About the Book

Book: A Life Reclaimed

Author: Olivia Rae

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 28, 2022

Book: A Life Reclaimed

Author: Olivia Rae

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 28, 2022

A Scoundrel, A Spy, and A Secret. Will She Ever Learn the Truth?

Desperate to avoid a second loveless marriage, Anne Howell hides out in a cave on the Welsh coast. If she can get to England, she should be safe from her stepfather’s long reaching hand. She thinks her prayers are answered when she rescues a shipwrecked sailor, Thomas Armstrong, who agrees to help her, claiming he has ties to Queen Elizabeth I. Though she fears he may be an accomplished liar, she has no choice but to trust him, especially when a secret from her past puts spies on her trail and threatens to destroy her future.

Upon learning his true mother was executed in place of a dethroned queen, Thomas Armstrong sets out to find the cowardly monarch and avenge his mother’s death. Broke and in debt, he is finally on the verge of reaching his goal when his ship goes down in a storm and he ends up owing his life to the honest and forthright Anne Howell. He fears his quest is finished – until he learns there are those who would pay handsomely to have Anne in their possession, enough to clear his debt and enable him to pursue the revenge he seeks. But in helping Anne he has lost his heart, and now faces a devastating choice – remain loyal to his goal of avenging his mother or follow his feelings to an uncertain future with Anne.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Olivia Rae is an award-winning author of historical and contemporary inspirational romance. She spent her school days dreaming of knights, princesses and far away kingdoms; it made those long days in the classroom go by much faster. Nobody was more shocked than her when she decided to become a teacher. Besides getting her Master’s degree, marrying her own prince, and raising a couple of kids, Olivia decided to breathe a little more life into her childhood stories.

Olivia is the winner of the Book Buyers Best Award, Angel Award, New England Readers’ Choice Award, the Golden Quill Award, the American Fiction Award, and is a gold and bronze medalist in the Illumination Awards.

More from Olivia

I’ve always been drawn to English history and back in 2009, I was blessed to visit London with my daughter. We immersed ourselves in the area’s rich history by going to museums, visiting Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, Temple Church, and so much more. Of course, a tour of the city wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to the Tower of London. There I learned about the tragic and short life of Lady Jane Grey, who was the queen of England for nine days.

 

Later that day, I found a postcard that displayed the famous painting, The Execution of Lady Jane Grey by Paul Delaroche. My mind started racing and the seeds for the Secrets of the Queens series took root. I wondered what would’ve happened if Lady Jane Grey had lived. A Life Reclaimed, the third book in the Secrets of the Queens, is not about Lady Jane Grey per se, but it follows the story of a young man whose life has been changed because of her escape from death.

 

I hope you enjoy my tale of mystery, intrigue, and love as much as I enjoyed writing it.

MY REVIEW 

I loved how this story takes two very different people and put them together in an adventure that sweeps over sea and land.  We explore a bit of history as Queen Elizabeth makes a grand appearance in this enchanting story.Thomas is determined to find out what happened to his mother  and why he has been lied to all these years. The man he calls father is not  really  his father. He is out for revenge for something that happened to a special person in his life. We witness his downfall when he seems to be obsessed with jewels, gold and whatever makes him wealthy. He has no need to pray for he does not think it helps. When his life starts to unravel, he happens upon a young woman who may be what he needs to help him get rich. “Someday you will learn there are more precious things in this world besides gold and jewels.” 

Anne is on the run from her stepfather who wants to force her to marry someone she does not love. Her stepfather is abusive to her and she seeks a place where she can be safe. I love her faith and how she continually prays over every situation. When she and Thomas run into each other she does question if he can be trusted. After all he is a thief and around  his neck adorns a stolen cross necklace with jewels that make it  very valuable. There are moments when their banter is funny and I loved how the author used this to let their guard down around each other. 

As secrets are revealed we witness Thomas having a meltdown in front of everyone. He blames himself for all that has gone wrong at his home with his greed and bitterness. Will he come to understand that God can help him? Anne expresses her emotions with such heart wrenching words that Thomas begins to soften. I love this moment when Thomas begins to find strength to fight for his family and perhaps let the past go. 

This story illustrates how  greed, secrets and pride can fracture a family. We see before  our eyes Thomas trying to sort out what has happened over  the  years to a family he once felt part of. As the story comes to an ending we witness that, “the truth shall set you free.” 

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

Blog Stops

Rebecca Tews, February 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 10

Worthy2Read, February 11

Texas Book-aholic, February 12

deb’s Book Review, February 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 15

For Him and My Family, February 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 16

Betti Mace, February 17

Cover Lover Book Review, February 17

Connie’s History Classroom, February 18

Holly’s Book Corner, February 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 19

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 20 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 20

Pause for Tales, February 21

Blogging With Carol, February 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away the grand prize of a themed gift box!!

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/242a3/a-life-reclaimed-celebration-tour-giveaway

 THE SOUND OF LIGHT BY SARAH SUNDIN

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden. 

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.

