About the Book

Book:  The Dollmaker’s Daughter

Author: Izzy James

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: July 16, 2021

Forgetful scientist Simon Morgan lost his chance with Amity Archer ten years ago. He knows there is no hope…until a sea captain trades a meal for an ancient stone reputed to have the power to give him his heart’s desire. Immediately after pocketing the stone, Simon runs into Amity. Did the ancient artifact cause this chance encounter or was it mere coincidence?

Like her favorite travel writer Mrs. Peabody, Amity Archer yearns for adventure, but she’s horrified when her father asks Simon Morgan to escort her on her first real adventure.

With Amity’s Aunt Clementine as a buffer between them, will Simon be able to prove that his love for Amity is real? Can Amity show Simon that her love for him has nothing to do with a so-called magical rock?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Izzy James lives in coastal Virginia with her fabulous husband in a house brimming with books.

 

More from Izzy

I am a Geographer by degree. So maps and the shapes of the earth fascinate me. It keeps me looking at the ground. Where I live in Virginia we still travel the imprint of colonial roads. Former villages have been swallowed by large urban areas, but the land is still there. Amity Archer travels these roads on the adventure to love in The Dollmaker’s Daughter.

It makes The Dollmaker’s Daughter special to me. I have traveled the roads Amity and Simon cover many, many times. The research for this book kept me up nights reading true accounts of traveler and taverns in colonial times.

MY REVIEW 

The setting of the story is one that I like to read about. The author does a good job of bringing history to life as we go back to visit the colonial period. I enjoyed reading about electricity and how it was becoming something that the colonists were excited about. There is mention of war but I’m glad that the focal point was on other more intriguing topics. 

Amity is very determined to write a book and wants to travel to certain places to do research. She doesn’t seem to be worried about her safety and at times she irritated me. Her attitude of needing to do things that she felt important overshadowed her common sense at times. I know she has a big heart but I think she needed to slow down a bit and think of others as she travels to places that could put her and others in danger. When her father agrees to let her travel he insists that she is accompanied by a family friend. I did not understand why Amity’s father kept insisting that Simone may have to marry his daughter if she is compromised. I have no idea what he thought was going to happen, but I did not like the insinuation at all. 

Simon is asked to join Amity on her journey to keep her safe. He is very charming and has had feelings for Amity for a long time. Perhaps this trip will help them explore their feelings for each other. There is something else going on with Simon that I found fascinating. He has in his possession a precious stone known as  the Horeb stone. It is sometimes called magical but Simone doesn’t believe that. His study about the stone is more to do with the Old Testament and God. I was very interested to see where the author would take this part of the story. 

I think for me I liked the message of trusting God and to be content where we are. The story does give us hope that we can find happiness as we listen to God and allow Him to direct our path. Amity was so sure she had to travel to be content that she forgot to be happy in the moment. I liked the ending and thought the author did a good job of showing  how God answers prayers.

“Happiness does not come from outside yourself. It comes from inside as you learn to be thankful for what you have.”

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 7

By The Book, August 8 (Author Interview)

Connect in Fiction, August 8

Inklings and notions, August 9

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 10

Abba’s Prayer Princess, August 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 12

Beauty in the Binding, August 13

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 13

For Him and My Family, August 14

Texas Book-aholic, August 15

Connie’s History Classroom, August 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 17

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 18

deb’s Book Review, August 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Izzy is giving away the grand prize package of an eBook copy of The Dollmaker’s Daughter and a tea cup!!

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/111b4/the-dollmaker-s-daughter-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book:  The Prayer Warrior

Author: D. Tina Batten and Traci Wooden-Carlisle

Genre: Christian Fantasy

Release date: March 25, 2021

There is a thin line between the natural and the spiritual realm.

Ms. V., a humble servant of the Lord, has been placed on assignment at Center of Hope Christian Academy.

By day, she serves as a trusted counselor for students, giving them a safe haven to pour out their innermost feelings while providing professional and honest truth wrapped in a firm kindness and love that inevitably draws them closer to Jesus. Not to be outdone, the faculty also bends her ear from time to time.

By night, Ms. V. enters the spiritual realm and takes her place on the battlefield as one of God’s faithful prayer warriors. She wields her whispering sword, slicing through the enemy’s plans to bind the precious hearts under her charge.
Her assignment’s burden on her physical body is taxing, but can she withstand the strain and remain victorious?
Saving souls is her true mission, but at what cost?

Readers are in for a journey of spiritual intrigue and biblical insight as they experience the ramifications of each character’s life-altering decision.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

“Tina” Batten is a loving mother, wife, sister, daughter and Mima to her grandchildren. She is a gifted visual storyteller who is passionate about bringing encouraging messages of inspiration and hope to the world.

