About the Book

Book: Weep in the Night

Author: Valerie Massey Goree

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: October 24, 2014

After three years in the witness protection program, Sadie Malone’s life in Texas is bland and humdrum—until she meets a new co-worker. Bowen Boudine ignites a flame in Sadie’s long-dormant heart, but when she discovers he knows her true identity, she attempts to flee. He thwarts her escape and reveals the reason he’s been sent to locate her. Bowen, a seasoned operative with International Retrieval Organization takes his job escorting Sadie safely back to California seriously, but quickly finds he’s falling for her. Can he maintain a professional relationship while he protects her from the crime boss her testimony helped to convict?

 

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 in Washington, Valerie spends her time writing, and spoiling her grandchildren.

Novels include: Deceive Me Once; Colors of Deceit; The Stolen Lives Trilogy, Weep in the Night; Day of Reckoning; and Justice at Dawn, to be released July, 2021. Valerie’s latest novel Forever Under Blue Skies, is now available from Amazon.

Valerie loves to hear from her readers.

 

More from Valerie

Story ideas invade my mind at the oddest moments. One day as I sorted laundry, I thought how interesting it would be to begin a novel with: “I’d been in the Witness Protection Program for three years when my identity was compromised.”

 

The idea bubbled and churned in my mind for a while. When I sat down to outline possible scenarios, the ideas hit me like an avalanche. Why was she in WITSEC? Who outed her? I scribbled as fast as I could—yes, I’m behind the times and use paper and pencil to plot my novels.

 

And so IRO was born. The International Retrieval Organization is my topnotch investigative service, with unlimited resources and experienced operatives.

 

Weep in the Night is the first novel in my Stolen Lives Trilogy. IRO agents are the heroes or heroines in the series. Which agent will save the day?

MY REVIEW 

From the moment I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down. I love a good suspense story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The author delivers a story that has me so glued to the pages that I blocked everything around me out. There are many stories out there about the Witness Protection Program, but this one felt real to me. It would be very difficult to give up everything and start a new life. 

Sadie has no choice but to change her life and leave  behind memories of her husband and daughter. Trying to keep a low profile,  she works and keeps to herself. She changes the way she looks and is very careful not to get to close to anyone at work. While  I was reading  the story, I thought about the emotional burden Sadie carries with her everyday. Her handler assures her she is safe until one day everything changes. 

Bowen works with Sadie and tries to befriend her but I think Sadie was suspicious of him. His questions seemed innocent  but he had to make sure Sadie was the woman he has been assigned to find. My radar raised a little as I tried to figure out  if he was a good guy or a bad guy. When he finally opens up to Sadie she is confused. Is he there to protect her or to kill her? The author cleverly gives readers clues as to who Bowen is and slowly his mission is revealed. 

With twists throughout the story I was completed caught off guard at some of surprises the author delivers. I did like the focus being on protecting Sadie and not so much on a romance developing between them. This to me makes the story better because we get plenty of danger and see how intricate an operation is to keep someone safe. Bowen is clever and doesn’t take any chances with Sadie’s life. Spending  time together on the run, helps Sadie start to trust Bowen more. 

The story is not with a great faith element. In fact Sadie spends many nights reading her Bible and praying. It gives her a chance to share her faith with Bowen. He has struggled for years believing that God will never forgive him. Maybe Sadie can help him understand that God forgives us and welcomes us into  His grace. This is perhaps my favorite part in the  entire story because it illustrates no matter what sin you may have committed, God is there to show His unconditional love. Get ready for an ending  that  holds a big surprise. 

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 4

Texas Book-aholic, March 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 6

Inklings and notions, March 7

Blogging With Carol, March 8

For Him and My Family, March 9

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 10 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, March 10

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 11

Bizwings Blog, March 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 14

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 15

Beauty in the Binding, March 16 (Author Interview)

CarpeDiem, March 16

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

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Valerie is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 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/1b4c1/weep-in-the-night-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: America of We the People

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Christian, Inspirational, Patriotic, Poetry

Release date: September 29, 2020

This is an inspirational patriotic Christian book for those who feel pride in the United States of America and support the Constitution and America. This is a collection of famous quotes, original poetry, short essays or musings, and Scriptural references. If you are looking to read short works of heartfelt poems, quotes, and essays valued by those who follow an American and Christian way of life, you will enjoy this book.

Topics include patriotism, soldiers who see war for the first time, September 11, 2001, Benghazi, Afghanistan, faith in America, first responders, the Vietnam and Korean Wars, and topics of the current times such as vaccine mandates, media, liberty, and identity politics.

