Friday, February 8, 2019

THE ACCIDENT BY A.M. HEATH

The Accident: An Epistolary Novella by [Heath, A.M.]

Can a wrong number bring true love or only heartache?

Ashlyn Conner’s life is spiraling out of control. She's already lost her father, and now that her mom is battling thyroid cancer, she fears being orphaned at fifteen. When a friendly stranger texts the wrong number, Ashlyn finds a confidant she didn’t realize she needed. The more Ashlyn gets to know Chris Knowles, the more she’s convinced he could be the caring husband and loving father the Conner women so desperately need.

If only she’d been honest and hadn’t made him believe he was texting her mother, Danielle.

When the truth comes out, will she lose her friendship with Chris and damage her relationship with her mother? Or can God make something beautiful out of her lie?

Told through text messages and Ashlyn’s journal entries, The Accident is a heartwarming, family-centered story.

Besides being an Indie Author, I’m a wife, mother of four, children’s Sunday School teacher, sweet tea drinker, history fanatic, romantic, bubbly, lover of broccoli, and cake decorator who has a soft spot for Christmas trees, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

What I’m not is a laundress (or at least not one who keeps up very well), a duster, tall, or patient in a doctor’s office.

I’d love to hear from you. You can visit me online on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and my blog. *Note: I’m most active on Facebook and my blog.

Whether you’re on social media or not, you can ensure that you never miss one of my sales, giveaways, or new releases by signing up for my newsletter. I’ll send you a direct link to your email anytime something big happens. http://eepurl.com/dDbVNz

Blog: https://amheathblog.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMHeathfanpage/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8302606.A_M_Heath

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/aheath2257/?eq=a.m.&etslf=5672

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorAMHeath

I really loved the way the author told the story using texts and journal entries. How many of us have ever dialed the wrong number? Ashlyn is a teenage girl who has lost her dad and now may be losing her mom to cancer. She is very lonely and finds herself isolated at times from everyone. Ashlyn really needs a friend and perhaps God has a plan . When Ashlyn receives a text message from someone she doesn't know, I think she was so desperate to talk to someone, that she responded to the text. As she begins to text the wrong number back, a friendship develops between her and Chris.

Chris is a very grounded man who has compassion for others. I loved how he was always willing to pray with Ashlyn and listen to her pour out her problems. We get to know Chris better as he describes to Ashlyn his likes and love for God. Ashlyn really wants to find someone to love her mom and thinks that Chris is perfect for her.

I really enjoyed the journal entries from Ashlyn because we were able to feel her insecurity, her lost relationship with God and need for a family. She doesn't want to lose her mom, but she doesn't want to be alone in the world either.

Danielle who is Ashlyn's mom will soon have a big decision to make when she discovers what Ashlyn has been doing with her phone. Her reaction is perfect and I like the way she handled it in love. Will Chris be able to reach out to Danielle and share a friendship with her?

Honesty plays a big role in the story and Ashlyn will soon discover that her dishonesty could hurt the people she cares about. It is a beautiful story of love, forgiveness and knowing that God has a plan for each of our lives. The author writes a story filled with compassion and gives readers characters that need each other. It is a exceptional way to tell a story that allows readers to see characters that are vulnerable and lost at times. Don't miss this story of hope and finding love.

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b7851a9013/?

Tour Stops:

Feb 1: Virginia @ Bigreadersite

Feb 4: Laura @ Blue Eye Books

Feb 5: Kaylee @ A. Kaylee’s Kind of Writes

Feb 6: Amanda @ With a Joyful Noise

Feb 7: Debbie @ Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

Feb 8: Deana @ Texas Book-aholic

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

MOTORHOMES, MAPS & MURDER by TONYA KAPPES

Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder (A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Book 5) by [Kappes, Tonya]

I am so in love with this series. My husband and I own a RV and love to travel to different places. We have found some wonderful campgrounds with friendly people and return to them when we can. I would love to visit Normal, Kentucky and visit the quaint little town that is featured in the story. Mae is a hoot and I loved everything about her. Her southern charm is endearing and the sayings she blurts out at times made me roll on the floor laughing. . The author has a great knack for giving readers characters that are funny, quirky and just plain friendly. Well I better say not everyone in this story is so charming.

