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Friday, July 3, 2020

A RECKLESS LOVE by BETH WHITE

This seems to be a timely book to read right now as our nation faces division. It was quite interesting to read about the Mason-Dixon Line. Not everyone was thrilled that slavery had been abolished and you could feel tension in the air.

Aurora and Zane are quite a pair as they try to maneuver through a relationship. I wasn’t sure who had the stronger personality as they both seemed to get on each other’s nerves. I have to say I enjoyed reading how these two could change their minds about each other at the drop of a hat. The author really does a good job of slowly allowing us to witness their emotional growth in several areas.

The story does tackle sensitive subjects like racism and the  KKK. Zane has his hands full trying to protect witnesses while looking for a murderer. There is a lot of pressure on him and you can sense his need to rely on his faith to not give up.  The author does not shy away from subjects that are uncomfortable but delivers a powerful account of a time period that caused many to become enemies against friends and family.

I’m sad to see the series end but am very pleased with how each book flowed gracefully into the next without missing a beat. I do recommend reading  the books in order to familiarize yourself with characters that make appearances  in the other books. The author’s  writing is like a breath of fresh air as the stories intercept each other in an epic adventure of faith , hope and love.

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

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Crystal Witness FB Banner

About the Book

Book:  Crystal Witness
Author: Kathy Tyers
Genre:  Christian fiction, science fiction, futuristic
Release Date: June 16, 2020
Tyers - Crystal WitnessHer memories are blocked. Her freedom is gone. Her crime is a mystery.
When Ming Dalamani awakens from twenty years of suspended animation, she recalls only fragments of her former life: the life she led before she was arrested by the governing interplanetary corporation, Renasco, for a now unremembered crime.
Relocated to an alien world far from the only home she has ever known, Ming serves a powerful Renasco representative to repay her debt. But daily she lives with deadly threats from two men—the hideous mutant Zardir Huekk and the handsome, secretive musician Tieg Innig—who both want the same thing: information. Renasco-trained as a calligrapher in three dimensions, Ming begins to remember more: a clan, a mission, and interstellar piracy.
Ming must decide where her loyalties lie: with her powerful new employer, with a budding resistance movement… or elsewhere.

Click here to get your copy!
 MY REVIEW 
 Ming is foggy at best trying to remember her past. Why can’t she remember anything and what crime did she commit? For some reason she is in a new dimension and nothing seems familiar. The author has crafted a place where Ming will have to be sharp in order to stay one step ahead of two enemies. 
I was intrigued by the imagination the author uses to give readers a world that has specific rules and when Ming begins to remember her past she feels a threat coming closer to her. As in most sci-fi genres there are strange beings that give me the creeps. There were times when I wasn’t sure what was going on in the story and had to reread a few pages to figure out where the author was taking the characters. 
I did enjoy the suspense in the story and kept wondering what Ming would decide. What would you do if you were ordered to spy on someone? Ming must make difficult decisions that will have a ripple effect on others. I think what I enjoyed the most was when Ming began to remember things. This is where the story really drew me in. I started to become invested in the story and wanted to know who could be trusted. It’s a nice book but not one I fully understood. It is no fault of the author that I was unable to connect to the story.  I am more of a visual person when it com es to sci-fi and this story at times had some very in-depth scenes but overall it didn’t keep my attention. I have read other books from this author and really enjoyed them. This story just felt a bit out of sync at times and I never was able to grasp what the author’s objective was. 
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.  

About the Author

Kathy-20b (1)Kathy Tyers is widely published in speculative fiction, including her award-winning Firebird series and two licensed Star Wars “Legends” novels, as well as a travel book, a writing reference book, and a memoir co-written for classical guitarist Christopher Parkening. Her messiah-in-space novel Daystar, fifth in the Firebird series, won a 2013 Carol Award, and her terraforming/genetic engineering science fiction novel Shivering World won the 2019 Christy Award for Visionary Fiction. At home in southwest Montana with her husband William Gillin, Kathy focuses on writing, teaching music, and freelance editing.



