Friday, September 9, 2022

About the Book

Book: Where You Are & How to Get There

Author: Nolan Ryan Recker

Genre: Lifestyle

Release date: August 4, 2022

Have you ever had the thought or asked yourself the question, “How did I get here?”

You know, the kind of question examining the indirect decisions and circumstances that led you to the point life that you even need to ask such a question.

One of the oldest questions ever recorded in human history speaks to this very question we ask ourselves in moments of doubt. What if that ancient question was a question we ought to ask ourselves on a regular basis?

Journey with me as we wrestle with a question that if meant for us, today, would change everything about we view the life we choose to live.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Nolan’s toughest and rewarding opportunities are being a husband and a father. As a husband and a father, Nolan wants his family members to discover and live a flourishing life. Nolan’s life experience has covered the spectrum from being a camp counselor to a school teacher to a custodian to a Lead Pastor of a church. This, is why he writes. If he wrestles with the ideas he writes about, maybe others wrestle with the same things, and if they do, would they benefit from a different perspective? He’s honored to listen to anyone who graces him with their time to tell their story; especially if it involves coffee or pizza.

More from Nolan

Hi there! The name’s Nolan & I love this book.

Seriously, it was a labor of love.

Sometimes writing for the sake of the enjoyment and scrutiny of others can lead to some pretty sad writing days. One of my favorite writers recently said something along these lines, “Sometimes, writing is opening up a blank word processor, staring at it for eight hours, closing the processor, and not writing a thing. It still counts!”

For me, I used to seek perfection in much of what I attempted to do. I wouldn’t try something if the odds weren’t favorable. It wasn’t until I learned that life is a lot like staring at a blank word processor. Even though I didn’t accomplish anything on a specific day or season of life, the fact that I showed up is what counts.

Learning to live life in this way. Discovering rhythms of creating, rest, consuming, pain, work, play, purpose, and my people; helped me to rediscover a life-story worth living.

A life-story worth writing.

I am so many things and wear so many different “hats,” but first and foremost, I am a loved human being, created in the Image of a loving and creative God.

I enjoy being a husband and a father.

I love the passion of writing.

When something comes together, there is no greater treasure than to put something into the world that brightens someone else’s experience of this life.

Wearing the “hats” of Pastor, Teacher, Coach, Friend, Advocate, etc. time and I again I would have conversations with people regarding the very things you will read in “Where You Are & How To Get There.”

We are all on this life journey together, and I am glad to journey on with all of you.

MY REVIEW

Why am I here and what is my purpose? I know that I have asked this question many times and never fully received an answer. It comes from a place of not feeling like I belong since I was a child. The first few pages of this book gives you many questions to think on and begin to point you towards seeking the answers of “Who am I and what is my purpose?”

One of the points the author makes is how we can lose our focus. The author talks about the parable of the prodigal son. This is perhaps one of my favorite stories from the Bible. It reflects that no matter what you do there is forgiveness waiting for you. I did start to find myself being confused when the author started talking about a god-being and goes on a tangent about scientists and how the earth is tilted. I don’t quite understand his point of taking about “celestial patterns that mark the created order of time.”

But in the midst of the book I did find some useful information that helped me look at myself and understand that “we are not to live alone.” God wants us to have personal time with us but also desires us to fellowship with others. The author does get one point across that is very important. That point is to develop meaningful friendships that will encourage you, forgive you and love you unconditionally. The author also says, “The moment you discover what your purpose to be and to do in life is when this whole living experiment becomes real?

I’m glad I didn’t give up on the book because towards the end, I was able to connect with the author and begin to see what he was unraveling for each of us. God loves us and wants us to be happy, prosper, find like minded people to fellowship with and deepen our relationship with Him. “What He spoke into us at our creation will accomplish all He wants us to become —in the end.”

