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Saturday, August 3, 2019

LIGHT FROM DISTANT STARS by SHAWN SMUCKER

This is the first book I've read from this author. His writing style is a bit different than I'm use to. He has strong characters though which he develops slowly like peeling an onion with precision. 

Cohen is a complex person who has had a troubled relationship with his father. They seemed to disconnect after Cohen's mother leaves with his sister. It must have been hard to be separated from his mother. I enjoyed the letters he received from Kaye, his sister as they grew up. 

The story is a very dynamic look at a father and son relationship. It's not unusual for a son to want approval from his father and Cohen desired that more than anything. He wanted his father to be proud of him, but he seemed to disappoint him on a level that was hard for Cohen to understand. 

He made lots of trips to church and after awhile I wanted to tell him to listen to the wisdom he has been told and move on.  I don't want to take away the obvious topic of relationships because the author does a great job of examining how Cohen felt guilty of not really letting his father know how much he loved him. Cohen just seemed not able to  let go of his guilt and it hurt to think he may not get the chance to tell his father how important he has been in his life.

For me the book does make you think about your life and how your relationship is with family. Life is too short to let a day go by being angry because of your pride. It looks like the author accomplished a very important message through this book. Be thankful for everyday and let those you love know how important they are to you.

I received a copy of this book from Revell  Reads Blog Program. The review is my own opinion.

Thursday, August 1, 2019

Identity theft FB banner

About the Book

Book: Identity Theft
Author: Alana Terry
Genre: Christian fiction, mystery/suspense
Release date: March 15, 2019
Identity TheftShe imagined Alaska would be the perfect place to hide. She found out it’s the most dangerous place to be found …
Lacy has a secret. A secret nobody knows — not even her fiancĂ©.
A secret that would cost her life … and so much more.
So it’s a good thing she’s tucked away in the very heart of rural Alaska, where for once in her life she is finally safe.
But can she stay that way for long?
Suspenseful, thrilling, and impossible to put downIdentity Theft is an unforgettable novel by bestselling Christian author Alana Terry.
Buy your copy today … but be prepared to stay up late!

About the Author

alana terryAlana is a pastor’s wife, homeschooling mom, self-diagnosed chicken lady, and Christian suspense author. Her novels have won awards from Women of Faith, Book Club Network, Grace Awards, Readers’ Favorite, and more. Alana’s passion for social justice, human rights, and religious freedom shines through her writing, and her books are known for raising tough questions without preaching. She and her family live in rural Alaska where the northern lights in the winter and midnight sun in the summer make hauling water, surviving the annual mosquito apocalypse, and cleaning goat stalls in negative forty degrees worth every second.

More from Alana

What’s the first thing that pops into your mind when you think about Alaska? Are you a city soul or do you prefer the country? I’m pretty happy in small-town Alaska, but I’m afraid that wasn’t always the case.
Have you ever lived in a town with 400 residents? Even with all the wide-open spaces, it’s enough to make some personalities feel claustrophobic. 
I thought of our move to rural living as our big adventure. (Because what’s more adventurous than feeding chickens and milking goats at negative 40 degrees?) Then I read my first draft of Identity Theft and realized the adjustment wasn’t going as smoothly as I hoped. It was more autobiographical than I had realized!
However, I learned to love rural Alaska, and that’s the main reason I wanted to write my Alaskan Refuge Christian Suspense Novel series – so I could share some of my favorite parts with you.
Identity Theft is the first of three stand-alone novels, all filled with adventure, suspense and thrills, and all set against the backdrop of Alaska. I hope as you settle in to readyou will begin to experience a little of what I’ve grown to love living in this spectacular state.


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Reading books from this author always helps me draw closer to God. She writes stories that have great lessons and scriptures that enhance the story. This story was an easy and quick read. I enjoyed the suspense and learned so much about the Witness Protection Program. I can't imagine having to give up everything that identifies you and starting over.

Lacy happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time with her  boyfriend several years ago. They witness something that puts them both in danger. Lacy is whisked away to Alaska to start a new life. She is cut off from her family and friends. She often wonders about her boyfriend. Did she really see him die that fateful day? How long will she have to pretend to be Jo?

