Saturday, August 21, 2021

About the Book

Book: Donkey Devos: Listen When God Speaks

Author: Susan K. Stewart

Genre: Devotional

Release date: July 15, 2021

Did you know the Bible mentions only two talking animals? Each of these creatures had a different message. The first to speak out was the serpent. This character certainly wasn’t a model. If God was using this snake for a test drive, I can see why he kept the mouths of the other animals closed. This snake in the grass spoke words meant for evil. Later God allowed another animal to speak—the lowly donkey. The beast of burden. This time the animal had words of wisdom.

Susan K. Stewart expected dogs, cats, and the occasional goldfish would be all the pets she’d need—until the day Susan met donkeys at a rescue center. A few years after that fateful visit, three donkeys became part of the Stewart family. Susan soon learned these humble creatures are still messengers of wisdom.

Donkey Devos is a collection of forty pearls Susan has learned from spending time learning about her equine friends and chatting with them. She uses her experiences, donkey facts, and Biblical donkey details to share the truths God has taught. The whole family will delight in the donkey tales with a message from God.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Susan K. Stewart didn’t expect to become a “donkey whisper,” as some of her neighbors say. One day God put her in a herd of donkeys, and it was love at first bray. Susan and her husband Bob live in Central Texas with their three dogs, three cats, numerous chickens, and inspiring donkeys. They have three children and six outstanding grandchildren. Susan’s passion is to inspire readers with practical, real-world solutions and a few donkey stories.

More from Susan

I like to say, “I can’t not write.” I’m not even sure what event or who encouraged me to follow this pursuit. I do know my dream was to be a news reporter by day and a ballet dancer at night. God has given me the gift of teaching. I teach through written words.

Lois Lane was my inspiration. Seriously, in my teens I envisioned myself as a news reporter chasing after breaking stories around the world. I met my Superman, and Lois retired. But I began my own writing career with the help of friends and mentors.

Cecil Murphey has been a valued mentor and friend for nearly twenty years. His no-nonsense approach to helping this wanna-be writer pushed me forward to being able to call myself an author. And, Kathy Ide showed me I could be an editor. Her example and friendship have improved my writing as well

I grew up in a traveling family. (I went to fourteen different schools before graduating high school.) Of all the places my family lived, a rural ranch was not one of them. Pet donkeys and surly chickens were not part of my life experience or my bucket list.

Then it happened. I met a donkey nose-to-muzzle and a special bond was created. After my first visit to the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, I wanted donkey pets. Alas, our property was too small to meet the adoption requirements. When we made the move from California to Texas, donkeys soon became a part of the small ranch.

Caring for the donkeys turned into a friendship. Like all friends, my donkeys and I have had wonderful experiences. These goings-on became the basis for the stories in Donkey Devos: Listen When God Speaks.

I’ve written four books including the award-winning Formatting e-Books for Writers. When I’m not walking and conversing with my donkeys, I tend a vegetable garden, track family history, and read everything from the great American novel to the back of cereal boxes.

MY REVIEW

I must confess that when I saw the title of this book I laughed. What did donkeys and devotional have to do with each other? The old saying! “Never judge a book by its cover,” is exactly why the statement is true. I started reading and found some very interesting info about donkeys such as they are mentioned more than four hundred times in the Bible. There must be a reason for that and I became intrigued with the book.

I liked how the author pointed out that donkeys don’t go where they don’t think they are safe from harm. I can’t say the same for any of us. We sense danger but push ahead anyway thinking we will be okay. After making a bad decision we find ourselves going down a path that could lead us away from God’s protection. I guess donkeys are pretty smart after all and I certainly took notice of the nuggets of wisdom in the book.

I really liked the chapter where it talked about being bored. Donkeys get bored and find ways to amuse themselves like chewing up a delivery box that was left too close to them. During worship service do we find ourselves bored? Does our mind start to wander on other things and forget where we are at? I am guilty of this and sometimes even think , “ why are we singing the same song we did last week?” At that moment my critical spirit comes in and I have closed myself off from the presence of God. What we need to do is ask God to help us stay focused on Him and keep our minds clear of anything that is distracting us from entering into His presence .

