Thursday, August 3, 2023

About the Book

Book: Freedom in Friday Harbor

Author: Annee Jones

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release Date: January 25, 2023

Will the 4th of July fireworks light the way to freedom from the past and perhaps the blossoming of new love for Summer and Ace in Friday Harbor?

Seattle marketing specialist Summer Connelly welcomes the assignment to supervise the construction of a company float for the annual 4th of July parade in Friday Harbor, WA. Not only will it be a chance to prove her leadership skills to her boss, but an opportunity for a much-needed escape, especially since she hasn’t taken any time off since her divorce was finalized over a year ago.

Ace Lockhart works himself to the bone at his Portland contracting company, but something in his life feels off. When doctors tell him his elderly father has taken a turn for the worse, he heads to Friday Harbor to be with the old man, simply because no one else in the family will even speak to him.

As fate would have it, Summer’s plans for the parade look like they could go up in smoke before any fireworks are even set off. Can Ace be the ticket to light at the end of the tunnel? Will their days together lead to fireworks in more ways than one?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Annee Jones is an international bestselling author of romance, fantasy, and mystery. She is passionate about writing stories where dreams come true and love wins!

Professionally, Annee works as a disability counselor where she is honored to help her clients navigate through complex medical and legal systems while rediscovering their wholeness in Spirit.

Subscribe to Annee’s newsletter to stay up to date on new releases, sneak peeks, author parties, and exclusive giveaways: https://www.anneejones.com/newsletter

More from Annee

Friday Harbor is a real place located on San Juan Island off the coast of the Pacific Northwest: https://www.visitsanjuans.com/friday-harbor

I visited Friday Harbor several years ago and loved its quaint charm & the people I met who live there year-round. My visit was the inspiration for this book.

MY REVIEW

I love that the story is set in a place that we have the opportunity to visit. The author describes it so well, that I may have to take a trip there. It sounds like a nice, easy going area where you can relax and enjoy the view.

The two main characters are at Friday Harbor for different reasons but they seem to connect very easily. Summer is there to work but things aren’t going as well as she had hoped. Her workers are not very respectful to her which doesn’t help her mood. Ace is there to visit his ailing dad and runs into Summer. Right away I could feel the chemistry and how easy it was for them to talk to each other.

They both are struggling with their faith and as they start to open up to each other it helps them see where they need to work on themselves. I loved when Ace said , “ I wonder if we tend to put the responsibility for our own happiness on other people too much.” We need to realize that whatever decisions we make are on us. If we are unhappy we need to change and ask God to help us become content and joyful in the season we are in.

The author touches on some subjects like divorce, panic attacks, domestic abuse and Alzheimer that may be triggers for some. It is handled in a graceful way that directs readers to healing and trusting God. Ace has become a valuable friend to Summer when he steps in to help before her project is ruined. He has such a kind demeanor and is always near by to keep an eye on Summer.

What a beautiful story that brings two people together and help each other during their time of need. The ending is bittersweet but I’m sure readers will find peace as the story leads to reconciliation and a new beginning.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 2

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 3 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 3

Texas Book-aholic, August 4

Artistic Nobody, August 5 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 6

Guild Master, August 7 (Author Interview)

She Lives To Read, August 8

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 9

The Book Club Network, August 10

For the Love of Literature, August 11 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 12

For Him and My Family, August 13

Blossoms and Blessings, August 14 (Author Interview)

Sara Beth Wiliams, August 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Annee is giving away the grand prize package of an opportunity to name a character in a future book and a copy of the eBook!!

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/26f4d/freedom-in-friday-harbor-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

About the Book

Book: The Ghost Writer, book two

Author: LG Nixon

Genre: Young Adult Fiction/Religious/Christian Fantasy/Mysteries & Detective Stories

Release Date: December, 2021

Ghost hunters, Lucy Hornberger and Schuyler Williams, are chasing ghosts through their school. As they vanquish one ghost, another ghost appears, and Lucy gets blamed for the destruction. She soon learns someone has been cursed, but who?

Darnathian and his Irredaemon forces are still after the Lucy’s artifact, called the Spectrescope. It allows her to see and track spirits. It also hides the Spirit Sword that vanquishes the daemons. Darnathian is determined to learn the source of the Spectrescope’s ancient magic, unlock its secrets and find the Life Tree. If he can eliminate Lucy Hornberger, all the better.

