About the Book

Book: Practically Married

Author: Karin Beery

Genre: General Market, clean fiction, women’s fiction, contemporary romance

Release Date: October 22, 2019

She moved to a new town to marry her fiancé. Instead, she’s burying him.

Ashley Johnson moved to northern Michigan to finally meet her fiancé face-to-face, but she arrived in time to attend his funeral. With no home back in Ohio, she decides to stay in what would have been their house, except his cousin Russ lives there too, and Russ has never heard of Ashley. To complicate matters, her fiancé accidentally willed her the family farm house. Eager to please everyone and desperate to disappoint no one, she proposes a marriage of convenience that could solve her and Russ’ problems, if they can get past her aunt, his sisters, and an ex-girlfriend.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Karin Beery grew up in a rural Michigan town where she wrote her first novel in high school. Today, she writes contemporary stories with a healthy dose of romance. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s reading, editing, or teaching it. In her free time, she enjoys being at home with her husband and fur babies watching University of Michigan football and action-adventure movies.

More from Karin

Why would two contemporary American’s agree to a marriage of convenience?

That’s what I asked myself when I sat down to write Practically Married. I love reading historical books about mail order brides and other arranged marriages, but I wanted to see if I could make that historical theme more modern (and still be believable).

That’s how Ashley and Russ came to be, and—after several revisions—I think I did it! It takes two to get married, but this is really Ashley’s story—it’s her past that inspires her future, and it’s up to her to decide where that inspiration with lead her.

The story couldn’t just be about their relationship, though. I’ve always thought it would be fun to have a big brother, so I gave Russ little sisters. And nieces and nephews. And a pie-baking mom who doesn’t like his beard (which may have been inspired my mother-in-law, who tried desperately to get my husband to shave his beard before our wedding). I also threw in some real buildings and places in northern Michigan (even though Boyne Falls is fictional). And it’s possible that some of my character names came directly from friends and other local inspirations. Practically Married isn’t only set in northern Michigan, it’s inspired by it.

This was a very interesting take on a marriage of convenience . Usually we see books about this subject set during the 1800's or 1900's. I liked the premise of a contemporary story and that is was a clean romance. Today we hear about people meeting online and marry. It doesn't always work out, but there are the few that make a connection.

I was surprised at Ashley giving up her job and selling everything to marry a man she had never met. What was she thinking? As we get to know her better, we find out that she has always wanted to please others . Living like that takes away from really making yourself happy. I wanted to ask her why she would make her decision when she hadn't heard from her fiance . Something is not adding up but Ashley is determined to see her commitment through.

Russ is someone who is smart and a little apprehensive about Ashley's story. Why has no one heard of Ashley in the family?  His cousin, Tom liked to keep things close to the vest and puts Ashley in a very uncomfortable position.  Ashley is in for a very hard time when she is hit with tragic news. I liked how Russ was a gentleman and gave Ashley a little empathy. 

The story takes a few surprises that change the course of the two main characters. Russ and Ashley will both have to make hard decisions and question their motives. The author shows the struggles both characters have and how their decision could impact many. I liked the ending even though I guessed what would happen. What I liked was how the author showed how pleasing others can affect your life and cause pain and insecurity. 

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

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, October 22

Blogging With Carol, October 22

Reflections From My Bookshelves, October 23

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, October 23

Texas Book-aholic, October 24

CarpeDiem, October 24

Maureen’s Musings, October 24

Emily Yager, October 25

Rebecca Tews, October 25

Older & Smarter?, October 26

For Him and My Family, October 26

janicesbookreviews, October 27

Quiet Quilter, October 27

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 27

Cultivating Us, October 28

April Hayman, Author , October 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 29

SusanLovesBooks, October 29

Through the Fire Blogs, October 30

Vicky Sluiter, October 30

A Reader’s Brain, October 31

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, October 31

Moments, November 1

Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections, November 1

EmpowerMoms, November 2

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 2

Inklings and notions , November 3

Remembrancy, November 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 3

Godly Book Reviews, November 4

Pause for Tales, November 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karin is giving away the grand prize of a copy of her 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/ed90/practically-married-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Bound To Be Free

Author: Marta E. Greenman

Genre: Non-Fiction, spiritual growth, Christian studies

Release Date: June 12, 2015

Dr. Minirth, President of Minirth Clinic says, “Bound To Be Free is an exceptional book – Theologically correct, psychologically warm, physiologically health producing. I recommend it with enthusiasm. Christians around the globe need this book. Read it and be healed. This book is riveting, but more important, it is life transforming!”

