Book Review: Shelter of the Most High

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Do you enjoy biblical fiction?  Maybe you are like me and are on the fence about it.  I don’t like having the Bible retold using extra little things.  This series, Cities of Refuge, by author Connilyn Cossette, however, is a delight for biblical fiction.  In her second book Shelter of the Most High, readers are able to follow along without having read Book One. It does continue the story of Moriyah and Darek so I want to go back and read Book One now.

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Author Cossette has an engaging style of writing.  Her book was well researched and took me back in time to a place and era of which I have often read.  This time instead of reading about it, I experienced it.  The year was 1388 BC, a time before Christ had come to earth.  People were much different.

My emotions ran deep as I read.  I had become immediately invested in the lives of the well developed characters.  Sofea was the daughter of a pagan high priest.  She and her cousin, Perez, were violently taken from their home in Sicily and ended up in Canaan.  Aboard the slave ship they were beaten and starved.  The tragedy was heartbreaking.  One minute you are home and the next your home is attacked.  You are enslaved and sent on a ship to an unknown land that cannot understand your language.  I needed tissues.

Times of joy brought happiness to me.  I was frightened with the characters.  They experienced violence and such trauma.  The girls received love and compassion.  I could relax then.

One of the things I really loved about this book is that it is not about a biblical, historical person.  As I said earlier, I don’t like it when people add words or thoughts to an actual biblical person.  This is much better.  It still provides a venue to enlighten readers to the people, area, and customs of the time.

The Old Testament is known for being a bit violent.  This book has manslayers, murder plots, kidnapping, and slavery.  It also has love.  There is a sweet love story and a greater one.  One inspiration message is that God loves us.  Another is to let our light shine forth to others.  Not everyone really knows about the one true God, our God.  We can share Him with others and help them.

I highly recommend this captivating book.  If you like bible times, you will adore this.  It is packed with action, intrigue, romance, history, culture, and inspiration.  There is much food for thought in its 335 pages.  After the story are Author Notes and Discussion Questions.  I love books that include those because it makes reading groups so much easier.  Rating this book 5 out of 5 stars was my recommendation.  A copy was provided by the publisher but I was under no obligation to write a review.  All thoughts are my own, honest ones.

 

Romancing the Bride by Melissa Jagears Book Review

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Romancing the Bride is another homerun for the extremely talented author Melissa Jagears.  This author writes Christian historical romance fiction, but it gets even better than that.  Have I got your interest yet?  She writes God glorifying books.  Her books while exceedingly entertaining provide food for the soul.  Bravo!  We need more Christian authors that are not afraid to speak or shout the Christian message instead of softly whispering it to help ratings.  Okay, if someone will help me off of this soapbox I will tell you about her latest and greatest work.

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This historical romance is the tale of Annie Gephart, a ranch widow with a teenage daughter and younger son.  The book opens with Annie distraught because her hired cowboys have all left her for green pastures.  Sheriff Jacob Hendrix, the town’s most eligible bachelor, delivers a tax notice and Annie must come up with money or a plan quickly to save her land.  Jacob might possibly be the perfect man.  (Swoon.)

In this book there are so many issues brought to light.  Tough subjects that affect people today as well as back in Annie’s time.  Death of a spouse, children, and parent, parental guidance, parental approval, peer pressure, greed, despair, rebellion, jealousy, stealing, special needs, deceit, betrayal, forgiveness, love, faith, hope, and letting God be in control are some of the things the brilliant wordsmith packs in her story.  Good versus evil, coming of age versus experience, trusting God versus going off on our own, judging others versus helping are some of the not so subtle lessons woven into this captivating story.

Characters are extremely believable.  (Obviously the author has children to understand the dynamics of a sibling relationship.)  Annie and Jacob make a formidable pair.  I would love to have them for friends.  Each are well rounded including some flaws, but aren’t we all?  The children are realistic.  The author took me to a place back in time for a while and I really enjoyed it.  I wanted to know what happened but I was sad when the book ended.  How could I say goodbye to these people with whom I had become so invested.