Using the power of the magical artifacts that were in the trunk she purchased from the vendor at the flea market, Lucy and Schuyler must end the hauntings, break the curse, protect the Spectrescope, and do it all without getting expelled from school.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Meet LG Nixon, author, coffee connoisseur, motorcycle enthusiast, and collector of strange artifacts. With her zany imagination, she fuses a page-turning fantasy with a haunting theme and turns it into a spirit filled adventure with quirky and likable characters. After a long career, she left the workplace behind and turned to writing. Her stories are lighthearted but carry an underlying message of the importance of a Biblical worldview. She researches and writes full-time from her home in Michigan where she prowls the night star gazing and watching for a supernatural event. LG loves to ski, ride motorcycles, travel, and fly small planes; but no bungee jumping, thank you very much.

More from LG Nixon

I’ve always had zany and quirky imagination. Growing up in a creaky old house with a grandmother who told stories of ghostly visitations, I was curious. As a child, I filled journals with mystery and detective stories.

These days I write about ghosts and spirits to entertain, and use scripture as dialogue to portray God’s love and forgiveness, our hope of redemption, and the reality of a supernatural dimension just beyond our perception.

Why would a Christian author write about ghosts? Because scripture is filled with ghosts and spirits, angels, and demons along with some amazing creatures. God uses incredible imagery to capture our imagination and draw us deeper into His word. I love to study scripture because I always find new truths that go beyond the scope of imagination.

My writing has grown from my love for Jesus and a desire to share my faith with hope and encouragement. The Issachar Gatekeeper series is designed to show young adults in a fun, adventurous way the impact Christian principles can have on their lives and to deepen their understanding of the world around them.

Our heroine, Lucy, has a wonderful neighbor, Mrs. McGoo, who always comes through to save the day with her delicious chocolate chip cookies. Lucy’s best friend, Schuyler Williams, says, “A really good chocolate chip cookie is nearly a spiritual experience, don’t you think?” So, we are sharing this recipe with you so you can sit, relax, and share some with a friend. Enjoy!

MY REVIEW

What a fun adventure the author has written for young adults that will give them a look at ghost hunting. Lucy and Schuyler have their hands full at school as a teenage ghost is causing havoc. What does this ghost want? I liked the reference to the armor of God as Lucy prepares to get rid of the pesky ghosts floating around in the school. They have a sarcastic attitude and enjoy when Lucy gets blamed for the destruction at the school.

I loved the relationship Lucy has with her mom. She knows her mom is having a hard time and wants to help. What a great example Lucy is to her friends by showing them that families stick together and help each other out. I know that act of compassion warms her mother’s heart knowing she has kids that support her.

The story continues from the first book with Lucy and her friend Schuyler facing dark spirits that try to distract them from the truth. I loved the way the author weaves faith throughout the story to what the Bible says about darkness and how it tries to distract you. Fear is not allowed in this story as the two girls go up against evil. Are they ready for the battle against good vs evil? Lucy is warned that “the dark forces are always scheming and plotting ways to attack the kingdom and our followers.”

Lucy needs to be aware of her surroundings at all times and keep vigilant over her area. It reminds me how the enemy looks for a subtle way into our lives to attack our minds. Now is the time to stand firm and not allow anything to keep your eyes from the One. Lucy must remember that whatever choices she makes it can change her destiny.

Within the story you will find valuable lessons we can all learn from. Being anxious and worry is from the enemy. We need to follow Jesus and know that “he has plans to prosper us, not to hurt us.” Isn’t it nice to know that we are loved unconditionally. We must look past our circumstances and see that there is hope.

There are quite a few surprises in the story and Lucy has a lot to overcome. Our lives find us dealing with obstacles that take us away from where we are suppose to be. In the trials we go thru we can see that it can be used for good. Each time I go thru a battle, I learn more about how God is growing me and strengthening my faith.

The author has created a story where ghosts abound and mysterious things happen. Just like the last book I didn’t care for all the ghosts and magic being used. It may be something that the younger kids will enjoy and find within the pages a direction that points them to God. Overall a good story that some can interpret to leading us from darkness into the light. Be sure and pay attention to when Lucy is able to help someone who has been grieving for awhile. All along Lucy thought this person did not like her. It is a breakthrough that leads to healing from the thoughts that caused bitterness and despair.

