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Saturday, March 21, 2020

Escape to Vindor FB Banner

About the Book

Book:  Escape to Vindor
Author: Emily Golus
Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy
Release Date: December 1, 2017
Vindor - High Res coverFor as long as she can remember, Megan Bradshaw has imagined herself as the heroine of Vindor, her own secret world populated with mermaids, centaurs, samurai, and more. When school pressures and an upcoming move make life unbearable, Megan wishes she could escape to Vindor for real.
And then she does. Megan finds herself trapped in Vindor, with flesh-and-blood versions of her imaginary characters. Dreaming about being a hero and actually fighting monsters are two very different things–especially when the Shadow, the frightening creature now tearing Vindor apart, is one Megan doesn’t remember putting there.
Megan, playing the part of her alter ego, Selena, embarks on a dangerous journey, accompanied by a know-it-all centaur and a goblin she’s not sure she can trust. Will the Shadow destroy her before she can find a way to save her world?
Click here for your copy.

MY REVIEW

Please allow me to gush over this story for a bit. I was so surprised at how incredible the author is at writing with perfect imagination that soars through the minds of many. I was that girl that was very unpopular at school. I was bullied and had few friends. Yes I imagined that I would be swept away and live in a place where I was loved. Megan represents each of us that has felt left out, forgotten, bullied, pushed aside and unloved. The author has given me hope in a story that will penetrate those broken hearts and abandonment and give them hope and inspiration. 

Centaurs , goblins,  mermaids and heroes oh my. The book offers a chance to journey to a land of mystical creatures and a chance to find your courage and worth. The story is filled with adventure and I loved following Megan as she seeks to accomplish her mission. There are times you could feel her doubting herself, but something kept her going. She began to believe in herself in this fantasy world where she made friends and found that she was somebody. 

The story is an adventure that will have readers drifting off into Megan’s world will you feel like you are beside her as she takes up a difficult task to defeat The Shadow. I really enjoyed reading about The Shadow. I won’t spoil anything but the discoveries in the book are phenomenal. Megan will come face to face with the  very thing that has tormented her for years. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. 

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

About the Author

Emily GolusEmily Golus has been dreaming up fantasy worlds since before she could write her name. A New England transplant now living in the Deep South, she is fascinated by culture and the way it shapes how individuals see the world. Golus aims to create stories that engage, inspire, and reassure readers that the small choices of everyday life matter.
Her first novel, Escape to Vindor, debuted in 2017 and won the Selah Award for young adult fiction. Its sequel, Mists of Paracosmia, released in April 2019.
Golus lives in Upstate South Carolina with her woodworking husband, an awkward cat, and the world’s most talkative baby.

More from Emily

In Escape to Vindor, teen Megan Bradshaw spends nearly every quiet moment she has in a world of her own imagination. Writing this part of Megan’s story came naturally to me, because that was the way I spent my adolescence, too.
While other girls were thinking about—I don’t know what they were thinking about, actually. Boys, maybe?—I was creating epic melodramas about rival mermaid queens or magical rainforest civilizations. The world of my imagination filled my quiet life with vivid technicolor.
My stories also helped me survive. Worldbuilding was a welcome escape from my ever-growing list of fears.
See, I was the extra-good girl, the one who followed every rule to a T, always giving a hundred and ten percent. Few people suspected I did all of this not because I had a lot of drive and confidence, but because I thought I had to be extra-perfect in order to be loved—by people, and by God. I had a deep-seated terror of making one little mistake, losing my way, and being abandoned forever.
The world of Vindor started out as a private daydream, a way for me to work through my anxieties. But as I grew, I discovered something amazing—and the story took an unexpected turn.
I wrote Escape to Vindor for the dreamers, the bookworms, and anyone who enjoys dazzling new worlds. More importantly, I wrote it for the quiet ones who struggle without anyone knowing, who need to hear: You are seen, you are known, and you are loved.

