A Life Reclaimed Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on February 15, 2023February 14, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

A Life Reclaimed by author Olivia Ray is Book 3 in her Secrets of the Queens Series. This is a Christian historical mystery and the final book in the series. It is an excellent ending to the Secrets of the Queens, but it may easily be followed as a standalone.

Set in medieval times during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, this novel is rich in secrets, history, political intrigue, mystery, danger, faith, and love. This is the story of Anne Howell, trying to escape another arranged marriage. It is also the story of Thomas Armstrong, who has been shipwrecked.

I had a hard time getting invested in this story. Perhaps it was because I had not read the previous two books. After a few chapters, I was all in. The author has a nice style of writing that brought the people and struggles of that era alive. She has written characters that are well developed and deep. They are realistic and believable. Their conversations sound authentic for the time period.

The plot has some twist and turns and made me want to keep turning the pages to see what might happen next. The mysteries were secrets that needed to be told. I loved watching the characters mature in the character and faith.

There are life lessons to be learned as well as a faith message included in this novel. It is a lovely story of forgiveness, faith, love, and second chances. Any lover of this time period or mysteries will adore this series and book. I recommend it and give it a 4 star rating. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: A Life Reclaimed

Author: Olivia Rae

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 28, 2022

Book: A Life Reclaimed

Author: Olivia Rae

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 28, 2022

A Scoundrel, A Spy, and A Secret. Will She Ever Learn the Truth?

Desperate to avoid a second loveless marriage, Anne Howell hides out in a cave on the Welsh coast. If she can get to England, she should be safe from her stepfather’s long reaching hand. She thinks her prayers are answered when she rescues a shipwrecked sailor, Thomas Armstrong, who agrees to help her, claiming he has ties to Queen Elizabeth I. Though she fears he may be an accomplished liar, she has no choice but to trust him, especially when a secret from her past puts spies on her trail and threatens to destroy her future.

Upon learning his true mother was executed in place of a dethroned queen, Thomas Armstrong sets out to find the cowardly monarch and avenge his mother’s death. Broke and in debt, he is finally on the verge of reaching his goal when his ship goes down in a storm and he ends up owing his life to the honest and forthright Anne Howell. He fears his quest is finished – until he learns there are those who would pay handsomely to have Anne in their possession, enough to clear his debt and enable him to pursue the revenge he seeks. But in helping Anne he has lost his heart, and now faces a devastating choice – remain loyal to his goal of avenging his mother or follow his feelings to an uncertain future with Anne.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Olivia Rae is an award-winning author of historical and contemporary inspirational romance. She spent her school days dreaming of knights, princesses and far away kingdoms; it made those long days in the classroom go by much faster. Nobody was more shocked than her when she decided to become a teacher. Besides getting her Master’s degree, marrying her own prince, and raising a couple of kids, Olivia decided to breathe a little more life into her childhood stories.

Olivia is the winner of the Book Buyers Best Award, Angel Award, New England Readers’ Choice Award, the Golden Quill Award, the American Fiction Award, and is a gold and bronze medalist in the Illumination Awards.

More from Olivia

I’ve always been drawn to English history and back in 2009, I was blessed to visit London with my daughter. We immersed ourselves in the area’s rich history by going to museums, visiting Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, Temple Church, and so much more. Of course, a tour of the city wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to the Tower of London. There I learned about the tragic and short life of Lady Jane Grey, who was the queen of England for nine days.

Later that day, I found a postcard that displayed the famous painting, The Execution of Lady Jane Grey by Paul Delaroche. My mind started racing and the seeds for the Secrets of the Queens series took root. I wondered what would’ve happened if Lady Jane Grey had lived. A Life Reclaimed, the third book in the Secrets of the Queens, is not about Lady Jane Grey per se, but it follows the story of a young man whose life has been changed because of her escape from death.

I hope you enjoy my tale of mystery, intrigue, and love as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Blog Stops

Rebecca Tews, February 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 10

Worthy2Read, February 11

Texas Book-aholic, February 12

deb’s Book Review, February 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 15

For Him and My Family, February 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 16

Betti Mace, February 17

Cover Lover Book Review, February 17

Connie’s History Classroom, February 18

Holly’s Book Corner, February 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 19

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 20 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 20

Pause for Tales, February 21

Blogging With Carol, February 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away the grand prize of a themed gift box!!

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/242a3/a-life-reclaimed-celebration-tour-giveaway

Ellie’s Escape Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on February 12, 2023February 11, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Ellie’s Escape by author Linda Shenton Matchett is a Christian historical romance. Part of the Westward Home and Hearts Mail-Order Brides Series, this is Book 27. It can easily be read as a stand alone.

This is the story of Miss Ellie Wagner. She was jilted at the altar and decided to start over as a mail order bride. It is also the story of Julian Sheffield. He is a bank employee with a bright future. The bank president has one recommendation though and that is that Julian find a wife.

Filled with adventure, danger, history, humor, and a very light romance, this is a quick read. The plot is fairly predictable, but the author has penned some nice characters. They are realistic and down to earth. There is a nice faith element woven throughout the book as well as some life lessons. The story drags in a few parts, but for the most part goes at an even pace.

The storyline was nice, but I was left wanting more. More details on how the relationship was progressing. Something more about daily life so I could become invested. I just did not feel connected to the characters. There is an epilogue at the end which puts a nice bow on the story.

I would recommend this book. It was entertaining and easy to read. It gets a 3.5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest opinions.

About the Book

Book: Ellie’s Escape

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: March 25, 2022

She’s running for her life. He needs a trophy wife. They didn’t count on falling in love.

