About the Book

Book:  Return to the Fierce Land

Author: N.C. Bolton

Genre: Christian Fantasy

Release Date: March 31, 2020

The Fierce Land…

His escape from there still haunts his dreams with snatches of terror and the smell of blood. Dreams that jolt him awake, his heart pounding a frantic pace in his chest.

No longer a frightened, grieving child, Rikk has a duty—a mission. Myla, Rikk’s little sister, now grown herself, remains trapped in that harsh land.

Can she possibly know he survived his escape, and now, years later, prepares ready to travel back to find her? The village elders and the rest of his adopted people have such confidence in his ability to make the journey. Yet his heart is still divided, and fearful.

He should have faith, as they do.

But dread lurks below the surface of the calm face he shows.

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

Fantasy books use clever tools to write stories filled with mystical creatures, powers, worlds we have never explored and create an adventure. Sometimes I have a difficult time trying to follow this genre, but every once in awhile I find a book that stimulates my imagination and  allows me to get invested in the story. 

This book has achieved what I have described above. Now I did question why the names of characters are so hard to say. It just wouldn’t make sense to use an everyday name in the fantasy world so I appreciate the names that the author has cleverly created. 

As Rikk travels back to the Fierce Land to get his sister his emotions are all over the place. Watching his parents die was a memory he can’t get rid of. In his heart he wants revenge and his mind wanders from his mission. Has he not learned that the One is in control? The One doesn’t want Rikk to act on his anger, but will he be able to fight off the urge to avenge his parents death? 

The powerful lessons about forgiveness and trust are represented well in this story where a character must choose to follow what he has been taught or give in to hate. I loved how the story really touched on many Biblical truths throughout the story. Fear is trying to overtake Rikk as he gets closer to his destination. I thought about how comfortable we are in our world where Jesus is in control. When we step away from Him, we start to feel uneasy and fear slips in. The enemy is crafty at telling us lies and we start to fall for his tricks. Can Rikk fight off his insecurities and trust the One? 

I enjoyed reading about the travels Rikk and his sister take to get back to his home where peace and safety is. Myla is quite intrigued by this new home of Rikk’s. Her thirst to learn about the One reminds me of someone who  gets  saved. They hunger to know God and to have a relationship with Him. 

Anek is very unsure of where Rikk is taking him and Myla. He reminds me of an unbeliever who questions everything and walks in doubt. His mind is filled with deceit and continues to try to turn Myla against her brother. I think I liked Anek  the most because he reminds me that we all doubt there is a God until we are set free  from the lies of the enemy. We learn to trust Him and find peace in His presence.  The story ends with a cliffhanger and I will be anxiously awaiting the next book. 

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

About the Author

N.C. 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!
You visit her website here.

More from N.C. Bolton

I’ve always been drawn to the miraculous aspects of life and creation. I think almost all children experience this, but over time we become so busy and distracted that we lose the awareness of how miraculous life really is. I’m no different. Modern life is pretty demanding!

I love good movies, and I realized over time that there were a great many super-hero movies and movies with Messianic-themed heroes. It made me aware of how human beings hunger to reconnect with that sense of awe we had as children. We all need a relationship with God, not just for His abiding love and hope, the promise of eternal life, and help with the challenges of this mortal life, but to be connected to the Author of the miraculous.

That’s what inspired me to write the Fierce Land series. The scriptures are full of miracles and interventions as well as the heartfelt prayers of humans trying to learn God’s ways and overcome their own internal struggles. And that’s what this series explores, within the framework of a world that is not modern but faces many of the same issues people have always faced. I hope the story is a blessing to those who read it, and that it helps to remind us that our lives are full of miracles.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 30

For the Love of Literature, May 1 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 2

Through the Fire Blogs, May 3 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 4

Inklings and notions, May 5

For Him and My Family, May 6

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 7 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, May 8

Wishful Endings, May 9 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, May 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 11

Artistic Nobody, May 12 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, N.C. is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon card & eBook 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/f930/return-to-the-fierce-land-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book:  Dark Water

Author: Christy Barritt

Genre:  Romantic Suspense

Release Date: January 28, 2020

A FORMER NAVY SEAL HAUNTED BY HIS PAST

Colton Locke can’t forget the black op that went terribly wrong. Desperate for a new start, he moves to Lantern Beach, North Carolina, and forms Blackout, a private security firm. Despite his hero status, he can’t erase the mistakes he’s made.