Learn to live in FREEDOM. Free of the consequences of pain inflicted upon us, and pain inflicted by ourselves. God’s Word tells us true freedom is found in HIS word and presence. Christ’s desire is for believers to be transformed, not just saved.

 Bound To Be Free leads believers step-by-step through God’s healing process and transformation. The study focuses heavily on scripture, as the only path to lasting restoration, and leads believers through the process of identifying and overcoming hindrances. This enables believers to achieve power in their daily Christian walk and show the transforming power of Christ in the church.

Our Father knows each person’s story. He knows how each one of us can overcome the pain and disappointment in our lives. While some numb the pain others walk through the fire, allowing The Refiner to mold us into the precious treasure He created us to be. Take a step in your journey to victory today

About the Author

For over twenty years, Marta has traveled extensively as a missionary, evangelist and Bible teacher sharing God’s message of truth and redemption. She is a teacher of teachers. She is host of Under God Radio Show and Co-host of Refining Friends. She is the author of three Bible studies, Bound to Be Free, Leaders, Nations, and God, andACTs420NOW. Marta founded Words of Grace & Truth in 2011 whose mission is to teach God’s Word to the nations and teach others to do the same. She has been married for over twenty-five years to Marshall and they reside in the Dallas, Texas area.

More from Marta

Are you tired of hurting? Do you want long term answers…not a band aid fix? Bound To Be Free will take you on a journey of understanding, self-contemplation, and questions to ask the Almighty! At the end of your journey you will realize how much God has healed your soul and how to handle hurts and  disappointments in the future.

This study is very in depth and time consuming. It's not a bad thing, just a warning that you need to take each week slowly and absorb as much as you can. I love looking up scriptures and dissecting their meanings.  The author gives you plenty of scriptures and examples to help you  overcome that feeling of being trapped. Although you may get discouraged as you do the study, be mindful that this is a tool to help. 

The author does make the study structured and I think for me I had to take it very slow. It takes me awhile to absorb things and I wanted to discern for myself what topics were being discussed. What I liked is how the author set  a foundation to start with and then built on it as we went through different books in the Bible.

The author explains about trusting God and coming to Him for your healing. We have all sinned and some of us have experienced traumas. In this study the author tells us that we need to walk with someone who can encourage us and help.  I have always thought it was important to have an accountability partner. Find someone you trust who will speak words of faith and help you when you stray. 

The study is not a fix but a guide to help you learn what God says about faith, healing and walking in freedom. I suggest that when you start the study to take your time, absorb each nugget of scripture and ask God to show you where you are struggling.  Overall good study with examples of people from the Bible, scriptures and time spent examining God's word.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 14

Creating Relationship, October 15

Mary Hake, October 16

By The Book, October 16 (Author Interview)

Just the Write Escape, October 17

Through the Fire Blogs, October 18

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 22

Texas Book-aholic, October 23

A Baker’s Perspective, October 24 (Author Interview)

janicesbookreviews, October 25

A Reader’s Brain, October 26

Inklings and notions , October 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marta is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/ed1c/bound-to-be-free-celebration-tour-giveaway

Redemption Press Fall Scavenger Hunt

Celebrate Lit is excited to partner with Redemption Press Publishing to feature seven of their authors in a fun, 14 day scavenger hunt. Stop by each of the blog stops to check out the author interview and to collect the word of the day to enter for extra entries into our giveaway.  On day 14, put all the words together into a sentence to enter into the giveaway for additional entries.

Most of all have fun learning about new authors and their books!