I loved the book and read it twice because there were some great points I wanted to ponder on. The author includes many scriptures that helped me understand what each chapter was about. This is a good tool to use for a daily devotional and the perfect gift to give to someone.

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

Blog Stops

Girls in White Dresses, August 11

HappyWhenReading, August 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 12

For Him and My Family, August 13

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 15

Cats in the Cradle Blog, August 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 16

Inklings and notions, August 17

For the Love of Literature, August 18

Older & Smarter?, August 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 20

deb’s Book Review, August 21

Texas Book-aholic, August 22

Mary Hake, August 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 23

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize package of $25 Amazon gift card and a 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/112db/donkey-devos-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, August 20, 2021

About the Book

9781641237840

Book: Walking in Prophecy, Signs & Wonders

(Please note: This title has been from Call of the Watchmen to Walking in Prophecy, Signs & Wonders.)

Author: Glenda Jackson

Genre: RELIGION / Christianity/Pentecostal & Charismatic

Release date: August 10, 2021

God is prophetically speaking to us today while performing signs and wonders in the last days. These movements of the Spirit are a continuation of the signs, wonders, and other supernatural works God has done in the past to demonstrate His power and glory. Through miracle testimonies, faith-building teachings, and remarkable accounts from her personal family heritage—including miracles in the life of noted healing evangelist Maria Woodworth-Etter—Glenda Jackson shows how God can work powerfully in your life, bringing to pass what He has ordained for us and His purposes in the world. Discover what it means to be a prophetic watchman and a vessel for God’s glory in these momentous days before Christ’s return.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Glenda Underwood Jackson is a powerful prophetess and healing evangelist. She moves in signs, wonders, and miracles to glorify Jesus. Since 1974, Glenda has been a missionary evangelist. Her primary ministry focus for over thirty years was Native Americans, ministering to many tribes throughout California, Nevada, and Arizona.

Glenda comes from a Church of God background. Her father, C. L. Underwood, was a healing evangelist who saw many great miracles in his services. Her great-aunt was Maria Woodworth-Etter (1844–1924), whom some considered to have had one of the most powerful evangelistic ministries of modern times.

On December 29, 2007, on her birthday, Glenda had a powerful angelic visitation from the Lord in which she was told that doors would open to her to major ministries throughout the United States. Since then, doors have swung wide open to her ministry. Glenda has ministered at several Fire conferences for evangelist Benny Hinn, at King Jesus International Ministry with Apostle Guillermo Maldonado, and at the World Convention of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International. She has also appeared on Sid Roth’s It’s Supernatural! Glenda has ministered in numerous churches, conferences, and camp meetings in the United States, Europe, and Africa. Her ministry is marked by her accurate prophetic words. Glenda often says in her response to her ministry, “I’m nothing; it’s all God.”

MY REVIEW

I have found that books that talk about prophecy are sometimes hard to decider. I certainly don’t know what God speaks to anyone so when I hear a prophecy I ask God to prepare my heart. I am always careful when someone speaks about prophecy but I want to be sure that it lines up with the Word of God.

The author does talk about seeing deaf people healed and other miracles that she has witnessed . She does give credit to God for these things but I have to be cautious that the author isn’t sensationalizing miracles. I do like that she says the church has to have super natural faith. We need to have the kind of faith that believes that God can heal, restore marriages and see people rise up and walk in peace.

I did like the family history and how God used members of her family to preach the Word and see miracles happen. She has a very good heritage of people that God used to spread His Word. The book does talk a lot about her family and how God used them. Some people have a hard time with prophecy but it is in the Bible. God does warn us though that there will be false prophets so always guard your heart when someone prophecies. I remember the first time I heard a church member member stand up and prophecy. It scared me a little because I hadn’t been raised in a church where prophecy was ever spoken. I have come to understand it now and always rely on God to help me discern what is being said.

The book does talk a lot about what her family has done in ministry and their walk with Jesus. I appreciate her sharing a subject that is not always well received. Her stories are encouraging at times and I like that she is not afraid to let the world know how God has given her the gift of prophecy. With a topic such as this book addresses I leave it up to readers to discern for themselves what their belief is about signs and wonders.