A WIDOW WITH SECRETS

For the past year, Elise Oliver hasn’t been able to shake the feeling that there’s more to her husband’s death than she was told. When she finds a hidden box of his personal possessions, more questions—and suspicions—arise. The only person she trusts to help her is her husband’s best friend, Colton Locke.

THE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE

Someone wants Elise dead. Is it because she knows too much? Or is it to keep her from finding the truth? The Blackout team must uncover dark secrets hiding beneath seemingly still waters. But those very secrets might just tear the team apart.

Click here for your copy!

MY REVIEW 

I love stories about Navy Seals where intrigue plays out across the pages. The author has a gift of writing these type of stories that keep you guessing to the end. Elise was someone who was easy to like. Losing her husband has been difficult and she still has questions about his death. It must be hard to be married to someone who puts their life on the line to protect others. 

Colton is an exceptional character with integrity and a drive to fight for justice. I loved reading about Blackout and how risky it is to be a part of the group. Something happened on a mission that cost Elise’s husband his life. The secrets surrounding his death could be dangerous and Elise is about to find out her life is on the line. I thought the book was a thrill ride with bombs, danger and secrets that keep readers guessing to the end. 

 The story is a clean read with adventure that takes us  from land to sea. I couldn’t quite figure out who to trust at times and my suspicion was way off. The author is good at details and throwing in twists to heighten the intensity of the story. It’s a great start of a new series. I am anxious to read the next book to see where the author takes us next.

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

About the  Author

USA Today has called Christy Barritt’s books “scary, funny, passionate, and quirky.”

A Publishers Weekly best-seller, Christy writes both mystery and romantic suspense novels that are clean with underlying messages of faith. Her books have sold more than two million copies, and two are currently being developed as movies.

Christy’s books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery, have been twice nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, and have finaled for both a Carol Award and Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year.

She’s married to her prince charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious–but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado.

Christy currently splits her time between the Virginia suburbs and Hatteras Island, North Carolina. She loves spending time with her husband, her two sons, and her four dogs.

For more information, visit her website: www.christybarritt.com.

More from Christy

Dark Water is the fourth series in the Lantern Beach Universe. When I created the fictional island of Lantern Beach, NC, I had no idea how popular it would be. I’ve fallen in love with the people there, and they feel more like friends than fictional characters.

Dark Water is about a group of former Navy SEALs who band together to former an elite private security firm. But they all share secrets, as well as guilt over the death of their SEAL leader. In order to move on, they must find answers.

I introduced Colton Locke in the last book of the Lantern Beach PD series—Plan of Action. I knew he needed his own book and that I wanted to develop his character more. That turned into a four-book series featuring Colton and three of his friends. Blackout contains suspense, mystery, and romance—all of my favorite things!

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, May 1

For Him and My Family, May 1

Reading Is My SuperPower, May 2

Blogging With Carol, May 2

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 2

KarenSueHadley, May 3

Read Review Rejoice, May 3

All-of-a-kind Mom, May 4

Genesis 5020, May 4

Through the Fire Blogs, May 4

She Lives To Read, May 5

deb’s Book Review, May 5

Remembrancy, May 6

Britt Reads Fiction, May 6

Emily Yager, May 6

Betti Mace, May 7

Hookmeinabook, May 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 8

Splashes of Joy, May 8

Inklings and notions, May 8

Simple Harvest Reads, May 9 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Just Your Average reviews, May 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 10

Pause for Tales, May 10

Because I said so– adventures in parenting, May 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, May 11