About Redemption Press

With our new model in independent Christian publishing, we’re here to serve authors and help them see their publishing dreams fulfilled. Our mission is to empower the author, the Christian author. We refuse to see them as a commodity or as just another transaction. We see them as a child of God graced with a message that could change someone’s life, and we treat them as such.

This is the Redemption Press way.

Find out more about Redemption Press here.

Is God calling you to use the gifts He’s given you to do something unique for Him? Maybe you’re gifted in the arts, in entertainment, in sports, or in something unconventional—but you aren’t sure how a Christian fits into that world. 

Model Amy Joob wants you to know that if God gave you talents, He has a place for you to use them for His glory. In her quest to become a model, Amy met with disapproval as well-meaning people told her she couldn’t possibly be a Christian and work in such an environment. But Amy felt God calling her to be a pioneer, to blaze a trail for others as she carried His light into a dark and hurting world. For each step of her journey, God illuminated the path and opened doors that were greater than she could have imagined. With every chapter, she testifies to the power and purpose of God in her life. 

If God is calling you to an unconventional career, trust Him to lead you through every challenge, every difficulty, and every triumph. As Amy likes to say, “Bring it on, God! Let the adventure begin.” 

Model, athlete, and motivational speaker Amy Joob lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, Eric, and their children, Arianna and Ashton. When she is not managing the domestic domain, Amy is blogging, speaking, or working at trade shows. She attempts cartwheels in the backyard and visits cool museums with her family in her spare time.

https://amzn.to/2LpnPQH

https://promosimple.com/ps/ecf0/redemption-press-fall-scavenger-hunt

Blog Stops

A Reader’s Brain, Stop One

Texas Book-aholic, Stop Two

Janicesbookreviews, Stop Three

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, Stop Four

Inklings and Notions, Stop Five

Tell Tale Book Reviews, Stop Six

For the Love of Literature, Stop Seven

Lukewarm Tea, Stop Eight

Blossoms and Blessings, Stop Nine

Wishful Endings, Stop Ten

A Baker’s Perspective, Stop Eleven

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, Stop Twelve

Andrea Christenson, Stop Thirteen

Artistic Nobody, Stop Fourteen

A CROSS TO KILL by ANDREW HUFF

The book grabs your attention right away. . We have a front row  seat to an execution of a news reporter that plays out on TV. Christine sits in a chair surrounded by people who want to send a message to the United Stated. I could feel the terror as she waited to die. At the minutes tick away , her heart starts to pump faster. Can she be saved in time?

John Cross is an experienced undercover agent for the U.S. He is no stranger to danger and he is determined to save Christine’s life. What happens next is a combination of 007 and an edgy undercover operation combined in an explosive rescue that has you on the edge of  your seat. John seems to be outnumbered but with his determination and training he may just pull off the save and get them both to freedom.

It was interesting to learn that John is now a pastor and wants nothing to do with his past. He loved his church and the members take to him right away. I liked how the women in the church took him under their wing and made sure he had food since he was a single man. By asking the right questions, Christine is able to find John so she can thank him. That really surprised me that someone would give up his whereabouts to a stranger. What really troubled me was how John shared information with Christine about his previous undercover jobs. To me this seemed a bit unrealistic and I wondered why he was so quick to trust Christine with information that could get him killed.

Danger seems to follow him and his life is put in more danger when he finds out people are looking for Christine. He will risk everything to rescue her.  There is a scene that really sent shivers down my spine. John is at church kneeling on the stage. I had this image of God surrounding him as John falls into His arms. All the things that John has done in the CIA comes to the surface and now his life is minutes away from ending. The twist are endless and it is hard to decide who to trust at times.

This is a good start to a promising series. The lesson on forgiveness is endless in this story and reminds us that God does forgive us and is there waiting for us to come home.

I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications. The review is my own opinion.

 About the Book

Book: The Glittering Web

Author: Richard & Linda Nathan

Genre: Christian fiction/futuristic

Release Date: July 1, 2019

What if everything you thought was true and good — wasn’t?

