About the Book

Book:  Her Rebel Heart

Author: Sharlene MacLaren

Genre:  Christian Historical Romance

Cristina Stiles is left to fend for herself and her two young children while her husband goes off to fight in the Confederate army. She also has to deal with two rogue Yankee soldiers who’ve beaten her, stolen her food, and keep coming back to cause more trouble.

Jack Fuller is a God-fearing Christian fighting for the Union. During a surprise encounter, he shoots and kills a Rebel soldier. In his final breaths, the Rebel asks Jack to deliver a letter to his wife—and he agrees. But when he arrives at Cristina’s small farm in West Virginia, she assumes Jack is one of the Yankee trouble-makers, trains her rifle on him, and fires. As he lies on the ground bleeding, he explains the purpose of his visit, and out of a sense of obligation, she decides to nurse him back to health.

What will happen when Cristina discovers Jack is the one who made her a widow? Will her rebel heart forgive him—or finish him off?

Click here to get your copy.

MY REVIEW

The author has captured a vivid account of the war that pits brother against brother and neighbor against neighbor. It was easy to get captured by the beauty of the writing because it was so enchanting. I loved everything about the book starting with  Cristina. Her husband has gone off to fight in the war and left her to care for their two children and keep the farm going. Her strength is impressive as she raises the children alone in territory that could dangerous as soldiers are nearby. 

When Jack and Cristina’s lives crash into each other it brings a depth of reality to the story. The author shows two sides of the war and how it can change people. I won’t say how Jack ended up at Cristina’s farm but it will be an emotional adventure for readers. I absolutely loved the faith that Jack shared with Cristina. There are moments in the story where he explains who God is to Cristina that was powerful yet tender. 

The story is not without danger and secrets. What happens when Cristina finds out how her husband died? In the story readers will read how forgiveness is something that may be hard for some characters. With outstanding characters and a lesson in forgiveness and trust the author weaves a movie worthy story that will please historical fiction readers. You don’t want to miss this story that promotes this author as one of the best historical fiction writers to follow for 2020. 

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

About the Author

Born and raised in west Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. Upon graduating with an education degree in 1971, she taught second grade for two years, then accepted an invitation to travel internationally for a year with a singing ensemble. After traveling for a year, she returned to her teaching job, then in 1975, she reunited with her childhood sweetheart, and they married that very December. They have raised two lovely daughters, both of whom are now happily married and enjoying their own families. Retired in 2003 after thirty-one years of teaching, Shar loves to read, sing, travel, and spend time with her family—in particular, her adorable grandchildren!

Shar has always enjoyed writing, and her high school classmates eagerly read and passed around her short stories. In the early 2000s, Shar felt God’s call upon her heart to take her writing pleasures a step further, so in 2006, she signed a contract with Whitaker House for her first faith-based novel, Through Every Storm, thereby launching her professional writing career. With more than twenty published novels now gracing store shelves and being sold online, Shar gives God all the glory.

Shar’s novels have won numerous awards. Most recently, Their Daring Hearts was named a 2018 Top Pick by Romantic Times and her last book, A Love to Behold, was voted “Book of the Year” in 2019 by Interviews & Reviews.

Shar has done numerous countrywide book signings and has participated in several interviews on television and radio. She loves to speak for community organizations, libraries, church groups, and women’s conferences. In her church, she is active in women’s ministries, regularly facilitating Bible studies and other events. Shar and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan, with their beautiful white collie, Peyton.

More from Sharlene

Dark-haired, independent, and tough to the bone, Christina cares for her two young children in a ramshackle cabin in Ripley, West Virginia. When the Yankee who killed her husband pays her a visit, she has to decide whether to forgive him—or finish him off. Will this tough Southern woman find grace in her rebel heart?

