Thursday, July 8, 2021

ALONG A STORIED TRAIL by

ANNE H. GABHART

This is a wonderful book that gives us a glimpse into a time period where folks worked hard to survive. I really enjoyed getting to know Tansy. Her love of books makes her perfect as a packhorse librarian. It must have been hard taking books to people way up in the mountains during all kinds of weather. She loved doing it because it gave others enjoyment . Can you imagine the only was to get books was to rely on someone who came by horse? I thought it was sad that the books were not in good shape and outdated. It was interesting to read how much getting books has changed. It makes me appreciate libraries so much more.

There is much to love about the book as we find two men vying for the attention of Tansy. One is familiar to her and the other is a new addition to the town. I can see how Tansy’s head was turned by the new fellow. After all he is polished, full of adventure and nice to look at. However, sometimes looks can be deceiving.

The best character of the book for me was Aunt Perdie. She is one firecracker not to be messed with . She is full of stories that can keep you entertained for days. Her cat is not friendly and Aunt Perdie is definitely someone you want on your side. I liked how in the wake of a disaster she still finds something to be thankful for. As we get to know Perdie we can see the heartaches she has overcome and the wisdom she has gained. I loved following along the trail as tragedy, forgiveness and hope bring this story to a great ending.

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

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Christmas on Breakers Point Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: Christmas on Breakers Point

Author: Chautona Havig and Christa DelSorbo

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: September 1, 2020

One man’s last Christmas wish might change two lives forever.

Mallory Barrows has one last Christmas with her uncle. She’s determined to make it the best one he’s ever had.

She knows when she asks what he wants as his final gift, it won’t be a tie or a new mug. He won’t need those where he’s going, and he’s quite happy about that.

Mallory just didn’t think he wanted a miracle wrapped in paper and tied with a shiny red bow!

In a twist on a “last chance romance,” Christmas on Breakers Point introduces a new series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

Christmas on Breakers Point is the introductory book to the Independence Islands Series.

The Independence Island Series: Beach listens aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Chautona Havig

Author of the bestselling Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

DGroup-39 Christa DelSorbo

“The voice of a friend.”

Christa has a great sense of humor and extensive experience with accents, particularly those of the Southern United States and Great Britain. Her most recent credits include: local live musical theatre actress and choreographer, regional radio commercial voice actress, and speaker for national business events.

MY REVIEW

I read this book back in 2019 and picked it as one if my favorites for the year. This year I received the audio copy to review. Now I will confess that I have never listened to an audio book before. I have all kinds of excuses why I haven’t listened to one before. I started the book and sat down to follow along. Oh my was I in for a treat. The narrator has this soothing voice that carries you from page to page. She makes the story come to life as she speaks with clarity and emotion. Christa DelSorbo has made me a fan of audios. With her gift of making this story even better has made me want to hear more from her. It is no surprise that I already loved the book, but now with the addition of audio, it is a joy to experience the story once again. I hope you enjoy my review that follows and please consider getting the audio version as well as the book.

This story was an emotional journey that I was hesitant to take because it deals with someone who has colon cancer. My brother passed away in March 2019 from colon cancer and I took care of him until he passed. The author does an excellent job of being sensitive to death as we get to know Uncle Bud.

I loved everything about him but especially his faith. Oh how that man loved God and wanted everyone else to know him as well. His relationship with Mallory is special and their time together was spent laughing, reminiscing and sharing God with each other. Uncle Bud has one last gift he wants from Mallory before he dies. Will she be able to give him the gift ?

Mallory is everything I hope for in a character. She is loving, giving and always thinking of others. Taking care of her Uncle Bud is a time for her to cherish memories and give him comfort and peace during the time he has left. I loved how faith is shared in the story and the discussions that take place between several characters. The doubt that someone has about God is well written. I have often asked some of the same questions in my walk. I do find that people get legalistic and judgmental. It is hard to fit in sometimes when you see things that don't line up with the bible.

The story is a beautiful reminder that life is short and we need to take every moment to share God, love each other and be a Godly example to others. I can't count how many times I cried throughout the story but I do know they were healing tears. I needed this book at this moment to help me grieve my loss. Before my brother passed, I was determined to lead him to Christ. The Friday before he passed he said the salvation prayer the best he could. With tears streaming down both our cheeks, he gave his heart to Jesus.

I appreciate an author that isn't afraid to give both sides of the debate whether God is real or not. The author's voice can be heard in the characters as they give their arguments and right there is sweet Uncle Bud loving how bold his niece is. His heart was full of love and he knew he could prepare himself for his "expiration date."

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

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 2

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 3

Cats in the Cradle Blog, July 4

Inklings and notions, July 5

For Him and My Family, July 6

deb’s Book Review, July 7

Remembrancy, July 8

Texas Book-aholic, July 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, July 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 10

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 12

Splashes of Joy, July 13

Mary Hake, July 13

Blogging With Carol, July 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christa is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book in the winner’s preferred style (Audio/Paperback/eBook)!!

*Only U.S. residents may receive a paperback copy. If the winner lives outside the U.S., then the winner is limited to an audiobook or eBook.

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/10e72/christmas-on-breakers-point-audiobook-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, July 4, 2021

Blood Sisters

About the Book

Book: Blood Sisters

Author: Jim O’Shea

Genre: Christian Suspense/Thriller

Release date: June 16, 2020

BloodSisters_h12794_750 Libby Meeker is seeing things.

The young Salt Lake City architect is experiencing visions of her twin sister, despite the fact that Melissa died mysteriously almost one year ago.

If that’s not bad enough, a serial killer surfaces in northern Utah, and a series of bizarre clues lead Detective Troy Hunter to Libby…and unspeakable possibilities that begin to shatter her fragile world.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

head shot The author of two previous highly-rated thrillers (The Linen God and The Reluctant Disciple), Jim O’Shea spends his time crafting novels of suspense that frequently tackle the dynamic between faith and science. Jim believes God continues to reveal his creation masterpiece through scientific discovery, and that Christian fiction is a great tool to expose those emerging truths.

His third novel, “Blood Sisters”, is also very highly rated on Amazon but takes a more traditional approach to mystery/thrillers with a mind-bending whodunit in the tradition of Agatha Christie. His fourth novel, “The Beacon”, will return to his faith/science roots and feature a compelling blend of espionage, leading-edge science, and salvation.

More from Jim

I’m fascinated by science in general, but more specifically by discoveries over the past hundred years that point directly to a Creator and His creation. The new findings fly in the face of mainstream physics which suggests matter and energy make up everything in our universe and that all things, including our consciousness or soul, are direct results of their interactions.

Fortunately, humankind’s advancements in physics, cosmology, quantum mechanics, biology, etc. point directly to the fact that the universe had an actual beginning as claimed in the Bible and our existence can not be explained by natural processes such as evolution. This should be a great comfort to every Christian, and my writing often tries to take these emerging truths and wrap them up into page-turning stories that provide the reader not with just a thrill ride, but also a glimpse into God’s glory!

MY REVIEW

The only way I can describe this book is a physiological thriller that gave me chills throughout the story. Nothing was what it seems and I had to make sure my door was locked as I read late into the night. There is some talk about mental illness in the book which I thought the author did in a very tactful way. It is without a doubt I believe Libby’s mother suffered from something and as her health declined it became more obvious.
Libby is on the verge of a mental breakdown when she starts losing family members to tragic accidents. I knew she wanted to believe that her twin sister was alive, but oh how creepy it was for her to think she sees her dead sister in the house. When Detective Hunter joins the story he has his hands full with a serial killer who preys on young women with red hair. It was intriguing that puzzle pieces were left on the victims bodies. What did these puzzle pieces have in common? I thought is was brilliant how the author incorporated scriptures that held clues to the killer.
I have to say I didn’t see the ending coming and was shocked at the outcome. I was beginning to think that Libby was mentally ill and maybe she was the killer. Or could her twin be alive and killing people because she was unstable? I really enjoyed this story with physiological aspects that will keep readers on the edge of your seat. At times I though a few of the characters were a little crass and disrespectful in their actions. I didn’t find much in the way of a faith element except when scriptures were mentioned. I do remember Libby’s father was a pastor who did rely on his faith but I’m not sure the rest of the family were as committed to their faith. Get ready for a story that will set your skin crawling as nothing is what it seems. When a deep secret is revealed be prepared to try not to scream. This has been a good thriller that I will remember for a long while.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.