Monday, September 18, 2023

About the Book

Book: Powerful Whispers: A 7-week Journey Discovering Who You Are To God

Author: Christa Joy Spaeth

Genre: Christian non-fiction, devotional

Release Date: February 22, 2023

Powerful Whispers gives you a glimpse of how awe-inspiring God’s whispers of His love are for you. He desires to capture your heart, to communicate personally with you, to encourage and strengthen you.

Each daily devotional offers God’s life-giving words, suggests powerful worship, and provides an activation step applying that day’s principe to your life. Let the Lord fill your cup to overflowing as you embark on this amazing 7-week journey.

Whether you’be been walking with the Lord for years or have been recently saved, you will discover in fresh new ways that: God Knows You – God Loves You – God Fights for You – God provides for You – God Chose You – God’s Peace is for You – God’s Powerful Whispers Can Change your Life

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Christa Joy Spaeth is the founder of Christa Joy Ministries. It was in 2022 when Minnesota-based author Christa received a compelling message from God. In a prayer cabin called “Whisper,” He prompted her to write a seven-week devotional.

Since then, Christa’s eyes, heart, and ears were opened to more whispers, so that she may start fulfilling her new purpose of helping the hurting and share the love of Christ.

This blessed wife, mother of two, and businesswoman is passionate about living up to God’s plans for her every day. So much so that in 2022, she stepped down from her decades-long career as a Registered Dietitian at a large food manufacturing company to pursue the promptings of the Lord and encourage others in Christ.

Today, Christa owns and operates Christa Joy Ministries where she publishes her own books, writes daily encouragements and God whispers on her social media accounts. In addition, she does guest blog posts for various social media accounts.

More from Christa

One morning while I was away at a prayer cabin, the Lord laid on my heart that I was to write a book. My first thought was, “Oh, my! Lord, I have never written anything other than work-related documents. Where do I begin? What do you want me to write?”

I am so honored and humbled that the Lord placed amazing book experts in my path over the next year to launch this unique devotional book in a mere 55 weeks. This feat is spectacular as I didn’t know anything about the publishing business.

Two components of Powerful Whispers that my readers love are the suggested worship and the activations. After each devotional was written I searched for the perfect worship song. You will find several suggested indie artist songs and a few popular worship songs too. Daily you will find an activation which engages your entire body to be able to get the daily truth deeper in your soul.

The Bible verse I read before I starting to write Powerful Whispers is found in James 1:5, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” God continually showed His faithfulness to me by providing wisdom to share with my readers.

My heart’s desire is that readers will soon learn through this daily devotional that God chose them, He loves them, and He wants to share His powerful whispers daily for their life.

MY REVIEW

I like how the author has set this study book up in a way that flows from page to page. She opens the study with the most important part that will impact many. It is a simple statement which asks, “Do you know Jesus ?” Before you begin the study the author wants readers to know where they would go if they died today. I loved that this was the first page that starts your journey with Jesus.

Each chapter has a section where you read scriptures and reflect on them. One thing I noticed about the study is how it is geared towards drawing you to open up the Bible and reading directly from it. Even though the scriptures are there in the workbook I like to look them up in the Bible. There are many versions out there to choose from and for me I like to read from different Bibles to see how they are written and interpreted.

The book provides personal accounts with a song that I stopped to look up. It also prompts you to take action and then pray over what you studied. I like that the author provided a prayer that goes with each section and points directly to what was just studied. The chapters are short but it does not take away from the message. It provides a good way to spend time with God while soaking up His word.

One chapter I really enjoyed was “ God Sees You,” found in chapter seven. It talks about feeling invisible. I have felt that way all my life. I often say,” If I walked into a room full of people, I would still feel alone.” This chapter reminds me that God sees me and He has never left me. I may feel alone but that is a lie from the enemy. This one chapter grabbed my attention and I probably spent days reading it, looking up verses, the song and saying the prayer over and over again. Yes I felt a release when I let go and let God. I have wanted to be free from all the lies the enemy has whispered to me since I was a child. I needed a breakthrough in my anxiety and depression. What I found was missing was I was not still. I kept running from Him and allowing others to make me feel unwanted and unloved. I now hold on to Jeremiah 31:3 “ The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: I have loved you with everlasting love ; I have drawn you with unfailing love.”