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, March 4

My Devotional Thoughts, March 4

Genesis 5020, March 5

Emily Yager, March 6

Texas Book-aholic, March 7

KarenSueHadley, March 7

Christian Bookaholic, March 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 9

Rebecca Tews, March 9

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 10

For the Love of Literature, March 11

For Him and My Family, March 12

deb’s Book Review, March 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 13

Betti Mace, March 14

Blossoms and Blessings, March 15

janicesbookreviews, March 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 16

Artistic Nobody, March 17 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Bigreadersite, March 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sharlene is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and a finished copy of the 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/f6fc/her-rebel-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book:  His Unexpected Amish Twins

Author: Rachel J. Good

Genre:  Amish Romance

Release Date: February 28, 2020

When Micah Miller’s brother and sister-in-law are killed in a buggy accident, he’s devastated, but he fulfills a promise to raise their seven-year-old twins, Abby and Isaac. While struggling to deal with the twins’ grief and Abby’s anger toward God, he discovers an Amish farm offering horse therapy for grief. And he’s thrilled to find the owner cares about and prays for the twins.

Hope Graber had to find a way to save the family farm after her daed’s unwise decisions. Even selling off many of the horses didn’t cover all the bills. After deciding to use the remaining horses for animal therapy, she brings on Logan Russell, an experienced trainer, to help her. Together they not only start paying off the debts, but they also make positive changes in children’s lives.

Hope loves helping each child, but she takes a special interest in the twins and determines to help them heal both emotionally and spiritually. As she gently guides Abby back to God and makes the little girl smile again, Hope also makes Micah’s life brighter. As he emerges from his depression, he longs to make them one happy family, but only God can overcome the many obstacles in their path.

Click here for your copy!

MY REVIEW

This story is a very sweet and heartwarming look at loss and fear. It was very sad when the twins lost their parents in an accident. The stay at the hospital for them was hard but thanks to Hope she helped them feel a bit at ease. It was no accident that Hope was there to help when the accident happened. God already had a plan to help heal the twins and allow Hope to show them unconditional love.

I liked the introduction of Micah who are the twins’ uncle. He is not very confident about caring for the twins and the author does a great job showing the emotional struggles that they each have. The children  go through some emotional times as they come to grips with their new lives. It is not easy to lose someone you love and the author illustrates the grief process very well. 

It is a nice addition to the story when we find out about Hope’s business of horse therapy geared to those who are struggling with depression, autism, grief and other issues that disconnect them from people. I remember going to church with a young woman who did horse therapy for handicapped children. I went to visit her one day and cried the whole time I was there. The children were laughing, smiling and even embracing  the horses as their walls started falling around their broken  hearts.  I’m glad the author included the horse therapy in the story because it is a valuable tool to reach those who are emotionally hurting. 

Out of all the characters in the story, my favorite was Hope’s father. He has had a hard time trying to provide for his family and seemed to be a little distant from everyone. When  he opens  his heart  to the twins, I could feel grace  surround him. He felt needed again and his connection to the twins will have a lasting impact on his life. His past is interesting and I couldn’t wait to see if he would turn away from the temptation that almost cost him everything he owned. 

The author writes a wonderful story that shared grief, hurt, depression forgiveness and a promise of healing hearts. I loved reading how God’s love shows mercy to all and delivers a hope for new beginnings. I liked that the author included Chloe being angry at God. I was angry at God last year when he didn’t heal my brother. I prayed for  God to heal him and not take him away. But after a year I am finally able to understand that God healed my brother , just not the way I wanted. The twins being  angry is a natural process of grief that Hope and Micah will have to help them get through.  

The ending is beautiful and the author has enclosed a peek at the next book in the series. I can’t wait for it to come out.

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

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author RACHEL J. GOOD writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. She grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel is the author of several Amish series in print or forthcoming – the bestselling Love & Promises, Sisters & Friends, Unexpected Amish Blessings, Surprised by Love (2021), and two books in Hearts of Amish Country – as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Books. In addition, she has stories in many anthologies, including Love’s Thankful Heart,Love’s Christmas Blessings,Plain Everyday Heroes, Love’s Truest Hope,and the forthcoming Amish Christmas Twins (Fall 2020) with Shelley Shepard Gray and Loree Lough.

