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Saturday, August 31, 2019

WELCOME TO THE UNDISCOVERED TREASURES REVIEW PROMO BLAST written by CAROLE BROWN
PRESENTED BY CELEBRATE LIT


Co-owner of Undiscovered Treasures, Caroline Gibson particularly relates to the ballerina music box: forever spinning and never going anywhere. But when her dream prince appears, she's sure her prayers have been answered. Trouble is, even though family and friends hint that the local artist is the guy for her, Caroline takes matters into her own hands.

Andrew Carrington has loved Caroline since they were kids. But when contracts suddenly arrive begging for his signature, Andy thinks this just might be the way to win the only woman he can ever love.

And then there's the hitch in both their plans. Someone is stealing Andy's paintings, and why would they when he's an unknown so far? Is something deeper going on neither understand?


Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Purchase link:
https://amzn.to/2Hn4vSb

Social Media:

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The author does a great job writing stories that have suspense, faith and a hint of romance that keep readers coming back to her books. In this story we focus on Caro and Andy. Each one is searching for their destination and look to God for answers. Caro was quite interesting as she writes plays for church groups. I remember all the times I would get ready to put on the Children's Christmas play every year at church. I would spend at least a month searching for just the right one. It must have been exciting for Caro as she is approached to write a play for a very large church. She was thrilled but perhaps had a bit of butterflies dancing in her stomach as she undertook the big challenge.

I loved the mystery surrounding Andy's paintings. Someone was stealing them and it was becoming a real puzzle as to why and who? Can you imagine spending time painting and then all your work is gone in a spit second? I found it funny that Caro didn't quite get the popularity of Andy's work. As I got more into the story I wondered what Caro had against Andy. He was so sure they would be a team forever but she was sending out vibes that she didn't share his dream.

Andy needs help finding out who is stealing his work and turns to Caro for help. At times I think she was a bit snotty to him and I wanted to tell her to adjust that big chip on her shoulder. The story is fun to read and the mystery does take on a few surprises. We all desire to know what God has planned for us, but sometimes we miss it because we are too busy being stubborn and prideful. It's a great lesson in waiting on God and trusting Him.

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





WELCOME TO JAGUAR REVIEW PROMO BLAST written by PAMELA POOLE
PRESENTED BY CELEBRATE LIT



Can the man who once left Caroline behind now be trusted to rescue her?

Caroline and Chad Gregory are happy on their island home at Painter Place. But an old vendetta against them puts Caroline in terrible danger. Her enemies are closing in, and the future of Painter Place is at stake. Her only hope of escape is a man known as the Jaguar, a legendary international operative - and the ex-boyfriend who once left Caroline behind. Even if he and a miracle can save her, Caroline will never be the same sheltered woman who has been groomed from childhood to inherit the island.  


Inspiring Southern Ambiance
Pamela Poole's love for the South inspires all her books and paintings. The setting for her novels and short stories in the Painter Place Saga is a fictional island between Charleston, SC and Myrtle Beach. Pamela lives life loving Jesus and her family as a wife, mother, and GiGi, and she is blessed with true friends. She and her husband Mark currently live in Raleigh, North Carolina, but she considers the Lowcounty of South Carolina "home." Pamela is a member of various author and artist organizations.  
"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

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




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The beginning of the book is filled with rage and hatred towards a man who seems to have it all. Nothing seems to touch Phillip Gregory and everything turns to gold for him. Wilfred is seething with anger as he finds out that Phillip is happily married to someone he once had feelings for. The story is fast paced and the absolute jealousy of one man will cause havoc on many.

I loved having some of the characters from previous books in the story make an appearance in this one. It is always interesting to read how the characters grew, became adults and prospered in their lives. When greed and pride raise their ugly head in this story it is one that reaches far into many lives. I had chills as I read how Wilfred could not shake his contempt for Phillip and was determined to see him suffer.

