About the Book

Book:  Rahab’s Courage

Author: Naomi Craig

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release date: August 17, 2021

A scarlet cord tethers one ruined woman to the salvation of mankind.

Harboring two fugitives in a city slated for destruction, Rahab has one small chance of escape. In exchange for their safety, she bargains for her own. Their agreement rewards her courage, and she flees Jericho and a life of prostitution for a new life among the people of Israel. Never again will she have to depend on anyone—especially men.

Except Salmah won’t take the hint.

High ranking soldier and leader of the tribe of Judah, Salmah is determined not to repeat his parents’ mistakes. He will keep the Lord’s commandments. Rahab’s growing faith fits right in with phase one of his plans: find a wife who loves the Lord and settle down in the new land.

Rahab finds shelter and meaning in the Lord’s ways until her past comes back to haunt her. As her new faith is put to test, she finds herself alone. Isn’t that what she’d always wanted?

With her courage waning, only the Lord can turn Rahab’s life around again, but will He do it before she loses everyone and everything that really matters to her—to her heart?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Naomi writes Historical Fiction set in Bible times.
She lives in a small town in the south-eastern mountains of Arizona
She is an avid reader, Pastor’s wife, and homeschool mom. 

 

More from Naomi

Matthew 1:4b-6a (NKJV)

Nahshon begot Salmon.  Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse,  and Jesse begot David the king.

On the brink of war and conquering the Promised Land, The Israelites stand fierce and determined, ready to see God’s victory. This time they will not waiver.  This time, obedience will be their theme. But it wasn’t always that the Israelites stood with resolve as strong as Jericho’s impenetrable walls.

Rewind forty years. The Israelites have just been delivered from slavery in Egypt. 12 spies were sent into the land and brought back a good report. There were bountiful crops peace and giants.

Nahshon, as the leader of Judah (Numbers 2:3), should have been influential in his tribe’s decision to trust the Lord—especially since Caleb one of the two who trusted, was from Judah. Yet nobody believed. They all grumbled. So instead of what should have been a quick journey, it took forty years.

And the entire generation couldn’t enjoy the benefits of trusting God and His promise.

Enter Salmah.

He sees the penalty of his father’s disobedience. It shapes his life he adheres to the ways of the Lord. Plague after disobedience hardens his resolve. He will obey the laws of the Lord so it will go well with him in the new land.

So what is a man with this moral stature doing with a Canaanite? A harlot? Every sordid detail that makes up Rahab goes against his moral fiber.

But faith.

Faith that was spoken about all the way into the New Testament. Rahab steps out in sacrificial faith to a God she doesn’t yet know, for strangers who have no reason to trust her.

As such, the Lord honored her faith. As He does when you and I step out on that limb because we’ve felt that stirring in our soul.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

Not only did the Lord spread His mantle of protection over Rahab, He also saw fit to include her in the lineage of His Son, Jesus.

Rahab’s Courage is a love story. A story of stepping out in faith. Of changing expectations of yourself and others. Of how the Lord can redeem and use any who are willing to put off the old and become that new creation.

***The scripture is clear that Rahab is a harlot. Due to the nature of this life, this story addresses prostitution, rape, and post traumatic stress. Please use caution with younger readers and if these subjects would act as a trigger for you. If Rahab’s Courage was a movie, it would have a rating of PG-13

MY REVIEW 

The author has a gift that swept me back to Biblical times and made me feel part of the story. The details are good and follow the true story almost perfectly. I enjoyed being reminded how faithful God is and how He looks after His people. This story is one that I have always remembered because it shows how anyone can be used by God. 

Rahab is not thought of very well in her village and most know what she does. She does show strength and I liked that she was not afraid to help out men who were her enemies. What if you were in the position to hide someone? Would you do it or turn your back on them? The risk that Rahab takes is courageous and admirable. In that moment she sets herself apart from sin to help those who could harm her. 

I liked reading how she wanted to change and learn the ways of Yahweh. Her thirst for knowledge keeps her moving forward. She wants to be forgiven and feel like she is worthy to be in His presence. Her past is hard to read about and as the author warns readers, the story may be rated as PG 13. She does describe some hard situations but it is not graphic but points out how Rahab had been treated most of her life. 