A portion of the sales of both the paperback and eBook versions go to the Tunnel2Towers Foundation for veterans and first responders.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children and six grandchildren. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. Her book Both Sides of the Border is a Firebird Book Award winner in the categories of Cross-Genre, Socio-Political Fiction, and Women’s Fiction. Her book, America of We the People was awarded the Firebird Book Award for Socio-Political and Political categories. She and her husband live in the southern tip of Texas where they enjoy semi-tropical weather and spending time with their friends and family.

 

More from Terry

“America of We the People” is a work from my heart. Dedicated to my dad who is a three purple heart Marine Veteran who served and fought in the Korean War as well as my grandson, in the 82nd Airborne, another dear friend in the 82nd Airborne who was in Kabul the day it was bombed and we lost 13 servicemen and women (he is home now and was not injured), my son, who is a captain in the Fire Department, and other first responders, police, and military servicemen and women. It is written in memory of all who perished in war or due to direct terrorism attacks.

 

On the day Kabul was bombed, I watched in horror, knowing we had a loved one there. Weeks passed before we knew he was not injured and was on his way home. A poem, written for him, describes the difference between his face before and after combat. Two poems were written for my dad and were based on his stories of the Korean War and letters he received. Poems were written reflecting my own experiences growing up during the Vietnam War when we watched the names of those who were killed, injured, or missing in action, displayed on our televisions in our living rooms as we watched and prayed, we would not see the names of friends and family.  Other poems were written for leaders around the world. And, poems reflecting current events, such as the border crisis, human trafficking, and other issues we face, like the pandemic (some are satirical).

 

The goal of the book was to convey what seems to be facing our nation and to note concern that our country has lost sight of God. The book was written to encourage others to pray for our country.

 

There are famous quotes about patriotism, soldiers, wars, and leadership. Short commentaries and essays are included along with verses from Scripture.

MY REVIEW 

At a time when our nation is in turmoil, I think this is a book for everyone to read. We the people need to stand up and speak out. I loved how the author defined patriotism as “you feel your country in the extreme depths of your heart, the innermost part of your pride. Patriotism is loyalty, fidelity, allegiance, and single- mindedness of your conviction to your country.” It is a powerful statement that we should all be able to agree with. There are men and women right now fighting  for our freedom. I don’t  think they get enough appreciation for their sacrifice. Let’s all band together and pray for them daily.

I enjoyed the different poems, and the reminder of 911. I will never forget that  day that brough tears, anger, and a nation that came together as one. We stood with the fallen and lifted up the families.  I wonder if we have become lax in our awareness of how close we came to losing our freedom? Everyday we hear about heroes such as first responders, firefighters and police  officers  who show their patriotism by keeping our streets safe. 

The book covers many different subjects from the pandemic, race discrimination to gender identity. There is so much violence in streets yet we say we are the people. It is time to let our focus be on God and bring our nation back to Him. We have kept Him out and allowed the enemy to cause chaos.  There are some powerful quotes in the book that we need to be more familiar with. They give us hope, encourage us to be a strong nation and remind us that,  “we are one nation under God.”

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

Blog Stops

Girls in White Dresses, March 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 3

Blossoms and Blessings, March 3

Texas Book-aholic, March 4

Inklings and notions, March 5

For Him and My Family, March 6

An Author’s Take, March 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 8

deb’s Book Review, March 8

She Lives To Read, March 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 10

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 11

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 12

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 13 (Spotlight)

Spoken from the Heart, March 13

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 15

Giveaway

To celebration her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card & 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/1b4bc/america-of-we-the-people-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Arms of Freedom

Author: Kathleen Neely

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Release date: October 6, 2021

With each page of the age-old journals, Annie discovers all that unites her with a woman who once lived in her farmhouse. One lived with wealth and one with poverty, but both knew captivity. Both longed to be free.

Miriam yearns to escape her life as a super model. She drops the pseudonym and uses the name she gave up years ago—Annie Gentry. Then she alters her appearance and moves to rural South Carolina to care for her grandmother. Can she live a simple life without recognition? Can she hide a net worth valued in the millions? Love is nowhere in her plans until she meets a man who wants nothing more than Annie Gentry and the simple life he lives.

Charlotte lived in the same farmhouse in the tumultuous 1860’s. The Civil War was over, but for a bi-racial girl, freedom remained elusive. She coveted a life where she wouldn’t bring shame to her family. A life where she could make a difference. As she experiences hope, will it be wrested from her?

