Saturday, June 3, 2023

About the Book

Book: Transhuman – Will We Obey God or Play God?

Author: Rena Groot

Genre: Apocalyptic Fiction

Release date: 2021

This work of apocalyptic fiction is based on reality to come. The lines have been purposely blurred between pure fact and pure fiction. It is a warning based on God’s Word. He has told us a time of unprecedented terror is about to come upon the earth. His wrath will be poured out on sinful and unrepentant humanity in a series of judgements. The intensity and severity of these judgements will be unparalleled in human history. The judgements will be on a global scale that will take place over a seven-year period.

The judgements are reserved for those who have chosen to reject Christ. Even in wrath God is displaying mercy. He wants the lost to be found. All who have rebelled against Him are given a chance to find Him. This is His last and final call to the sons and daughters of Adam. Sadly, many will harden their hearts and turn away from the most beautiful invitation ever to have been extended in all of human history. They will curse God and stay entrenched in their rebellious ways.

God does not hide this awful reality from us. He wants us to be wise and flee from the wrath to come. If we are already His He wants us to warn others—to point them to the narrow path that leads to life. TRANSHUMAN is based on my thoughts of what the world may look like at the halfway point in the Tribulation. The Rapture has already taken place. All who have been invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb are seated. Time will soon be no more. The curtains are opening on the world stage.

MY REVIEW

The end times are upon us in this gripping, hard hitting story that leaves you crying out to God. The author explores Tribulation in a realistic, thought provoking journey. Friends turn on friends and danger creeps near as the warnings become fact. Without question this book will have a lasting affect on many. I appreciate the author writing with truth found in the Bible and captures the end times in a commanding way.

If you haven’t studied Revelations then be prepared for scripture to come to life as the author leads us through a journey like no other. I liked Josh and how he was willing to sacrifice his life for his wive’s. He is told that “you always have a choice.” That is very true for each of us. God has given us free will. The choices we make are our own. We must diligently seek Him to make the right choices. Will Josh find a way to free himself from those who hold him captive?

One important part of the story really grabbed my attention. As Josh nears his time to meet the King, he knows that this man is not to be worshipped or trusted. He thinks about the spiritual leaders who pointed people in the wrong direction. Why did they not teach from the Bible and warn others about the return of Christ? How often have we heard a sermon on Revelations? Going to church doesn’t get you into Heaven, but sadly some people were led astray and found themselves left behind.

The author does an amazing job of mixing scriptures into the story and having it become a time where Revelation is now becoming true. The action is good and I loved following Josh as he tries to escape from the quest that puts him against transhumans. I got shivers as the plan is laid before Josh. What evil has taken over and why must Josh be used in an experiment that has dire consequences?

This book has kept me up nights long after reading it as I think about the what ifs. The author paints a picture of what it could be like when we turn away from God and start to follow a false profit. The eerie description of turning someone into a machine was scary at best. Friend now fighting against friend in a battle where evil is abundant sent shivers down my spine.

I appreciate how the author ends the story by giving us questions to ponder. What will we choose? God loves us and “does not want us to be lost.” Now is the time to turn from our wicked ways before it is too late. Don’t miss the end of this book where the author has given us scripture to lead us to Christ to be saved.

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

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Hi. My name is Rena Groot. I have a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and a Masters of Religious Education from the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary in Cochrane, Alberta. I have been a teacher in Canada and China, have published eight books, I have designed a digital course called Broken to Beautiful-Transformed By God’s Power, I have been a tour manager from the Rockies to the Pacific, have been a missionary to the ends of the Earth, a mom of four—and the most important part—I am a child of God.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 2

Artistic Nobody, June 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 4

Guild Master, June 5 (Author Interview)

Scott’s Book Reviews, June 5

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 6

Beauty in the Binding, June 7 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 8

Simple Harvest Reads, June 9 (Author Interview)

annette_reads_daily, June 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 10

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

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

For the Love of Literature, June 13 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rena 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/263ea/transhuman-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Revealing the Truth

Author: Lorri Dudley

Genre:Historical Romance

Release date: May 30, 2023

His suspect holds a secret, but can he uncover the truth before she steals his heart?