Blog Stops

Wishful Endings, March 22 (Author Interview)
Through the Fire Blogs, March 26 (Author Interview)
Emily Yager, March 28
Vicky Sluiter, March 29 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, April 1

Giveaway

Escape to Vindor Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Emily is giving away the grand prize package of signed copies of both Escape to Vindor and Mists of Paracosmia, an amethyst pendant, and a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Friday, March 20, 2020

Turning Tide FB Banner

About the Book

Book:  Turning Tide
Author: Melody Carlson
Genre:  Historical Fiction
Release Date: Feb 15, 2020
Turning TideAs the Great War rages on, Sunset Cove continues to feel its impact. Running the small town newspaper, Anna McDowell can’t escape the grim reports from the other side of the world, but home-front challenges abound as well. Dr. Daniel is serving the wounded on the front lines. And Katy, expecting her first child, with her husband in the trenches, tries to support the war effort with her Red Cross club. Even as the war winds down the costs are high—and Sunset Cove is not spared.

Click here for your copy!

MY REVIEW
I don’t like goodbyes at all. I try to avoid them if I can. But here we are at the end of a series that has captured the heart and soul of The Great War. We have come to know the characters over a period of time. I feel like I’m saying goodbye to a family member. The author has accomplished writing a series that will live long in my heart. Every detail the author has shared about the war   has brought realism , heartache and hope.
It won’t be easy to say goodbye to Anna as she maneuvers the newspaper with updates for the community. Her charm and love has carried me through a wonderful journey of triumphs and tragedies in her life. I enjoyed being there as she matured, raised a daughter and overcame obstacles that others would find hopeless. Katy is such a joy to read about and I loved following her as she grew into a gracious young woman. The author takes us through the war with honesty and explores what happens when a soldier comes home to adjust to civilian life. 
There is talk in the story about the spread of influenza and how devastating it was for the town. This story really shows the true horrors of war, sickness and overcoming tragedies. I am pleased with the ending and after putting this off for so long, I say goodbye to my friends in Sunset Cove. You have given me hope, laughs, and above all a place I found encouragement and unconditional love. 
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. 

About the Author

author photo Melody Carlson (1)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.

More from Melody

Writing about the WW1 era has definitely been a good history lesson for me. Prohibition laws in Oregon (and rum-runners breaking them) combined with a massive war that changed the world and a global epidemic is worth paying attention to. Especially since history sometimes repeats itself. The early 20th century had a lot going on—much that seems nearly forgotten. I’m glad to see the movie 1917 is doing well—and we plan to see it this week. Although I’m not a fan of gruesome war movies, this era continues to intrigue me. Even as I wrapped up my Sunset Cove series with Turning Tide I was left wondering . . . what’s next? But isn’t that the beauty of story?

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, March 16
By The Book, March 19
Wishful Endings, March 19
Betti Mace, March 21
Remembrancy, March 21
Mary Hake, March 22
Artistic Nobody, March 25 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Older & Smarter?, March 26
SPLASHES of Joy, March 28
Vicky Sluiter, March 28
Pause for Tales, March 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Melody is giving away the grand prize package of a complete set of The Legacy of Sunset Cove series!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Thursday, March 19, 2020

THE CROW’S CALL by WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER

This has been such a wonderful start to a promising new series for the author. I love how much the author knows about the Amish and it shows in each of her stories. We not only get to know the Amish better, but we feel as if we are in the middle of the story as it plays out. The author is able to take characters and make them come to life with emotions that tug on your heart and bring you a better understanding of God’s love.

There has has a great loss in one of the families when  three members  are killed. The void they leave behind will have lasting affects on other members in the family. I love how the community comes together to offer support and assures them they are not alone.

The greenhouse is a prosperous business that takes the remaining members a lot of work to keep it going. It doesn’t help that they are still grieving from the tragedy. Amy has a great head on her shoulders and is determined to keep the business running. If only she can get her little brother Henry to get over his anger and allow God to comfort him. What I really liked in this book was the mystery the author provides that really enchanted an already enchanting story. Someone is vandalizing the greenhouse and the property which causes Amy and her family to wonder who could be doing such unkind things to them?  I found several suspects in my investigation but will I be right? And what is Henry up to with the annoying crow?

It is a refreshing start to a series that have characters dealing with grief, family, forgiveness and learning to trust God. The new neighbors are a mystery themselves when the wife doesn’t want to be sociable. I found that to be a great opportunity to have Amy or even her mother to reach out to her. The author invites us to join her as we follow a family through heartbreak and come together as a family to help each other deal with their grief.  Don’t miss the discussion questions the author has provided at the end of the book. The book does leave us with a bit of a cliffhanger so be prepared to be on the lookout for the next in this series.

