousy can hurt someone and words can cut to the core. I loved that the book wasn't a feel good everything is great book. What it is though, is a real look at what teenagers go through and the decisions they make . 

When Susan finds out something Calder did that affects her dad, will she be able to forgive him? It is an emotional book that shares the ups and downs of a teenager but goes deeper with real life issues. I wonder how many teenagers are taking care of their parents right now? We don't really know how someone home life unless we get involved in their lives and show them that people care. It made me think of how much I wish I had someone to go to when I was growing up.  I loved the reference to Austin and how people are perceived to look different there. The truth is they feel comfortable being themselves like each of us should feel.  I liked how the author expresses that very idea of being yourself throughout the book.  The ending is wonderful and full of surprises. This is one book I found to be very honest, emotional and shares how the choices you make, determine your destiny. Forgiveness is not easy, but when you make the choice to forgive, you are set free. 

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

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, May 10

The Christian Fiction Girl, May 10

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 10

Multifarious, May 11

Remembrancy, May 11

Two Points of interest, May 12

Blogging With Carol, May 12

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 13

Inklings and notions, May 13

Kristin’s Book Reviews, May 14

proud to be an autism mom, May 14

Artistic Nobody, May 15 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, May 15

Mommynificent, May 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 16

The Fizzy Pop Collection, May 17

Janices book reviews, May 17

Pause for Tales, May 18

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 18

Bibliophile Reviews, May 19

Carpe Diem, May 19

A Baker’s Perspective, May 20

margaret kazmierczak, May 20 (Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, May 21 (Guest post, Mindy Houng)

Reading is my Super Power, May 21 (Interview)

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, May 22

Bigreadersite, May 22

Reader’s cozy corner, May 23

Josephine’s Thoughts, May 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Noel giving away

Grand Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card
First & Second Place Prize: eBook copy of the Simple Soul of Susan!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cee4/the-simple-soul-of-susan-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Title: Loving Brock

Author: Joan Deneve

Genre: Contemporary Christian Women’s Fiction & Romance

Release Date: April, 2018

For years, Brock Whitfield served God with joy and contentment at the mission hospital he founded in Angola.

When Joy Stockman joined their team as a surgical assistant, he found a woman whose zeal for God and heart for people equaled and in many ways surpassed his own. Before he knew it, his admiration and respect for her blossomed into love. After years of serving alone, Brock began to hope that God was giving him another chance to love and be loved in return.

A crisis arose within the family causing Brock to put his personal plans on hold. As he prayed for guidance, Brock’s faith and obedience were put to the ultimate test as God brings the perfect person into his life and then asks him to give her up.

About the Book

Joan Deneve enjoys being a wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and author, but her favorite role and defining title is that of Christian. Joan teaches English in a Christian school and has a passion to help young people fall in love with Christ and equip them to become all God wants them to be.

Joan shares her life with Rene’, her husband of forty years. Together they reside in Prattville, Alabama, a quaint city with southern charm and hospitality.

Joan loves to laugh and spend quality time with family and friends.

Missionary work can be a sacrifice but when you are called to it, it is very rewarding. Brock hears the call and goes to Africa to help the villages that are in need of medical treatment. I loved reading about the adventures he had and the description of the places he visited. The author does a good job of making you feel like you are there with him as he treats patients. Brock is a wonderful character filled with compassion. I know there must have been times when it was hard for him but God surrounds him with patience and endurance.

Joy was a delight to know. I loved that her age didn't stop her from doing what God told her to do. When I think of missionaries I always envision younger people who are excited about a new adventure. I could relate to Joy so much since I'm close to her age. Her desire to serve is contagious and she fits in well with the others. 

Brock and Joy work well together and it seems like they sense what the other needs as they work closely with the people in the villages. I especially liked it when something happens to Joy and the author shows how much Brock has come to care for Joy. It is a well written scene and I liked how their characters start to share feelings for each other. Joy doesn't know a lot about Brock. What happens when something from his past is revealed? Can she look past it or will it change how she feels about him?

As the author starts to reveal Brock's past, I felt how wonderful it is to know that God forgives and is ready to give second chances. Brock's story is filled with pain, guilt and redemption. I loved how he shared with Joy his painful past and how he came to know Jesus.  The story is emotional and I   loved how the author draw readers in with characters that share real life problems. Brock faces a had decision that will test his faith and trust in God.The author has written a story that is powerful and shows how forgiveness can set you free. It is one of the best stories I've read about second chances, sacrifices and trusting God.

"Sometimes the only way we'll ever turn to God is when we don't have any other place to go'"

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

Blog Stops

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, May 3

proud to be an autism mom, May 4

Mary Hake, May 4

Among the Reads, May 5

The Christian Fiction Girl, May 5

Bibliophile Reviews, May 6

Remembrancy, May 7

Janices book reviews, May 8

Mommynificent, May 9

Carpe Diem, May 10

A Baker’s Perspective, May 11

Bigreadersite, May 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 12

Artistic Nobody, May 13 (Spotlight)

Reading is my SuperPower, May 13 (Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 14

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 15

margaret kazmierczak, May 15 (Interview)

Henry Happens, May 16

Quiet Quilter, May 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Joan is giving away a grand prize of the entire The Redeemed Side of Broken Series, African blend coffee, coffee mug, a magnet from Angola, and a personalized message from the author on a special card from Angola!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cc63