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Monday, October 7, 2019

ALWAYS LOOK TWICE
By ELIZABETH GODDARD

The story is a non stop thriller from start to finish. Harper is a very like able character who has been through a tough time. Her job as a crime scene photographer was becoming too  emotionally draining  for her. I want to stop here for a moment. I applaud the people that do this job for a living. They see things that is unimaginable and terrifying everyday. Without their efforts we would not be able to prove who committed a crime. I liked Harper because she realized she needed a break from this demanding job.

Her love for photography takes her into the woods to take scenic pictures one day that looked to be a pleasant outing. I have heard this said about cameras, “The camera never lies.” This one little statement for me is the focus of this story. What Harper sees through her camera on that unforgettable day will turn her life upside down. Can you imagine looking through the lens of your camera and witness a murder? I would run as fast as I could and never look back.

The book is well written with intrigue and danger that jumps off the pages. Harper is in danger but for some reason not everyone believes she saw anything. Losing her camera as she tries to get away from the scene will prove to be a huge mistake. The camera has evidence that someone doesn’t want anyone to find.

I loved Heath and how protective he was with Harper. He believes her and tries to help her find her camera and keep her safe at the same time. There is one scene in the book where I was on the edge of my seat. Harper and her sister are in a camper and suddenly it starts moving. That one terrifying moment knowing you have no control becomes a life or death situation. The author is brilliant at writing scenes that make you gasp and start hearing noises in your own surrounding. I have not read a book with this intensity in a long time.

Who is behind the murder and why can no one find the body? The author cleverly gives subtle hints to this question which can lead to speculation for readers. . The book is a wonderful journey through secrets, trust, danger and and letting go of the past. The faith element in the story is placed at perfect times and I did enjoy Harper and Heath dealing with their past. This has been a great story and I look forward to the next in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
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Frost Heaves FB Banner About the Book

Book: Frost Heaves
Author: Alana Terry
Genre: Contemporary Christian mystery/suspense
Release Date: March 15, 2019
Frost Heaves ebook coverJade will do anything to rescue her daughter.
Even risk her own life.
Or take someone else’s…
Jade’s a single mom with one goal: to give her daughter a happy childhood, free from the fears and abuse Jade experienced growing up in a cult.
Even though she broke free from her traumatic and dangerous past, Jade is still haunted by fiends … both seen and unseen … and by secrets some people will try to silence forever.
A fast-paced, can’t-stop-reading Christian thriller set in the heart of rural Alaska, Frost Heaves is real, relevant, and almost impossible to put down.
Just like you’d expect from award-winning author Alana Terry.
Grab your copy today.
(But you might want to read it with your lights on.)

Click here to grab your copy.

About the Author

alana terryAlana is a pastor’s wife, homeschooling mom, self-diagnosed chicken lady, and Christian suspense author. Her novels have won awards from Women of Faith, Book Club Network, Grace Awards, Readers’ Favorite, and more. Alana’s passion for social justice, human rights, and religious freedom shines through her writing, and her books are known for raising tough questions without preaching. She and her family live in rural Alaska where the northern lights in the winter and midnight sun in the summer make hauling water, surviving the annual mosquito apocalypse, and cleaning goat stalls in negative forty degrees worth every second.

More from Alana

While my childhood was spent in the lower 48 states, my husband and I moved to Alaska and this beautiful state has now become the place I call home. Even though adjusting to rural living (we moved to a town with only 400 residents) took some getting used to, I have grown to love everything about Alaska.
In fact, I love it so much, I thought to myself, “I want to share the beauty of where we live with my readers.” And the best way I could think of to do that was to write a three-book, standalone series showcasing some of the wonderful things about Alaska living.
However, it wouldn’t be an Alana Terry series without a lot of exciting, fast-paced suspense readers have grown to love. Identity Theft, Termination Dust, and Frost Heaves are filled with action, adventure, mystery and even a little bit of romance.
Three different stories. All set in my beautiful state of Alaska. With all the action, adventure, suspense, and underlying hope that readers have come to love.
One reviewer described Frost Heaves as “… full of suspense, covered with faith and truth, and sweetened with a touch of romance.”
I wrote these books to share my love of Alaska as well as God’s love and redemption with others. And I hope you’ll turn the last page satisfied, but ready for more.
If the Alaska Refuge Christian Suspense series is your introduction to Alana Terry books, you’ve read all three in the series (in any order), and you’re ready for more action, I’d like to introduce you to Kennedy Stern. Read Unplanned, Book 1 in the 9 book series. Once you get started, I’m sure you won’t want to put it down.