Salmah is definitely attracted to Rahab but he hesitates in showing his feelings to her. He wanted to take his time and allow Rahab to know more about Yahweh. I liked following their story and watching their relationship grow. Not everyone is pleased with this turn of events and there were some who gossiped and said unkind things about  this woman who they feel should not be forgiven. It is hard for Salmah to look at Rahab after the attack and my heart went out to this woman. I know what it feels like to be ashamed, abandoned and discarded. Rahab wants so desperately to be a part of a family, to be loved and accepted. 

I loved this story of redemption and unconditional love. It reminds me how we should never judge others and always love each other. Her walk was hard and it shows how much God loves each of us. Sometimes we need to forgive ourselves in order to accept what God has for us. He used a woman who many felt was unclean and transformed her into a woman who desired to serve God. 

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

Blog Stops

Rebecca Tews, August 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 13

Inside the Wong Mind, August 14

Inklings and notions, August 14

For Him and My Family, August 15

Breny and Books, August 15

lakesidelivingsite, August 16

She Lives to Read, August 17

Boondock Ramblings, August 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 18

Betti Mace, August 19

Texas Book-aholic, August 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 20

deb’s Book Review, August 21

Cats in the Cradle Blog , August 21

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 22

Through the fire blogs, August 22

Connie’s History Classroom, August 23

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 24

Labor Not in Vain, August 24

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 25

Back Porch Reads, August 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Naomi is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 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/11419/rahab-s-courage-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book:  Girls of Summer

Author: C.E. Hilbert

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: March 19, 2021

When Charlotte receives the news that her estranged father has passed away, she finds herself in small-town South Carolina, forced to partner with her half-sister in running the baseball team and family business. If she can make it through 365 long days of running her daddy’s business, she’ll inherit half his multi-million dollar fortune—money she desperately needs to rectify the sins of her mother.

But can a big city girl overcome small-town sass and the unwelcome guidance of too-handsome-for-his-own-good general counsel Mac Taylor, or will this uptown girl discover she is truly a southern girl of summer at heart?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

C.E. Hilbert lives in sleepy town outside Columbus, OH in a 120-year-old fixer-upper with her Golden Retriever, Georgie. She believes that life goes best with Jesus, cookies made with real butter, summers watching baseball and winters filled with hockey.

 

More from C.E. Hilbert

Did you ever have a fascination with an organization or an event? Maybe you are a World War II buff like my friend Nick or you have a deep appreciation (or obsession) for all things Star Wars like my nephew Alex? Maybe you were entranced with a book series or a television series? For me, I had a deep curiosity about organized crime in high school and college. I know, odd choice of interest, but my fascination was so deep I spent a semester being advised and mentored by a sitting federal judge and the head of our local FBI office on a school project about the impact of the Cosa Nostra in Ohio.

I, like so many people who have read Mario Puzo’s “The Godfather” or seen the movie adaptation, was infatuated with the romance the family drama told. I hadn’t really considered the destruction or lack of care for human life that actually existed within the American Mafia until I studied the organization. Although my curiosity continued, no longer did I see Michael Corleone’s story as a well-crafted work of fiction, but rather an overly romanticized view of a world of corruption and depravity. What I learned from those two mentors was simple – cut off the head of one organization and two more will rise in its place. The Cosa Nostra’s influence on America has waned in recent years, but organized crime is unfortunately alive and well.

In Girls of Summer, we see a glimpse of the impact of organized crime in America through the lens of one family so enmeshed in its web we are unsure if they will be able to survive to find freedom. Through telling this story, I not only wanted to share how the love of God can redeem even the most lost soul, but also give a window into the destruction that follows in the wake of those who do not value human life. Instead of romanticizing organized crime as books and movies have done for decades, my goal with integrating the Russian mafia into the fabric of Girls of Summer was to shine a light on the lack of decency and morality.

Girls of Summer is a suspenseful romance filled with the hope of redemption and reconciliation, but the story also gives a peek into a world most of us would prefer to believe lives only in fiction. Thankfully, we have dedicated men and women who are quietly fighting for justice with the hope of one day saying, organized crime is truly a thing of make believe.