MY REVIEW

This is a beautifully written story about WWII through the eyes of people who will capture the emotional struggle they go through. I loved how the author creates an image of what it was was like as our two main characters take a journey that fills the pages with faith, danger, war, evil and survival. I found it interesting that we get a closer look at the Dutch in this story. I don’t remember many stories that feature the Dutch and the author shows how in-depth  her research was as she brought these people to life. 

Else impressed me with her intelligence and determination as an American living in a foreign land during this time  period. She is a physicist who has to prove  to others that  women can thrive in this field. When Else is asked to print flyers that could cause her to be put in danger, she decides to do it to contribute to the cause of getting Germany to leave. The tension is high as she has to be very careful not to get caught. With bravery I applauded her for standing up to the enemy. 

Henrik is a character that you want to have on your side. He is strong, smart and does secret missions to deliver much needed information to Allies. I loved how he delivered the  messages via a row boat in the dark of night. He gets to know Else better as they are staying at the same boardinghouse. Henrik hides his real identity from everyone, but is someone suspicious of him? 

The story is filled with twists in the  story as Else and Henrik  must keep one step ahead of the Gestpo. Their lives are in danger and the author keeps us on the edge of our seat as we watch two people face danger, develop feelings for each other and try to overcome the evil that tries to destroy them. 

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

About the Book

Book: The Revelation of Israel

Author: Rachel Rebecca Baxter

Genre: Christian Non-Fiction

Release date: January, 2022

In the Revelation of Israel, God’s plan to regather His people from all 12 Tribes of Israel is unveiled.  He promises to, again, raise up the Josephs, so that His lost children from the 10 Tribes of the Northern Kingdom of Israel may know who they are, be provided for, and protected through the Tribulation, which is nearly upon us.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Rachel Baxter has a professional background in engineering, with a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Engineering, and an MBA.  Rachel currently works in the field of business process consulting with over 20 years of experience.

Rachel grew up in the Lutheran Church where she was baptized, confirmed, and married.  She was born again and spirit filled in 2014 when she received inner healing through a ministry called One Whole Heart in Omaha, Nebraska.  She now serves as an elder and volunteer for this ministry.  Rachel also serves her local church in various capacities.

Rachel is married to Garrick, and they have 4 children from elementary to high school age.  Rachel led a Christian school and homeschool coop called Valor for 5 years.  This was a missional spirit-led school where every day began with worship, and the children were taught to hear and follow the voice of the Lord, as Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice and follow me!” Rachel continues to have a heart for Kingdom youth education.

When she was baptized in the Holy Spirit, Rachel began to have dreams and visions from the Lord.  He began to speak with her about the days that are ahead, the time before   Jesus returns, so that she could write them down and release the prophetic words for those who were willing to hear.  Rachel has received several angelic visitations.  (A primary purpose of an angel is to be a messenger.) An angel of the Lord came to Rachel to tell her that she was, “Called to see that which was coming upon the Earth and to tell others what is coming.”  This book is an act of obedience to that call.

 

More from Rachel

It’s been a year since I co-labored with the Lord to write this work.  I have used it myself on a weekly basis as a reference.  There is so much insight here that is beyond me.  The Lord, in His glorious wisdom, is able to make the complicated and mysterious – clear and beautiful when He takes His truth and allows us to absorb it into our bones.  This is the essence of a revelation!  The Revelation of Israel is God’s story of His plans written before time began.  It starts with a people under Father Abraham who were meant to know their God.  Those people fell short in every way and were scattered across the earth.  We know that Jesus came to redeem God’s people to Himself through His atoning sacrifice – but the story of God does not end there.  God’s story has continued the last 2,000 years and is about to be fulfilled in the last seven years of tribulation on the earth that culminates with the return of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah at the last trump!

MY REVIEW 

This book is not a fast read but one you should take your time going through. We have heard many times that Jesus is coming soon. Yet  I don’t think any of us can accurately say when that  will be. I do like how the author talks about different books in the Bible and goes step by step to help us understand what scripture is saying. The author does raise  questions that make us think. One question that  got my attention was ,”could it be that America isn’t  or at least included in, the Daughter of Babylon  referenced in Zechariah?” This is telling us that perhaps America is not following God just like the Daughter of Babylon did not follow God. 

Reading through this book I was reminded of the  blessing and promises that God has made to His people. The author shows us prophets in the Bible and what  their prophecy was. I liked that the author took us deep into scripture and unwrapped it word  by word. What I find intriguing about books like this is that some people may not agree  with the author on every point made. It is an interpretation of scripture that the author uses which may not be the way others think it says. Overall the book has some keys points such as remembering that God’s Word does not come back void.

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

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 6

Splashes of Joy, February 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 7

Texas Book-aholic, February 8

Spoken from the Heart, February 9 (Author Interview)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 10

deb’s Book Review, February 11

Guild Master, February 12 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 13

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 14

A Reader’s Brain, February 15 (Author Interview)

Vibrant Wings by Valerie, February 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 16

Artistic Nobody, February 17

Blossoms and Blessings, February 18 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of a $100 Amazon gift card with copy of 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/23eef/the-revelation-of-israel-celebration-tour-giveaway

 COLD LIGHT OF DAY BY ELIZABETH GODDARD

Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and even an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.

