Thursday, March 17, 2022

shadows at nightfall

About the Book

Book: Shadows at Nightfall

Author: Brett Armstrong

Genre: Christian, Epic Fantasy

Release date: September 14, 2021

Shadows at Nightfall - FINAL Front The shadows of Jason’s past have caught him. Having stepped into the Quest of Fire, Jason is pursued by a league of assassins formed of pure darkness. To his horror he discovers these creatures also were contracted to eliminate Anargen and his friends as they sought to understand the Tower of Light’s oracle. To unravel the mystery of who wants him dead and how he fits into the ages old quest, Jason must travel the lengths of the Lowlands. In the Ziljafu deserts a secret awaits him that will shake him to his core. He’ll have to move fast and cling fiercely to hope, as Anargen’s story twists down a bleak path to almost certain failure.

The creatures of darkness in the Lowlands have long waited for men to spurn the High King’s laws. With few concerned for the light and everything falling apart around them, Jason and Anargen will face the shadows of night’s falling as their world hangs in the balance.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Author-picture-close Brett Armstrong has been exploring other worlds as a writer since age nine. Years later, he still writes, but now invites others along on his excursions. He’s shown readers haunting, deep historical fiction (Destitutio Quod Remissio), scary-real dystopian sci-fi (Day Moon and Veiled Sun), and dark, sweeping epic fantasy (Quest of Fire). Every story is a journey of discovery and an attempt to be a brush in the Master Artist’s hand. Through dark, despair, light, joy, and everything in between, the end is always meant to leave his fellow literary explorers with wonder and hope. Always busy with a new story, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and spending time with his wife and son.

More from Brett

The Lowlands are on the edge of dramatic changes. In every era, warriors for the High King must rise to keep the light burning and hold back the beasts of the darkness that most believe only myth. But those creatures of lore have long waited for the hour of shadows to arrive and with it all the horrors they have schemed.

The protagonists of Quest of Fire saga—Anargen and Jason, don’t realize how great a change is upon them. Anargen’s experience in defending Ordumair from the Grey Scourge and his army of werebeasts have opened his eyes to realities of the Lowlands, but neither he nor his friends nor even their mentor Sir Cinaed understand the Oracle they found within the vaults of Ordumair. It foretold a looming struggle against the forces of darkness that gave rise to the Grey Scourge. The question of how to stop it as the shadows lengthen all around divides the group.

Jason has been running from the darkness in his past so long he only looks to his next step, never what’s coming ahead. He certainly didn’t see stopping at the Black River Inn to hear old Cinaed the Storyteller tell tales of a long past knight named Anargen as life-changing. Until he witnessed the old storyteller do battle with a creature straight out of his stories. Now he feels himself being drawn into the Quest of Fire as Anargen was, but his new found purpose is far from the safety and ease he’s been hoping for.

One of the most exciting aspects of writing Shadows at Nightfall was showing through sweeping epic fantasy the way Anargen does not forsake his allegiance to the High King. The Quest of Fire saga is in part a story about storytelling and that is reflected in the way Jason is shaped by the tale of Anargen’s failures and faithfulness. Much like the Apostle Paul’s exhortation that “…these things were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.” (1 Corinthians 10:11) Though not the only spiritual theme woven into the stories, Shadows at Nightfall invites readers to journey with these characters to the brink, risking their lives, growing from the examples passed down to them, and find there the greatest gain.

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” —2 Timothy 2:1-4

MY REVIEW

This is a unique story with dual time lines mixed in a fantasy genre. I have not read anything like this before and was entertained by the two different eras in the story. There are quite a few characters so it was a bit hard for me to keep up what all was going on. I did become invested in Jason and how determined he was to find out who wanted him dead. Darkness follows Jason on his journey and stumbles upon creatures that are not of this world.

Anargen is front and center in the story as well as he fights to complete his mission. I kept thinking that he and Jason were on a parallel adventure that will collide at some point. That is what makes this story so fascinating. Each detail the author gives draws me deeper into two worlds both seeming to achieve safety while exposing secrets that could be deadly.

Get ready for surprises, danger and an explosive adrenaline rush of excitement as we follow these two main characters . I did like Jason the most because he has a sincere heart and was easy to connect to. The ending is one that caught me by surprise and I’m not sure how I feel about it. If you are a fan of fantasy, this is a must read.

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

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, March 17 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 17

Texas Book-aholic, March 18

Inklings and notions, March 19

For Him and My Family, March 20

deb’s Book Review, March 21

Simple Harvest Reads, March 22 (Author Interview)

By the Book, March 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 23

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 26

Artistic Nobody, March 27 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, March 28

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 29

Guild Master, March 30

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Brett is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, copy of Shadows at Nightfall, and digital extras (exclusive map and music)!!