MY REVIEW 

The author delivers a very well written thriller complete with secrets, money laundering and suspects that slip through the cracks . Charlotte and Georgie are very different. They may be sisters but they have  had a strained relationship. I was surprised at what was in the will that the sisters had to abide by. I was curious why the specific instructions called for them to reunite for one year in the same house. What  started as a story of two sisters making amends becomes an all out race to save their lives. 

Charlotte has upset someone because her life is continually in danger. I think after my car exploded I would be hiding far away from everyone I knew. She receives word that someone has been skimming money from her and I was shocked to find out who it was. The author gives us a little background on Charlotte’s past which is painful to read. You expect your mother to love and protect  you but for Charlotte that is not the case. I was so angry when I found out what her mother had done. The emotional damage done to Charlotte has made her cold at times and caused to pull away from family. 

Georgie is such a sweet character and I wanted her to be reunited with her sister. I really enjoyed reading how these two sisters worked on their relationship and   faced danger together. Georgie is a lot more trusting than Charlotte which made it harder to mend their fractured relationship. There is faith throughout the story which helped the characters start to rely more on God. 

I was surprised at the twists in the story with organized crime from Russia infiltrating the small town. It shows how greedy people can be and how they have  no regard  for others. The action is non stop and kept me guessing throughout the story. Not everyone can be trusted in this thriller and the ending was not what I expected at all. I loved the message of redemption and showing unconditional love by sacrificing one’s  freedom to save another. Does  that remind you of anyone? 

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 11

HappyWhenReading, August 11

For Him and My Family, August 12

Daysong Reflections, August 13

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 14

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 15

Simple Harvest Reads, August 15 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 16

deb’s Book Review, August 17

Texas Book-aholic, August 18

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

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 21

Inklings and notions, August 22

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 23

Reviewingbooksplusmore, August 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, C.E. is giving away the grand prize package of a tote that contains four books (Girls of Summer, From Scratch, Life on the Porcelain Edge & The Wooing of Jane Grey) and some “surprise items”!!

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/112dd/girls-of-summer-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book:  Finding Common Ground: One Octogenarian’s Quest to Help Our Nation Heal

Author: Robynne Elizabeth Miller & Marilyn Siden

Genre: Narrative Nonfiction/Memoir

Release date: April 2, 2021

Because she’d had enough. Enough anger. Enough hatred. Enough division.

Marilyn Siden has lived through much: the aftermath of World War II, Korea, and the horror of Vietnam. She’s navigated good political administrations and struggling ones, a thriving economy and want. Her eight decades of experience living in the US have shown her the best America has to offer and, unfortunately, the worst. But she never thought America would become a place of vitriol and despair.

So, she decided to do something about it.

Through a series of epic journeys across America, Marilyn discovered what she was after: practical advice on how to help our nation heal.

But she found something she wasn’t expecting . . . something far more powerful.

Marilyn found our common ground.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Authors

Robynne Elizabeth Miller is wife to an amazing Brit and mother to a glorious brood of adopted and biological kids. Her adventures have led her to over twenty-five countries, from Malta to Russia, and she’s lived about a quarter of her life in the English countryside. She currently makes her home in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, spending much of her time telling locals they don’t need to apologize for the rain.

With dozens of articles, essays, and blog posts to her credit, as well as eight books and collaborations on several more, she’s put her B.A. from Westmont College and her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction & Fiction from Ashland University to good use She’s an experienced speaker, editor, and writing coach, and teaches regularly at conferences and writer’s workshops. She currently serves as President and Director of Leadership of Inspire Christian Writers and hosts The Art of Semi-Fiction podcast, where she explores every corner of the written word.

On quieter days, Robynne can be found meandering back roads with her family, cooking up some grand adventure with her friends, singing at the top of her lungs, or making bacon from scratch.

 

 

Marilyn Siden is blessed with a wonderful family—four grown children, twelve beautiful, talented, Godly grandchildren, and an amazing husband.

 

More from Robynne and Marilyn

Hello Dear Readers!

 

Feeling a little discouraged about the state of our nation today? Convinced you have no hope of being part of the solution?

 

Good news!