Ellie Wagner is fine being a spinster school teacher. Then she witnesses a bank hold up and can identify the bandits. Fellow robbery victim Milly Crenshaw happens to run the Westward Home & Hearts Matrimonial Agency so she arranges for Ellie to head West as a mail-order bride. But her groom only wants a business arrangement. Can she survive a loveless marriage?

Banker Julian Sheffield is more comfortable with numbers than with people, but he’s done well for himself. Then the bank president tells him that in order to advance further he must marry in six weeks’ time. The candid, unsophisticated woman sent by the agency is nothing like he expected, but time is running out. When her past comes calling, does he have what it takes to ensure their future?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, Linda is a former trustee for her local public library. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame). Linda has lived in historic places all her life, and is now located in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities include exploring historic sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

More from Linda

Dear Reader,

One of my favorite tropes to use in a story is the proverbial “fish out of water,” so when it came time for me to brainstorm the idea for Ellie’s Escape, I made a list of situations that would be uncomfortable for my protagonists (see what we writers do to our poor characters?).

As a result, I sent my female protagonist from the crowded city of Boston, Massachusetts (population 362,000) to the remote reaches of Gunnison, Colorado (population 888) where because of its location in the Rocky Mountains is one of the coldest places in winter in the United States. Compared to Boston’s elevation of 141’, Gunnison’s elevation of over 7,700 feet had to seem dizzying to my poor girl. The research into Gunnison was very fun, and I was able to use my boss as a subject matter expert because he’d lived there for several years before moving to New Hampshire. I gave my painfully shy male protagonist a gregarious mail-order bride that he doesn’t quite know what to do with.

Here are a few fun facts about Gunnison:

The Gunnison River drops an average of forty-three feet per mile through Black Canyon which is SIX times more than the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
Standing at 2,250 feet from river to rim, Black Canyon’s Painted Wall is the tallest cliff in Colorado, and nearly twice as tall as the Empire State Building.
The town is named for a man who only stayed for three days – explorer John W. Gunnison who was searching for a route for the transcontinental railroad.
A little-known site for gold and silver mining, Gunnison and the surrounding area produced a reported 130,000 ounces of gold.
Gunnison residents isolated themselves during the Spanish Influenza epidemic of 1918. All highways were barricaded near the county lines, and train conductors warned passengers that if they got off the train in Gunnison, they’d be arrested and quarantined for five days.

Comment and name a fun fact about where you live for your chance to win the grand prize.

Blessings,

Linda Shenton Matchett

Blog Stops

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 8

For Him and My Family, February 9

Betti Mace, February 10

Vicky Sluiter, February 11

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 12

Christina’s Corner, February 12

Book Looks by Lisa, February 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 14

Texas Book-aholic, February 15

deb’s Book Review, February 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 18

Connie’s History Classroom, February 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 20

Mary Hake, February 20

Holly’s Book Corner, February 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Visa Gift Card and 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/242a2/ellie-s-escape-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Revelation of Israel: God’s Plan is Our Destiny

Posted on February 10, 2023February 9, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Revelation of Israel: God’s Plan is Our Destiny by author Rachel Baxter is a non-fiction Christian book. It is a reference or study guide for the Bible and end times. This is a book that is meant to be read slowly and digested piece by piece. If it is read quickly, much of it will be lost.

Author Baxter has obviously done extensive research and devoted much time in writing this thought provoking and edifying book. Divided into eight chapters, it begins with a forward, dedication, and introduction. It concludes information about the author and a reference table. The author has a pleasant style of writing. As I read, I felt like I was in a discussion with a knowledgeable friend. She reveals revelations from God as she was writing as well as guidance from the Holy Spirit. The first being that she start with the book of Zechariah.

This is a book about end times and why Israel is important. It is about God’s promises and Jesus’s triumphant second coming. The author explains her perspective of how the ten tribes of Israel’s Northern Kingdom were scattered all around the globe and how God is calling them back to Himself. She discusses God’s prophecies affecting the nation, Israel, as well as their fulfilment, historically and into the present time. It is a fascinating book.

The author’s thoughts are supported by scripture and are credible. I definitely will read and savor this edifying book again. It is still swirling around in my mind. I wish I had been part of a discussion group for this. It would be nice to chat with others who have read it, also. This is one book that I will definitely keep around for future reference.

I highly recommend this to everyone that wants to delves deeper into their Bible. There is so much information to glean from it. The author mentions that she has a website for this with more references, which include pictures and maps among others. It gets a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: The Revelation of Israel

Author: Rachel Rebecca Baxter

Genre: Christian Non-Fiction

Release date: January, 2022

In the Revelation of Israel, God’s plan to regather His people from all 12 Tribes of Israel is unveiled. He promises to, again, raise up the Josephs, so that His lost children from the 10 Tribes of the Northern Kingdom of Israel may know who they are, be provided for, and protected through the Tribulation, which is nearly upon us.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Rachel Baxter has a professional background in engineering, with a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Engineering, and an MBA. Rachel currently works in the field of business process consulting with over 20 years of experience.

Rachel grew up in the Lutheran Church where she was baptized, confirmed, and married. She was born again and spirit-filled in 2014 when she received inner healing through a ministry called One Whole Heart in Omaha, Nebraska. She now serves as an elder and volunteer for this ministry. Rachel also serves her local church in various capacities.

Rachel is married to Garrick, and they have 4 children from elementary to high school age. Rachel led a Christian school and homeschool coop called Valor for 5 years. This was a missional spirit-led school where every day began with worship, and the children were taught to hear and follow the voice of the Lord, as Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice and follow me!” Rachel continues to have a heart for Kingdom youth education.

When she was baptized in the Holy Spirit, Rachel began to have dreams and visions from the Lord. He began to speak with her about the days that are ahead, the time before Jesus returns, so that she could write them down and release the prophetic words for those who were willing to hear. Rachel has received several angelic visitations. (A primary purpose of an angel is to be a messenger.) An angel of the Lord came to Rachel to tell her that she was, “Called to see that which was coming upon the Earth and to tell others what is coming.” This book is an act of obedience to that call.

More from Rachel

It’s been a year since I co-labored with the Lord to write this work. I have used it myself on a weekly basis as a reference. There is so much insight here that is beyond me. The Lord, in His glorious wisdom, is able to make the complicated and mysterious – clear and beautiful when He takes His truth and allows us to absorb it into our bones. This is the essence of a revelation! The Revelation of Israel is God’s story of His plans written before time began. It starts with a people under Father Abraham who were meant to know their God. Those people fell short in every way and were scattered across the earth. We know that Jesus came to redeem God’s people to Himself through His atoning sacrifice – but the story of God does not end there. God’s story has continued the last 2,000 years and is about to be fulfilled in the last seven years of tribulation on the earth that culminates with the return of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah at the last trump!

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 6

Splashes of Joy, February 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 7

Texas Book-aholic, February 8

Spoken from the Heart, February 9 (Author Interview)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 10

deb’s Book Review, February 11

Guild Master, February 12 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 13

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

A Reader’s Brain, February 15 (Author Interview)

Vibrant Wings by Valerie, February 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 16

Artistic Nobody, February 17

Blossoms and Blessings, February 18 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of a $100 Amazon gift card with 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/23eef/the-revelation-of-israel-celebration-tour-giveaway

Rachael’s Decision by Molly Jebber

Posted on February 7, 2023February 6, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Rachael’s Decision is a Christian historical Amish romance novel by master storyteller, Molly Jebber. This is book six in her Amish Charm Bakery series. Even though it is book six, it may easily be read and followed as a standalone book.

Set in the quaint town of Charm, Ohio in 1915, this an incredibly engaging tale. It is the story of Rachael Schlabach, whose fiancé was killed in an accident. She was injured and left with a limp from that tragedy. Rachael has been helping widower, Nathan Waller, with his children and household since he lost his wife. Even though he is not ready to begin life with another woman, Rachael is very fond of him and his children.

A new man, Caleb Yutzy, comes to town and visits the bakery. When Caleb sees Rachael he is immediately smitten with her. Rachael is now caught in the middle between two men.

This is a lovely story with adorable characters. Nathan’s two children are typical kids, and liven up the story. The author has a sweet way of telling stories. I was invested within the first few pages and did not want to quit reading until I had finished the entire book. The faith message is heavily sprinkled throughout the story. There are life lessons included, also. Expect a few twists and turns to keep you on your toes.

I highly recommend this book. It is a poignant tale of romance, friendship, redemption, and has the delightful treats of a bakery. I really enjoyed it. It gets a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my own honest words.

About the Book

Book: Rachael’s Decision

Author: Molly Jebber

Genre: Amish Romance

Release date: January 24, 2023

In 1915 Ohio, anyone entering the Amish Charm Bakery is greeted by the sweet warmth and delicious fragrance of cinnamon and vanilla wafting from freshly baked cookies and pies. And newcomers to this Amish community will find friendship on the menu, too—and perhaps for a lucky few, even lasting love . . .

Rachael Schlabach’s first chance for a husband ended in a tragic accident that left her with a limp. Though happy to work in the beloved Amish Charm Bakery, she hasn’t abandoned her romantic dreams, but she has focused on a widower with two adorable
kinner she would love to raise as her own. Then handsome, single Caleb Yutzy arrives on the scene.

Caleb is eager to court pretty, warm-hearted Rachael, and tells her so. But their frank conversations reveal a truth that dashes her hopes—Caleb very much wants kinner, the one thing Rachael can’t give him. Even when Caleb assures her it’s no matter, she can’t bring herself to be so selfish. Yet love is beyond all planning, and with faith Rachael and Caleb may discover the lifetime of love they were meant to share . . .

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Molly Jebber is a best-selling and award-winning author of Amish Historical Romance. Molly’s books have been featured in Publisher’s Weekly Best Ten lists, USA Today’s HEA, featured in live video on Naples News, many media outlets across the U.S. You’ll find her books on most stores the first three months of their release across the U.S, UK, Canada, and more. She’s been interviewed on television, and she’s a touring speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, other women’s professional organizations, and she offers presentations on writing, agent or no agent, publishing, and marketing.

She also speaks about the Amish lifestyles and traditions. She says the most rewarding part about writing stories is meeting wonderful readers who become friends through social media and at her speaking events. Please visit her website: http://www.mollyjebber.com for a full list of her books (and options of stores to buy them), speaking events and recipes. Her book, Liza’s Second Chance, is being made into a movie for Sony/Pureflix.

She loves God, her family, and friends and Florida sunshine. She says yes to swimming, the beach, golf, and time with her family and friends, and no to coconut, onions, and skydiving!

More from Molly

Rachael in Rachael’s Decision has a limp. You’ll be surprised why when you read the story!

Rachael’s Decision is the sixth book in my Amish Charm Bakery Series. Each book can be read as a standalone. But if you read them in order, you’ll recognize how their lives intertwine. You’ll remember the sheriff and Dr. Harrison, and why they matter, and you’ll fall in love with Charm, Ohio.

Liza’s Second Chance

Ellie’s Redemption

Hannah’s Courage

Maryann’s Hope

Magdelena’s Choice

Rachael’s Decision

I loved writing this series in a bakery setting, except I gained weight just reading about the desserts and found myself craving cakes and cookies. Rachael has an interesting past, and she has a loving heart. You’ll want to laugh with her and root for her. You’ll love Caleb, and you’ll root for him, too! This book has twists, turns, and it’s full of surprises.

The most fun I have is meeting readers like you who I consider friends through social media, at conferences, and that I’ve met at Amish talks, Amish Girlfriend Getaways, and many other places. If I wasn’t writing and speaking, I would’ve never meet people like you. That’s what keeps me writing. Thank you so much for your interest in my books.

My daughter, Misty, had a little girl, Jolene, and she’s keeping me busy, and she’s so much fun. Some days, she on my lap and we write together! Thank you for joining me here today! I hope you’ll connect with me on Facebook!

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, February 3

Texas Book-aholic, February 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 5

Simple Harvest Reads, February 5 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Lighthouse Academy, February 6 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 7

For Him and My Family, February 8

deb’s Book Review, February 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 9

Holly’s Book Corner, February 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 10

She Lives to Read, February 11

Older & Smarter?, February 11

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 12

Cover Lover Book Review, February 13

Connie’s History Classroom, February 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14

The Avid Reader, February 15

Girls in White Dresses, February 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Molly is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card and copy of Rachael’s Decision!!

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/23d5d/rachael-s-decision-celebration-tour-giveaway

What I Would Tell You by Liz Tolsma

Posted on February 2, 2023February 1, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

What I Would Tell You by talented wordsmith Liz Tolsma is a Christian time split novel about World War II and the struggles of the Jewish people. It is a poignant tale. Your heart will be touched by this brilliant book. I love time split novels, but I am not much for novels about WWII. The horrific activities of that time break my heart. What I Would Tell You is a captivating tale.

Set in 1941 Salonika, Greece this tells the story of Greek Jews during the time of the Holocaust. In present day, Thessaloniki is the setting. The book opens with “This is the day I dreaded, the day I feared might come, the day I prayed never would. Greece will never be the same.” Immediately, I had goosebumps but kept reading. At time my breath caught and my heart raced, but I kept turning the pages. I wanted to see what would happen next to my new friends.

From page one I was invested in this award worthy novel. It was an emotional read for me. I needed a tissue as I turned pages. The historical part of this moving split timeline story focuses on Mathilda Nissim, a young Jewish woman and how her life changed when the German occupation began. In the contemporary part, we meet Tessa Riley. She visits the museum in Thessaloniki and discovers something life changing.

Author Tolsma has a beautiful style of writing, which I thoroughly enjoy. Her characters are vivid and realistic with multiple layers. The descriptive words she uses whisk me away to a time and place far from where I am. Her details and historical facts allow me to glean things that I never before knew. After reading this book I feel better acquainted with Greece and long to visit there.

I highly recommend this moving book. Some sections are hard to read, but realistic. It is hard to believe that people were treated in such a horrendous way. Lovers of WWII books will not want to miss this one. Everyone should read this. It has stuck with me and will for a long time. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by NetGalley, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book:What I Would Tell You

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release date: January 1, 2023

DNA Test Unlocks a Family Mystery

Sephardic Jew Mathilda Nissim watches in horror as the Germans invade her beloved city of Salonika, Greece. What angers her most is the lack of resistance her people put up to their captors. In secret and at great risk to her life, she continues to publish her newspaper, calling her people to action. She doesn’t trust God to help them. When she and her husband find out they are expecting a child, Mathilda may have to resort to desperate measures to ensure her daughter’s survival.

Three generations later, college student Riley Payson and her cousin take a popular DNA test only to discover they don’t share any common ancestors. In fact, the test shows Riley is a Sephardic Jew from Greece. This revelation shakes Riley’s tenuous faith and sends her on a journey to discover what happened to her great-grandmother and how all this relates to her faith and her life today.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.

Twice Sold Tales by Chau

Posted on January 29, 2023January 28, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Twice Sold Tales by author Chautona Havig is a contemporary Christian fiction. It is set in a bookstore in Minnesota. I especially enjoyed it because I am a former bookstore owner and could relate to much of the story.

This is the story of Harper Brevig. After her Aunt Lorene passed away, Harper inherited her aunt’s bookstore. Harper is a quirky character that loves books, but most people get on her nerves. Unfortunately, Harper knows next to nothing about running a bookstore and needs help.

The characters are realistic and relatable. I adored father and son, Noah and Bennie. It was so easy to become invested in their story. The town was quaint and will make you want to visit. By the end of the book, I felt like I had made a group of new friends! There is even a pet parrotlet, different from parakeet. How fun would that be to own one?!

There are life and Christian lessons in the funny tale. I appreciate that this author stays true to including God in her stories. Her books leave readers with something to ponder. This one was no exception. One of my favorite quotes is: “She knew Jesus. She was His. So she’s with Him now.”

The only thing that did not quite sit right with me was the Ghost Walk and Trick or Treating. Yes, I am one of those anti-Halloween people because of what I have learned. That, however, is not a debate appropriate for this review.

This is a lovely book. The romance is light and almost not there. The story is great. It will have you giggling and sighing. I would highly recommend this to anyone. It gets a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by CelebrateLit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Twice Sold Tales

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian / Romantic Women’s Fiction

Release date: November 2, 2022

If only owning a bookstore didn’t mean dealing with people.

No one was more surprised than Harper Brevig when Great Aunt Lorene (not “Lori,” thank-you-very-much) died and left her least favorite niece her bookstore–including a prime piece of real estate in downtown Red Wing, Minnesota.

Making a go of the place shouldn’t be too hard. With her library science degree, she should be set. Then again, the website describing library degrees had said it would teach her excellent communication skills. It had not. Could she get a partial refund?

Still, owning the building should mean crazy-low overhead to offset her less than optimal “book-side” manner. Ahem. So when yet another huge bill arrives, and she starts getting twitchy about the low bank balance, Harper does the only thing she can think of.