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/1bc97/shadows-at-nightfall-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunflowers & Suspicions (1)

About the Book

Book: Sunflowers and Suspicions

Author: Karen Malley

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: October, 2021

SunflowersAndSuspicions_prc5574_1K A Deception Revealed…

When Julie Wagner’s identical twin Jade goes missing, Julie travels to New York intent on pretending to be her sister so she can unravel the truth. There, she meets the the only person who has ever been able to tell them apart. Together, can she and her sister’s neighbor unravel a shady restaurant owner’s mysteries and find Jade?

A Fractured Family Healed…

Matt Callahan has lived across the hall from Jade Wagner for a year, but never understood the pain behind her eyes. When her sister appears in his apartment building, he is amazed at the differences he sees in the twins. As he helps Julie find her twin, he discovers that she just might be the answer to helping his own fractured family.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Karen Malley lives in Southeastern Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. She works full-time as a scientist but fits writing in her spare time whenever possible. This usually means writing in her pajamas on weekend mornings while the rest of the family is asleep. When not writing, she enjoys camping, hiking, playing board games, and especially reading! She loves reading faith-based stories because we can all use a happy ending.

Karen loves to hear from her readers. You can connect with her on her website:

www.KarenMalley.com. Sign up for her newsletter and you’ll receive a free short story in your mailbox each week.

More from Karen

Sunflowers and Suspicions is the third full book in the Pine Springs series. While you may discover some spoilers from the previous books, this book can be read as a standalone. I wrote Sunflowers in Suspicions because I loved the characters so much, I wanted their stories to continue!

This was a fun book to write. Julie was a minor character in the previous books in the series, and her story needed to be told. Living in the shadow of a glamorous twin sister hasn’t dampened her enthusiasm for life, but her self-esteem suffered a hit, making it difficult to believe a guy could be interested in her instead of her sister. Most of us have been there! God promises He’s given gifts to all His children, but if our gifts don’t seem to measure up to those we perceive others have, we lose our joy.

Granted, Julie has a lot more than that to deal with – her twin sister goes missing, and her former boss may know more than he’s letting on. Couple that with feelings of inadequacy since all her friends have special guys and the fact the guy Julie starts to fall for seems more interested in her sister, and it’s easy for her to feel second rate. God never wants that for us. While Sunflowers and Suspicions is a tale of suspense and romance, it also taught me a thing or two about accepting myself for who God made me to be. I hope it does the same for you!

MY REVIEW

This book is a sweet story with romance and suspense both put together with just enough faith mixed in to entertain readers. It was easy to follow along as the characters were fun to get to know. I liked that it featured twins that may look identical but completely different in everything else.

Julie is the grounded twin who loves God and has a job working in a crisis pregnancy center. Jade on the other hand is flighty and has this big dream to be an actress. They both had a good childhood but one deals with insecurity and the other hides a deep secret that is destroying her life. It is funny how they may seem different but they both are dealing with insecurity and acceptance.

When Julie hasn’t heard from her sister in awhile she starts to get suspicious and takes off to New York to see if she can find her. When Matt enters the picture as Jade’s neighbor they team up to try to find out where Jade has disappeared to. I enjoyed getting to see how the two developed a friendship. As they start to get to know each other better there are sparks between them. Julie has it in her head that Matt and Jade have been dating so she has no chance with Matt. Matt is so kind and patient with Julie and his faith is strong as he prays for guidance.

The mystery is quite intriguing and I loved how the author surprised me of where Jade has been. I would never have thought of this plot and I think it was kind of nice that in the end the man involved just wanted his family happy and to live in a safe environment. I may have lost you with this information but trust me it is well worth finding out yourself about this mysterious place where Jade is found.

There are a few delicate subjects in the story but the author does a good job of showing how God forgives us and leads us to a place of healing. One important part of the story deals with Matt’s family. His mother is punishing herself for something she did and has shut out the entire family. Reading how her healing takes place is very emotional and is an example of how important it is to communicate with others.

Jade comes to a point where she knows she needs to change her life. Be ready for tissues when you read how her transformation comes. Filled with great counsel and compassion she is lead to … well you must read this part for yourself.

This is a story that has many lessons from forgiveness, healing, a new beginning, and trust . The message is clear that no matter what mistakes we may make God is there to wipe your tears and lead you to His unconditional love and forgiveness.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 15

Inklings and notions, March 16

Texas Book-aholic, March 17

For Him and My Family, March 18

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 19 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, March 19

Inside the Wong Mind, March 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 24

Splashes of Joy, March 25 (Author Interview)

By the Book, March 25

Blogging With Carol, March 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of e-copy of Sunflowers and Suspicions, an 11 x 14 canvas print of a sunflower, and some jewelry: two beaded bracelets, one bangle bracelet, a heart necklace, and a keychain!!