When Katherine Jenkins is rescued from the side of the road, half-frozen and left for dead, her only option is to stay silent about her identity or risk being shipped back to her ruthless guardian, who will kill to get his hands on her inheritance and the famous Jenkins Lipizzaner horses. But even under the pretense of amnesia, she cannot shake the memory of her sister and Katherine’s need to reach her before their guardian, or his marauding bandits, finish her off. Will she be safe in the earl’s manor, or will the assailant climbing through her window be the death of her?

British spy, Stephen Hartington’s assignment to uncover an underground horse-thieving ring brings him home to his family’s manor, and the last thing he expected was to be struck with a candlestick upon climbing through the guest chamber window. The manor’s feisty and intriguing new house guest throws Stephen’s best-laid plans into turmoil and raises questions about the timing of her appearance, the convenience of her memory loss, and her impeccable riding skills. Could he be housing the horse thief he’d been ordered to capture—or worse, falling in love with her?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household. Find her online at www.lorridudley.com.

More from Lorri

Horses, spies, and romance…

Horse stealing in Regency England was a lucrative venture. In some instances, a sale would bring in the equivalent of a quarter of a year’s income. If caught, however, horse thievery held a high price—capital punishment, typically by hanging. Criminals were a varied group, ranging from child pranksters stealing their neighbor’s workhorse for a joy ride to professional horse-thieving rings who transported their contraband a considerable distance, over 31 miles (or 50 kilometers) and sometimes internationally. They traveled to avoid buyers who’d recognize stolen property.

The British spy network of the Regency era didn’t yet hold the famous name MI6. Instead, it formed two departments the War Department, which handled international matters, and the Home Office, which dealt with domestic issues. Revealing the Truth’s hero, Lord Stephen Hartington, works as a contracted spy for the Home Office, assigned to catch horse thieves in his hometown near the rolling hills and flowing rivers of England’s Cotswolds.

The heroine, Katherine Jenkins, has reservations regarding love and trust. She inherited the well-known Jenkin’s Lipizzaner horses, and her fortune attracts her ruthless guardian. He has two options to get his hands on her money that won’t raise her solicitor’s suspicions—marry her or have her meet with a seemingly accidental demise. Due to her guardian’s actions and Katherine’s fiancée’s rejection after her parents passed, it’s no wonder she’s hesitant about love. Through watching Stephen’s interactions with his family, God heals her heart enough to take steps of faith, but allegations of her being a horse thief threaten to undo the progress she’s made.

The seeds of Revealing the Truth were first planted when I was in the seventh grade. I used to carry an idea notebook and jot down scenes whenever inspired. My mother found my old notebook a few years ago and mailed it to me. In it were faded pencil scrawls about a girl escaping into the cold night and collapsing. She’s taken in by kind passersby who nurse her back to health, only to be surprised when their handsome young son climbs in through her bedroom window and so enters Stephen into Katherine’s life.

Enjoy!

To learn more, check out my website at lorridudley.com or wildheartbooks.org or watch the Revealing the Truth book trailer by clicking here: Revealing the Truth book trailer.

MY REVIEW

This book has everything a reader who loves historical fiction would want. I loved the setting and learning about horses. I do like horses but they are intimidating to me. Our leading lady Katherine is at home around horses. She is gentle with them and has no fear. I loved reading how she was able to calm even the most demanding horse.

What a shock it is for Katherine after her parents die, to discover that her cousin has decided to marry her and take over her inheritance. The only thing she can do is run away and try to get help before she loses everything her parents worked hard for. I don’t care much for amnesia stories but this one was worth reading. It has secrets, danger, spies and a very good faith thread which points readers to learning to trust Him.

Stephen is a bit suspicious of Katherine when she is brought to his family home. Being found on the side of the road near frozen to death and not knowing who she is makes him wonder if she can be trusted. I liked how he slowly starts to have feelings for her but puts his trust in God before making any decisions about her. Stephen has his hands full trying to catch horse thieves while also wanting to get to know Katherine better.

The author gives us a great adventure with twists in the story that made me wonder just who could be trusted. Some think Katherine could be part of the horse thief ring, but Stephen can’t believe she is that calculating that she would use him and his family in order to steal from them. There are tense moments when danger draws near and causes Katherine to decide if she needs to finally tell the truth of who she is.