“Only the truth can protect you and guide you.”

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 3

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 4

For the Love of Literature, August 5 (Author Interview)

The Lit Lady, August 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 6

The Book Club Network, August 7

Through the Fire Blogs, August 8 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 9

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 10

Artistic Nobody, August 11 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, August 12

Guild Master, August 13 (Author Interview)

Mornings at Character Cafe, August 13

Holly’s Book Corner, August 14

Simple Harvest Reads, August 15 (Guest Review from Anne Rightler)

Beauty in the Binding, August 16 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, L.G. is giving away the grand prize package of a custom printed canvas tote bag including a signed copy of the book, mug and coaster, book light, bookmarks, and other goodies!!

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/2772a/the-ghost-writer-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

About the Book

Book: Love Like No Other

Author: Tabitha Bouldin

Genre: Christian Contemporary Suspense

Release Date: June 27, 2023

Trying to overcome a past like hers might just help him overcome his.

Alicia Gray wants one thing: to prove her capabilities as a doctor. Maybe then she can escape the feeling that her mother’s abandonment was deserved. She’s never felt worthy and grew up in foster home after foster home, always being told that if she did better, if she was more amenable, she’d find her place. When she came to Suamalie, the last thing she expected to find was a man whose grumpy personality conflicted so piercingly with her sunshine demeanor.

Colin Tremblay was dishonorably discharged from his army medic position and sent home in disgrace after his twin brother stole from his clinic. Back on the islands, he’s bounced from job to job, never finding anything that satisfies him. To make matters worse, his twin niece and nephew convince him to spend his summer overseeing their camp activities while working alongside Little Miss Sunshine herself.

This grumpy versus sunshine romance is sure to send them both scrambling when Colin confronts Alicia’s need to please while she reminds Colin that not every bad day is a reason to run for the hills.

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Tabitha Bouldin has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and started writing in 2015. When she’s not homeschooling her two boys, you’ll find her curled up with a book.

More from Tabitha

When it came time to write my Suamalie Island book, I knew it was time for me to head back to the place I love best. It was time to bring back the cowboys. Colin might not be a cowboy in his own mind, after all, he left the ranch and worked for years as an Army medic and wants nothing more than to help people as a way to make up for not being able to save his brother when he needed it most. Alicia, the island’s resident mobile doctor, feels the same way. You would think that these two would manage to get along since they both want the same thing. Not so. They disagreed on almost everything. From a personality perspective, they couldn’t be more different. Alicia is sunshine and rainbows to Colin’s storm clouds. The one thing they can agree on is helping others, and when things get tough, Colin is the one person who Alicia finds she can trust to follow through and not back down from the hard aspects like throws their way. And threaded through it all is Colin’s cowboy past and the heart that carried him across the battlefield and back to the islands he’s always called home.

MY REVIEW

If you haven’t read a book from this author you are missing out. She captures the emotions of every character and shows their flaws in a way that only God can help heal. Colin is one of those characters. He is flawed in ways that make you want to hug him. He has an issue with God and confesses that he “gave God my everything, and He took it all from me.” The bitterness is deep and the pain is deep. The last thing he wants to do is babysit his niece and nephew at church camp for four weeks. Somehow he finds himself there alongside Alicia who emits sunshine wherever she goes. This is a perfect setup for opposites attract.

Alicia has a background that could have brought her to a place where she was angry with the world. However her achievement of being a doctor is something to be proud of. Growing up without parents has been difficult for Alicia. It has left her feeling abandoned and unwanted. She feels this need to overachieve at times but you can tell her faith is strong. As they both start to share with each other we discover that they both have suffered loss. The difference is one has chosen to be angry at God. Alicia’s testimony is powerful as she explains to Colin that through it all, God never abandoned her.

This is a great story about shutting people out of your life and turning your back on God. In our trials we can become isolated and forget that we may be hurting others with our actions. Colin is a broken man who must find his way back to God. Don’t miss this journey through forgiveness and redemption.