Chad seems to have the perfect life. He is married to Caroline and is blessed with wonderful children. The company is going well and he feels on top of the world. Little does he know that everything is about to change. Something is happening with the company and the fear is money has been laundered without their knowledge that puts everyone at risk. I loved the quick action taken to protect the family. You could feel the tension in the air as plans were made to find out who was trying to sabotage the company.

The action really starts when a kidnapping takes place. Changing cars with a family member causes one person to be taken mistakenly. Will the family be able to save this person? Who is willing to do anything to take the family and its company down? The story is filled with edge of your seat intensity and thrills you see in a movie. I loved the faith element in the story and how the family never wavered from trusting God.

The story is like a spider web that weaves its prey into a place they cannot escape. There is more going on than just a kidnapping in this story. The drug cartel play a big part in the mystery as undercover agents are strategically placed to uncover crimes and rescue the innocent. This is a story that never stops with twists and leaves you breathless at times. I loved how the characters were vividly written and came to life in a story that captures pure greed and determination to get revenge. Don't miss this edge of your seat thriller that promises to keep you guessing.

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

About the Book

Book: Adventures in Poverty
Author: Nancy Bolton
Genre: Memoir
Release Date: July 30, 2019
Adventures-in-Poverty-hi-resFaced with eviction, living on union strike pay, our time for making a decision was running out. Where could we go to live with our five small sons? We had few options. The scariest possibility was also the one that fit best with our tiny income. But could we really make such a difficult move? To transport our family, and our mobile home onto a five-acre parcel of rural, undeveloped land? No electricity, no running water, with winter fast approaching. It sounded a little crazy…….




About the Author

Nancy BoltonNancy Shew Bolton is a wife, mother, grandmother, jewelry maker, crochet crafter, and of course: a writer! She lives in upstate New York in a lovely scenic region known as The Fingerlakes. Widowed last year, she is comforted by her five sons, two grandchildren and a marvelous array of family and other loved ones. She loves the creative process, and puts her whole focus into the stories she writes. May you be entertained and uplifted by them!

More from Nancy

Sometimes life hands out an unexpected challenge, and the direction you mapped out for your family comes up against a big roadblock. And there you are, trying to navigate back to a path that makes sense. One that would be as close to the previous path as you can get. But our only options led us in directions far away from what we were used to.
Faced with eviction, living on union strike pay, our time for making a decision was running out. Where could we go to live with our five small sons? We had few options. The scariest possibility was also the one that fit best with our tiny income. But could we really make such a difficult move? To transport our family, and our mobile home onto a five-acre parcel of rural, undeveloped land? No electricity, no running water, with winter fast approaching. It sounded a little crazy…….


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I don't think I have read a book that has really made me appreciate what I have. After finishing this book, I had to take a moment to thank God for His blessings. The author takes us on a journey that some of us may have experienced a bit of at some point in our lives. I remember when I first got married how we struggled financially. It was difficult at times to be happy for what we had and I know I grumbled a lot.

I noticed in the book that the author never once complained about their situation. Can you imagine living on land with no electricity or running water with young children to raise? Her ingenuity was a breath of fresh air. It was impressive to read how the family found ways to survive by raising chickens, goats and pigs. The garden was plentiful and provided much needed nourishment. 

It was hard to read about the winter months as the trailer was like an igloo at times. I would worry constantly that my boys were going to be sick from the cold but this family found ways to cope with each stumbling block that came their way. The children seemed to always be happy and the parents spent lots of time with them. I really liked how they would plays games, read books and just enjoy the outdoors with enthusiasm. 

There are some funny moments in the story that made me smile as they learned lessons on how to live off the land. I rejoiced with them as they finally had running water and later electricity. Each day was filled with adventure and blessings. I don't think I could do the things the author did. She cooked meals that were nourishing and found ways to have special treats for her children. Her husband was a wonderful man who worked hard and had a big heart. 

The story gives us hope as the author shares how people stepped up to help them by providing food, clothes, toys and friendship. I live in the country on land we bought  and love my space away from civilization. There are neighbors close by and I have needed their help at times when we were flooded in and had no way to go to the store. The neighbors that helped this family was giving and expected nothing in return.  The author allows us a look into her life with humbleness and a heart that is filled with peace and contentment. 

