Wednesday, March 9, 2016

"Charity’s Cross" by MaryLu Tyndall Book Tour and Give Away

Book Information: Charity’s Cross
Author: MaryLu Tyndall
Book Jacket:
Suspected of killing her husband, Charity Westcott flees on the first ship out of Portsmouth, England heading for the colonies. Loathing all men after her abusive marriage, she hopes to reunite with her family in Charles Towne, but the ship ends up in Nassau. When she spots her husband’s brother, who is intent on seeing her hang, boarding her ship, she jumps overboard.
Elias Dutton, preacher and son of the famous pirate, Rowan Dutton, must get to Barbados as soon as possible. His sister is in danger, and his parents have charged him with her safety. He cannot let them down—again.  But after rescuing a madcap woman from the bay, he now finds himself tricked into masquerading as her husband so they both can procure passage to Barbados.
Pirates, storms, shipwreck and betrayal threaten to delay the couple in their journey even as sparks fly between them. With her brother-in-law in fast pursuit, the last thing Charity wants is help from a man, especially a religious one, but she has no choice. After Elias’ heart was broken by a sordid woman who nearly ruined his life, he seeks a godly woman pure as the virgin sands of the Caribbean. He believes he has found such a woman in Charity. Until he discovers she is a murderer and is now faced with two choices: letting her go or turning her in to the authorities.
About the Author
Award-winning author MaryLu Tyndall dreamt of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her childhood days on Florida’s Coast. With more than seventeen books published, she makes no excuses for the spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. In a culture that accepts the occult, wizards, zombies, and vampires without batting an eye, MaryLu hopes to show the awesome present and powerful acts of God in a dying world. A Christy award nominee and Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award winner, MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, two grandchildren and several stray cats on the California coast.

Guest Post from  MaryLu Tyndall

Choices. Do the choices we make in life have consequences? Or is there always someone or something there to bail us out of trouble—friends, parents, church, the government? It seems in our present culture, nobody owns up to the consequences of their actions, but instead we prefer to blame someone else, anyone else, and even things like our heritage and status for our own failings. Often people blame God, don’t they? Being all-powerful, He is an easy choice to blame when things go wrong. After all, He’s God. Couldn’t He have done something?
Charity’s Cross is about choices and consequences, about life and pain and betrayal, but most of all, it’s about trusting the only One who can lead us down the right path. I wrote Charity’s Cross at the request of so many fans that I fear if I didn’t write it, it would have kept me up at night. I hate to disappoint my readers. You see, Charity is the forth sister in a trilogy I wrote several years ago about her three siblings, the Charles Towne Belles trilogy.  The three sisters and their admiral father moved from England to Carolina where they had many romantic adventures, but they left Charity behind because she had already married. In the first three books I hinted that poor Charity was in a bad marriage, and this was enough to drive my readers mad to know what happened to her.
Charity’s Cross, like all my books is what I call an adventure romance with deep spiritual themes. It is my goal not only to entertain but to inspire others to follow Jesus more closely. If I haven’t done that, I haven’t done my job.
My Review: I had this book "Charity's Cross" by MaryLu Tyndall to read and I started looking at the description and thought "Oh great, a book about pirates, how can it be a Christian book and besides that I know I am not going to like it but because I committed myself to read and review this book I will have to read it. First, through I had to read the other three books in this series (Charles Towne Belles) because I just have to read books that are in a series in order,(these books don't have to be read in order as they can be standalones and you don't have to read the other three at all in order to enjoy and understand "Charity's Cross.) but my preferences being what they are I brought the other three books in the series and I have to say I am really glad I did.  Here are some of my facebook post about the first books in this series. "The Red Siren" by MaryLu Tyndall was GREAT. NEVER THOUGH I WILL BE SAYING THAT ABOUT A BOOK ABOUT PIRATES. YES, GOD MESSAGE WAS SHOWN IN THE STORYLINE. All I can say is become a reviewer and you just might find yourself liking genres you thought you wouldn't. "The Red Siren" is probably my favorite of the series.Just goes to show you are never too old to change and broaden your horizons.
So, I have read all four books in this series and I have even sent a message to MaryLu Tyndall asking if there were going to be anymore stories about these four sisters and their pirates. In "The Red Siren" one of the sisters was a pirate herself. I really think "Charity's Cross" has more of an impact of spiritual matters than the other three. "Charity"s Cross" is a great book but it has scenes that are tear jerking!"
I am including two quotes from the book that really spoke to me.“Not all prayers get answered the way we wants, Miss.” “Some don’t get answered at all,” she retorted. “Or perhaps only good people’s prayers get answered.” He laughed. “God’s no respecter o’ persons, Miss. As long as you are His child and sincere in your prayer, He hears and answers.” “Then I must not be His child.” “If you’ve received the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, on your behalf, then you are His child. He adopted you in His family.”
“God? What had He to do with any of it?” he said softly. “’ Twas completely a consequence of my own actions that led to the disaster. Why are people always so quick to blame God for every mishap?” “Because He has the power to protect us and to change things if He wants. Isn’t that what your precious Bible says?” “Indeed, God is all powerful, but He gave us free will to make our own choices, good or bad. Suffering the repercussions of our bad decisions is simply part of that.”
This book has scenes that deal with spousal abuse and guns. I know some readers do not like to read about these things and I read to escape reality but at the same time I want my reading to feel somewhat real and not always in a fantasy world, though sometimes I want that but these books take you into an adventure and show the reader that no matter what our circumstances are God hasn't let us down.
If you want to experience Sorrow, Joy and disbelief and faith in a new way, I urge you to read "Charity"s Cross" by MaryLu Tyndall.  I can honestly say I am glad I was introduce to these "Charles Towne Belles".
Oh, I just have to say the title fits the story well.
I am giving "Charity Cross"5 stars. 
I was given a pdf copy of "Charity's Cross" by the author and Celiberate Lit for my honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Blog Tour Stops

March 3: Mary Hake
March 4: Heidi Reads…
March 5: Just Commonly
March 6: cherylbbookblog
March 8: Splashes of Joy
March 10: Bigreadersite
March 10: Bukwurmzzz
March 11: A Greater Yes
March 11: Texas Book-aholic

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Sunday, March 6, 2016

"Redeeming Character": Redemption Tales Book Five by George McVey

Book Description : Reverend David Nathaniel Ryder the second is now in charge of Redemption Chapel. Nathan and Grace are gone from Redemption, leaving David to deal with an unhappy Rebecca and a bitter Cassandra Bickle. If that wasn't enough problems; a new gang of outlaws, a serial killer, and a letter from their daughter Elizabeth, in New York add to David's problems. Can he find someone to help Elizabeth before she winds up dead? How will a man who believes using a gun is wrong, protect his family in the midst of outlaws and killers? Is Redemption's newest citizen the aristocrat he appears to be or is he behind all of the town's new problems? Can a man who hides his own secret sin find a redeeming character and lead a town as their only minister? When things look impossible for David and Redemption can The Preacher be found in time to make a difference? Find out all this and more in Redeeming Character, book five of the Redemption Tales.

Author Biography: 

George McVey is a pastor with twenty years experience in leading people to a closer walk with Jesus Christ. He lives in Charleston, West Virginia with his wife. End of last year they moved on up to the east side, yes to a deluxe apartment in the sky.
From an early age George, PG to those that know him, has been a storyteller. He never considered writing until people in his life kept telling him the stories he told and made up should be written down. Still he resisted the idea. Then in 2010 during a conversation with a fellow pastor, he was asked to send the pastor notes on prayer walking. As Pastor George put those notes together, he realized what he had was the making of a good book. That, as they say, was that and Pastor George took those notes and turned them into his first book. 
Since then PG hasn't stopped writing. He now has 17 published works and has several more in development.
My Review:

 I did not like westerns till I started reading this series! And after reading the first book I cannot say enough about this series! 

 "Redeeming Character" is a story about forgiveness and a new beginning for someone that most people will be shocked to learn that needs these things! It is the Reverend David Nathaniel Ryder the Second. I think that is why I like this series so much, George McVey's characters are true to life. 

 I have to be honest and say this book had a few surprises for me within it pages, one is that the author made me a character in this book!  The other surprise is the mystery of the serial killer, ( not a spoiler alert, because this is mentioned in the book description). The only negative thing about this book for me is that I have to wait till the next book to learn the why and who of the serial killer.

 The positive thing is that Reverend David Nathaniel Ryder the Second repents and gives up his prideful ways and that in turn leads to other's repentance.

 We don't hear much of Nate in this book except he is off hunting for Diamond Dale.

 The citizens of Redemption have to pull together and save the town and the church in this book, in part, and the widows have to plot to make an unhappy Cassandra Bickle happy. I am glad that even the widows have a part in this saving! It shows that everyone is useful.

 This book has a new romance developing within its pages. I can't wait to see if it goes anywhere in the next book or dies out.

 Yes, this is the fifth book in the series and I really think you need to read the other four first to get the full story. It is written in a easy to follow plot and you will find favorite characters to love and yes I am even going to say hate, even though these books are Christian fiction.

 If you love stories that involves children and their rescuing, then this book has another  positive factor for you as a reader.

 I am giving "Redeeming Character" by George McVey five stars.

 I was given a pdf copy by the author for my honest review.
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Monday, February 22, 2016

"Shattered Memories" by Debbie Lynn Costello Book Tour and 2 Giveaways


About the Book
"Shattered Memories" is a 265 page novel in the Christian Historical genre and was released on February 14, 2016.

The Charleston earthquake has left destruction like nothing Doctor Andrew Warwick has ever seen. On a desperate mission to find the lady who owns his heart, he frantically searches through the rubble. He finds her injured and lifeless. After she regains consciousness, the doctor’s hopes are quickly dashed as he realizes she doesn’t remember him. Things only get worse when he discovers she believes she’s still engaged to the abusive scoundrel, Lloyd Pratt. Now Drew is on a race with the wedding clock to either help her remember or win her heart again before she marries the wrong man.
Waking in a makeshift hospital, Olivia Macqueen finds herself recovering from a head injury. With amnesia stealing a year of her memories, she has trouble discerning between lies and truth. When her memories start returning in bits and pieces, she must keep up the charade of amnesia until she can find out the truth behind the embezzlement of her family’s business while evading the danger lurking around her.


 The Author

Debbie Lynne Costello is the author of the #1 Amazon bestseller Sword of Forgiveness, a medieval romance. She has enjoyed writing stories since she was eight years old. She raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories that had been begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and live in upstate South Carolina where she has worked in many capacities in her church and is currently the Children’s Director. When not spending time with her husband, four children and grandchildren she hangs out with her Arabian and Tennessee Walking horses.


My Review: "Shattered Memories" by Debbie Lynn Costello is the first in the (Charleston Earthquake Series). I can hardly wait for Book Two! I was hooked from the first chapter and wanted to finish the book in a hurry and then when I was done I wanted to read more.

"Shattered Memories" is a story filled with mystery and romance. The scenes are described so very well that the reader can see the destruction and the action in their mind's eye. But, at the same time they are not over powering with useless information.

This book is based on the real Charleston earthquake that happened in 1886.

If you want to know more about what "Shattered Memories" is about read the above description but I want to share with you what I think about the book.

Like I stated in the first sentence of this review I was hooked at the beginning and there were moments I wanted to literally cry. Yes, the book has sad parts but that is what makes this book great! Yes, there were moments that made me want to laugh aloud. There were also times I wanted to warn the characters to be aware, danger is coming! 

I wanted to jump in the pages and give most of the characters a hug and tell them it was going to be ok. 

 This is a story of forgiveness and love at it's best. 

I encourage you to read "Shattered Memories" and learn how a community and families help others when a tragic happens.

Yes, this is also a clean love story but you don't know if love is going to win or not till the end of the story. No, I am not going to tell you the answer, if you want to know "read the story".

There is a little violence in the story with fighting and hurting of women and guns are involved in the story but nothing that would cause readers to be leery of reading this book.

I am giving "Shattered Memories" five stars.

Give Away : Debbie Lynne Costello has graciously offered to do a giveaway of one of her books (ebook or paperback) for each of the blogs on this tour but the blog must have a minimum of 10 comments and  the giveaway will last 1 week on each blog. So for a chance to win this giveaway answer this question, Have you ever been in a natural disaster or help in the clean up after the event? 

You can enter both giveaways.

I was given a copy of "Shattered Memories" by the author and Celebrate Lit for a honest review. These opinions are my own.


Enter Debbie Lynn Costello’s giveaway here: :https://promosimple.com/ps/90fd

You can purchase the book here:http://amzn.com/B01AO9DRME

Tour Stops


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Sunday, February 21, 2016

Amy Lillard's Spotlight on" More Than Friendship"and a Ebook Giveaway

I can’t wait to share my latest novella, More Than Friendship, with you. It releases February 23rd. The idea actually came from my editor. I had mentioned the sewing circle in my Wells Landing stories, and he thought it would be fun to have a spinoff series featuring those ladies. So, my quilting circle was born.
Why a quilting circle rather than a sewing circle you may ask? Every September in Clarita, OK there’s a school auction to raise money. Quilting circles all around the area donate quilts to be auctioned off.  Wells Landing is a fictional town situated where the Amish in northeast Oklahoma live but Clarita is 100% real. Click here if you want to read more about the Clarita auction http://www.claritaoklahoma.com/auction.htm.
I hope you enjoy reading More Than Friendship.

More Than Friendship- The Quilting Circle #1
Love is worth every challenge.

Woven deeply into the Amish community of Wells Landing, Oklahoma, a women’s quilting circle is a place to share everything from recipes to hopes and dreams, especially when love is in the air...

The youngest member of the quilting circle, Clara Rose Yutzy has her whole life ahead of her. And it’s just beginning, with plans for a wedding to her longtime beau, Thomas Lapp. Everything is falling into place, which is why Clara Rose resolutely ignores her newly warm feelings for her best friend, Obidiah Brennaman. There’s never been a hint of romance between them, and no reason to pay attention to such nonsense now...

Steady, sturdy Obie feels differently. He’s never thought too hard about his future, but the news that Clara Rose is about to be married is strangely unsettling. Convincing Clara Rose to take another look at their friendship may not be easy, but Obie is certain God intends for them to be together. He’ll do whatever he must to make Clara Rose see how much he loves her, and with the Lord’s help, before it’s too late...

Biography

I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son-a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels-not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I love to write inspirational romances. The two go hand-in-hand for me.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.)

Favorite movies-(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940′s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's.

My Review: I really enjoy reading Amy Lillard's Amish novels and novellas. As she has mentioned in the above paragraph, "More Than Friendship- The Quilting Circle #1 is a spin off of the ladies in the sewing circle mentioned in the "Wells Landing Series". 

 Here is a quote from the book and since it sums up the entire novella, I am going to include it in this review as it isn't a spoiler alert, "This was supposed to be the happiest time of her life, and yet every night she prayed for peace and understanding and understanding and peace." 

 This novella is full of surprises and turns that makes this reader think "I am glad that just happened"

 I haven't read the last two books in the Wells Landing stories but after reading "More Than Friendship" (though it isn't part of the series, it mentions characters from the book) I want to move them up to the top of my to be read list. I have to be honest and say I am most anxious to read "Just Plain  Sadie" the 4th book because Sadie was my grandma's name.  I know the spotlight is on the novella "More Than Friendship" but I encourage you to read all 5 books.

 Can a girl and a boy remain best friends after the girl marries? That is the question that Clara and Obie face in this new novella!  I know the answer at least for Clara and Obie! If you read " More Than Friendship" you will know the answer also and I know you want to know the answer!  But, you will have to wait till tomorrow to get the book but here is the link so you can preorder if you want to: http://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Friendship-Amy-Lillard-ebook/dp/B010JYVX1G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&q

 I was given an copy by Netgallery for my honest review and the opinions are my own!

 I have given "More Than Friendship" five stars.

 To be entered into the drawing for an ebook copy of "More Than Friendship" answer this question!

 "Do you prefer reading novellas or full-length novels? Why?"
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Wednesday, February 17, 2016

"The Master’s Calling" by Amber Schamel Book Tour and A $25 Gift Card Giveaway

Information at a Glance
Book: The Master’s Calling
Author: Amber Schamel
Genre: Christian Historical 
Book Information:
After generations of waiting, the Messiah has come at last. And not a day too soon. All his life, Malon Ben-Tyrus has been stifled beneath Roman laws and religious traditions, and he longs to be free. The oppression of the Romans worsens every day, and the religious system led by the Scribes and Pharisees has grown corrupt.
Malon believes his life calling is to become a disciple of the Messiah and help free Israel from bondage.  When Jesus heads to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, Malon knows this will be a historic event. Jesus will enter the city as the Son of David and take His place as the Messiah of Israel. He longs to follow Jesus to Jerusalem, but his family won’t allow him to go.
When at last his family consents, Malon arrives in Jerusalem only to discover that he is too late. The man he thought to be the Messiah has been crucified, and Barabbas—his greatest enemy—has been set free.
Appalled by the cowardice of Jesus’ disciples, Malon returns home seething with frustration and despair. Everything he believed he was destined to become died with Jesus. Was he wrong about his destiny?
About the Author: Multi-published author Amber Schamel writes riveting stories that bring HIStory to life. She has a passion for history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call “historical fiction at its finest”. A homeschool graduate from a family of 12 children, Amber found her calling early in life. First published at age 21, she has continued to hone her craft and is now the author of over half a dozen books. Between ministry, family and working in their family-owned businesses, Amber loves to connect with readers. Find her on the Stitches Thru Time blog, or on any of the major social media sites. Amber is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Historical Novel Society. 