Tina Batten, a writer for over eighteen years of various dramatic works of performing art via stage, and film, encompasses unique ways of creating fascinating story concepts that touch the heart of most who view or read her work. She is both honored and thrilled to have teamed up with long-time friend, sister in the gospel and co-author Tracy on this phenomenal collaborative book project. With such a humble heart and desire to bring people together in love and unity, Tina Batten will continue her work as a visual storyteller spreading the good news of Jesus Christ one project after the other.

As Always, D. “Tina” Batten gives God All the Glory!

 

Traci Wooden-Carlisle began writing to publish in 2011 and enjoys writing stories that provoke thought and evoke emotions. Her desire is to draw readers into the lives of her characters and share messages of God’s love, His faithfulness and peace. The messages in her books speak to her way before they speak to her readers.

Traci lives in San Diego with her husband, David. When she isn’t writing she does some light traveling or assists people with their physical fitness, creates graphics, designs pretty things for her jewelry business and swag for authors.

 

 

 

More from Traci

The Backstory of the Prayer Warrior: Two authors, Two Thousand Miles Apart, One Supernatural Story

 

I used to believe writing wasn’t a team sport. With a few Christian fiction titles in my backlist, I believed there was truly only enough room for God’s message and my writing style in a book. From January 2019 to March of 2021 I was proven wrong.

Tina Batten and I, Traci Wooden-Carlisle met in 2004 at a performance and praise showcase Sister Batten produced. As a liturgical praise dancer, I performed in her showcase and we became fast friends.

Over the years we would support each other on goals reached, such as Sister Batten’s film success and my books, even when Sister Batten moved to the other side of the country.

At the end of 2018 the Lord prompted me to give Sister Batten a call. It felt like more than a greeting to see how she and her family were doing and by the time we finished talking we had committed to seeking God for an idea for a story we could write together and what message He wanted us to share.

When we came back together at the beginning of the next year, we merged our storytelling, fiction writing skills and desire to share God’s message of encouragement and perseverance. We spoke on the phone every Sunday afternoon for months, discussing the previous week’s writing, before a family emergency on my side forced us to take a short break. When we resumed our calls, it was as if no time had passed.

A year later, amidst a few tears and a great deal of praise to God, we completed The Prayer Warrior and I was more than proud of what we were able to accomplish.

The Prayer Warrior is the story of a Christian School student counselor who allows the Holy Spirit to guide her when listening and discussing issues with the students, and sometimes staff, she counsels. At night in her dreams, she is led to war in the spirit and finds that some of the battles she wages against demonic forces affect her waking world and the people she interacts with daily.

There are a lot of twists and turns with a few big surprises, especially after one strenuous battle.

One of our hopes is that readers come away from reading this book with a greater sense of encouragement, empowerment and understanding that the line between the spiritual and natural realm is thinner than most of us realize. Prayer is powerful and it truly changes our lives and the lives of those around us.

MY REVIEW 

This has been a powerful story to read with its message of hope, compassion and faith. I loved Ms. V and her heart to pray for others. Her job at the school gave her the opportunity to speak to teenagers who needed guidance. Throughout the story I kept thinking about a counselor that my youngest son had in fifth grade. He was being bullied by a teacher  and I went to his counselor for help. I hoped she would give encouragement to him but instead gave him a journal and told him to write in it everyday. Oh how I had loved to have a Ms. V at his school. 

The authors deliver a story that shows how prayer can make a difference. Ms. V was a Prayer  Warrior who never gave up. Her compassion for the teens at school was heartfelt as lives began to change. The scriptures and prayers that she said surrounded each person she prayed for. The characters in the book are easy to relate to and touch on subjects our teens face each day. I could sense the stirring as she went to Jesus in prayer. It was like watching heaven open up and angels ascending to do battle. 

If you are looking for a book for your youth group, this is one that you need to get. It will open eyes to those who doubt that prayer works and give them hope and a deeper relationship with God. I also think it would be a great Bible study tool to use for individuals or small groups. 

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

Blog Stops

Cats in the Cradle Blog, August 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 5

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 7

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 8

Mary Hake, August 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 9

Inklings and notions, August 10

Aryn The Libraryan 📚, August 11

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 12

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 12

deb’s Book Review, August 13

Texas Book-aholic, August 14

Blogging With Carol, August 14

For Him and My Family, August 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 16

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Traci are giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/111b1/the-prayer-warrior-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book:  Justice at Dawn

Author: Valerie Massey Goree

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: July 3, 2021

Cooper Callahan has been an International Retrieval Organization operative for fifteen years. In all that time he has never worked with a trainee like Kitty Claire Briggs. Overflowing with energy, KC isn’t quiet long enough for Cooper to think. But when the boss assigns them a training mission, KC’s serious side emerges.