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



Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Enduring Love FB Banner

About the Book

Book:  Enduring Love
Author: Danyelle Scroggins
Genre:  Christian fiction
Release Date: March 16, 2018
Enduring Love(FrontCover)completeNo one ever truly realizes the power of their love, until love is tested and they have to endure things unimaginable and sometimes hurtful. And if the truth is declared, no one wants to but…
Sometimes we find ourselves standing in the test of love and this is exactly where Priscilla Marshall finds herself. Married to Steven since she graduated college, together they were the perfect couple. Both making successful business moves, both loved their choices, but one had a secret that could change their lives.
Priscilla, now forced to make a plan to secure her future, finds out that a plan without God involved is not a plan at all because “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).
What will God use to make this woman’s plan come full circle with His own, and after the test, will they find that they truly do have an Enduring Love?

Click here to get your copy!


MY REVIEW

The book is a very realistic look at a marriage and how easily we can take things for granted. Priscilla is a very confident woman who seems to have it all. She has a great job, wonderful husband and enough money to live comfortably. I noticed that there is a bit of talk about intimate relations in the story that were off putting. I will say I’m a big prude when it comes to discussing sex or even reading about it. I think the author could have left some of the context of the story out and still gotten her point across. 

Now I can focus on the really good points of the story. The main focus was two fold. There are secrets and lies between Priscilla and her husband. It is so easily to find fault with your spouse that you forget that it takes two to make a marriage. One of the best parts of the entire story is when each of the main characters find themselves crying out to God for help. Priscilla is ready to give up on her marriage until a special woman in her life ministers to her. It was very well written and exactly what Priscilla needed to hear. 

Steven has his own sin to deal with and I loved how he found help by visiting a pastor. The pastor does not condemn him, but leads him in prayer and guides him to repentance. Love is special and can endure anything the enemy tries to destroy if you trust God. I kept thinking about the verse, “The love of money is the root of all evil.” This verse is perfect for this story. The author also deals with lust and I thought she did it in a way that doesn’t condemn, but leads you to ask forgiveness and know that you are set free. I appreciate the many scriptures used in the story. I found the story to be a great message in forgiveness and unconditional love.

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

About the Author

Danyelle ScrogginsDanyelle is the Senior Pastor of New Vessels Ministries North in Shreveport, Louisiana. She is a dynamic author of both Christian fiction and non-fiction books. She studied Theology at Louisiana Baptist University, has a Psychology Degree from the University of Phoenix, an Interdisciplinary Degree in Psychology /Biblical Studies, and a Masters in Religious Education from Liberty University. She owns Divinely Sown Publishing LLC.

More from Danyelle

I am so elated that you are a part of this awesome Enduring Love blog tour. I’ve always been a love child per se…loving all things romance. When my second grade teacher introduced me to Amelia Bedelia books by Herman Parish, I knew I would write. Then my mom introduced me to romance by Danielle Steels and the bad girl of books—Jackie Collins. Finally, I decided I’d be the Danyelle with the “y” who will write books about love.
Life has been so rewarding as I finally realize that everything I’ve ever faced was simply for my good. The good, bad, and the ugly now find itself woven in the corridors of my books and I’m grateful to be able to share stories with the world of God’s goodness, grace, mercy, and love.
And you know what’s even greater? We don’t have to be perfect to be a part of His family, to receive His love, or to be a recipient of His grace.
He has shown me that I can write about love, problems, situations, and circumstances that we face as humans but also show how we overcome the situations and circumstances we face, by the blood of the lamb and the words of our testimony.
As you read this book or any of my books, understand that they are in fact a testimony to God’s goodness, grace, mercy, and love towards His people.
Be Blessed, Danyelle Scroggins

Blog Stops

Batya’s Bits, March 14
Artistic Nobody, March 15 (Author Interview)
A Diva’s Heart, March 18
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 19 (Author Interview)
SusanK. Beatty, Author, March 23 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Danyelle is giving away the grand prize package of all five (5) of the books from the E Love Series!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Monday, March 16, 2020