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If you are a fan of love stories, author Jagears is a professional when it comes to penning them.  The cat and mouse tension between Annie and Jacob became almost unbearable at times for this reader.  The obstacles and setbacks they faced each knocked the wind from my sails and I could feel their emotions.  With each victory I was elated.  I really enjoy the books by Mrs. Jagears.

It took me from page one to get pulled in to this book.  My interest was held throughout.  This is a “pick me up and don’t put me down until I am finished” type of book.  There are some twists and turns as well as some predictable moments.  Author Jagears always provides a bit of humor in just the right spots.  She does her research and always seems to leave readers with a bit of knowledge after finishing her book.

I highly recommend this delightful novel.  This is a perfect reading group book because there is so much to discuss.  Lovers of Christian fiction, romance, historical, and western fiction will love it.   Get yourself a copy and escape for a while.  Since it is Book One in the Frontier Vows Series that gives us more to anticipate. Am I excited about that?  You betcha!  It gets 5 out of 5 stars from me.  A copy was provided by the author but I was under no obligation to write a review.  This is my own honest opinion.

 

 

“12 Days of Christmas” Celebrate Lit Book Tour, Review, and Giveaway

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Review:

The 12 Gifts of Christmas by author Lena Dooley is a 240 page Christian fiction book published by Whitaker House.  This contemporary romance is different from most of the books I have read by author Dooley.  Normally I pick up historical fiction.
This is the whirlwind romantic tale of Malcom MacGregor and Alanza Cantalamessa. He is a successful Texas business executive from a wealthy family.  A descendant from the Scottish MacGregor Clan, he is a perfect hero.  Alanza Cantalamessa, the daughter of a wealthy gourmet pizza restaurant owner, is the woman he has fallen in love with while eating lunches at her family’s restaurant.  It is love at first sight for each of them.  Both characters are nice looking, mannerly, polite, wealthy, and Christian.  However, they aren’t totally relatable or realistic.  Parts of their characteristic are great, but others I cannot fathom.
Author Dooley’s leads are just perfect, too perfect.  Readers will want to be friends with them or maybe even switch places with them for a while.  It is rare these days to find a man with a heart for God like Malcolm’s.  That causes him to be dedicated to family and friends, too.  Malcolm even asks Alanza’s parents if he may date her.  Wow!
I was actually surprised when I received this book because I did not expected it to be a contemporary romance especially set in Texas.   The majority of the author’s books I have read have been historic.  I was so intrigued by Alanza’s family’s gourmet pizza restaurant that I wanted to go there. The descriptions were spot on.   I could envision the quaint place and wanted to taste the pizzas.
For the most part I found this to be a predictable story.  There was a monkey wrench thrown in to make it interesting.  It goes along smoothly and fast.  I loved that there was prayer in it.  Malcolm prayed for a wife, specifically Alanza.  There are worship services, missions, and prayer.  I love Christian books where I don’t need to search and search for the message.  The message is clear in this fiction.  We need to pray, trust God, and listen to His guidance.
I would recommend this sweet, love at first sight romance to anyone that enjoys Contemporary Christian Romance.  It gets a 4 out of 5 stars from me.  I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own honest opinion.
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About the Book

