Wednesday, November 27, 2019

About the Book

Book: Dreaming of the Majors

Author: Dick “Lefty” O’Neal

Genre: SPORTS & RECREATION / Baseball / History

Release Date: April 4, 2014

By all counts, Dick “Lefty” O’Neal didn’t have a chance of playing professional baseball. However, today he holds the distinction of being the only white baseball player to pitch for two teams in the Negro Leagues that flourished throughout the twentieth century. “Dreaming of the Majors” is his account of the dream he nurtured from the age of five to play Major League baseball, the people God brought into his life who shaped the dream, and the amazing and unexpected twists and turns Dick experienced along the journey toward fulfilling the dream.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Lefty is currently an Adjunct Professor in Speech, Motivational Speaker, and MLB Scout. He is also a consultant for a possible movie, “Dreaming of the Majors,” which would be based on Dreaming of the Majors – Living in the Bush. He has two grown children, Amy and Adam. He and his wife Harriett have been married forty-plus years and live in Universal City, Texas.”

More from Lefty

“I wrote my story in order to pass on to my son and daughter what their father experienced in his walk through life as a Christian. I wanted them to understand that if you have the right purpose, surrounded by the right people, you can make a difference if you listen to His guidance. Using a sports platform was perfect for me to share that whatever your dream is as you are growing as a ballplayer and a Christian helps you stand as an example for all who dreamed of playing a sport.

I had no idea the book would relate so well to anyone who dreams their dreams, but more importantly, if it doesn’t turn out the way you thought it would they realize it was God’s plan to put them where they are. People have found that blooming where they you are planted is right where God wants you to make a difference.

My story is one of hope, persistence, never give up attitude, and it encourages all of us to pursue our dreams regardless of the obstacles that stand in our path. But to remember that our Heavenly Father’s spirit has always been with us throughout the journey, wherever it takes us”.

This book is one that takes you to a place where you can realize your dreams and overcome obstacles with God's help. I really liked reading the author's journey and how at times he became discouraged. When we get let down or rejected it is easy to fall into a trap of feeling unwanted and useless. Our self esteem gets knocked down and we start believing the lies of the enemy. I wonder how many of us are want to please others in order to feel wanted?

The author is very encouraging and shares his journey with openness and honesty. It was interesting to read how he followed God's guidance and pursued his dream. I'm sure there are many young people who want to be the best at something and feel that sense of pride. Along the way the author learned valuable lessons that made him stronger and more confidant. I loved reading about the different places the author played baseball at and how much he grew and matured. He certainly had many life lessons and God had a plan for his life. We never know what is in store for us, but we can be confidant in knowing that God is there through the good and bad.

What a journey the author has taken on his road to becoming a baseball player. I couldn't believe some of the places he played at were filled with dangerous people. I have always been a fan of baseball and really enjoyed learning more about the sport. The book is a great read and is filled with lessons we all can learn from.

"Don't tell God how big your storm is; tell your storm how big God is."

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

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 18

Jacquelyn Lynn, November 19

Connie’s History Classroom, November 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 21

She Lives to Read, November 22

For the Love of Literature, November 23

Artistic Nobody, November 24 (Author Interview)

deb’s book review, November 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 26

Texas Book-aholic, November 27

A Reader’s Brain, November 28

janicesbookreviews, November 29

Inklings and notions, November 30

Simple Harvest Reads, December 1 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Dick is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed Dreaming of the Majors book along with two autographed baseball cards and 1 autographed baseball!!

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/ee19/dreaming-of-the-majors-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, November 25, 2019

About the Book

Book: Reclaimed

Author: Stephanie Broersma

Genre: RELIGION / Christian Ministry / Counseling & Recovery

Release Date: August 21, 2019

Stephanie Broersma lived a charmed life . . . until the day she discovered a deleted online conversation between her husband and another woman. When confronted, he confessed to a ten-year addiction to pornography and multiple affairs. Yet even as her world crumbled, Stephanie refused to allow Satan to turn her marriage into another dismal statistic.

Reclaimed: Finding Your Identity after Marital Betrayal is Stephanie’s story—from revelation to reconciliation and all the pain and confusion in between. But it’s also a guide for those whose lives have turned upside down—a raw and honest look at the emotions, decisions, and difficulties women face in marital betrayal. It’s a collection of stories shared by real women, a journal with leading questions to help put words to feelings, and an encouraging compilation of Scripture verses to give strength to the weary.

Stephanie’s goal in sharing her story is that you will realize that you are not alone. That you are not without hope despite the chaos and pain around you. That you will find healing from the shame, anger, and brokenness that overwhelms you. That you will gain confidence as you rebuild trust and self-worth. And that you will walk out of this fire with your head held high, giving God the glory for the amazing, reclaimed story of your life.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Stephanie Broersma is a living example of how God brings beauty from ashes in the lives of His children. Married since 2002, she and her husband, Tim, have walked through the valley of marital betrayal and come out the other side stronger, more in love, and fully devoted to Christ. She now heads Reclaimed Ministry, an organization that seeks to help other broken brides recover from the pain and devastation of marital infidelity. For more information or to find help, visit reclaimedministry.com.