 

Not only are you ABLE to be a part of helping to heal our nation, but you are both called AND equipped to do so, right where you are. No matter your skillset or resources, you can start being a light for Jesus right now. And that light, however small you perceive it to be, WILL shine in these dark times.

 

Taking this journey at nearly 80 and crossing the country in search of practical solutions to start reversing the hatred and hurt blanketing our nation was challenging.

 

But it was worth it, too.

 

Not only is the book filled with stories of hope and encouragement, it’s filled with practical steps we can all take to start healing hurts, restoring our communities, building a safer future for our children, and bringing light back to our nation.

 

Are you ready?

 

We are standing on common ground!

My REVIEW 

This has been a very inspiring story to read. I’m in awe of this eighty year old woman who decided to do something about the discord in our land instead of complaining about it. I felt like her passenger  as she loaded up her car and set out to ask people one very important question. As her journey began, I sat back and prepared myself to pick up nuggets of wisdom from a road trip that opened communication and compassion. 

Each chapter introduces us to new places and people from all walks of life. They all had different idea of how to close the gap on discord but one theme seemed to stand out. We need to do it together unified if we want to accomplish our goal. Listening to all the different suggestions gave me hope and saw that there are people who do care, who still watch out for others and do believe that God is in control. 

I loved how people talked about forgiving and not judging others. One person said we need to stop thinking of ourselves and start asking what we can do to make this world better. If you are looking for encouragement this book is full of everyday people with wisdom and understanding. I wonder when the last time was that we took time to help someone in need? Can we come together without wanting to be always be the one who is right? What example are we showing our children when they see riots, violence, shouting and danger in their neighborhood? “It boils down to human decency. Respecting others. Standing up for the underdog. Helping our neighbors.”

The more I read the more I wanted to be part of the change. The stories from across the land was overwhelming. There are people out there who do care and want to see our country healed. One thing that really stuck with me was to just start a conversation. Ask friends what we can do to come together and stop the division that has crippled our nation. Let’s be the person who finds solutions for the common good. 

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

Blog Stops

I Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 16

By The Book, August 17 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 18

Inklings and notions, August 19

For Him and My Family, August 20

Blossoms and Blessings, August 21 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 21

deb’s Book Review, August 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 23

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

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 25

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 27

Splashes of Joy, August 28 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 29

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Marilyn and Robynne are giving away the grand prize package of a $50 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/112e3/finding-common-ground-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book:  Trail to Forgiveness

Author: Cheri Swalwell

Genre: Women’s Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: March 9, 2021

Even though he knew most of the pictures and accusations were planted, and false, people’s perceptions of what happened is what would decide Jace’s fate, not the facts themselves.

When it comes to dating, Holly has never settled…and she’s not going to start now with something as important as marriage. Jace lives with the weight of failing his wife, Simone, and refuses to repeat history. So, when Holly and Jace tentatively move toward a dating relationship, they know it won’t be as easy the second time around.

Rumors and lies about an affair spread in the church which could jeopardize Jace’s career and their reputations. In the midst of their own problems, they discover an even bigger threat trying to destroy the youth group.

What happens when evil is allowed to spread unchecked? It takes the skills of an undercover cop to reveal the sinister plot seeking to gain control of the entire church.

Will Holly and Jace find God’s trail to forgiveness…or are some actions deemed unforgiveable?

If you like wholesome fiction with a faith-filled message, step out with Trail to Forgiveness, Book 3 of The Redemption of Green Pines series today…to find out if Jace’s career and their love can survive.

 

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 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. For a full list of books visit www.cheriswalwell.com. If you want to sign up to her newsletter to stay updated on all the latest news, you will also receive a free gift as her way of saying thanks for joining! To read one of her many articles on life from a Christian perspective, visit her blog at www.cheriswalwell.com. She loves to interact with her readers, so send her an email at clSwalwell99@gmail.com. You can “like” her on Facebook as well here or join Heart Speaks with Cheri Swalwell, a private Facebook group where we encourage each other and share life together.

 

More from Cheri

Journey Back Home, Book 2 in The Redemption of Green Pines, was supposed to be a stand alone book. When I finished writing it, I realized there was so much more to the community of Green Pines, and also so much more to Holly. Who was Holly? Why was she able to help Jace through his grief? What brought her to Green Pines?