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/1b8bb/sunflowers-and-suspicion-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Shackled (1)

About the Book

Book: Shackled

Author: Mariam Ibraheem

Genre: Religion/Inspirational

Release date: March 8, 2022

9781641238199 Sentenced to Death for Her Beliefs

Mariam Ibraheem was finally rising above her difficult childhood and building a new life for herself. Born to a Muslim father and an Ethiopian Orthodox Christian mother, she grew up in poverty in a refugee camp in Sudan. Her father left the family when she was only six, and her mother raised her in the Christian faith. Left without family after the deaths of her beloved mother and sister, she was beginning to move past her grief—earning a medical degree, marrying the man she loved, and having a baby boy.

But one day in late 2013, her world was shattered when an unknown relative on her father’s side reported her to the police. The authorities insisted she was Muslim because of her father’s background. She had broken the law by marrying a Christian man, and she must renounce her Christian beliefs and abandon her marriage and her son. Under intense pressure, Mariam repeatedly refused to deny her faith. She was charged with apostasy and adultery, and she was imprisoned with her nine-month-old, Martin, on Christmas Eve. There, awaiting sentence, she learned she was pregnant with her second child. A few months later, Mariam was sentenced to 100 lashes and death by hanging by a Sharia court.

Shackled is the stunning true story of a courageous young mother who was willing to face death rather than deny her Christian faith. Mariam Ibraheem took a stand on behalf of all people who suffer from religious persecution and all women who are maltreated because of their gender and beliefs.

Follow Mariam’s story from refugee camp to life under Islamic law, through imprisonment and childbirth while shackled, to her remarkable escape from death following an international outcry and advocacy involving diplomats, journalists, religious freedom activists, human rights groups, and even Pope Francis.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

In 2014, Mariam Ibraheem of Sudan was sentenced by a Sharia court to 100 lashes for adultery because she had married a Christian man, and death by hanging for refusing to renounce her Christian faith and follow Islam. Mariam was imprisoned with her young son while she was pregnant with her second child, a daughter, to whom she gave birth while still shackled in the prison. After an international outcry, Mariam was eventually freed through the help of Pope Francis, the United States, Italy, and the embassies of various other governments. Today, Mariam advocates on behalf of others who are victims of religious persecution and also for women who suffer from the personal prison of abuse. She is the cofounder and director of global mobilization for the Tahrir Alnisa (“Setting Women Free”) Foundation, which serves women and children impacted by domestic abuse and religious-motivated violence. She also serves on the board of directors for Anti-Trafficking International.

Eugene Bach is a pseudonym for a member of the Chinese underground church who, for security reasons, does not wish to be identified. He has been working with the underground church in China for twenty years, helping them to establish forward missions bases in closed countries around the world, including Iraq and Syria. Eugene leads the Chinese missions movement Back to Jerusalem, which provides essential support for Chinese missionaries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and he has written books about the underground church in China, North Korea, and Iran. His books with Whitaker House include China and End-Time Prophecy; I Stand with Christ; ISIS: The Heart of Terror; Kidnapped by a Cult; Leaving Buddha; Smuggling Light; and The Underground Church.

More from Mariam

Shackled is the stunning true story of a courageous young mother whose plight led to international outcry on her behalf. Mariam Ibraheem was willing to face death rather than deny her Christian faith, taking a stand on behalf of all people who suffer from religious persecution and all women who are maltreated because of their gender and beliefs.

MY REVIEW

I don’t know very much about Islamic religion but this book opened my eyes to some of their customs and beliefs. Mariam’s story is not fun to read but is informative and dares to challenge us. Would we deny Christ in order to save ourselves? It is easy to say we would, but in that moment of terror would we have the courage to say “I am a Christian and I believe in God?

Mariam’s childhood was not easy at all. Being a little child and having to get water from a well and carry it back to her tent was tiring and emotionally draining. Her father was so volatile and a danger to his entire family. I understand that Mariam’s mother wanted to submit to her husband but at some point she needed to take a stand before someone was killed. I couldn’t read some of the torture that Mariam’s mother endured because it sickened me. How could a person not be punished for his abuse of his wife? I will never understand this religion and it is hard to read how the people are treated at times who do not obey.

Mariam details the many challenges she faced as she proclaimed she was a Christian. It was sad to read about people she loved who had died. At some point she felt alone except she knew that God was there with her. The story is graphic in places but does help readers understand what Mariam and others like her go through when they proclaim to be Christians. Being in prison, beaten and starved she never gave up because she trusted God to rescue her.The sentence delivered to her in court was beyond anything I could believe. Mariam in all that was going on around her still stood firm that she was a Christian.