The Builders reluctent bride

About the Book

Book:  The Builder’s Reluctant Bride
Author: Stacey Weeks
Genre:  Christian romance, women’s fiction
Release Date: July 8, 2016
The Builders reluctant bride coverHe wants a second chance. She says there’s no going back. Ten years ago, a public disgrace sent Jenna Jenkins running from her hometown. Now, the success of her professional future hinges on joining her hometown church restoration project. Her partner and team leader on the job is William Scott—expert renovator, volunteer fireman, and the ex-flame who ruined her life.  William is in crisis, facing the tightening screws of personal and professional failure. When the interior designer on the church renovation project turns out to be Jenna Jenkins, William sees it as a chance to make amends. But Jenna wants nothing to do with him.  How much will William sacrifice to redeem his mistakes and prove his love? Can Jenna protect her heart this time or will William break her for good?

Click here to get your copy.
MY REVIEW
I enjoy reading books about second chances. We all make mistakes and hope that we can get another chance to make things better. I was quite intrigued by Jenna and her past. The author gives us a little bit at a time of her past which had me wanting to find out what had happened to cause her to stray from God. She is very successful, but coming back to her hometown will be a challenge for her. 
William is a very very gifted builder and has landed a project that hopefully will help get him out of financial trouble. I thought it was interesting that he and Jenna would work on the project together. There is a history between them that  I couldn’t wait to find out about. I loved the idea of renovating the building and all the work it entails  into to make it a beautiful place.  A reality show could be in the works for William if he can work with Jenna and somehow talk about their past. 
I loved the   message about fear and trusting God in the story. William is struggling with pride and can’t seem to reach Jenna. What he really needs to do is pray for her and let God take over. The emotions are strong in the story and I could feel the struggle both characters had about letting go and forgiving each other.  Sometimes we try so hard to fix things that we get in God’s way. It is a nice story that reminds us to forgive and trust God.
Love is always a risk, but worth taking.” 


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

About the Author

stacey weeksStacey Weeks is the multi-award-winning author of Glorious Surrender (2016), and Chasing Holiness (2020), inspirational romances The Builder’s Reluctant Bride (2016), Mistletoe Melody (2018), Mistletoe Mission (2019), and inspirational romantic suspense novels In Too Deep (2017), and Fatal Homecoming (2019). Stacey lives in Ontario where she speaks at women’s conferences, teaches writing and bible study workshops, and writes about the things of the Lord. www.staceyweeks.com

More from Stacey

Afflicted but not Crushed
I created the character, Jenna, from The Builder’s Reluctant Bride, during a time of life filled with chaos. Changed ripped stability out from underneath me. I couldn’t tell if my challenges were from God deigned to build my faith or if they were a temptation from the enemy to doubt God. Life struck with a severity that stole the breath from my lungs, so I retreated into a fictional world to process. I needed to be reminded, like Jenna, that my current struggles didn’t negate the ways God was using me. I needed to remember that God would use everything in my life to shape me into His image and draw me closer to Him.
“I thought after his mom died, I had lost the both of them. Then, you came around.” The corners of his eyes crinkled.
“Me?” she squeaked.
“Yes. You changed everything for him. I know you left for college right after graduation, so you likely didn’t see the change. But God took that seed you planted in my son and grew this man.” He gestured to William, who stood with his fire jacket off and held a dog while it licked his soot-covered face. “This man of God.” Carmen looked squarely into her eyes. “I am indebted to you, Jenna.”
She squirmed at his unquestionable sincerity. She didn’t deserve his praise for directing his son to faith, the same faith that later let her down in every conceivable way.
When life’s chaos hit Jenna, it caused her to question her faith and question God’s goodness. It took her time to sift through the mess and find the truth. God is good.
Still.
Always.
Never changing.
Good.
It might not feel good. You might want to give up. You might think there is no way for God to redeem your story, but Jenna would tell you that you would be wrong.

Blog Stops

Artistic Nobody, March 17 (Author Interview)
Andrea Christenson, March 20 (Author Interview)
A Baker’s Perspective, March 22 (Author Interview)
CarpeDiem, March 24
By The Book, March 25 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, March 27 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Stacey is giving away the grand prize of a dainty bracelet with each word spelled out in Morse Code with beads!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.