Enter Milton Coleridge. He’d been excited about the possibilities of the store last year, but Harper had sent him packing before he could talk to her about them. Now he has a chance to make a difference. But she’s right. She’s bleeding money, and it doesn’t make sense!

Milton’s job is to figure out what’s going on, plug the financial leak, and maybe… do a little matchmaking. That dad with the adorable little boy would be good for her… and she’d be good for him. Probably.

Twice Sold Tales: the first full-length novel in the Bookstrings series releasing with The Mosaic Collection

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

“What kind of research does a contemporary book need? I mean, she’s a bookstore owner in a town you’ve been to several times. What’s there to research?”

I can’t be the only author to get questions like this. And I certainly can’t be the only one who has to fight the urge to laugh. Folks, authors research everything. In Twice Sold Tales, I think I looked up almost as much as I did in my Meddlin’ Madeline Mysteries!

Because here’s the deal. What I didn’t know about Red Wing, Minnesota wouldn’t have hurt the story most of the time. Who cares that Bev’s Café has amazing creamy cucumbers? It doesn’t technically matter. Well, except to my character who hates veggies but will eat those. They make her feel virtuous. And you get to know about it.

But… what you discover about a place or a time or an occupation or whatever can totally change the course of your story. Case in point? I went to a website about River City Days because my niece suggested it might be a good thing for Noah to do with his son. That led me to the Farmer’s Markets and to other things. How I got to the first Ghost Walk in Red Wing taking place this year? I don’t even know. What I do know is that the moment I read about it, I knew Harper had to go. And if she did, and if Milton were the instigator, Noah had to go. #BecauseMatchmaker.

And this is where it got really cool. To make the walk as authentic as I could, I read everything I could find about it. And I discovered something super cool. Like… blow you out of the water cool.

Red Wing, Minnesota sits near the shore of Lake Pepin. Little House on the Prairielovers will remember this as the lake that Laura Ingalls crossed in the wagon as they left the Big Woods of Wisconsin (you know, right across the river/lake from Red Wing???) Well… Lake Pepin has a monster—the Nessie of the Mississippi. Yes, you read that right… a monster! I went looking and guess what? The “monster” has a name. Pepie! Needless to say, Pepie became a an important part of my story. Because how could he not?

And… I happened to find a stuffed Pepie at Treats & Treasures in Lake City, just south of Red Wing, so I ordered a couple for giveaways—including the one with this blog tour. Happy reading, and what do you think? Shouldn’t someone write Pepie’s story?

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 21

Vicky Sluiter, January 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 22

Mary Hake, January 22

Texas Book-aholic, January 23

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, January 23

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 24

deb’s Book Review, January 24

All-of-a-kind Mom, January 25

Lots of Helpers, January 25

Cover Lover Book Review, January 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 26

Splashes of Joy, January 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 27

She Lives To Read, January 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 30

For Him and My Family, January 30

Divine Perspective, January 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 31

Aryn the Libraryan, February 1

Books I’ve Read, February 1

Blogging With Carol, February 2

Back Porch Reads, February 2

Pause for Tales, February 3

Spoken from the Heart, February 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback of the book, a stuffed “Pepie” and a few other bookish goodies!!

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/23bc5/twice-sold-tales-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wagons West by Caryl McAdoo

Posted on January 28, 2023January 27, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Wagons West by talented author Caryl McAdoo is a Christian historical novel. It is the first book of the New Beginnings Family Saga. Set in 1849 this is the story of a group of adventurous people on a wagon train heading west.

I love books by this author because I know they will include Christian values and lessons. This one does not disappoint. The characters are realistic and very well developed. It is evident that the author has done extensive research on this because of the many historical details and facts that she included. With her deft pen she takes readers along the trail on the wagon train.

In this novel, we meet widow Blaire Beechy. She has sold just about everything and taken her children, daughters Adeline and Beatrice, and son Tucker, to join a wagon train heading west. There are many Christian people in the group as well as a number of unsavory characters. There are various storyline and twists in this rugged story.

I found this book captivating. It is filled with adventure, danger, hope, challenges, friendship, and romance. It made me wonder if I would have had the stamina and fortitude to travel and begin a new life like the characters in the novel. Sadly, I don’t think I could have made such a trip.

Readers will learn, be encouraged, and be entertained while reading this masterpiece by author McAdoo. It will challenge you to become a better person and give you hope for your own battles. I highly recommend this extraordinary historical

tale. It would make a lively book club choice even though there are no discussion questions. Members will be able to find a lot to discuss. It receives a 5 star rating from me. A copy of this book was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these words are my honest opinion.

About the Book

Book: Wagons West

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Release date: November 22, 2022

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.

Besides the God-fearing, decent folks seeking new beginnings, adventurers, miners, risk-takers, fugitives, perverts, and runaways alike—even royals—comprise a few of the characters in book one of the ‘New Beginnings Family Saga’ titled WAGONS WEST. The two-thousand-mile journey is wrought with danger, trials, troubles and tragedies, deprivations, and of course, romance, but the lure of gold and a fresh start urges the sojourners on to the Promised Land!

Blaire Beechy, a widow with two almost grown daughters, Adeline and Beatrice, and a twelve-year-old son Tucker sells everything to go for the gold only to discover the rules of wagon master Ambrose Lee forbids them to join his wagon train, but the widow is determined. Though the disgruntled and handsome widow turns his head, the man deals with troubles of his own. His train isn’t full, he has yet to hire a scout, and his integrity thrusts him into saving a troubled young woman called Birdie. The journey is an arduous undertaking, but he’s done it before and is up to the task.
Wagon Ho!

This story was first published in episodes at Kindle Vella, Season One, by the same name. Season two SETTLERS & TOFFS continues the story and episodes are now being published and are available at Kindle Vella.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling stories—over sixty published now—delight readers around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her; you may listen to a few on YouTube. Sharing four children and twenty-four grandsugars (six are greats), Caryl and her high-school-sweetheart-husband of fifty-four years Ron live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas. The McAdoos wait expectantly for God to open the next door.

More from Caryl

What a fun, new adventure writing WAGONS WEST! Ron and I stepped up to try a new program Amazon offered authors called Kindle Vella where we’d write episodes rather than chapters. In a year’s time, WAGONS WEST had thirty-five episodes and was over one hundred thousand words, about four hundred pages.

We continue to write Season Two of the “New Beginnings Family Saga” SETTLERS & TOFFS, with the same characters going into the following year, 1850, scattering into three settings: those from Season One’s wagon train who decide to settle Auburn, California, those just starting the sojourn west with Emmerson Pierce, scout in Season One, now wagon master, and we sail the Atlantic to England when the son of the Earl of Farnsworth receives word of his older brother’s death.

The characters in WAGONS WEST made it so special for me, and I believe you’re sure to love them as well. Robert E. Lee’s older brother Ambrose is our wagon master and the story’s main hero. As all my heroes (thanks to Ron’s part of our collaboration) he is strong but flawed.

Our matriarchal heroine Blaire Beechy, recently widowed, has sold everything and uprooted her three children—two almost grown daughters Adeline and Beatrice and their twelve-year-old brother Tucker—only to discover Captain Lee’s idiotic rules forbid an unmarried woman from traveling in his wagon train. Why must there be a man at the head of each family?

WAGONS WEST offers readers adventures with a colorful cast of characters who support, cause trouble, act a bit crazy, and play ball to make the story one you just can’t put down. All along the way, God is questioned, given praise, denied, and surrendered to, saving sojourners again and again—not only in the spiritual realm.

It’s a story I’ve certainly enjoyed writing, and I’m hoping you’ll enjoy reading WAGONS WEST as much!

As always, I’m ‘Praying my story gives God glory!’ Hallelujah! There is no one like Him! He alone is the Great King over all the earth! Not a man that He could lie, but worthy to receive all glory and all praise!

Blessings, y’all!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 19

Texas Book-aholic, January 20

deb’s Book Review, January 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 22

Books You Can Feel Good About, January 22

Cover Lover Book Review, January 23

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 24

Connie’s History Classroom, January 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 28

Simple Harvest Reads, January 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and my Family, January 30

Pause for Tales, January 31

Guild Master, February 1 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Book Reviews, February 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away the prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/23bc3/wagons-west-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Winter at the White Queen

Posted on January 25, 2023January 24, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

A Winter at the White Queen by Denise Weimer is book one of the Romance of the Gilded Age Resorts Series. It is a Christian historical romance set in the time period between the Gilded Age and World War I.

This is the story of Ellie Hastings. Ellie is tasked with finding a husband for her also single cousin, Ada. Their family goes to a luxurious Florida resort for vacation. Ellie

meets handsome and charming Lewis Thornton and begins writing a list of his qualities. A friendship develops and Ellie might just be smitten. However, she wonders if Lewis is hiding some secrets.

The characters are realistic and very entertaining. I was immediately invested in the story and their lives. At times I did not think Ellie made the best choices and cringed, but I still loved her. The setting was magnificent! I loved reading about the resort.

Author Weimar obviously did a vast amount of research on the area and time period. I learned some things, which is a great bonus when reading historical fiction. Her style of writing is just lovely. There are facts to give little tidbits of knowledge, well rounded characters, and timeless life and inspirational lessons. The story contains romance, mystery, danger, and adventure. I loved the twists and turns, too.

I highly recommend this book that lingers in my thoughts still. It was a pleasant getaway to a different time and place for me. I give it a five star rating. A copy was provided by CelebrateLit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: A Winter at the White Queen

Author: Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: January 3, 2023

In the world of the wealthy, things are never quite as they appear.

Ellie Hastings is tired of playing social gatekeeper—and poor-relation companion—to her Gibson Girl of a cousin. But her aunt insists Ellie lift her nose out of her detective novel long enough to help gauge the eligibility of bachelors during the winter social season at Florida’s Hotel Belleview. She finds plenty that’s mysterious about the suave, aloof Philadelphia inventor, Lewis Thornton. Why does he keep sneaking around the hotel? Does he have a secret sweetheart? And what is his connection to the evasive Mr. Gaspachi, slated to perform at Washington’s Birthday Ball?

Ellie’s comical sleuthing ought to put Lewis out, but the diffident way her family treats her smashes a hole in his normal reserve. When Florence Hastings’s diamond necklace goes missing, Ellie’s keen mind threatens to uncover not only Lewis’s secrets, but give him back hope for love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Weimer has authored a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. Having served three years as managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas’ two historical imprints, as well as a freelance editor, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

More from Denise

Enter the Age of Wonder …

I like to think of the time period between the Gilded Age and WWI as the Age of Wonder. New ideas and inventions swept society in waves while those who wanted to preserve the old ways tried in vain to hold back the tide. Opportunity and advancement flowed as railroads and communications linked America’s coasts, motorcars allowed individual freedom of travel, and companies flourished following Reconstruction.

My goal was to capture this excitement and promise in A Winter at the White Queen. You follow my heroine, Ellie, and her uncle and his family for their fashionable winter 1910 season at the Hotel Belleview in Clearwater, Florida. Ellie is more than “the poor relation companion” to her younger cousin Ava. She’s also a trusted friend, and like the heroines in her female detective novels, a budding sleuth—sniffing out promising matrimonial candidates for Ava at the bequest of Aunt Florence. Little does she expect to stumble into her own romance—and a mystery surrounding a certain intriguing entrepreneur.

Ellie’s comical sleuthing ought to put Lewis out, but the diffident way her family treats her smashes a hole in his normal reserve. But when Florence Hastings’ diamond necklace goes missing, Ellie’s keen mind threatens to uncover not only Lewis’s secrets, but give him back hope for love.

Lewis’s work allowed me to sprinkle White Queen with clever inventions that spark Ellie’s curious nature. Among them are:

Temperature-compensated balance wheels, which Lewis invented as a teen. The backstory of how he sold his invention to the railroad, allowing them to synchronize all their watches, provides an unexpected link to uncover between Lewis and Ellie.

The cinématographe, patterned after Thomas Edison’s kinetoscope but intended by the Lumière brothers to show films to a wider audience. Used in the show at Washington’s Birthday Ball to end the season, the cinématographe aids in the culmination of the mystery of Florence’s missing diamond necklace.

The magical orange tree, which not only blossomed but appeared to grow actual oranges, was a real mechanical invention featured at Ava’s birthday party by The Great Gaspachi.

The Hydro-Vacu. I couldn’t resist including this titter-worthy, real-life machine, used, of course, by the appearance-conscious Aunt Florence. After applying a bleaching cold cream or “tissue food” to ensure plump cheeks, the massaging “Depurator” was rotated slowly over the face. How long until that idea makes a comeback?

As fun and whimsical as A Winter at the White Queen may be, our characters have some real growth to do … if they can get past the social expectations and masks, the suspicions and past hurts. I hope you’ll brighten your winter days by joining them at the White Queen.

Blog Stops

Book Looks by Lisa, January 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 20

An Author’s Take, January 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 21

deb’s Book Review, January 22

Christina’s Corner, January 22

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 23

Connie’s History Classroom, January 24

Betti Mace, January 25

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 25

Texas Book-aholic, January 26

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, January 26

Bigreadersite, January 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 27

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

Mary Hake, January 28

Cover Lover Book Review, January 29

Holly’s Book Corner, January 29

Rebecca Tews, January 30

Blogging With Carol, January 30

Back Porch Reads, January 31

Simple Harvest Reads, January 31 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, February 1

Blossoms and Blessings, February 1

Pause for Tales, February 2

To Everything There Is A Season, February 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise 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/23bc4/a-winter-at-the-white-queen-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Two-Cent Piece

Posted on January 23, 2023January 21, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Two-Cent Piece by author Dennis Conrad is a lovely Christian children’s fiction book. The story is rich in history and very interesting. There are beautiful illustrated by Courtney Smith throughout the book to help children visualize the unique story. I loved it!

This is set during the Civil War, but there are no battle scenes. It is the story of young sister, Anne, whose brothers go off to join the Union Army. She has some two-cent pieces that she shares with them because they are the first coins with the “In God We Trust” inscription.

The book has lessons of trusting God, hope, love, sharing, and joy. I learned about coins, too. It is the first in a series, and I am looking forward to the others. I highly recommend this book. It would be great for children. Adults will enjoy learning about the two-cent coin as they read it. It gets a well-deserved five star rating from me. A copy was provided by CelebrateLit, but these are my own words.

About the Book

Book: The Two-Cent Piece

Author: Dennis Conrad (Illustrated by Courtney Smith)

Genre: Children’s Picture Book (Fiction)

Release date: September 3, 2022

Anne wonders what secret her three older brothers are hiding. When she finds out they joined to fight with the Union Army and would leave the next day, she gives them each one of her favorite two-cent pieces and says, “I want you to take one of my new two-cent pieces. I learned these coins are the first to have the words ‘In God We Trust.’ I just memorized Psalm 91:2. ‘I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.’”

Out of a heart of love, Anne gives six of her special coins away hoping the message on the two-cent pieces will strengthen each person’s faith.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

A former coin collector for over fifty years, Denniscombines his love for the Bible, children’s literature, and sharing stories about the history behind coins.

He is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and a Fellow of the National Writing Project.

He retired as a professor of Speech Communications from Barstow Community College. He and his wife served as English and public speaking teachers ten summers overseas.

The Two-Cent Piece is Dennis’s first of seven books in the In God We Trust Series from Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.

More from Dennis

HOMESCHOOLERS, TEACHERS, AND FAMILY MEMBERS –

Coin collecting brings together history, art, and the thrill of discovery.

Children who collect coins will LOOK at coins differently. They can…

Look for people. For example, who is on the nickel? (Hint: Thomas Jefferson)

The new quarters featuring women include coins with Anna May Wong, the first Chinese-American movie star; Nina Otero-Warren, who advocated for women’s suffrage and was a government official in New Mexico; and Wilma Mankiller, the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

Look for places. The state quarter series includes all of the states like California with Yosemite Valley.

Look for dates. Connect coins to historical events. For example, coins minted in 2001 were minted the same year as the World Trade Center was attacked on September 11, 2001.

Look at coins as art. The people who design coins are artists.

Look for and find coins in change. Let the great adventure begin.

Look and learn why some coins are more valuable than other coins. There is a difference between the face value of a coin (a dime is worth ten cents), and its value to collectors.

Are you a homeschooler, a teacher, or a family member who wants to help children start their first coin collection?

Get Free Resources about coin collecting by conveniently subscribing to Dennis Conrad’s newsletter.

You will receive a link to my resource page, where you will find two free resources. One for ages 5-6 year olds, and another for ages 7 and up. Or you can choose both. Let the fun begin! https://dennisconradauthor.com/coincollecting5/

Blog Stops

Lots of Helpers, January 18

Girls in White Dresses, January 18

Library Lady’s kid Lit, January 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 20

For Him and My Family, January 20

Cover Lover Book Review, January 21

A Reader’s Brain, January 22

Mary Hake, January 22

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 23

Texas Book-aholic, January 24

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

deb’s Book Review, January 26

Pause for Tales, January 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 28

Labor Not in Vain, January 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 30

Lights in a Dark World, January 30

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, January 31

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Dennis is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a hardcover copy of The Two-Cent Piece!!