Grier is in Alaska for the same reason so many others are--to disappear--when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he's not sure even Autumn could save him.

As the stakes rise and the dangers increase, Autumn and Grier must rely on each other to extinguish the deadly threats.

PURCHASE YOUR OWN COPY HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

With over a million books sold, Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over fifty novels and counting, including the romantic mystery, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES–a 2011 Carol Award winner. Four of her six Mountain Cove books have been contest finalists. Buried, Backfire and Deception are finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, and Submerged is a Carol Award finalist. A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to fulfill her dreams of writing full-time.

MY REVIEW 

I love the beginning of a new series because it gets me excited to venture  into a world that the author creates. This series promises to be an adrenaline rush with characters that you feel close to along with action that propels the story forward. I love the backdrop of Alaska and the description of a place where cold is normal and wilderness that seems to attract people to the land. I have seen pictures of Alaska and every time it sends shivers down my spine. The author lets readers feel like they are there in Shadow Gap with mystery surrounding the town. 

I loved Autumn and how determined she is to keep her job as Chief of the  little town. With a history of law enforcement in her family she doesn’t want to let anyone down. Danger starts heating up the town as a woman is rescued after almost drowning in icy water. Autumn is not sure she got the truth from the woman and wants to investigate further. Oh how I loved her inquisitive nature that made her good at her job. What will she find when she dives into the cold water? What secrets are hidden beneath the surface? 

Grier came to this little town to become invisible but it sure doesn’t help him when he rescues a woman from the water. Everyone in town knows what he has done and considers him a hero. This is not what he wanted but then the chief asks him to join her in an investigative dive. So much for him blending into the scenery.  He hides a dark secret that could cost him his life if the secret was ever exposed. 

The non stop action is worthy of a movie with espionage, strange deaths occurring , secrets that reveal crimes and lets  not forget revenge that heightens the threat level. I was not prepared for all the action and loved how the author included faith throughout the book. As Grier and  Autumn work together Grier reveals who he really is. This was so emotional yet I loved how he trusted Autumn with the truth. This is by far my favorite book from the author. She delivers a story that reaches the top in danger and twists that will keep readers glued to the pages. I felt like I was watching the story play out in real life with vivid descriptions of what was  going on. I can’t wait for the next book in this explosive series. 

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

 SYCAMORE CIRCLE BY SHELLEY SHEPARD GRAY

There’s a lot going on in Joy Howard’s life. She’s got an ex-husband who starts acting like he doesn’t want to be an ex anymore, a sixteen-year-old daughter in need of a guiding hand and a lot of rides to dance practice, more orders for paintings than she has time to paint, and a roster of tutoring clients who sometimes need far more than she can give.

What she doesn’t have is time for a new relationship.

Samuel “Bo” Beauman is a lot of things. He’s a counselor for transitioning ex-cons, a good friend to many, a construction worker, a brother and son, and even a part-time model for a high-end sportswear catalog. He’s also a man searching for redemption.

One thing he isn’t is a man in need of a girlfriend.

But none of that seems to matter when Bo hears Joy’s kind voice in a crowded coffee shop. He instantly knows she’s someone he wants to know better. The two of them hit it off—much to the dismay of practically everyone they know—but Bo doesn’t care what other people think. He feels at peace whenever he’s with Joy, and he won’t let her go without a fight.

When Joy starts getting mysterious texts and phone calls from unknown numbers, she tries to ignore it. But instead of going away, the messages escalate and Joy realizes she can’t handle it alone. But she is juggling a jealous ex-husband, a handful of students with little to lose, and a brand-new boyfriend who spent several years behind bars. Who can she trust?

MY REVIEW

This story  has everything a reader who loves intrigue and a bit of romance look for. The characters jump off the pages with realism and I became so glued to the book I didn’t put it down until I finished it. Joy is a great character who has a big heart. She loves to help others who don’t know how to read. I love how the  author highlights illiteracy and how many people deal with this daily. I am happy that we have volunteers like Joy who give their time to help others. She does have a group of people she teaches to read who she feels needs that extra touch to show that they are important. 

Bo is by far my favorite character in this book. With his background I can see why he is a little uncomfortable putting himself out there. Something about Joy catches Bo’s attention while at a coffee shop. You can feel his shyness as he approaches Joy and I thought it was cute to see this big strong  intimidating man feel so shy around Joy. The author gives us history on Bo’s past which helps readers see that people can change and be a better person. 

The story is filled with emotions that are raw that shows how important it is to open up to someone when you are in trouble. When Joy finds herself being stalked she starts to become anxious and withdraws a little from Bo. With an ex-husband to deal with she is not sure she can share her feelings  and let Bo in. Can she trust him? 

The author is very good at unraveling a mystery with gripping suspense. I wasn’t sure who was behind it but I never suspected the person that was revealed. When Joy’s daughter realizes that her mom could be in trouble she turns to her Amish friend Finn. His calm spirit helps them decide to call Bo. With an action packed ending, readers won’t have a chance to rest as tragedy is very near.  Get ready for an intense story that puts this author on the front burner for one of the best books for 2023. 

I received a copy of this  book from the author. The review is my own opinion.