As you can tell this book has impacted me in a way that I have waited my whole life to feel. You never know when your breakthrough will come but get ready . God loves us and has a plan for us. We may get what we need from a study guide, a word from the pastor or just listening to a song. Be sure you grab this book and allow God to open your eyes and whisper truth and freedom to each of you.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 13

Lily’s Book Reviews, September 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 15

A Reader’s Brain, September 16 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 17

Texas Book-aholic, September 18

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 19 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 20

Its Mama Safe, September 21

The Book Club Network, September 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 23

Artistic Nobody, September 24 (Author Interview)

By The Book, September 25 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 25

Lots of Helpers, September 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christa is giving away the grand prize package of a $30 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of Powerful Whispers devotional book, and a hand-crafted leather bookmark!!

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/27de3/powerful-whispers-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, September 16, 2023

About the Book

Book: Preacher on the Run: The Truth Will Hold Its Own

Author: Jayna Baas

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: April 12, 2020

STANDING FOR TRUTH COULD COST HIM HIS FREEDOM. FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM COULD COST HIM HIS LIFE.

It’s 1771, and North Carolina is at war. On one side stands the power of the Crown. On the other side stands a dangerous freedom of conscience.

Former circuit rider Robert Boothe has spent the last four years leading the tyrant-hating Regulators against North Carolina’s corrupt British government. All he wants is a safe place for his little Baptist church to worship God.

But when Colonel Charles Drake arrives in town, Robert becomes a target. The Church of England wants him to shut up. The governor wants him dead.

Now Robert’s church and family are caught in the crossfire. And that safe place is farther and farther away.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jayna Baas, pronounced as in “baa, baa, black sheep,” is the author of Preacher on the Run and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network. She lives in northern Michigan with a great family of real people and the family of pretend people who live in her head. (Yes, she does know her characters are not real. No, she does not want you to tell them she said so.) Although she enjoys multiple genres, her favorite

story is this: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Learn more and sign up for a free short story at www.booksbyjayna.com.

More from Jayna

Freedom is risky. If people are free to make up their own minds, they might discover they’ve been lied to. They might discover the truth and then act on it, and they just might turn the world upside down.

That’s a story that’s been happening ever since Christ freed his first followers from the law of sin and death. They shared that freedom all over their world, and the hierarchy didn’t like it, from the Pharisees on up to Nero. It’s a story that happens over and over again. And it happened in eighteenth-century North Carolina.

Almost all of the Thirteen Colonies had an official state-sanctioned church that could banish, imprison, or even execute those who did not conform. The most common “state church” in the southern colonies was the Church of England, and that’s what we find in North Carolina at the time of Preacher on the Run.

Imagine you’re a dissenter preacher in this time and place. Up the street is the local vestry, which you’re taxed to support, while you’ve been threatened with jail for preaching without a license. One of your church members is about to be dispossessed for not paying taxes—taxes he can’t afford and has probably already paid once. No one dares go to court; everyone knows the courts are nests of extortion, and you could be charged with felony if you stay at a meeting after an official deems it seditious.

Now the governor’s new agent comes to town—a man who is hungry for power, a man who knows you’re a leader not only in your congregation but also in the grassroots resistance that is rising against the government’s corruption. To him, your belief that people can go to God directly through faith in Christ without the state church is blasphemous. And your belief that all men are on equal footing before God and the law is unthinkably dangerous.

What would you do?

This is a scenario that set my story-loving imagination on fire. This is the story of Preacher on the Run. It’s the story of a spark that ignited and spread throughout the colonies until it was a blaze of revolution—not the rejection of authority but the restoration of rightful authority. It’s the story of countless men and women who faced persecution on American soil for the sake of truth and freedom. Truth never needs to be forced on others, because it can never truly be defeated. And only where there is freedom can truth flourish and spread and turn the world upside down. Because, as Robert Boothe says in Preacher on the Run, the truth will hold its own.

This is his story, and ours.

MY REVIEW

In 1771 the world was in turmoil as a battle was forming over who was in control. Robert Boothe is a preacher who wants to do things right in the eyes of God. He wants to be able to preach and not have men interrupting service because they don’t like what he stands for. There was much tension between The Church of England and what Robert knew was right in the eyes of God. That thinking brings Colonel Charles Drake to town. Danger has come and Robert is the target. The members of his small church is in danger as well if they continue to follow him.