Ashley’s Bookshelf, May 12

Spoken from the Heart, May 12

Lights in a Dark World, May 12

Blossoms and Blessings, May 13

CarpeDiem, May 13

With a Joyful Noise, May 14

Live. Love. Read., May 14

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christy is giving away the the grand prize package of a signed copy of Dark Water and a $50 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/fa62/dark-water-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book:  The Wait Will Not Be Wasted

Author: Lauren Lianne

Genre: Non-fiction/Christian Living

Release Date: February 14, 2020

You’ve probably imagined the job, the spouse, the kids—and you knew what age you wanted it all to happen. However, all too often such plans go up in smoke, and you may feel confused and forgotten when reality doesn’t match your expectations. When life doesn’t go like you planned, can you still trust that God knows how to write the best stories? Instead of taking the pen to your own story, author Lauren Walton suggests refocusing on your Creator.

After spending years frustrated because life wasn’t going according to her plans, Lauren decided to give up control. It was then she learned God’s graciousness wasn’t based on getting what she wanted and that God’s perfect plan included an unexpected season. She wrote The Wait Will Not Be Wasted to help other single women during times of unfulfilled hopes. Lauren shares how self-reflection, journaling, and practical experience have led her to find deep fulfillment and a God-given purpose while she waits. It is her hope that her journey will help others see God’s goodness even during the most difficult times.

Though directed at single women, the concepts apply to any woman waiting for God to move in her life.

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

Patience is something I work on everyday. I don’t like to have to wait on things. I’ve learned that my timing is not God’s timing. It is easy to relate  to this book because I wanted the perfect life with the picket fence, perfect husband and perfect children. I rushed into relationships trying to find “the one” only to get my heart broken many times. 

The book is definitely one I would recommend to everyone who is waiting for that certain someone or waiting for something you feel may never come. We have disappointments in our life and it’s up to us to choose  to grow from them or allow ourselves to become bitter. 

There were times I’m my life I wanted to give up and became this angry person. Nothing seemed to  go my way and I felt like I was spinning around in circles. In my pity party I wanted someone to love me. Guess what I found out? I was loved but would not invite Him in. Over the years I have journaled my thoughts and found it to be healing. I write to God and let Him into my thoughts with open arms. 

We need to grasp the idea that God knows our dreams. He knows how we struggle in areas and He wants to reassure you that He has a plan for you. The book is very encouraging and is one that I will read each time I need to be reminded that “ You can trust that even in the wait, God has a plan.”

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

About the Author

Lauren Walton is a native Floridian who now calls Nashville home. She loves traveling, dancing, staying active with her church community, and cheering on her Auburn University Tigers. Lauren’s faith has carried her through some tough times, and it is now her life goal to help others see God’s goodness even during the most difficult times.

More from Lauren

All I have ever wanted was to be a wife and a mom. In the life I had always imagined there were no other options. But then college came and went, moving to a new city and finding my first job came and went. And so many other milestones came and went, including my 35th birthday. As the years kept passing, I found myself still waiting. My heart felt confused and forgotten. I didn’t understand why God would give me this desire and then withhold it from me.

About eight years ago a friend wrote a verse in my journal. I loved it at the time but didn’t realize it would become my anthem in the future. She wrote Psalm 94:17, which says, “Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul would soon have settled in silence”. I can’t tell you how many times I almost settled in silence but turns out God had other plans for me.

Many times I started to wonder if God really was the good God I had always thought He was. I grew up in church and had been taught from a young age to believe God was good no matter what. But as the wait got longer and longer He didn’t seem to be very good. At that point, I started questioning so many things as I felt my faith beginning to crack. I was terrified of what I might find if I dug into the pain so I pushed it aside, or at least tried to. I began to believe the lie that having doubts would make me a horrible Christian so I kept silent.  I was so afraid to ask the tough questions and was afraid of what those questions might say about me. Ignoring those concerns ended up being a breeding ground for all my doubts, which eventually led me to make decisions I normally would never have made. I lost sight of God’s goodness and found myself solely focusing on what I didn’t have… a husband and a family. This was a season filled with sadness and so much bitterness. I was so over being single and so frustrated with the way my life had turned out. But somewhere in the middle of all that hurt, and despite all my mistakes, God still came for me. He started teaching me all over again who He was as my Father. And how much He loved me.