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 9

Texas Book-aholic, September 10

A Reader’s Brain, September 11 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 12

Inklings and notions, September 13

Splashes of Joy, September 14 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, September 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 16

Spoken from the Heart, September 17 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 19

For the Love of Literature, September 20 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 21

Cats in the Cradle Blog, September 22

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Nolan 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/2159c/where-you-are

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE BY JANICE THOMPSON

A Champion Dog Is Off His Game

Grab a puppy to snuggle and relax into a delightful small-town mystery in book 3 of the Gone to the Dogs series.

Inquisitive, detail-oriented, Veterinarian Kristin Keller prides herself on winning over any dog. But has this self-proclaimed dog whisperer finally met her match in a Sheltie named Remington who has just won the Texas state agility course competition? The champion pooch is acting out of sorts—almost as if he is not the same dog. Has he, by chance, been switched out with another dog just before the next big competition? Kristin and the other Lone Star employees will do anything to help the Atkinson family figure out this mystery surrounding their beloved Remington.

Welcome to the wacky, wonderful world of inspirational author Janice Hanna Thompson, where romantic comedy rules the day! I hope you love to laugh, because I make it my goal to tickle your funny bone at every turn in my light-hearted tales.

Whether you’re looking for inspirational romance, quirky cozy mysteries, light-hearted historicals or fun books for younger readers, you will find it between the pages of my novels and non-fiction books.

Why do I focus on the light-hearted stuff? Because life is hard! My readers lead busy, chaotic lives and need those special “Calgon, Take Me Away!” moments! Providing “Love, Laughter and Happily Ever Afters” brings me great delight. Lest you think it’s all fluff, think again!

Woven between the lines of each cheerful tale you will find the ultimate love story, one guaranteed to stir your soul and get your heart fluttering. Talk about a real happily ever after! There’s something for everyone in my stories, so settle back in your chair, grab a cup of hot tea, and get ready to discover a light-hearted approach to life!

MY REVIEW

Welcome back to the series where dogs are the stars and laughter abounds in this adventure filled with fun, faith and of course dogs and more dogs. I love getting to know Kristin better in this story and how compassionate she is. She has this knack for winning over even the most difficult dog until a strange mix up happens. Our Star dog is Remington who has just won the Texas state agility course. What an exciting time as Remington is now up for the nationals.

Something strange is going on with Remington as he is not himself at all. His health has declined and he is not friendly at all. When blood work comes back, it is discovered that Remington is not Remington. Someone switched dogs and the mystery begins. Why would someone take someone’s dog and leave them with a sick dog? Oh my the questions are plenty in this dog napping adventure. With a flair of I Love Lucy show, the sick dog is now named Fred Mertz. The team starts the work to help this poor dog. The question still looming is “Where is Remington.”

I love how the author gives us several suspects as the staff is on the case. Could it be someone from the competition that was jealous? Maybe it is the lady who is a hoarder or puppy mill as I think of them. Or could it be the woman who owns a mobile grooming company that didn’t like her unfavorable review from Remington’s owner?

I loved being back with friends and seeing how Mari and Parker’s relationship was slowly blossoming. Mari’s rescue group is in full swing and continues to find dogs who need love and care. Will we hear weddings bells from these two soon? I can’t wait to follow their journey and perhaps witness a special occasion in the future.

DECEPTION BY PATRICIA BRADLEY

After being forced to kill an FBI agent gone rogue in self-defense while working in the violent crimes unit for the Investigative Services Branch, ranger Madison Thorn is comfortable with her move to the fraud and cyber division. At least numbers don't lie. So she's less than thrilled when a white-collar crime investigation in Natchez, Mississippi, turns violent. She could also do without being forced to work with former-childhood-enemy-turned-infuriatingly-handsome park ranger Clayton Bradshaw.

When a woman who looks just like Madison is attacked on the same night Madison's grandfather is shot, it becomes clear that there is something much bigger going on here and that Madison herself is in danger. Madison and Clayton will have to work together--and suppress their growing feelings for one another--if they are to discover the truth before it's too late.

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Patricia Bradley closes out her popular Natchez Trace Park Rangers series with this complex story of family secrets, mixed motives, and learning to trust.