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Book Title: The 12 Gifts of Christmas
Author: Lena Nelson Dooley
Genre: Christian Romance/ Christmas
Release date: September 4, 2018
Malcolm MacGregor is a descendant of Scotland’s Clan MacGregor and a successful young businessman in Fort Worth, Texas. Alanza Cantalamessa works at a gourmet pizzeria owned by her Brazilian artist mother and her Italian Poppa. Both of them are smitten with each other but Malcolm is too reserved to do much more than make small talk—until a promotion at work that will send him away to Australia for six months. It’s December and he has to do something—fast.
Praying about the situation, Malcolm decides to give her twelve gifts leading up to Christmas. Their families and friends think they are moving too fast. And a gold-digger who tossed Malcolm aside in the past has now decided he’s the man of her dreams.
Can Malcolm and Alanza overcome their obstacles before he has to go abroad? Or is it really not meant to be?
Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Leena DooleyMulti-published, award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, her local chapter in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, the Christian Authors’ Network, and Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. Her forty-plus books have sold more than 875,000 copies. Lena’s books have appeared on the CBA, ECPA, and Publisher Weekly bestseller lists, as well as some Amazon bestseller lists. She also writes a popular blog, A Christian Writer’s World, that features other authors’ books. The blog received the Readers’ Choice Blog of the Year Award from the Book Club Network.
Lena is a three-time finalist in the Carol Awards ACFW contest. Her 2010 release, Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, won the 2011 Will Rogers Medallion Award for excellence in publishing Western Fiction. Her next series, McKenna’s Daughters: Maggie’s Journey appeared on a reviewers’ Top Ten Books of 2011 list. It also won the 2012 Selah award for Historical Novel. The second, Mary’s Blessing, was a Selah Award finalist for Romance novel. Catherine’s Pursuit, released in 2013, was the winner of the NTRWA Carolyn Reader’s Choice contest, took second place in the CAN Golden Scroll Novel of the Year award, and won the Will Rogers Medallion bronze medallion. Her book, A Heart’s Gift, won RWA’s Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice Award in July 2017.
Lena is also the host of The Lena Nelson Dooley Show on the Along Came a Writer blogtalk radio network. She has experience in screenwriting, acting, directing, and voice-overs, and currently serves on the board of directors of Higher Ground Films. She has been featured in Christian Fiction Online Magazine, ACFW Journal, Book Fun Magazine, Charisma Magazine, and Christian Retailing.

Guest Post from Lena

She took the pan off the burner, dropped tiny marshmal-lows into the waiting over-sized mugs, and filled them with the fragrant hot chocolate. “Do you want to drink it here, or would you rather go in the living room? The sofa is more comfortable.”
“Whatever you want to do.” His honeyed tone wrapped around her like a warm blanket.
She handed a mug to him, picked up her own, along with coasters and two napkins, and headed into the living room. He followed.
Alanza’s Best Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
4 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup good quality cocoa powder
3 tbls. honey
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 dark chocolate bar
1 can real whipped cream
Maraschino cherries
Instructions:
Heat milk over medium to low heat, stirring constantly until milk starts to bubble slightly (about 10 minutes). Meanwhile, mix sugar and cocoa together until well blended. When milk is ready, gradually add in sugar, cocoa, and honey, stirring constantly. Put heat on low and add shavings of chocolate bar and vanilla. Continue stirring until chocolate has melted. Remove from heat and pour into mugs. Add whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and cherries on top, as desired.

Blog Stops

The Power of Words, October 9
Among the Reads, October 10
A Diva’s Heart, October 10
Baker Kella, October 11
Britt Reads Fiction, October 13
Texas Book-aholic, October 13
Susan Loves Books, October 14
Splashes of Joy, October 15
Creating Romance, October 16
Bigreadersite, October 16
Mary Hake, October 17
Maureen’s Musings, October 18
Bibliophile Reviews, October 20
Pause for Tales, October 20
More Of Him, October 21
Carpe Diem, October 22

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Lena is giving away a grand prize of a $20 Starbuck’s Gift Card and a surprise Christmas gift!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

 

“This Courageous Journey” Celebrate Lit Book Tour, Review, and Giveaway

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Review:

“This Courageous Journey” is the  first book I have read by author Misty Beller, but it will not be the last.  While this was Book 3 in her Heart of the Mountains Series, it can easily be as a stand-alone.  This reader loved it so much I am going back to read the other books now.

Author Beller is a talented storyteller.  I quickly became invested in this book and stayed that way until the end.  My emotions were all over the place while reading this book.  I felt like I was on the journey with Noelle and Daniel.  Frightened, happy, cold, excited, scared, tense, exhilarated, intrigued, worn out, awed, and even extreme romantic tension all transferred from the pages of this book into me.