More from Rachel

Phobias and Faith

“Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14: 27b KJV)

In every book I write, I like the hero and heroine to experience character growth. I think it’s important that they change and become different. So, in His Unexpected Amish Twins, Micah faces several life-changing events. First, his life is turned upside-down when he becomes the guardian of his niece and nephew, seven-year-old twins. Although he loves the children dearly, as a young, single man, he isn’t quite ready to handle his lively, rebellious niece and his silent, withdrawn nephew, especially not when he’s grieving himself.

But with the help of horse therapist, Hope Graber, Micah puts aside his own pain to concentrate on caring for the twins. But Micah is also hiding a deep-seated phobia.

As a child, he had a terrible experience, one that scarred him for life. One that still haunts him and terrorizes him. One that may destroy his future relationship with Hope.

Getting over fear is never easy, and Micah prays for strength. But it isn’t until he’s forced to make a choice – give in to his fear or save a life – does he push past that fear.

Like Micah does, we often go through life hiding our fears. We make excuses not to do something that frightens us. When a fear turns into a phobia, it can become paralyzing.

For me, public speaking was my greatest fear. I managed to avoid it until I was asked to do a simple two-minute introduction each month for the Christian Women’s Club. I didn’t have to answer right away. They asked me to pray about it, and let them know my answer in a few days.

If they’d asked for an answer right away, I would have made an excuse. I had four small children and an ill husband. But the truth was – I was scared. Not just scared, but petrified. Petrified about even standing in front of an audience.

When I discussed this opportunity with my father, he suggested God might be giving me a chance to get over my fear because He had something greater for me to do in the future. My first thought was that it had better not have anything to do with public speaking.

Dad encouraged me to take a speech class, so I signed up for one. Eight people attended this informal course in the teacher’s living room. The first night we had to give a two-sentence introduction of ourselves. We didn’t even have to stand up.

I went last. My turn came, and my mind went blank. I couldn’t even remember my name. With prompting, the teacher got me to stumble through my name and hometown.

Our assignment for the following week was to prepare a three-minute demonstration of one of our hobbies. We could use notes and props. I mumbled through the speech, rushed out the door to my car, and vomited in the street. Yes, I was that frightened by public speaking.

I told my father I planned to quit the class, but he encouraged me to continue. And several months later, I stood in front of the women’s club. My eyes blurred, and I couldn’t see the people in front of me. I hurried through my memorized two-minute introduction clutching my note cards in case I forgot the words. I had no idea what I said, but several people mentioned that they liked it. And I went on to do it every month for two years.

And my father was right. God did train me for a future job. Wouldn’t Dad be surprised to know that, as an author, I speak in front of audiences around the country? He died before my first book was published, but I suspect he’s up in heaven cheering me on. And I could never have done it without God’s help.

Micah and I both had to learn to trust God’s promise: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1: 9 NIV)

Blog Stops

For the Love of Literature, March 4

Maureen’s Musings, March 5

The Avid Reader, March 5

Through the Lens of Scripture, March 6

Texas Book-aholic, March 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 7

For Him and My Family, March 8

janicesbookreviews, March 8

Inklings and notions, March 9

deb’s Book Review, March 9

Blossoms and Blessings, March 10

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 10

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 11

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, March 11

Vicky Sluiter, March 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 13

Splashes of Joy, March 14

Bigreadersite, March 14

Artistic Nobody, March 15 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Blogging With Carol, March 16

Genesis 5020, March 16

EmpowerMoms, March 17

My Devotional Thoughts, March 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed copy of the book and $25 VISA 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/f72a/his-unexpected-amish-twins-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book:  Welcome to the Shivoo

Author: Laura Bartnick

Genre:  Inspiration/Christian Living/Education

Release Date: January 1, 2020

DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A CREATIVE, A WRITER, A MEMBER OF THE MAKER COMMUNITY?

In the beginning, God created. Should this matter?
Do you find incredible value in your creativity, that is, a reason for being and doing that you could never imagine giving up? Okay then. This book will inspire you to join a spiritual party like no other.

Perhaps you’ve heard that the impulse to create is a reflection of the Creator’s image in you and His will for you. Your impulse to create is paramount! The chapters in this book will provide you pages of new perspectives for evaluating your craft. It will help you communicate what you experience with others. It will transform your creative future. Motivation. Spiritual Gifts. God’s own blessing.