I can’t imagine the tension Robert faced daily but I admired his honesty and faith. He stands up for those who are afraid, or being threatened. I like when he says, ‘The only authority that matters is God’s.” He respects who God has placed in authority but will not abide by them once they cross into unbiblical commands. In other words if it doesn’t line up with God, then he will not be bullied into following what is wrong.

It is hard to believe that a preacher during this time period could be arrested because they didn’t have a license to preach. Robert now must face the consequences but I loved how he put it in God’s hands. This is a good example of trusting God and not letting fear take over. With Robert in trouble his wife Magdalen must do what she can to free him and continue his work. I loved how brave she was and how she never wavered from her faith.

The story delivers a vivid look at what it was like in the days when preaching was not popular and going against those who were in charge were dangerous. There are several characters in the story which stand up for justice without wavering. With lies, secrets, danger and pride the story is a powerful look at trusting God and taking a stand against injustice.

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

Blog Stops

Alena Mentink, September 14

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 15

Texas Book-aholic, September 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 17

Connie’s History Classroom, September 18

The Book Club Network, September 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 21

Books I’ve Read, September 21

Cover Lover Book Review, September 22

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, September 23

Simple Harvest Reads, September 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, September 25

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, September 26

Holly’s Book Corner, September 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jayna is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed paperback copy of Preacher on the Run!!

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/27de4/preacher-on-the-run-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, September 14, 2023

MACCHIATO MURDER BY TONYA KAPPES

Get ready for a hauntingly delightful addition to the Killer Coffee Cozy Mystery series! Roxanne Bloom, the tenacious owner of the Bean Hive Coffeehouse, finds herself in the midst of a Halloween mystery that will keep cozy mystery lovers on the edge of their seats.

As the leaves turn crimson and the autumn air grows crisp, Honey Springs embraces the Halloween spirit. Eleanor Blackthorn, the passionate historian, secures approval to add a long-abandoned mansion to the historic registry. To raise funds for its restoration, she plans an intriguing corn maze and ghost tour, partnering with an eccentric and renowned magician.

But when the magician's lifeless body is discovered in the mansion the captivating mystery unfolds. Enter Roxanne Bloom, armed with her wit and determination, as she unravels a web of secrets within the chilling Halloween backdrop.
With each twist and turn, Roxanne dives deeper into the eccentric lives of Honey Springs' residents, guided by the enthusiastic ghost hunter who inadvertently stumbled upon the chilling crime scene.
Will Roxanne expose the killer's wicked plot before Halloween's moon sets, or will the secrets of the haunted mansion remain forever shrouded in darkness?

"Macchiato Murder" is a spellbinding addition to the Killer Coffee Cozy Mystery series, blending Halloween thrills, a touch of the supernatural, and a tantalizing whodunit that will have cozy mystery fans bewitched until the final page. Don't miss this spine-tingling journey through a corn maze of secrets and suspense!

MY REVIEW

Just in time for Halloween, the author presents a story that will send shivers down your spine with laughter and mystery. Roxanne is in the wrong place at the wrong time when a body is discovered. The town is geared up for the celebration of Neewollah Festival and everything is spooky including a haunted mansion. I adored the description of the mansion and all the decorations that make it eerily fun to walk through. The murder has everyone guessing and I think a little bit scared.

I am so happy to be back in Honey Springs with quaint little shops and fun characters like Roxy’s aunt Maxi who find themselves going into the haunted house to uncover evidence that will prove Eleanor’s innocence. I can’t imagine me ever stepping foot in a haunted mansion but I did peek over Roxy’s shoulder as she creeped along in the place. Secret passageways and unknown sounds drive the story forward as the investigation starts to take a twist. A magician’s body is laying on the floor but Roxy discovers something different about this magician. What did she notice that others didn’t see?

Get ready for an adventure where secrets, lies and danger abound. I loved how the author takes the story through a bit of history about the mansion and how it connects many people together. The book is very good with an ending that shocked me. I never suspected who was behind everything and how the author cleverly hid clues throughout the book. One of her best stories yet.