As I started walking towards healing, I began to ask God the really hard questions my heart couldn’t make sense of, and I believe He started to answer me. So I started to write it all down. I kept a running note in my phone and I always felt like the things God was showing me and encouraging me with were not just for me. If God had me still waiting, there must be a reason and I was determined to figure out what that was. I eventually took a next step and went away for the weekend to write. I found the perfect Airbnb tree house and 7 chapters came spilling out.

At that point it became very clear this book needed to be written and I felt very strongly it needed to be written now… while I am still waiting and not when I am on the other side of my singleness. It’s my hope this will cause other women to lean into what I am saying, or better yet what God has to say. I believe these are His words and not mine anyway.

The Wait will not be Wasted is my “yes” to the Lord and my thank you for how far He has brought me. It’s my whole heart in written form, and the story of my victories and struggles while walking through my singleness. It’s not the pretty or cleaned up version of my story. It was very purposely written that way so we could all take a deep breath and know it’s okay, that it’s hard and it’s okay to make mistakes. I know I’ve made plenty.

I’m praying as women read these words they will discover this life is never going to be void of the hard but there is a very real and very big God who is bigger than anything we go through. I hope together we can begin to see our singleness through a new filter, as we began to shift our attention and see things more from God’s perspective instead of our own. Knowing this doesn’t mean the wait will all of a sudden be easier. But also seeing even through the pain there is a purpose to this season. And God is working all of it together for our good.

He’s always making sure not one minute of our pain is wasted.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 27

Remembrancy, April 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 29

Texas Book-aholic, April 30

Inklings and notions, May 1

Artistic Nobody, May 2 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, May 3

For Him and My Family, May 4

Mary Hake, May 5

Older & Smarter?, May 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 7

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, May 8

Just Your Average reviews, May 9

Simple Harvest Reads, May 10 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lauren is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/f8f9/the-wait-will-not-be-wasted-celebration-tour-giveaway

WELCOME TO THE STORY PEDDLER REVIEW PROMO BLAST PRESENTED BY CELEBRATE LIT

Selling stories is a deadly business
Tanwen doesn’t just tell stories—she weaves them into crystallized sculptures that sell for more
than a few bits. But the only way to escape the control of her cruel mentor and claw her way
from poverty is to set her sights on something grander: becoming Royal Storyteller to the king.
During her final story peddling tour, a tale of treason spills from her hands, threatening the king
himself. Tanwen goes from peddler to prey as the king’s guard hunts her down . . . and they’re
not known for their mercy. As Tanwen flees for her life, she unearths long-buried secrets and
discovers she’s not the only outlaw in the empire. There’s a rebel group of weavers . . . and
they’re after her too.
Awards:
***2019 Carol Award winner, Debut***
***2019 Realm Award Book of the Year***

Lindsay A. Franklin is a best-selling author, freelance editor, and homeschooling mom of three. She would
wear pajama pants all the time if it were socially acceptable. Lindsay lives in her native San Diego with her
scruffy-looking nerf-herder husband, their precious geeklings, three demanding thunder pillows (a.k.a.
cats), and a stuffed marsupial named Wombatman.
Ebook files: https://BookHip.com/KRZXJD
Social media:
https://www.facebook.com/enclave.publishing/
https://twitter.com/enclavebooks
https://www.instagram.com/encla


MY REVIEW

What a fantastic story filled with danger, imagination and a place where anything can happen. The brilliance of the author’s sheer ability to take readers on a journey to an unknown world is awesome. The characters come alive and I loved the idea of storytelling. I loved being at school and listening to my teacher read stories that took my breath away. I could escape into the book for awhile and be part of another place. This book is perfect for the adventurer in all of us. 
There is something so mystical about knights, danger and a story that turns Tanwen  into something of a threat when the story doesn’t   go as planned. I loved the creativity of colors and how Tanwen captured peoples attention. What happens when a story she knows by heart is told differently? Will the king cause her harm? Most intriguing was , what happened to her parents? The author weaves a tale of fantasy and teaches us lessons about truth. 

