Friday, September 22, 2023

Redemption in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd

 



About the Book

Book: Redemption in the Wilderness

Author: Andrea Byrd

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 19, 2023

Two sisters alone on the Kentucky frontier…love is the last thing they expect to find.

After the death of their parents during the Hard Winter, Margaret and her sister have struggled to survive. Between her mother’s dying wish that Margaret protect her sister, and the nagging sensation that they are not alone, guilt and worry are her constant companions. And if someone is following them, is their watcher friend or foe?

Iain Donegal can’t afford roots, not with the pain and guilt of the life he’s left behind, or the memory of the drink that once threatened to consume him. But his solitary life as a long hunter in the wilds of Kentucky finds a new path when he happens upon a young woman digging a grave for her own mother. Unable to pull himself away when he realizes that she and her sister are on their own, he begins to provide anonymous aid. But when the women truly need him, can he risk leaving his solitary life behind to step in and fill the void?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My review: I really liked this story of healing of the heart. This was such an inspiration tale. Yes, there was heartache and sorrow. There was also forgiveness. I am looking forward for the next book in this series.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

 

About the Author

Andrea Byrd is a Christian wife and mom located in rural Kentucky, who loves to spend time with her family in the great outdoors, one with nature. Often described as having been born outside her time, she has a deep affinity for an old-fashioned, natural lifestyle.

With a degree in Equine Health & Rehabilitation gathering dust and a full-time job tethering her to a desk eight hours a day, Andrea decided it was time to show both herself and her children that it is truly possible to make your dreams come true. Now with over 1,000 contemporary Christian romance novellas sold, Andrea is pursuing her passion of writing faith-filled romance woven with a thread of true history.

 

More from Andrea

One of my favorite aspects of being a historical fiction author is learning new tidbits of information with each novel I pen.

Not only have I always loved learning, but I also harbor a deep passion for novels that incorporate real places and events. In Redemption in the Wilderness, I was blessed with the opportunity to research the beginnings of Harrodsburg, KY. This town was founded in 1774 as Harrodstown by James Harrod. What began mainly as a civilian fort with the building of Fort Harrod has endured more than 200 years of Kentucky’s rich history. Tourists and locals alike can still visit a replica of Fort Harrod today. And, you, yourself, can visit the original fort in Redemption in the Wilderness.

Beyond historical places and events, I also always find myself on a search engine with the strangest little inquisitions. Such as… What plants are native to Kentucky? When do said plants bloom? And which can be used as a natural remedy for this particular ailment? With this novel, I found that feverfew, a native Kentucky wildflower, was so aptly named because early settlers used this native plant to reduce fever. I cannot wait for you to see what role it played for the characters in Redemption in the Wilderness.

Blog Stops

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 19

Holly’s Book Corner, September 19

Alena Mentink, September 20

Pause for Tales, September 20

Lighthouse Academy Blog, September 21 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 22

For Him and My Family, September 22

Texas Book-aholic, September 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 25

lakesidelivingsite, September 26

Karen Baney Reviews, September 26

Bigreadersite, September 27

Connie’s History Classroom, September 28

Cover Lover Book Review, September 29

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, September 29

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 30 (Author Interview)

Avid Reader Nurse, September 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 1

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/2813b/redemption-in-the-wilderness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, September 21, 2023

The Eternity Gate by Katherine Briggs

  

About the Book

Book: The Eternity Gate

Author: Katherine Briggs

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: September 12, 2023

Destroy the key. Save her people and herself. 

The Eternity Gate is found, and kings and monsters battle over its legends of treasure. But rumors whisper that someone stole the gate’s ancient key.

Seyo, handmaiden to the princess, keeps three secrets. First, she’s gifted in fire, not light, and may as well be cursed. Second, she translates a prophecy warning that the gate does not offer treasure but judgment. Third, Jorai, the scorned prince and Seyo’s confidant, entrusts her with the key and disappears.

Surrounded by war, Seyo and her companions embark on a journey to seek help from a faraway empire and find Jorai, unaware of the trap awaiting them. But what should Seyo do with the key? Who can survive judgment, especially someone as flawed as her? Will hiding the key—or destroying it—save her people or ensure their defeat?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My review: If a reader likes fantasy that keeps you turning the pages then I say “The Eternity Gate” by Katherine Briggs would be a good one for you. This book has a lot of surprise that I didn’t see coming in the few chapters. The ending makes me think another book is coming. I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.


About the Author

Katherine Briggs crafted her first monster story at age three. Since graduating from crayons to laptop, she continues to devour and weave fantasy tales while enjoying oolong or chai tea. Katherine, her coadventurer husband, and rescue dog reside outside Houston, where she classically educates amazing middle school students, teaches ESL to adults, and studies other languages.

 

More from Katherine

Hello friend,

 

Journey. Friendship. Choices. Do these three words resonate with—even haunt—you too?

 

As I mature, I see my life and those of others’ as a journey. Aren’t you glad that, through Jesus, it’s leading somewhere amazing, and that the twists and turns have a purpose?

 

Believing thought leaders look at trends in current culture and diagnose that we’ve forgotten how to be a friend. What ingredients make a strong friendship? A listening ear? Sacrifice? Loyalty? Speaking truth in love? Encouragement? Are you honored to participate in an “unlikely friendship,” meaning someone who is different from you?

 

I’m sure you’ve faced many choices, even those of the impossible variety. Are you facing such a choice right now? Can you remember a past impossible choice and the light, albeit hard to see, that was always shining through?

 

Seyo, the main character in my debut YA fantasy The Eternity Gate, can relate. Even though she hides that she inherited the wrong gifting, her enemy’s gifting, she embarks on a journey across dangerous lands to save her country, despite feeling unworthy. She travels with friends and makes some surprising new ones. Along the way, she’s faced with unfathomable choices that will determine the fate of her home. Choices much too big for her shoulders, but that’s because she, like us, has Someone far more powerful helping her.

 

I encourage you to grab a tasty, warm drink. Since it’s autumn, I suggest The Republic of Tea’s pumpkin spice latte, and you can click here to grab the recipe. Sit back, relax, and remember:

 

  • What part of your journey has made you stronger?
  • Is there a friend you can reach out to with an encouraging word?
  • Small actions change the world. Don’t give up.

 

Sip your cozy drink and please enjoy Seyo’s journey. I hope The Eternity Gate invites you into a grand adventure.

 

Sincerely,

Katherine Briggs

Blog Stops

Bliss, Books & Jewels, September 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 21

Texas Book-aholic, September 22

Through the Fire Blogs, September 23 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 24

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

Artistic Nobody, September 26 (Author Interview)

Madi’s Musings, September 26

The Book Club Network, September 27

Guild Master, September 28 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 29

Blogging With Carol, September 30

Labor Not in Vain, October 1

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 2 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 3

Simple Harvest Reads, October 4 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Katherine is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card and one hardcover copy of The Eternity Gate!!

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/27fb7/the-eternity-gate-celebration-tour-giveaway


Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Battered &Torn by Allison Pearl

 

About the Book

Book: Battered & Torn

Author: Allison Pearl

Genre: Faith-Based Romantic Suspense

Release Date: February 6, 2023

As just another staff member in the mansion of billionaire Archie Hamilton, Nora’s finally found a place to hide from her murderous family. But when the handsome bigshot asks her out on a date, she worries Archie’s interest—no matter how thrilling—will blow her cover and shoot up a flare for those hunting her. And if she can’t squash his crush, only God will be able to keep him out of danger.

When Archie turned in his scalpel to run the family business, life became too busy to go home and deal with his grief. But when he discovers a suspicious hire at his ancestral estate, he’s forced to confront the situation as well as his anger at God for taking not only his family, but his dreams. Despite his objections, his grandmother is determined to keep Nora on staff, but that isn’t going to stop him investigating her on his own—no matter how attractive he finds her. But the more he digs, the more questions he has.

Drawn to Nora again and again, Archie wonders if she’ll help lead him back to the truth or get him killed. Is trusting a beautiful stranger worth the risk to his family, his life, and his heart? And when Nora’s past catches up with them, will anyone be left alive?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My review

This book continues where the other books in the series ends. I don’t think a reader will have any trouble following along with the storyline even if they haven’t read the other books in this series. This book is a mystery but it is a little love story as well. The ending makes me think another book is coming. This book has a surprise villain that I didn’t see coming. This story kept me turning the pages to see if Nora is kept safe. There is a little violence but I don’t think it is over the top like some books. I am hoping there is another book because I have questions I want answered.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

About the Author

Allison Pearl is a small-town girl who’s lived just about everywhere. She loves books, tea, chocolate, and watching old movies with her husband and furbabies. To keep in touch and get updates on new releases visit www.allison-pearl.com or follow her Facebook page ‘Books by Pearl’ at www.facebook.com/allisonnicolepearl/, on Twitter at @AllisonPearl5, and on Instagram at @allisonnicolepearl.

 

More from Allison

We’ve all fantasized about running away and starting over. Maybe it’s to some gem of a small town or a thrilling big city, but who hasn’t wondered what it would be like to leave our history, our anxieties, and our problems behind and trade them in for something fairytale-worthy and new? Nora didn’t just dream about starting over, she did. But did she run far enough? The nightmares that haunt her at night say otherwise, leading her to wonder Can we ever really start over or do our fears just lie in wait?

 

Nora’s written her own fairytale, but will her murderous family steal the happy ending? Find out the truth by getting your copy of BATTERED & TORN!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 20

Texas Book-aholic, September 21

Gina Holder, September 22 (Author Interview)

The Lit Lady, September 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 23

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

Lily’s Book Reviews, September 25

Splashes of Joy, September 26 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 27

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 28

The Book Club Network, September 29

Beauty in the Binding, September 30 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 30

For Him and My Family, October 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 2

Through the Fire Blogs, October 3 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Allison is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/27fb5/battered-torn-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, September 18, 2023

Zuggy the Rescue Pug-Happy Howlidays by Jean Marie Alfieri

 

About the Book

Book: Zuggy the Rescue Pug – Happy Howl-idays

Author: Jean Marie Alfieri

Genre: Kid-lit Activity Book

Release Date: June 17, 2023

Three fun Zuggy the Rescue Pug stories in one action-packed activity book! First, Zuggy goes ‘Costume Crazy.’ How many does he model before finding the perfect Halloween outfit? Color them all. Then, Zuggy must save dinner from racing out the door, in ‘The Great Turkey Chase.’ Finally, Zuggy can’t stand the thought of the family having no presents this holiday. Can he work some Christmas magic? Only if the cat keeps his secret.

Packed with book club questions, puzzles, and games, this activity book makes a paws-itivly perfect gift for parents, teachers, and kiddos!

 

Click here to get your copy!

My review

This book is a story book with three Holiday stories, Halloween , Thanksgiving and Christmas. But it is more than a storybook. It is a coloring book and an activity book. I believe most children would really enjoy these stories and doing the games and the puzzles. There are others books in this series and I want to get the whole collection. Yes, I know these books are for children but my favorite story of these third is the Christmas one because it mentions that the real reason for Christmas is the birth of a special baby. The Thanksgiving story might make children laugh out loud.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

About the Author

When Jean’s eyes locked with those of a smooshy-faced little dog who sat inside a kennel at the Humane Society, it was love! He captured her heart. She captured their many adventures in short story poems starring Zuggy the Rescue Pug. An author, speaker, and advocate for the adoption of senior dogs, Jean and her husband currently live with their three fur-kids in Colorado. They joke that although the humans pay the mortgage, it’s really the dogs’ house! Jean finds much of her writing inspiration from her “vintage puppies” and work at the Pikes Peak Humane Society.

 

More from Jean

Pug-Lovers Magazine recently sat down with America’s favorite rescue pug to interview him on the new trio of Howl-iday stories and activity books that were released last month. Here’s what Zuggy had to say.

 

Q: This is book #11 in an award-winning collection. How do you continue to be your Mom / Jean’s most influential writing inspiration?

Zuggy: Oh, that’s easy. I just jump on her lap and wiggle around until I almost fall off and she tells me to settle down. Then I sit and stare deeply into her eyes and subliminally ask for a snack. She thinks I’m giving her story ideas, but it works for her, so I don’t ruin it.

 

Q: What is the best activity in these special edition books? 

Zuggy: The puzzles and games and coloring pages where you can decorate me! The book club questions are also a great feature. (Mom said she got the idea from her own reading club – thanks, Auntie Karen!)

 

Q: What is your favorite holiday? 

Zuggy: This pug is all about love and hugs, so Valentine’s Day is my fave. (I should have been named Very-Valentino, or Vee-vee for short! It’s so Ooo-la-la.)

 

Q: Do you ever get writer’s block?

Zuggy: Every day around breakfast and dinner time I simply can not focus. I scour the kitchen for lost and forgotten kibbles and wait impatiently for my chef (I mean, Momma Jean) to prepare my next meal. Who could write in such conditions?

 

Q: Which story from this collection is your favorite?

Zuggy: That’s ruff. ‘Costume Crazy’ is based on a true story and I really enjoyed all the belly-rubs between wardrobe changes. ‘The Great Turkey Chase’ starts out sad but is so exciting, and I score a drumstick in the end, so that’s a super story. And ‘Santa Paws’ is full of surprises. I love them all!

 

Q: Where can friends and fans get this new book? 

Zuggy: The whole collection is available on Amazon and Jean will be signing copies on September 16, 2023, at the Humane Society’s Pawtoberfest, in Colorado Springs. Grab a beer and a book! And remember, she loves visiting schools (in person or remotely) so drop us an email to schedule a class visit: ZuggythePug@gmail.com

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 18

lakesidelivingsite, September 19

Texas Book-aholic, September 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 22

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

Blossoms and Blessings, September 24 (Author Interview)

The Book Club Network, September 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 25

Blogging With Carol, September 26

For Him and My Family, September 27

Artistic Nobody, September 28

Cover Lover Book Review, September 29

Guild Master, September 30

Vicky Sluiter, October 1 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, October 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jean is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a print-copy of the newest special-edition activity book, “Zuggy the Rescue Pug – Happy Howl-idays”!!

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/27fb2/zuggy-the-rescue-pug-happy-howl-idays-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, September 17, 2023

Powerful Whispers by Christa Joy Spaeth

 

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!

My review 

This devotional book has 7 weeks of devotions, one for each day of the week. They start off with a Biblical scripture and then a special message from the heart of God titled God’s whisper. Then a personal note from or about the author’s life. Then the author suggests a worship song to listen to. I admit I haven’t listened to the songs because I was reading this book so I could write this review but I plan on rereading this book and listening to the songs and really use this book as it was intended, a devotional to really understand how much God loves me. After the worship song suggestion the author has an activity for the reader to do and then there is a prayer to pray, then there is a page to write your reflections. 

The prayers are really written to help us reach out to God and grow in the knowledge of His love. I urge you not to just read these prayers but really mean them as you say them. I suggest you read them, then pray them and mean them.

I was given a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

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.

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