“God never said life would be without trial and tribulation. “

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

Blog Stops

The Book Club Network, July 28

Life, love, writing, July 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 30

Simple Harvest Reads, July 30 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 31

lakesidelivingsite, August 1

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 1

Texas Book-aholic, August 2

She Lives To Read, August 3

By the Book, August 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 5

Karen Baney Reviews, August 5

Babbling Becky L, August 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 7

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 8 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 8

Aryn the Libraryan, August 9

For Him and My Family, August 10

Batya’s Bits, August 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tabitha is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/26d5a/love-like-no-other-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, July 31, 2023

LETTERS OF COMFORT BY WANDA E. Brunstetter

Doretta Schwartz used to be so happy and passed her positive attitude along to friends in several letters she wrote each month. But that all changed the day she learned of her fiancé’s death and a heavy weight of depression fell upon her. Feeling empty, she puts away her letter writing and won’t even respond to calls from friends. William’s twin brother, Warren, is also grieving his loss, while at the same time, trying to be supportive to his parents and Doretta. Doretta responds to Warren’s friendship, but is he just becoming a replacement for the once-in-a-lifetime love she lost?

Find out in the second book of The Friendship Letters series by New York TimesBestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

MY REVIEW

This is a beautifully written story about grief and friendship. I loved how the author develops her characters slowly while showing how they grow and overcome obstacles. Getting to know Doretta was a look at someone who is grieving a loved one. Everything was going so perfect for her as her wedding day was fast approaching. An evening before the wedding her soon to be husband takes her on a buggy ride. He has a big surprise for her and can’t wait to see how excited she will be. When tragedy comes Doretta’ dreams are shattered.

Finding out that her beloved William has died was too much for her. She missed his funeral due to being in the hospital. Now she faces a life without him and a journey of recovering from her own injuries from the accident. Her bitterness is evident as she pushes family, friends and God away. I loved how her dear friend Eleanor continues to write letters of comfort to Doretta. Even though Doretta does not respond we can tell she slowly is allowing scriptures and encouraging words to heal her anger and broken heart. The author does an excellent job of using different people to speak into Doretta’s life. People react differently to grief and I could understand why Doretta was angry. Her life is forever changed and she doesn’t feel like she has a future anymore.

Warren is grieving the loss of his twin brother William. The entire family has been shaken by his death and it is hard to go forward at times. Warren tries so hard to keep himself busy but there are a few people who seem to bother him a little too much. His sweet mother hovers over Warren which upsets him. In her own grieving process she tries to hold tight to her remaining son. Warren was very close to his brother and as twins they shared many things. Now he is left with a big hole in his heart. I appreciate how he reaches out to Doretta and tries to comfort her. I loved when he reminds Doretta what 2 Corinthians 5:8 says, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. “

This has been a great story that reminds us to never give up on our friends. Eleanor continued to write to Doretta even when she didn’t get a reply. Warren faces his feelings and learns to trust God more. Doretta well that will be a surprise for readers to discover.

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

About the Book

Book: Shadowed Doubt

Author: Kathleen J. Robison

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release Date: June 13, 2023

Is street smart enough to save a life and protect a family?

Finally recovering after the abduction of her mother by a human trafficking ring and the mysterious death of her father years ago, Lacey Thompson wants to live again. But things aren’t panning out. Exclusion from Fashion Design School leaves Lacey nursing rejection when a young stranger shows up in Bay Town. He’s brash but beautiful, and Lacey senses she shouldn’t get involved, but she can’t help it.

Wade Bodine Gardner is heir to Gardner Hotel Enterprises. As a long-lost family member discovered on the streets of New Orleans, Wade is living a second chance. Life is good, especially when he meets Lacey Thompson. But his past comes back to haunt him. The man who raised him is released from jail…the man who killed his mother. Beau Bodine wants a piece of the action and will stop at nothing to get Wade’s inheritance. Stalking Lacey is his first plan of action. How far will Beau go?

Instead of fighting their battles together, Lacey and Wade battle each other. Will Lacey draw on what got her through before? Can Wade learn to trust God and Lacey? It’s a race against time to save those whom he loves.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kathleen is an Okinawan-American. Born in Okinawa, raised in California, Florida, Mississippi, and Singapore. Her travels lend themselves to the settings in her books, and her large family provides fun fodder for her characters. She and her Pastor husband have eight adult children. Seven are married, blessing them with sixteen grandchildren, and more on the way! Her ethnically diverse family of 33 plus personalities presents many opportunities to write about God’s amazing love amid trials, tragedies, and blessings. He is the one true inspiration and hope for us all.