The journals stop abruptly with a climactic event, leaving Annie to search for information. What happened to Charlotte? Did her life make a difference?  Did she ever find freedom?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Kathleen Neely is a retired elementary principal, and enjoys time with family, visiting her two grandsons, traveling, and reading.

She is the author of The Street Singer, Beauty for Ashes, The Least of These, Arms of Freedom, and In Search of True North. Kathleen won second place in a short story contest through ACFW-VA for her short story “The Missing Piece” and an honorable mention for her story “The Dance”. Both were published in a Christmas anthology. Her novel, The Least of These, was awarded first place in the 2015 Fresh Voices contest through Almost an Author. She has numerous devotions published through Christian Devotions.

Kathleen continues to speak to students about writing and publication processes. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

 

More from Kathleen

I’d like to introduce myself and then share a little bit about my book, Arms of Freedom. I am a retired educator having taught preschool, fourth grade, and then moving into administration as an elementary principal. When I retired, I pursued my desire to write. My first novel, The Least of These, won first place in a contest titled Fresh Voices. That honor renewed my confidence, and since then, I’ve written five novels. Arms of Freedom is my first timeslip (dual timeline) novel.

Arms of Freedom was birthed during a time of racial tension in our nation; a time when social injustice and protests were forefront in the news. Many publishers safely avoided manuscripts with any mention of racial issues—perhaps a wise decision from a business perspective.

However, failure to look at our past denies us the opportunity to learn from history. Our fear of offending can push major historical offenses into a dark closet. I chose to illuminate those offenses by launching this book. Following the Civil War, the period of twelve years known as Reconstruction was perhaps the most brutal period of racial terrorism. The contents may be hard to read. I confess that I often wrote through tears.

In the end, I hope your takeaway is this: Regardless of race and ethnicity, all people are created in the image of God, a one-of-a-kind miracle, loved by Him, and created for a purpose. We are called to unity, to be perfectly one (John 17:23). May we join together in raising our arms of freedom to the Savior who released us from the captivity of sin.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. — John 8:36 NIV

I hope you enjoy Annie’s story as the life of this contemporary character intersects with Charlotte’s story from 150 years earlier. Both experience a coming-of-age change as they seek to escape from what holds them captive.

MY REVIEW 

This has been one of the hardest books I have read. In fact I didn’t want to finish it but  I did. It’s not a bad book but one that hit me with truth that I needed to be reminded of. Written in a  fiction genre this story has truth running throughout the saga. I will admit that I was angry while reading it because the author delivers a character that illustrates what people endured during a period in history where racial prejudice ran rampant. . A young child hidden because of the color of her skin makes me feel shameful. The author accomplished something that few do. She wrote a story that captures the emotional and physical abuse of people who were deemed “different.”

I did like that the story went from present to the 1860s. Annie had this glamorous life as a top model but seemed restless.  She did go back to a small town and live in the house that her grandmother gave her. Bringing her grandmother back home was nice and I liked how the people  in the town helped each other out. I knew there was more to Annie than just being a model and the author unwraps her story slowly. Her relationship with her mother is not good but it was her relationship with her father I was most curious about. The author delivers a shocking secret about Annie’s father that made me cry. The emotional journey of Annie’s life is one that left me numb.  When Annie finds an old journal I was curious how the author would connect the past to the present. 

Finding Charlotte’s journal takes us back to where a young girl named  was hidden in an attic most of her life. During  this time  period if your skin was dark, you were treated like a slave. Charlotte is bi-racial and in order for her mother to keep her child, she had to hide her so no one would know about her. It made me sad that Charlotte’s mother would allow the treatment she endured from a man who disgusted me. 

If there ever was an evil character Mr Janes Pearson is it. His hatred was felt by his wife and Charlotte. The beatings he gave Charlotte sickened me and I so wanted to help Charlotte get away from him. The author talks about the Klan and how they are determined to rid the town of black people. It made my skin crawl as Mr. Pearson had so much control over his wife and other people in the town. Following Charlotte on her journey to freedom is bittersweet. She longs to be make a difference in the world but doesn’t know if she will fulfill her dream. In a way Annie was on the same journey. They both endured a horrible childhood where no one kept then safe. 

The faith element in the story is rich and brings a softness to the trials these two women lived through.  Learning to give themselves  to God  allowed them to find  unconditional love and a chance to be set free from their past.  I admire the author for writing a story that gives us a reminder that hate has no place in this world. 