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The story is fast paced as we get a look into a church that some would call a cult. Over the years we have heard of cults and how controlling they are to the members. This book unravels the brainwashing by a leader who preys on young girls in his flock. 

Jade is a young woman who disbanded from a cult and still lives with the memories of her abuse. Her daughter Dez is pretty sassy for a five year old. I felt she did take some liberties with the way she talked to adults and Jade definitely had her hands full trying to discipline Dez. The action really starts when Dez turns up missing while at church. 

I did like reading Jade's testimony to the church she attends now. It shows her bravery and deep faith in God. Someone is out to destroy Jade and take Dez to raise as their own. The background of Alaska was well written and I could feel the chill in the air as the search for Dez heightens. I loved the suspense of who had Dez and the strength Jade showed in doing whatever it took to save her daughter. 

The spiritual lessons in the story are good as the author shows the unwavering faith of a mother and the protection God placed around Dez. It is hard to imagine how a person can control others by twisting the Word of God. The ending is good as the author delivers a story packed with twists. I did enjoy the story and hope the author has more of these type of easy to read mysteries  coming out.

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

Blog Stops

Robin’s Nest, September 24
Livin’ Lit, September 25
Avid Reader Nurse, September 25
Genesis 5020, September 26
Betti Mace, September 26
Carla Loves To Read, September 28
Quiet Quilter, September 28
For Him and My Family, September 29
Mary Hake, September 29
The Becca Files, September 30
Blogging With Carol, September 30
Godly Book Reviews, October 1
CarpeDiem, October 2
A Reader’s Brain, October 3
janicesbookreviews, October 4
As He Leads is Joy, October 4
Texas Book-aholic, October 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Alana is giving away the grand prize of a $30 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
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 About the Book

Vacant House Kindle Cover
Book: The Vacant House
Author: Tamara G. Cooper
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: June 3, 2019
She knows she didn’t do it, but everybody thinks she did. 
It all begins when best-selling author Sophie O’Brion is the last person to see a murder victim alive. She looks even more guilty when a woman from her church is beaten, and Sophie was seen with her just hours before. Suddenly, people she has known her entire life begin pointing accusing fingers at her.
Marine Master Sergeant Burke Maguire, an old flame who dumped Sophie years ago, has recently been hired as a police officer in Forman Falls, Texas, and is assigned her case. She doesn’t want his help.
As she gets deeper and deeper into trouble, though, she must rely on him, but trusting him is another matter.
Will they be able to work together, maneuver dangerous twists and turns, and finally clear her name?
A clean romantic suspense novel that grips you from the very beginning and won’t let you go! The Vacant House is an unforgettable adventure. Read it today, if you have plans to stay up all night.


About the Author

Tam's Photo

Tamara G. Cooper lives in Texas with her husband, three sons, five dogs, and loves writing mysteries with a touch of romance.

More from Tamara

Book 1 of Sophie O’Brion Mysteries introduces us to Sophie O’Brion, a quirky, funny, and reclusive mystery writer who lives in a small town in East Texas. Because Sophie looks at life through a lens of humor, funny moments appear often. There are frightening moments, too, in her quest to clear her name from pointing fingers accusing her of murder and attempted murder. Sophie is vulnerable, yet strong; reclusive, yet kind; funny, yet serious. And she is determined! It doesn’t help that added to all this is the return of her high school sweetheart who dumped her 12 years before to join the Marines. As a new police officer, Burke is assigned her case, but she doesn’t want his help. Sparks fly, trust doesn’t, and love stays comfortably in the past. Will Sophie and Burke be able to save her reputation and re-ignite their love for each other? I hope you enjoy this book! Happy reading!