I  learned a lot of interesting things about Alaska in the book. One of the intriguing things was the abundance of mosquitoes they have. I never thought about them having a mosquito problem. In Texas where I live, mosquitoes take over neighborhoods. Someday I would like to visit Alaska and see the snow and beautiful landscape.

Two people really stand out in this story. One of them is Kurtis who is a state trooper. He becomes involved with Lacy and they develop a nice relationship. Things seem to be moving forward but Lacy can't seem to let go of her feelings for her boyfriend. Will Kurtis be able to help her feel secure? Can she learn to trust a man who loves her and knows that God will protect them?

The other important person in the story is Sandy who is Lacy's foster mother. The love and compassion she has for Lacy is so special . She speaks words of wisdom to her and tries to get her to let go of the past. I loved when Sandy said to Lacy, " I always like to picture my tears are the rain that's gonna water the flowers God's sending my way? What a beautiful way to express how God heals us and shows us a new beginning. 

The suspense in the book is good and I did figure out most of it, but it was still fun to read how the author puts twists in there and keeps the action going. The story reminds me to be thankful for my family and to remember that "God has a plan for our lives." He will always be there to protect us.

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

Blog Stop

Genesis 5020, July 25
EmpowerMoms, July 25
Splashes of Joy, July 28
The Becca Files, July 30
Quiet Quilter, July 31
Mary Hake, August 2
CarpeDiem, August 3
Moments, August 5
Henry Happens, August 6
Livin’ Lit, August 6
A Readers Brian, August 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Alana is giving away a $30 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e546/identity-theft-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

WELCOME TO HUGO PROMO BLAST WRITTEN BY PAMELA POOLE
PRESENTED BY CELEBRATE LIT



On September 21, 1989, Hurricane Hugo came in the dead of night, slamming Category 4 power into Charleston, South Carolina at the worst possible time—high tide. Painter Place is scoured by the writing Atlantic storm surge, forcing Caroline Painter Gregory to say goodbye to a life she loves and face a future that may hold the worst that might happen. On the devastated South Carolina coastline of 1989 and then in Arles, France during the centennial of Van Gogh's life there, Hugo continues the saga of Painter Place.





Pamela Poole's love for the South inspires all her books and paintings. She has written three novels and two short stories that take place on the fictional island in the Painter Place Saga, and she will launch the fourth book. Landmark, in 2019. Pamela lives life loving Jesus and her family as a wife, mother, and Gigi, and she is blessed with true friends. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and various author and artist organizations. She and her husband Mark live in Raleigh, North Carolina.
"Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us— to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20,21

Purchase Link:
https://amzn.to/2WRKIix

Social Media links:

Pamela Poole, Artist and Author, Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/PamelaPooleArt

Pamela Poole, Artist and Author, Twitter:https://twitter.com/PamelaPooleArt

Pamela P. Poole, Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/pamelapooleart

Author blog on Southern Sky Publishing:
https://www.southernskypublishing.com/blog

Twitter page for Southern Sky Publishing:https://twitter.com/southernskypubs  

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I was so excited to read the follow up book that started with Painter's Place.  I remember every character from the first  book because they were so easy to fall in love with. Caroline was such a talented painter and we traveled far away for her to experience art work and historical places. This book finds the characters facing one of the biggest challenges people have living on the coast. Hurricane Hugo had its sights on the Carolina coast and disaster was about to strike.
The author does a realistic account of the hurricane and the destruction it can cause. I have been through several and they are destructive and dangerous. The moment Hugo hit, chaos broke out. Caroline goes into labor and has no way to get to the hospital. I could feel the anxiety rising as everything around them started to crumble. Hurricanes have no mercy and they can hit one side of the street and not the other. It has a mind of its own and Painter's Place was the target for this hurricane.
The story is filled with trying to survive the disaster and picking up the pieces after the storm. I felt for everyone who had to look at their homes and cars and realize they had lost more than material things. One of the things I really enjoyed about the book was getting to know the characters better. Chad and Caroline are having a hard time communicating. The tension between them is strong.  The family comes together to rebuild and along the way, repair relationships. This story is a wonderful journey with people who overcome obstacles and find renewed faith . 
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.