MY REVIEW

If you are looking for a story that has action, suspense, identical twins and an edge of your seat adventure, look no further. The author gives us a thriller that takes us into the world where deceit and murder reigns among the people involved. I loved the story within the story where Madison’s grandfather has kept a secret that will have lasting consequences. The dynamics of Madison’s upbringing can be described like an onion that is peeled off one at a time. There are so many mysteries in her life that I was hoping something good would finally show up for her.

Clayton is a great character and steps up to help Madison out. There is a little tension from them at first but as the story continues they are able to talk honestly with each other. I’m glad their romance wasn’t the main focus and directed our attention to Madison that has someone out to kill her. Adding to the mystery is a woman who could be Madison’s twin. Clayton is shaken when he thinks the woman in the hospital with a bullet in her is Madison. I loved the tension as these two women meet for the first time.

With the unexpected death of her grandfather, Madison is desperate for answers. She knows her grandfather would never kill himself so who murdered him and why? I was trying to figure out how all this would tie together and couldn’t wait to see how the author would put the pieces together. As the ending draws near, I find myself shocked at the secrets that were revealed and the pain so many had endured at the hands of two unexpected people. Madison must face the realization of what has happened to her and the people close to her that deceived her.

The book is one that I can highly recommend as the author delivers a story filled with everything you would expect from a gifted writer who threads together pieces that end with answers and a feeling of a chapter closed. The theme of forgiveness is illustrated in the story and shows us that even though it may be hard to forgive, we must in order to move ahead with our lives.

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

USA Today best-selling author, Patricia Bradley is the recipient numerous awards, including an Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award in suspense, a Selah winner, was a Carol and a Daphne du Maurier finalist. Her romantic suspense novels include the Logan Point series, the Memphis Cold Case Novels, and the Natchez Trace Park Rangers. She is now hard at work on the second book in her new Pearl River series set in the Cumberland Plateau area above Chattanooga. The first book in the series, Counter Attack will release in mid-2023.

She has conducted writing workshops for American Christian Fiction Writers, the Mid-South Christian Writer’s Conference, the KenTen and Scrivener retreats (where she was the keynote), the Memphis American Christian Fiction Writer group, and the Bartlett Christian Writers group.

She and her two cats call Northeast Mississippi home--the South is also where she sets most of her books, and when she has time, she likes to throw mud on a wheel and see what happens.

Monday, September 5, 2022

About the Book

Book: Lakside Retreat

Author: Marci Seither

Genre: Devotional gift book

Release date: July 5, 2022

Close your eyes for a moment. Inhale. Can you smell the pine trees? Now listen. Can you hear the loon’s call echo off the water and the geese honking as they fly overhead? Now imagine tasting the smoke-tainted marshmallows straight out of the campfire. Think about feeling the warm summer sun on your skin and the cool breeze against your face.

Lakeside Retreat is an invitation to surround yourself with the majesty of God’s creation and wrap yourself in the warm blanket of Scripture’s wonderful, eternal truths.

Let this collection of vacation-themed devotions, recipes, and DIY projects transport you to a quiet place of rest, renewal, and connection with God.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Marci Seither’s writing career began after her humor article about a cookie baking fiasco she experienced with her kids was published in a small-town newspaper. Since then she has authored two books and hundreds of articles for local papers as well as written for Guideposts, Light & Life, and Focus On The Family.

Besides writing, she enjoys teaching workshops, speaking, food photography, canning, and anything that involves using real butter.

Her biggest joy, besides being married to John and raising six kiddos, is being grandma to six of the cutest kids in the western hemisphere. She recently moved from CA to TN.

More from Marci

I don’t know about you, but there is something about being at a cabin, on a lake, or in the woods. The pine scented air is crisp; the water is refreshing, and lingering over a hot cup of coffee as the sun comes up over the tree tops causes one to just sit in AWE at God’s fingerprints in creation.

Growing up, some of my favorite memories were made camping with cousins and hanging onto an inner tube that was tied to the back of a ski boat, now, just listening the loon’s call echoing off the rippling water at sunset is something I savor, well, that and a perfectly toasted marshmallow for my s’more.