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I'm not that familiar with her writing but after reading this book, I am a fan.  The author has great potential but needs to not have so much going on with a lot of characters at one time. The story is funny at times and filled with many twists.  Sophie is a wonderful character and I loved that she was an author. People say that authors have the best imagination and Sophie can spin a tale that sales books. That is until people start to fear supporting her could cause them to be in danger.

When unexplained murders, missing animals and break ins happen in a neighborhood, fingers point to the suspect known as Sophie. How did she get in this mess? It is hard to explain but just know that the author has a knack for taking a story and weaving it into a web of intrigue. Sophie is unlucky at being at the wrong place at the wrong time. The gossip around town is that she is dangerous and is responsible for a murder. I couldn't wait to see how the author was going to untangle the mess Sophie was in.

Burke is a welcome addition to the story as he tries to help his old friend Sophie prove her innocence. I wasn't surprised at their past relationship and wished there was more depth  to their past history together.  I didn't figure out who was behind the mystery which helped me to keep reading the story. 

This is the first book in a series and I can't wait to see what trouble Sophie gets into next. I would like to see her be a bit more serious at times and less dependent on Burke to always save her. They are a great duo but I want to read how strong Sophie is. After all she is a mystery writer, so she should be able to figure some things out on her own. Some of the story line was hard to follow and there were a lot of characters to keep up with. I will be watching for the next book in the series to see what  the author has in store for Sophie next.

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

Blog Stops

Godly Book Reviews, October 3
Pause for Tales, October 4
Emily Yager, October 4
Mary Hake, October 6
Texas Book-aholic, October 7
CarpeDiem, October 7
janicesbookreviews, October 8
All-of-a-kind Mom, October 8
Quiet Quilter, October 9
Betti Mace, October 10
Blogging With Carol, October 10
Remembrancy, October 11
A Reader’s Brain, October 12
Moments, October 13
Maureen’s Musings, October 14
HookMeInABook, October 15
Daysong Reflections, October 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tamara is giving away a copy of the book and 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.
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Sunday, October 6, 2019

ONE MORE RIVER TO CROSS BY
JANE KIRKPATRICK


People have different opinions about what makes a great book. For me, it is when an author can take readers right to the place where the story is set  and can vividly feel part of the action. The characters are easy to relate to and the story flows at a pace that doesn't overwhelm readers with unnecessary facts. 

This book is exactly all the things above and more. It takes place during 1844 where travelers take off in wagons across unforgiving weather and terrain to make a better life for themselves. We can understand their struggles as the author carefully shows the danger that our characters faced. There is a large group that make a decision to branch off and take different routes. This is where the meat of the story is for me. One decision will change the lives of these men, women and children. 

The unknown is scary and I loved how they faced their trails with a steadfast faith. It is hard to read at times the many challenges they faced but with each step they became closer to their dream of a better life. I did like that the women were depicted as strong and capable of looking out for themselves and making wise decisions. I loved the historical facts that the author includes which makes the story intriguing to read. I love this time period but I'm sure I couldn't have done some of the things they had to do to survive. Overall the book is very good and gives us a look at people who traveled by wagon and overcame hardships with hope and faith of  promising opportunities.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing. The review is my own opinion.
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Thursday, October 3, 2019

A CHRISTMAS HAVEN by
CINDY WOODSMALL & ERIN WOODSMALL

This was a wonderful story about characters that that come from different Amish communities. I love reading the difference between the two. It was intriguing to learn that one of them is very strict and almost seems like they can’t really be themselves. The rules become a problem for Arlan and his sister Madga. I admired how Arlan stood up for his sister and was willing to risk being shunned to keep his sister safe.

Ivy was a great character and shows readers how Amish do question what they have been taught. Ivy wanted a taste of the English life but struggled leaving the Amish. When her world collided with Arlan and Madga it was not by accident. I believe God places us at  the right time. I liked how Ivy and her family opened their home to Arlan and Madga. It was hard for Arlan to see how things were a bit more relaxed in the Amish community that Ivy is a part of.