The tension mounts when an unexpected person arrives to claim Katherine as his wife. What a surprise that is when Stephen was just about to give his heart to her. I loved how the author keeps us guessing as a plot develops to catch the thieves. I kept wondering if Katherine would finally surrender to God and allow Him to keep her safe. The ending is full of surprises and I’m happy to learn that there will be another book in this series.

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

Blog Stops

Melissa’s Bookshelf, May 30

Holly’s Book Corner, May 30

lakesidelivingsite, May 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 2

Kristina Hall, June 2

Texas Book-aholic, June 3

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 4 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, June 4

Lily’s Book Reviews, June 5

Cover Lover Book Review, June 6

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, June 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , June 7

Betti Mace, June 8

She Lives To Read, June 8

Connie’s History Classroom, June 9

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, June 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 11

Blogging With Carol, June 11

Pause for Tales, June 12

For Him and My Family, June 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lorri is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/263d5/revealing-the-truth-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, June 2, 2023

About the Book

Book:The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal

Author: Laine Lawson Craft

Genre: Non-fiction

Release date: March 14, 2023

You are not alone–there is hope and healing for every hurting heart.

Today’s technology has made sinful experiences and deadly choices accessible to our teenagers and young adults with just a click. And parents are left with the disappointments–and devastating fallout–of their children’s choices.

Through sharing her own story of praying three very wayward prodigals home, Laine Lawson Craft offers not only hope and insight, but also a practical, tried-and-true battle plan for parents walking this heartbreaking season of life. You’ll discover how to

handle the emotional roller coaster of trust
deal with your children’s self-destructive choices
pray emboldened by God’s promises
fight for your child’s destiny
and more

You can win the war of darkness over your children–even when you don’t get the miracle you asked for.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Laine Lawson Craft (www.lainelawsoncraft.com) is a best-selling and award-winning author, popular media host, and in-demand speaker. The founder and publisher of WHOAwomen magazine (2010-2018), she regularly hosts online challenges and masterclasses as well as Facebook and Instagram Live events that reach thousands. Her Warfare Parenting podcast encourages parents of adult children. Laine and her husband, Steve, have three children and live in Florida.

More from Laine

I would love to introduce my friend, best-selling and award-winning author, whom you may not know yet with a little of the behind the scenes insight. She’s a mom, wife, and partners with God making impossible things become possible not only in her life but for thousands of others. She has a unique perspective because she had a seventeen-year-old marriage resurrect, a financial breakthrough after almost filing bankruptcy, a daughter healed from life-threatening illnesses, and three prodigal children delivered that are now free, whole, and healed. In 2006, she realized that what she was doing as a parent was not working. It seemed that her emotional pleas, rules, and religion weren’t helping her bring her prodigal back home. So she decided and made it my mission to partner with God at a whole new level and created a new way of parenting – one that would bring peace to her life, help millions of other parents, and bring their prodigals back home too. Her newest book, The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal is a must-read book to help parent’s with wayward teens and young adults.

MY REVIEW

I remember how excited I was when I had my first child. I was scared but this was something I had been praying about for years. Finally I was a mother. I remember people telling me that babies don’t come with an instruction book. The excitement of having a child made me forget about what happens as they get older. Three kids later the realization sat in. Now I had grown children and the trials we all went through were hard but we were able to pour into out children the importance of following God.

I wish I could say that everything was always great as they grew up but along the way there were bumps in the road. We refer to one of our boys as the prodigal son. Many nights we prayed that he would make better choices but we were in a spiritual battle that never seemed to stop. Bad choices result in bad consequences as my son soon found out. Many nights I would cry begging God to save him. God was in control and I needed to learn that each child is God’s. We are but a vessel to raise them but they belong to God.

This book has many practical tools parents can use to help their children as they struggle through difficult times. I appreciate the author sharing her personal story of her three children. Like her we have three children as well. Each one at times have been a challenge and I remember thinking how we would ever be able to overcome the attacks on our children. “No matter how difficult things seem, the child we know and love is still alive on the inside.” Out job is to stand with God and fight to defeat the enemy. We should never give up and be in continual prayer.

This book is a great read and I found a lot of helpful scriptures and prayers that will encourage all of us as we continue to battle for our children. I liked how the author talks about the fruit of the Spirit. We are reminded to love, be joyful, have peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness , gentleness and self-control. Sometimes we may find ourselves in the midst of tough love. Oh it is hard to do, but it may wake our children up if we don’t continue to bail them out of wrong choices.