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

More from Glenda

God is prophetically speaking to us as He works signs and wonders in these end times. Discover what it means to be a prophetic watchman and a vessel for God’s glory in these momentous days before Christ’s return.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 20

Texas Book-aholic, August 21

Beauty in the Binding, August 22 (Spotlight)

Inklings and notions, August 23

For Him and My Family, August 24

Splashes of Joy, August 25 (Spotlight)

deb’s Book Review, August 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 27

Artistic Nobody , August 28 (Spotlight)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 29

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 30

Simple Harvest Reads, August 31 (Spotlight)

Cats in the Cradle Blog, September 1

Fiction Book Lover, September 2 (Spotlight)

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Glenda is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and 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/1141e/the-call-of-the-watchmen-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, August 19, 2021

About the Book

Book: Lethal Cover-Up

Author: Darlene L. Turner

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: July 27, 2021

Some secrets are dangerous…

But uncovering the truth could be deadly.

Border patrol officer Madison Steele knows her sister Leah’s fatal car crash was no accident. Someone’s willing to kill to cover up a pharmaceutical company’s deadly crime of distributing tainted drugs. Now they are after Madison to tie off loose ends. But with her high school sweetheart, Canadian police constable Tucker Reed, at her side, can Madison expose the company’s deadly plan before she becomes the next victim?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.

More from Darlene

The Hidden Staircase, The Secret of the Old Clock, The Sign of the Twisted Candles—these were just some of my favorite Nancy Drew books. I couldn’t get enough of them growing up! My family often saw me with my nose stuck in one of Nancy’s many tales. When I was finished with those, I’d sneak my brother’s Hardy Boy books and devour them too. This is where my love of writing and of a good mystery/suspense began.

Creating stories in the romantic suspense genre was a natural journey for me. I had always wanted to be a policewoman after watching Charlie’s Angels (they even kicked butt while wearing high heels…what could be better than that?!), Cagney and Lacey, Police woman, Murder She Wrote, etc. My love for all-things-mystery carried into my adult life. Who doesn’t love Sydney Bristow and Kate Beckett?

I enjoy creating strong female characters in a law enforcement role. Madison Steele fits the bill head on as she works to bring down a ruthless pharmaceutical company. While she has nerves of steel, I also wanted to make her vulnerable. In the beginning Madison loses her long-lost sister in a heart-wrenching crash. One she knows was not an accident. This thrusts her into a deadly pursuit of the perpetrators with her estranged high school sweetheart, Tucker Reed, by her side.

I wrote this book during the tough year our world faced living in the unknown. Madison and Tucker are stuck in their own fears but eventually find hope. Hope in the unknown and hope in knowing God is in control and with us—no matter the circumstances. We just need to know where to look.

I hope you enjoy reading Madison and Tucker’s story as much as I loved crafting it. I’d love to hear from you. You can contact me through my website www.darlenelturner.com and also sign up for Darlene’s Diary newsletter to receive exclusive subscriber giveaways.

MY REVIEW

Well this has been some kind of wild ride that I just got off of. My heart was pounding so hard I didn’t know if I was going to be able to stop the adrenaline rush. The author sure knows how to capture the attention of her readers with non stop danger at every curve . I loved the storyline about a pharmaceutical company with greedy people who have no regard for human lives. I couldn’t wait to see where the trail would lead me.

Madison is a very dedicated person to her job and seems to have everything under control in her life. Of course there is that little anger she has with God going on. But overall her life is pretty good until a phone call changes everything. Oh no I’m not telling about the call because that is how Madison finds herself in danger. I will say that her love for her sister is evident and she will not stop til she gets answers to a tragic event.

Teaming up with Madison to track the person who is selling illegal drugs is her old boyfriend Tucker. It must have been a bit awkward for them at first but they sure do make a great team. I loved how they worked together and had each other’s backs. Tucker does try several times to talk to Madison about God, but she isn’t ready to listen. Will she surrender to God or let her prude get in the way?

The author does an exceptional job of keeping Madison and Tucker on their toes as they get closer to the truth. There are several clues they find that help them but as they get closer to solving it, bodies start piling up. They have gotten the attention of someone who is willing to kill to keep their illegal drugs under wraps. Madison is living on the edge as she becomes the target of whoever is behind the drug trafficking.

