About the Book

Book: Run With the Wind

Author: Judy DuCharme

Genre: Christian fiction

Release date: 2016

Linney Merritt loves her life in the Florida scrub where she assists her Pa in raising and taking cattle to market. The new cowman, Cyrus John, appreciates the chance to start over. Marrying holds no interest for either, but they can’t help but be drawn to each other. And then, just before Christmas, they find themselves fighting together to save the life of a calf, all while discovering the One who can remove fears and provide forgiveness.

 

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Judy DuCharme is a crazy Packer fan and would rather be walking near the water than at any shopping mall. She is smarter than a fifth grader, having taught them for 22 years, specializing in fun, hands-on, basic science. In case anyone wondered, the cutest grandson in the world belongs to her. And he’s smart, too. Judy descended from the family that founded the first Mennonite/Amish congregation in this country in the mid-170

More from Judy

Have you ever watched You Tube videos of cows giving birth? Well, I have. And that’s because Linney Merritt helped birth the calves in the late 1800s in mid-Florida. And that’s why she had no interest in giving birth herself. So when the new hand arrived, it turned her plans topsy-turvy, but she was not going to budge. With humor and tenacity, Linney and Cy learn to work together on her pa’s ranch and consider other possibilities.

MY REVIEW 

I love a story that is set around a cattle farm. The excitement of herding them and taking care of them keeps everyone hopping in this light hearted adventure. Linney immediately grabs my attention for her morals and hard work. She is well liked by the cowhands and respected by everyone. All her life has been around the open land and is content to keep helping her Pa without any interest in marriage. I wonder how long that will last?

Strolling in to the scene is Cy, the new cowhand to help Linney and her Pa. Now he sure is a nice man and seems to be a good fit so we will see how this turns out. I liked how he addressed Linney and found his manners refreshing. On his first outing on the  trail  an accident happens that causes injury to Linney. I was impressed with how quickly Cy came to her aide with wisdom and compassion. Maybe he is making a good impression on Linney after all.

I love how the author describes the birthing of calves. I felt like I was there helping as the miracle was happening. What a wonderful time it was as they witnessed each new life come into  the world. There is always something  going on as they travel to their destination. With the weather turning  bad at times and wild animals trying sneak up to the camp, everyone needed to be alert and ready. 

As Christmas approaches in the book  the author treats us to the story Jesus’s birth. I loved how Cy and Linney shared precious moments as they came to understand about forgiveness and letting go of fear. It is a happy ending with a wonderful theme of new beginnings.  

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 18

Texas Book-aholic, May 19

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 20 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 21

deb’s Book Review, May 22

Inklings and notions, May 23

For Him and My Family, May 24

Vicky Sluiter, May 25 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 26

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 27 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 30 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Judy is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of the book and 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/1df18/run-with-the-wind-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Then Judgement

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Biblical fiction

Release date: April 8, 2022

A story of the three days Jesus did not spend in the tomb.
The Son of Man was made sin, cast away from the presence of the Great I AM’s presence, and condemned to Hades to face judgement. What exactly happened during those three days from the Lord’s lifeless body of flesh being placed in the tomb and His glorious resurrection? Hints throughout the Scriptures give clues to what transpired—how He got to Paradise to be with the thief on the cross that same day. One thing is certain! He rose on the third day and now lives forever more seated on His throne at the right hand of the Father! Hallelujah!

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling stories—over sixty published—delight Christian readers around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her; you may listen at YouTube. Sharing four children and twenty-one grandsugars (three are greats), Caryl and Ron, her high-school-sweetheart-husband of fifty-three years, live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas. The McAdoos wait expectantly for God to open the next door.

More from Caryl

As many of you know, my husband Ron and I write together. When Simon and Schuster released our tenth title, the editor requested one name for the cover and since it was a historical romance, preferred a female’s. The arrangement worked so well for us that we continued only my name being on the cover after we went Indie!

Anyway, we have been talking about writing this book for years, coming across little clues for the story in Scripture studies now and again over that time. At last, God released us to write THEN JUDGEMENT based on the twenty-seventh verse of Hebrews, nineth chapter: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”

I love searching the scriptures and telling a story that strictly adheres to God’s Book, His Living Word, the Holy Bible. I love His stories and so understand that His Word is bread to our souls, feeding us wisdom and knowledge of our Creator and His everlasting, never-ending love for us!

Creating Biblical fiction tales carries a lot of responsibility that I truly enjoy taking on, being a guardian of the Truth. I love to bring characters from those days gone by so long ago to life on the pages of my books! I do feel a bit like John when he said this, writing of our Savior.