I liked the section about isolation during COVID that many experienced. It did affect one of my children in many ways. No school, no socializing and being cut off from your friends was very hard. We noticed that our child was becoming quieter in their room a lot and not talking to anyone. It was a battle that we weren’t prepared for, but as parents we should be on guard at all times. We found ourselves including the entire family to help. Don’t feel alone in a situation, and reach out to the community or church when you start to feel hopeless.

I really liked this book a lot and think it should be in the hands of every parent, counselor, youth pastor, pastor and church library. There are many topics in the book that are helpful and give you sound advice. If you don’t have a copy of this book, grab a copy and get an extra one for a friend. New parents would benefit from it as well so they can prepare themselves for what tricks the enemy tries to use against our children.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 25

Vicky Sluiter, May 26 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 27

Simple Harvest Reads, May 28 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 29

Guild Master, May 30 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 31

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 1 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 2

An Author’s Take, June 3

Artistic Nobody, June 4 (Author Interview)

The Life We Build, June 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 5

Vibrant Wings, June 6

By The Book, June 7 (Author Interview)

Walking Fruitfully, June 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Laine is giving away the grand prize of $100 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/26267/the-parents-battle-plan-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, June 1, 2023

About the Book

Book: Radiant

Author: Ashley Bustamante

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: May 9, 2023

Secrets Come in Every Shade

After the introduction of Yellow magic in a society accustomed to only Red and Blue magic, the world inside the barrier has become more complicated than anyone imagined. Ava, Elm, and the former students of Prism navigate life in hiding. They face discord, secrets, betrayal, and danger that looms ever closer as the Benefactors narrow in on their hideaway.

Ava is determined to keep everyone protected, even at the cost of her own safety. She explores dangerous aspects of her new Mentalist abilities—against Elm’s dire warnings.

Tensions escalate when a new visitor arrives claiming to know a way out of the barrier. While this may be the only way to escape the Benefactors, what awaits them on the outside? Will they gain allies or make an entirely new set of enemies?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Ashley Bustamante has created stories from the moment she could scribble and staple sheets of paper together. She simply cannot recall a time when writing was not a force in her life. When not running through lines of dialogue in her mind, she enjoys taking photographs and spending time with her husband, three children, and any furry, feathered, or scaly creature she can find.

More from Ashley

When I originally wrote Vivid, book one in The Color Theory series, I wasn’t sure if the story would continue. But it had to, didn’t it? Without spoiling anything, Vivid ends in a place where things are really just beginning, and that’s where Radiant takes the stage. What does coming together really look like? What does it take for a group of diverse people to unite? Radiant explores the strength that grows from working together and overcoming differences. It doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and our characters have a lot to learn. I hope you’ll enjoy Radiant!

MY REVIEW

I have been looking forward to this second book in the series. The author does not disappoint with a cast of characters that expand your imagination. It is easy to picture everything that is taking place with vivid details. Now it’s time to join the group and take a journey where danger, secrets and betrayal await. Will truth prevail?

The tension is high as a new visitor comes to the cave. Ava is not at all sure Sammy can be trusted but Elm assures everyone they can. Sabotage starts happening that risks their existence. Who in the group is the betrayer? Well I know who I think it is, but with the author in control there are bound to be twists in the story. I loved getting to know the characters better and watching them learn to work together. Everyone is in survival mode but someone among them has a plan of destruction.

The illustration of unconditional love is very well written. To realize that someone would do anything for you even if it could harm them makes Ava understand what real love looks like. It helps her understand Elm more although some in the group are still unsure about him. There is a lot of suspicion going on and I was ready to see if I could get through the mist to discover the truth.

The smell of betrayal is strong when the group enters another place they thought was safe. They are easily welcomed by the leader Ivan. Everything seems to perfect here and soon the group realizes why. Ava is torn when people she has trusted all her life turn on her. What place are the group trapped in now? Just when I thought Ava and the group are safe, danger and threats surround them.

Make sure you have plenty of time to read this book until the very end without stopping. There is much to absorb as the author cleverly keeps readers guessing. Teamwork is the key as Ava and Elm lead the group to rescue others and try to find freedom for everyone. I’m ready for book three so I hope it is released soon.

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