Happy Trails Campground is the blood, sweat and tears of hard work for Mae. She has made it a place where people feel welcome and comfortable. I would park my RV there if I could. There is a big celebration coming up in town that has everyone scrambling to make the event perfect. When an escaped serial killer is spotted the town and campground are on edge. Should they go ahead with the festivities planned? The rumors start that the serial killer could be close and chaos ensues in the campground. Is it a coincidence that a motor home was stolen just as the escaped killer is perhaps nearby?

Mae turns to her handsome boyfriend for answers since he is a detective and on the case. It's funny how Mae can get answers from Hank about the investigation. He knows he shouldn't tell her, but he can't stop himself. There is a big mystery of where the serial killer is hiding and who stole the motor home. Are the campers safe at Happy Trails Campground?

The story is well written and will keep readers guessing as a mysterious map and wig are discovered. Was someone else involved in what happened to several members of the town? I wonder if revenge played a part in the aftermath of a serial killer on the loose ? I love how the author keeps readers guessing until the very end. I thought for sure I knew what would happen; but the author with her technique of putting twists in the story fooled me completely. I eagerly await the next book in this funny and thrilling series.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy. The review is my own opinion.

About the Book

Title: Ellie’s Redemption

Author: Molly Jebber

Genre: Christian fiction, Amish

Release date: January 29, 2019

1912, Charm, Ohio

Ellie Graber is determined to restore her bad reputation in Charm, Ohio. She regrets leaving Amish life and the danger and heartache she caused her family and friends. Ellie loves working with Liza, and her best friend and cousin, Hannah, at Liza’s Amish Charm Bakery, attends church, and obeys Amish law, but the gossip about her past life won’t stop. Joel Wenger’s deep blue eyes tell her he cares for her, but she suspects his parents have warned him to stay away from her. Joel wants to trust Ellie’s changed but his sister, Maryann, who left Amish life broke their hearts. Will Joel ignore his parents and friends, face their anger and ridicule, and give her a chance?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Molly Jebber writes Amish Historical Romance. Her latest release, ELLIE’S REDEMPTION, is the second book in her Amish Charm Bakery Series. Molly’s books have been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today’s HEA, and Romantic Times. Her books have received widespread media attention throughout the US. Her books are sold in print and Ebook throughout the US and United Kingdom. She’s a touring speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, other women’s organizations, and she offers presentations on writing and the Amish. She says the most rewarding part about writing stories is meeting wonderful readers who become friends through social media and at her speaking events. Please visit her website: http://www.mollyjebber.com for a full list of her books (and options stores to buy them), speaking events and recipes.

She loves God, her family, and friends. She says yes to swimming, the beach, golf, and time with her family and friends, and no to coconut, onions, and skydiving!

Guest Post from Molly

Hi Friends!

Ellie likes newcomer Joel, and he’s the first Amish man to show interest since her return to Charm. She’s afraid when he learns of her rebellious past and the danger she brought to her family before turning her life around, he’ll end their courtship. Joel is frustrated his sister left Amish life before his family moved to Charm. He chooses not to tell Ellie about her, until he has no choice. What does the future hold for Ellie and Joel when their secrets are revealed?

Along with the story of Ellie’s Redemption are recipes!

Here’s one just for you!

Ellie’s Surprise Cookies

1 cup shortening 2 cups rolled oats (quick cook)

1 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon soda

1 ¼ cup brown sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla

¼ teaspoon cinnamon 1 ½ cups chocolate chips

2 eggs 2 cups flour

3 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt

Sift dry ingredients. Cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs and beat until fluffy. Stir in dry ingredients. Add oatmeal, vanilla and chocolate chips. Dough will be crumbly. Spoon a teaspoon of dough at a time on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Many of us have done something in our lives that we regret and hope we can undo the harm caused by it. We want to be accepted, forgiven and loved. The author has written a character that exemplifies what it feels like to make a mistake and be treated harshly. I could relate to Ellie in her pain and desperate hope that people in her community will forgive her. It is not easy for her as some members in the town still judge her and gossip about her.

I loved how the author gave us a character that takes us through her walk of finding freedom from her past. It is a beautifully written story that made tears run down my eyes. Ellie can't undo the past, but she can be an example to others of how God forgives us.

Joel is a good character and Ellie is hopeful that their friendship will turn into something more. The dynamics of his family is similar to Ellie's in the sense that they have both suffered loss. Joel has heard rumors about what Ellie did when she left the Amish but he has ignored it until the day Ellie tells him about her past. The ache in Ellie's heart was powerful when Joel reacts unexpectedly after listening to her confess about her past. There is a strong element of judgment in the story and a great lesson about forgiveness.