I received a digital copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

About the Book

Book: Finding True North

Author: Dianne Beck

Genre: YA Fiction

Release Date: January 31, 2023

Finding True North

North Carolina Simon hates her name. As a fourteen-year-old girl growing up in the 1970s, she has a lot of challenges. People not only make fun of her name, but also scoff at her eccentric family. Dad’s a hoarder, Mom’s an unpredictable artist, and her older sister lives with an autism diagnosis. After a humiliating middle school event shatters her confidence as a singer, North determines to break free from the stigma surrounding her family.

As she starts high school, North tells people to call her Carol. Armed with a new name, she updates her hair and clothes, befriends a popular boy in hopes of joining his band, distances herself from her two longtime friends, and avoids being seen with her adoring and dependent sister. Everything seems to be going according to plan until her sister suddenly disappears.

Carol is forced to face the fact that fitting in and being popular have come at a cost, and that the sister she might lose could have the answer to what she’s been looking for all along.

Finding True North is a prequel to Sticks and Stones, but each can be read as stand-alone novels.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Dianne Beck spent much of her career teaching students ranging from Kindergarten through adult before achieving her dream of publishing her first novel, Sticks and Stones. She hopes young people and adults can find faith and strength in her stories. When not writing or reading a good book, she savors every moment possible with family and friends, and loves a good steaming cup of coffee or tea. Visit her author website at diannebeck.com.

More from Dianne

One of the things I love most about being an author of Christian fiction is showing readers how God is working in the lives of my characters, just like he’s working in each of our lives. While I hope readers see how my main characters are wrestling with and growing in faith, my side characters actually play a huge role. In both my novels I have a supporting character who is unique and often viewed as quirky or weak to the world around them. By showing how God loves, guides, and equips these characters, I hope to encourage anyone who has ever felt weak or out of place, which I think all of us have at some point. I also hope it reminds readers that God is often found in unexpected people and places.

In Finding True North, I spent a significant amount of time developing the character of Aria, who is main character North’s older sister. Aria is autistic, and during the 1970s, the time this book was set, autism wasn’t well understood. Because of this, many people don’t give Aria much of a chance, and miss out on all the depth and beauty she has to offer.

My inspiration for Aria came from two Bible verses: 1 Corinthians 1:27 (ESV), which says, “God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong,” along with “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV). Aria may be the kind of character who would be looked down on by many in the world, but she is used powerfully by God. One of the ways she does is with her extreme joy and bold love of the Lord. These characteristics are what ultimately impact and shape North as the story moves forward.

If you enjoy Finding True North, check out my first novel, Sticks and Stones, and stay tuned for the Sticks and Stones sequel, currently in the works!

MY REVIEW

I know exactly how North feels when it comes to names. I have never liked my name and wanted to change it since I was little. North is growing up in the 1970s just like I did. Things were changing and opinions were rampant as North tries to figure out who she is and what she wants to do with her life. The author does a great job of developing her character and allowing readers to get to know North better as well as other characters in the book. The faith thread is evident in the story and helps the characters in making hard decisions.

With temptations, bullies, believing in yourself and dealing with a family that is not perfect, I loved following North as she maneuvers her way through life. There are some emotional moments that made me want to go help North but her determination was encouraging. Great story for young adults and adults who love a story that stirs your emotions and builds your faith.

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, September 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 16

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 17

Cover Lover Book Review, September 18

Artistic Nobody, September 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 19

lakesidelivingsite, September 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 21

The Book Club Network, September 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 24

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, September 25

For Him and My Family, September 26

Girls in white dresses, September 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 28 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dianne is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon 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/27de6/finding-true-north-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

About the Book

Book: Path to Grace

Author: Cheri Swalwell

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release Date: October 20, 2022

Everyone knows that Ariana does not get rejected.

Used to getting her own way, Ariana grew up having her daddy wrapped around her little finger—and he still is. As an adult, she goes through life expecting that all men will give into her whims. When the one man she sets her sights on won’t give her the time of day, Ariana is truly baffled.

Matt avoids Ariana whenever possible. The young woman has no way of knowing that she reminds Matt of his mother and the heartbreaking memories that he worked hard to bury. If Matt has his way, there won’t ever be a reason to discuss the issue. But when Ariana’s life is turned upside down, and rumors about Matt could destroy everything that he’s worked so hard to achieve, it will take a heavenly amount of grace to prevent history from repeating itself. Will Matt and Ariana accept God’s plan for their lives?