This book was so fun for me to write. I spent two weeks at the cabin with one of my best friends, Ginger Vennerstrom and her two granddaughters. Our husbands were able to join us for the second week and that was when we went on our crazy kayak adventure. We baked yummy treats, took nature walks through the woods, sat around the campfire, and did a lot of swimming.

One of the highlights was to take the pontoon boat down to the point and see the eagle’s nest with the half grown eaglets squawking from the edge, hoping one of their parents would bring a freshly caught fish.

I loved learning about the area that had once been a logging camp and hear stories about the cabin that is lovingly named Swan Stuga and the people who made it special.

Besides the 40 devotions, there are journal prompts and 12 tutorials for things you can do with your family such as make a pinecone bird feeder, follow a recipe for the perfect berry cobbler, and how to experience the night sky in a way you might have never considered.

Most of the photos, including the picture on the cover, are ones that I took at the cabin so readers will not just read about the lake; they will feel like they have actually been at the restful shores of Lake Nebagamon.

Here is a 1 minute video that captures the joy of Lakeside Retreat.

The cabin is calling…

https://video214.com/play/7FivHcu0KSCbkJZIl9EpMA/s/dark

MY REVIEW

The cover captured my attention right away. It is an inviting cover and I felt peace surround me. The book gives you a feeling of rest as you enter the pages filled with breathtaking pictures. Inside the book you are welcomed with subjects that encourage, strengthen, hope and a deeper relationship with God.

The very first chapter made me stop and examine my heart. Are we carrying around things that we shouldn’t be? I am guilty of worrying about everything. What I need to do is give my burdens to Him and learn to trust Him. I get so wrapped up in my problems I forget that God is in control.

I love how the book is designed with a scripture for each chapter, a topic we can relate to and a question at the end that allows you to put what you read into action. The chapters are short but does not lack in wisdom. It reminded me about things like remembering to pray for each other and be available when someone is in need.

I have been to a cabin nestled in the woods several times and each time I had a hard time leaving. This book brought me back to those special times as I read the pages in this wonderful journey I am on with this book. It also includes a list of first aid items to help you pack for your trip as well as special recipes to enjoy as you take in God’s beauty in your special place. You will always find things to do with your family throughout the book like a scavenger hunt. I love how this book encourages family time with projects where you all work together.

I highly recommend that you get a copy for yourself and grab a few extra ones to give as gifts. I am placing this book in my purse to take with me wherever I go. I love how it transports me to a place that reminds me that , “Storms are a reminder to be thankful for the shelter that we have in the Lord.”

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, September 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 8

Inklings and notions, September 9

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, September 9

She Lives To Read, September 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 11

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

Lily’s Book Reviews, September 12

deb’s Book Review, September 13

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 15

Mary Hake, September 15

Blossoms and Blessings, September 16

Cats in the Cradle Blog, September 17

The Adventures of a Travers Wife, September 18

Livin’ Lit, September 19

To Everything There Is A Season, September 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marci is giving away the grand prize package of a canvas tote bag filled with Lakeside goodies that include a blanket, mug, signed copy of Lakeside Retreat, and a solar lantern for your next outdoor adventure!!

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/21374/lakeside-retreat-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, September 4, 2022

About the Book

Book: Fighting and Flirting with My Cowboy Enemy

Author: Julia Keanini

Genre: Clean and Wholesome Romance

Release date: July 26, 2022

Jackson Ashford seems to have it all. Gorgeous looks, fulfilling job, loving relationship with his family . . . and he looks amazing in a cowboy hat. He may be a bit of a grump at times, but that doesn’t deter the women of Blue Falls from vying for his attention. So when Ruby Ellison arrives at his doorstep and hates Jackson on sight, he’s confused, to say the least.

Ruby Ellison never intended to come to the tiny town of Blue Falls, Idaho, but when her best friend’s search for her birth father takes her there, Ruby follows. She comes because she’d never let Madi down, but she stays because she quickly comes to love the small town. It’s the best place she’s ever lived . . .

with one exception. Jackson Ashford. But Ruby figures she’ll just avoid him. Blue Falls is a small town but surely it’s big enough for two people to keep their distance.