Former stunt double, KC Briggs wants to be an agent, but she also has an ulterior motive to be accepted by IRO—she wants access to their superior technology. Can she locate her quarry without Cooper finding out?

As Cooper shares the finer points of surveillance with KC, his waning faith is strengthened by her enthusiasm for the Lord and for the job. When the training exercise turns into a real abduction, will KC’s naivete lead to death or to a successful conclusion to the case?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award winner Valerie Massey Goree resides with her husband on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula of Washington State.

After serving as missionaries in her home country of Zimbabwe and raising two children, Glenn and Valerie moved to Texas. She worked in the public school system for many years, focusing on students with special needs. Now retired, Valerie spends her time writing, and spoiling her grandchildren.

Check Valerie’s website to learn more about her books: www.valeriegoreeauthor.com

Valerie loves to hear from her readers.

 

More from Valerie

Justice at Dawn is the third novel in the Stolen Lives Trilogy. I knew I wanted to tell Cooper Callahan’s story after his brief appearance in Day of Reckoning, the second novel. How did he get his scar? Why was he one-track minded in his work? Why was he single?

 

It is always exciting to invent a backstory for a character. To uncover his fears, his shattered dreams, his greatest desire for the future, and discover how those events shaped his personality and his present life. Cooper takes his role as the chief training officer for the San Diego branch of the International Retrieval Organization very seriously. He tells the newest recruit, “It’s my job to ascertain your skills, and to determine whether or not you’ll make an effective agent.”

 

Of course I had to create a heroine worthy of Cooper’s attention. No petite, helpless, always concerned about her perfect makeup partner for Coop. My heroine in Justice at Dawn is anything but petite or helpless. In Kitty Claire Briggs’s own words, she is not a run-of-the-mill gal, and after describing her unique backstory, she says, “That’s why I grab life by it’s pointy little ears, and I intend to make the most of every opportunity.”

 

Indeed. How will Cooper react if he discovers the real reason KC wants to become an IRO agent? Will the skills she used in her former job as a stunt double and the fact she is a sharp-shooter play a part in her training?

 

Now, don’t get me wrong, KC is vulnerable and has issues from her past she has to conquer, but she is the perfect foil for Cooper. She absorbs his advice, but also uses her initiative and even challenges Cooper at times. He might be teaching her the finer points of becoming a successful agent, but she teaches him how to overcome his past baggage and to live life to its fullest.

MY REVIEW 

I enjoyed parts of the story such as the details of being an IRO agent. It was interesting following KC as she learns the ins and outs of her job. I did think KC was a bit over confident in the job and at times she stepped over the line. It was weird to me to find out the  real reason she wanted to be an IRO just to be able to have access to technology for a personal reason. This part of the story for me had holes in it. Why couldn’t she hire a private detective to get the answers she needed? Was it worth endangering her life and others just to find the answers that would give her peace about her past? I wished the author had used another way to get KC her answers without joining an organization that needed her full attention. 

Cooper is still dealing with some past hurt and doesn’t respond well to KC talking about God or even mentioning the word forgiveness. I did like that KC didn’t push too much about God and it was nice that she invited Cooper to a sermon held at her parents home. The intimate setting may help Cooper open up a little and let God heal him. This part of the story was very good and the author uses prayers to show that KC has a heart for others. She is not shy about praying for and with Cooper. 

The rest of the story desks with Sadie and her children being kidnapped. Although it was intriguing at times, there were moments that mistakes were made. Being a rookie in training I thought KC did things without confiding in Cooper. Their communication was off at times and I really believe the  hostage situation dragged on too long. Now I did like seeing what people will do for revenge and this story is deep in revenge. There is such hatred towards Sadie that I wasn’t sure she would survive. I also wondered how Sadie was so easily captured and why she wasn’t more aware of her surroundings. The other question I have is why didn’t the authorities warn her about the people who were no longer in jail? Didn’t they realize that Sadie was still in danger from this family? 

You may think I didn’t like the story but I actually  did. Yes there are holes in the story that the author overlooked but in the midst of everything she delivers a good message of faith. She lets us see how witnessing to someone can make a difference. I applaud KC for not giving up on Cooper. I loved these two phrases that were used in the story; “Hate encourages people to make rash decisions.” Hurting people hurt.”