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This is the tale of Noelle Grant who ventures through the Canadian Rockies with family friends to see her brother.  Their guide, Daniel Abrams, is a rough mountain man, but when the two get together sparks fly.  The journey is filled with danger and breathtaking  adventure.  They encounter fierce wild animals, severe weather, treacherous trails, and many trials.  It took courage and faith to complete the trip.

The author did a fabulous job with her story.  It was well researched, planned, and written.  I love learning things from fiction books I read.  This one taught me things I did not know.  The author’s style of writing is nice.  It flows smoothly and is easy to follow.  Characters are well defined.  I enjoyed the faith that Noelle had.  If it is a Christian novel, I expect there to be some mention of faith, God, and prayer.  This one excelled there.  There are lessons in this book.  God is faithful and always with us.  When we do not know what to do, we should ask God for guidance.  God gives us strength to carry on.

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If you are a fan of love stories, do not miss this one.  The tension is so thick between Noelle and Daniel that I could feel it as I read.  When he said “woman, you undo me” I started cheering her.  When they kissed, oh, my!  Oh, my!  Author Beller knows her way around a good romance.

I highly recommend this page turning book.  It is adventurous, romantic, historic, and inspirational.  The book sweeps you up and takes you on a perilous journey across the Canadian mountains during a time you can only imagine.  By the end of it, you feel like you have experienced it.  It gets a 5 out of 5 stars from me.  Celebrate Lit provided a copy of the book but I was under no obligation to write a review.  These are my own, honest opinions.

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About the Book

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Book Title: This Courageous Journey
Author: Misty Beller
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: October 9, 2018

As the fifth daughter in a family of nine children, Noelle Grant has spent her life working to be unique. Her love of stories helps define her goal—to be known around the country as one of the top news correspondents of her time. And what better way to uncover sensational stories than to travel through the mountain wilderness to visit the brother she hasn’t seen in years? The trip comes together perfectly as she plans to journey with family friends who will be settling in the same area. Her first inkling that things may not be as perfect as planned comes in the form of the mountain man they hire as their guide for the final leg of the journey.

When Daniel Abrams agrees to guide the small group of easterners along his usual journey northward to the Canadian mountains, his gut tells him he’s making the wrong decision. But if he doesn’t take them, who will? The man in charge refuses to consider turning back. As they start out, Daniel can’t help but notice the woman traveling under the care of her friends. Though she appears too genteel to last long in these mountains, she soon reveals a strength that draws him more than he should allow.

As the dangers of this wilderness become more than the group bargained for, Noelle is faced with the choice to delay her journey northward or proceed alone with the man she’s come to trust against all reason. She never imagines her decision will place her—and the man she loves—in a situation more hazardous than any story her imagination could conjure.

About the Author

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Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
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God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Guest Post by Misty Beller

Ever Been Struck by Lightning?

One of the fun things about being a writer is the crazy topics I get to research. Without giving away too much of the story, part of my research for This Courageous Journey included uncovering what happens when lightning strikes a person. It turns out anything can happen!

Surprisingly, about nine out of ten people struck by lightning live to tell their story. Each person’s experience seems to be different—some are knocked unconscious, while others are horribly aware of everything happening. One person who was struck said it seemed as if time slowed to a crawl and a white haze surrounded him like a bubble, as excruciating pain shot through him.

People usually try to determine the path the lightning traveled through them, based on where burn marks appear on both skin and clothing, but sometimes that can be difficult if jewelry or coins were touching the body. Survivors might suffer a variety of short- and long-term effects, including—but not limited to—cardiac arrest, confusion, seizures, dizziness, muscle aches, deafness, headaches, memory deficits, distractibility, personality changes, and chronic pain, among others. That may sound like an awful list, but it does beat the alternative!
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As I considered the possible effects of a lightning strike when I was writing This Courageous Journey, I was reminded once again how magnificent God’s creation is. Both the incredible power contained in one streak of lightning, and the beautiful inner workings of the bodies He created for us. As the Psalmist said, we are “fearfully and wonderfully made!”