As a result, I wrote a prequel to Journey Back Home, sharing with readers Holly’s story which became Book 1, Adventure’s Invitation. That book shares the backstory of Holly and her family and I highly recommend reading it. It will make Trail to Forgiveness, Book 3 in The Redemption of Green Pines, that much more meaningful when you get to spend more time with Holly’s family!

Trail to Forgiveness picks up literally two hours after Journey Back Home ends. God unfolded the storyline as I was writing it. While Jace and Holly are busy dealing with false rumors and a church that wants to fire him, Noah and his friends are dealing with members of the youth group who are out to get them too. Thankfully, though, Officer Dave, now a new believer, sticks around and helps Jace and Paul uncover what’s happening. It’s not what you think … but worse!

Also in Trail to Forgiveness, we get to discover more about the foursome who works for Holly, former youth group members of Jace: Addie, her best friend Wynn, Zane and his sidekick Owen. Not only are there secrets circulating in the youth group, but Wynn has some strong secrets of her own.

Pre-order Book 4, Road to Freedom, to discover what secrets Wynn’s been hiding from Holly, her mentor, as well as her friends. Is Zane hiding something from Wynn also?

There is so much more to discover about the community of Green Pines. I hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as I do!

My REVIEW 

This has been a very emotional journey as the author walks us through the road to forgiveness. I loved how she uses situations that some people encounter and watch them make decisions that are hard. It was easy to relate to Jace and Holly because they were very well written. I couldn’t wait to see what the author had in store for her readers and I began to get comfortable and as I began my journey in  the book. 

Jace has a lot on his plate after losing his wife. He is left with guilt and raising children  on his own. You can feel his despair at times when loneliness comes over him. He questions what to do and how to move forward. Losing someone is hard and I liked that he never lost his faith. It is hard to believe the trails he faced but through it he became stronger  and found a renewed relationship with God. 

Holly is a sweet woman who has been watching Jace’s children. It is obvious how much she loves the children and I was happy to see that her and Jace were beginning to have feelings for each other. This is where I really began to see how the enemy was working himself not only into the church but into other areas of people’s lives. For some reason a certain elder in the church is out to get Jace. He has begun to do a smear campaign in the church to have Jace fired as Youth Pastor. I was so upset with the things that were said about Jace and Holly. 

It is sad that this happens today in churches. A group will get together and start finding fault with a member in the church. The rumors start and before you know it, the church is divided. We need to be careful when we hear rumors and not take part in gossip. Jace and Holly did have many friends and family praying for them which is what needed to be done. 

I want to focus on something else from the story. The author took on two very hard subjects and I think she did it with grace while showing what happens when evil steps in. Everyday a child is faced with bullies and in the story several young people fell victim to being bullied. A bully will seek out someone they think they can control and scare. It was hard to watch  the  changes going on as one particular child stopped going to youth . He was so afraid that he would go to jail or his mom would that he cut himself off from everyone. I cried when I saw how hurt this child was and what it did to him. 

The other part of the story has to deal with child pornography. It is something that makes me sick to think about. The boys involved were still young yet they seemed to not care what they were doing was wrong. They not only forced others to lie  for them but threatened them if they ever told. With the help of a very strategically placed youth volunteer, the secret was exposed. 

In every situation that the book explored, we see a chance to forgive or decide to hold a grudge. I loved when Jace told one person that he was forgiven before he even asked. The book is a great example of going through trails and forgiving even when you may have been hurt. Of course there is much more to the story but I wanted to highlight how important it is to forgive. 

As you read the book you will see a couple face accusations that could damage their reputation. Will they be able to stand together and trust God? Will Holly be accepted by Jace’s children as their step-mother? What will happen to Jace’s job as Youth Pastor? Each question has a road that leads to forgiveness. Let us remember to forgive quickly and love unconditionally. 

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

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, August 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 16

Texas Book-aholic, August 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 18

For Him and My Family, August 19

deb’s Book Review, August 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 21

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 22

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 23

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

Susan K. Beatty, Author, August 25 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 26

Pause for Tales, August 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cheri is giving away the grand prize of a $20 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/112e2/trail-to-forgiveness-celebration-tour-giveaway