“And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” John 21:27

Biblical fiction could easily become my favorite genre—if it isn’t already. I do write more historical romance stories set in the 1800s (a favorite time period) in Texas (my favorite state)! And as much as I love that research . . . nothing compares to digging into the Word!

I pray you will enjoy living through the three days that Jesus did not spend in the tomb! May my story cause you to dig a little yourself, checking out our theory! I know this to be Truth: “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

Hallelujah! Glory be to His Holy Name! The righteous run into it and are saved! There is no one like unto Him! He alone it the Great King over all the earth! Worthy to receive glory and praise!
As always, I’m ‘Praying my story gives God glory!’
Blessings, y’all!

MY REVIEW

The opening scene gave me shivers as Dodi follows an Angel  into God’s glory. The peace that surrounded me was nothing I have ever felt. With so much going on in the world, I needed this book at this moment. I could feel the tip of a wing as it gently blew in the wind. I held my breath waiting and anticipating a journey I would never forget.

Dodi has been assigned to watch over Jesus and never leave his side. What an honor he felt that he had been chosen to watch over His Son. Was he prepared when Jesus took the brutal punish of the whip that lashed His back? The description of what was taking place was hard to read and I sobbed knowing the pain that was being delivered . He did this for us and at that moment I began to truly understand the sacrifice He made for us. 

Before us is a story where we walk with Him through His life on the earth. All the miracles he did and the  compassion He showed was revealed . Lucifer tries so hard to show that Jesus has sinned, but Dodi steps up  to verify that He has done nothing wrong. Can you imagine being there watching Lucifer as he tries to convince others that Jesus is a sinner? 

I enjoyed reading about Adam, Abel, Isaac, Cain  and many more from the Bible. The author captures a time where we see what may have happened on the three days that Jesus was not in the tomb. The author delivers a powerful account where Jesus shows unconditional love to those who accept Him and descended up to Heaven.  What a glorious sight that must have been to see those who thought they were destined to live in an evil presence to now be in a glorious place. 

As you read the story the author reminds us of God giving us free will. We choose who we will follow. What happens when we choose to follow the enemy?  The answer is easy. There are consequences for our actions. We tend to blame God for the bad things in life, but forget that perhaps we chose a path that didn’t guide us to God. The author includes many scriptures that I loved reading and helped tell the story better. This book has been given the genre of Biblical fiction, but I can say it is almost like reading the story from the Bible itself . With careful understanding of the scriptures the author captures what many of us imagine those three days were like. As always I have come  away learning more about The Word and grow closer to Him after reading a book from the author. 

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

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, May 11

Connie’s History Classroom, May 12

deb’s Book Review, May 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 15

Inklings and notions, May 16

Texas Book-aholic, May 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 21

Splashes of Joy, May 22

Mary Hake, May 23

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 24 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away the 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/1db49/then-judgement-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Presence-The Story of Adel

Author: Lana Wetzel

Genre: Inspirational Fiction/Women’s Fiction/Religious Romance

Release date: April 27, 2021

Adel Davis knows something has to change. Living with her parents after her husband left isn’t working out, especially where her son Noah is concerned. Ever since he arrived eight months earlier, Adel has been longing for space and independence. She longs for the family that God has written on her heart.

When Adel learns that she has inherited her grandparents’ old apple orchard in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia, she knows exactly what she wants to do. She and Noah leave her parents’ home in San Francisco to discover a new life at Sweet Valley Farms.

What will she find when she gets there? Will living alone on a rural apple farm be more than Adel can bear? What about the attention she begins to receive from a few local men? As Adel learns what it means to run the orchard, she also discovers what it means to have a people, a place, and a home. A girl can start a new life; she just can’t do it alone.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

As a writer of inspirational fiction and singer/songwriter, Lana offers a unique gift in service to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Characterized by her experiences growing up in rural Northeast Georgia and now as a wife and homeschool mother of four, her works reflect an honesty and a gentle natural beauty that is often missed and sorely needed in a culture saturated with transient entertainment and consumerism. Whether making meals, lesson plans, story arcs, or song lyrics, Lana is listening for the still quiet Voice to draw her nearer to where even messiness and failure can become a redeemed work of art.

 

More from Lana

When the pace of life is set at break-neck speed and the pressure is on to sacrifice self and family for the sake of achievement, I find joy in writing stories that show a hint of something else: something simpler, something slower. A world where people stop and get to know one another (and themselves). A world where people literally “stop to smell the roses”. Where they hear the birds sing and notice the flowers bloom in the springtime. A world where family and friends and place matter. Where traditions yield comfort and joy. Where home means more than just a house you return to at the end of a long day. Where delight and wonder can be found in the commonplace of everyday life. Where friendships flourish and love blossoms. A place where life happens, and it’s never boring!