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

Blog Stops

Reading Is My SuperPower, October 11

Among the Reads, October 11

Singing Librarian Books, October 11

The Power of Words, October 12

Multifarious, October 12

Maureen’s Musings, October 12

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 13

Real World Bible Study, October 13

Splashes of Joy, October 14

Artistic Nobody, October 14 (Interview)

Joy of Reading, October 15

Mary Hake, October 15

Janices book reviews, October 15

Kat’s Corner Books, October 16

Livin Lit, October 16

KarenSueHadley, October 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 17

Remembrancy, October 18

Carpe Diem, October 18

Pause for Tales, October 19

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 19

Bigreadersite, October 19

A Baker’s Perspective, October 20

Blossoms and Blessings, October 20

Bibliophile Reviews, October 20

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, October 21

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 21

Wishful Endings, October 22

Simple Harvest Reads, October 22 (Guest post Mindy Houng)

Inspiration Clothesline, October 23

proud to be an autism mom, October 23

Texas Book-aholic, October 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 24

Grow Old with Me, the Best is Yet to Be

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

How many times have you heard this saying?  “Grow old with me!  The best is yet to be…”?  Very romantic, isn’t it?  Did you ever wonder where this often misquoted phrase comes from or perhaps you know.  Do we really know what the poet meant?

Nineteenth century Victorian English poet Robert Browning wrote “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made. Our times are in His hand…”  My heart swoons every time I hear this verse.

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My husband and I often recite this to each other and then break out in laughter.  Is right now the “best” that we had anticipated?   How many times have we lost sight of the “best” on our journey because of inconveniences you wonder?  Many times.  We are, after all, only human.  As we age life takes its toll on our bodies and sometimes throws some twists and turns in our story.  Then the why me sets in.  Why did my retirement get cut?  Why is my husband so ill?  And the list goes on.

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Reflecting on what exactly is this “best is yet to be” I think it would be different for everyone.  It is actually a perspective thing, too.  For me, the best is in the little stuff.   My husband and I have been together for so long we just know each other better than anyone else.  It is the familiarity that comes with time, love, and going through things together.  Children, moving, jobs, family deaths, grandchildren, illnesses, and retirement all have a tendency to knit a couple closer together or at least they did us.

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The best is him bringing me strawberries because he knows I like them more than other berries.  It is him knowing I like my coffee hot, not warm, and that Caramel Vanilla is my favorite.  Being able to finish my sentences or hearing what I mean, instead of what I say is a big part of the best.  Sharing inside jokes and communicating with just a look or touch.  Mimicking accents on movies or television shows is silly, but he knows I love it so he plays along.

Having precious memories of a treasured life together and reminiscing while swinging on the deck is  awesome.  It doesn’t get much better than that.  My table surrounded by my parents, children, and grandchildren is the best of the best.  Sure I am getting old, have tackled obstacles, but the best is still coming each day.

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The poet says “our times are in His hands” and I am so grateful for that.  Actually the Lord’s hands on me is the only way to have a good life.   My life would have been and would be so different without God holding me.  I cannot imagine it, and I am glad there is no need.  He has carried me through many trials and tribulations.

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Maybe the “best is yet to be” refers to Heaven.  When speaking of the best of any and everything, Heaven is just that.  The best of the best.  Personally I can think of nothing better than going to Heaven after my time on earth is done.  Living everyday with Jesus and my saved loved ones will be the happiest of times.  No more pain, heartache, or sorrow, doesn’t that sound like “the best” to you?

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Book Review: Marked by Love by Tim Steven