Click here to get your copy.

MY REVIEW

I must be one of those people who don’t understand some things at first. The book was so confusing I didn’t grasp what it was about till half way through the book. I do know that God created each of us with gifts. Sometimes we don’t have confidence to use them. Along the way I did feel the book repeated some points which was unnecessary. 

I know about creativity and how people struggle sometimes to shine in their gift. My husband is a very talented artist. He has air brushed murals for churches and homes. When I directed plays for Children’s Church he was my go to guy for sets. I have often seen him struggle with his gift and said he felt  like he wasn’t good enough. Some of the points the author makes are encouraging and I appreciate the scriptures she uses in the book. The author gives examples from the Bible of creative people and it was nice to see a different look at these people. 

At the end of the book I did feel encouraged and think the book would be a nice gift for someone. We all have gifts and God wants us to share those gifts to spread His Word. 

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

About the Author

Bartnick has been a youth counselor with Youth for Christ, and a worship musician for many years. She is the managing partner of Capture Books, a small but mighty boutique Christian publishing group. She loves creativity and words. She loves to explore the deeper meaning of the things we casually say to one another, the things we write down.  She earned a double degree in Bible and Composition from Montana Bible College and Colorado Christian University and is a truth-seeker and recipient of God’s love.

More from Laura

ARE YOU A WRITER OR PART OF THE MAKER CULTURE?

This beloved book explains why it matters that “In the beginning, God created.”

A reader coined this title, “The Creator’s Manifesto.”

When you need to find the place of belonging as a creative, look no further than the heart of God. He’s the One Who formed you to be creative in talent, and adventurous in the wild unknown.

Welcome to the Shivoo! This party belongs to Someone bigger than you. Because you are created in God’s image and given specific creative gifts and a life of purpose, you are very special to Him.

Many creatives feel that there is a monkey on their backs, and sometimes that nagging feeling includes the doubt that maybe the terrible distraction is God Himself not wanting them to succeed as a writer or artist. Nothing is further from the truth.

This book is a party and a prayer for the creatives in town.

In Welcome to the Shivoo! creativity begins with the priorities of the greatest Creator, and in that sense of wonder, it moves us into a place of gratitude and thanksgiving.  Creativity always begins with a sense of wonder and awe, even a sense of meekness, “Can I do this?  I have to try…”  In Welcome to the Shivoo!, I try to show that God is the center of a creative’s world, and because of His love and goodness, we have a home and a place to belong. Creativity erupts from that place.

From there, the book shows how there is a Biblical theology for being creative and a means to thrive in creativity. It challenges Christians to be authentic, to focus, to communicate, and to transform.  It explains how there is a kingdom language we are charged to learn, as believers, and to use not in a sloppy way, but responsibly. And, it sends us off with an exuberant blessing to go create something and enjoy the process!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 5

Texas Book-aholic, March 6

For the Love of Literature, March 7

Simple Harvest Reads, March 8 (Author Interview)

Stephanie’s life of Determination , March 8

For Him and My Family, March 9

Inklings and notions, March 10

deb’s Book Review, March 11

CarpeDiem, March 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 13

Emily Yager, March 14

Artistic Nobody, March 15 (Author Interview)

Create! Teach! Inspire!, March 16

Moments, March 17

Godly Book Reviews, March 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Laura is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift certificate!!

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/f80f/welcome-to-the-shivoo-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book:  Will the Real Person Please Stand Up?

Author: Gail Porter

Genre:  Non-Fiction/Personal Growth

Release Date: Oct 1, 2018

Does fear of rejection hold you back from letting people see the real you? Are you tired of hiding?

Gail Porter lived with this kind of fear during her childhood and most of her adult life. When God revealed her bondage to the power of fear, she was set free to come out of hiding and become who He’d created her to be. What she learned grew into a passion to help others experience the same freedom.