Monday, July 29, 2019

Al In FB Banner

About the Book

Book: All In
Author: L.K. Simonds
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Release date: May 7, 2019
all inCami Taylor: a blackjack dealer, a bestselling author, and a fraud. Cami’s boyfriend, Joel, loves her in spite of her flaws. He wants to marry her, buy a house on Long Island, and raise a family–a life that’s a million miles from Cami’s idea of happiness. Her therapist suggests compromise and trust, but Cami bolts like a deer. She breaks off the relationship and launches on a new quest for happiness, not knowing that a nasty surprise waits around the corner. What follows is a fight to the death. Who will be the one left standing?

Click here to purchase your copy


About the Author

L.K. SimmondsL. K. Simonds is a Fort Worth local. She has worked as a waitress, KFC hostess, telephone marketer, assembly-line worker, nanny, hospital lab technician, and air traffic controller. She’s an instrument-rated pilot and an alumna of Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas. All In is her first novel.

More from L.K. Simonds

How I came to write ALL IN.
Back in the 1990s, I was vacationing in NYC with my buddies. We got out the phonebook—as we always did while traveling—to see how many people with our last names were listed. In that thick Manhattan phonebook was one listing for a person with the same name as my friend’s. Two initials and a surname, as a single woman might’ve listed her number back in those days. The address was only a few blocks from our Midtown hotel, and we joked about calling to see if she was a long-lost cousin, who might take us to her favorite shops and restaurants.
We didn’t call, but the “what if?” stuck with me. What if you did call? What if the person you called was in crisis? Or about to face a crisis? What if that serendipitous phone call resulted in a friendship that became a lifeline? That notion was the inception of ALL IN.
ALL IN is my first offering as a novelist—my best writing to date. I hope you enjoy it!


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In the story Cami is uncaring, daring and downright sinful. She doesn’t care what people think or how she is perceived . There are several times in the book where the author goes into  details about encounters with men that I found very offensive. I think she could have written it in a way that gets the point across with out going into details. Like I said I understand sin is harsh , but in a Christian Fiction book we should not be okay with taking such liberties that cross genres. 

The last half of the book is where the real story is. Cami is finding out that there are consequences to sin. Her life is forever changed with a few words. I won’t say what it is but it will wake her up to all the things she has done. 

There are two very significant people in the story that make the book worth reading. Kate and Sam are the perfect characters to speak wisdom and give compassion to Cami. I have to admit I didn’t like Cami. She was a horrible person and I got tired of reading about everything she did. Then I stopped. Well look at me judging a person in sin. Am I no better than her? “Ye without sin, cast the first stone.”

The author uses some inappropriate language that I cringed at. I wonder why this book is classified as Christian Fiction with all the inappropriate language and vivid descriptions. The bottom line of the book is redemption and it takes a while to get there. Most of Cami’s story could have been shortened and maybe cleaned up a bit. 

The ending is good though I don’t agree with everything that happened or how it happened. It almost seemed rushed and tied in a  perfect bow. Overall the theme of the book is a good one but I’m not so sure I liked how it was presented in this story. 

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

Blog Stops

Carpe Diem, July 20
Moments, July 23
amandainpa, July 26
Pause for Tales, July 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, L.K. Simonds is giving away a $25 Visa gift card and a hardback copy of All In!!
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/e545/all-in-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, July 28, 2019

WELCOME TO RIPTIDE RUMORS BY MELODY CARLSON  REVIEW PROMO BLAST
PRESENTED BY CELEBRATE LIT



If the Tide Doesn’t Change, Who Will Pay the Price?

As autumn of 1916 descends upon the once-peaceful town of Sunset Cove, Anna McDowell has great hopes that the excitement of the summer will be over, now that a few of the key players in the rum-running ring have been arrested. But with a daring jailbreak getting the town in a dither again, she knows that the danger hasn’t passed for anyone in her coastal hometown.

With a mayoral election keeping tensions high and the authorities busy searching for those behind the jailbreak, Anna has plenty to keep the newspaper busy. But when her sixteen-year-old daughter begins making noises about leaving high school and abandoning dreams of college, Anna realizes that prohibition isn’t the only thing she needs to be worrying about.

How deep does the root of corruption run in their town? As she digs deeper, Anna is forced to put the concerns of her own heart on hold in an effort to save some of the people dearest to her.



Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.

Purchase link:
https://amzn.to/2YZBEdF

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It is so nice to be back with Anna and Kate in Sunset Cove. Anna has been busy with the newspaper and watching her daughter start to become independent. The story is the second in a series called, The Legacy of Sunset Cove. I have been anxious to read this book because the author left us with some unanswered questions. I love reading about Anna and challenges of running a newspaper. The town is slowly starting to accept a woman editor, but some good old boys still don't like it. They weren't thrilled when finally the women got the right to vote. Things are really changing in the world and there is also talk of war.

For some reason this story reminded me of the show called The Gilmore Girls. Anna and Katy are very close but at times they disagree just like on the show. They share their thoughts and I love how Katy is becoming more of a young woman and thinking of her future. There will be a disagreement about her future. The author does a great job of allowing us to watch Katy take on challenges and prove herself to her family. I have to say I really enjoyed getting to know Katy and Anna better.

There is a mystery going on in town that will shake the community. A murder has taken place and if that wasn't enough there is a jail break. Anna has her hands full trying to cover both stories and does a little investigation on her own. There are several suspects and it looks like rum running is still a big problem in the town.

Anna has two men who may be interested in her and it makes for a wonderful journey to watch Anna finally relax a little and get courted. I wonder who she will end up with? Like mother like daughter as the saying goes because Katy has two suitors herself. I can tell you I'm not happy with one of them. He seems shady and quick to move things along with Katy. Beware Katy. He is up to no good.

The story is exciting, action packed, filled with  corruption, and a mayoral race along with many  surprises. I'm hoping there is another book in the series, because the author has left me with some questions I need answered. If you are looking for a light read with faith and intrigue , this is the perfect book for you.

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




Love's Belief Celebration tou FB Banner

About the Book

Book: Love’s Belief
Author: Linda Shenton Matchett
Genre: Historical Romantic Fiction
Release date: May 15, 2019
Love's Belief small jpgMidwife Pia Hertz and her mother Sabine have been delivering babies long before the Nazis came to power. Now, the Third Reich has implemented mandates that require Jewish babies and other “undesirables” to be killed as part of The Final Solution. Is Pia’s new faith in Christ strong enough to defy the laws of man?
Despite the agony of the injury at the Battle of Drøbak Sound that took his arm, Dieter Fertig is relieved he’s no longer part of Hitler’s army. He returns to Berlin and discovers Jews are being deported by the thousands. When he realizes the Nuremburg Laws require his best friend’s baby girl to be killed, he must find a way to spirit the child out of Germany before the Nazis discover her existence.
Inspired by the biblical story of Shiprah and Puah, the midwives who saved Jewish babies during Pharaoh’s reign, Love’s Belief shows how one person’s actions can change the world.


About the Author

Linda Matchett Head ShotLinda Shenton Matchett is an author, speaker, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. Linda is a member of ACFW, RWA, and Sisters in Crime. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a trustee for her local public library.

Read an Excerpt

Berlin, late February 1943
Chapter One

“I thought Frau Schmidt was going to die.” Pia Hertz blew out a deep breath. “We haven’t had a difficult birth like that in a long time, Mutti.
Ja, but you are a gifted midwife, Pia. I wasn’t too worried.”
Pia chuckled. “You always say that.”
Mutti linked her arm with Pia’s. “We must have confidence, otherwise fear will make us prone to mistakes. Now, let’s reward ourselves with strudel, if we can find it, hmm?”
“A wonderful idea. I’m starving. Hopefully, the baker has some, and the line won’t be too long at this early hour. Selections at most of the shops have been meager as the war has ground on.”
Leaning close to Pia’s ear, Mutti whispered, “Be careful what you say. You don’t want to be accused of sedition.”
Pia cast a glance over her shoulder. “You’re right. It doesn’t seem to take much to get arrested these days.” She sighed. “I don’t understand why God has allowed Herr Hitler to succeed. Why has He not stepped in to save His people, the Jews?”
Dust coated their shoes as they sauntered along the sidewalk, skirting the piles of rubble from the most recent RAF bombing raid.
“There are some things we will never have an answer to, Daughter, but we must trust in His plan. It is difficult. Despite being a believer since childhood, I still struggle with doubts. It’s understandable that you do, too.” She stroked Pia’s cheek. “When we get home, let’s pray together and see what He would have us do.”
Pia stifled a gasp. “What are you suggesting?”
Her lips pressed in a thin line, Mutti frowned. She jerked her head toward the SS officer standing about ten meters away, then tugged on Pia’s arm. Continuing down the sidewalk, they arrived at the bakery. Unlit windows and lack of women waiting indicated there were no more treats to be had for the day.
Ach, we’ll have to assuage our penchant for a sweet another time.” Muttirubbed her belly. “Let’s take a shortcut down Rosenstrasse then head for the river. It would be nice to look at something other than damaged buildings and debris.”
“Good idea. It is warmer today than yesterday, and there is a market at the end of the street. Perhaps they have some bread or cheese we can nibble on.”
A chill swept over Pia as they walked past a police officer, their eyes averted to avoid any interaction. An elderly couple tottered along in front of them, holding hands and speaking softly. Pia’s heart tugged. Would she ever find someone to spend her life with: someone to look at her like the wrinkled, gray-haired man gazed at the petite woman by his side? At twenty-eight, it seemed unlikely. Der FĂĽhrer’s desire to rule the world was destroying an entire generation of young men, and she certainly had no interest in a black-coated member of the SS.


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The book is a look at how Jews were treated by Hitler. It is an eye opening account of the horrors they encountered trying to stay alive. I can't imagine what it must have been like to be taken from your home and separated from your family. Pia has a hard time understanding why God would allow such destruction to happen. Her heart is heavy as she sees everything around her slipping away. I loved that she had a big heart and wanted to help in any way she could. Being a midwife had it's dangers, put Pia was willing to risk her life to help bring a precious baby into the world. She faced danger at every turn but never gave up. I wonder how many times we have given up when things became difficult for us?

Dieter is a young man who has seen war up close which cost him a devastating injury. He feels helpless to do anything but an opportunity will soon come. Will he risk his life to help people get to safety before the Hitler and his army  take them away?  I enjoyed his friendship with Pia and how they came together to help others.  There is a part in the story where Pia is trying to get to Dieter's shop and gets caught outside when bombs start going off. This scene is the best I have read about bombings . The author does a very impressive job of making readers feel like they are right there as the bombs explode around Pia. I was praying so hard for her to hurry and get to safety.

I love that the characters pray when they face danger or just to thank Him for keeping them safe. The attack on the Jews is so hard to read. How can a person have such hatred for people that they will do anything to erase  them from the world? it is evident that Hitler was an evil man and his anger was spread to harm innocent people including children. The author depicts this era in an honest way and lets us see what happens when someone is consumed with power. I liked when Pia asked Dieter , " Why do men resort to killing and maiming each other to solve their differences?" 

The story really held my attention and I loved the dedication Pia and Dieter had to help others escape Hitler. There are some really great messages throughout the book and I thought the author does a good job of giving God all the glory for protecting His people. The ending was perfect and I won't forget Pia and Dieter as they follow God's direction.

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


Blog Stops

Genesis 5020, July 22
Mary Hake, July 26
Artistic Nobody, July 27 (Spotlight)
Simple Harvest Reads, August 2 (Spotlight)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away a grand prize package with a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of each book in the series!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.