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess
Marked by Love: A Dare to Walk Away from Judgment and Hypocrisy by author Tim Steven is a frank, real, honest look at how we see and love others.  It is an in your face, step on your toes, search inside yourself book that challenges readers.  Are others able to identify us by our actions that we are Christians?  Can they see Jesus shining through us?
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It is not always easy but we are told to love everyone.  Scripture says to love and pray for your enemies.  Sinners, too, need your love.  Perhaps you don’t agree with them, but you can still love them.  Love the person and hate the sin.
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How do you think we are doing? Are we Christians living as the Bible commands?  Are we lovings others?  Do we not judge?  These are stinging questions but this book is a wake up call to anyone who has forgotten.  We are to be Jesus to others and live as He taught us everyday, not just the hour or two on Sunday when we are in church.
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The author explains God said twice in scripture “Jesus is marked by my love”.  Jesus did not have a tattoo or certain color he always wore to mark Him.  The only thing that marked Jesus Christ and the only thing that would mark His followers is love.  We as followers are also marked by love.  Do we act like it?  Can we treat everyone with love?  We are commanded to do just that.  Not just people we like but everyone.  Even those we disagree with in choices, politics, lifestyle, and anything.
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I would highly recommend this walk the walk book to anyone.  It is very upfront about people needing to change.  We need to stop this bickering, judging, and hating.  How would our world be if we treated everyone with love and showed them Jesus?  Think of the changes!  This is a great group read.  Believe me, you will want to discuss it with people.  You will want to change for the better.  This reader did.   It gets a 5 out of 5 stars from me.  I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.  All opinions are my own honest ones.
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Book Review: A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess
A Sparkle of Silver by author Liz Johnson is a contemporary Christian fiction.  This 368 page romance mystery is set on Georgia’s coast.  It is Book One in the author’s Georgia Coast Romance Series and the first book I have read by her.  She does a lovely romantic mystery.

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I really enjoyed the author’s writing style.  Her book was interesting, well planned, and written so that it kept my interest.  It was well researched and gave details and information on a time period and things I did not know.  I love that in a book.  This one flashed back to the 1920’s.  Characters were realistic and believable.  It was easy to imagine them and their feelings.  The Christian element was present, another important issue for me with Christian books.

This is the story of Millie Sullivan.   Years ago her great grandmother had a guest at an oil tycoon’s estate on St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. Now Millie is working as a guest at the same estate’s tourist attraction. Millie’s Grandma Joy insinuates there a clue to a treasure in the great grandmother’s old journal.  It happens to be hidden in the chateau.  Millie decides to search for the journal since she needs money and is caught by security guard Ben Thornton.  A deal is hatched, sparks begin to fly, and the adventure begins.

The author does a wonderful job with this tale.  The past and present are seamlessly interwoven to make a story that caught my attention early.  A few twists were thrown in to keep readers guessing.  Timely topics are touched on such as dementia, loyalty, family, forgiveness, money issues, and growing in faith.  All in all this is a worthy read.
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I recommend A Sparkle of Silver to anyone that likes Christian contemporary fiction, especially romantic mysteries.  This one has adventure and history.  It offers a lot.  I liked it very much and rate it 5 out of 5 stars.
I was given this book by the publisher and not required to write a review.  All opinions are my own honest ones.

Book Review: The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Cumberland Bride by author Shannon McNear is Book 5 in the Daughters of the Mayflower Series.  This 256 page Christian historical novel was filled with adventure, romance, and of course history. Even though it is Book 5, readers that have not read the first four will be able to follow it without any issues.

Shannon McNear is a new author to me.  I enjoyed her style of writing.  The story caught my attention within a few pages and strongly held it until the end.  Her style is easy to understand, flows smoothly, and I could tell this book had been well researched.  I love a book that teaches me things, and this one did just that.  Another thing I want from a Christian book is inspiration.  This one provided that, also.  The descriptions were detailed without being overlong.  This book swept me back in time to 1794 and I was able to go on a journey in the wilderness.  It took me through some twists and turns, emotions were raw at times, but I loved this captivating book.
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The Cumberland Bride is the tale of Kate Gruener.  Kate her family are venturing from Bean’s Station, Tennessee, through the Cumberland Gap into the wilderness of western Kentucky.  It is also the story of Thomas Bledsoe, the scout for their party. Thomas has experience with Indians.  As one might think, their journey is filled with adventure, danger, thrills, and peril. It is also filled with faith, hope, love, trust, and prayers to God.
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The author has done a wonderful job with her characters.  They are relatable, well rounded, and feel like friends.  I could feel their emotions coming through the pages.  Conversations sounded authentic. The love story was one of the best I have read in a while.  All in all this is a charming book that begs to be read in one sitting. If only life would have cooperated, I would have done just that.  It took me two days to read it, and I set it down begrudgingly.
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I highly recommend this to anyone that likes historical fiction or historical romance.  It is a page turner that you will learn from and provide you with reading enjoyment.  If you like Colonial times, Appalachian Trail, or early Tennessee and Kentucky books, please don’t miss this one.  It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and all opinions are my own honest ones.