There is a character in the book that really stood out to me. This character is so hurt by a loss, that she seems to not want to forgive Ellie for her mistakes because it hits close to home. I understood her grief and loved reading how she needed to work through her bitterness. The author did an excellent job of showing how loss can make us become bitter and have a hard time opening up to others. I loved this character because she was relatable and realistic.

I have come to expect the best quality of writing and development of characters from this author. She once again has not let me down. This is one of her best stories about forgiveness and many of us can relate to Ellie; not because she is Amish but because we know the pain of rejection and being judged for our past. I loved the story and how the author allows us a glimpse into the Amish world. I loved reading about the bakery and all the delicious breads and pastries they made for customers. The ending is eloquently written and reminds readers how forgiveness heals a broken and bitter heart.

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

Blog Stops

Quiet Quilter, January 29

Carpe Diem, January 29

Lighthouse Academy, January 30

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, January 30

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 31

Splashes of Joy, January 31

Janices book reviews, January 31

A Baker’s Perspective, February 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 1

Bigreadersite, February 2

Mary Hake, February 2

Maureen’s Musings, February 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 3

EmpowerMoms, February 3

Inklings and Notions, February 4

Captive Dreams Window, February 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5

Robin is Bookish, February 5

Texas Book-aholic, February 6

My Devotional Thoughts, February 6

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, February 7

SusanLovesBooks, February 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 8

For the Love of Books, February 8

Henry Happens, February 9

Blossoms and Blessings, February 9

Bibliophile Reviews, February 10

Connie’s History Classroom, February 10

Vicky Sluiter, February 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Molly is giving away a grand prize that includes an Amish doll, a handmade lap quilt (can be used as wall hanging), an Apple Pie recipe tea towel, a Blessings journal, a handmade quilted potholder, a $10 Amazon Card, Ellie’s Redemption Print Book, a mug, a 2019 Planner, pad and pen set, and a bookmark!!

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/da8b/ellie-s-redemption-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

ABOUT THE BOOK:

As a forensic genealogist, Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather’s footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from the hospital more than twenty years ago. The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up when someone makes an attempt on her life to keep her from discovering the truth.

Ex-FBI agent–and Willow’s ex-flame–Austin McKade readily offers his help to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they’ll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he’s spent much of his life trying to forget. And even if it puts Willow’s tender heart at risk.

In this fast-paced and emotional page-turner, bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard keeps the stakes high, the romantic tension sparking, and the outcome uncertain until the very end.

Purchase your own copy of this book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Goddard is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than twenty-five romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES–a 2011 Carol Award winner. She’s a double finalist in the 2016 Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense for her books BURIED and BACKFIRE in the Mountain Cove series. A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to home school her children and fulfill her dreams of writing full-time. She currently makes her home in Minnesota with her husband and children.

You can connect with Elizabeth on her website, her blog,Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Readers are in for a treat with the newest book from Elizabeth Goddard. It is a fast paced action packed story that will have you on the edge of your seat. I love a good book that has intrigue, well developed characters and a bit of romance mixed in and this book delivers it all. From the beginning you easily connect with Willow. She is a smart person who helps her grandfather run Anderson Consulting. I was fascinated by the work she does as a Forensic Genealogist. Tragedy strikes and Willow loses everything in her life including a very special person. Willow is determined to finish a job that was started before tragedy happened.

Austin is a man that is straight forward and has regrets about the way he and Willow parted ways sometime ago. They have teamed up now to finish a case that has been on the books for awhile. The case itself has its own mystery that will place them in danger. A mother who's baby girl was abducted years ago is desperate to find her daughter before she dies. Willow and Austin have no idea where their investigation will take them, but be prepared for a bumpy ride as suddenly their lives are in danger. Why does someone want to stop Willow and Austin from finding out what happened to the baby? Is it possible that the baby survived and now is in danger themselves?

I loved the intrigue in the book and how the readers are left guessing to the very end in this intense thriller. Elizabeth Goddard writes a story that takes you to the edge of danger with twist, romance and a mystery many years in the making. The tension throughout the book is written perfectly with questions of who can be trusted and why is this young woman who was abducted so important to many people.? The ending is exceptional and will show how secrets and deception can cause tragedy . I highly recommend this book to everyone looking for a book filled with twists, and writing at its best.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the Book

Title: Forever Loved, Eve’s Story

Author: Joanna May Chee

Genre: Christian Inspiration for Women

Release date: February 20, 2018

Publisher: Heartfelt Publications

Eve. First woman. First to be tempted. First to sin.