More from Kathleen

Writing Shadowed Doubt took a different turn than my other books. I began writing a story about Lacey, Melanie Thompson’s young daughter. But since I write Romantic Suspense, she had to be old enough to be romanced! My husband says that would be age thirty for our youngest daughter, and he’s only half kidding.

But if you read the prequel, Revived Hope, and Book One, Shattered Guilt, you have a complete sketch of this delightful young girl. You don’t have to read those to enjoy Shadowed Doubt, but I hope you will. I think you’ll enjoy the small-town community of characters. Still, like all the Bay Town Series books, I aspire to make them stand-alone, and this book is no different. So you’ll meet Lacey as a young adult, ready to tackle the world.

I have three grown daughters (and five married sons), so watching them grow in their faith, and navigate college, relationships, and marriage, helped me to write Shadowed Doubt and Lacey’s story. Except for the fictional trauma in this story, I portrayed real-life heartache and doubts about what young women experience as they grow up in their faith in our almighty, sovereign God. Even those raised in a loving Christian home struggle with life, especially in today’s dark world. The important thing is to never give up. The Bible calls it perseverance. Trusting in our risen Savior for all things, even things out of our reach, until He gives a clear no.

Doubting is a big part of life. Wouldn’t you agree? We question ourselves, our family, friends and especially every life choices. But as a Christian, doubting God is the most difficult to admit. Without voicing those words out loud, I sometimes doubt that my prayers will be answered in the affirmative. In this book, Lacey definitely experienced this. She often felt like a yo-yo. It’s a lesson her love interest, Wade, also shared. His difficulty? He grew up in a very broken home and on the streets.

Relying on a solid foundation, Lacey trusted in God’s sovereignty and wanted His will above her desires. Something she also prayed for Wade, but sometimes she prayed, not really believing herself worthy of God’s best. But that’s the enemy at work. With spiritual mentors, Lacey came back around, knowing with all her mind and heart that she was worthy because of Jesus’ sacrifice. That she had no doubt. I pray that when doubts arise in your heart, you’ll go straight to God’s Word and be reminded of His height, depth, width and breadth of His love for you. It’s what Shadowed Doubt is all about.

MY REVIEW

Lacey is feeling lost when her dream to attend Design School is shattered . Have you ever experienced a disappointment in your life? How did you handle it? Lacey is struggling to keep her faith grounded as her rejection letter seems overwhelming. I do think she is being hard on herself and bitterness does start to rise to the surface.

I really liked Wade because he is a flawed character who is trying so hard to change his life. His back history is very intriguing and helps readers understand why he feels inadequate at times. Someone from his past has come to cause him misery and Wade isn’t quite sure how to handle it. I love that his great grandfather has taken him in to give him a second chance. I love second chance stories and this one is especially emotional.

Lacey and Wade start out on shaky grounds but soon form a somewhat relationship. From the beginning you can tell that Lacey is not quite trusting and she starts to turn on Wade when things don’t go her way. I can understand how we all have done that as well. The ones close to us are the ones we turn our anger on.

I enjoyed the intrigue in the story which gives our characters a chance to turn to God in their darkest moments. Fighting with each other, Lacey and Wade start to pull away from each other. They both find themselves lost and alone. Lacey can be stubborn at times and doesn’t give Wade a chance to explain his situation.

I love the faith element in the story which shows how the enemy can twist the truth and cause you to walk away from God. She gets some very wise advice from Desmond as she starts to turn her back away from God. “You don’t want to go there.You have your whole life ahead of you, don’t make the mistake of walking away from the Lord for something like this.” She not not only feels rejected by the Design School, but also by a famous designer who has stolen her design. The anger builds up to a point where she starts to think she is a loser.

The story delivers a great message about forgiveness, second chances and mercy. Lacey has a chance to be an example to Wade so he can see that God has not left him. The author allows Lacey to decide to let go of something she knows was not fair in order to grow in her faith. I think it would be hard for me to let go of something that caused my reputation to be questioned. We need to remember that God is in control. What the enemy meant for bad, God can turn into good. Here is where Lacey will see how her faith will sustain her.

Thanks to the author for an emotional, heart pounding story where revenge, forgiveness, bitterness and trust are highlighted in this story. “Remember God never left us during our last trial. He won’t now. He’s always here.”

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