Book Review: The Christmas Remedy by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

 

 

The Christmas Remedy by rauthors Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall is a charming 198 page Amish Christmas book.  The Woodsmall authors do a wonderful job of mixing contemporary Amish and what they call Englisch (us) cultures in this story.  The sweet romance is a also a mystery.  So we have a contemporary Christian Amish romantic mystery.  What a great combination!

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Their writing style is like opening the door into another place.  I gladly glide on in and stay, making many friends while I am there.  It was easy to become invested in this book.  I did within the first few pages.  It was difficult to put the book down until I had finished it.  I felt like a kid wanting to stay on vacation a few more days.  The characters were too likable to just leave.
This is the tale of Amish young woman Holly Zook.  She works in the town pharmacy.  After a medical issue her boss’ son, Brandon, comes home.  These two characters are well defined and true to life.  I met Brandon’s father, Lyle, the beloved pharmacist.  A helpful chicken farmer, Josh Smucker.  There were too many characters to name.  All distinct and likable or perhaps not.
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This book taught me some things I did not know.  One of my three favorite things in a book.  Teach me something.  It also had a God glorifying message.  Check.  I wasn’t sure about that one, but good things come to those that wait.  The last is I want to feel like I am there.  I did.  Obviously these wordsmiths know what they are doing and do it quite well.
The Christmas Remedy was a tad predictable but that did not make it any less enjoyable.  There were issues touched that effect most all of us.  Family, forgiveness, loving others as ourself, helping, healthcare awareness, and envy are a few of those topics.
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I truly enjoyed this Christmas book.  There were friendship, blossoming love, caroling, health fair, smores, family gatherings, and good Amish food.  It received 5 out of 5 stars from me, especially for the strong closing message.  This would be a great stocking stuffer for the reader on your list.  Buy one for yourself.  You will enjoy traveling to Amish country during the holidays while sipping cider in front of your fireplace.
I received a copy of this from Waterbrook and the authors.  All opinions are my own, honest ones.

Preorder your copy

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We don’t want you to miss Cindy Woodsmall‘s upcoming Christmas Novella. Pre-order today and we’ll send you Where Treetops Glistens for free!! Stock up in time for Christmas reading!

Pre-order today >> https://bit.ly/2QQ4TLR

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Indivisible CelebrateLit Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway.

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Indivisible by author Travis Thrasher is based on a true story and positively powerful.  It was based on the movie by David Evans, which I have not seen yet.  The 336 page book by Barbour Publishing took me through a plethora of emotions as I read nonstop.  It captured me early and I willing stayed until the end.

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Opening the book is a forward stating this book is dedicated to the chaplains of the US Armed Forces and soldiers who valiantly serve to protect our freedom.  Amen.  Where would any of us be without them?  Indivisible broaches many relevant topics and issues that our servicemen and their families face.  After reading it, I had a little better understanding of the trials and trauma facing them.  However, I said “little” because I cannot imagine going through the ordeal myself.
This is a God glorifying tale of husband and wife, Darren and Heather Turner.  He is a Chaplain.  Their relationship and marriage is definitely strained and changed by his deployment.  How could anyone go overseas and come back the same person?   PTSD is discussed.  Yes, it is real and terrible.  Spouses left behind, trying to support one another while raising children alone and feeling neglected is another topic.  That really made me think.  How many times would I have missed my husband had he been gone?  Every single one.  Indivisible does a good job showing the left at home spouse’s side, too.
My emotions were raw by the time I finished this book.  The author did an exemplary job writing this.  I highly recommend this book.  If you have someone in service this may touch a little close to home, but it is wonderful.  A worthy read that is so hard to put down.  My mind keeps revisiting it even though ai finished the book days ago.  Definitely a 5 out of 5 star book.  I received copy of this book from Celebrate Lit.  This is my own, honest review.