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, March 3

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 4

The Avid Reader, March 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 5

Inklings and notions, March 6

For Him and My Family, March 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 8

Miriam Jacob, March 8

deb’s Book Review, March 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 11

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 12

Bizwings Blog, March 13

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 14 (Spotlight)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 14

Simple Harvest Reads, March 15 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize of a $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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1b4bd/arms-of-freedom-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Her Guarded Heart

Author: Sharlene MacLaren

Genre: FICTION / Christian/Romance/Historical

Release date: February 1, 2022

At age twenty-one, Anna Hansen has had more than her share of hardship. Her mother died when she was eleven and her father just passed away under mysterious circumstances, leaving her to care for her ten-year-old brother, Billy Ray. She struggles to hang onto the family farm but it’s facing foreclosure and things are looking grim.

Next door, Jesse Fuller’s drive, work ethic, and skill ensure that his family’s farm is a growing success. His brothers think he should marry Anna to help out her and her kid brother…while also enabling the Fullers to expand their operation. But Jesse has never had romantic feelings for Anna and the idea doesn’t appeal to him.

In the meantime, Horace Blackthorn is hell-bent on acquiring the Hansen farm for reasons of his own. And he’ll do whatever it takes to get it—lie, cheat, steal…even murder.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Born and raised in west Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. Upon graduating with an education degree in 1971, she taught second grade for two years, then accepted an invitation to travel internationally for a year with a singing ensemble. Afterward, she returned to her teaching job, then in 1975, she reunited with her childhood sweetheart, and they married that very December. They have raised two lovely daughters, both of whom are now happily married and enjoying their own families. Retired in 2003 after thirty-one years of teaching, Shar loves to read, sing, travel, and spend time with her family—in particular, her adorable grandchildren!

Shar has always enjoyed writing, and her high school classmates eagerly read and passed around her short stories. In the early 2000s, Shar felt God’s call upon her heart to take her writing pleasures a step further, so in 2006, she signed a contract with Whitaker House for her first faith-based novel, Through Every Storm, thereby launching her professional writing career. With almost two dozen published novels now gracing store shelves and being sold online, Shar gives God all the glory.

Shar’s novels have won numerous awards. Most recently, Their Daring Hearts was named a 2018 Top Pick by Romantic Times, and A Love to Behold was voted “Book of the Year” in 2019 by Interviews & Reviews. The two prior books in Shar’s Hearts of Honor series, centered on the Fuller brothers, include Her Rebel Heart and Her Steadfast Heart.

Shar has done numerous countrywide book signings and has participated in several interviews on television and radio. She loves to speak for community organizations, libraries, church groups, and women’s conferences. In her church, she is active in women’s ministries, regularly facilitating Bible studies and other events. Shar and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan.

 

More from Sharlene

• Setting is Lebanon, Ohio, after the Civil War
• The lead character’s father dies under mysterious circumstances; the next day, President Lincoln is assassinated
• This is Sharlene’s 24th novel with Whitaker House

MY REVIEW 

I really enjoyed reading  this story about a young woman who goes through many trials while still trusting God. I loved Anna and how determined she was to take care of her little brother. After losing her father she has the burden of trying  to save their farm. Someone is very anxious to buy her farm and will do anything to get it. 

Jesse is a good guy with a big heart. His hair brained scheme to help Anna out doesn’t go over well but he is not one to give up easily. I thought it was funny that his brothers teased him constantly and you could tell they had a great bond between them. I loved his family and especially his mother. She gives Jesse sound advice and reminds him that he should pray about his situation. 

I’m not sure how to describe Horace but must say he was an evil and greedy man. He is selfish and treats others with unkind words. He is definitely an example of the scripture, “the love of money is the root of all evil.” The rumors about a buried treasure on Anna’s  farm drives him to commit the unthinkable. The author uses Horace as a good illustration of how God love everyone. The treatment he has shown to Anna is horrible but in a moment when she could have turned against him she shows him grace. 

The story is filled with adventure, a mystery surround a death  and a lesson in trusting God. The author also uses Anna to show how forgiveness can change someone’s life. There is much more to the story but I will stop here so readers can discover for themselves how love conquers all. 

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

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Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 22

Connie’s History Classroom, February 23

For Him and My Family, February 24

Fiction Book Lover, February 25 (Spotlight)

deb’s Book Review, February 25

Inklings and notions, February 26

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 27

Artistic Nobody, February 28 (Spotlight)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 1

Texas Book-aholic, March 2

Bizwings Blog, March 3

Simple Harvest Reads, March 4 (Spotlight)

Britt Reads Fiction, March 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sharlene is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks 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/1ab32/her-guarded-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway