Tuesday, February 6, 2024

About the Book

Book: Reckless Yes: Exchanging Worldly Ease for God’s Eternal
Adventure

Author: Johnna Hensley

Genre: Christian memoir

Release Date: June 6, 2023

After a shocking diagnosis in 2007 sent her life in an unexpected direction, Johnna Hensley had a decision to make. Though she had walked with God for nearly two decades, she had to choose whether she would follow His leading on a strenuous journey to find the narrow gate that leads to eternal
life; or would she take the easy, wide path offered by the temporal world? As she chose to say yes to selfless love, through God’s guidance, she discovered this was the first of many forks in life’s road that would ultimately lead her to a life full of adventure, surprises, and sometimes, even hardships.

Inspiring and encouraging, this true story of one family’s journey is intertwined with relevant teaching of who God is and why we can trust Him in the midst of life’s chaos. Through relatable storytelling, wit, and wisdom, readers will be challenged to shift their perspective toward God’s eternal adventure.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Johnna (pronounced John-NUH) is an author, blogger, and all-time coordinator of chaos. Managing her family of eight, built through biology and adoption, means there’s rarely a dull moment in her days. Through herwriting, she boldly shares the eternal hope and restoration heaven offers.
She and Ryan, her husband of eighteen years, reside in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas and are avid supports of foster care, adoption, and disability awareness and advocacy as each has impacted their family. When the chaos subsides, you’ll find Johnna spending time outdoors, enjoying an early morning workout, or on the patio of a Tex-Mex restaurant with friends.

More from Johnna

Reckless Yes is Johnna’s first book, although certainly not her last! This book was years in the making and began through blog posts where she would chronicle the insights she gained from living life caring for her disabled son. It was her insights and experiences during her son’s grand entrance into the world, and many years following, which began to shape and solidify her eternal perspective and the hope of heaven. Reckless Yes is a Christian memoir that reads nearly like a Bible study as Johnna uses a unique strategy of alternating teaching chapters with memoir chapters. Not only will you see her life unfold on the pages, but you’ll see the character of God come to life as well with Johnna’s simplistic, yet interesting, explanation of Scripture. When you’re done with this book, you’ll be asking yourself what YOUR next yes will be! You’ll be equipped and capable, ready to move your life forward into action and be reckless for the Kingdom.

MY REVIEW

It was easy to relate to the author when she spoke about her relationship with her father. Mine was non existent as well. Although my dad was a preacher I still didn’t understand having a Heavenly Father or earthly father. I felt different and isolated myself all the time.

The writing style is very soothing as we glimpse into the author’s life. I loved when she said, “I’ve come to learn that it’s in our broken pieces where we find the most beauty.” Including Biblical figures in the book the author illustrates how God can use broken people. We can be set free from things that have held us back and begin to follow Him.

When I read what the author and her husband faced, I sat still for a few minutes. I remember when I was pregnant at forty-three with my third child my doctor wanted to do a test on our unborn child to see if there were any defects. With confidence I told him no and said if there was anything wrong with the baby we would love it and care for it. Facing what the author faced, I knew the decision was hard but in that moment God was already preparing them for what lay ahead.

The book is very emotional but so good as we see a realistic look at what people go thru during periods of hard times. I loved reading her story and how she opened her heart to other children that needed extra care. Compassion, unconditional love and grace is the three words I would describe as this book. Thank you for sharing your story and encouraging others that “we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.”

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 2

Simple Harvest Reads, February 3 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 4

Artistic Nobody, February 5 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 6

Splashes of Joy, February 7 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, February 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 8

Fiction Book Lover, February 9 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 10

Blossoms and Blessings, February 11 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 12

Guild Master, February 13 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, February 14

Vicky Sluiter, February 15 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Johnna is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed copy of Reckless Yes, a gold Reckless necklace, 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/29b08/reckless-yes-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, February 5, 2024

About the Book

Book: Biblical Finances Jesus Christ: The Financial Advisor

Author: Lisa D. Pedriel

Genre: Christian, Christian living, Finance, Wealth Management

Release Date: May 3, 2023

The objective of this book is to help readers manage their finances using biblical standards and principles. The main benefit of doing this is that our finances will be built on a sure foundation (Isaiah 33:6), which is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His Word. Jesus is concerned about every aspect of our lives, and the management of our finances is no exception. Throughout His Word, He gives us advice on how to get and manage the wealth He has made available to us. Therefore, it is imperative that we study the scriptures and apply them to our lives and finances. In summary, this book looks at wealth and finances from a biblical perspective.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lisa Pedriel is a child of the King, who serves as an intercessor in the body of Jesus Christ. She gave her life to Him on March 25, 2017, while walking on Lily Drive in St. James, Barbados. She started off her writing journey by penning poems and love notes to the Lord. Lisa is a qualified accountant and an auditor by profession. She currently resides on her native island Saint Lucia and lives a quiet and private life.

MY REVIEW

A short book about what God says about tithing and other subjects related to wealth and how to manage finances. The first pages speak about tithing. That is a subject that many people have pondered over the years. God gives us ways to make money but His Word is clear about tithing. We are to be good stewarts of what He has given us. One thing we should remember is that God “loves a cheerful giver.” The author provides scriptures to help readers find what God has said about our tithes.

The book is filled with many topics which help us understand about finances including helping others. Seek guidance when needed and pray about your finances. God has given us scriptures that are helpful as well as Biblical figures we can learn from. Money has always been a subject that is hard for some Christians to talk about. I will always remember this scripture that gets misquoted many times ; “the love of money is the root of all evil.” Some will quote this and say “money is the root but in fact it is “the love of money” that causes us to fall. Be prayerful in your finances, study what the Word says and seek Godly counsel when needed.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 1

Vicky Sluiter, February 2 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 3

By The Book, February 4 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 5 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 5

Simple Harvest Reads, February 6 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 7

For the Love of Literature, February 8 (Author Interview)

Because I said so – Adventures in parenting, February 9

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 10 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 11

Fiction Book Lover, February 12 (Author Interview)

Beauty in the Binding, February 13 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 13

Guild Master, February 14 (Author Interview)

Saturday, February 3, 2024

About the Book

Book: Winds of Ruach

Author: D.M. Griffin

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release Date: October 18, 2022

Winds of Ruach is a compilation of five novellas fictionally traversing a period in Israel’s history that spans three hundred years. God used the prophets to speak to His people during a tumultuous time when faith was challenged and spiritual discipline was necessary. Five prophets lived out the message of God in a way that girded their faith and inspired those who truly listened to God’s voice. Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Obadiah, and Malachi were God’s chosen spokesmen.

Book One: Jonah felt he had every right to be angry when tragedy struck his household. He would soon learn that anger was a barrier to a right relationship with God no matter how justified the source of that anger. What happens when Jonah realizes that his deep-seated anger might cost him everything? Will he learn to embrace his forgiving God?

Book Two: Nahum was a victim of God’s wrath as it fell on the land of rebellious Israel. Intimidated for the majority of his life with little memory about his origin, Nahum struggles to trust God for vindication. Grappling to understand why everything keeps going wrong, will Nahum surrender to the only One who can truly defend him?

Book Three: As a child, Habakkuk’s faith was pure and unadulterated. As a priest serving in the Temple, however, Habakkuk realizes that something is keeping him from experiencing the fullness of that faith. He doesn’t truly trust God’s heart toward him. Will he learn to be brave despite the circumstances that threaten the very existence of the Temple?

Book Four: Obadiah lived in two worlds while feeling as if he spiritually belonged to one. Born to an Edomite father and Jewish mother, he was constantly at war with his brother. How long would it take for Obadiah to learn that the Lord was with him in the battle? Even if he lost it all, would having God be enough?

Book Five: Malachi wrestles with what he knows to be true about God and how his life is unfolding in contrast to that knowledge. What does it mean to worship with a pure heart, not with ulterior motives? As God has the final say with His people, will they listen and faithfully wait for the promised future of redemption?

Explore the themes woven into the books of the minor prophets through these fictional journeys that reveal how mighty the Winds of Ruach (Spirit) truly are as they blow across history into today.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

D.M. Griffin currently resides in Northern California with her husband. They met in middle school a few days after she was transplanted to the West Coast at the tender age of twelve. She has three adult children who have been an endless source of delight and inspiration. She also has a precious new grandchild who brings her joy.

As a native New Hampshire girl, she fondly remembers spending her summers there as a child. Thick accents, small towns, and fascinating weather stirred the imagination of her young heart. She has always had a fondness for stories thanks to her imaginative mother who would make up wild, adventurous tales to tell her while tucking her into bed as a child.

She truly believes that a book that sits on a shelf unread is like a planted seed that never blossoms. Nothing delights her more than sharing a story.

More from D.M.

I am a creature of habit who thrives on predictability. That being said, Winds of Ruach fell outside my comfort zone. If you have ever heard the phrase – if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans – you get the idea. I was deep in the throes of researching and writing a twelve-book series on the disciples of Jesus. My schedule was set. The routine was fixed. I had spent two years dedicated to The Follower Series. In between writing the first draft of book seven and editing book one, I was divinely halted. I didn’t exactly hit a block, so to speak. Instead, I was inspirationally diverted. It frustrated me for a short time.

Looking back on it now, I realize it was a blessing in disguise. At the time, my daily bible reading took me through the book of Jonah. Jonah 4:4 snagged my attention like a burr clinging to a pant leg. “Is it right for you to be angry?” That single phrase snared my heart with a compulsion to self-reflect. That meditation took me to places I had not been before. I followed the thread of anger woven throughout my life. Not the anger that manifests itself in hot, fiery outbursts but the hidden, silent anger that can turn into deadly pride or unrecognizable prejudice.

Anger wears many disguises. Some of those are loneliness and grief. I began wondering what might have happened in Jonah’s life to make him, a man of God, so angry that he would directly and blatantly disobey the Lord. The first short story was the beginning of a five-month diversion in my predetermined writing schedule.

I was inspired by other verses as I walked the landscape of Scripture through the books of the minor prophets.

With Nahum, I pondered how tragedy affects the trajectory of a life. With Habakkuk, I explored the difference between authentic worship and disingenuous faith. Obadiah is a short and sweet book of the bible, but it packs a punch. The theme of the resulting short story is about claiming one’s true identity as a child of God. Finally, Malachi wove the final thread into the fabric of this anthology which is ultimately about the Spirit of God moving through history to accomplish His will and purpose. Malachi is a story about knowing when to remain silent and when to ask questions of God. As I wrote Winds of Ruach, I thought about the importance of destiny and promise.

Some of my early readers asked me which was my favorite prophet. Honestly, the only way I could answer that question is to say that it is whichever story I am reading at the time. I was greatly blessed while writing Winds of Ruach, drawing out biblical themes I had never noticed before. These five prophets are near and dear to my heart. Truly, the imagination is a gift from God. And yes, I did go back to the ‘routine’ in writing. It took three and half years (half a year over my schedule) but the series I was working on prior to Winds of Ruach is now complete. God is good even in the distractions.

MY REVIEW

This book can seem overwhelming to readers with over eight hundred pages. I know I was a bit intimidated at first , but once I got into I saw beauty, sorrow and God in every page. The author gives us five stories of different Biblical characters that are fascinating. The emphasis on each story is that it is a fictional account but within the pages we find truth.

Each story holds a lesson for these people where trust comes into play. You can see that each one is flawed in some way yet I was able to relate to them knowing that through trials God can restore what the enemy meant for harm. The author provides a look at what it may have been like to live during this time period. The description of the places were vivid enough that I felt transported beck in time. I will say I can’t pick out a favorite from the book because each one held lessons that teach us about faith, restoration, trust and knowing that God forgives us.

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

Blog Stops

Fiction Book Lover, January 31 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, January 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 1

Guild Master, February 2 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 3

Artistic Nobody, February 4 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5

Beauty in the Binding, February 6 (Author Interview)

Abba’s Warrior Princess, February 7

A Reader’s Brain, February 8 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 8

Cover Lover Book Review, February 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 10

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 11 (Author Interview)

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 12

Lights in a Dark World, February 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, D.M. is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card & copy of 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/29b07/winds-of-ruach-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, February 2, 2024

About the Book

Book: To Love A Falcon

Author: Nancy C. Williams

Genre: Christian Historical Mystery, Fairytale retelling

Release Date: November 7, 2023

When life already seems bleak, the Russians send her to Siberia.

Aircraft mechanic Katya Morozov longs for her beloved Mikhail, a Russian naval officer, to return from war. But when an unwanted work assignment takes her far from her home into remote Siberia, Katya faces threats—perhaps because she and her father were engaged in covert protection for persecuted Christians.

A chance encounter with charming test pilot, Yuri Sokolov, turns into more than a passing acquaintance…igniting the flames of a conflict between Katya’s faithfulness to Mikhail and her growing attraction to the enigmatic pilot. Will messages from a mysterious woman in the woods give her the wisdom and strength she needs?

Yuri, who has hidden battles of his own, must likewise make a decision—does he follow his dreams or pursue the lovely mechanic who has captured his heart?

To Love a Falcon, a retelling of the Russian fairy tale “Finist the Falcon,” takes readers into the intrigues of Russian operatives, the stark landscape of Siberian winters, and the courage of those who risk death for faith and love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Nancy C. Williams grew up on “Nancy Drew” books…and occasionally still tells people her middle name is “Drew,” just to get their reaction. Following in the steps of the intrepid sleuth, Williams is an adventure enthusiast who loves hiking, snow-skiing, taking photos, sharing a good laugh, and and enjoying a good mystery. She’s a history buff, too, with an affinity for antiques and fascinating stories from the past. Her writing career began with five years in the “Mad Men” world of ad agencies, crafting ads and commercials for ceiling fans, soft drinks, and pest control, among others. Then, during nearly a decade of editorial work at Federal Express headquarters, Williams traveled the globe (often in FedEx jet cockpits) and collected memories of international cultures. She also taught PR at a Christian college for a decade, sharing strategies and practices to the next generation of professionals. These days, blogs and novels are at the top of her “fun stuff to-do” list. She’s serious, though, about serving Jesus Christ…as a prayer warrior and writing for God’s glory, striving to encourage others on their spiritual journeys. When she’s not writing, look for her on the Appalachian Mountain trails with her beloved husband and mini-schnauzer.

More from Nancy

Want to know more about the real-life murder of a Russian naval officer…during a top-secret World War II mission? It’s a fascinating story that sparks even more questions, such as, what if the slain officer had a fiancée back home who didn’t know he was killed?

“To Love a Falcon” is a historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of life in post-WWII Siberia, the persecution of Christians by an anti-religious régime, and the plight of loved ones left at home who waited for lost soldiers. There’s a dash of suspense, romance, and fairy-tale lore thrown into the mix, too!

My father-in-law, who served in the U.S. SeaBees for the top-secret mission, had shared some of the details about the murder…and, I knew an old Russian fairy tale called “Finist the Falcon” that would serve as the perfect template for telling his story. I have my own personal story from Siberia (my husband and I adopted our son from there in 1999), but I learned many more interesting facts during research about this mysterious, challenging place—still largely uninhabited to this day. Our son, who is now a pilot, also helped tremendously in delving into the MiG-9, the first jet-powered fighter aircraft developed in Russia.

I hope you’ll join me on this adventure into the risks of untested flight…the murderous threats of anti-religion zealots…the relationship between a plucky female aircraft mechanic and a charming test pilot…and the possibilities of love and forgiveness in a snowy wilderness. Maybe you’ll fall in love with Siberia, too!

MY REVIEW

I really enjoyed this story that takes place in Siberia during post WWII. Katya is an aircraft mechanic whose skills are very impressive. She hasn’t heard from her beloved Mikhail in so long she becomes concerned. When she receives an unsettling request to go to a secret place to work she becomes very concerned. Who will take care of her father and those that they are helping from danger? I felt the intensity climbing as Katya must face a new assignment in a dangerous and unknown place. It would be very scary to leave everything you are familiar with and go somewhere that you are not allowed to share with anyone. Faith will be tested in this story of intrigue.

Katya’s unsettling encounter with an older woman in the woods brings her words that she needs to hang on to. The woman tells her, “You must step out in faith and never look back. You have enemies and they are powerful. But our God is more powerful.” Those words give Katya the encouragement she needs to face her new journey. A very important gift is given to her which made me cry. God was there with her and would see her through whatever lay ahead.

As the top secret mission is revealed Katya is surrounded by people she doesn’t know. Will this mission place her in harm’s way? It is unsettling when a man she doesn’t know starts to show interest in her. He stares at her and always seems to be near her. Yuri was intriguing and will prove to be important to Katya as the story unwinds. With harsh weather and terrain this story is quite an adventure.

I liked how the author details flaws in both Katya and Yuri. There is definitely an attraction brewing. Katya struggles because her heart still yearns for Mikhail. The battle of faith and trust is strong in the story and the ending is well you have to read the book to find out.

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

Blog Stops

Artistic Nobody, January 25 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 25

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 26 (Author Interview)

An Author’s Take, January 27

For Him and My Family, January 28

By The Book, January 29 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 30 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 31

Simple Harvest Reads, February 1 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, February 1

Texas Book-aholic, February 2

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 3 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 5

Through the Fire Blogs, February 6 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Nancy is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of the book and a $25 Amazon 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/29b03/to-love-a-falcon-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

About the Book

Book: Water’s Break

Author: Sophia Hansen

Genre: YA sci-fi

Release Date: January 9, 2024

What if fear itself is the deadliest undercurrent of all?

Nica would do anything to avoid the hassles of her sister’s bonding ceremony—the wrap fittings, hairstyles, and braided fire coral—but she never imagined that the waters covering her planet would be broken. As the heavens rained fire and stone, mountains erupted from the sea and dry ground was birthed on the Deep, dividing the water—and the Olomi people—for the first time in their history.

In the wake of her world’s violent re-formation, Nica’s family is shattered. When the rookie Guardian leaves the safety of the Deep to find her sister, she is abducted by strange landwalkers who possess strength and technology beyond her imagination. Nica realizes that the disaster from above was by their design—a calculated plan to terraform the water planet and conquer her people. All Nica wants to do is find her sister and swim home to safety, but with the landwalkers closing in, escape may not be possible. And if Nica can’t save herself, how can she hope to save her sister—or her people?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Sophia L. Hansen, raised in the melded cultures of Korea and America, understands not fitting into society’s boxes. Born on a tiny island in Alaska, then growing up in New York City and Boston, she now resides in the Southeast, writing and editing between fresh(ish) cups of coffee and slices of crisp bacon. She embraces life with her husband, their adulting children, and her new grandson, but her favorites are Jesus, family, coffee, and dark chocolate, mostly in that order.

More from Sophia

Once upon a time, there was a mom.
A mom with many children.
She was a very busy mom.
One day the pastor’s wife asked her to write something for the Christmas program.
“Why would you ask me?” she replied. “I’m just a mom.”
“Because you love words,” was the quiet answer.
When the mom heard this, she realized it was true. And so, she began to write.

The Beginning

Stories don’t grow in a vacuum. Neither do they flourish in a pressure cooker. Our ideas are like seeds; full of potential but needing time and space to germinate. My season of writing started after more than a decade of birthing, raising, and educating my children. We had five at the time and I was full up. There was little space in church activities for attached moms whose children didn’t nursery well, and I spent more of my Sunday mornings in the playground rather than the pews. Then, finally, a friend invited me to a study in her home, and all children were welcome.

As my soul feasted on the fellowship, Bible study, and sharing, I felt like a child sitting down to a holiday meal. I’d been so busy taking care of others that I didn’t remember what it was like to have an oxygen mask for myself. It had been far too long since my spiritual self had been nourished. Out of that beautiful season the seeds of my words, long dormant, began to sprout, including my what ifs about what would become the world of Water’s Break.

Water’s Break dives into Nica’s world, a water-covered planet inhabited by amphibian people. When disaster strikes, landmasses rise from the seabed, separating the water and its people for the first time in their history. Nica’s family is devastated: her father is gravely injured, her sister is missing, and her mother, grief-stricken. Nica, a rookie Guardian, is determined to find her sister and bring her home, even if it means she must venture out of the Deep. But no one knows what lies in wait abovewater.

I hope your hearts are encouraged as you join Nica’s fight to survive in a sea of oppression. And when survival is not enough, will she risk everything to choose life?

MY REVIEW

This has been quite the adventure with undersea thrills and chills. I have always been intrigued by the sea but have never wanted to scuba dive. With this book I feel like I was able to get a feel of what’s beneath the sea without actually diving into it. The scenery was described beautifully and the characters were fun to get to know.

The story is different from anything I have read yet it did appeal to me. I wanted to see where the author would take this story and I was soon transformed to a place where treatment of some were unfair and mimicked how people are treated if they are different in any way. It is not a feel good story and illustrates how power can overtake people. In the gritty parts of the story there seemed to be hopelessness running through people. Don’t give up on this story though as we see courage, determination and hope. There is always hope.

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