If you like wholesome fiction with a faith-filled message, explore the Path to Grace, the fifth book in the heartwarming Redemption of Green Pines series today. Each book can be read on its own, but they’re best enjoyed when you read them as a full series!

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Cheri Swalwell is a Christ follower who thoroughly enjoys her calling to be a wife, mother, writer, podcaster, and speaker, in that order. Cheri loves to encourage people through her fiction series and many nonfiction books including devotionals, Bible studies, and compilation books. Interested in receiving encouragement 365 days a year right in your inbox? Then the JESUS in the EVERYDAY monthly membership is for you! For a full list of books visit www.cheriswalwell.com. Do you like YouTube? Head to JESUS in the EVERYDAY for 5 to 7 minutes of encouragement weekly.

More from Cheri

Have you ever thought about how different two siblings’ lives could turn out, even though they were raised by the same parents in the same household? Two sisters, one the middle child and one the baby of the family. One always considered “less than,” the other the golden child … until she’s not.

Book 5 in The Redemption of Green Pines series, Path to Grace, shows us what happens when one sister has been favored her whole life, until she falls off the pedestal due to one mistake.

Join the community of Green Pines as life unravels for Ariana. Will her siblings rally around her despite how she treated them her whole life, or will she be left on her own to figure out what to do now?

If you’d like to read the whole story, I’d suggest you start with Book 1, Adventure’s Invitation, but if you’re simply curious about the differences Wynn and Ariana face, I invite you to start with Book 4, Road to Freedom, and get introduced to Wynn and what her life is like living in the same household as Ariana, her baby sister, and Randy, her big brother. I’m pretty sure it’s nothing like you imagined it would be.

MY REVIEW

One of the things you will notice right away about this author is her deep faith that is spread throughout the story. I love reading her books because I find nuggets of wisdom and encouragement within the pages. One example is Matt. Now for me I thought he was so hungry to know the Lord and placed himself around people who helped him in his walk. One thing he learns is to give himself grace. How many of us have trouble doing that for ourselves? We must remember that God has forgiven us for our past. We need to learn to not allow the enemy to try to use that against us. I loved watching the growth in Matt and how he handles difficult situations in a Godly manner. If only his brother would turn his life around.

Ariana is always thinking about what others think of her. She has to have the best clothes and live a certain lifestyle. Most young women deal with jealousy at some point and that ugly green monster hit Ariana hard. The consequences of that one brief decision changes her entire life. Thinking she could get Brock to want her backfires on her. With her father threatening to cut off her allowance she doesn’t know who to turn to. I appreciate how the author handles a sensitive topic in a very compassionate way. What will Ariana decide to do? Who can she count on to help her through a difficult time? Ariana’s thoughts about God are distorted and she feels like He would never forgive her for the sin she has committed.

My heart broke into pieces when Ariana is confronted by her dad. The disrespectful way he talks to her made me angry. No wonder this poor young woman is so afraid to ask for help. Her father is heartless, a bully and an emotional abuser. I wonder where his unconditional love for his child was? His hatred spreads throughout the house as he lashes out at his children. This scene is hard to read but very realistic. I appreciate how the author doesn’t hold back in showing readers the reality of someone who doesn’t know how to forgive.

Rejection runs deep in this story as several characters work through hurt and feeling alone. I have to say this story has been an emotional read for me. I saw myself when I was younger and how bad my parents treated me. Ariana and Matt both experience the pain of not feeling wanted by their parents. But in the midst of our trials Jesus is there to comfort us. He paid the ultimate price so we could be free. “God is keeping the lines of communication open with Him always, and then listening for His responses.”

To those who have felt unwanted, unloved, rejected or lost, God is here for you. His grace covers a multitude of sins. He is ready with open arms to welcome you into the family. “Family sticks together.” This has been one of the best books I have read in awhile. The story illustrates grace in a way that expresses freedom. Ariana and Sabrina both walk a path that is hard but God is there with them. I loved the ending and can’t wait for the final book in this series. I did read a sample of the next book that you can find at the end of this book. It will be a journey like no other as danger, anger and hatred controls a person that is out for revenge.

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