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/23bc2/the-two-cent-piece-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem

Posted on January 10, 2023January 10, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

“The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem” by author Kurt Brouwer is an interesting Biblical historical fiction novel. The information presented provided me with much to ponder. I was engaged in the story immediately.

The book is set in 62 AD Jerusalem and tells the proposed story of John after Jesus’ death. John was the last of Jesus’ disciples to die. This gives readers an in-depth look into John and what might have been his thoughts.

The author did an abundance of research, which is evident by his detailed book. He brought the characters to life with his vivid script. A few times I had to remind myself this was a fictional account and not actual. His style was easy to read and quickly drew me in.

It was an emotional story for me. There were conflicts, dangers, struggles, and trials as well as faith and triumph. It was biblically based but more was added. One of the ideas I found intriguing was the idea that John was Jesus’ cousin.

I recommend this for everyone. It will bring the people of the Bible to life and have readers reaching for their own Bible. This would make an interesting book club choice. It gets a 4 out of 5 star rating from me. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem

Author: Kurt Brouwer

Genre:Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: November 18, 2022

He was the Beloved Disciple…

…and he would be the last.

The mantle to tell the whole story has fallen on him.

From the cross, Jesus entrusted John, the youngest disciple, with the welfare of Mary, Jesus’s mother. Over thirty years later, as Jerusalem becomes a cauldron of explosive tempers, he receives a calling he doesn’t want.

Will he listen and follow?

And if he does, will it be too late?

In 62 AD, the Jewish high priest executes James, the brother of Jesus, triggering a bitter fight for power in Jerusalem that shatters the quiet life of John. The Jewish people he loves are making dangerous choices that will change the land of Israel forever.

Should he stay in Jerusalem and help hold off the Roman onslaught? Or is it time to reach out to those beyond Israel’s borders?

If he chooses to leave, what will be his message to these foreign believers? What new words of comfort could he possibly share?

Set against a backdrop of actual events, The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem is the first novel in a new series based on the Bible and Christian history.

Follow along while John faces multiple crises and comes to understand what it is to stand alone and lean on only the Lord.

Your heart will embrace The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem because John’s story is the story of our hope and promise.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kurt is a Christian writer, living in Hawaii. A few years ago he did a study at his church on the Apostle John. That little project got him hooked on the man who started out life as a fisherman and then became a disciple of Christ.

The more he learned, the more he wanted to know. What did John do after the Crucifixion? Why did he wait so long to write the Gospel of John? Where did he live for the last 60 years of his life? This historical novel came out of the research he did to answer those questions.

He started a blog (KurtBrouwer.com) a few years ago. On it he has written over 100 blog posts and a few Christian booklets.

Now he’s working on Book Two in this series. The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch takes up where Book One ends. The Last Disciple is a Christian historical novel that introduces you to John, the last disciple of Christ.

More from Kurt

About 85 AD, more than fifty years after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Gospel of John struck the Christian world like a lightning bolt out of a clear blue sky. At that time, few Christians even knew that one of the disciples yet lived. After all the years, decades even, a new book of the Bible came out, written by the last disciple of Christ.

WHO WAS THE LAST DISCIPLE?

John the son of Zebedee walked with Jesus during his ministry on earth. He witnessed the Crucifixion and later entered the empty tomb after Jesus rose from the grave.

John, the youngest of the disciples, outlived all the others. In fact, John, the last disciple of Christ, lived for more than 60 years after Jesus died on the Cross. But who was he? And what did he do all those years? Where did he live? With whom? What do we know of him and his life?

THE YOUNGEST DISCIPLE…

John walked with Jesus when he was young, probably a teenager or very early 20s. He and Andrew were the first discples of Christ. John lived so long that he became the last disciple too.

A FEW DETAILS ABOUT JOHN

He was:

The son of Zebedee, his father, and Salome, his mother
Brother to the disciple James
Possibly a cousin to Jesus through his mother
A fisherman on the Sea of Galilee
He and his brother James were friends and even fishing buddies with Peter and his brother Andrew
Almost certainly the youngest of the 12 disciples

I GOT HOOKED (PUN INTENDED) ON JOHN EARLY ONE MORNING

One morning I read a short piece from BibleGateway.com by Jonathan Petersen, When Was Each Book of the Bible Written? In it, Petersen gave the approximate dates when all the New Testament books came out. The first, written by James the brother of Jesus, came out around 44 AD or as late as 49 AD. The most widely accepted year for the Crucifixion is 33 AD, so the first book did not come out for at least 11 years after Christ died.

The next New Testament book to come out was Paul’s letter to the Galatians, around 49 AD. After that came the gospels of Mark and Matthew. Other books such as Luke, Acts, and all of Paul’s letters came along in fairly short order. Peter’s two letters came out and then the book of Jude, about 68-70 AD. Then, for at least 10-20 years, no new Bible books came out.

The silence was broken

Finally, the silence was broken. After all the years, decades even, the words of one who walked with Jesus came forth. The Gospel of John came out written by a man who saw the empty tomb after Jesus rose. A man who would write five books of the Bible:

The Gospel of John 80-90 AD
The Letters or Epistles of John 90-95 AD
The Book of Revelation 95-98 AD

A UNIQUE VOICE CAME FORTH

As John’s gospel spread from church to church, a unique voice came forth. What a miracle that must have been to first century Christians when the Gospel of John appeared!

That’s it for now. We will continue with more in future posts on the saga of the last disciple of Christ. If you can’t wait, watch the video above.

Yours in Christ, Kurt