The story was a nice insight detailing how we all question our beliefs at some point. We all search scripture to make sure we are following God and sometimes it is okay to question when it is not lining up with the Word of God.

Madga had sinned and her family didn’t want anything to do with her. That broke my heart to read how a family could turn their back on someone . We all sin but the good news is God forgives us. I related to Madga because I have been judged before in a church and everyone turned their backs on me. It was like losing a family as I felt alone and ashamed. This story has struggles, judgment, forgiveness, a bit of romance and a wonderful message of forgiveness.

I received an arc copy of this book from the authors. The review is my own opinion.

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Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Haven of Rest FB Banner About the Book

Book: Haven of Rest
Author: Faith Blum
Genre: Biblical fiction
Release Date: July 26, 2019
Haven of Rest CoverIgnored by her father…
Adah was neglected by her abba and her brother. She must do something. All her previous plans have failed, but she won’t slip up this time. Since her abba is King David, author of many songs, what better way to gain his attention than pulling off a concert featuring twelve of his daughters?
As she plans, Adah’s discontentment grows. She throws herself into the work but worry edges into her heart anyway. Can Adah learn to rest in Adonai as her father? Will she learn contentment in all things?


About the Author

Faith BlumFaith Blum is a small-town Wisconsin girl. She has independently published over 25 books in over five years. Most of her books are Christian Historical Fiction with an emphasis on Westerns. During an eBook sale, she was #1 in Christian Westerns and Christian Western Anthologies on Amazon. During that sale, she sold over 3,000 copies.
 Faith currently resides in Central Wisconsin with her husband and their cat, Smokey. When not writing, you can find her cooking food from scratch due to food allergies, doing dishes, knitting, crocheting, sewing, reading, or spending time with her husband. She loves to hear from her readers, so feel free to contact her on her website:https://faithblum.com.

More from Faith

The Haven of Rest was inspired by a friend. I wanted another fairy tale to retelling for my series, but had run out of ideas and she mentioned the 12 Dancing Princesses and how they 12 girls could be 12 daughters of King David. It took a little while, but the idea soon grew into this story.
I do take liberties throughout the story. It is a Biblical Fiction story, and I tried hard to keep to those roots and keep it accurate throughout, including for the betrothals and weddings. However, a few liberties I took were:
  • Giving King David more daughters than are mentioned. I did have Tamar be one of the daughters.
  • Creating a backstory for Amnon’s obsession with Tamar.
  • Showing that King David was a flawed man who was not a good father. Although this isn’t stated outright in the Bible, it is definitely implied by the rebellion three of his sons showed and his lax discipline of Amnon after his rape of Tamar.
  • The other liberty I took is a spoiler for the end of the book, so you will have to read the book to find out what that was. I do explain my reasoning of that one in the Historical Note at the end of the book.
I really enjoyed writing this story and hope you enjoy reading it!


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The book is very short at less than one hundred pages, but the author weaves a wonderful story within those pages. The author lets us know that she took certain liberties in the story that may not be included in the bible, but I found her story to blend so eloquently. King David has always been fascinating to me and it was nice to see another take of his life by including daughters. 

Adah has desired to have more attention from her father , but can't find a way to get it. Most of us probably can relate to Adah as we struggled to get our parents attention as we grew up.  We desire their approval and want to please them at all times. I love the way Adah finds a way to get her father's attention while including her sisters in the idea. 

The story was a great lesson in waiting on God. Adah is quite upset by a decision made by her father so she vows to be silent til she hears from God. What I gleamed from this story was how we question God about a direction our life is taking. We think we know the best way to go, and stumble when we doubt God. Adah continues to pray and seek God. Have you ever moved out ahead without the guidance of God? I know that I have and learned a hard lesson by not following Him. 

The author does a great job demonstrating how God's plan is perfect and at some point we understand why he directed us to do something we were unsure of. Adah finds herself struggling to go outside her comfort zone and realizes that God's plan was to  place her in a land  where she could share His word.