But when Jackson and Ruby are both asked to coach an eight-year-old girls’ basketball team, Ruby realizes there will be no avoiding the man. She’ll just have to hate him up close rather than from afar. But as Ruby gets to know him she realizes that maybe the man she thought she knew isn’t really who Jackson is at all.

Join Ruby and Jackson as they fight and flirt their way to a happily ever after.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Julia Keanini is just a city girl living in a country world (and secretly loving it). She loves the mountains and would adore the beach, if it weren’t for all the sand and salt (wait, that is the beach?). A good book, a great song, or a huge piece of chocolate can lift her mood, but her true happiness is found in her little fam. She writes about girls and women who deal with what life throws at them and always about love, because she LOVES love.

More from Julia

I almost got run over by a cow when I was thirteen. I homeschooled during my middle school years and my parents decided I needed to do more with my free-time. So they sent me to work at a friend’s ranch. I was a typical very self-conscious teen and I had been near horses and cows probably at most five times in my life. You could see that this maybe wasn’t the best combination but my parents were sure and they promised me a juice at the end of every shift so I was game.

I started by brushing horses tails and braiding them. I was the oldest of five girls so this was totally in my wheelhouse. I also shoveled a whole bunch of manure. This wasn’t my favorite part of the job. But I quickly fell in love with horses. They were majestic if not a little stinky, but I loved them all the same.

Then came the big day. The cows needed to be branded and it was my job (who decided this I will never know) to get the cows into the chute where they would be branded. Granted I did this with four other grown men, the people who should have been doing the job, but I was out there as well. In the middle of this arena. Trying to not get killed. I managed for about five cows and then there was a mean one. I knew from the moment I saw her that she wanted me out of there. The moment she was let free she beelined it in my direction, letting me know that I didn’t stand a chance. Somewhere in the background I heard people yelling my name, telling me to move. But I froze. Did nothing. Thankfully one of those grown men saved me and I lived to tell the tale.

But even after all of that, I loved ranch life. I knew I would one day write a story about it. I saved it in my heart for a long time, this is book number forty-seven for me, but it finally came to fruition. A series about seven brothers (even though I grew up with four sisters) in the most beautiful land in Northern Idaho.

Welcome to Blue Falls Ranch

MY REVIEW

I liked the concept of the book which is an enemy to friends story. I was very curious why Ruby did not like Jackson. The author gives us little hints why Ruby feels this way but it does take awhile to find out what happened between them. We see glimpses of Ruby’s past and discover that something caused her to not trust Jackson at all. Well the author grabbed my attention and there was no way I was putting the book down.

I liked Ruby and found her to be a very strong young woman. Whatever was in her past drew her to God. There were moments that Ruby felt alone and I understood her as I started to see inside her heart. It had been hurt and she was ashamed of what had happened to her. I know that feeling so well. Even though what happened to me was not my fault, I still was ashamed. Ruby goes through a mix of emotions until the moment she started praying. What an experience she had as she felt God’s hands surround her. Ruby was broken, ashamed and lost but God gave her strength. She knew in that moment that God loved her and she was not lost anymore. The dynamics of her relationship with her dad show how hurtful a parent can be when they reject you for reasons you have no control over. With this new information shared with Jackson, would he get a chance to win Ruby over? What secret has she been hiding that affects her feelings toward Jackson?

Jackson has a close knit family and with so many brothers it is easy to see that they have each other’s backs. I think I liked Jackson because he was sincere, fair and wanted to make things right with Ruby. He had no clue what she had against him, but he did know that he was attracted to her. I loved how the author brought them together as coaches for a young girl’s basketball team. They have to learn to communicate with each other and show the basketball team that it was important to work together.

The story does have some moments that may trigger some readers. The subject deals with an attack on a woman which I thought the author handled very well. The book overall is nice with a few questionable scenes for me that seemed to focus on appearances and thoughts of characters that were a little suggestive. I am looking forward to the next book in the series to see what happens between Austin and Sofi.

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