What I liked about the story was the reminder to be thankful every day, be kind to each other and help one another out. The scripture that comes to mind for me is, "Do unto other as you would have them do unto you." 

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

Blog Stops

Quiet Quilter, August 25
The Avid Reader, August 26
Texas Book-aholic, August 31
janicesbookreviews, September 1
A Reader’s Brain, September 2
Power of Words, September 3 (Spotlight)
Lots of Helpers, September 5
Just the Write Escape, September 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Nancy is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and eBook copy of her book!!
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/e7c7/adventures-in-poverty-celebration-tour-giveaway

state of lies FB bannerAbout the Book

Book: State of Lies
Author: Siri Mitchell
Genre: Suspense
Release Date: August 13, 2019
State of liesMonths after her husband, Sean, is killed by a hit-and-run driver, physicist Georgie Brennan discovers he lied to her about where he had been going that day. A cryptic notebook, a missing computer, and strange noises under her house soon have her questioning everything she thought she knew.
With her job hanging by a thread, her son struggling to cope with his father’s death, and her four-star general father up for confirmation as the next Secretary of Defense, Georgie quickly finds herself tangled in a political intrigue that has no clear agenda and dozens of likely villains. Only one thing is clear: someone wants her dead too.
The more she digs for the truth, the fewer people she can trust.
Not her friends.
Not her parents.
Maybe not even herself.

Click here to grab your copy.


About the Author

SIRI-MITCHELL_headshotSiri Mitchell is the author of 14 novels. She has also written 2 novels under the pseudonym of Iris Anthony. She graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and has worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri is a big fan of the semi-colon but thinks the Oxford comma is irritatingly redundant. Visit her online at sirimitchell.com; Facebook: SiriMitchell; Twitter: @SiriMitchell.

More from Siri

A Sense of Place
I’m so excited about the release of State of Lies! Among the many reasons for my excitement is the fact that I set the story in my own home town: Arlington, VA. Here are some things you might not know about Arlington:

  1. Arlington was originally included within the borders of Washington, DC.
  2. Arlington isn’t actually a city – it’s a county. We’re the smallest self-governing county in the nation.
  3. Arlington regularly takes the top spot as the most educated place in the country.
  4. Arlington LOVES books. I count at least a dozen different little libraries in my neighborhood alone.
  5. Our region often has a hurricane warning or two every hurricane season. Can you guess where I’ve seen the longest lines when people start to make last-minute preparations? It’s not the grocery store; it’s not the hardware store. It’s the library! (Why wouldn’t you stock up on books too?)
  6. We host Arlington National Cemetery, the Iwo Jima Marine Corps War Memorial, and the Pentagon.
  7. We are home to the very first Five Guys hamburger joint location.
  8. We are also home to the headquarters of over a dozen national agencies as well as organizations like Rosetta Stone and Nestlé.
  9. People who attended our high schools include Sandra Bullock, Warren Beatty, Shirley MacLaine, Katie Couric, and Patch Adams.
  10. The thing I love most about Arlington? Its people. Countless government contractors members of the federal workforce live here. I number them among my friends and neighbors. I’ve never met a group more dedicated, more informed, or more determined to put their expertise to good use. And guess what? My heroine, Georgie Brennan, is one of them!

The Pentagon and Washington, DC


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Wow! I have just read one of the best espionage, suspenseful books ever. We here all the time about spies, people taking bribes and secrets being passed along enemy lines.   It isn't every day that I come across a book that is so good, I wish I had a contact in Hollywood. What a wonderful movie this book would make. I even pictured who would be good as each character.

Georgia is a great character with brains and attention to detail. When her husband is killed in a car accident, she starts to suspects something is wrong. Could it be that she sees cars following her, or that her house is broken into that brings her to look over her shoulder? Her husband was involved with the FBI somehow, but he kept his assignments secret, which makes Georgia grow uncomfortable when she finds something suspicious hidden in the house. 

The story takes us to the desert over seas during a time when our soldiers were fighting to preserve our freedom. Something happened out there that causes chaos and turns high ranking officials into deceitful people who commit the ultimate act of treason. There were times I thought I had the story figured out, but the author put twists in and I had to rethink my guess. The characters are strong and there is a good amount of information about the different branches in the government. 

Georgia had a very hard time trusting anyone and at times wasn't sure if she should even stay around her neighborhood. Get ready for some explosive surprises and unexpected suspects in this very intriguing book. I did wonder why this is classified as a Christian book because there was no mention of God, scriptures or faith that I remember throughout the story. At the beginning of the book is a scene about intimacy between a married couple. I didn't find it offensive, but some readers may so I wanted to mention it in my review. 

I did enjoy the story very much and it was a non stop action filled book with plenty of secrets that could take down very important leaders. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed but overall the book was intriguing enough to keep my interest.

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

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, August 20
CarpeDiem, August 21
Fiction Aficionado, August 22
All-of-a-kind Mom, August 22
Genesis 5020, August 22
Andrea Christenson, August 23
Pause for Tales, August 23
Rebekah Jones, August 26
Betti Mace, August 26
As He Leads is Joy, August 27
Wishful Endings, August 27
Moments, August 28
Mary Hake, August 28
Remembrancy, August 28
Hallie Reads, August 30
Bigreadersite , August 30
Connect in Fiction, August 31
Texas Book-aholic, August 31
janicesbookreviews, September 1
A Reader’s Brain, September 1
Life of Literature, September 2

Friday, August 30, 2019

THE HEALING JAR by WANDA BRUNSTETTER

Lenore is a special young woman. She has such a sweet spirit around her and her devotion to her grandparents is undeniable. She has let time slip away from her and realizes that she is in her late twenties with no husband in sight. I think she really loved taking care of others and felt it was her calling.

The introduction of Jesse and his sweet baby in the story changes everything in Lenore's life. She finds herself babysitting for Jesse during the summer and falls heads over heels in love with the young child. Jesse is still trying to cope with the death of his wife and raise their child on his own. It was nice to read how Jesse and Lenore became friends and started to develop feelings for each other.

Things don't quite go as planned when Lenore's heart is broken. I liked this part of the story because it pulls in other characters from the previous books into this story. Once again a prayer jar is found and just the right words are read when needed the most. I loved how the words just filled Lenore with peace and hope. The story deals with death, trust, loneliness, misunderstandings and most of all faith.

I am sad to see the series end but have enjoyed the series very much. The characters have become like family to me and I have decided that I want to make a prayer jar for myself. The author has encouraged me to find scriptures that speak to me and write them down. My hope is that someday my prayer jar will bless someone.

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

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

The Faith of Mike Pence FB Banner

About the Book

Book: The Faith of Mike Pence
Author: Leslie Montgomery
Genre: Biography, religious, political
Release Date: August 6, 2019
FaithOfMikePenceSeveral books have been published about Vice President Mike Pence, but none have touched upon what may be the most fascinating aspect of our nation’s second in command: his deep faith.
The Faith of Mike Pence offers an intimate look at the man who calls himself “a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican, in that order.”
Author Leslie Montgomery details Pence’s spiritual journey and examines how the vice president’s commitment to Christ has been a key component in his life as a husband, father, and public servant. Montgomery examines Pence’s encounters with politicos and evangelistic leaders such as James Dobson and Charles Lake. She shows the role of Pence’s faith in running for various offices, implementing faith-based initiatives, and responding to 9/11, the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the infamous Anthrax scare in Congress that directly affected him.
The Faith of Mike Pence is a powerful account of one of the most conservative vice presidents in American history, with exclusive interviews and insightful commentary from friends, family, and colleagues. It is a serious and moving reflection about one of America’s most admired and respected politicians.

Click here to grab your copy.

About the Author

Leslie MontgomeryLeslie Montgomery is the author and ghostwriter of over a dozen books. She is best known for writing the spiritual biography, The Faith of Condoleezza Rice, when Rice was serving our nation as secretary of state in the George W. Bush administration.
Leslie has been a writer for Focus on the Family for more than twenty years and is the former director of publications for the American Association of Christian Counselors.
She is also the founder of Yeshu’a Ministries, with the goal of helping people gain a better and closer relationship with the Lord through her writing, speaking, and teaching ministry. She has traveled to churches and conferences around the world through her evangelical ministry, sharing the Word of God.
Leslie has four children and six grandchildren. She resides in Boise, Idaho

More from Leslie

In 2006, I wrote and released The Faith of Condoleezza Rice, know-ing it might be years before I published another book. My husband and I were undergoing fertility treatments and vowed that if I got pregnant, I’d take a few years off of working outside the home to raise my children until they were in school full-time. Well, I did get pregnant and we had two children in the span of two-and-a-half years.
In early summer 2017, with two kids getting ready to start school again, I prayed and asked God to send me a new book contract; it was time to get back into the thick of things. Two weeks later, I dreamt that I was to write The Faith of Mike Pence. The truth is, neither he nor his faith were even on my radar. I got out of bed and began doing a little research. I wrote a book proposal for different publishers and began to accumulate a list of people I hoped to interview.
My overall goal with this book is not to set the vice president up as a spiritual hero, but to show the heart of the real man—as a Christian, husband, father, and politician. In doing so, I tried to allow his own words and those of his family, friends, and colleagues tell his story while I served as a conduit to weave it together. My prayer is that it inspires, encourages, and challenges you.    —Leslie Montgomery


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I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book. I'm not big on discussing politics and not interested in reading political books. This book is none of that but is filled with scriptures and faith that encourages readers and helped me get a glimpse of a man who is humble and very faith oriented.

I loved reading about his upbringing and how as a small child faith was instilled in him. His parents were devoted to their children and never strayed from their beliefs. It is easy to see how this man had deep rooted values passed down through generations. I loved reading how Mike Pence looked up to his father with honor and appreciation. His father was a true example of a Godly man. His father told his children to, " Climb your own mountain ." He wanted them to pursue their dreams and listen to God's direction.

There are several historical figures mentioned such as Martin Luther King Jr. and President Kennedy who influenced the family in how to treat others and trust God. Both of these men had strong convictions and it did have a big impact on  the nation. Even as a young child, Mike Pence was being influenced by strong leaders who left an impression on his life.

The author gives us a look into Mike Pence's beginning into politics and becoming leadership material. He learned a lot of lessons along the way and I think it made him stronger as a Christian. To think as a young boy that someday you would hold one of the most powerful positions in the nation was hard to comprehend for him at times. 

His wife sounds like a treasure being described as, "the spiritual backbone of their marriage."  That oneness that they share speaks volumes about their relationship. It is important for spouses to encourage each other  and stand together as one. Mike Pence found that in his wife who has never faltered from her faith. 

I enjoyed reading about his journey into politics and how hard it was at times to forge ahead with his dreams. His father was not excited at first when hearing about his son's aspirations, but later he became his son's biggest supporter. That must have felt so good to know his father was willing to help him follow "his own mountain."

The book is a reflection of a man who is faith filled and makes his decisions wisely and with God's council. There is a lot of background about his life that intrigued me and I feel like I know him better. The author does a good job of writing a book that shows us a man of faith living his dream and not afraid to stand up and say he is a Christian.

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

Blog Stops

CarpeDiem, August 19
Mary Hake, August 20
Genesis 5020, August 21
Vicky Sluiter, August 22
Moments, August 23
A Reader’s Brain, August 24
Texas Book-aholic, August 28
janicesbookreviews, August 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Leslie is giving away a grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card, hardcover copy of The Faith of Mike Pence, and Faith and Freedom Adult Coloring Book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries. Click the link below to enter.