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

Blog Stops

All 4 and About Books, September 23 (Author Interview)
Wishful Endings, September 25 (Author Interview)
A Reader’s Brain, September 26
Inklings and notions , September 27
Through the Fire Blogs, September 28
Mary Hake, September 29
Lukewarm Tea, September 30 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, October 1
janicesbookreviews, October 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Faith is giving away a themed basket with two plastic canvas heart bookmarks, a paperback copy of the book, and a crocheted doily!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

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Monday, September 30, 2019

WELCOME TO THE REDEMPTION OF CARALYNNE HAYMAN REVIEW PROMO BLAST
PRESENTED BY CELEBRATE LIT



How far would YOU go to avenge the murder of a daughter?

Caralynne Hayman is angry and bitter over the abuse and death of her eleven-year-old daughter from the hands of her religious group, The Children of Righteous Cain. When her husband suffers a sudden heart attack, she does nothing to help him. In her eyes someone needs to pay, and if that means all of the men in the group, then so be it.
Dayne MacFarland is sent away to college by the senior elder of the group to learn ministry. When he returns after finding salvation, determined to bring the truth to the people he’s known all his life, he rediscovers Cara and realizes the love he once felt for her is still deeply embedded within his heart.

Dayne faces men unwilling to turn their backs on the cult training he despises. Cara faces men who follow their leader in abuse toward their wives and the young girls of the group. Cara is considered rebellious and inappropriate to befriend. Dayne is the apple of Elder Simmons’ eye—until he takes a stand against their teachings.

Can Dayne's love for Caralynne bridge the gulf of anger and bitterness that divides the community? Or will Caralynne's deadly secrets prove too high a price for her redemption?

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?


Purchase link:
https://amzn.to/2IQk3i2
Social Media:

Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/
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This book is not an easy read but one with topics that need to be addressed. I cannot image the terror of a young girl seeing her mother being tortured by a man with hate in his eyes. The scars of that day will remain with her and harden her heart in ways that only God can soften. That young girl is now grown and in a marriage where abuse is an everyday occurrence . Cara makes a decision that in her mind will set her free. Can she live with herself after her decision causes a death? She has grieved for a child she feels could have been saved and blames her husband for the death. Will she ever be free from the pain of losing her child? It was hard to read how her daughter died and I could understand her desire to seek peace in her heart.

 The author paints a picture of a woman who is hurt and wonders why God has allowed her to suffer. I could understand her desire to be rid of a husband who brought back memories of her childhood. As I continued reading I kept being reminded of the scripture, " Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord."  The story is riveting as we witness a group that keeps women in submission by beatings and threats. I wanted to scream at times as I read how domineering the men were in this little community. It reminded me of a cult that was on the news several years ago. They were kept in a compound and treated like animals. Women had no say and were kept in line by harsh punishment. Young girls were married off to older men and the family could not stop it.

 I had a hard time reading this book only because the author has done such a good job of sharing a story of pure evil at its best. Cara comes to the aid of one of her friends and finds herself in danger. Can the new pastor help her get free from this group? Dayne knew Cara in their younger days and has always had feelings for her. What will he do when he witnesses the torture being placed on people by intimidating men?

 Elder Simmons is a man to be reckoned with. He reminds me of a bully and takes his authority to the edge. How can he believe that women should be whipped almost to death? His delusion that man should rule over their wife and children with violence made me sick. I could feel how powerful he thought he was and how many feared him. I think he forgot that what the Bible tells  husbands how to treat  their wives. The story shows how people twist scriptures to meet their own needs and how easy power gets to their head.

 The author has written a book that is hard to read at times but I found myself wanting to know if Cara will ever be set from her hate and learn to forgive. Cara is a character that has many challenges and her defiance is quickly becoming a problem for the elders. Dayne is trying to open the eyes of the men to see what true love is and how God wants them to treat their wives as helpmates, not doormats. This story was tense at times and at other times so heartbreaking I wanted to stop reading. I appreciate the author writing this story to expose how people can be deceived. It is a journey that will find Cara questioning God and allowing her heart to be softened and her faith restored.

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



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