More from Stephanie

FUN FACTS about the book and Stephanie:

– In keeping identities private, Stephanie had to come up with a system to replace names when sharing stories from other women. She replaced the names with cast members from her favorite TV series, The Office.

– Stephanie has walked in two Susan G. Women 3 Day breast cancer walks and has ran in races with distances from 5k-50k.

– Her goal is to run a race in every state by the age of 50. She’s welcome to invitations and races with causes.

“Reclaimed is here to walk you through your season of brokenness. To support you with authentic tools and scripture based guidance that supports you and meets you exactly where you are. My name is Stephanie and I also have come from a place of dark despair. I created these materials to guide you on the path to wholeness and living a redeemed identity.

If your husband has had an affair… if pornography or sexual addiction has hurt your marriage… if you have discovered an emotional affair… then this message is for you.

Here’s why…

The problem is most women don’t know where to go for help when they discover an affair. Many will get counseling. Some will talk to close friends and family. Many will hide and pretend everything is fine. But none of that brings about the healing we need.

We need to connect with a community that understands what we are going through.
We need to discover the healing available through Jesus Christ.
We need a life that doesn’t feel out of control.

What happens if you don’t find healing? If you just keep doing what you have been doing? You remain stuck in brokenness and shame and may even continue enabling the same patterns of abuse.

My heart is for you to

Find your true identity
Develop confidence
Learn to love again”

As I write this review I have tears streaming down my face. I have someone very close that is struggling in their marriage right now. I know the pain they are facing and it is hard to see them hurt. The three key ingredients in a marriage is communication, trust and God. This book is geared toward women, but I think it could be a useful tool for couples. I appreciated the honesty in the book and the stories that were shared. The knowledge of betrayal in a marriage is devastating. Is there anyway to forgive a person who has cheated on you? The answer is yes. It will take work and faith but it can be done.

Anger is an ugly thing and it causes people to act out, say hurtful things and close themselves off. If you don't work on your anger, the enemy now has a foot inside your mind.. Be careful what actions you do in anger and allow God to heal you. Our pride can get in the way when we are hurt, but if we can strip our pride away, we can begin to heal. Marriage is never easy and it takes two people working as one to make it work. The world is full of temptation and if we aren't strong enough, it slowly seeps into our lives. I found the book to be very helpful and full of examples that encourage us to have a healthy marriage.

The book is designed for thirty days but I think it should be done slowly over time. There may be a chapter that you want to focus on for several weeks. Take you time, allow God to show you where your struggles are and focus on yourself. We can't change our spouse. The only one who can change someone is God. If forgiveness is an issue then find scriptures that help you soften your heart. I liked that the author suggested counseling from a pastor who can help couples in their struggles. It is time to take back what the enemy wants to destroy.

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

Blog Stops

CarpeDiem, November 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 20

Book Love, November 21 (Spotlight)

Artistic Nobody, November 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 23

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

Texas Book-aholic, November 25

janicesbookreviews, November 26

SusanK. Beatty, Author, November 27 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, November 28

Inklings and notions, November 29

Andrea Christenson, November 30 (Author Interview)

Quiet Quilter, December 1

Simple Harvest Reads, December 2 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Stephanie is giving away a $250 Amazon gift card and a signed 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/ee1b/reclaimed-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Hidden Rebel

Author: Michelle Janene

Genre: Christian medieval fantasy

Release Date: August 17, 2017

A disguised warrior on a mission to save a dying kingdom,

but God has more planned.

Aria has left home with one goal. Find the weapon used to defeat the horde of the Black Knight and save what remains of her kingdom.

But things are not going as planned.

Disguised as a male knight, she saves the young prince of the neighboring kingdom, and tales of her fighting prowess spread like a raging fire. Now, within the castle walls of a foreign kingdom, a young girl masquerading as her page serves as her only confidant. But the widower king and his enemies are taking notice of her. The legendary weapon, however, is nowhere to be found.

What is God doing?

Aria needs to save her home without losing her heart.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Michelle Janene lives and works in Northern California, though most days she blissfully exists in the medieval creations of her mind. She is a devoted teacher, a dysfunctional housekeeper, and a dedicated writer. She released her first novella Mission: Mistaken Identity in the fall of 2015, God’s Rebel in 2016, Rebel’s Son in 2017, and has been published in several anthologies. She leads two critique groups and is the founder of Strong Tower Press—Indie solutions for indie authors.

More from Michelle

The main character of Hidden Rebel is a princess who is also a warrior. She needed to move between court and the battlefield with minimal issues. Aria also took the verse that women should not dress as men seriously. I wrote about a fighting skirt for her.

It appeared to be a pleated skirt with several long panels. Those panels weren’t sewn together other than at her hips. When Aria moved it was clear the skirt panels where over tight trousers and tall boots.