Stripping away years of deception doesn’t come easily—especially to Loren and Eve Montcrest. They believe they’re following the true path as initiates in Seattle’s Arcane Institute, their society’s elite training academy for the New World Order in 2050.

Pursuing spiritual power despite enormous dangers, they are caught up in a fiery, fast-paced succession of intrigues and adventure that rocks their love for each other and even their sanity.

Only a shocking, last-minute intervention can strip away the veil of deception and rescue them from
destruction—but will they give up everything for it?

Click here to get your copy.

About the Authors

Whether writing apologetics or page-turners, Richard and Linda write together. The Glittering Web is their first novel, a thriller rooted in their own lives and the occult. Richard has a master’s in Christian history and a B.S. in biology and has worked in psychiatric units for over 25 years. Linda has a B.A. in psychology. She has managed Logos Word Designs, LLC, since 1992, providing professional writing, editing, and publishing consultation services. She is also a staff freelance editor with Redemption Press. Together and singly, they have taught and spoken at conferences, seminars, churches, and on the radio. #glitteringweb ~ www.theglitteringweb.com

More from Richard and Linda

What if everything you thought was true and good—wasn’t?

That’s what we painfully learned from our years in the New Age / psychedelic movement in the San Francisco Bay Area during the ’60s and ’70s–years in which we almost lost our sanity, our souls, and our lives.

Like our characters Loren and Eve who are initiates in Seattle’s Arcane Institute in the year 2050, we pursued spiritual power into a glittering web of dangers and deceptions.

Although true to our own inner trials and temptations, The Glittering Web is a fast-paced thriller and sci-fi fantasy with a life of its own, an evangelistic thrust, and a call to Christians to wake up to this huge mission field all around us where today a New Age practitioner is running for President. As it exposes the deceitfulness of this popular movement, it also glorifies the great love and power of Jesus Christ to reach the lost.

See our author video at www.theglitteringweb.com and join the Insider’s Club for our free quarterly newsletter, articles, contests, drawings, Q&As, and much more. There’s also a glossary of over 60 New Age terms to help you.

This book was extremely hard to follow and understand at times. I didn't feel good about reading the book with so much darkness in it. It is filled with wizards, evil  symbols and an overwhelming feeling of fear. I understand the premise of the book looking at good vs evil but it went a little far for me at times.  There was something in the book that did catch my eye though. It talks about being tested and one of the characters' say,"They're always with us, guarding us and taking care of us. Nothing bad can happen to us. Next time you'll be even stronger." Yes we do go through tests . They can be very draining and we call out to God for help. Through each trial we do grow stronger as we rely on our faith to help us.

The story is written in a future time and the two main characters are battling what they think is a fight against evil. It comes in to question if they recognize evil or if they are being deceived. The couple almost seem to be pulling away from each other as they try to grasp what all is going on. Have you ever been jealous of someone because they were spiritually more mature than you were? I got that feeling that Loren and Eve were not only battling the enemy but each other.  They compare notes on missions they have been through and wonder if they are failing the test. It was interesting to read about their many battles and how much they were able to endure. 

Our mind can play tricks on us and make us think things that aren't true. In this story we see a lot of this coming into play. The enemy loves to plant seeds of doubt in us and try to get us to turn on each other. His tricks are endless and if we are not careful, we fall into his trap. The ending is quite powerful and has a great message of faith. The enemy loves to make things that are bad for us look inviting and glamorous. Loren and Eve will each face decisions that could draw them to the dark side. What will they choose?

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 11

Older & Smarter?, October 12

Blogging With Carol , October 13

CarpeDiem, October 14

Rebecca Tews, October 15

For the Love of Literature, October 16

Wishful Endings, October 17 (Author Interview)

Just the Write Escape, October 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 20

Texas Book-aholic, October 21

janicesbookreviews, October 22

A Reader’s Brain, October 23

Inklings and notions , October 24

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Richard and Linda are giving away, to TWO winners, the grand prize of a paperback copy with a membership to the Insider’s Club (see www.theglitteringweb.com).

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/ed7a/the-glittering-web-celebration-tour-giveaway