More from Kathy

In 1988, after the initial release of Firebird and Fusion Fire by Bantam Books of New York, my then-editor asked for a stand-alone novel, and my then-agent presented me with a contract to write that book in just over half the time that I actually needed. So my third novel, Crystal Witness, appeared in 1989—and while the plot had strong bones, I wished I’d had several more months to polish it. Much to my delight, Enclave Publishing is re-issuing Crystal Witness in June 2020 with the layers of polishing added. While I was adding those layers, I found myself wondering what would happen next. Maybe … oh, yes … hmmm … Aha!
Now that Crystal Witness is ready to stand up and sing, I am delighted to be working on a multi-book sequel series, The Sunstone Saga, also to be released by Enclave Publishing. Book 1 of the saga, The Long Silence, is well underway. It introduces a new cast of characters and asks a powerful question: Where has God been, while humankind went to the stars?
Crystal Witness is the story of young Ming Dalamani, who wakens from twenty years of suspended animation to find herself “company property” on a distant world, with no memory of the crime she must have committed. She only knows that a powerful corporate monopoly rules interstellar space, and she has been assigned to serve a company representative. Immediately, powerful (and opposing) individuals offer threats and bribes, trying to enlist her to spy for both sides of a deadly intrigue. How long can Ming play both sides of the plot against her urgent wish to find out who she is … and what was her crime?
My background in music and the arts always manages to show up in my books. I made Ming a calligrapher in three dimensions, wielding a set of injection pens to create elegant designs in clear slabs. Another character is a court musician with futuristic technology at his fingertips. My entire family was musical; my mother played in 20thCentury Fox’s prestigious sound stage orchestra in the 1950s, and my father grew up in a family band that toured the U.S. every summer. When I was widowed in 2004 and needed to make a fresh start, I discovered that Regent College in Vancouver BC had a program in which I could study toward a Master’s degree in Christianity and the Arts—and write a science fiction novel as part of my thesis project. That book, Wind and Shadow, picked up the Firebird series at Book 4 and led to its completion in Daystar, Book 5. That series is conclusively finished—as you know, if you have read Daystar!

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away the grand prize package of a still-in-box set of miniature toys that was released in 1996 to go with her novel, Star Wars: The Truce At Bakura, a signed copy of Firebird and One Mind’s Eye!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

His Pretend Amish Bride FB BannerAbout the Book

Book:  His Pretend Amish Bride
Author: Rachel J. Good
Genre:  Amish Romance
Release Date: June 30, 2020
his pretend Amish brideIn a small Amish town like Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, one solution to an indiscretion is to get married. Or perhaps, fake a respectable engagement . . .
 
Priscilla Ebersol has a fulfilling life teaching special needs children—until her boyfriend’s humiliating betrayal ruins her reputation and threatens her job. Shunned for something she didn’t do, Priscilla throws herself into a project on the benefits of camel’s milk for autism. Her research leads her to a newly opened Amish camel farm, where she discovers far more than she bargained for. . .
When a pushy Englisch company shows interest in shy, handsome Gabriel Kauffman’s camel farm, he struggles to get out of a sticky negotiation. Lovely, well-spoken Priscilla appears at the perfect moment and defends Gabe’s business so well that she is mistaken for his wife, a pretense they both secretly wish could be true. But though their bond deepens, Priscilla’s heart is still wounded, and Gabe battles with a troubling secret. And when a misunderstanding comes between them, it will take faith, honesty, and trust in God to overcome the past—and to allow their partnership to blossom into something more.


Click here to get your copy!
 MY REVIEW 
This is one story you don’t want to miss if you are a fan of Amish Fiction. The author has written a book that  will stay with me forever. The characters are very well developed and made me want to be their friend. Priscilla has such a sweet spirit around her. She teaches children with special needs and you can tell right away how much compassion she has for them. Her brother is autistic and she is always looking for ways to help him. 
Gabriel is a good nan who has a very unique farm. I knew  little  to nothing about camels until I read this book. I am in awe of the vast information the author has included in the story. It is interesting to know that camel’s milk can benefit those with autism. I will admit I didn’t know camels were able to produce milk that people wanted to buy. Their milk is not cheap and after reading the process of getting milk from them I can understand why.
 Priscilla finds herself in the midst of a scandal with her now ex-boyfriend. It is admirable that she will not say anything against him even though his lie could ruin her reputation. The Amish are well know for forgiving others and this story is an illustration of how they apply that to their daily lives. Their faith is strong and I loved how the characters never faltered from their belief in God. 
I liked the part of the story when someone threatens to destroy Gabriel and his farm if he doesn’t sell  to them. I had to pause for a moment and let that sink in. Greed is out there and it slithers in with deceit, lies and jealousy to get what it wants. Gabriel will depend on Priscilla to help him through this storm. I liked how Priscilla never once strayed from believing in Gabriel and stood up for him when rumors started running through the community. 
I have to take a moment to applaud the author for a very important part in the story. We never know when an opportunity will rise to share our faith. Priscilla without any hesitation shares her faith with someone that made me cry.  This person will have a God moment that is so powerful it must be mentioned. If you get nothing else from this story, you will see how God gives us divine appointments to witness to others. 
The story mainly focuses on the camel farm but there is a budding relationship that may blossom if Gabriel can share his past. Priscilla has been hurt once before . She will have to decide if she is willing to trust again and allow her heart to love. I have read several books from this author, but I have to say this  one will always be my favorite. 
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.  