I thought about the skirt so much I created my own. I have worn it to local Renaissance Faires.

There is so much to love about this book. I enjoyed the adventure in the story and especially having a female who is a knight. I don't think I've heard of a female knight before. The author writes Aria as a strong person who is gifted with swords. Her time spent at the kingdom was very intriguing. King Edmund really had his hands full with two sons who I thought needed time out. One was clingy and whiny while the other wanted to run the kingdom. His invitation to allow Aria to stay at the kingdom will come at a price.

The mission that Aria has set out to accomplish will come with danger, deceit and a test of her faith. The author does a great job of testing Aria and allowing her to find out what her destiny is with God's help. Can she trust those around her or is someone a danger to her? There are secrets flowing throughout the kingdom and Aria is on high alert. The training sessions and battles are very entertaining. It is easy to picture the swords clashing against each other as Aria defends against those who want to cause harm.

The story is one of my favorite's by the author as this one captures the meaning of trusting God and following His direction. The ending is wonderful and filled with surprises, danger and a woman who follows God.

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

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, November 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 21

Emily Yager, November 22

Books, Books, and More Books., November 23

Avid Reader Nurse, November 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 24

Texas Book-aholic, November 25

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 25

janicesbookreviews, November 26

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 27

Inside the Wong Mind, November 27

A Reader’s Brain, November 28

Pause for Tales, November 29

Inklings and notions , November 30

CarpeDiem, December 1

Library Lady Kid’s Lit, December 2

Faery Tales Are Real, December 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a $15 Amazon gift card and the entire trilogy on 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/ede9/hidden-rebel-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, November 24, 2019

About the Book

Book: Lake Season

Author: Denise Hunter

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November 12, 2019

A lost letter, a new love, and old secrets beckon this summer at the Bluebell Inn.

When their parents die in a tragic accident, Molly Bennett and her siblings pull together to fulfill their parents’ dream: turning their historic Bluebell, North Carolina home back into an inn. The situation would just be temporary—three years at the most—then they would sell the inn and Molly could get back to chasing her own dreams.

Adam Bradford (aka bestselling author Nathanial Grey) is a reclusive novelist with a bad case of writer’s block. Desperate for inspiration as his deadline approaches, he travels to the setting of his next book, a North Carolina lake town. There he immediately meets his muse, a young innkeeper who fancies herself in love with his alter ego.

Molly and Adam strike up an instant friendship. When Molly finds a long-lost letter in the walls of her inn she embarks on a mission with Adam to find the star-crossed lovers and bring them the closure they deserve. But Adam has secrets of his own. Past and present collide as truths are revealed, and Molly and Adam will have to decide if love is worth trusting.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 25 books, including A December Bride and The Convenient Groom, which have been adapted into original Hallmark Channel movies. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Carol Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking green tea, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are rapidly approaching an empty nest. To learn more about Denise, visit her website DeniseHunterBooks.com; Facebook: AuthorDeniseHunter; Twitter: @DeniseAHunter; Instagram: deniseahunter.

Read a premium Excerpt

You can read a premium excerpt of Denise’s Lake Season here.

The beginning of the book got me right away. I felt a sense of anxiety as the siblings tried to do what was best for the inn and everyone involved. Losing their parents was a shock, but now they had an eighteen year old sister to consider. As they work to reopen the inn they find themselves drawing closer as a family. I loved how they decided that the best way to honor their parents was to work together and allow God to heal their wounds.

Getting to know Molly was a wonderful treat. She has carried around so much guilt since her parents died unexpectedly. We are not guaranteed one moment on this earth and Molly now has to live with the regrets about her relationship with her parents. Her breakup with Dominic has caused her to keep people at arms length. It is as though she has built a wall up so she can't get hurt. The fear she has of getting close to someone could cost her finding true love.

Adam was my favorite character because he is a humble man who values life and friendship. I loved how the author included how much Molly and Adam both loved to read. They had many interesting conversations that developed into a real friendship. He has always felt like his dad was not proud of him and carries around the feeling that he is not good enough. The emotions in the story are so well written I could feel the pain and self doubt both characters had.

The story is a time slip where we encounter two people hopelessly in love. These characters bring a depth to the story and a romance that digs deep into the soul. A lost letter that is discovered will change lives and give hope, peace and closure to some. I have to say that this is one of the best books written by this author. She captures human feelings and expands on how our emotions can dictate wrong decisions. I loved going back and forth in time and couldn't wait to find out the ending of the story.

Fear plays a big part in the story as well as secrets. We think that if we hide something, it will never be found out. The funny thing is God knows just when to have those secrets revealed and is waiting to heal the wounds from fear and doubt. Trust is a big issue for many of us and I loved how the author shows us to always trust God and he will direct our path. The ending of the story is everything I hoped for yet still took my breath away. This is one story you will not forget as the author brings the past to the present in an unforgettable story of love and forgiveness.

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