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

WELCOME TO THE REVIEW PROMO BLAST FOR HOME ON HUCKLEBERRY HILL BY JENNIFER BECKSTRAND PRESENTED BY CELEBRATE LIT

Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin’s irrepressible eighty-something matchmakers Anna and Felty Helmuth are at it again. And this time they’re willing to rough it to get the job done . . .
 
Mary Anne Neuenschwander knows she should be content with what Gotte has given her. She has a comfortable house, a fruitful farm, and a good, steady husband. But after nearly six years of marriage, she still longs for a baby. Yet her husband, Jethro, seems to care more about fishing than about his wife. Unable to bear Jethro’s indifference, Mary Anne moves into a tent in the woods where he won’t have to be bothered. But when her mammi and dawdi find out what she’s done, they’ll stop at nothing—including a little camping trip of their own—to help save their granddaughter’s marriage . . .

Jethro’s greatest blessing is his beloved wife, Mary Anne. Nothing else in his life has turned out anywhere near the way he expected. Rather than burden Mary Anne with his disappointment, he shields her by spending less and less time at home and more time on the river. But when he finds that she’s moved out, he’s shocked. What will people think? What is Mary Anne thinking? And what clever plans are her grandparents hatching?. . .

Jennifer Beckstrand is the two-time RITA-nominated, #1 Amazon bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series, The Honeybee Sisters series, and The Petersheim Brothers series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer and Home on Huckleberry Hill were both nominated for the coveted RITA® Award from Romance Writers of America. Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth, the Honeybee sisters’ aendi Bitsy, and Alfie and Benji Petersheim. Jennifer has written twenty-two Amish romances, a historical Western, and the nonfiction book, Big Ideas. Jennifer is represented by Nicole Resciniti of the Seymour Agency. She and her husband have been married for thirty-five years, and she has six children and eight adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

Social Media Link

Website: http://www.jenniferbeckstrand.com/ 

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

Twitter: @JenniferBeckst1

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jennifergbeckst/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Beckstrand/e/B0073GHCOG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1488910908&sr=8-2-ent

Instagram: j.beckstrand

Bookbub: @JenniferBeckstrand https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jennifer-beckstrand

Purchase Link

https://amzn.to/3aFrepp

MY REVIEW

Oh how I loved this book. It is a wonderful look at a marriage and how prideful people can be. I think most of us at one time have taken our spouse for granted. We get into a routine and get too relaxed in our relationship. Mary Anne and Jethro have hit a snag in their marriage which will have a whole community become involved. The gossip starts and the sides are drawn in this story between husband and wife. 

Jethro is beside himself when he sees a campground pop up on his land. Tents, hammocks, cots and other essentials have become the new home for his wife. I was upset every time he said Mary Anne  took his stuff. He must have forgotten that in a marriage everything joins together as one. His pride is hurt and he tries to get the community on his side. 

Mary Anne  is trying to make a point and creates a place to live in the woods. I did think she was getting a bit too comfortable out there and suddenly her grandparents come to camp with her. My heart broke when she was shunned at church. It was so easy to point out that Mary Anne  was in sin, but they forgot that gossip and judgment is a sin as well. 

The story has some funny moments and I could picture a little circus going on in the woods with all the tents. The book has great lessons on forgiveness, unconditional love and preferring one another. I think one of the most important lessons here is communication. If Mary Anne  and Jethro had just sat down, invited God into their conversation  and talked none of this would have happened. It’s a reminder that communication is the key in any relationship and without it, the enemy sneaks in and divides people. 

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