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About the Book

Book: Indivisible

Author: Travis Thrasher

Genre: General fiction, drama

Release Date: October 23, 2018

A novelization of the film Indivisible, this is a story of love and marriage and finding each other all over again.

When Darren deploys to Iraq during the surge of 2007, he leaves behind his loving and supportive wife, Heather, and their three small children. Their marriage is the envy of the base, both believing strongly in the calling to serve in the military. Darren knows he’s there to support the troops in their darkest moments as their chaplain, but what he doesn’t realize is that he will face his own dark moments, which will have lasting effects on his marriage.

Meanwhile, Heather is creating a community among the other wives and families left behind. She rallies support back home, realizing the dangers the men and women serving overseas are facing, but she also begins to notice a change in Darren during their brief conversations. When he returns, he is no longer the man who left-the man Heather married. His greatest fear is letting her down, but instead of opening up to her, he shuts her out. Their marriage was so strong before. But how can they get back to where they were . . . or find a new way forward?

Indivisible is a story of sacrifice, marriage, and faith that will leave audiences full of hope even amid their most challenging times.

We are excited to announce that this book is going to be a major motion picture!

Link to movie trailer: https://youtu.be/CHdhbE2tJyA

More about Indivisible

This book is based on a true story, so we’d love for readers and moviegoers to meet the real Darren and Heather Turner:

Darren and Heather Turner both grew up in Georgia, and met in 1999 when Darren was working in campus ministry at the University of Georgia. (Darren is still a Bulldog at heart.) Heather was working as a recruiter for an organization that sends English teachers overseas, and Darren had just returned from a year teaching English in Mongolia when they met. Married that same year, they served another six years together in campus ministry and added three children to their family.  Through the husband of a friend of Heather’s, Darren learned that opportunities existed for service as a military chaplain. In 2006, Darren completed seminary, was commissioned in the Army, and deployed almost immediately. Their family’s experiences from this timeframe are the basis of the new movie INDIVISIBLE. Darren, who is on active duty, and Heather are passionate about serving military families, marriage counseling, and leading marriage retreats. The Turners currently live in North Carolina with their children Elie, Samuel, and Meribeth.

Learn More About the Turners

About the Author

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Bestselling author Travis Thrasher has written over 50 books and worked in the publishing industry for over twenty years. He has written fiction in a variety of genres, from love stories and supernatural thrillers to young adult series. His inspirational stories have included collaborations with filmmakers, musicians, athletes and pastors. He’s also co-written memoirs and self-help books. His novelizations include Do You Believe? and God’s Not Dead 2. Upcoming releases in 2018 include The Black Auxiliary about the lives of the other 17 American black athletes who competed with Jesse Owens in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. Travis lives with his wife and three daughters in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Blog Stops

Carpe Diem, October 4

The Becca Files, October 4

A Baker’s Perspective, October 5

Robin is Bookish, October 5

The Power of Words, October 6

Christian Bookaholic, October 6

Splashes of Joy, October 7

Mary Hake, October 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 8

Inklings and notions, October 8

God’s Little Bookworm, October 9

Simple Harvest Reads, October 9 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

A Reader’s Brain, October 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 10

Book by Book, October 10

Just the Write Escape, October 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 11

Real World Bible Study, October 12

All-of-a-kind Mom, October 12

Bibliophile Reviews, October 13

Pause for Tales, October 13

For The Love of Books, October 14

Texas Book-aholic, October 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 15

Cafinated Reads, October 15

All 4 and About Books, October 15

Spoken from the Heart, October 16

Janices book reviews, October 16

Maureen’s Musings, October 17

A Diva’s Heart, October 17

Bigreadersite, October 17

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Travis is giving away a grand prize that includes the Indivisible novel along with a devotional!!

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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/d627/indivisible-celebration-tour-giveaway