 

In “Presence – The Story of Adel”, Doris Jones takes Adel under her wing and teaches her about life. One of the special memories they share is making blueberry muffins together. Here’s the recipe:

 

Doris’ Blueberry Muffins: 

 

½ cup butter

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

½ cup milk

2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 ½ cups blueberries, fresh or frozen

2 Tbsp. sugar (for sprinkling on top)

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Gently blend in the milk. In a separate bowl: mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add blueberries and stir only until well dusted. Fold the flour mixture into the sugar mixture with a spoon and place into muffin cups or a well-greased muffin tin. Bake 10 minutes then sprinkle extra sugar over the tops. Bake 10 more minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!

MY REVIEW 

This story drew me in when Adel talks about her grandparent’s farm. When I was growing up, every summer my family would travel to Oklahoma. We would stay at my grandparent’s farm for two weeks. It was the happiest time I had during my childhood.  My granddad and I were very close. He would sit with me on the front porch and entertain me with stories till supper time. I loved the relationship Adel had with her grandparents and how she came to inherit their apple orchard. 

What a brave move Adel made when she packed up her car, her baby Noah and set out to live at the place that once was a childhood memory. I would be very nervous doing this on my own, but I admire her determination to start a new life for herself as well as her son. As her new journey begins what lays ahead will be a test of her faith. With her hesitance to grow, I wonder if she was really  prepared emotionally. 

I liked the story and especially getting to know Nathan. He is such a nice and humble man. He is a hard worker and has no problem helping Adel out as she adjusts to her surroundings. I do feel like the author didn’t quite give us enough to connect  with him  though. He was always available but never  really had any deep thoughts or took enough initiative to pursue Adel till almost to the end of the story. He mostly was just there in the  background observing more than being part of the situation. 

The author does give us a great character by the name of Doris. Oh my what a sweet lady. She becomes a big help to Adel and is always giving sound advice. I loved how she went to several houses and brought food to those in need. Her compassion was  felt through the pages as she cared for others who needed a friend. I was encouraged by her to seek out people in my neighborhood who were lonely and needed someone to visit them. Doris is someone who I would welcome as a friend and feel comfortable talking to. She does help Adel understand that it is okay to ask for help and to trust God with her life. 

The ending did seem a little rushed and I really wanted to see Adel become more independent and confident. She didn’t try very hard to do things on her own but then I remembered her relationship with her mother. All her life she has felt smothered by her mother and always had things done for her. No wonder she didn’t really  know what to do once she moved to her grandparents place. I wish the author would have spent mote tine on this relationship and showed us about reconciliation. I liked the  book and it had good lessons in it, but I wanted more depth and not such a predictable outcome. 

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 15

Texas Book-aholic, May 16

Inklings and notions, May 17

lakesidelivingsite, May 18

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 19

Pause for Tales, May 20

For Him and My Family, May 20

deb’s Book Review, May 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 22

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 23

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

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 26

Guild Master, May 27 (Author Interview)

Miriam Jacob, May 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lana is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 amazon gift card with a hard 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/1db4e/presence-the-story-of-adel-celebration-tour-giveaway

WHERE  HEALING STARTS BLOG TOUR 

 About Every Star in the Sky

Title: Where Healing Starts – Applewood Hill Book 2 (Use book cover)

Author: Angela D. Meyer

Genre: Christian Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Family Drama

Release Date: May 11

Blurb:

Joanna and Blake Hannigan grew up in an angry home and made an all-for-one pact – them against the world – in order to survive. Now that pact may keep them from what they each long for. 

While doing community service for shoplifting, Joanna’s walls begin to come down. She wonders if she does have something of value inside of her, but still full of bitterness, she can’t get off the path to self-destruction. 

Will a near death experience put her on the road to redemption? 

Blake refuses to accept the consequences for putting his brother-in-law in the hospital. He runs from the law and does the unthinkable. 

In the face of impending disaster, will Blake’s choices lead to healing?

Unless the siblings realize their pact can’t save them, they may not find the One who can.

Angela D. Meyer writes fiction that showcases God’s ability to redeem and restore the brokenness in our lives. Now that her two children are grown, she spends her life writing instead of homeschooling, stays active at church, and is plotting what to do with the rest of her life. She enjoys sunrises and sunsets, hanging out with friends, a good laugh, and reading. Someday, she would love to vacation by the ocean. 

Learn more about Angela’s books on her website. Sign up for her newsletter to be among the first to hear about her new book releases. 