Follow Amber: 
http://amberschamel.com/ Blog: http://www.stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmberSchamel Twitter: @AmberSchamel Pintrest – http://pinterest.com/AmberDSchamel/ Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7073165.Amber_Schamel


My Review: "The Master's Calling" by Amber Schamel is the third and final book in the (Days of Messiah series) and though it ended perfectly, it is still a bittersweet ending for this reader. I want to read more of Malon Ben-Tyrus and his family. I have read all three books and was not disappointed.

"The Master's Calling" takes place after Jesus has been crucified and Malon feels betrayed by the disciples as well as Jesus, (how could he let Himself be killed if He was the Messiah). The disciples, and especially Peter are hiding because they are afraid and Malon is angry at them all.

Will Malon ever feel He was right when he felt that he was called to follow the Master and was Jesus's death just a way to a greater glory for us all?

Everyone remembers Barabbas, the prisoner that was released on Passover, but no one knows his story. Amber Schamel has set out to give us a fictional account of of this man, letting us see what may have led to his imprisonment and what could have happened afterward.

I encourage you to read this series, you won't be disappointed! 

Malcon's story is a story of betrayal and loss and joy! But this is more than just Malcon's story, it is also The Master's story of how he touched one family's life.

I am giving "The Master's Calling" (Days of Messiah Book 3) by Amber Schamel five stars.
I was given a pdf file by the author and Celebrate Lit for an honest review and these opinions are mine.

Link to buy book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017BYCUKK/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

Tour Dates

Feb 10: Mary Hake
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Friday, February 12, 2016

"A River Too Deep" by Sydney Tooman Betts Book Tour and A Kindle Fire Giveaway.

Information at a Glance
Book: A River Too Deep
Author: Sydney Tooman Betts
Genre: Christian Historical
 Book Information:
In the spring of 1817, Alcy Callen and her father visit a step-uncle they have long presumed dead; but instead of enjoying a loving reunion, they are plunged into treachery and deceit. Nothing is as they expected and little is what it seems. Even the man who helps her escape is not the reliable suitor he appears.
Alcy is caught between gratitude and fear, unable to avoid her rescuer’s attentions or understand the responses they stir. Neither can she tell what sort of man he is or what he intends to do with her in the strange place they are going. Will he keep her for himself or will he sell her to the highest
bidder?
Of one person only is she certain, but will he come for her before it is too late?
Author Information 
Sydney Tooman Betts and her protagonist-husband currently reside in the Shenandoah Valley near the extensive cavern system that inspired the setting for several early chapters of this book.
While single, Ms. Betts (B.S. Bible/Missiology, M.Ed) was involved in a variety of cross-cultural adventures in North and Central America. After marrying, she and her husband lived in Europe and the Middle East where he served in various mission-support capacities.  Her teaching experiences span preschool to guest lecturing at the graduate level and serving as the Sunday School Superintendent, Children’s Church Director, or Women’s Ministries facilitator in several evangelical denominations.
Before penning her first novel, A River too Deep, she ghost-wrote several stories for an adult literacy program.
My Review: 
"A River too Deep" by Sydney Betts is one of those books that you can't say enough about. I was kept reading from the first page till the last.The story was very easy to read and understand and true to life.  The main character is Alcy who is rescued and taken to his  hunting grounds by a Indian. She kept longing for a certain gentleman to come and take her back to her own world and away from the Indians. But is that want she really wants? The story is told from Alcy point of view.
The story is told with lots of details that makes this a very interesting historical fiction novel. It is also  Christian fiction, with lots of Biblical references without it being preachy ( which is a great way to read a fiction) .
Alcy learns that sometimes God uses loss and change to give us the best he has for us. 
Alcy helps the Indians learn God's ways and helps them learn about His book!
"A River Too Deep" is a story that I believe will stick with most readers long after the last page is read and the book is closed! I really believe that if you take the time to read "A River Too Deep" you will not be sorry! I recommend this book to all lovers of Christian Fiction as well as Historical Fiction genres as well as stories that involved Indians. 
I am giving"A River Too Deep"by Sydney Betts five stars but if I could I would give it more. I know this is a short review but all I can add to it is "You need to read this yourself and discover why I will be thinking about Preying Eagle and Alcy,( aka Eyes Like Water) and the other characters for a  long time.  This novel would make an excellent movie. I have"Light Bird’s Song" in my to be read list and will be reading it soon. 
I was given a copy of "A River Too Deep" by the author and Celebrate Lit for an honest review. These opinions are my own!

 Link to purchase book:  http://amzn.com/B00G5KOL8G
Tours Dates: 
Feb 7: Mary Hake
Feb 10: A Greater Yes
Feb 13: BukWurmzzz
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