This is one story that I think everyone should read. It exposes the danger that people face in other countries as well as the threat in our own country. Satan is out there waiting to devour us, but God is there to overcome the world. It is also a story of faith, strength and a woman who declared that “Jesus is Lord” in front of those who wanted to harm her.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 12

Rebecca Tews, March 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 14

Lots of Helpers, March 15

Texas Book-aholic, March 16

Vicarious Living, March 16

Inklings and notions, March 17

HappyWhenReading, March 18

For Him and My Family, March 19

Sodbuster Living, March 19

deb’s Book Review, March 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 21

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 22

Mary Hake, March 22

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 23

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 24

Spoken from the Heart, March 24

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mariam is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks 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/1b8b8/shackled-celebration-tour-giveaway

Legacy of Lies

About the Book

Book: Legacy of Lies

Author: Christy Barritt

Genre: Suspense

Release date: November 15, 2021

Legacy of Lies - eBook The justice system failed her family—and so did her hometown.

Madison Colson knows deep down that her father—a convicted serial killer—is innocent. But believing it and proving it are two entirely different things. Unable to help her father, Madison has spent most of her adult life overcompensating by helping others. When her aunt dies unexpectedly, duty calls her back to Fog Lake, Tennessee, a beautiful but painful place she’d rather forget.

Terrifying events begin to unfold once she arrives, unleashing her worst nightmares. The Good Samaritan Killer—or a copycat—is back, and now Madison Colson is his target.

FBI Special Agent Shane Townsend is determined to stop the deadly rampage that has sent the tightknit community into a frenzy. But he needs to earn Madison’s trust first. The task feels impossible, especially considering his father is the one who put her dad in prison.

With the whole town on edge and pointing fingers, tension escalates out of control. Madison and Shane must sort the facts from the lies—and fight for a legacy of truth—before The Good Samaritan Killer has the final say.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Barritt Family_041 USA Today has called Christy Barritt‘s books “scary, funny, passionate, and quirky.”

A USA Today and Publishers Weekly best-seller, Christy writes both mystery and romantic suspense novels that are clean with underlying messages of faith. Her books have sold more than three million copies, one has been made into a TV movie, and another is being developed for a TV series.

Christy’s books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery, have been twice nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, and have finaled for both a Carol Award and Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year.

She’s married to her prince charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious–but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado.

Christy currently splits her time between the Virginia suburbs and Hatteras Island, North Carolina. She loves spending time with her husband, her two sons, and her four dogs.

For more information, visit her website: www.christybarritt.com.

More from Christy

I wrote Legacy of Lies after watching an interview on TV of a woman whose father killed several people. I tried to put myself in her shoes. How did she cope under the weight of what her father had done? How did people treat her differently? How did her father’s decisions affect her future? From there, I had the idea to highlight a group of three siblings who were dealing with this. I’d already done another four-book series in the mountain town of Fog Lake, Tennessee, and I really loved setting those books there. I decided to revisit the area and make it the place where these three siblings had grown up—and where they had to return.

MY REVIEW

I like books that are suspenseful without being graphic. This author is one of my favorites when it comes to clean mystery stories. She has a knack for having her stories move at a good pace while keeping you on the edge of your seat. It is time to settle in for a night of suspense, secrets, list of suspects and an expertly written book that will send shivers down your spine.

I can’t imagine being in a family where your father has been convicted of murder and labeled the Good Samaritan Killer. Madison has never believed that her father was guilty but the town does. Coming back to town to bury her aunt brings a host of emotions for her. I liked learning about her past and how awful her aunt was to her and her brothers. Wanting to do the right thing, she reaches out to her brothers to plan the funeral for her aunt. I think just being back in town gave Madison the creeps and she had good reason to feel that way.

When unexplained videos start surfacing again that closely resemble the pattern of the Good Samaritan Killer, FBI Special Agent Shane steps in to investigate. Seeing Madison on the latest video brings chaos to the town. Why is someone after her and why are they copying another killer? Shane is not sure who to believe the more involved he gets into the case.

The story is filled with twists that had me guessing till the end. I wasn’t quite sure if Madison’s dad is guilty but there are enough unexplained incidents that made me wonder. I liked how Madison was able to reconnect with her two brothers and try to mend their relationship. Doubt starts to shine a light on one of the brothers when unexplained items are found in his home. Can you imagine the terror Madison feels as she starts to think that her brother is guilty of murder?

The ending is very good and leads to a very unexpected suspect. It’s a race to save Madison as a video shows up with her in dire need of help. Will she be rescued in time? The author leaves us with a cliffhanger and I am excited to continue this story in the next book.

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