 Setting Inspiration 

Inspiration for the Setting of the Applewood Hill Series

When I wrote the first draft of my Where Hope Starts, the first book in the Applewood Hill series, I started out using a real town to be the main character’s home base. But then decided not to deal with the issues of maintaining the authenticity of a specific small town USA for the duration of my stories.

I took what I remembered about the area to the north of Kansas City, Missouri, after living there for 12 years and made up a name: Westfall. I searched the map for a town already named that in Missouri. There was no town by that name, though lots of businesses carried Westfall as part of their name. I Googled it and discovered the name has an interesting history.

On July 15, 1881, Jesse James and his gang boarded the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad of which William Westfall was the conductor. In the process of robbing the train, Westfall was shot in the back. One account I read claims Jesse thought Westfall was going for his gun, another account reveals a plot of revenge for the death of Jesse and Frank James' little brother.  

Even more interesting as I discovered this story behind the story is the connections my own family has to Jesse James.

My great-grandmother on my dad’s side was named after Jesse James. He and his gang rode onto their property and demanded to be fed. The gang was polite while there and even paid for their food when they left. And then, my grandmother was named after her mother.

Jesse James and his gang rode onto the property of my great-great-grandparents farm and demanded to be fed. They were polite and paid them for the food. My great-great-grandmother was pregnant at the time and when their son - my great-grandfather – was born, they named him Jesse. My grandmother was named after her father.

And that’s not where it ends. Family stories on my husband’s side (surname James) relay that his great great-grandfather knew a Frank James and often entertained Frank in his home. Leading to the speculation that there was some relation between them. The assumption is that this Frank was the brother of Jesse.

I suppose it’s only fitting there is a connection with Jesse James in my stories of Applewood Hill.

MY REVIEW

If there was ever a character that had a chip on her shoulder it would be Joanna. Wow does she have a bad attitude. No matter what people said to her, she took it the wrong way. When they tried to help her she refused because she thought they were doing it out of pity. I can’t believe how irritated she made me. I wanted to march up to her and tell her she needed an attitude adjustment. Then in a split second, I found myself remembering a young girl who was not loved by her parents and never felt wanted. That girl was me. No wonder I didn’t like Joanna . She was me when I was younger. Never giving anyone a chance to care and always looking for a way to stay to myself. Oh Joanna I know how you feel. The one lost sheep that God wants to help. The author gives us a glimpse of what it is like to wander alone and allowing pride to keep us from asking for help. Her life is a jumbled mess when she seeks out companionship from strangers and finds herself barely hanging onto reality. 

Blake is in on the  road to disaster as he tries to win his wife back, stay one step ahead of the law and break ties with his sister Joanna. They have a very close brother and sister bond but it is slowly turning into a mess. Blake lives on the edge and has this troubled past that he can’t shake. I found it interesting that he couldn’t understand why his wife didn’t want him around anymore. After awhile you have to turn them over to God. The author delivers an excellent portrayal of the prodigal son in Blake. As he gets in deeper trouble,  will he will finally surrender his life to God and repair his relationship with his father? There is a brief encounter Blake has with a stranger that I loved. This person not only gave  him a place to stay but shows compassion when Blake needed it most. A seed has been planted, now let’s watch  it grow. 

This story is an emotional journey to redemption, forgiveness and hearts that are changed. Both Blake and Joanna find themselves as low as they can go as they struggle with rejection. Many of us have felt that inner voice telling us that no one  loves us. If only we would get our eyes on God and allow Him to show us unconditional love. I love the way the author showed us through trials that there is always hope. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to everyone who needs to heal their broken heart. 

I received a copy of this book through the Novel Way Blog Tours with The Mosaic Collection and all thoughts are my own.

Additional Blog Stops

May 11 – Daysong Reflections  Author Interview, Part 1
May 11 – Milla Holt – Author Interview, Part 2

May 12 – Stories of Hope – Book Trailer

May 12 – Johnnie Alexander – Excerpt, Part 1

May 13 – Cardinal Bluff Reviews – Excerpt, Part 2

May 13 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – Character Interview with Joanna Hannigan

May 14 – Brenda S. Anderson –  Character Interview with Blake Hannigan

May 15 – Texas Book-aholic –  Setting Inspiration

May 16 – Ravenz Reviewz – Deleted Scene, Part 1

May 17 – Batya’s Bits – Deleted Scene, Part 2

Purchase Where Healing Starts:

https://bit.ly/MosaicHealingStarts

Connect with Angela:

• Website:  https://www.angeladmeyer.com/

• Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/angeladmeyer/  (@angeladmeyer)

• Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAngelaDMeyer 

• Goodreads   https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7200148.Angela_D_Meyer 

• BookBub   https://www.bookbub.com/authors/angela-d-meyer

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