Will the Real Person Please Stand Up? offers much-needed hope to those who long to be set free from the fear of rejection and become their authentic selves. In this life-changing book you will read Gail’s own experiences, stories of real people, and input from those in the medical field. Gail walks you through the process of identifying and acknowledging what holds you captive so you can live in freedom rather than in fear.

With God’s help, you can walk out of your self-made prison, break strongholds, and taste the freedom that will allow you to become who God made you to be. Get ready to stand up and say, “This is the real me.”

“Gail teaches her readers how to embrace the present without encumbrances of the past. With practical, action-based steps, we learn to climb mountains with new determination and anticipate our futures with joy.” Jeanne LeMay, author of Dear God I’m Desperate: Women Have Issues, God Has Answers.

Click here to get your copy.

MY REVIEW

The first thing that popped out to me as I began the book was when the author tried to remember where she and her family sat at the dinner table as she grew up. I had this same conversation with my brother last year. Neither of us could ever remember sitting at the dinner table together or even where we ate dinner at. I’m not surprised that I don’t remember since there was no love in our family. I came from a violent and abusive childhood and never once did I hear the words, “I love you,” from my parents. 

I could relate to the author as  she was raised in a home where love was not shown. Much like the author, I was glad when I was at school or at a friends house. I never wanted to go home and dreaded the moment I stepped in my house. Rejection is such a hard thing to overcome. It wraps its hold on you and continues to whisper lies to keep you isolated and abandoned.  What I liked about the author was how open she is about her life and brings truth to the lies that the enemy uses to discourage us. “We don’t need to try to earn God's acceptance. God’s love is unconditional.”

The author uses many scriptures to encourage us and remind us that  God loves us. She shares stories that are easy to relate to and it helps to hear how they overcame obstacles that pulled them away from God. Fear, rejection, abandonment, unloved and other topics make this book one that I found helpful. Included at the end of each chapter are questions for readers to do. Throughout the book I found the author sharing love and how to overcome the things that have kept us from being trusting and showing unconditional love to others.

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

About the Author

Gail Porter graduated from Oregon State University and spent fifty years serving with Cru/Campus Crusade for Christ. She is the author of Life through Loss: Facing Your Pain, Finding Your Purpose and two co-written books. Gail lives in Orlando, Florida, where she enjoys ballroom dancing and her favorite role of aunt to her nieces and nephews.

More from Gail

• Do you hide from others because you’re afraid they won’t like what they discover about you?
• Are you holding back from walking through God’s open doors because you don’t think you’ll perform well enough?
• Have you allowed past experiences or personal fears to keep you from becoming the person God intended you to be?

Join me on a journey to escape the bondage of your fear of rejection and experience the freedom to become the Real Person God created you to be.

I spent many years in bondage, subconsciously building walls, designing masks, creating a false identity, and striving for perfection—all attempts to fill my longing for love and acceptance. Through my experience of coming out of hiding, breaking barriers with the help of God, and tasting true freedom, I discovered a passion to help set others free.

You will learn about my journey to freedom in my book, Will the Real Person Please Stand Up? Rising Above the Fear of Rejection. I’ll walk you through the process of identifying and acknowledging what holds you captive, breaking barriers, and taking that first step to freedom.

As you read my personal story, as well as the stories of many others, you will discover how much God wants you to step on the path to freedom. Say yes to God, and let’s travel this road of freedom together! Then we can all stand up and say, “This is the real me!”

Thank you for being part of this blog tour! I’m excited about the way God will change your life as you allow Him to lead you to His path of freedom where you can let go of your fear of rejection, become your authentic self, and experience life fully.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 2

deb’s Book Review, March 3

Artistic Nobody, March 4 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 4

Texas Book-aholic, March 5

SPLASHES of Joy, March 6

Rebecca Tews, March 7

Inklings and notions, March 8

For the Love of Literature, March 9 (Author Interview)

Betti Mace, March 10

For Him and My Family, March 11

Lukewarm Tea, March 12 (Author Interview)

Create! Teach! Inspire!, March 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 14

Wishful Endings, March 15 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Gail is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the 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/f6d4/will-the-real-person-please-stand-up-celebration-tour-giveaway