About the Author

rachel_headshotUSA 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 & PromisesSisters & FriendsUnexpected Amish BlessingsSurprised 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 HeroesLove’s Truest Hope, and the forthcoming Amish Christmas Twins (September 2020) with Shelley Shepard Gray and Loree Lough. She is also the coauthor of the Prayerful Author Journey: Inspirational Yearly Planner.

More from Rachel

A few years ago, I passed Amish camel farm in Bird-in-Hand, PA. As an author, seeing anything new or different always piques my interest, so I went for a visit. Not only did I explore the farm and store, I bought camel’s milk to drink. I think it’s important to do in-depth research for the settings and information I include in my Amish novels.

I was fascinated to discover camels usually bond to one milker, only give a little milk each day, and are extremely expensive to buy. All of those are reasons why camel’s milk is so expensive. It costs $15 for a pint. Much pricier than cow’s milk.

And if you’re wondering how camel’s milk tastes, the best way I can think of to describe it is a slightly salty version of powdered milk. It’s more watery than cow’s milk.

Because I grew up drinking powdered milk during my early childhood years when we lived in Africa, I’d always vowed never again to drink it once we moved back to the United States. A vow I’ve kept. That was never a problem living in Pennsylvania, where there’s plenty of farmland, cow, and Amish, of course.

The camel’s milk was enough like powdered milk to make me gag. But because I want to be sure my books are authentic, I drank it. So, readers, now you know how much a I care about you.

My concern for you also extends to more than just getting factual information correct. I pray for each and every one of you as I write my stories. I hope that they will touch your heart and bring you closer to God.

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, June 29
Among the Reads, June 30
Bigreadersite, July 9
Pause for Tales, July 11
Lighthouse Academy Blog, July 11 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Artistic Nobody, July 12 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Vicky Sluiter, July 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed copy of the book and $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.

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

WELCOME TO THE GIFT FROM ABOVE REVIEW PROMO BLAST PRESENTED BY 
CELEBRATE LIT

Sarah Esh’s peaceful life turns upside down one afternoon when a parachutist crash-lands on her family’s farm. The stranger insists his life is in danger and begs her to keep his presence secret. Sarah’s promise tangles her in a web of deceit that endangers innocent people, ruins her best friend’s reputation, and tears apart the Amish community. After she discovers the man’s true purpose, Sarah must confess her mistake and repair the damage she’s done. But how can she admit the truth to Jacob Zook knowing it will end their relationship?

Although he was jilted by Sarah’s older sister, Jakob finds himself attracted to Sarah’s kindness and honesty. Her innocence and gentle spirit encourage him to open his heart. Then he discovers the deep secrets Sarah’s been hiding—secrets that destroyed his family and now threaten their love.

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 & PromisesSisters & FriendsUnexpected Amish BlessingsSurprised 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 HeroesLove’s Truest Hope, and the forthcoming Amish Christmas Twins (September 2020) with Shelley Shepard Gray and Loree Lough. She is also the coauthor of the Prayerful Author Journey: Inspirational Yearly Planner.

Connect with Rachel:

Newsletter sign-up: http://bit.ly/1qwci4Q

MY REVIEW


This was quite a different story that I really enjoyed. The theme throughout the book was about trust and keeping secrets. Sarah has a close encounter one day with a man and a parachute. I can say with almost certainty that it is not usual to find a man falling from the sky in Amish Country. Sarah has such a good heart she immediately wants to help this mysterious man. I did think it was weird that Sarah went against her beliefs and hid two strange men in her home. She is almost innocent like in ways and agrees to let them stay hidden in their house. Her beliefs are that they are to help others and she couldn’t turn her back on them.