But what if there were more to her story than that?

Forever Loved: Eve’s Story is the story of Father and daughter, as told by Eve. It is a story of preciousness and beauty, of tender love and grace. Through Eve, God reveals his Father heart of love for you, his treasured daughter. He whispers to you now, and calls you closer.

Includes:

My Story: The author’s personal story of encountering God as Father.
Eve’s Story: A beautifully creative retelling of the Bible story of Eve.
Your Story: Encouragement and prayers to take you deeper into God’s presence.

Experience Eve’s story anew. Discover just how loved you are!

About the Author

Joanna May Chee gets excited about God! She loves to write and is often awake in the night with a million ideas for her next book or project. Joanna blogs at JoannaMayChee.com and MumsKidsJesus.com, where it is her heart to encourage and equip women to love their families and meet with God. She is author of Forever Loved: Eve’s Story, a creative retelling of the Bible story of Eve, and a #1 Amazon UK bestseller. Joanna lives near London with her husband, 4 teens, dog and 2 cats! Facebook.com/JoannaMayChee | Facebook.com/MumsKidsJesus | Pinterest.co.uk/MumsKidsJesus

Guest Post from Joanna

True or False? Eve spent time with God before meeting Adam.

True or False? Eve wasn’t called Eve until after the Fall.

Does the Bible even say?

Until recently, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you, even though I’ve been a Christian many years, and thought I knew the Bible story of Eve really well!

It was during hot, sticky, jet-lagged nights, about four years ago, on holiday overseas, that God started giving me new and wonderful insight into Eve’s life. Words literally started pouring through my head: the story of Eve, but not as I’d heard it before!

I’d always had negative connotations of Eve – the first woman to be tempted, the first to sin. But the story God revealed to me during my sleepless nights was one of preciousness and beauty. It was the story of Father and daughter, of God’s incredible love for Eve, and His equally wondrous love for me.

As Eve’s story unfolded over several nights, I wrote it down; and God gave me a book I did not ask for (but am forever grateful for): Forever Loved: Eve’s Story.

These new insights into Eve’s story have been life-changing. God has brought me deeper into His love than I could ever have imagined. (In the introduction of ‘Forever Loved: Eve’s Story’ I share something of the deep hurt and insecurity I experienced growing up – including the time I got into BIG trouble with my teacher – my cry to know God as Father, and how God’s love has brought healing and freedom.)

It’s my prayer that ‘Forever Loved: Eve’s Story’ touches the lives of women around the world, that women may come into deeper experience of God as Father, and know just how beautiful and precious they are to Him.

So, back to the True/False questions at the beginning of this post! What do you think?

I’d love to share with you what I’ve discovered by giving you a free copy of a devotional I’ve written called ‘Treasures Hidden in the Story of Eve’.

This devotional explores some of the amazing truths God’s shown me about Eve, and the wonderful implications for us as women today (and includes extracts from ‘Forever Loved: Eve’s Story’). Download the devotional for free here.

I pray God touches you as deeply as He has me, as you explore the Bible story of Eve afresh. May you encounter the love of Father God as never before.

Joanna xx

The beginning of the book is interesting because it talks about her relationship with her father. It was nice to read how close she was to her father and what a positive influence he was in her life growing up. I also liked how she described having a relationship with her Heavenly Father. I want a deeper relationship with Jesus also.

I did remind myself as I read the book that this is an account of what one person perceives as what could have happened as Eve is introduced to us in the bible. The story is a beautiful way to look at how Eve may have been when she first met Jesus. I did like reading about Eden and how gorgeous and peaceful it was. It was interesting to read how the author saw Eve.

It was hard to read about Cain and Abel and how their parents played a part in what was to happen. From the very beginning God warned them not to eat from the tree, but Eve and then Adam disobeyed. Their punishment was hard but God forgave them of their sin. I did like how the author encourages readers to have a deeper relationship with God and how "You are forever loved." That one sentence has stuck with me as I finished the book. No matter what, I am loved. I may have sinned, but I am still loved. Such powerful words that humble me and remind me daily that we all sin; but the good news is we are forgiven.

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