Those two statements are a great reminder that we need to continually ask God to help us with our attitude and to help us forgive. Overall the book was good but needed some clarification in sone of the plot line. 

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 13

Texas Book-aholic, August 14

Inklings and notions, August 15

deb’s Book Review, August 16

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 17

For Him and My Family, August 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 19

The Sacred Line, August 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 22

Batya’s Bits, August 23

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 24

Mary Hake, August 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Valerie is giving away the grand prize package of a Paperback or e-book copy of the book, adult coloring book and crayons, silver hoop earrings, and teal, rhinestone-studded cap!!

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/112df/justice-at-dawn-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book:  The Wrangler’s Ready-Made Family

Author: Lacy Williams

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: August 10, 2021

Susie is a desperate young mother with another baby on the way. Her late husband left her nothing but his bad reputation. She has no money and is too ashamed to return home to her family. When she is trapped alone during a snowstorm with a stranger and the baby coming, her only choice is to rely on him.

Boone came west to find healing for his tuberculosis. He never expected to find himself trapped with a lost young widow. Or how fast he could fall for her and her two little ones. But it doesn’t take long for his secrets to come to light.

After everything she’s suffered in the past, can Susie ever trust another gambler?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see on Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published fifty books in almost a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at www.lacywilliams.net/vip .

 

More from Lacy

The Kindness of a Stranger

 

 

I don’t know about you, but I love watching videos where something is going wrong and a stranger steps in to save the day. Dog caught in the Thames and can’t get out? Stranger wades into the water to save him. Someone in line at the grocery store and doesn’t quite have enough money for their needed groceries? Stranger steps in and pays the difference.

 

I have a story like that of my own. My children like to play at our neighborhood park after school pick-up. Everything seemed normal until it was just about time to go and my eight-year-old daughter walks up with a nosebleed. I haven’t carried a diaper bag in two years and I have no tissues in my purse. I’m trying to keep tabs on my four-year-old because she’s running around, oblivious to anything else going on. My two older kids are off with friends and I can’t see them but I can hear their voices nearby.

 

And several moms who were also watching their kids play at the park rushed over to help me. One mom had gauze in her daughter’s backpack because her daughter sometimes gets nosebleeds at school. Another mom had baby wipes so I could wipe off my daughter’s hands. Another mom rounded up my four-year-old so I didn’t have to worry about her while I was taking care of the older one. I left the park *not* in a complete panic because these moms that I don’t know took care of me. They didn’t have to. But they stepped in simply because I needed help.

 

That’s what happens in The Wrangler’s Ready-Made Family. After experiencing a stagecoach crash and being snowed in and stranded together, hero Gil Hart shows his true colors by helping Susie, a young mother with a baby on the way. Susie’s been burned before and this is maybe the *only* situation that would’ve allowed her to open up and see Gil for who he really is. Of course, that’s only the beginning of the story. If you’d like to give it a try, you can use Amazon’s Look Inside feature to sample the book.

MY REVIEW 

This is the perfect story for those who like western theme books. It has adventure, a dashing hero , bad guys and a woman who needs help. I liked how the characters were developed and slowly grew to like each other. They complimented each other even though Susie was a little hesitant to trust Gil. I guess being left behind waiting for help may make you a little uncomfortable. 

Susie has her hands full with a small child and another on the way. Gil is her best bet to survive until someone comes to rescue them. What a awkward position to be in as you go into labor in a dark cave with a strange man.  I admired Susie’s strength as her new baby is born. Thinking about her giving birth made me chuckle a little. We have all these modern hospitals with everything you need to have a safe delivery. Susie had nothing but the help of a stranger. I guess I’m trying to say that nature knows what to do whether we are in a comfortable hospital bed or out in the range surrounded by caves. 

Gil has been handed a death sentence from doctors and believes he has little time to live. What he does for Susie and her children was honorable and showed how we need to help others in need. The author gives us background on her ex husband who passed away. He made his money gambling and treated Susie with no respect. Gil is offering her a home and a future. Will she accept his offer? Can she trust him? 

Grab a copy of this story to find  out what happens next. It is filled with hope, secrets and a lesson in trust. I need to go back and read the other books in this series. The author makes the time period come to life  and I love a well written marriage of convenience story. 

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

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, August 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 11

Books and Everyday Life, August 11

Inklings and notions, August 12

Texas Book-aholic, August 13

deb’s Book Review, August 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 15

For Him and My Family, August 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 17

Simple Harvest Reads, August 17 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Connie’s History Classroom, August 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 19

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 20

Pause for Tales, August 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 21

Labor Not in Vain, August 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lacy 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/111b8/the-wrangler-s-ready-made-family-celebration-tour-giveaway