The ending is one of the best I’ve read in awhile and I was completely not ready for who the criminal or criminals were. I know there were clues throughout the story but for some reason I ignored them. If you are looking for a fast pace suspenseful story with danger, faith and action, look no further. Grab a copy and get ready for a look into what “the love of money” does to people.

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 18

Lighthouse-Academy, August 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 19

Genesis 5020, August 19

Simply Susan, August 19

Texas Book-aholic, August 20

Bizwings Blog, August 20

She Lives To Read, August 21

HookMeInABook, August 21

Inklings and notions, August 22

Reviewingbooksplusmore, August 22

Mary Hake, August 22

Betti Mace, August 23

Daysong Reflections, August 23

For the Love of Literature, August 24

deb’s Book Review, August 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 26

Pause for Tales, August 26

Blogging With Carol, August 26

For Him and My Family, August 27

Simple Harvest Reads, August 27 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 28

Batya’s Bits, August 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 29

Kayem Reads, August 29

Little Homeschool on the Prairie , August 30

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 30

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, August 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 31

Labor Not in Vain, August 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Darlene is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of Lethal Cover-Up!!

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/1141b/lethal-cover-up-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Summer Plans and Other Disasters

Author: Karin Beery

Genre: Women’s Romantic Fiction

Release date: April 2021

Elementary school music teacher Callie Stevens thinks she’s finally figured out God ’s plan for her life—she even made a list to keep her on track. Moving in with her brother and reconnecting with her ex-boyfriend are at the top of the list. What ’s not on the list is running into her childhood crush, Ryan. God wanted her to connect with Kyle, right? Trying to figure out God ’s plan is hard enough. But a dating-averse older brother, the young blonde who adores him, a pregnant best friend, and Callie ’s continual mishaps make her wonder whether her best-laid plans were truly God-inspired.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Karin Beery grew up in a small, rural Michigan town where she wrote her first novel in high school. She’s still writing today, telling contemporary stories with a healthy dose of romance. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s editing or teaching it. And when she’s not doing that, she enjoys time at home with her husband and fur babies, once again living in a small, rural Michigan town.

More from Karin

I discovered audiobooks two years ago, and they have changed my life! Now I look forward to long car rides and endless hours cleaning and cooking. Well, I don’t really look forward to the cleaning and cooking, but at least the chores are tolerable because I just turn on a new book and listen to a story while I work! I know I’m not the only one who multitasks with audiobooks. I had a few friends ask me when my books would be available in audio form so they could listen—with long commutes and families at home, they prefer listening to their books in the quiet of the car.

That’s why I’m so excited to bring Summer Plans and Other Disasters to audiobook, and I’m just as excited about my narrator, Jasmine Zhwalen. Summer Plans was my first published book, and now it will be Jasmine’s first too. As soon as I heard her audition, I knew I wanted her to give Callie, Jack, Stacey, and Ryan their voices. Considering it’s the first go-round for both of us, I think it turned out pretty well!

Thanks for listening!

MY REVIEW

This is my second time to go through this book. However this time I listened to the audio version. Oh my this made the story come alive. Now it was easier to picture the characters and catch the little bickering between brother and sister. I thought that Jasmine did a great job of making this story even better with her accomplished reading and voices that distinguished each character.

This was a fun book to read. It was lighthearted yet had great lessons to be learned through the characters. Callie has it all together or so she thinks. She has this big plan to come back and stay with her brother for the summer. During that time she has a scheme to reconnect with her ex- boyfriend. What could possibly go wrong with that plan? I think she forgot that God has a plan for her life and it may not be exactly what she is wanting. I have never seen such a klutz before, but Callie is really no help to her brother at his job.

I know that Callie is suppose to be the star in this story, but I absolutely adored Jack who is Callie's brother. He is smart and very protective of his sister. Their bickering was classic and I loved watching how their relationship showed how important family really is. Jack isn't all that enthusiastic about Callie's plan to win her ex-boyfriend back, but he stood by her and she went full steam ahead.

The book has a few other characters that play a key part in the story. In order for you to enjoy this story, I think you need to discover for yourself who these other characters are and how they will change Callie's life. The theme for me in this book is about listening to God and trusting Him. There is nothing wrong with making plans for your future, but if you don't take the time to listen to God, the wrong choice can spell disaster. Will Callie find what she is looking for?

I received a copy of the audio version from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.