I got a big kick out of Sarah’s grandmother. That woman is gifted in discernment and knows these two men are hiding something, I loved how she insisted that they pray before meals and set them straight about their language.  She  is someone you don’t want to cross.  God always provides divine appointments and I believe the day the parachute landed near Sarah , God was clearing a pathway for two men to find Jesus. He used Sarah and her grandmother to show them kindness  as they showed compassion to strangers. I won’t say why these men were there, but  it is a great storyline that allows readers to see what deceit can do and the chaos it causes.

Jacob and Sarah have been friends forever but lately feelings are growing stronger. When Sarah is once again asked to deceive someone that could hurt Jacob’s trust in Sarah what will she decide to do? I don’t think there is a mean bone in Sarah  but she tries to please so many people, it is bound to come crashing down on her soon. 

Get ready to have a front roll seat inside anAmish family as deceit, strange men, hurt, trust and a new beginning  for several characters  entertain us and teach us about being His hands and feet to others. Let us remember through this story that God is in control . What  looks hopeless God can change into joy and in the midst of chaos it is possible for someone to find Jesus.

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



WELCOME TO THE REVIEW PROMO BLAST FOR A LAWMAN FOR LISETTE PRESENTED BY CELEBRATE LIT


When Lisette Pelletier answers an ad to become a physician in the frontier town of Willow Wood, Idaho, she knows her life will change forever. What she doesn’t expect is to fall in love with the U.S. Marshal whose life she saves on her way to town.

Federal Marshal Grayson Dutton spent his career protecting pioneers, chasing down bandits, settling disputes before they erupted into gunfire, and returning fire when needed. None of it prepared him for dealing with a feisty lady doc who can’t see when she’s in over her head.

When Grayson hears the gang of outlaws that attacked the stagecoach that brought Lisette to Willow Wood have targeted the lady doc, he’ll stop at nothing to protect her. Lisette doesn’t want to give the lawman the reins to her life. She came west to serve the people of Willow Wood, not hide under her bed in fear at the first sign of danger.

She certainly didn’t plan to fall for a long-legged lawman whose kisses make her dream of marriage, babies, and happily-ever-after, all the things that conflict with her call to medicine. Can she find a place in her life and her heart for love? Can Grayson tame the wild filly before she gets both of them killed?



Author Bio
Teresa Slack loves reading, writing, and falling in love. Creating clean and wholesome western romances where fearless cowboys still sweep independent heroines off their feet was an easy choice for her.

She writes from her home in the beautiful southern Ohio hills, which she shares with her husband and rescue dog and rescue cat. Any errors and typos she blames on the cat randomly running across her keyboard.

Learn more about Teresa Slack and her books by visiting her website at www.teresaslack.com Readers who sign up for her newsletter will receive a free download of A Promise for Josie: A Willow Wood Prequel.
Purchase link: https://amzn.to/2Wl8dnh


MY REVIEW

Oh my let me just say how wonderful this story is. I was happy to see it was a western type story and had a strong  female character. Lisette is one stubborn,  fiery, knows what she wants, determined to follow God’s calling kinda woman. Her desire to be a physician is coming true when she gets the word she will be the doctor for a small town. Women doctors in this time period were not exactly a welcomed sight. I had flashbacks of a show that I watched faithfully every week. This story reminds me of  Dr. Quinn  Medicine Woman. The show much like this story has a female doctor who has to prove herself to the community. 

Lisette has a way about  her that seems  to ease people’s minds. She slowly begins to get acquainted with the town folk and thanks God for answering her prayers. I loved how the author writes a story filled with adventure, outlaws, faith and a budding romance. 

Grayson is coming back to the ranch to help his dad out and has retired somewhat from being a lawman. Along the way he has made enemies that won’t stop till they get their revenge. It was certainly an unfortunate way that  Lisette and Grayson met. That encounter will one day soon play  a big part in the story as several men are out for revenge against the two. I really liked the townspeople and I especially liked Polly. She is an older woman who is lonely and learns to trust Lisette. Their relationship was like a grandmother and granddaughter. Lisette always took her time with every patient and made them feel important. 

The story takes on a little adventure when outlaws track Grayson down. The encounter between the outlaws and Grayson put Lisette in danger. I loved Grayson’s bravery and how faithful he was to God who he depended on to guide his every move. The romance in the story is done tastefully and I did laugh how Lisette was so sure that God  had called her to be a doctor but not a wife as well. This storyline is a great lesson in listening to God and being  able to allow yourself a life outside your profession. It is a nice story and I look forward to reading more by this author.

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